Alfonso Arroyo: Prioritizing Physical Activity for Public Health

SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 2025-06-17 11:01:00

Go Fit Champions Public Health Through Physical Activity

Go Fit is committed to making physical activity a public health priority, focusing on environmental, economic, and social well-being.

• Go Fit views physical activity as a public health right, not a luxury.
• The company uses public-private partnerships to democratize access to sports facilities.
• Sustainability is integrated as a core business strategy, targeting health, inclusion, and climate action.

How dose Go Fit translate its vision into an operational model? Alfonso Arroyo, attached to the presidency of Go Fit, highlights the company’s foundational belief: physical activity is crucial for public health. Since 2009, Go Fit has worked to make sports spaces accessible, promoting public health through the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

Go Fit’s Operational Model and Urban Integration

Go Fit’s model relies on public-private partnerships to make high-quality sports facilities available. Currently,the company operates 21 centers across Spain and Portugal. The recent opening of a center in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, under a 40-year concession with the City Council, exemplifies this approach. This long-term commitment revitalizes urban areas, transforming outdated spaces into community welfare centers.

Go Fit aims to create inclusive community environments to combat social disconnection. the centers serve as meeting places, fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening community ties.They actively work against loneliness, offering accessible and welcoming environments for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Did you know?-Studies show that regular physical activity can substantially reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation, especially among older adults. Go Fit centers aim to combat this by providing welcoming community spaces.

Sustainability and the 2024-2028 Strategy

Go Fit integrates sustainability as a core strategic lever within its business model. The goal is to transform commitments typically linked to external compliance into an internal driver of transformation and added value. The “New Route Map 2024-2028” aligns the operational model with the Enduring Development Goals, especially in areas of health, inclusion, sustainable cities, and climate action.

Go fit has reinforced its governance and developed concrete indicators to drive progress. Energy management is a meaningful challenge, notably in centers open up to 18 hours a day. The company is focused on achieving climate neutrality through reduced consumption, renewable energy use, and emission absorption projects.

Pro tip:-when starting a new fitness routine, focus on consistency over intensity. Even short, regular workouts can have a significant positive impact on your health and well-being.

The Role of Scientific Evidence and Innovation

Health prevention through sport is a fundamental pillar of Go Fit’s value proposition.Exercise is a key preventive tool for many chronic conditions. Go Fit actively works to improve the health of its users through each visit to their centers. Scientific evidence plays an essential role in this commitment.

the Go Fit Lab, the company’s research unit, validates all services and programs. Since 2018, over 2 million euros have been invested in research, promoting seven doctorates and two postdoctoral studies. These studies have led to impactful collaborations,such as the one with the San Carlos Clinical Hospital and Rey Juan Carlos University,with personalized physical exercise programs for breast cancer survivors.

This integration of science and innovation provides an experience based on quality, evidence, and efficacy. Applied research is incorporated in areas like clinical exercise, exercise prescription digitalization, and active lifestyle promotion, to guarantee real improvements in well-being, mental health, and life satisfaction.

Technological Innovation and Environmental Sustainability

Technological innovation is crucial to Go Fit’s sustainability model. All centers use bright air conditioning, energy recovery, and real-time monitoring systems, which have reduced the carbon footprint as 2018, despite the growth in centers and users.

One hundred percent of the electricity used comes from renewable sources. The company is eliminating natural gas usage, opting for technologies like aerothermal systems. Go Fit is also investing in photovoltaic self-consumption,with plans to multiply installed capacity in new centers. They are incorporating geothermal and biomass technologies.

Go Fit is evolving towards nearly zero-energy buildings and self-sufficient energy centers. The new center in Turin will have a photovoltaic generation 40 times higher than the average in 2020. In 2024, sustainable investments had a positive impact of 4.3 million euros.

Go Fit is also working to optimize water use through solutions like dry urinals, the installation of electroporation systems in swimming pools (reducing the need for chemicals), and a global water efficiency strategy, which has already reduced consumption by over 25%.

Addressing Social Inequalities and Vulnerability

Go Fit’s vision is built on environmental,economic,and social pillars. The commitment to people-social sustainability-is the most transformative long-term aspect. Go Fit collaborates with organizations like Caritas, the Red Cross, and Doctors Without Borders and activates solidarity campaigns in all centers, from food collection to free or bonus programs for vulnerable populations.

Go Fit centers aim to become active agents within their communities, promoting neighborhood coexistence and equal access to physical exercise. Through activities open to all citizens, from active aging workshops to sports days for youth, the company seeks to promote community cohesion. They are addressing the social challenge of unwanted loneliness. Go Fit centers are designed to be meeting spaces where connections, shared routines, and informal support networks are generated.

Go Fit uses both quantitative and qualitative indicators to measure the impact of its actions, including the number of beneficiaries, activated social alliances, the degree of community participation, and improvements in emotional indicators. The company believes that assessing social impact means understanding how it contributes to building more cohesive, safe, and human communities.

Go Fit’s Vision for 2028

How does Go Fit envision its future in 2028? By 2028, Go Fit aims to be a company that has grown internationally, while still rooted in each city and neighborhood where it operates. the plan is to open more centers in Italy by that date. The company strives to be recognized for improving people’s quality of life, focusing on the deep connection between body, mind, and community.

To achieve this goal, Go Fit needs an organization focused on continuous innovation, centered on people, with motivated staff and users who feel supported. True success will be creating places that adapt their services to the real needs of their users. In 2028, Go Fit hopes to look back and feel they are helping more people live with greater well-being, a sense of belonging, and a higher quality of life.

The Power of Community: How Go Fit Fosters Social Connection

Go Fit’s dedication to community health goes beyond bricks and treadmills.Thay are actively cultivating spaces where people connect, build relationships, and find support. This commitment addresses the rising tide of social isolation and loneliness, offering a practical pathway to improved well-being.

The company recognizes that physical health and mental health are intertwined. Creating a supportive community is just as crucial as providing access to exercise facilities. Go Fit centers aren’t just gyms; they’re hubs designed to combat social disconnection and build a sense of belonging. Their approach is multifaceted, integrating various initiatives that encourage interaction and shared experiences.

One important initiative involves partnerships with local organizations. Go Fit aligns with groups focused on senior well-being, youth advancement, and support for vulnerable populations. These collaborations deliver tailored programs and events that cater to specific community needs.As an example, they might host active aging workshops in collaboration with eldercare centers and offer subsidized memberships to those facing financial hardship.

Insider’s view: Go Fit’s community outreach extends beyond their physical locations. They actively participate in local events, sponsor sports teams, and partner with schools to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles from an early age.

The design of Go Fit centers plays a crucial role, to. The spaces are purposely open, welcoming, and designed to facilitate interaction. Common areas, like the cafe and lounge, are designed as places where people can easily connect with one another before and after workouts. These are not merely a physical conversion of spaces but an organic shift in the culture that defines them.

Staff training is also an vital factor in Go Fit’s success. Employees are trained to be pleasant and approachable. They are encouraged to build relationships with members and to foster a welcoming atmosphere.The centers frequently organize small group activities such as group fitness classes and social events. These types of activities naturally foster social interaction and help members support each other in their fitness journeys.

Building on Success: Future Directions for Community Initiatives

What steps are being taken to deepen the bond between Go Fit and its patrons? As it has expanded, Go Fit consistently investigates new opportunities for community engagement. The company plans to incorporate virtual platforms to connect members outside of a physical location. online exercise classes, virtual support groups, and forums are being considered to complement their in-person activities.

They are prioritizing incorporating feedback from members. Regular surveys, focus groups, and open interaction channels help Go Fit to understand the specific needs and interest of the communities the centers serve. This valuable insight informs the development of programs and services that build upon community needs and desires.

Practical advice: To further enhance community engagement, Go Fit might consider creating mentorship programs that connect experienced members with newcomers. These can provide additional support and encouragement to stay motivated.

Another critical area of focus for Go Fit is measuring the positive impacts of its programs. They are implementing metrics to assess the effectiveness of community initiatives. This includes tracking member participation, gathering feedback on social interactions, and monitoring improvements in overall well-being. By rigorously evaluating their efforts, Go Fit can make data-driven adjustments and tailor its strategies for the greatest possible impact.

Furthermore, to reinforce their mission, Go Fit intends to broaden their reach to underserved communities with a goal of promoting equity. Their goals include improving access to programs, as well as reducing financial barriers to encourage diversity in attendance.Collaborations with organizations that focus on social justice are crucial to their mission of true community outreach.

The Go Fit’s strategy is a holistic one. The results of social cohesion can be both qualitative, such as improving feelings of belonging, and quantitative, like increased center attendance. By fostering social connection, they are transforming health clubs into indispensable community cornerstones; that way, they improve people’s health and enrich their lives.

Frequently Asked questions

How does Go Fit measure the impact of its community programs?

Go Fit uses a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. They track participation in programs,collect feedback through surveys and focus groups,and monitor changes in member well-being metrics to evaluate the reach of their community initiatives and refine their strategy.

Are Go Fit centers accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes, Go Fit centers are designed with accessibility in mind. They strive to provide inclusive facilities and programs to accommodate people of all abilities. Contact the center nearest you for details on specific accessibility features.

How does Go Fit encourage social interaction within its centers?

Go Fit fosters social interaction through a friendly physical design.Moreover, the company organizes group classes, social events, and training to educate employees on the importance of promoting positive social interactions with its members.

Does Go Fit partner with any local organizations?

yes, Go Fit collaborates with several local organizations across all its locations. They partner with groups providing support for active aging, youth development, and support for vulnerable members of society. Through these programs, Go Fit enhances its ability to reach its community support goals.

How does Go Fit’s approach to community differ from that of a typical gym?

Go Fit goes beyond physical fitness by prioritizing community. The company focuses on creating welcoming spaces and organized activities to reduce social isolation and build a sense of belonging. the focus is on holistic well-being, recognizing the importance of community in health.