In February of 2008, 75 percent of Cal Poly students voted to fund the expansion and renovation of the existing Recreation Center. Now, as we are in the heart of the renovation, I hope Cal Poly considers alternative measures when building the Recreation Center.
Specifically, I recently read about a gym in Portland called the Green Microgym, which provides a more meaningful way to work out.
The gym captures the energy emitted by members on the cardiovascular machines, which are connected to generators. The Human Dynamo spin bikes alone can generate 350 watts of energy.
Not only does working out help to power the lights, TVs and stereos in the health center; they also provide a “burn and earn” program.With every hour on electricity-generating cardio machines, members earn a dollar. After 10 hours of exercise, they receive a $10 gift certificate to a local café or grocery store like Whole Foods.
Just imagine the amount of energy Cal Poly students could harness with a mega-gym full of green machines.