Generating electricity as you burn calories

Sarah Stowe writes from Australia about the first gym chain on the country’s famous Gold Coast that connects its equipment to the grid, using a special converter.  The goal is to be a net-zero energy gym

New energy-efficiency gym model at Stepz Fitness

Twenty-four hour gym chain Stepz Fitness is turning workouts into watts with the launch of a new green club on the Gold Coast.

Stepz Fitness Benowa is the first gym in Queensland to convert human energy into electricity using exercise bikes and cross trainers that feed power back into the grid via a specialised converter.

Franchisee Nariman Karimi  said the goal is a net-zero energy gym. “We’ve placed the equipment in a prominent position so it is visible and easily accessible.

“It’s also an excellent way for people to offset their energy consumption and remind them about the concept of sustainability,” he said.

“The electricity is fed straight into the local grid that the rest of the club is connected to, so we are essentially reusing it and one day hope to be carbon neutral.

“We are the only gym in Queensland to offer cardio equipment that creates energy, converts it into electricity, then feeds it directly back into the grid.

“This is a fantastic way for our members to get fit and healthy, as well as help the environment by reducing their carbon footprint,” he added.

Karimi said not only is Step Fitness Benowa eco-friendly, it also offers a great arrangement for members.

“We provide high-quality training equipment and facilities 24/7, affordability with no fixed contracts and low joining fees, and our friendly management team brings a real sense of community to the gym.”