After a student won second place in the brand’s Campus Challenge, the school’s recreation centers received high-end product replacements

University of Michigan student Dillon Apfel posted a TikTok discussing the idea of recycling and living sustainably every single day. As a result, the school was awarded $43,000 worth of sustainable gym equipment.

SportsArt, a fitness equipment brand known for its carbon-negative treadmill, the G660, announced the winners of its nationwide Campus Challenge in April. College students were encouraged to post TikTok videos pledging their commitment to sustainable living on their campuses. Three winners were chosen, and Apfel secured second place for the University of Michigan, just behind Cleveland State University.

Apfel’s video, which included a pledge to recycle daily to reduce waste, won cardio equipment for two of the school’s recreation centers. The awarded products include the G690 Treadmill, G260 Rower, G778 Stepper, and G516 Indoor Cycle. These machines convert human energy into usable electricity and can capture up to 200 watts per hour of energy.

“I’m so happy I was able to do my part in making a difference,” Apfel said. “Especially right here at the University of Michigan.”

SportsArt, founded by Paul Kuo in 1977, was among the first fitness equipment companies to build sustainable products like the non-motorized G660 treadmill. The manufacturer’s products are sold in over 70 countries, and the company boasts more than 500,000 square feet of equipment space.

Since the creation of products like the G660, there has been growing demand from corporations and universities for eco-friendly workout options. Younger gym members and athletes are increasingly looking for ways to exercise while reducing their carbon footprint.

Ruben Mejia, executive vice president of SportsArt Americas, emphasized the importance of younger generations, like Gen Z, in shaping the sustainability efforts of universities.

“This generation is changing the world for the better, and I am blown away by the amazing ideas and individuality each student put into their TikTok submissions,” Mejia said. “Because campus rec centers are often highly used spaces, with our ECO-POWR equipment, they can realize a tangible sustainability impact. SportsArt is proud to be part of the University of Michigan’s eco effort!”

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