Some of my best friends enjoy going to the gym. They say they get a charge out of a good workout, a buzz from a good schvitz. I have to admit, though, I never was much of a gym rat. I mean, take a walk or ride a bike and go somewhere, do something. Exercise, to me, should be a value-add. Running on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike seems kind of, well, like going nowhere.

That caveat aside, from where I sit (emphasis on “sit”), someone’s finally come up with a way to make workouts do some work. A company called ReRev is retrofitting cardio gym equipment to turn the kinetic motion of your aerobic workout into DC (direct current) power that feeds back into a building’s electrical system. The current is fed into a ReRev box where it’s converted into utility-grade AC (alternating current), the form of electricity our homes and businesses know and love. That’s free – working up a sweat aside – electricity with no maintenance required.

According to ReRev, the system can turn a typical 30-minute workout into 50 watt hours of clean electricity. That’s enough to power a laptop for an hour, charge your cell phone six times, or power a compact fluorescent light (CFL) for two and a half hours.

The system is installed at a growing number of facilities across the country, including venues at a bunch of universities, such as Florida, Kentucky, Chico State in Northen California, and Drexel in Philadelphia (pictured above). In fact, your gym could be ideal for a ReRev system, depending on its workout volume and amount of equipment.

And if you’re interested, the ReRev site has a nifty form you can fill out about your gym master (Is that what they’re called? I wouldn’t even know).

Lights, treadmills, fans, air conditioning. Unless you pump iron at the Venice Beach outdoor gym
chances are you’re burning as many kilowatts as calories. Here’s how to green your fitness routine.

Does your health club have recycle bins near the sports drink vending machines?

If not, contact your city hall to see what steps must be taken to arrange for pick up or if the health club must hire a private firm. Meet with the owner or manager of the club to share your findings.

Are the lights connected to motions sensors?

Surf the web to show the management how easy it is to find motion sensors.

Can a water filter be installed on the fountain?

Water filters are a great way to rid water of metals and improve taste. Install one in your health club bubbler and you’ll be doing your part to discourage vending machine use.

Bring along a refillable aluminum water container, like a SIGG or Klean Kanteen, PBA-Free plastic ones such as Nalgene or Camelbak to landfill bottle buildup.

Namaste green

The Green Yoga Association offers a checklist to help health clubs and yoga studios go green such as choosing a yoga mat that’s been produced without PVC or latex (using bamboo or hemp) and earth-friendly mat cleaners like Happy Yoga Mat Wash. Opt for sustainable workout clothing such as organic cotton yoga pants and bamboo sports bras, and print schedules, flyers, and other promotional materials on tree-free or recycled paper.

Green cardio

If you love the StepMill or StairMaster, try playing Rocky and find a few flights of stairs. You’ll reduce your carbon footprint by making some of your own. While the motions are similar, real steps will have you utilizing different muscles each time you vary your stride and width.

If you love the treadmill, take a stab at venturing outside. What might have seemed daunting in 2008 could be just the push you need to break out of your comfort zone and make 2009 the year to try new things.

Once you’re gained a little confidence sign up for a local road race and see if you can shave a few seconds off your time. No race to be found? Create one of your own and support a cause that you believe in. Be sure to log on to The Greenteam a community for race events, runners, and folks who simply give a damn. Greenteam members (it’s free to join) have access to eco-friendly race listings and nutrition and training tips.

Earth friendly running shoes

They’re starting to pick up speed, albeit slowly. Check out the the Cascadia 3, made with all natural ingredients, and The Trance┞¢ 8 with BioMoGo, which had a biodegradable sole.

When you’re ready to treat yourself to a new pair of shoes, log on to Recycled Runners to find a new home for your old friends. Click on to your state to find a drop spot.

Race in place

Not up for venturing out yet? That’s ok. Reduce your transportation footprint by working out at home with a DVD. No more falling behind in class – simply pause and rewind until you’re in your comfort zone, from belly dancing and Body Bar to Bosu and Ballet.

Image: Celso Flores

It was always a good idea; now it’s finally been done. Just in time for January fitness resolutions, sing up for the gym that’s partially powered by your workout. (It’s okay to admit that this conjures up images of hamsters on the treadmill, generating energy for the world to go round.) But rodent making the rounds it’s not. The Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon, has set the new standard for eco-fitness, indoors.

The gym is outfitted with Team Dynamo and Spin bikes set up to generate electricity, as well as extensive solar panels that help to offset the gym’s carbon track print. Treadmills use 30% less power than standard models, all lights are compact fluorescents, and the floors are made of recycled rubber and eco-friendly cork.

If you’re nowhere near Portland, all is not lost. What I like best on Green Microgym’s eco list is that personal trainers sometimes take their clients outside to exercise. Don’t forget the original solar-powered gym: the great outdoors.

Image: iconocast