11 May 2012

The BBC reports on the rise of Outdoor Fitness Equipment throughout Britain - with research suggesting that many people who use Outdoor Gyms never exercised before.

"In the summer, the adult playground becomes a bit of a social event with everyone helping each other. I'm not fond of indoor gyms - or their prices."

Read the full story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17818223

03 March 2012

“I’m conscious in the current climate people struggle to join gyms because money is tight so this is a good way of keeping fit, particularly for some of the older members of the community who might not like going to the gym.”
"With everyone feeling the pinch these days I think there's loads of people who will appreciate these great free facilities.”

Despite the snow on the ground, two new outdoor fitness areas have opened in Croydon and Winchester.

Read more...

03 March 2012

The Rutherglen Reformer reports that an outdoor fitness circuit In Burnhill, South Lanarkshire, has been funded from the Cashback to Communities Fund. This fund reallocates money recovered from crime under the Proceeds of Crime Act, with a main aim to promote the rehabilitation of offenders and help reduce offending by maintaining and improving sports amenities available to communities. http://www.rutherglenreformer.co.uk/rutherglen-news/rutherglen-local-news/2012/02/22/burnhill-set-to-host-outdoor-fitness-equipment-63227-30376883/

C’mon, let’s see the Criminal Assets Bureau open up the purse-strings a little! ;-)

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03 March 2012

“It is ideal for those aged 15 and over. It’s gentle exercise and allows older children as well as parents and grand-parents to join in the fun.”
“I think it will be beneficial and complimentary to the area. It is a lovely setting.”
“It’s taken off all over the country.”

The Lochside Leisure Centre in the Scottish town of Forfar is the latest home of outdoor fitness equipment thanks to an installation sponsored by a grant from the Forfar Common Good Fund. 

This article comes from the Kirriemuir Herald: http://www.kirriemuirherald.co.uk/news/local-headlines/new_equipment_proves_to_be_a_hit_1_2129829

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03 March 2012

“It is suitable for the school’s students and also for the rest of the local community, including the town’s pensioners. We hope people will come along and make good use of this fantastic facility.”

The Perins School in Alresford, Hampshire has just finished a new outdoor gym for use by the whole community. The project was funded by New Alresford Town Council along with a National Lottery grant and money from Hampshire County Council’s Community Challenge fund.

The story comes from the Romsey Advertiser: http://www.romseyadvertiser.co.uk/news/winchester/9556522.Alresford_school_opens_fresh_air_gym/

Would this work for your local school? Let us know! Contact us, give your feedback or leave a message on our Facebook page.

03 March 2012

“I have never seen an outdoor gym in my life. I plan on losing at least 15kg,”

The mayor of Johannesburg, Parks Tau, has just opened a new outdoor gym in the Petrus Molefe Eco Park, in Dhlamini, Soweto.

The reports are here:
http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/goodlife/2012/02/29/getting-into-the-swing-of-things-in-soweto
http://www.thenewage.co.za/44786-1009-53-Soweto_gets_in_shape_with_free_outdoor_gym
http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7786&catid=88&Itemid=266
http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7741&catid=88&Itemid=266

There is clearly huge goodwill and support for the project. Well done to all concerned for making it a reality!

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09 February 2012

A new scientific study in Health & Place (v. 18, no. 1, Jan. 2012, p. 39-45) has just been released:
http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP20120003.html

The study, looking at outdoor fitness equipment installations in the Los Angeles, entitled Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of Family Fitness Zones - A Natural Experiment in Urban Public Parks was conducted by Deborah Cohen, Terry Marsh, Stephanie Williamson, and Daniela Golinelli.

It finds that the use of parks with and without outdoor exercise equipment did not differ significantly. However, the users and how they use the parks differ, with significantly more individuals reporting that they were new park users, and higher estimated energy expenditure in parks with the outdoor equipment.

Read more...

09 February 2012

"Extensive research shows that access to parks is essential for sustaining healthy people and healthy communities. Easy access to facilities increases frequency and intensity of exercise, and people are more likely to exercise when in groups or social environments."

The YouTube video is here:
http://youtu.be/OIfJVVaTvrU ...

and the full article is here:
http://www.tpl.org/what-we-do/where-we-work/california/los-angeles-county/fitness-zones.html

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