The Human-Powered Vending Machine - Do We Really Need This?

Pep Torres, owner/founder of StereoNoise, an invention and creativity shop in Barcelona, was honored for his invention of the Human-Powered Vending Machine at the 2009 British Invention Show, the UK's largest public invention exposition held last October.

The Human-Powered Vending Machine was also named one of the 50 Best Inventions of 2009 by Time Magazine. I had to wonder why; but then noticed that several of the Time selections seem tongue-in-cheek, Q.E.D. “Tweeting by Thinking”, the “Custom Puppy” and the “Levitating Mouse”. I didn’t take the time to look at all of them, but if you’re interested, you’ll find the complete Time Magazine List of 50 Best Inventions of 2009 here.

Imagine, if you will, plunking your hard-earned money into a vending machine and then being required to cycle in place until you burn enough calories to “earn” your treat. It smacks of “mouse in a maze” to me. But more importantly, I’m opposed to such a mathematical and punitive approach to weight control.

Exercise is more consistently done and more effective when it is a natural part of your day – doing something you need to do anyway like housecleaning or doing something you enjoy like dancing or playing tennis. If you enjoy the gym or an exercycle, that’s fine; but it’s not for everyone.

This is very much in line with my philosophy on eating. Learn to enjoy and savor every bite and you will never feel deprived. Your weight can equilibrate in a non-punitive manner by following the Mediterranean or Sonoma Style of Eating.

The same can be said for exercise. In the case of eating and exercise, natural is better.

The goal: “Mangiare bene e l'esercizio bene!”

Incidentally Sal Bednarz, owner/inventor of the bike-themed Actual Cafe in Oakland, CA built a machine called the Sparkle Motion. It’s a pedal-powered video juke box, inspired by old penny-arcade movie viewers. Now that sounds like a fun way to exercise.

If you’re in the area, stop in to try it out and tell Sal that his Aunt Jean sent you ;-)

Tags: enjoy food, enjoy exercise, exercycle, best inventions 2009, eat naturally, exercise naturally, eat Mediterranean-style, eat Sonomoa-style