Plug In to Pump Up: A Gym Goes the Distance to Conserve Energy

At a little gym in Portland, OR, powering through a tough workout on the elliptical machine can actually work a lot more than your biceps and thighs. Inspired by a similar fitness center in Hong Kong, The Green Microgym generates electricity using a combination of solar power and the dogged pedaling of exercisers' feet.

Founded by fitness trainer Adam Boesel, The Green Microgym opened its doors last September, and has since generated thousands of watts of electricity by harnessing the power of its patrons.

How does this place work? The concept is surprisingly simple. Working out on the spin bikes and elliptical machines pumps energy into small batteries that can later be used to power the gym’s electronics such as stereos and LCD screen televisions.

A similar plug-and-play process is used for a machine called the Human Dynamo, a new invention produced by Henry Works in El Paso, Texas that was specially installed in the gym for group applications. This revolutionary fitness equipment connects four stationary bike machines to a generator that when fired up with swift pedaling and an eager pump of your arms, can produce up to 450 watts per hour.

“I love the bicycles and ellipticals, and knowing that all that power generated is going back into the grid,” said naturopathic physician and frequent patron Dr. Greg Garcia. “I think it’s very forward thinking.”

So are many other features of the gym’s energy conservation efforts. Energy Star ceiling fans, flooring made out of recycled materials, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and energy efficient treadmills are just a few of the ways Boesel and his team are changing the way we get in shape.

All of the hard work is certainly paying off. According to Boesel, the last energy bill was only about a hundred bucks, and may drop even lower during spring and summer months when the mighty power of the solar panels kick in a bit more.

“There’s a lot of potential with this type of business because it’s one more reason to come to the gym,” Boesel says. “It’s the opportunity to help yourself and the environment and get yourself educated about how much energy really costs.”

“What I really liked about the Microgym, says Garcia, “is that it’s in my neighborhood, it’s very convenient, and I’m a firm supporter of sustainability and anything that supports an idea or a business that’s trying to be as efficient as possible.”