As local councils and community projects look for a way to support their local residents through the various burdens of Covid-19, one area that has been utilised as a positive option is that of installing new outdoor gyms across many parts of the UK.
We are huge believers in the benefits offered by outdoor exercise at any time, but especially this year with so many other options so restricted, so it’s great to see the growing range of outdoor gym equipment options in the UK be enjoyed by so many.
With this in mind, we thought we’d share a few recent examples of new gym installations from around the country that we’ve noticed and enjoyed. We’ll come back and update this as we hear of new examples.
Isle of Wight
A new outdoor gym space has recently been installed at Bouldnor playing fields on the Isle of Wight, through Shalfleet Parish Council funding. Councillors said they researched what items would be best for local residents, compiling a space which offers activities for up to eight users at once.
The area features a double health walker, two slalom skiers for swing movement, a double waist twister, a Tai Chi element for co-ordination, an arm pedal bike for wheelchair users and safety matting around the equipment.
Caerphilly
Caerphilly has been blessed with a number of new outdoor gyms across the region, with several spaces installed as part of a Welsh Housing Quality Standard programme in Penyrheol, Gilfach Park Estate, Fochriw and Aberbargoed.
A further contract for around £100,000 has now been awarded to an outdoor fitness equipment manufacturer to install outdoor gyms in Graig y Rhacca, Gelligaer and Cefn Hengoed.
East Devon
There was a recent installation of a new outdoor gym in Seaton’s Seafield Gardens. The £15,000 outlay for the new equipment was funded by Seaton Town Council, with the area to be maintained by East Devon District Council, who stated: “Health and well-being are of paramount importance in these difficult times and I’m sure many people will take the opportunity to use the new equipment free of charge in the open air all year round in the new location in Seafield Gardens.”
These are just a few of the fantastic outdoor gym projects we’ve heard about recently, but we’re sure there are many more popping up all around the UK and being enjoyed by many as they seek safe exercise opportunities.
For anyone who wants to know more about adding their own outdoor gym space, our team would be happy to speak with you in more detail.