How Powerful Is Your Workout?

[Bouncer]

THE four stationary bikes look almost like any others, except that they are fitted with an arm crank and are hooked up to a generator. As riders pedal and turn the lever, the movement creates a current that flows to a battery pack. They generate an average of 200 watts, enough to run the stereo, a 37-inch L.C.D. television and a laptop for an hour at this new gym in Portland, Ore.

Adam Boesel, a personal trainer, wants his clients to burn calories, not fossil fuels. Last month he opened the Green Microgym, one of a new breed of fitness clubs that seek to harness the power of human exercise as a source of electricity.

Full Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/25/fa...th&oref=slogin

[Shibby]

It's an interesting idea, but without water fountains, showers and some other amenities people are going to think it's more of a hassle than it's worth. It's good that people keep trying to find new ways to go green, but the logistics is just as important as the effect. That's what's talked about on Discovery Project Earth each episode.