Technogym - a sustainability laggard with strong health promotion credentials?
What are Technogym doing to minimize their environmental impact?
A luxury gym powerhouse
Technogym is without doubt the most formidable luxury gym equipment brand in the world today, bar none.
Their quality, aesthetics, distribution network and after-sales care, not to mention marketing campaigns, are the stuff of envy for smaller, competitor brands looking for a slice of the action.
And yet, if we accept that gym sustainability is going to play an ever more important role in the gym industry over the next 5-10 years as we transition towards a world dominated by renewable energy and reduced carbon emissions (greenhouse gas emissions), the role of environmentally friendly gym equipment brands can surely only grow too.
Arguably, the future is in their hands, at least from our perspective.
Falling behind on gym sustainability?
So, where do Technogym stand on this point? It is our argument that the Italian powerhouse is currently lagging behind other early adopters of the eco friendly gym supplies trend.
Technogym retention of their existing hotel clients is legendary but are they being fairly assessed for their sustainability efforts yet?
They focus on a limited number of the United Nationals Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to do with human health and wellbeing, which for a gym equipment supplier, is pretty much a given.
Far harder to align with goals to do with reduce plastic waste production, carbon footprint, energy consumption, water consumption, solar panels and energy efficient lighting in their factories, and so on.
Technogym on sustainable gym equipment - more of a wellness policy?
Fundamentally, they have focused their time on three pillars of what is a broad interpretation of ‘sustainability’: today:
promoting a health lifestyle for all
responsible innovation and design
wellness for the community
Immediately here we see that they are NOT focusing on major environmental actions such as energy reduction, water efficiency or waste management.
Every health or fitness company is promoting a healthy lifestyle, that’s simply part of their DNA, the challenge is doing that whilst taking genuine actions to limit environmental impact in the process.
Sustainable gym business
They promote sustainable lifestyles and behaviors for the wellbeing of the community through a range of products and services that use high-end technology.
These actions align with SDGs #3, good health, and wellbeing, just as any health or fitness business could claim. Ergo, while valid and important work, it’s not actually adding much to the equation from a sustainability perspective.
‘Responsible innovation and design’ is TechnoGym’s contribution to building a better world. They follow the United Nations “Responsible consumption and production” and “Industry, innovation and infrastructure” goal.
Wellness campaigns more than eco gym equipment
No sign of any low carbon materials or a reduction in the plastic waste content for example.
Over the years they have invested in many wellness projects like Wellness Valley and the “Let’s Move for a Better World campaign”.
Their focus and influence in this sector align with SDGs #11, for sustainable cities and communities.
The Wellness Valley project is promoted by the Wellness Foundation and supported by Technogym. This project strictly focused on transforming the Romagna region into a site for wellness and healthy living, improving the quality of life of its citizens.
In 2020, the Wellness Valley app was created that listed all the exercise and sports courses held in the parks of the Romagna area.
The app also included training programs for people with chronic illness, particularly people with type 2 diabetes.
Their ‘Let’s move for a better world’ campaign is supported by Technogym each year. This is a campaign in which people can donate their physical movement to a good cause.
gym equipment brands with stronger sustainability credentials
Emerging brands such as Eleiko, Intenza Fitness, SportsArt, and WaterRower Nohrd continue their sustainability stance in response to the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions, Technogym risks falling behind in our view as new competitors discover untapped opportunities in the sustainable gym equipment market.
Intenza Fitness - a case study in energy efficiency for eco friendly gyms
Intenza fitness cardio machine
In the rapidly growing fitness industry, Intenza Fitness has emerged as a formidable challenger for the title of the most sustainable gym equipment brand.
As more and more gyms and fitness enthusiasts prioritize environmental consciousness, Intenza Fitness is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the global fitness landscape.
By incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and a recycling program, Intenza Fitness has demonstrated a comprehensive approach to minimizing its environmental footprint.
This results in gym equipment that lowers energy consumption, generates less carbon emissions and less waste, and is built to last, ensuring that customers can enjoy the benefits of Intenza Fitness' products for years to come.
The company actively collaborates with gyms, trainers, and other key stakeholders to promote environmentally responsible practices and raise awareness about the importance of sustainability in the fitness sector.
By doing so, Intenza Fitness is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of green gym. and green fitness studio, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve both high performance and environmental responsibility.
eleiko strength training equipment
Eleiko sustainable equipment for eco gyms
In today's rapidly evolving fitness landscape, Eleiko stands out as one of the most sustainable gym equipment brands in the world.
By investing in Eleiko's high-quality products, gyms and fitness centers can significantly reduce their long-term equipment replacement costs, reducing energy and further contributing to the brand's overarching sustainability mission.
Eleiko's focus on eco-friendly materials and design is another crucial aspect that distinguishes them from other gym equipment providers.
They prioritize the use of recyclable materials and energy-efficient processes, as well as strive to eliminate harmful chemicals from their production line.
This commitment to environmentally-conscious design extends to their packaging, which is also designed to be minimalist and fully recyclable.
In conclusion, Eleiko's commitment to sustainability, eco-friendly design, and manufacturing practices has solidified their position as the most sustainable gym equipment brand in the world today.
WaterRower Nohrd for eco friendly gyms
Nohrd spin bike
In recent years, the fitness industry has witnessed a surge in demand for sustainable gym equipment, as environmentally conscious consumers and gym owners alike seek eco-friendly solutions to support their fitness goals.
One brand that has emerged as a formidable contender in this space is WaterRower Nohrd, positioning itself as a leading challenger for the title of the most sustainable gym equipment brand.
By combining innovative design, high-quality, sustainable materials, and a commitment to environmental responsibility, WaterRower Nohrd is revolutionizing the way home gyms, hotel gyms and fitness enthusiasts generally approach their workout routines.
Please note, we hesitate to recommend the majority of their range for commercial gym use, the exception being the power-house WaterRower that appears to be largely indestructable.
By harnessing the natural properties of water as a resistance medium, the eco gym brand eliminates the need for complex mechanical systems, resulting in fewer resources being consumed and less waste being generated.
Moreover, the wooden frames used in WaterRower Nohrd machines are sourced from sustainably managed forests, ensuring that the production process remains as eco-friendly as possible.
Conclusion - gym sustainability
To maintain its position as an industry leader, Technogym must continue to innovate and expand its sustainability efforts.
This could include investing in research and development to create cutting-edge gym equipment that not only meets but exceeds the eco-friendly standards set by challenger brands.
Additionally, Technogym should consider forming strategic partnerships with organizations and influencers in the sustainability space to raise awareness and promote the adoption of sustainable practices within the whole fitness center industry.
In conclusion, the Eco-Fitness Revolution has ushered in a new era of sustainable gym equipment, with challenger brands such as Eleiko, Intenza Fitness, SportsArt, and WaterRower Nohrd pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of eco-friendly fitness solutions.
The next frontier is, at risk of banging the same drum over and over here, to focus on energy efficiency, reduce plastic waste, reduce the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process, implementing smart water programs, sustainable fitness friendly materials and eco friendly products in general.
Unfortunately, we will not fight climate change without a concerted effort to integrate these priorities into the 5-year plans of the world's largest supplier of exercise equipment for fitness facilities around the world.
Technogym, as an established industry leader, must continue to innovate and expand its sustainability efforts to stay ahead in this competitive edge rapidly evolving market.
By doing so, Technogym can ensure its long-term success and contribute to the overall health of both individuals and the planet.