Patrons Supply Gym Power With Workouts

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. -- Those who work out at Ridgefield Fitness Club don’t just burn energy -- they create it.

“If you're going to be here and going to be working out, why not turn it into energy?” asked Allison Stockel, who works out at the club. “It makes total sense.”

The club is the first to utilize “green revolution.” Through the process, a “power pod” is attached to the wheel of a regular spin bike, turning it into an electrical generator. As riders pedal, club officials said, power is produced and sent to the gym’s electrical grid, which keeps the lights on and fans running.

“Anything that can give back to the club, save energy and pay for itself over time is going to be great,” said Ridgefield Fitness Club owner Jim Johnstone. He said he thinks this will really make people who are exercising more eco-conscious.

A single workout produces enough power to light four fluorescent bulbs for an hour, he said. Over the course of a year, he said, spin classes will produce enough juice to light 72 homes for a month.

“Everyone's become more personally competitive, I think, trying to see how much wattage they can create,” said Cathy Wien, of the Ridgefield Fitness Club. Some cities even are looking at similar technology for sidewalks, which would capture energy from pedestrians.

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