Digital leaderboard displaying real-time data.
By Torie Doll, University Communications and Marketing
New cardio equipment in the ±«Óătv Campus Recreation Center allows users to convert their workout into electricity. ±«Óătv is the first college or university in Florida to have 12 ECO-POWR treadmills, ellipticals and indoor cycles. Each one-hour workout can power a desktop computer for at least two hours. Users can keep track of their progress through a digital leaderboard that displays real-time data on how much electricity students generate on the equipment.
“It’s nice to see ±«Óătv taking steps towards cleaner energy overall,” said Parker Klay, fourth-year student and user of the SportsArt elliptical. “We should have more of these. We have a very active student body and should take advantage of it.”
The machines are sleek and simple; no energy-consuming television monitors or motors that start the motions for you. As people power the machines, energy is produced and provided to the recreation center through a storage bank. The ±«Óătv Department of Recreation and Wellness received support from the ±«Óătv Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) to purchase the equipment because the initiative aligned with ±«Óătv’s commitment to sustainability by reducing energy consumption to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Parker Klay (right) works out on the SportsArt elliptical.
“It’s a great student experience and chance for them to give back,” ±«Óătv Recreation and Wellness Director Jay Souza said. “In the world of sustainability, these machines are pretty cool because it’s a tactile piece, and not only do you burn calories, but you’re helping to offset our power consumption.”
Programming and energy-generating competitions using the new equipment are being planned. Depending on student feedback and further support from the SGEF, ±«Óătv’s other recreational locations could receive sustainable equipment in the future.