Do you think an energy producing gym would be successful?

There's actually a place in Portland that does this!

http://www.popgoesgreen.com/portlands-green-microg...

I think it would be successful, and more affordable!

Great idea in theory! People pay to exercise, same people pay more for "green" electricity (even though it is cheaper to produce), so the obvious question is "will they pay more than regular gym fees to do something environmentally positive?"

Considering I have seen perfectly healthy people pull up to the front door of a gym, park in the handicapped space and jog inside with towel and bag - when they could have parked on the other side of the lot, had a free jog both to and from their car... most folks will pay for anything that is marketed correctly.

As to the amount of electric generated, you would have to design a power table system that combined all used equipment while some type of clutch left the unused equipment out of the drag. Conversion, storage and distribution add to the complications but it still seems like a worthy experiment if you factor in the higher price green enthusiasts seem willing to pay along with the free media exposure. I would say "go for it", do some design drafts, work up a business plan and get financing from SBA loans and government energy research grants. At the very least you will help the economy by providing some jobs while helping people stay healthier and at least attempting to find viable energy options.

Hire me as an engineer!

You'll generate maybe 2-3 kW if 30 guests are generating 75-100 W of power average.

Let the utility company do lighting, HVAC, etc. Use the generated for something cool and visible like ceiling fans.

Technology demonstrated will get you recognized like on the news and stuff. Spend advertising costs on the electronics instead. That plan will pay for itself with your own free Wikipedia page.

The profit to the guests will be on the psychology. Working out while making something makes people work harder.

We do plans! Later.

I'm sure you'd attract a lot of environmentalists, and there are a lot these days, but the cost of all the generators would probably outweigh the people going to the gym and producing electricity. Even if you produced the electricity, what would you use it for? Your own battery/electric company? Personal use? If converting chemical energy to electric energy was more efficient, then this would be a great idea, but since you probably wouldn't earn enough I advise you against it.

No... Converting muscle power to electricity is very inefficient.

Wiring ect. would get very costly not just to install but to maintain, considering the relatively small amount of energy produced.

There are bigger inefficient fish to fry out there right now.

not as well as burning down a forest.

Well, it is to costly.