How green is your workout?

Does your exercise routine come at an environmental cost? Jo Dunbar finds out

As we head back to the gym in droves, spare a thought for what your workout might mean for the environment.

Some 12 per cent of all gym memberships are launched in January, yet swanky gyms often mean air conditioning, fancy lighting and posh showers. And these have eco implications.

As we become more climate aware, the way we exercise is shifting to reflect this.

The Gym Group (thegymgroup. com) is venturing into new territory as a carbon neutral gym chain.

It uses solar energy, ensures all lights are LED, has removed single-use plastics and even uses condensation from air con to operate toilet flushing in a bid to hit net zero targets.

But there are other ways to cut your carbon footprint. Here’s how…

HEAD OUTSIDE

“Exercising outside is a great choice as being surrounded by nature helps both body and mind,” says James Dixon, personal trainer at Fitness Brain ( fitnessbrain.co.uk).

Mental health charity Mind reports that spending time in nature can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Natural light can also help alleviate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) so replacing fluorescent indoor lights with exercise in daylight may lighten winter gloom, too.

TRY: If you fancy a more rural walk, run or cycle, sites such as walk.co.uk list routes, while forestryengland.uk has a network of trails and an interactive map. Apps such as Strava, Map my Run and Run Keeper give routes too.

The Great Outdoor Gym Company (tgogc.com) is installing outdoor gyms – with weighted, cardio and calisthenic equipment – and has been nominated for an Earthshot prize. Use the TGO Activate app to find one near you.

RECYCLE YOUR GEAR

Extend the life of your activewear – plenty of brands run repair, recycle and donate schemes to save your cast offs from landfill.

TRY: Cotswold Outdoor and Runner’s Need operate Recycle My Gear and Recycle My Run schemes respectively, so your worn-out waterproofs, walking gear or trainers can be broken down to be repaired or recycled.

And Bravissimo invites customers to donate any brand of bra or swimwear in the bins in their shops. For every kilo, a donation is made to Women’s Aid.

BE FABRIC SAVVY

Several brands are making their sports kit greener, aiming to make items last longer or by re-using renewable fabrics. Lloyd Moyce, sportswear buyer for John Lewis says: “Recycled fibres reduce the use of virgin materials, and often cut a products’ carbon footprint.” TRY: Icebreaker at John Lewis has sportswear made from 100% natural fibres, primarily merino wool – a renewable material.

Elsewhere, Adidas’s Aeroready range boasts impressive eco credentials, made from 100% recycled material, 1000 Mile’s Repreve socks are woven from recycled plastic bottles and Eco Rosa’s Priska swimsuit is made from recycled nylon ocean waste, such as fishing nets.

SMALL STEPS

James says: “Changing how you think takes time, but every small step helps. Over time, the changes become habits. Focus on what you can do instead of being perfect.” TRY: Travel to the gym on public transport or by bike instead of jumping in the car. And whether you’re going running, cycling, or heading to a yoga studio always use a reusable water bottle.

Little, simple switches will soon add up to a greener workout.