Fit for less with new outdoor gym equipment

Been inspired by the London 2012 Olympics?  Well Stratford-on-Avon District Council has some new outdoor gym equipment and a measured mile at the Recreation Ground in Stratford-upon-Avon.

With the help of a Healthy Stratford grant through NHS Warwickshire and Warwickshire County Council five pieces of outdoor gym equipment have been installed at the Recreation Ground, close to the children's play area. This gives both adults and children a free, fun and accessible way to exercise in the fresh air.

The measured mile is part of NHS Warwickshire's plan to have a number of accessible and well maintained routes where members of the public can walk, jog or pram-push their way round a measured circuit. A newly installed path now links the pathways around the whole of the recreation ground without having to walk across car-parks or roads.

Maps have been installed at locations around the recreation ground enabling visitors to see where they are and the route of the mile, taking in the iconic sights of Stratford as they walk or jog.

Surveys have shown that even the smallest increase in physical activity can improve the mental health and wellbeing of an individual as well as improving their health, reducing the risk of obesity or illness in later life.

Cllr Lynda Organ, Technical Services Portfolio says: “The installation of the outdoor gym equipment is a great way for anybody to become more active in a fun and accessible way and it won't break the bank. Being located near to the existing play area we hope that families will enjoy using the equipment together. The new path around the Recreation Ground will enable walkers or joggers to enjoy a safe environment to exercise."