In this blog from ukactive Strategic Partner, MAVERICKS Life Co, Jessica R. Christensen, the organisation’s CEO & Academy Director – explains the opportunity for the physical activity sector to incorporate sustainability through outdoor activity within their operations.
The sports and physical activity sector plays a growing role in improving health and wellbeing and links to public health are strengthening. With ongoing challenges around engagement, workforce development, retention, and operational costs, sustainability is not yet at the forefront of this discussion.
As we move into the next phase of infrastructure development, what opportunities exist to integrate sustainable practices within health and business goals? How can facilities improve the wellbeing of communities and bridge the gap between fitness and health – while also benefitting the local environment?
Nature-friendly facilities offer a practical way to address these challenges. Not only can they enhance operations and reduce energy costs, but they also create opportunities to support health, wellbeing, and sustainability—while attracting more people to your facilities.
Strengthening links to health and wellbeing
Incorporating nature-based solutions aligns perfectly with current priorities around health, wellbeing, and sustainable development. Initiatives like Green Social Prescribing within the NHS highlight the value of connecting people to nature for improved physical and mental health.
Facilities that adopt these approaches are well-placed to strengthen links with public health initiatives while enhancing their services. For example, outdoor activity zones and greenspaces provide safe, accessible areas for people to be active, reducing barriers for those who may not feel comfortable in traditional gym environments.
Encouraging more people to be active
Nature-based activities are proven to motivate participation, particularly among groups who are less likely to engage with traditional fitness settings. Families, older adults, and individuals referred through social prescribing schemes are often drawn to outdoor activities because they feel inclusive, less intimidating, and more enjoyable.
Facilitating these spaces opens new opportunities to expand your service offering. Group sessions, family-friendly activities, and youth programmes can attract entirely new audiences. Partnering with local greenspaces and activity providers allows you to venture beyond your facility’s boundaries, strengthening your community reach and impact.
By offering outdoor facilities or collaborating with local leaders, your location can engage a wider audience and reinforce its role as a central hub for health, wellbeing, and physical activity.
Sustainable budgets
Nature-friendly facilities aren’t just beneficial for health—they also make financial sense. These approaches help reduce the strain on indoor facilities and staff while future-proofing for upcoming environmental and sustainability guidelines.
Whether adapting indoor spaces for versatile activities like functional training and group exercise, or creating outdoor fitness zones, landscaped greenspaces, and open training areas, these solutions are cost-effective and low-maintenance. They reduce reliance on energy-intensive spaces while increasing opportunities for recreational group activities that align with health-related fitness goals.
If on-site changes aren’t feasible, collaborating with local practitioners to deliver activities off-site offers an alternative way to reduce operational strain and expand your service offering.
Active health and community impact
By linking health and wellbeing to sustainable practices, nature-friendly facilities position themselves as leaders in combining community wellbeing, healthy environments, and physical activity. These facilities become destinations that not only support members but also contribute to the health and resilience of the wider community.
To learn more about MAVERICKS Life Co and to gain insights into nature-based exercise and its impact you can download the white paper here or learn more about up-skilling for nature-based training.
MAVERICKS Life Co is a member of the ukactive Strategic Partner Group – find out more here.
Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of ukactive.
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