Gymnasium becomes the first gym in the UK to become a B Corp.
We are incredibly proud to announce that we are the first gym in the UK, and only the second CriossFit gym in the world, to become a B Corporation. We have joined a prestigious global movement of companies including Patagonia, The Body Shop, Burton, Ben & Jerry’s and Innocent as Certified B Corporations.
B Corp certification is the preeminent sustainability credential. It was created by B Lab, a global non-profit that aims to make it easier for mission-driven companies to have a more positive impact on the planet and its people. Ultimately it’s about businesses being a force for good in the world.
B Corp certification is to business what Fair Trade certification is to coffee or what Organic certification is to food production.
Gymnasium is the first gym in the UK to achieve this certification. With two sites in South West London, Gymnasium offers expertly coached, small-group fitness classes for all abilities, from HiiT and CrossFit to Mobility and Olympic lifting.
We believe all businesses should invest in a purpose higher than just profit. People care about where they spend their money, who they work for and are increasingly choosing to do that with companies that share their own values. Becoming a B Corporation has been a key objective to demonstrate our commitment to the community we serve, the staff members we support, and the environment we use. We started Gymnasium to change the way the world works-out and becoming a B Corp is a key step to help us achieve that.
To certify as a B Corp, Gymnasium had to meet rigorous standards in 5 key areas; governance, workers, community, environment & customers. These principles are written into its Articles of Association – placing impact on people and planet alongside profit in any decision taken by its management team.
This has been achieved through a long list of initiatives that include:
A commitment to salaried positions in an industry dominated by hourly workers, the development of an internal Coach Academy programme for staff development, pay above industry average wages and the provision of a range of other benefits.
The creation of a Spartan program for underprivileged youths in collaboration with local charities and online Legends classes for those over 60. These are both provided free of charge.
Commitment to reviewing significant suppliers, seeking local alternatives wherever possible, and selecting suppliers that meet our rigorous standards including Teemill, Eleiko & Nocco.
Our charitable giving policies – supporting local charities through generation of funds collected from no-show/late cancellation fees and events.
Since its launch in 2006, more than 100,000 businesses have signed up for the B Corp Impact Assessment, yet only 3,500 have been certified which is testament to its extremely high standards.
You can read our B Corp report here.