GREENING FITNESS in Southwest Florida
by Linda Sechrist S
outhwest Florida’s fitness trainers and yoga instructors are conscien- tious green advocates that under- stand the need to conserve our planet’s limited resources. As role models for their clients, they demonstrate how simple it is to integrate green into regu- lar fitness routines.
Transcendent Fitness Micah West
CrossFit Level I Fitness Trainer Micah West is the owner of Tran- scendent Fitness, home of Naples Beach Body Boot Camp. To keep his facility fresh and clean, West uses
natural mineral- and plant-based clean- ing products that he buys at Food & Thought Organic Market & Restaurant, in Naples. “I also keep the bathroom stocked with a container of organic hand soap,” says West, who takes the time to read labels and shop for prod- ucts packaged in 100 percent recycled materials or those that use less plastic in packaging.
West also takes a sustainable ap- proach to his style of core strength con- ditioning and training that combines gymnastics, weightlifting and endur- ance. For example, he utilizes medicine balls made from recycled materials and six used tires that a local tire shop gave him. “In one of our boot camp work- out routines, an individual is required to swing a 16-pound sledge hammer and beat on a tire,” advises West. “In another, they hold on to two straps and drag a weighted tire back and forth across the parking lot.”
Another sustainable aspect of West’s business was provided by his energy-savvy landlord, who painted the
Karla Nason
roof white, so that it would reflect the sun and reduce energy costs.
Fitness Infusion Gyrotonic instruc- tor Karla Nason, owner of Fitness Infusion, at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa, in Fort Myers, uses all-natural products to keep
her studio clean and frequently mixes her own recipes. “I buy my ingredients from Whole Foods and use essential oils to scent them,” says the trainer, who is skilled in the Gyrotonic Expan- sion System, a movement methodology that embraces key principles of yoga, dance, Tai chi, gymnastics and nature. Within her sparkling studio, Nason’s wooden machines are all mechanical, using only human energy to operate. To reduce the use of plastic con- tainers, Nason buys natural soaps, lo- tions, shampoo and hair conditioner in bulk and fills up small, reusable bottles as the supply diminishes. “I also drink all day long from my reusable Klean Kanteen metal canteen, which I fill up with delicious lemon/lime/mint-infused water,” notes Nason, who adds that many of her clients walk to the studio from their homes, which surround the resort property. Rather than exercising on an indoor treadmill, individuals en- joy a beautiful walking trail, where they can breathe in fresh air and appreciate the natural environment.
Love Yoga Center
Love Yoga Center (formerly OmVibe Yoga) receives natural tender loving care from owner and yoga instruc- tor Carla Olla, who cleans her studio with water, vinegar, baking soda and
Karla Nason with Gyrotonics client
some essential oils with antibacterial properties. “Our mat cleaners are also all-natural,” says Olla, who provides students with Jade yoga mats, because the company not only uses recycled rubber, but also plants a tree for every mat purchased.
Carla Olla
Olla provides a recycling bin for students who come to class with plastic water bot- tles. “I encourage people to bring their own reusable water bottle, and I role model this by
bringing my own,” enthuses Olla, who serves tea after class in glass cups. Apparel sold at the center is made from natural materials. “I do my home- work and make sure that what I retail is not made in sweatshops,” says Olla, who gave the studio a few touch-ups with fresh, low-VOC paint, but did no retrofits, in order to avoid adding any- thing to the Collier County landfill.
Transcendent Fitness, 4646 Domestic Ave., #103, Naples 34104. Call 239- 293-9984, email Info@TranscendentFit-
ness.com or visit TranscendentFitness. com. See ad, page 22.
Fitness Infusion is open to the public at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa, 17260 Harbour Pointe Dr., Fort Myers 33908. Call 239-398-7292. See ad, page 63.
Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 204, Naples 34103. Call 239- 692-9747 or visit
LoveYogaCenter.com.
natural awakenings April 2011 35
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