Summary:

Gym memberships are expensive and unaffordable for most low-income families, who happen to be hit hardest by the obesity epidemic. There are not many places to walk/run outside in urban areas, and some people may not feel safe walking in their neighborhood. The Minnesota winters also make it challenging. My idea is to provide free community gyms in schools and community centers and schools (for after-hours)with workout machines and recreation equipment, so that these low-income people have a safe place to workout that won't cost them anything, as well as a place to socialize and grow their community connections. I would give tax incentives to Fitness Centers, corporations, and individuals to donate used equipment to these centers. If you go to places like Lifetime Fitness, you will notice that they always have shiny new equipment. This is where their used, older equipment can go.