Exercisers Boost Power Grid

Indoor biking classes are hot these days

(NEWSER) - Exercising cyclists are gushing so much sweat that two boutique spin chains are releasing new bikes of their own creation, specially designed to prevent rusting metal and soggy handles, reports the Wall Street Journal . In-studio cycling, or spinning, is surging in popularity as gym-goers seek a cheaper alternative to conventional personal training—that's cheaper, not cheap. Flywheel and SoulCycle charge $30 and $32, respectively, per 45-minute class, and both are innovating their equipment as they briskly expand beyond their current footprint of seven locations each. More»

Boston facility sells low-cost memberships in poor neighborhood

(NEWSER) - One Boston fitness center believes that wealth shouldn't keep people from experiencing the benefits of exercise: Healthworks operates a nonprofit women-only gym in a low-income neighborhood. Residents are excited to be able to afford gym memberships, which are based on income and max out at $30 month. Some, like Tamica Toney, have used frequent visits to return from obesity to a healthy weight. "I was 252 pounds," Tamica tells NPR . "Now I am a total of 170 even." More»

Dermatologists warn on workouts in the sun

(NEWSER) - Health experts warn us to keep fit while also pestering us to beware of the sun's damaging rays. The solution, for many: indoor workouts. “I refuse to exercise outdoors,” one avid stationary cyclist tells the Boston Globe. She said she considers the sun a harbinger of cancer, not outdoor fun. “Once you start thinking about all the damage you’re doing you can’t shut it off,” notes another gym rat. More»

Home exercise takes off in lean times

(NEWSER) - Americans trying to cut back on both flab and expenditures are finding ways to go without costly gym memberships and exercise equipment, reports the Wall Street Journal. Sales of exercise DVDs and simple exercise equipment like yoga mats are booming. Experts say fitness is more important than ever in a recession as stress levels rise. And getting or staying in shape doesn't have to cost a fortune. More»

(NEWSER) - In the search for renewable energy, Europe and the US are turning to one of the earth’s most abundant resources—the tides, Bloomberg reports. Technology developed three decades ago to turn tidal energy into electricity in developing countries is finally finding traction in the West. The largest grid-connected turbine, able to power 1,140 homes, is currently undergoing testing in Scotland. More»