Solar-Powered ECO GYM: Does it Work?

The concept of paying less for fitness the more you work out. Intriguing, for sure.

Naperville-based ECO GYM was able to put that into motion a few years back by opening three 24-hour, human- and solar-powered facilities that allowed the company to save money on electricity the more its customers would use the solar-powered equipment. But, two years after opening in Naperville, Glenview and Palatine, those not involved may have a general query. Does that actually work?

“We are setting national records in our personal training department,” Dylan Brown, general manager of ECO GYM of Glenview, said of the gym’s “flex rate” membership that allows for a scanner to track your activity and incentivizes members to work out more.

With the equipment’s ability to produce kinetic energy, the more it is used, the less the business pays for electricity. That savings is passed down to the gym’s members.

Every time someone works out for 30 minutes or more, it counts as a session. If you record 26 sessions a month, that month is free.

“With the number at 26, you really only have to come once a day, and can miss a few days too,” said Brown, who noted the number of members at the gym has grown steadily since opening in 2013 and that no other gym in the world “lets you decide what you pay in membership.”

“It’s working. People are getting their goals accomplished and are being consistent. We care that our members succeed.”

Brown touts the Glenview gym’s current team of trainers that have created “a positive buzz” with members.

“We have a tight community here, something you don’t experience in most health clubs,” Brown said.

ECO GYM’s training program is working, too. Brown says that while the industry standard of members-to-those with trainers ratio is usually somewhere around 2-6 percent, it is in the 30 percent range at ECO GYM.

“They are getting amazing results out of our clients,” Brown said.

ECO GYM has been recognized by Club Industry Magazine and its Naperville location was recently voted “Best Club in Naperville” by local residents.