Chapter 5: Sustainability in the Portuguese Fitness Industry

The chapter aims to present what has been achieved in terms of sustainability by fitness centers in Portugal. And, at the same time, to enable Portugal to achieve the 17 sustainability objective, we present three projects that are underway in Portugal. Project 1 tells us that fitness centers meet 9 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and makes operational environmentally friendly recommendations according to the needs of each fitness center (e.g., the installation of solar panels). Project 2 already covers fitness events and makes similarly environmentally friendly recommendations (e.g., cycling or walking to events). Project 3, through a pilot project, analyzes the perception that managers, workers, and members have of sustainability and how this perception can influence their satisfaction and future intentions. In this preliminary study, with the aim of internationalization, we found that respondents have a lower perception of environmental sustainability than social and economic sustainability. It is recommended that fitness centers in Portugal follow the National Portuguese Fitness and Health Clubs Association’s recommendations (Portugal Activo).