icon-account icon-glass

Join the community!

We'll keep you up to date with interesting news, product information and offers so you never miss out.

No boring newsletters and we'll never share your address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Popular Products

The Lean Protein
Whey protein powder for weight-loss.
The Energy Booster
Pre/intra-workout powder with BCAAs.
The Glow Booster
Collagen supplement for skin.

How to Train More Sustainably

21st February 2023

21st February 2023

By Robyn Schaffer

Everyone’s talking about sustainability. In every sphere, in every industry, sustainability seems to be the topic du jour. And thanks to the ongoing pandemic, the environmental issues that our planet and society was already facing have been unexpectedly magnified.

Now more than ever, we’re realising the consequences that our actions have on the future of the planet, and the choices that we make in all aspects of our lives are becoming more and more critical by the day.

The world of fitness is no exception. The UK fitness industry is one of the biggest in Europe, in second place to only Germany, so the impact we have in this area is paramount.

Over the past few years, a whole host of brands and companies in the industry - big and small - have been working to make the fitness space more sustainable and ethical. Not just for the benefit of the planet, but for us as individuals. However, we know that if you aren’t so well-versed on the topic of sustainability, it can be difficult to know where to start. 

So with that in mind, we’ve put together a list of five easy steps you can follow if you want to know how you can train more sustainably. Mother Earth will thank you later.

Sustainable activewear

Activewear. It’s our favourite type of clothing, even more so since lockdown. According to GlobalData, the UK sportswear market is forecast to grow by 20.9% out to 2023 to reach £6.7bn. That’s a lot. So the choices we make when buying our gym gear are pivotal.

Instead of fast fashion brands or global high street labels, opt instead for local or independent, ethically made, sustainable brands that don’t contribute to the huge amounts of waste created by the fashion industry.

Think leggings made from recycled plastic bottles and total supply chain transparency. What’s not to like? Some of our personal faves out there right now are Girlfriend Collective, TALA, Perff Studio and Pangaia.

Recycle your old gear

If you’re a bit of an activewear hoarder (we won’t judge) it might be time for a clear out. But did you know that 350,000 tonnes of used but still wearable clothing goes to landfill in the UK every year?

That’s around £140 million worth of clothing wasted. Instead, recycle or donate your old gear. Initiatives like Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe programme takes your used shoes, recycles them and gives them a new life. While Adidas' trade-in option lets you send them any old gear (used or unused), and they’ll then reward you with points to put towards a new purchase. It’s a no-brainer.

Be more plant-based 

Incorporating more plant-based foods and meals into your diet has become one of the biggest health trends of the past few years. In fact, interest in 'veganism' and eating plant-based increased seven fold in the five years between 2014 and 2019, according to Google Trends. 

Eating more plant-based meals is not only beneficial to your body (just think about all that natural goodness), it’s also more sustainable for the planet and the beings that inhabit it.

To get started, why not try Meat-Free Mondays once a week? There’s many misconceptions about eating plant-based, and getting enough protein doesn’t always mean shoving in the steaks. Try our delicious recipe for lentil and mushroom bolognese if you’re in need of some inspiration.

And don't forget that many of our Innermost products are also vegan. If it's good enough for GQ and Men's Health, we know you'll love it too. 

Cut that carbon footprint

In 2017, greenhouse gas emissions from road transport made up around a fifth of the UK’s total GHG emissions. So if you’ve been driving to the gym, think again. Luckily, there are plenty of ways we can cut our carbon footprint in relation to our training.

Take public transport, cycle, walk or even run to the gym - who doesn’t want to get that extra workout in? Motivate yourself by downloading apps like Strava or Nike Run Club to track your movements and compete with friends. Now’s your time to show off.

Spread the word

Last but not least, one of the best things you can do for the sustainability movement is spread the word.

Talk to friends and family about your sustainable finds, follow new brands on social media and share their content wherever you can. There are also plenty of sustainable fitness blogs out there to keep you informed and entertained while you learn.

Check out a few of our favourites here:


Now it's time to put in the work. We'd love to hear how you get on with these suggestions for incorporating more sustainable choices into your lifestyle and fitness routine, so hit us up in the comments below.

Need Expert Advice?

Other Insights

The Truth About Electrolytes
Electrolytes. You’ve seen the word plastered across sports drinks, hydration tablets, and wellness blogs. You know they have something to do with hydration and performance. But do you really need them? Or is this just another overhyped wellness trend? The Hard Truth About Hydration Most people think hydration is as simple as drinking enough water. Wrong. If you’ve ever felt exhausted despite drinking litres of water, struggled with brain fog, or suffered from muscle cramps and sluggish recovery after exercise, there’s a good chance you’re missing a key piece of the puzzle: electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium that keep your body running smoothly. They: Regulate hydration – Helping your body absorb and retain water effectively. Boost performance – Ensuring muscles contract properly, nerves fire efficiently, and your body keeps up with demands. Reduce muscle cramps – Preventing painful spasms and fatigue caused by mineral depletion. Improve brain function – Supporting cognitive performance, reaction times, and mental clarity. Maintain pH balance – Keeping your body’s internal systems stable for overall well-being. But here’s the problem: when you don’t replenish electrolytes, your body feels it. Dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, and even impaired cognitive function can all stem from electrolyte imbalances. If you’re training hard, sweating, fasting, or simply not eating enough electrolyte-rich foods, you’re losing more minerals than you think. The Science of Electrolytes & Hydration Even mild dehydration affects brain function. Studies show that a 2% drop in hydration can impair memory, focus, and reaction time (Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2019). Electrolytes prevent muscle cramps. Sodium, potassium, and magnesium imbalances are the biggest culprits behind muscle cramps and post-workout fatigue (Sports Medicine, 2021). Performance drops by up to 20% when you’re dehydrated. A 2020 study found that a 1-2% decrease in hydration levels can lead to a 10-20% decline in endurance and power output (European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2020). Water Alone Won’t Cut It A lot of people assume that staying hydrated is just about drinking more water. But here’s the problem—drinking too much water without electrolytes can actually make things worse. Overhydration (yes, that’s a thing) can dilute sodium levels in your blood, leading to hyponatremia. Symptoms range from headaches and dizziness to nausea, confusion, and in extreme cases, even life-threatening complications. That’s why professional athletes, marathon runners, and high performers don’t just drink plain water—they strategically replenish electrolytes to keep hydration levels balanced. How to Stay Properly Hydrated Want to make sure you’re actually hydrating your body the right way? Here’s how: Drink smarter, not just more. Hydration isn’t just about intake—it’s about absorption. Your body needs minerals to properly retain water. Eat water-rich foods. Cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and leafy greens naturally contain electrolytes and help with hydration. Replenish electrolytes, especially after sweating. Whether you're working out, fasting, or in hot weather, your body needs sodium, potassium, and magnesium to maintain hydration and muscle function. Ditch sugary sports drinks. Many electrolyte drinks are loaded with sugar, artificial flavours, and unnecessary additives. Your body needs the right balance of minerals—not a sugar spike. Electrolytes & Everyday Life Think electrolytes are only for elite athletes? Think again. They play a vital role in daily life, too. Morning sluggishness? Your body loses electrolytes overnight. A small dose first thing in the morning boosts energy and mental clarity. Post-workout fatigue? Sweat = lost minerals. Replenishing prevents muscle cramps and aids recovery. Fasting or low-carb diets? When you reduce carbs, your body flushes more sodium and potassium—leading to fatigue and dizziness if you don’t replenish. After drinking alcohol? Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes fluid and mineral loss, which is why you wake up dehydrated and groggy after a night out. Proper electrolyte replenishment before bed can help reduce hangovers. The Problem With Most Electrolyte Drinks The issue with many “electrolyte” products on the market? They don’t contain every electrolyte your bodies need or they contain electrolytes in super low concentrations so it’s more of a marketing gimmick than anything else. In addition, many are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients including silica; an ingredient I despise and will be talking more about on our social channels. Most mainstream electrolyte drinks contain: Excess sugar – Leading to unnecessary calorie intake and blood sugar crashes. Artificial additives – Unnecessary chemicals that do more harm than good. Cheap mineral sources – Making them less effective at restoring balance. Your body deserves better. The Innermost Solution The Hydrate Blend – a science-backed, 100% natural electrolyte formula that’s free from silica, artificial ingredients, and sugar. It hydrates up to 5x more than water alone, making it perfect for everyday hydration and workouts. Unlike most sports drinks, it delivers every single electrolyte in the right balance without sugar or synthetic fillers. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or just trying to stay sharp and feel great, The Hydrate Blend helps you stay hydrated, recover faster, and perform at your best. Final Thoughts Hydration isn’t just about drinking more water—it’s about absorbing it effectively. If you’re constantly feeling tired, sluggish, or cramping up, chances are your electrolyte balance is off. So next time you feel off, don’t just chug another glass of water—make sure you’re replenishing the right minerals, too. Read more
From Couch to 21.1k: How to Train For A Half Marathon As a Beginner