ETHICALLY SOURCE YOUR ENDORPHINS
Give body and mind a boost and greenlight new fitness levels at trailblazing eco gym Terra Hale. High-street chains, take note
In a game of word association, “gym” and “environmentalism” lie leagues apart. “Narcissism” is perhaps closer. But a fitness trend of supersetting green juice with greener sensibilities is emerging. Leading the charge is Michal Homola and his eco-minded gym, Terra Hale. This flagship space in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, is a leafy oasis – and an escape from the capital’s energy-sapping bustle.
“Back in Slovakia, I always enjoyed and benefited from exercising in green spaces,” says Homola. It’s something he has tried to recreate in this repurposed railway arch. He has also striven to provide an antidote to Britain’s alwayson culture. You’ll find no distracting TVS here. “The way to train successfully is to concentrate,” says Homola. “We aim to build a mind-body connection through mindful workouts.” The focus on bodyweight training creates a schedule that is both physically stimulating and mentally freeing. It’s tough to focus on emails when you’re mastering an L-sit.
The jewel in the ethical crown lies upstairs in the spin studio. The bikes harness your energy, turning the calories you burn into electricity that powers the gym. Terra Hale is plasticfree – the walls, toilets and showers all use reclaimed materials, and even your pre-workout espresso cup is made from recycled coffee grounds. “I want others to follow me. The bikes are a selling point for us now, but I hope every gym has them eventually,” says Homola.
Modern gym trends usually hinge more on Instagram likes than ethical kudos, so Homola’s ethos of bulking up your environmental credentials as well as your biceps is heartening. Head down and plant the seed of wholesome fitness today.