Introducing ecological and sustainable practices into fitness training

EcoFitness

Introducing ecological and sustainable practices into fitness training

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INDEX

INTRODUCTION

UNDERSTANDING HOLISTIC HEALTH IN THE CONTEXT OF "ECOFITNESS"

EQUIPMENT

AWARENESS

ECO-CONSCIOUS FACILITY ADAPTATION

NEW BUILDINGS

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES AMONG TRAINERS

PEDAGOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF "ECOFITNESS"

NUTRITIONAL PERSPECTIVE IN "ECOFITNESS"

WORKOUT PLANS WITH VIDEO

PERSPECTIVE ON SAFETY AND POSSIBLE INJURIES IN "ECOFITNESS"

The name "EcoFitness" is intended to bring the idea of a "greener" practice to what is known as Fitness today. To make this idea a philosophy of life not only from a mental point of view, but also in harmony with nature and the environment from a sustainable and conservation perspective.

To combine the practice of exercise and its benefits with environmental sustainability under the slogan "Do it Yourself" (DiY), demonstrating that the different spaces can be transformed into places for the practice of sport by the participants themselves, using recyclable and sustainable materials. This is about incorporating green practices into fitness training and developing guidelines for practitioners and coaches so that they can design "EcoFitness" training places. The main objective of this guide for coaches is to provide them with strategies for designing greener workouts according to pedagogical and didactic guidelines on the principles of training and a more holistic vision of more sustainable exercise.

INTRODUCTION

About this guide - transferred

Understanding the principles of “Ecofitness”

EQUIPMENT

Here are tips for eco-friendly behaviour in sports centres

Inside sports facilities

Outside sports facilities, practice

Eco-friendly workout recommendations

Awareness

Here are some tips to promote eco-friendly and healthy habits in sport centres and daily life

New Buildings

Finally, we will share this list of suggestions with companies to help them make their future buildings more sustainable.

In Locker rooms

• Control/limit shower water temperature. • Implement magnetic key system for soup and water usage. • Increase airflow at faucets to reduce water waste. • Install tanks with flow regulators. • Install water taps with timers. • Energy saving lightning. • Provide water dispensers. • Minimise space through lower ceilings and versatile rooms. • Include outdoor-training spaces with retractable tents for year-round.

• Optimise building orientation for maximum sunlight exposure. • Install solar panels. • Use natural ventilation taking advantage of air currents. • Include green spaces and gardens to enhance climate control and provide outdoor training areas.

Pedagogical Perspective of "EcoFitness”

The trainer has a pedagogical role concerning the practitioner in his interpersonal relationship, the actions he earns aim to encourage the practitioner to have an additional active and healthier lifestyle, regardless of the place where he is inserted (office, gym, park, rural environment, urban environment, beach, mountain or at home), always depending on the effectiveness of the communicative intervention of the trainer as a leadership process. Depending on the various factors to be controlled, instruction, management, environment and discipline will be delivered.

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Nutritional Perspective in "EcoFitness”

Energy Needs

When it comes to energy needs, in general, our goal is for the athlete to be in energy balance. This means that ideally the energy intake should be equal to the end-of-day needs, not only to maintain basal metabolism and daily physical activity, but also to support the physical demands of exercise (training and competition). However, in adventure sports, such as outdoor sports, it is common to find that energy intakes are often below the expenditure incurred in these challenging activities. There is ample evidence that activities such as trekking, running and fitness, have energy intakes of participants that are 40-50% lower than the total requirement of the activities. To estimate the energy expenditure of an activity we will use the following equation: Kcal = MET x weight (kg) x duration (h)

The precautions to take when practicing nature sports

Perspective on safety and possible injuries in "EcoFitness”

Injury management

Ensure safety

Seek help

Assess the situation

Evacuation and transport

Provide first aid

Understanding Holistic Health in the Context of "EcoFitness”

Holistic health is a comprehensive approach that perceives wellness as more than just physical fitness. This perspective encompasses the individual's entire being - their body, mind, emotions, and spirit, seeking balance among these components. Optimal health, according to this perspective, isn't merely freedom from disease; it entails fostering harmony among all aspects of the self and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. It encourages active participation in health decisions and care and emphasizes preventative measures and promoting behaviors that contribute to overall wellbeing.

Info

Eco-Conscious Facility Adaptation

Promoting sustainable practices among Trainers

A. Education: Empowering through Knowledge

C. Motivation: Rewarding Eco-Conscious Behaviours

B. Advocacy: Modelling Sustainable Habits

This comprehensive guide on Ecofitness is an essential approach to fitness that prioritizes sustainability, waste reduction, and minimization of our carbon footprint. As fitness professionals and enthusiasts, it's crucial to understand and adopt eco-friendly practices in our training programs and daily lives. By embracing Ecofitness principles, we not only improve our health but also contribute positively to the environment. This guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical strategies for incorporating eco-friendly practices in fitness facilities and training programs. By educating clients about the importance of Ecofitness, we can collectively encourage the adoption of eco-friendly habits and promote a greener, healthier future for all.

Trainers can use this guide to learn how to reduce their ecological footprint, conserve natural resources, and create a healthy, environmentally friendly fitness space. Additionally, they can acquire techniques to motivate and educate their trainees on the principles of EcoFitness, inspiring them to incorporate sustainability into their own fitness routines and lifestyle. Whether you are a seasoned fitness trainer or a beginner in the field, this guide aims to provide you with the knowledge, tips, and strategies you need to effectively transition to an EcoFitness approach, ultimately contributing to a greener and healthier planet.

Discipline

Discipline is a fundamental issue in the training process, since it reveals itself as essential for the achievement of the objectives defined in training. Thus, the issue of behaviour is of extreme importance and should be viewed with some care.

Give priority to the safety of the injured person and those around them. Remove any immediate threats or hazards from the area. If necessary, and if the victim is in a stable state of health (special attention in cases of suspected cranio-cerebral or vertebro-medullary injuries), consider the possibility of moving them to a safer, more accessible location.

Ensure safety

Plan and execute the safe evacuation of the injured person. In a remote or wilderness environment, consider available resources, terrain and accessibility to determine the most appropriate method of transport, whether self-evacuation or use of available emergency services.

Evacuation and transport

1. Evaluation of the facility: Assess the gym or fitness center to determine areas that need improvement in terms of eco-friendliness: a. Energy usage: Look for energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and programmable thermostats, and check the facility's energy bills and energy-efficient practices; b. Waste management: Observe the recycling and composting bins, ask about waste reduction efforts, and look for water stations and policies promoting the use of reusable water bottles; c. Sustainable materials: Look for eco-friendly flooring and equipment made from recycled materials and ask about towel policies and use of organic cotton or bamboo towels; d. Water conservation: Observe the water fixtures, ask about low-flow faucets and toilets, and look for water-efficient washing machines and dishwashers. Also, ask about towel reuse programs and drought-tolerant landscaping;

The trainer provides the practitioner with information on guidance needs, considering the references of the learning objectives, supports communication in order to promote an adequate and meaningful cognitive activity in practitioners and finally the trainer uses means of communication that help practitioners to follow, understand and assimilate the message. The fundamental principles of instruction are:

- Guarantee the practitioners safety; - Ensure the excellence of the instruction; - Reduce the exposure time of the information; - Information exhibited in evident and objective approach; - Applicable linguistic; - Rephrased information when crucial; - Be convinced that the information has been comprehended; - Teaching supports; - Ensuring safe hearing in both targets; - Sequence and dynamics of communication.

Trainers can lead by example, demonstrating how to integrate sustainable habits into workout routines and daily life. This could include promoting active transport (walking, cycling, etc.) to the gym, preferring reusable over single-use items, and endorsing local, sustainable businesses.

Instruction

The trainer provides the practitioner with information on guidance needs, considering the references of the learning objectives, supports communication in order to promote an adequate and meaningful cognitive activity in practitioners and finally the trainer uses means of communication that help practitioners to follow, understand and assimilate the message. The fundamental principles of instruction are:

- Guarantee the practitioners safety; - Ensure the excellence of the instruction; - Reduce the exposure time of the information; - Information exhibited in evident and objective approach; - Applicable linguistic; - Rephrased information when crucial; - Be convinced that the information has been comprehended; - Teaching supports; - Ensuring safe hearing in both targets; - Sequence and dynamics of communication.

Embracing the holistic health approach in EcoFitness allows trainers and trainees to contribute to a movement benefiting not only the individual but our global community. This is an embodiment of the philosophy that personal wellbeing and planetary health are interconnected, and each person has a role in promoting both.

Eco-friendly workout recommendations:

• Combine outdoor and indoor workouts such as going for a walk or for a run. • Replace car/metro trips with walking or cycling. • Choose bodyweight exercises or manual equipment over electronic devices. • Incorporate environmental cleaning into workout such as plogging. • Attend outdoor fitness classes. • Use equipment and clothing made from recycled materials. • Choose fitness clothing from sustainable companies and made from eco-friendly fabric. • Use recyclable water bottles.

Outside sports facilities, practice:

• Callisthenics. • TRX. • Kettlebells. • Use outdoor training equipment made from recycled materials. • Create a gym made from recycled materials next to schools and institutes. • Install agility circuits at schools’ playgrounds.

3. Choose sustainable materials: Avoid PVC or non-biodegradable plastics:a. Biodegradable materials: Bamboo (fast-renewable resource) or cork (is taken from the trees without cutting it or hurting it), equipment made from recycled materials; b. Recycled rubber floors repurposing car tires; c. Painting with colors that have low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) for better air quality; d. Green cleaning products: Switch to non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products to reduce the environmental impact and improve indoor air quality; e. Upcycled or reclaimed wood for furniture (older wood is more stable and durable).

• Encourage taking the stairs over elevators with signs. • Dedicate an hour of workday to exercise. • Take short walks every 45 minutes of sitting. • Exchange recyclables for gym sessions or passes. • Offer public transport tickets for cycling miles. • Provide “Eco” payment options for employees. • Recognise employees who walk or bike to work. • Use sustainable transport options to reach the gym. • Bring your own bottle and towel to the gym. • Respect nature and outside spaces. • Prefer natural light in the gym. • Promote eco-friendly transportation. • Educate the community on best practices. • Organise EcoFitness events for the community.

Here are some tips to promote eco-friendly and healthy habits in sport centres and daily life:

Trainers should engage in ongoing dialogues with trainees about the importance of EcoFitness, emphasizing both the health and environmental benefits. These discussions can touch on the impact of a low-carbon workout, the benefits of using recycled or eco-friendly equipment, and the significance of reducing water and energy consumption.

Consider implementing a rewards system for eco-conscious behaviours. This could include points or badges for bringing a reusable water bottle, using public transportation or biking to the facility, or participating in eco-friendly gym events. Rewards can inspire a sense of achievement and motivate trainees to sustain their eco-friendly efforts.

Here are tips for eco-friendly behaviour in sports centres:

• Bring your own reusable bottle while exercising. • Use a personal towel to reduce paper waste. • Limit towel use to once a day. • Choose a biodegradable yoga mat made of fibres or rubber trees. • Support sustainable companies for fitness clothing. • Invest in durable equipment and clothing. • Look for clothing made from eco-friendly fabric such as recycled polyester or organic cotton. • Use eco-friendly shampoo and soap. • Install water taps with timers.

Administer basic first aid techniques to relieve pain, control bleeding or stabilize the victim's injury and vital signs. This may include disinfecting and applying pressure to wounds/bleeding, immobilizing fractures or sprains/dislocations, or using cold compresses to reduce swelling. In more severe cases it may even be necessary to use the stable lateral position (fainting - unconscious and breathing), or basic life support techniques (cardiorespiratory arrest - unconscious and not breathing). Ensure that the victim's state of health does not worsen or revert to a more serious situation.

Provide first aid

2. Implement energy-saving measures: a. Energy efficient lighting, LED lights and natural lights; b. Energy saving equipment: self-powered machines, or machines that do not use energy when they are not being used; c. Establish motion sensors for lighting, lower thermostats; d. Insulation and thermo-sealing the facility: walls, and floors; e. Carry out constant controls to pinpoint inefficient use of energy (collect data from electricity bills and patterns, inspect the site).

Environment

Thus, to create the ideal learning environment, the teacher should seek:

- Congruence in interaction; - Directing interactions to meaningful behaviours; - Relate interactions to task performance; - Interact on personal factors; - Maintain enthusiasm for practitioners improvement; - Basing interactions on practitioners feelings and emotions; - Promoting / fostering positive attitudes about the self - Promote / foster positive attitudes about others; - Accepting consequences of attitudes assumed; - To demonstrate and demand behaviours based on ethical and specific standards; - To promote cooperation between practitioners.

The environment should provide care, cordiality, acceptance and appreciation among the different elements of the lesson. To establish a positive "atmosphere" in a training context, it is essential to seek a good relationship between the elements. On the other hand, if effort, self-achievement and intrinsic motivation are emphasized, an environment of task-orientation and a climate that provides better conditions for overcoming difficulties is created.

A holistic fitness regimen extends beyond the pursuit of physical strength and endurance. It includes fostering mental resilience, emotional health, and cultivating positive social interactions. This might involve integrating mindfulness exercises into workout routines, equipping trainees with stress management techniques, promoting healthy nutrition, and fostering a sense of community among the participants.

The potential impact of holistic EcoFitness is vast. Regular exercise's physical benefits are well-documented and include improved strength, flexibility, endurance, and overall health. Mental and emotional benefits are equally important, with fitness routines helping to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost self-confidence. Introducing the element of environmental consciousness adds an additional layer of satisfaction, as personal fitness goals align with efforts to preserve our planet. This connection engenders a sense of purpose and fulfillment that extends beyond the conventional boundaries of fitness training.

Outdoor sports offer an exciting and invigorating experience, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while engaging in physical activity. Injuries are an inherent part of any sport, and outdoor sports are no exception. While we know that injuries are associated with exercise and physical activity, today´s behaviours, trends and attitudes of the population (sedentary lifestyles, obesity, ageing, etc.) make it imperative that we continue to promote these activities. We must therefore ensure that exercise and physical activity is carried out in the safest possible way. To do this, it is important to understand that injuries are not all the same and that the circumstances in which they occur vary. Injuries can be traumatic in nature (usually, acute - direct/contact) or due to overload (usually, chronic - indirect/non-contact).

If possible, call for help, contact emergency services or seek medical assistance, depending on the severity of the injury. Maintain clear communication with the injured person, other group members and medical professionals. Provide accurate and detailed information about the location, injury, symptoms and circumstances leading to the incident.

Seek help

Got an idea?

Let the communication flow!

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Both society in general and the fitness industry in particular are moving towards sustainability with environmental concerns to reduce costs and Ecological Footprint. The principles of “EcoFitness”are therefore based on the adoption of environmentally friendly practices that reduce the impact on nature. A paradigm shift is taking place among European citizens, but also in the fitness industry, which is beginning to follow the concerns of its customers who are increasingly demanding that there is a growing trend towards environmental sustainability. This mindset shift is leading to small but increasingly significant steps towards a greener approach to Fitness practice. This requires prioritising the environment in which this practice takes place by looking for greener spaces, renewable energy sources and with recycling and waste reduction programmes. principles should be followed by greater adherence to practice in outdoor spaces with environmentally friendly materials. The “greener” trend in fitness training is towards a more autonomous approach where the emphasis is on "Do it Yourself" (DiY). This chapter aims to provide trainers with the tools and advice to create their own reusable training materials.

Got an idea?

Let the communication flow!

With Genially templates, you can include visual resources to wow your audience. You can also highlight a particular sentence or piece of information so that it sticks in your audience’s minds, or even embed external content to surprise them: Whatever you like! Do you need more reasons to create dynamic content? No problem! 90% of the information we assimilate is received through sight and, what’s more, we retain 42% more information when the content moves.

• Generate experiences with your content.
• It’s got the Wow effect. Very Wow.
• Make sure your audience remembers the message.

Inside sports facilities:

• Use equipment made from recycled materials. • Maximise natural light, light sensors, and brightness regulators. • Heat water with solar panels. • Go digital with information instead of paper. • Implement eco-friendly waste management systems. • Regularly check for energy leaks in windows and doors. • Offer recyclable bottles and dispensers.

Management

Exercise practice needs to be supported under the best circumstances for effective practice. There are several ways of organizing or structuring practice sessions, and no one type of organization is necessarily more effective than another. The fundamental principles of management are: reducing transition times, managing the pace, dynamism and enthusiasm in activities, clear and precise organizational instructions and structuring class routines.

Thus, for a better management the teacher should: - Control the activity; - Start the training in advance; - Establish and combine meeting, attention and transition signals; - Use interactions and positive feedback; - Use the enthusiasm, encouraging and praising; - Managing the dynamics of training.

Assess the situation: Assess the incident, the severity and nature of the injury. Also, determine the state of consciousness and cardiorespiratory status. Determine whether the injury requires immediate medical attention or can be treated on site. Keep calm and reassure the injured person.

Assess the situation

4. Lower the water usage: a. Installation of low-flow faucets, automatic faucets, showerheads and dual-flush toilets in lockers; b. Suggest or offer reusable water bottles; c. Develop a plan for monitoring water consumption patterns (Track water consumption through bills and meter readings); d. Establish faucet etiquette like turning them off promptly; e. Damage reporting protocol: Encourage the staff and trainees to mention immediately all identified water leaks and plumbing problems for quick repairment.

Pedagogical Feedback

Pedagogical feedback is a set of information, provided by the teacher to the student before, during or after the performance of a motor task, which can be used to improve or correct his performance in the subsequent tasks and thus improve their sports performance. The feedback provided by the instructor in real situations relies on three types of basic influences: