Are you tired of crowded locker rooms and endless queues for the squat rack? Crafting a home gym is the ultimate win-win.
With a couple of sustainable tips, not only will get fit and save money on a membership, but you'll also be doing your part for the planet. Here are some tips to organise a sustainable sweat sanctuary, so you can sculpt your body and sculpt a greener future – all at once!
Choose Sustainable Equipment
Before buying brand-new equipment, scour online marketplaces or local fitness stores for gently used weights, benches, and yoga mats. This extends the lifespan of existing equipment and saves you money.
Look for equipment made from recycled plastics, bamboo, or cork. These materials are often lighter and more durable than traditional options. For the most eco-friendly solution, you can substitute yoga blocks with sturdy books or boxes.
Focus on versatile equipment. Adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells allow you to change the weight for different exercises, reducing the overall amount of equipment you need.
For a sustainable twist, fill reusable water bottles with water or sand to create makeshift weights for bicep curls, overhead presses, and more. Alternatively, you could substitute kettlebells with a bag or backpack filled with books or other heavy items.
Use sturdy furniture for exercises. A sturdy chair can be used for tricep dips, and a bench can become an incline for push-ups.
The key is getting creative with heavy everyday household objects, that can provide resistance, or serve as a surface for exercises. This reduces waste and saves money compared to buying new plastic/foam gym equipment.
Think of Energy Efficiency
Natural light is not only good for your mood, but it can also reduce your reliance on artificial lighting. Strategically place mirrors to reflect sunlight and consider installing skylights if possible.
Replace traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs. They last longer, use less energy, and emit minimal heat, reducing the strain on your cooling system.
Keep your gym cool with ceiling fans and open windows whenever possible. Invest in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature efficiently and avoid unnecessary heating or cooling. Consider energy-efficient smart thermostats that learn your routines.
While natural light is best, you can set a calming ambience for yoga, stretching, and meditation with flickering candlelight. Choose unscented candles or those with natural essential oils for a more immersive experience.
Take Care of Heating and Ventilation
Unlike a commercial gym with its complex ventilation systems, your home gym might be more susceptible to stale air, dust, and sweat. This can be especially true if you're pushing yourself hard on cardio equipment like treadmills.
Gyms can trap dust, sweat, and allergens. Invest in air-purifying plants like snake plants or peace lilies to improve indoor air quality naturally. These low-maintenance beauties help remove toxins and allergens from the air, creating a fresher and healthier environment for your workouts.
Ensure proper ventilation in your home gym, especially if you have treadmills or other cardio equipment. Open windows during workouts when possible, or consider installing a dedicated ventilation system.
Alternatively, you could integrate air filters and purification systems with your boiler or heat pump system to remove particles and pollutants from the air.
While air source heat pumps offer excellent humidity control and reduce indoor pollutants – both big benefits for a sweaty workout space – installing one in a flat can be tricky due to space limitations and outdoor unit placement.
Since flats often have limited space for outdoor units, combi boilers become a more practical option for home gyms. They provide both heating and hot water, making them a versatile option.
Yet even the best combi boiler in the UK can't work miracles if it's not properly maintained. Regularly check your home boiler to ensure it's running efficiently. A well-maintained boiler uses less energy to heat your home gym, reducing your carbon footprint.
Consider Outdoor Workouts
Make your fitness routine even greener! Adding outdoor workouts to your schedule minimises your environmental impact compared to gym sessions.
It's a fantastic way to get fit, save money, and do your part for the planet – all while enjoying a refreshing and invigorating workout experience. Think outside the box (or gym)! Here are some ideas for outdoor workouts:
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Bodyweight boot camp: Parks often have benches and open spaces perfect for bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and dips.
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Stairway to fitness: Find a long set of stairs and use them for interval training – sprint up the stairs and walk down to recover.
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Trail running: Explore nature while getting your cardio fix. Running on uneven terrain adds an extra challenge to your workout. Research your workout location beforehand. Look for well-lit areas if working out early mornings or evenings.
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Yoga in the park: Find a quiet spot in the park and unwind with a yoga session. The fresh air and natural sounds will enhance your practice.
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Embrace the playground: Parks often have monkey bars, pull-up bars, and other equipment that can be incorporated into your workout routine. Get creative and use these resources to add variety and challenge to your outdoor fitness sessions.
Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and use sunscreen when needed. Also, stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.
By following these tips, you can create a home gym that's good for your health and the planet. Remember, small changes can make a big difference.
So, lace up your sustainable sneakers, crank up your favourite workout playlist, and get ready to sculpt a stronger, healthier you – all while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet.
