Resurgent Detroit: 5 Ways Detroit Is Getting Fit

Detroit Bike City

The Motor City is definitely also a bike city. Anyone who hasn’t heard of Slow Roll might be living under a rock (literally, Apple even featured it in an iPad commercial). The event brings together thousands of bikers on Monday nights to take community rides around the city. 

But Detroit doesn’t just like riding bikes. It’s a manufacturing town, so bikes are made here, too. No, we’re not talking about Shinola. Their bikes are assembled here, but the frame and other components come from elsewhere. Detroit Bikes, on the other hand, are 100 percent manufactured and assembled in Detroit. The models are chic and timeless. Definitely worth a try.

Super limited edition 1st annual Marche du Nain Rouge A-Types on sale for 24 hours only: http://t.co/eudvw2LtON pic.twitter.com/hl2AlOmkpQ

— Detroit Bikes (@DetroitBikes) March 20, 2014

Parks And Recreation

Last year, the state of Michigan took control of Belle Isle -- a beautiful island park on the Detroit River that sits between Windsor and the Motor City, herself. For context, the park has an abandoned casino and zoo, but the aquarium reopened just a few years ago. This year, the state has announced a number of vendors who will be populating the island, including a new athletic complex.

The contract for the complex was awarded to Come Play Detroit in partnership with Healthy Detroit, which also has plans for a number of “health parks” in the region. Healthy Detriot’s concept for the parks includes a focus on healthy eating, living, mental state and, of course, fitness.

There's even a hiking and biking trail that will stretch hundreds of miles from Belle Isle to the Wisonsin border in the upper peninsular. A number of smaller parks are being rehabbed around the city as well. 

Great news! The DNR has just awarded ComePlayDetroit, Healthy Detroit, and Biederman Redevelopment Ventures with... http://t.co/0iEGjkiqG0

— Healthy Detroit (@HealthyDET) February 9, 2015

Gyms And Fitness Centers

For those who prefer to work out in-doors, Detroit has a number of places to get fit. There’s a 24-hour Anytime Fitness for a more traditional gym experience. But there’s also a CrossFit, a boxing center and a Detroit Tough gym with 40 classes a week. Yoga has also found its home in Detroit. There are a couple of studios in Midtown, another downtown and even one in Hammtramck (a city located inside of Detroit).

Everyone needs a little spinal balance! Get after it @yogashelter @yogashelterscal #yoga #yogarocks… https://t.co/caiLlsj7Lo

— Yoga Shelter (@yogashelter) February 23, 2015

Grocery Stores And Farmers Markets

Obesity is often linked with low-income areas because of a lack of healthy food available. While Detroit may not have the same number of grocery stores as other big cities or suburbs, it recently got it’s first Meijer store in 20 years with another one planned to open this year. The midtown neighborhood even boasts a Whole Foods location.

Even better than that, Detroit has a number of booming farmers markets. Most are familiar with Detroit’s Eastern Market, which hosts fresh food on Saturdays and local merchant items on Sunday. In addition, shoppers can find a farmers market at Wayne State University in Midtown and another in Northwest Detroit. 

Yes, #SaturdayMkt is #YearRound, rain or shine, @kkczarne!--every Saturday. See you there.

— Eastern Market (@EasternMarket) February 18, 2015

Healthy Dining Options

Even Detroiters who like to eat out have great options. 7 Greens recently opened up in the artsy downtown Z Lot parking garage. The menu features artisan salads with spinach, kale, arugula and more. Or there’s the option to make your own.

Diners looking for more than just salad options can check out another new spot in the 1001 Woodward building: Freshii. This new spot offers everything from salads and wraps to burritos and bowls. They even have breakfast and smoothie options.

Pre-order, pick up, or delivery. Team lunch ordering made easy #eat #energize pic.twitter.com/QFlDQsfb6G

— freshii (@freshii) February 13, 2015