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April 22, 2008 – Today was just like any other day for millions of gym-goers world-wide, but for those who recognize Earth Day as an opportunity to leave the treadmill and glaring lights behind, today was something quite different. You might say they traded their carbon footprint for a footprint in the sand, grass, path, or wherever they chose to workout.
Have you considered how much electricity it takes to power an entire gym? Most of us don’t. An article published in the March issue of the Wall Street Journal highlighted a health club in Hong Kong that is transforming some of the energy produced from the gym equipment to power some of the lights and televisions. The technology is a long way from going mainstream, or from making a huge dent in the monthly electric bill, but the concept is fascinating. Everywhere you look, there is the potential to make a difference. It is nice to see that some companies, such as the one in Hong Kong, are taking a step in the right direction. And you can too. Head outside — leave a new kind of footprint — one that won’t harm the environment, and experience what a workout is like under a blue sky in a Spring-scented park. You might not want to workout indoors again!