New gyms promote outdoor exercise

Latest news in Yorkshire: September 01, 2017 02:01:00 PM


New facilities aimed at improving the health and well-being of older people have officially opened in Rotherham.


Clifton Park and Greasbrough Park have welcomed two sets of new low-impact exercise equipment, aimed at over-65s.


The outdoor gyms have been provided through new neighbourhood community funding, which involves closer engagement of councillors in communities. Councillors allocated funding for outdoor equipment in the parks following consultation with local people.


The equipment – which is free to use - was officially opened by Rotherham Council, Friends of Clifton Park and Greasbrough Park, and local councillors.


Looking just like any other playground, the equipment is designed specifically to provide gentle exercise for older people, although younger people will not be turned away! It includes equipment such as an air walker, air skier, leg stretch, and an arm and leg bike, with each designed to exercise a different part of the body.


Councillor Taiba Yasseen, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Working and Cultural Services, said: “The outdoor gym is proving very popular with people and children of all ages – we rarely see it empty.


“We worked closely with Friends groups to choose the right kind of equipment, making sure they were low impact and suitable for use by older people. The aim is to provide equipment for a low resistance workout which will help people work their joints and gentle stretching, as part of the Council’s commitment to helping keep older people active for longer.”


Maureen Taylor from the Friends of Greasbrough Parks said: “We proposed a fun outside gym for those who are still young at heart and want to exercise. You would be hard pushed to find a better view from any indoor gym. It's also a chance for people to socialise and have fun. You're never too old to play."


Rotherham Council Urban Parks Manager Andy Lee said: "We are keen to encourage more people to exercise in the great outdoors. This is a fantastic new facility and we believe that it's going to be very popular amongst the thousands of people who visit our parks each year.”

Yorkshire Photography


[catlist name=Latest News]