Expending energy to create energy at the Green Gym

The Green MicroGym in Portland, Ore. is stocked with more than just hand weights and power bars. The workout rooms are filled with generators, which are linked to various machines and equipment like stationary bikes and treadmills. When gym members come to work out, they are not only keeping their bodies in shape, they are keeping the gym running.

The gym currently relies on the solar panels to cover about 40 percent of the operational energy. They are attempting to increase that number. They have a calculated need of 240 hours a day on the equipment to reach the goal of the gym being 100 percent self sustainable.

Even the traditional workout equiptment in the gym is using 30 percent less electricity than models in gyms across the country. The gym uses solar panels on the roof, as well as energy efficient fans and lighting.

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