In today's world people are becoming more aware of their surroundings and the effects of their actions on the environment. Almost daily, newspaper articles are bringing to the forefront issues concerning global warming and various pollutants that effect how we live now and in the future. This concern has various sectors of the business world taking alternative steps to do their part to help preserve the world in which we live in.
One such company in the fitness industry, SportsArt, has developed a line of treadmills that reduces energy consumption. "Our ECO-Power treadmills have motors that operate at over 95% efficiency." said SportsArt director of marketing Scott Logan, "Our motor management technology reduces energy use by up to 32%." This reduction in energy consumption can add up to some serious savings for facilities with multiple treadmills. SportArt has also implemented other "Green" measures such a using recycled materials and low chemical foam in their packaging. They also sponsor a "GreenOvations" campaign that rewards environment conscious facilities with free equipment.
Additional products that are beneficial and have been available for some time are cardiovascular machines that are self generating and rely on a generator and battery for power. This technology can be found in bikes, elliptical machines, and step machines.
Green awareness has even made its way into stretching mats, yoga mats, and tubing (used for rehabilitation, core, and strength training). Ray Navarre of Aeromat Eco-Wise Products said "EcoWise was developed to offer the consumer a more healthy and environmentally friendly atmosphere. We use a closed cell foam material that is free of PVC, Phthalate, and Chlorides in our mats, foam rollers and medicine balls. Many commercial facilities, particularly hospitals and rehab locations are requiring latex free products; eventually this will be mandatory in settings such as schools and commercial gyms."
Since the fitness industry is focused on the health and well being of its participants, it is only fitting that eco-friendly products are being developed to protect the future of the environment.
The next time you're in need of equipment for your facility whether it is a replacement of just one product or a need for a full line of machines, consider products that will benefit not only your users, but also the environment.

David Ramsey is the commercial sales manager for Precision Fitness Equipment, Natick, Mass.