Going Green at the Gym

As you walk, jog or hop up and down on your cardio equipment at the gym, have you ever taken a moment to consider how much energy is being used to keep that facility running? Besides the machine you are on, consider the climate with circulating cool or warm air, electricity for lights, other cardio equipment, fans, computers, vacuums, dryers, hot water, towels & laundering, pool, Jacuzzi, heating & cleaning and on and on.

Most large business buildings use high amounts of energy, but your local spa is using much more than the average structure. This is especially true considering that in almost every case the building was not designed to be a gym when it was built and that energy conservation has been a low-priority in building construction until recently. This is also true with some of the very large businesses that actually have in-house corporate wellness programs that include exercise facilities.

The first step toward making less environmental impact is to review current practices and make adjustments as modifications are enacted. Every little effort put forward makes a difference, no matter how insignificant it may seem at the time.

Talk with your gym owner and/or manager to let them know you are interested in doing your part to use less electricity, and offer suggestions of using signs to "conserve water" or "Turn Off when Done". Thermostats can be adjusted and water heaters can be turned down when more fans are used throughout the facility instead of air conditioning.

Future Prediction:
Gyms in the future will be partially, if not entirely, powered by the people using the equipment as the design will incorporate maximizing efficiency. Think about all of the energy production capacity that could be realized if the manufacturer built the equipment to create energy from the physical exertion. Your workout produces usable energy, and the machine is designed to capture or harness it.

Remember, YOU have the POWER!

By: BioD

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