BPI Electric Fitness: Project Update

This semester, BPI has organized a group independent study project to design and build energy-generating weight-training equipment. The project, which consists of 15 Brown students and a mechanical engineer from Toronto, is another step in the larger effort to harness the mechanical energy that gym-goers produce into electrical output, all while maintaining the same functionality or even improving it for the user. We are working with our advisor, Professor of Engineering Chris Bull, to get acquainted with currently available technology and what might suit our system best.

Having decided on the type of system we will pursue for the energy translation, we are currently in the design phase and are awaiting funding and materials to begin building thereafter. For more about our project, check out bpi.betterxdesign.org, our page in the Better x Design organization's projects section.

The Green Microgym

Here is an article from the BBC featuring pioneers of the green fitness movement. The article discusses the Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon, and its founder Adam Boesel, and the inventor of the Human Dynamo system, Mike Taggett. I have been in touch with both men regarding our project for the upcoming semester. The article sheds some more insight on what success in this arena looks like. See the article and accompanying videos here: BBC News - The Green Microgym

"We waste so much energy and by starting this gym and really being focused on energy conservation, there are so many things that I've found that are very easy for people to do to save energy."

The goal is to have the gym run solely on the energy it generates.

"Especially in these times, the ability to at least make some small impact on improving the future of not only this country or the community, but really the world…is a really motivating factor for people right now."

"I think in 20 years it's going to be standard for all gyms,' adds Mr Boesel.