Green Gyms Generate Electricity From Muscle Power

Posted by Heartmind _Featured_, Alternative Energy Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

A new type of gym is starting to gain popularity across the United States. These new green gyms use specially configured exercise machines to generate electricity from the energy created when gym patrons use them. In North America, there are more than 80 establishments that create energy this way.

“We have seen a significant increase in interest in the past six months, which is a good sign that fitness centers are ready to invest in green technologies,” said Mike Curnyn, co-founder of the Green Revolution, a company that wires exercise bikes so they can store energy.

One example is The Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon. The 3,000 square foot gym opened in 2008 and has over 200 members. It’s had so much success that its owner Adam Boesel has started franchising, opening its second gym five miles from the original on November 15th.

At this time, The Green Microgym isn’t capable of generating enough electricity to be carbon-neutral, but if all the equipment gets used at one time, it can produce 10 times the amount needed to run the facility at any given moment. According to Boesel, an average workout creates 37.5 watt hours, which is enough to power a phone for a week.

“Someday this is not even going to be [considered] green”, said Boesel. “Because this is going to be the norm.”

Full article: http://www.time.com/