David Butcher not only spends energy during his workouts, he creates it.

"I am a very eco-conscious person," explains Butcher, a client service director in San Jose, California. "I put a pedal generator together more than 30 years ago—back in the 1970s."

A pedal generator is a device that produces modest amounts of electricity from pedaling (or hand-cranking) a stationary bike. They were invented in the 1970s, when interest in home-grown energy alternatives first surfaced.

Butcher rode his home-built pedal generator consistently for a few years, but eventually got out of the habit  And while it never broke down or wore out, several job-related moves forced him to dismantle the unit.

"By 2006, I was 185 pounds. It was time for a change. I assembled a new pedal generator and committed myself to a regular workout schedule again. Since then, my daily workouts have dropped me down to 150 pounds—my high school weight."

Prevention power

Like his concern for the environment, Butcher applies a preservationist philosophy toward his health. "I take the health maintenance concept very seriously," he says.

"Along with riding my generator again, I started riding my actual bicycle more, too. And I dramatically changed my diet," Butcher says. "It's been four years and I haven't been sick since."

The green benefit

"At the pace that I work out, I generate about 100 watts of energy per hour—sometimes more like 110," Butcher explains. "Today my morning workout powered my laptop, my razor, two cell phones, and a cordless phone."

Butcher notes that he also saves a lot of energy (and gas money) by avoiding having to drive to the gym for his workouts.

How did you thrive today?

What's your way of making the most of every day? Share your approach to healthy living by submitting your story, photo, or video.

For inspiration, here are some ways people all over are thriving:

• Today I did a full hour of cardio. — Konnie McKee

• I ran three miles. — Pat Nerz

• About three times a week, I hit the gym and spend about 60 minutes on an elliptical machine and/or a cross-training (arms and legs) elliptical machine. I like to split up my workouts between the gym, the pool, and the mountains. — Jack Huttig

• I walk to and from work every day and hit the gym at lunch four times a week. When I get home, I feel rejuvenated and am able to disconnect from work and enjoy my family time. It is possible to thrive and feel healthy within your daily work schedule. — Richard Rocca

filed in: Exercise & Fitness
subjects: exercise, weight loss