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Outdoor gym for older people
A new 'outdoor gym' targeted at the older generation was unveiled on Tuesday 9 September by Spelthorne Borough Councillors Denise Grant and Vivienne Leighton.
The gym, situated at Shepperton Recreation Ground is equipped with machines designed to provide gentle exercise for different parts of the body such as the hips, legs and upper body.
The kit is extremely durable and works using the body's own resistance.
There are five pieces of equipment at Shepperton, offering a range of activities. A ski stepper helps to train shoulder and leg muscles, while a piece of equipment called 'power push' exercises arms and chest. The 'mini ski' and 'push hands' provide a work out for hips and shoulders respectively. There is also a rowing machine.
The project was undertaken after users of the Greeno Centre expressed interest. A similar scheme was introduced in a park in Manchester earlier this year and its success inspired the Greeno Centre users to put forward the suggestion to Spelthorne Council.
Cllr Vivienne Leighton, Portfolio Holder for Health and Independent Living said: "The outdoor gym is an ingenious idea and provides an excellent way for older people to get some gentle exercise without having to subject themselves to anything too rigorous. It is as important for older people to keep fit and supple as it is for younger ones and we are very pleased to have been able to provide this equipment"."
The facility is free to use and is open to all members of the public.
Pictured are Kay Stephens and Betty Want.
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I am one of the Little Wenlock parish councillors and am making enquiries into outdoor gyms for our villagers. Would you be kind enough to tell me which company you used for your project. Also any advise you may have, through experience would be appreciated.
Thankyou
Deborah