In less affluent areas, working out isn’t always a part of everyday life. Many of these areas don’t have local gyms, and if they do, most community members can’t afford substantial memberships dues. Taking a jog outside isn’t always an option, either, when safety or weather issues arise. Lower-income areas are also more prone to obesity and health problems, such as diabetes, which makes it even more necessary to have an indoor fitness option.
Seeing a cycle that needed to be broken, Bill Walczak, CEO of the Codman Square Health Center in Boston, decided to open Healthworks, a women-only fitness center with fees based on income. The highest monthly charge is $30, with many gym-goers paying just $10.
“In middle-income communities, there’s somehow an expectation that you’re going to have access to gyms. But when you’re in a low-income community, that stuff doesn’t exist,” Walczak told NPR. “We’re just tip of the iceberg right here, in terms of the actual need of this community to have access to indoor gyms, where they can exercise.”
Walczak raised money through his CEO position at the Health Center to build the nonprofit gym. The five other for-profit Healthworks centers also help fund the venture as a portion of their membership fees go to the Healthworks Foundation.
Residents love the fact that they can exercise in an affordable, safe, indoor setting without men around. Tamica Toney was obese when she joined the gym, but has lost 80 lbs so far. “I didn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed of being big, coming up in the gym, because we all understand each other — versus with men and women, it’s discouraging,” she said.
Healthworks also plans to incorporate a teaching kitchen, as well because the emphasis at this gym is overall health, and food is obviously a big part of that. Doctors in the area appreciate the center’s mission, too, and sometimes give vouchers to patients who stand to benefit greatly from breaking a sweat.
Photo by SashaW via Flickr.