Nation's First Homeless Gym Has a Green Twist

This is an unusual story. First there's a social services NGO and the homeless people it serves. Nothing unheard of there. Then there's a green gym featuring stationary bikes that create electricity that is redirected into the power grid. A novel concept but not unheard-of. Then we put these two story lines together and get something completely different.

Detroit NGO Cass Community Social Services (Cass) just opened its new Green Gym, the nation's first gym established especially for homeless people, according to a press release. The gym will offer homeless Detroit residents the standard assortment of workout equipment such as weight machines, boxing bags and a treadmill.

But also, in a novel twist, will include 10 Green Revolution Technology™ enabled stationary bikes that generate electricity for Cass' power grid. In one year, four daily classes of 10 riders can create enough power to illuminate three homes for a year. While that's a lot of effort for a small amount of power, it's an heart-healthy step in the right eco-direction.

"Not only is this gym a good idea for the environment, 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," said Rev. Faith Fowler, Cass executive director. "Stationary bikes offer accessible exercise for most levels of fitness and create an atmosphere for our growing healthy community."

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