Green Fitness Studio in Brooklyn, NY

With the right training and certifications, helping people achieve their health and fitness goals - their personal sustainability - through organic and low-carbon footprint foods and exercise in a healthy environment makes for an incredible green business opportunity.

1. What is eco-friendly fitness training and diet planning?
Fitness trainers help people achieve personal health objectives; adding diet planning can help those people achieve their goals more quickly and holistically. In this case, diet planning should help people achieve their fitness goals through the introduction of organic and low-carbon footprint foods, which tend to be healthier for the client as well as for the planet (i.e., cheeseburgers purchased at chain restaurants are both bad for the planet and bad for one's personal fitness goals — sometimes people just need an expert like you to point that out to them). Through both training and diet planning, you can help people lose weight and become healthier, key components of their own personal carbon footprint.

And if it's possible to minimize the footprint of your fitness facility, as well, even better! Energy-efficient lighting and appliances, natural lighting, chemical-free cleaners, eco-friendly surfaces and self-powered fitness equipment are just a few ways to reduce costs and create a healthier environment for your clients.

Green gyms we like:
Bad Joe's Body Shop - San Francisco, CA
Green Fitness Studio - Brooklyn, NY
Rocktown Climbing Gym - Oklahoma City, OK
Powerhouse Gym - Grand Junction, CO
Steve Nash Sports Club - Vancouver, BC

Rocktown Gym in Oklahoma City, OK

According to Paul Zane Pilzer, economist and author of The Wellness Revolution, this industry is fast growing and has yet to even hit its stride. Pilzer surmises that in 2010, Americans will spend $1 TRILLION dollars on "products and services that keep us healthy, make us look or feel better, slow down the effects of aging, and prevent diseases from developing altogether." You'll notice in the quote that all of those things are heavily tied to sustainability. Drinking more water, eating more veggies, working out, and taking a proactive stance on management of your health are all aspects of personal sustainability that lead to environmental sustainability. Your job as a training pro is to help people accomplish their own goals, and align them with goals for global sustainability.

2. What required knowledge or skills are necessary?
There are certifications for personal training. One of the industry leaders is the National Association for Sports Medicine, though there are many others. You can also become a Certified Clinical Nutritionist through the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. Both certifications will add credibility to your practice.

3. How much money is required to start?
$$-$$$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)

4. What is the income potential?
$$$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)

5. What is the best location for eco-friendly fitness training and diet planning?
Urban (good), semi-urban (very good), suburbs (best), rural (fair/poor).

6. Three best questions to ask yourself to find out if this business is right for you (if you can answer yes to all three, this business might be for you):

Interested in starting one in your community? Where do you begin? What permits do you need? Who are your target customers? How do you find them? What is the best use of your limited advertising dollars? What's the best way to attract a great employee or volunteer? What does an average day look like? What strategic tips do veteran eco-entrepreneurs suggest for startups like you?

There's a lot to think about, but rest easy! Our mission is to help you succeed, so set up a free half hour consultation with Scott Cooney, GBO's Principal, and author of Build a Green Small Business (McGraw-Hill). You may also order a free (S&H only) copy of Scott's book by clicking on the picture of the book cover below.