For adults aged between 19 and 64, the UK government recommends some form of physical activity every day to reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as stroke and heart disease. You should include strength exercises to work all the main muscle groups on at least two days of each week.
28th January 2025
Government guidelines from the NHS at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly, or 75 minutes of more vigorous working out each week.
But there could be any number of reasons why you don’t meet that target – because you’re busy, have fallen out of the habit of exercising, struggle to find the time, or because your nearest indoor gyms aren’t actually that near, or they’re too expensive.
Your local outdoor gym could offer an enjoyable, local solution that’s sociable and free of charge.
The physical and mental wellbeing benefits are startling. In some cases, using an outdoor gym can actively reverse acute medical issues. At the same time, these amenities can help bring communities together as they work towards their fitness goals – whether these involve building muscle, weight management, reducing belly fat or general fitness.
Fresh Air Fitness is a leading, award-winning UK supplier of outdoor gyms. Here, we look at two case studies where outdoor gyms have benefited people. We think both stories highlight the way using outside exercise machines can enhance lives.
Now in his eighties, Dave lives in the south-west of England and previously worked in the ceramics industry. Over the years, he has spent far more time in hospitals and doctors than he would have liked, having been diagnosed with respiratory conditions including chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma and bronchiectasis.
When Dave read about a new local Fresh Air Fitness gym in a village newsletter a few years ago, he was intrigued. He started using the equipment several times a week and began walking regularly. The pieces, installed in a nearby park, allowed him to combine strength and cardio training. At the same time, because each machine was so clearly labelled, it was easy to follow instructions for use.
After two-and-a-half years of going to the outdoor gym, Dave’s health improved dramatically. And, the last time we caught up with him, he had not been to a doctor for a good couple of years. So it’s a lovely success story.
Not everyone can afford regular gym membership or wants to do the associated paperwork or has the associated ID. And for people in stressful personal situations, for example those in the asylum system long term, it’s understandable that getting enough exercise may not be a top priority. It can be all to easy to neglect physical and mental health.
In July 2023, the Jesuit Refugee Service aimed to respond to this with weekly sports classes with St Paul’s Shadwell, London, led by a specialist trainer. Around a dozen refugees attend the hour-long sessions, and for many it’s a new experience.
The sessions help with community integration as well as meeting fitness goals, and reduce the stress and anxiety of their situation and daily lives at the same time.
One outdoor gym user, ‘Sercan’ (names have been changed), told the Diocese of London website:
“Since I started, I have (been) absent just three times. When I come feel happy, strong and forget my problems.”
Another refugee, Quine, explained: “After joining the exercise group I feel so much lighter. I have a little more strength to do things and I can walk a bit faster than I used to walk before. (Standard gym) membership costs a lot of money, which I don’t have.” A fourth stressed how much their sleep had improved. Another said the sessions had given her the confidence to exercise at home.
This was echoed by Sercan, too, who added: “I think I’m able to exercise anywhere. Now I feel confidence to do exercise. Sometimes I do it around my house and I run in the park. Exercise is medicine to my brain and body. I am making significant progress.”
Talk to us
Fresh Air Fitness supplies a broad line-up of outdoor gym equipment to schools, parks, residential and other settings. Get in touch to learn how we could transform the lives of people in your local community; people like Dave and the refugees mentioned above.
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