Penn State Altoona, SportsArt partner for energy-producing fitness equipment

Ten ellipticals are part of SportsArt's sustainable gym equipment installation in the Adler Athletic Complex Fitness Loft..
Ten ellipticals are part of SportsArt’s sustainable gym equipment installation in the Adler Athletic Complex Fitness Loft.
Image: Marissa Carney

Penn State Altoona has partnered with SportsArta green fitness brand that develops sustainable gym equipment, for the first sustainable installation of its kind at the college.

The installation, in the fitness loft of the Adler Athletic Complex, features SportsArt’s ECO-POWR equipment, including 10 ellipticals, four recumbent cycles and two upright cycles. These machines use SportsArt’s SA Well+ System, a home screen that provides real-time data on energy generated by the gym user. The ECO-POWR ellipticals and bikes use built-in micro inverters to harness the human energy created while the equipment is in use. This process helps offset the carbon footprint of both the recreational facility and user. Up to 74 percent of the energy produced is captured, converted and returned to the grid as utility grade energy, which also helps save money spent on electricity.

The facility also includes two pinnacle cross trainers and one bilateral upper body ergometer from SportsArt’s standard, self-powered line of cardio equipment.

“One of the primary goals of Penn State Altoona is to integrate sustainability and environmental stewardship in our operations as an institution of higher education,” said Brent Baird, director of athletics. “By partnering with SportsArt, we are demonstrating our commitment to this goal and setting an example for our students of how to make sustainability a part of their everyday lives.  We are also enhancing the students’ recreational experience by providing such high quality equipment.”

“I am so honored to be working alongside individuals at such a driven and socially responsible university,” stated Ivo Grossi, CEO of the Americas for SportsArt. “To be able to provide this sustainable line of equipment to a younger, more impressionable generation gives them the opportunity to soak in the importance of green initiatives. Eager and passionate minds, such as those at Penn State Altoona, are the ones green companies needs to get in front and interact with.”

This story was originally shared on the Penn State Altoona website on December 12, 2018.