Human-powered fitness vessel to set sail in Paris

International design and innovation office, Carlo Ratti Associati, recently unveiled the Paris Navigating Gym project, which proposes a human-powered gym boat that will sail along the Seine River by harnessing the energy derived from passengers’ workout. The project, aimed at demonstrating the potential of human energy for vehicular powering, responds to the locals’ demand for a more sustainably sound infrastructure.

The 20-meter long “fitness vessel,” featuring a series of advanced workout equipment, will have the capacity to house 45 individuals, notes Design Boom. With electric propellers, the boat can also be used for automated cruise rides along the Parisian river.

Carlo Ratti, founding partner of Carlo Ratti Associati and M.I.T. senseable city lab director, says that the idea introduces one to “a tangible experience of what lies behind the often abstract notion of electric power.” Those working out in the gym will be able to keep track of their progress via an augmented reality screen, showing real-time data, writes Design Curial.