Checking the possible strategies for practising sport in a more sustainable environment, in the case of Barcelona

Abstract

Gyms or fitness centers are amongst the most inefficient places in terms of energy consumption(1). After the global pandemia of SARS-Covid there has been a seismic shift away from gyms and towards outdoors (public spaces), home fitness, and digital options like fitness apps, YouTube channels and internet sources to make exercising more accessible. Biohealth circuits, which are essentially green spaces with exercise equipment for people to use, are now available in many towns throughout Spain. This is a novel approach to the use of public space, with the goal of encouraging healthy leisure time use.(2) The main objective of this study is to identify ways to have a more sustainable city and how to provide conditions for a healthier society by arranging better infrastructure for sports activities in the public space. For the analysis of this complex matter, our current study relied on secondary sources, and besides exploring specialist literature, it also illustrates and analyses related statistical data and city maps. In this study we took a closer look at theoretical background about necessity of sport for individuals and society, sport facilities and outdoor public spaces. Then we conduct a case study about Barcelona and more specifically Besos area to specify the existing facilities and public spaces, society preferences and the strategies to use to lead the inhabitant towards a healthier and more active life in a most sustainable way.