MaineBusiness.com

How Green is Your Fitness Facility?

While Mainers are growing accustomed to hearing the word “green” when it comes to products and services, most have never pondered the question, “How green is my fitness facility?” Stacey and Jesse Coleman of Gorham, owners of the Gorham Fitness Studio, did ask themselves this same question before moving to their brand new “green” location, which opened this past September. Prior to the move, the Colemans offered personal training services and fitness classes out of a small, second-floor studio. Even with small beginnings, the Colemans winning combination of family-friendly fitness classes and children's programming began to gain momentum and built up a larger client base. Soon, it became clear that the Gorham Fitness Studio had outgrown its original location, and the search began for a larger space.

Stacey and Jesse, who both have backgrounds in youth programming and recreation, saw the move as an opportunity to make some real changes, both in terms of the size of their facility as well in their business practices. Both wanted to make the new space as eco-friendly as possible, and they say that having a green work-out facility fits in nicely with their overall mission, “Eat healthy, be earth-conscious and exercise daily,” Stacey says. “We are trying to teach this message to our community and create a place where families can learn, change and grow,” she adds.

The Colemans, in collaboration with Great Falls Builders of Gorham, used as many green measures as possible when renovating their new space, which, in turn, will save energy in the long run. The builders were able to reuse existing materials that were left over from the demolition process, including wood, ceiling tiles, lights and doors. Rather than removing the old flooring, which would have been thrown away, the contractor laid the new flooring on top of the old. The tiles that were used in the facility's entrance area and bathrooms were left over from another construction project. The flooring used in the work-out areas is made from recycled rubber tires and makes up over half of the facility's square footage. Jesse used salvaged wood to make the front desk as well as wooden benches and shelving by hand.

The Colemans requested that low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint be used on the walls, which releases less harmful fumes into the air than traditional paint. They also purchase non-toxic and green cleaning supplies for the facility, which are better for the overall air quality as well as for the environment.

The Gorham Fitness Studio was designed to maximize natural sunlight, which will reduce both heat and electricity usage. Large ceiling fans will also lower heat and electricity costs by circulating warm and cool air. The heating and cooling units themselves are extremely energy efficient, as are the facility's two on-demand hot water heaters. Both the heat and hot water systems use natural gas, widely considered to be a more energy efficient form of fuel than traditional heating oil.

The kid’s area of the Fitness Studio, which offers playground equipment and a space to play, is separated from the adult exercise area by a curtain, rather than a wall. This allows for better air circulation, which will also cut down on energy usage. No new equipment or toys were purchased for the kid's area, as the Colemans chose to use donated or second-hand items instead. In the adult weight and cardio room, human-powered elliptical machines have been set up, which use no electricity.

Stacey and Jesse encourage their members to recycle by offering a recycling bin for water bottles and want to add a water filling station in the future. In the spring, they hope to add an outdoor exercise area in the back of the facility which will further reduce their energy consumption. Stacey and Jesse also welcome their clients' suggestions on how to make the Gorham Fitness Studio even greener.

The Gorham Fitness Studio now offers a variety of fitness and strength training classes for men, women and children. For more information about Stacey and Jesse Coleman and The Gorham Fitness Studio, you can visit their website at:
www.gorhamfitnessstudio.com

The Gorham Fitness Studio
17 D Railroad Avenue
Gorham, ME 04038
(207)-839-3353