Best Idea Ever

Do you know the power unit "horsepower"? And I'm sure you can figure out that it was not named after someone, like Joule or Newton. No, it is called horsepower because it is how much power a horse can produce. Know what else can produce power? You.

I stumbled upon an article in Gizmag: New and Emerging Technology News from yesterday about this company in the United Kingdom that is creating small, free, open-air gyms that harvest the energy that the people produce.

BRILLIANT

Why has this not already been a thing? Why did no one ever think of this before? It's so, so brilliant. I love it. I want my own. Peace out, America. I'm going back to London. I miss the Underground PLUS I can work out at a free, open-air gym, get some fresh air and a tan, and do my part to help the world's energy crisis!

But really, we should have thought of this a long time ago. One of the first things you learn in physics is the law of conservation of energy. Energy is not created or destroyed, it is transferred. So when you go to the gym and burn calories, every calorie you burn transfers 4.2 kJ out of your body. Energy which can be converted into power. Power which can be used.

Currently the generated electricity is used to light the exercise zone at night, but it could be used on local buildings or more.

One person's comment really made me think about how big of an impact this simple idea could actually have on a multitude of issues:

"Imagine a world in which electric utility companies set up local "gyms" consisting of treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical trainers, etc. ... where one could actually work out, supply electricity to the grid, and maybe help cut one's own electric bill in the process. I wonder how much healthier we might be."

Um, YES?

For all of our sakes, I sincerely hope that this idea does not fail. I really hope it gets to America. People will be more motivated to exercise because instead of spending money on a gym membership, they will be saving money on their electricity bill. And while doing this, they are getting some fresh air and sunshine and exercise, all things key to good health.

Isn't there a joke about trying to harvest the energy that three-year olds have? Well, here you go.

I'm so excited to see what the future brings.