Equipment lets you burn energy and create it at the same time

New “green” exercise equipment at the South East Recreation Facility allows the user to generate energy that is fed back into the building’s power grid.

The equipment — two elliptical machines, two recumbent stationary bikes and two upright stationary bikes — are attached to an inverter which captures energy generated by the activity in generator boxes at the front of the machines. Up to 72 percent of the energy output from a workout can be converted into usable electricity.

Sarah Lopina, a sophomore studying pre-pharmacy, says she’s glad she can help the planet while getting fit.

“I look for the green equipment every time now to do my workout since my energy is being renewed and recycled back into the facilities to help with electricity,” Lopina says.

The machines include an application called EcoFit that tracks a user’s energy output and fitness statistics in the current session and over time. Results of workouts can be shared via social media, and can be displayed on flat screen TVs mounted in front of the equipment.

The equipment aligns with the university’s waste eliminator initiative, which began in the early 2000s.

“Installing this equipment is a great next step toward upgrading equipment and facilities and in our mission to promote personal fitness and encourage sustainable practices,” UW–Madison fitness/wellness director Lori Devine says.