Detroit often finds itself on lists denoting the unhealthiest cities in America, but Cass Community Social Services (a.k.a. Cass) just took a unique step toward changing that, by building a gym to support the homeless.  Known as the Green Gym, it is the first workout facility in the nation created specifically for homeless men, women, and children. 

Making exercise equipment available to this under-served community is not the only aspect that makes this facility unique, however.  In a move toward truly progressive thinking, the Green Gym earns its moniker because it features 10 Green Revolution Technology™ enabled stationary bikes that will generate electricity to be redirected into Cass’ power grid.  

The idea was the brainchild of Cass' executive director, Rev. Faith Fowler.  "I read a publication about a for-profit gym using the Green Revolution bikes to create electricity and I began to think about the benefits the bikes could bring to the people at Cass - helping residents, staff and volunteers improve their health, and reduce their stress, while reducing the need for electricity and raising environmental awareness." 

It then took about six months from conception until completion.  Expenses for the gym included the ten stationary bikes, equipment to convert the electricity, a rubberized floor, paint, and wall materials.  Everything else was donated, or recycled, including weights, a treadmill, a boxing station, pool table, ping pong table, sofas and lockers.  The total cost of the project was $35,000, which was raised through a variety of sources. 

The grand opening of the Green Gym earlier this month marked a revolutionary step by Cass to reduce its carbon footprint, lower its energy costs, and improve the quality of life for Detroit’s most at-risk citizens.  A cyclist, in a single workout, can generate enough Watt hours to power two laptop computers for an hour.  

That can really add up.  A  full class at the Green Gym can accommodate ten cyclists.  Imagine four full classes of peddlers daily--over the course of a year they would generate enough power to light 36 homes for a month, or three homes for a full year! 

The facility's value clearly extends far beyond the unique stationary bikes though. “Not only is this gym a good idea for the environment," states Fowler, "but it will help build the general health of our clients who often struggle with diabetes or heart disease associated with obesity and weight gain." 

Access to the Green Gym is currently limited to the 240 men, women and children who live in Cass’ facilities, 100 staff members and the organization’s loyal volunteers.  

According to Fowler, the response since opening has been phenomenal, with staff brining in workout clothes for lunch breaks and residents challenging one another to pedal, play pool, and lose weight. 

The Green Gym is located inside Cass' warehouse at 12025 Woodrow Wilson in Detroit, off the M-10/Lodge freeway at Elmhurst/Webb.  The gym itself is staffed entirely by volunteers and is open six days a week (Monday-Saturday).  

For additional information about this progressive nonprofit visit: www.casscommunity.org.