A Green Workout

Lowering stress, losing weight, and fending off illness, these are all great reasons to exercise.  Some local heath clubs will soon boast another reason to work out…going Green!

Thanks to some local entrepreneurs, health club patrons will soon be able to harness the energy they use working out to create electricity.  The Green Revolution, Inc. will be providing a turnkey solution to health clubs capture and convert this energy into electricity that will be used onsite or returned to the electrical grid.  Just like onsite solar power, the energy generated will utilize net-metering technology to run the meter in reverse when generated power exceeds the current power needs of the club.

Patrons will be able to access a website telling them how much power they’ve generated.  These online records can be used by the club to enable programs that provide rewards to patrons based on the amount of exercise-based power they’ve generated.  The specific rewards will be determined by the clubs but some early ideas include the usual work-out premiums like water bottles, towels and t-shirts, as well as some Green focused alternatives like energy saving devices, Green cleaning supplies and perhaps even home energy audits.

The Green Revolution will also provide other supplemental services to health clubs such as energy efficiency consultation.  The offering suite seems to be a win-win for health clubs and customers alike.  The clubs get to lower their energy bills, lower expenses and get great PR in an increasingly carbon conscious marketplace.   The patrons get free premiums and ways to track their workouts and their personal contribution to global warming solutions.

Watch for pilots on the East Coast this fall with a full launch later in the year.  For more information contact The Green Revolution at www.EGreenrevolution.com.

Update: Listen to NPR audio coverage at http://www.wshu.org/news/story.php?ID=6063 and watch video coverage on a CBS affiliate http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=117841@wcbs.dayport.com