COUNCILS
Inspire2tri Community Interest Company installs a Fresh Air Fitness outdoor gym to provide rehabilitation and exercise opportunities for older and vulnerable populations
When exercise was limited by Covid restrictions, it had many consequences for elderly and vulnerable adults who would normally benefit enormously from exercise and all of the healthy, social contact that comes with it.
Inspire2tri Community Interest Company recognised that their Rainbow Trail public exercise area needed some long-lasting, easy to use outdoor gym equipment and commissioned Fresh Air Fitness to tackle the project.
The installation needed to be robust for year-round use by a variety of levels of fitness and experience with exercise equipment.
The range of equipment needed to be suitable for users with different levels of mobility and so it was very important that seated exercise formed part of the final mix.
It was also essential that there were clear, accessible instructions for use.
Fresh Air Fitness installed a range of low impact exercise equipment with many seated pieces. Each machine was widely spaced to allow for additional accessibility.
The successful installation included the following:
Arm and Pedal Bike
a seated exercise bike that allows for rotation of the arms and legs. The user can control the speed and oscillation to manage the level of exercise and match it to their own fitness levels. Improves flexibility, core strength and cardio fitness.
Recumbent Bike
a seated exercise bike that allows for a deeper and more supported seated position. When seated the user can rotate their legs strengthening and toning thigh and calf muscles.
Cross Country Skier
a standing piece of equipment that provides a full body work out as, just like cross-country skiing, users stand on the footplates, moving their legs forwards and back whilst also using their arms to drive the handles forwards and back. Very sociable and great fun.
Twist & Step
a two in one piece of equipment designed for users to do supported step or rotational exercises supported by a bar to hold and support the body to improve flexibility, core strength and cardio fitness.
Rider
an upright rower that required the user to push with their legs whilst simultaneously pulling down with their arms against resistance. This builds cardio strength, stamina and muscular strength.
Accessible Combi: Pull Down and Chest Press
specifically designed for wheelchair users. It has an innovative design that works in union with the user’s own wheelchair, to allow for a dual upper body workout – a chest press and a pull-down challenger. Builds strength in the chest arms and back whilst allowing for socialisation as two users can use it at the same time.
Seated Leg Press
whilst seated users have a fully supported back to push their legs and use their body weight for resistance. A strong workout for thighs, hips and buttocks, whilst protecting the knee joint.
With clear signage and instructions to use the outdoor gym installation, it quickly became very popular all year round.
“Our Fresh Air Fitness outdoor gym was chosen for the quality of equipment, it’s suitability to our older and clinically vulnerable population of exercisers and the level of service from the company. Installed in August 2021 it was a life saver when exercise was limited inside and it continues to be a hugely popular addition to our Rainbow outdoor exercise trail.”
Mary Hardwick, Coach and Founding Director, Inspire2tri
Our team of experts can provide you with everything you need to know about funding for your outdoor gym equipment. Our funding experts have already secured funding for thousands of outdoor gyms across the UK.
We can support colleges, community groups, councils, schools and charities with funding options. Our dedicated specialists have a wealth of experience in securing funds and in addition to this, we also offer a FREE downloadable guide on Funding.
Fresh Air Fitness is the UK’s leading provider of outdoor gym equipment. Since 2007, the team has installed over 4000 outdoor gyms. A Fresh Air Fitness outdoor gym is robust, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. With one of the largest ranges of outdoor gym equipment, see one of the latest special offer packages or cherry pick your favourites for a bespoke solution.
If you would like more information, one of the Fresh Air Fitness team would be delighted to assist with your enquiry on 01483 357289 (South) or 0151 3293550 (North).
Our Fresh Air Fitness outdoor gym was chosen for the quality of equipment, it’s suitability to our older and clinically vulnerable population of exercisers and the level of service from the company. Installed in August 2021 it was a life saver when exercise was limited inside and it continues to be a hugely popular addition to our Rainbow outdoor exercise trail
MARY HARDWICK, COACH AND FOUNDING DIRECTOR, INSPIRE2TRI
