Best Sustainable Gym Equipment Brands | Biofit — wellness designers + gym consultants
Biofit gym consultants review some top gym equipment manufacturers and branded fitness products with a sustainability policy, focusing on eco friendly gym equipment.
Our list includes existing exercise equipment manufacturers, while others like Intenza (Taiwan) and Eleiko (Sweden) lead the way in sustainable gym equipment manufacturing. So, we are looking at the fitness equipment brand market, commercial-grade fitness equipment, and gym accessories brands. And ethically sourced sports accessories.
Eventually, we hope to see emerging heavyweight UK fitness equipment brands such as Watson gym equipment on this list as a way to inspire more sports equipment manufacturers and UK health club chains, home gyms, personal trainers, and the industry as a whole to pick up the baton on environmental awareness in gym supplies.
See the dedicated article for our views on why Technogym commercial gym equipment is in danger of falling behind these other trailblazers setting the pace with their sustainable fitness journey.
To discover the best fitness equipment brands, commercial fitness equipment, and gym equipment manufacturer names that are doing sustainability right. Read on!
Please note that none of the below are our brand partners; we remain completely unaligned and a neutral observer of sustainable brands in the fitness industry.
Why Shift to Eco Friendly Gym Equipment
Staying fit is crucial, but your gym equipment choice impacts the environment. Consider energy efficient options to further reduce your carbon footprint. We’ll explore sustainable, high-quality fitness equipment brands prioritizing eco-friendly practices without sacrificing performance. These companies redefine investing in functional training equipment supporting fitness goals and values through innovative materials and energy-efficient designs.
Discover the best sustainable gym equipment brands pioneering the industry.
Best Gym Equipment Supplier
Outfitting your gym with top-notch equipment is essential for creating an exceptional fitness experience. In this section, we’ll unveil the leading suppliers of high-quality gym equipment that delivers performance and durability. Get ready to elevate your facility with the best in the business. In addition to providing top-notch equipment, these suppliers also emphasize green cleaning practices to maintain a healthy and eco-friendly gym environment.
ELEIKO sustainable gym equipment with sustainable materials
Eleiko is one of the world’s leading weightlifting equipment suppliers and Swedish, high-quality gym accessories manufacturers that designs, manufactures, and distributes high-end powerlifting, weightlifting, and strength traininggym equipment, making them one of the world’s most prominent weightlifting equipment and commercial gym equipment companies.
You may not find an exercise bike here, a rowing machine, or products made of recycled materials, but if you are looking for strength training gear, Eleiko makes a lot more than just weight plates!
We’ve had our eye on them for a while now thanks to their progressive stance on sustainability, a rarity in the fitness industry, and they are also moving into home gym equipment such as a premium weight bench and chic free weights.
Eleiko There are better places to look for exercise bikes, the best cardio machines, or other equipment; however, Eleiko is only about strength training, from the upper body to the lower body and core.
Even having a dedicated sustainability page on their website (see here) with meaningful content on asustainability plan is still relatively complex in the gym equipment space.
An example of theirsustainability efforts includes a recent production switch for their premium leather weightlifting belts from China to Sweden.
As this brand has a premium positioning in the marketplace, at the upper end of the price spectrum, they have a degree of elasticity that may not apply to a budgetgym equipment brand, for example.
One of their highest volume products was previously manufactured in Latvia, and that too was moved to their home territory of Sweden as part of their gym equipmentcorporate sustainability strategy.
Eleiko also implemented a “refund system” for their packaging materials from China and switched from disposable sea pallets to reusable pallets to lessen their environmental impact.
A large slice of Eleiko’sgym equipment is made from durable polyurethane, an eco-friendly (recyclable) take-on plastic free from endocrine-disrupting and hormone-disrupting chemicals.
Eleiko also introduced the XF Bumper Plates line, which offers durable, quiet bumper plates made using recycled EU crumb rubber.
Eleiko also uses natural rubber for some of their gym mats and flooring, offering a more sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.
Nota Bene: we often have lingering doubts about the chemical content of the glue/binder used in such as crumb rubber products as it can contain toxic substances such as VOCs that off-gas in the gym air over time - a faint but distinctive smell is always a sure sign that this is happening.
WaterRower/Nohrd sustainable gym equipment
WaterRower and its German sister company NOHrD manufacture and sell high-end wooden fitness equipment with a sustainable edge, much of it using wood that has been 'FSC certified' - this stands for Forest Stewardship Council. This industry body certifies timber sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Specifically, the gym equipment uses wood from various trees such as ash, cherry, oak, and walnut.
We see this brand as firmly positioned in the home fitness equipment segment. Although it occasionally appears in commercial gyms, its sweet spot is in home gym designs, negating any need for a gym membership!
The product range includes recognizable wooden rowing machines, spin bikes, a treadmill, balance boards, and a range of strength training equipment.
In 2022, WaterRower Scandinavia's boss, Richard Kelly, instigated what they have termed their European Sustainability Project, with the Danish consultancy team at Brems contacting us Biofit Gym Consultants and various other opinion makers in the industry for market insights before developing a strategic marketing plan focused on sustainable development for their gym equipment business.
The stated aims of the project, according to their website, were to determine the following in regards to gym equipment sustainability:
What our customers think of our products is seen in the light of sustainability.
The framework for vision, mission, value propositions, and brand positioning for both brands: WaterRower and NOHrD.
The balance between the apparent conflicting areas of luxury design and environmental responsibility.
The areas of transparency needed in our sourcing and production processes that the end-users (also in the future) will be interested in.
How can we communicate the sustainability ethos and maximize its positive effect on our business?
<< https://www.waterrower.dk/european-sustainability-project/ >>
This suggests that the brand is looking to update its marketing strategy and, hopefully, has more in the pipeline around extending its sustainable values more profoundly into the product development cycle.
For example, they might consider a more extensive Life Cycle Analysis of the other materials (aside from wood) that make it into their gym equipment via their supply chain, mention of any renewable/green energy used in their production facilities, any steps taken to reduce the water usage in their manufacturing, community outreach programs, carbon emissions tracking, carbon offsetting initiatives, and so on.
We would ideally like to see a more substantial presence of stock 3D models from Norhd in the leading 3D gym design software packages.
SportsArt sustainable gym equipment
WaterRower and its German sister company NOHrD manufacture and sell high-end wooden fitness equipment with a sustainable edge, much of it using wood that has been ‘FSC certified’ - this stands for Forest Stewardship Council. This industry body certifies timber sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Much of their equipment is made from natural materials, such as wood, which contributes to both sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
Specifically, the gym equipment uses wood from various trees such as ash, cherry, oak, and walnut.
We see this brand as firmly positioned in the home fitness equipment segment. Although it occasionally appears in commercial gyms, its sweet spot is in home gym designs, negating any need for a gym membership!
The product range includes recognizable wooden rowing machines, spin bikes, a treadmill, balance boards, and a range of strength training equipment.
In 2022, WaterRower Scandinavia’s boss, Richard Kelly, instigated what they have termed their European Sustainability Project, with the Danish consultancy team at Brems contacting us Biofit Gym Consultants and various other opinion makers in the industry for market insights before developing a strategic marketing plan focused on sustainable development for their gym equipment business.
The stated aims of the project, according to their website, were to determine the following in regards to gym equipment sustainability:
What our customers think of our products is seen in the light of sustainability.
The framework for vision, mission, value propositions, and brand positioning for both brands: WaterRower and NOHrD.
The balance between the apparent conflicting areas of luxury design and environmental responsibility.
The areas of transparency needed in our sourcing and production processes that the end-users (also in the future) will be interested in.
How can we communicate the sustainability ethos and maximize its positive effect on our business?
< < https://www.waterrower.dk/european-sustainability-project/ >>
This suggests that the brand is looking to update its marketing strategy and, hopefully, has more in the pipeline around extending its sustainable values more profoundly into the product development cycle.
For example, they might consider a more extensive Life Cycle Analysis of the other materials (aside from wood) that make it into their gym equipment via their supply chain, mention of any renewable/green energy used in their production facilities, any steps taken to reduce the water usage in their manufacturing, community outreach programs, carbon emissions tracking, carbon offsetting initiatives, and so on.
We would ideally like to see a more substantial presence of stock 3D models from Norhd in the leading 3D gym design software packages.
Fitwood sustainable gym equipment
Finnish brand Fitwood is a relative newcomer to the nature-oriented gym fitness equipment manufacturer scene. They use natural Scandinavian wood to produce their workout equipment, intended to blur the boundaries between home decor pieces and training gear.
In this sense, they are a direct competitor to Nohrd, albeit with more of a committed, Scandinavian aesthetic of lighter woods.
Their gym equipment collection currently includes wall bars, rings, a pull-up bar, a balance board, and an ab roller. They also have a separate range of gym equipment for kids (see here) with more of a climbing and balancing orientation.
We see a clear focus on functionality, with clean lines and a fuss-free pure aesthetic, especially compared to most gym equipment suppliers in the increasingly over-populated fitness equipment industry.
Additionally, the wood they use is natural, renewable, and one of the most sustainable materials for equipment. FitWood harvests its wood responsibly and from well-managed forests that ensure no damage to the surrounding environment or habitats.
Fitwood also aims to leverage the mental well-being benefits of integrating wood into home interiors, stating that wood can help to create calm and tranquility. Incorporating natural light into gym spaces can further enhance the calming and therapeutic environment that Fitwood aims to create. So, if you are looking to buy gym equipment with a conscience, given how few gym equipment manufacturing companies pay attention to such values, Fitwood warrants your attention.
We’re big believers in this type of biophilic design inspiration, but there is a case here to say that it would take more than a pair of gymnastics rings in a bedroom to make it a calm, therapeutic place.
However, the intent behind such claims is honest, and as part of a more comprehensive wellness interior design strategy, we’re convinced Fitwood products have a role to play.
Casall sustainable gym equipment
Casall is one of the best gym equipment manufacturers in Europe right now; it’s a Swedish training brand for both fitness apparel and workout equipment.
They commit to reaching 100% “Conscious Choice” status by 2025 in their activewear and at least 50% “Conscious Choice” on home training tools and professional equipment.
As Casall continues to grow and expand its business, these goals become ever more meaningful, which helps set it apart from many in this industry who are open to committing to such fixed goals.
What exactly do they mean by conscious choice? For products, it refers to items produced using recycled, biodegradable, or renewable raw materials.
More specifically, for their activewear collection, it means produced using a material with a minimum of 50% recycled, biodegradable, or renewable raw materials such as Tencel, Bio polyamide, Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyamide/Polyester, or Organic materials.
Their gym equipment tools equate to 25% recycled, organic, or bio-based materials, such as sugar cane, bamboo, rice husk, and cork. For example, they recently came out with an updated version of their best-seller yoga mat, “Línea 4mm,” now called “Yoga Mat bamboo 4mm Natural”. They are made of 25% bamboo and rice husks, using up to 50% renewable energy sources in manufacturing.
Additionally, sustainable packaging is set to be fully renewable and recycled by 2025; the company compensates its corporate travel emissions, and its company cars will be fossil-free by 2025; they are tracking inbound and outbound freight CO2 emissions to reduce these impacts. Casall also aims to reduce electricity consumption by incorporating energy-efficient practices in their manufacturing processes.
Casall is leading in the sustainable gym equipment industry, making it a shining example of transparency and commitment to people and the planet. We hope that the best gym equipment brands sit up and notice.
Paragon sustainable luxury gym equipment
A relative newcomer to the scene, Paragon is pitching at the upper echelons of the market, such as luxury eco-friendly yacht gyms and high-end residential projects.
This world has premium materials and a sophisticated aesthetic with an initial range of key gym equipment pieces such as dumbbells, benches, plyo boxes, and wall bars.
Paragon’s sister company, Gym Marine, is agym design consultant based in Monaco, so this extension into manufacturing means they can sell their products for futuregym design assignments.
In this sense, they are competing with other luxury gym equipment brands, such as Hock in Germany, albeit with one key difference - a commitment to doing thingssustainably.
Instead of teak, which has a complicated position in terms of sustainability, Paragon opts for using African Iroko wood that is sustainably sourced. Paragon's equipment is designed to optimize gym space, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They’ve also brought in a company named Carbon Managers for a cradle-to-grave analysis of their equipment and manufacturing processes.
This suggests a company willing to do what it takes to minimize its impact and produce potentially carbon-neutral products one day so that Paragon may start on this journey. Still, we look forward to seeing their progress over the coming years.
Example list prices include Eur 2,000+ for a wood plyo box, Eur 10,000 for a set of dumbbells (1kg-6kg), and Eur 4,000 for an adjustable gym bench, suggesting these may be just as much about status and avoiding the standard names such as Technogym in favor of something altogether more prestigious. There’s a market for everything, so we wish them luck!
Intenza Fitness sustainable gym equipment
Intenza Fitness sustainable gym equipment
Taiwanese gym equipment brand Intenza stands out for its ‘green manufacturing’ stance based on a ‘mind body soul’ philosophy that considers not just user health but the health of the planet, too. So, if you have yet to hear of them, this is a brand to have on your sports equipment name radar.
A 14,000 m2 facility opened in 2013 has nearly 2000 rooftop solar panels that cover most of their power needs, making it 100% energy efficient, while a rooftop rainwater capture system reduces their water consumption requirements.
The project was guided by the Nine Green Building Indicators established by Taiwan’s National Council for Sustainable Development under the Ministry of the Interior (MOI):
Biodiversity
Greenery
On-site water retention
Daily energy savings
CO2 reduction
Construction waste reduction
Indoor environmental quality
Water resource
Sewage and garbage improvement
This same philosophy of sustainability in the gym industry and health club equipment continues into their gym equipment products that feature an energy-reducing Standby Mode when not in use and an Eco Mode when spin bikes are pedaled at more than 40rpm or the elliptical stride tops 40spm, to power the multimedia player / TV with kinetic energy. Intenza's product range includes various energy efficient options, such as their Eco Mode, which further reduces energy consumption during workouts.
The product range includes a stairclimber, treadmill, elliptical, recumbent bike, spin bike, upright bike, and weight vest - so a full suite of cardio machines for health clubs and gyms, in other words, as well as weightlifting equipment for full body workouts.
Intenza has representative offices in Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the USA; the headquarters is in Taiwan. All you need to complete the picture is a solid standard operating procedure in the gym for cleaning gym equipment in an environmentally friendly way. So, even if Intenza is a small name for gym equipment in Europe, we hope to see it rise to prominence here.
Biodiversity
Greenery
On-site water retention
Daily energy savings
CO2 reducrtion
Construction waste reduction
Indoor environmental quality
Water resource
Sewage and garbage improvement
This same philosophy of sustainability in the gym industry and health club equipments continues into their gym equipment products that feature an energy-reducing Standby Mode when not in use and an Eco Mode when spin bikes are pedaled at more than 40rpm or the elliptical stride tops 40spm, to power the multimedia player / TV with kinetic energy. Intenza's product range includes various energy efficient options, such as their Eco Mode, which further reduces energy consumption during workouts.
The product range includes a stairclimber, treadmill, elliptical, recumbent bike, spin bike, upright bike and weight vest - so a full suite of cardio machines for health clubs and gyms, in other words, as well as weightlifting equipments for full body workouts.
Intenza have representative offices in Germany, Japan, South Korea, the USA and the headquarters in Taiwan. All you need to complete the picture is a solid standard operating procedure in the gym for cleaning gym equipment environmentally friendly way. So even if Intenza is not currently a big name of gym equipments in Europe, we hope to see them rise to prominence here in future.
Conclusion
These brands are redefining the fitness industry by integrating sustainability into their core values and operations. From Eleiko’s recyclable materials to Intenza’s energy-efficient manufacturing, each company showcases innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact.
As the demand for sustainable fitness equipment grows, these pioneers set a benchmark for others in the industry to follow. As the demand for eco friendly gym equipment grows, these pioneers set a benchmark for others in the industry to follow.
Further Reading
Technogym - A Sustainability Laggard With Strong Health Promotion Credentials?
What it takes to be the Best Gym Design Company for Hotels, Resorts and Real Estate
Top Virtual Fitness Content Providers - A Gym Designer Perspective
Our Team Of Wellness Designers, Gym Experts And Sustainability Advisors
Top Fit Tech Recovery Tools For Next-Level Gym Design - The Case For Light Therapy
A Guide To Uk Purpose-Built Student Accommodation Gym Design To Help Students Level Up Their Fitness
Discover the Top North American Gym Brands for Sustainability and Diversity in Fitness