New Detroit Lion Academy gives students, teachers space to work out
Lions Legend Eric Stocz (82) during a Count Day activation event at Detroit Lions Academy on Feb. 11, 2026 in Detroit. (Carl Jones II/Detroit Lions)
EPIC Fitness Group and Impact Fitness, two Planet Fitness franchise groups that operate 60 Planet Fitness locations across Metro Detroit, are proud to announce an exciting project in partnership with the Detroit Lions Foundation and United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM), helping bring a new health and wellness room to students at Detroit Lions Academy.
Detroit Lions Academy is an alternative school for students grades 6-12 in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
The school features small class sizes, individualized instructions, and a partnership with the Detroit Lions that provides mentorship, resources, and additional support to the students.
Promoting healthy lifestyles
The newly unveiled fitness space, now open and being used daily, provides students and teachers with a dedicated environment to exercise, relieve stress, and promote healthy lifestyles.
The gym was unveiled during a Grand Opening event on February 11, 2026, which coincided with a statewide student count day activation at the school.
During the event, students were joined by local community partners as well as Detroit Lions Legends Eric Stocz (#82) and Alex Lewis (#59), who led students through a mini-workout and shared the importance of staying active and making healthy choices.
Variety of fitness equipment
The new health and wellness room includes a variety of fitness equipment, installed by Planet Fitness, designed to accommodate a range of activity levels and workout styles. The space also offers healthy snack options for students, including milk products provided by UDIM, helping reinforce the connection between nutrition and physical wellness.
“This project represents exactly what Planet Fitness stives to do in our communities, creating welcoming spaces where people of all backgrounds can improve their physical and mental well-being,” stated Mary Scott, VP of Marketing at EPIC Fitness Group. “We are honored to partner with the Detroit Lions Foundation and UDIM to provide Detroit Lions Academy students and staff access to a full fitness space that supports health, wellness, and confidence.”
Teachers at Detroit Lions Academy have already begun exploring ways to incorporate the gym into the school’s health and wellness curriculum, giving students opportunities to build lifelong fitness habits while also providing a positive outlet for stress relief.
“Projects like this show how powerful community partnerships can be,” stated Brian Facchini, Detroit Lions Chief Communications & Brand Officer. “Together with the Planet Fitness and UDIM, we’re helping ensure that more young people in Detroit have access to the tools and resources they need to stay active, build confidence, and prioritize their health.”
