Dec
Outdoor Gym Equipment: Engaging Communities and Promoting Healthier Lifestyles
With sedentary behaviour on the rise and physical inactivity now recognised as a global health risk, local communities face growing pressures to promote active lifestyles. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that insufficient physical activity contributes to 1 in 4 adults worldwide failing to meet recommended activity levels. This inactivity not only impacts individual health but also places a strain on public health services, driving up healthcare costs and reducing community wellbeing.
A study conducted by Liverpool John Moore’s University on Caloo’s outdoor gym equipment in 10 locations across the Sefton area of Liverpool, Merseyside, found that 75% of users reported an increase in physical activity levels after engaging with the equipment. The study also highlighted improvements in mental wellbeing, with 61% of users stating that using the equipment had a positive impact on their mental health. (Source: Liverpool John Moore’s University, 2013*)
Outdoor gym equipment offers a practical, accessible, and cost-effective solution to these challenges. By providing free-to-use, public fitness spaces, parish councils can encourage residents to engage in regular exercise, promoting healthier lifestyles and fostering stronger community connections.
Key Benefits of Outdoor Gym Equipment
1. Improved Health and Wellbeing
One of the most significant advantages of outdoor gym equipment is its positive impact on public health. By encouraging physical activity in local communities, it helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. With no membership fees required, community fitness becomes accessible to everyone, from older adults looking to maintain mobility to younger people building lifelong healthy habits.
2. Inclusive and Accessible for All Ages and Abilities
Outdoor gym equipment is designed with inclusivity in mind. Many pieces of equipment offer a low barrier to entry, with simple, easy-to-use mechanisms that cater to people of all fitness levels. From beginner-friendly resistance-based machines to advanced calisthenics and street workout stations, everyone in the community can find a way to participate. This inclusivity fosters community spirit and allows people of all ages to exercise together, promoting social engagement as well as physical health.
3. Cost-Effective for Parish Councils
Installing an outdoor gym is a one-time investment that provides long-term benefits for the entire community. Unlike indoor gyms that require ongoing memberships, outdoor gyms are free to use. The durable, weather-resistant equipment requires minimal maintenance, reducing ongoing operational costs. Parish councils can boost community engagement and improve public health without the financial burden of costly leisure centre projects.
4. Community Engagement and Social Wellbeing
Having outdoor fitness spaces in public parks or community hubs draws people together. Friends and families can work out together, and the visibility of people using the equipment serves as a motivating factor for others to join in. When residents see their neighbours engaging in healthy activities, it promotes a sense of shared purpose and pride in the local area.
5. Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable
Outdoor gym equipment is typically made from sustainable and weather-resistant materials, requiring minimal energy usage for upkeep. Unlike traditional indoor gyms that consume large amounts of energy for lighting, air conditioning, and electrical equipment, outdoor gyms operate passively. This sustainability element appeals to parish councils and local authorities looking to achieve green initiatives.
Features of Modern Outdoor Gym Equipment
1. Calisthenics & Street Workout Equipment
Calisthenics and street workout equipment have become increasingly popular among younger audiences and fitness enthusiasts. Equipment such as pull-up bars, parallel bars, and dip stations offer opportunities for bodyweight-based training, promoting strength, flexibility, and endurance. These highly versatile stations support users at all fitness levels, from beginners to experienced athletes.
2. Resistance-Based Machines
Resistance-based outdoor gym equipment offers similar functionality to indoor gym machines, but without the need for electricity. Machines like chest presses, leg presses, and rowing machines enable users to perform targeted workouts, building muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance. They are particularly useful for older adults or those rehabilitating from injury, as users can control the intensity and pace of their workout.
3. Functional Fitness Stations
Functional fitness equipment allows users to engage in full-body workouts, using multi-use stations for various exercises. This type of equipment supports activities such as climbing, balancing, and stretching, catering to a broad demographic and encouraging dynamic movement. Functional stations are ideal for communities looking to provide a more diverse fitness offering.
4. Digital Connectivity with the Caloo Gym App
A standout feature of Caloo’s offering is its Gym Search App, which allows users to find local Caloo-installed outdoor gym facilities. The app also helps users track their workouts, access training tips, and learn how to effectively use the equipment. By incorporating this digital element, Caloo empowers communities with the tools to sustain active lifestyles. The Caloo Pulse App can be downloaded form the Apple App Store or Google Play.
How Parish Councils Can Maximise Community Engagement
1. Site Location Matters: Install the outdoor gym in a visible, high-traffic area such as a local park, recreational field, or near children’s play areas. Visibility encourages greater use.
2. Community Involvement: Involve local community members in the planning and design phase to ensure the equipment meets the needs of the people who will use it.
3. Marketing and Awareness Campaigns: Promote the installation of new gym equipment with community events, social media announcements, and signage. This encourages initial interest and ongoing engagement.
4. Track Engagement with the Caloo Gym App: Encourage residents to use Caloo’s Gym Search App to discover nearby gym locations and track their fitness progress. This digital connectivity can sustain motivation and keep users coming back.
Why Parish Councils Should Choose Caloo?
Caloo’s outdoor gym equipment is designed with quality, durability, and community engagement in mind. Their broad range of fitness equipment caters to all abilities and ages, from calisthenics setups for advanced athletes to resistance machines for rehabilitation and general fitness. With a focus on sustainability, low-maintenance materials, and modern design, Caloo provides an end-to-end solution for parish councils looking to create healthier, more connected communities.
Additionally, the Caloo Pulse App Gym Search sets Caloo apart from other providers. With the ability to locate nearby Caloo outdoor gym sites, track workouts, and access usage tips, the app offers a modern, user-friendly approach to community health and wellbeing.
If you’re a parish councillor looking to enhance community wellbeing, Caloo’s outdoor gym equipment is a proven solution. Not only does it encourage a healthier lifestyle, but it also strengthens community bonds, boosts engagement, and supports a greener, more sustainable future for your local area.
For more information on Caloo’s range of outdoor gym equipment, visit our website or contact us directly. Alternatively, download the Caloo Gym Search App on the Apple Store or Google Play to find your nearest Caloo community gym and start your fitness journey today.
Source:
* G Bates, E McCoy, R Murphy, N Kornyk, D Suckley, ‘Evaluating the provision of outdoor gym equipment’, Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University 2013.
