EDUCATION - SECONDARY SCHOOLS
New outdoor gym facility enhances the PE curriculum and also provides a dynamic environment for students to enjoy physical activity during break-times.
Woking High School had done their research and already knew all about the incredible benefits of having an outdoor gym facility at their secondary school setting, but they were keen to find a provider who was flexible enough to meet their exact requirements.
They wanted to work with an organisation that was not only a specialist in outdoor gym installations, but one that would offer an end-to-end service and a selection of equipment that would offer a full body workout – including accessible options for wheelchair users.
With support from ‘Friends of Parks’, who helped in funding the project, the outdoor gym needed to boost the outdoor exercise provision and benefit the whole school community.
The goal for the school was to transform and reinvent a previously unused, uninviting area into an exciting, appealing fitness zone.
The equipment needed to be fully inclusive and fit alongside the existing physical education curriculum, as well as support appropriate exercises for the pupils ages, such as cardio and strength training, suitable for ages 11 to 16. The gym equipment ideally would be delivered and installed before the summer term, allowing maximum usage for the pupils.
The goal for the school was to transform and reinvent a previously unused, uninviting area into an exciting, appealing fitness zone.
The equipment needed to be fully inclusive and fit alongside the existing physical education curriculum, as well as support appropriate exercises for the pupils ages, such as cardio and strength training, suitable for ages 11 to 16. The gym equipment ideally would be delivered and installed before the summer term, allowing maximum usage for the pupils.
The Solution The ideal location for the new outdoor gym was discussed at our on site visit meeting and a perfect spot agreed upon. Right next to the school’s MUGA Area (Multi-Use Games Area), was great for the installation, creating a zone for PE lessons and school sports to come together all in one place.
The outdoor gym equipment chosen for Woking High School reflected their values of Inclusion, Engagement and Resilience.
Their bespoke package included:-
• Air Skier: improves flexibility, core strength and cardio fitness
• Recumbent Bike: cardio exercise in a reclined position with the back supported
• Air Walker: develops flexibility in the hip joints while building cardio strength and stamina
• Elliptical Cross Trainer: cardio movement for the whole body
• Chin Up Bars: functional training, builds strength in the arms and shoulders
• Leg Lift Station: strengthens your core, improves hip stability, and enhances overall body control
• Double Sit Up Benches: targets your core muscles, supports proper form and builds abdominal strength. Also excellent for tricep dips and incline press ups
• Seated Leg Press: excellent work-out for calves, quads and glutes without any of the risks to the knee joints associated with traditional squats
The Fresh Air Fitness team prepared the area, starting with groundworks, a well-prepared sub-base, followed by rubber mulch safety surfacing. Creating a smart fitness zone that is accessible all year round.
At Fresh Air Fitness, we have installed over 4500 outdoor gyms nationwide.
Outdoor gyms can be found in local parks, green spaces, next to community centres, along trim trails and beside children’s playgrounds. If you would like to find out more about installing an outdoor gym, you can download our brochure here.
Our team of experts would be delighted to signpost you to funding options, which can ‘part-fund’ or, in many cases, ‘fully-fund’ your outdoor gym project.
We also produce an annual FREE downloadable guide on Funding which is a comprehensive list of grants and funds offered nationally and regionally to help kick off the fundraising of your outdoor gym project.
Woking High School now proudly offers an inclusive and engaging fitness space that encourages fun, active lifestyles for all students. This new gym facility not only enhances the PE curriculum but also provides a dynamic environment for students to enjoy physical activity during breaktimes. We’re excited to see how this space becomes a vibrant part of daily school life benefitting not only students but also strengthening ties with the wider local community too
MATT RUSSELL, SALES EXECUTIVE
