Fit for purpose! Outdoor gyms hailed a success - Champion ...

The Champion • Wednesday 16 October 2013Outdoor gymshailed a successCLitherland’s newest friendly family pubVisit us @ www.ChampNews.com • 11Report by Tom MartinOUTDOOR gyms across Sefton have beenhailed as a massive success after a surveyrevealed that exercise has led to improvedhealth for local residents.The survey, carried out by John MooresUniversity, attracted the views of 162 users ofthe ten gym locations around the region.The results found that just over 70% believethat the council led scheme – which was firstintroduced earlier this year – is easilyaccessible and enjoyable to use.And roughly half also stated that regular usehas led to an increase in confidence, they feelphysically fitter and it has resulted in anincrease in mental well–being.One participant, said: “Whether it’s with thekids, or the dog, or on my jogs then I’m in theparks all the time.“So I could just hop on and do ten minutes orlonger or, however long I need. It would fitright in with my normal life and my dailyroutine.”“These are popular because you can just gofor a walk in the park with your mum, or yourfriends, or your children and just have a go,have a giggle and get your heart pumping.”Another gym user, said: “When we camebefore there was a grandad, the mum and thedaughter using the equipment.“Their ages were about seven to aboutseventy and everybody was going on it. I meanyou wouldn’t get people like that going to thegym, would you?”The evaluation, which was carried outbetween May and August 2013, also found that80% of participants find exercise moreenjoyable when outdoors rather than indoors.A little over one quarter reported that theyOne of Sefton’s outdoor gym machines inuseused the equipment on two or more occasions aweek and the average length of time using theequipment in one session was 19 minutes.The future recommendations are to furtherpromote the benefits of using the gyms,maintain them from damage and to continue toinvest in schemes related to outdoor exercise.The report stated: “The evidence from thisevaluation suggests that the provision ofoutdoor gym equipment in Sefton has beenwell received by local residents.”“Our findings suggest that those who are notmeeting the recommended physical activitylevels and who want to increase the amount ofexercise they undertake may benefit the mostfrom having access to free outdoor gymequipment.”Come and try our pricebusting day time value mealsMON-FRI 12-3pmONLY £2.99(main menu still available throughout the day)Kids SpookyHalloween Party!Games & Prize for best costumefrom 5pm-8pmTHURSDAY 31/10Sportmans EveningOn the 8th NovFeaturingDavid Johnson & ComedianSam AveryTickets £15ppincluding hot supperTUESDAY 5/11 Bonfire nightFirework display &outside BBQALL FUNCTIONS CATERED FORWhatever the occasion, our brand newfully refurbished function suite is FREE for hireFOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK @jubileeinnfor all our offers and upcoming events41 a Hatton Hill Road, Litherland , L21 9JHTel. 0151 92871241122831making Christmas more comfortable1123153