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The council is hoping to emulate the fitness craze witnessed on Muscle Beach in Los Angeles with its new outdoor gyms |
Fitness drive muscles in on craze from California
Health chiefs bid to introduce outdoor gyms on a style pioneered on LA beaches
IT is an idea which might have been lifted straight from the sandy bays of Santa Monica, the iconic Los Angeles location which became a magnet for fitness fanatics due to the free gym equipment which lines the beaches.
The Town Hall is to borrow the iron-pumping idea behind Muscle Beach by setting up its own outdoor gyms in 10 spots across Camden’s housing estates and parks.
Exercise machines will be free for all to use, meaning expensive gym memberships will no longer be an excuse to start fighting the flab come the new year.
Camden’s own “muscle beaches” might not be blessed with the same amount of sunshine as the location of the weightlifting machines once used by the likes of action hero turned politician Arnold Schwarzenegger – in fact they will have to be a little more weather resistant.
But health chiefs are determined to make sure residents get the best use of the equipment, which will include treadmills and cross-training machines.
Dr Paul Fox, assistant director of public health at Camden Primary Care Trust, said: “A good brisk half-hour walk three times a week can do the trick, but we know this isn’t for everyone.
“Research tells us that people are more likely to take up exercise if they find it enjoyable, but access and affordability are often issues.
“Outdoor gyms are fun, accessible to all and easy to use. Physical activity has a vital role to play in the prevention of ill-health and can also benefit those with a wide range of medical conditions.”
When the City of Los Angeles provided free gym equipment in the 1950s, the sight of healthy people keeping fit saw others take their lead and join what became a craze for working out.
The picture postcard gym became one of the hippest places in town and was used as the backdrop for scenes in the cult movie White Men Can’t Jump.
The idea has recently been used in China in the build-up to the Beijing Olympics where thousands of units were provided, stirring a mini fitness boom.
The PCT and the council want to put the gyms in Argyle Square in King’s Cross, Cantelowes Park, Cumberland Market in Regent’s Park, Kilburn Grange Park, Lismore Circus in Gospel Oak, Malden Road near Queen’s Crescent community centre, Maygrove Peace Park, Polygon Gardens in Somers Town, Swiss Cottage near the sports centre and Talacre Gardens in Kentish Town.
Leisure chief Liberal Democrat councillor Flick Rea said: “I’m really excited about these proposals. We’re always looking for new ways to offer free and affordable exercise so we can encourage more people to get fit and stay healthy.
“Outdoor gyms have been extremely successful elsewhere and are an excellent alternative for those who are put off by the thought of going to the gym or can’t afford the membership. I hope everyone visits one of the demonstration days and tells us what they think about them.”
The council is running a series of a two-hour demonstrations this weekend starting on Saturday from 10am at Cumberland Market, Regent’s Park, moving to Swiss Cottage sports centre at 1pm.
On Sunday the gyms will be on show at the same times at Talacre Gardens and then Cantelowes Park in the afternoon.
* The consultation runs until Sunday December 21. For more information visit Camden.gov.uk/outdoorgyms or call 020 7874 1518. |
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