Residents in Abbots Langley can get fit in the sun this summer after a new outdoor gym officially opened to the public. The fitness facility, located in the grounds of Leavesden Country Park, College Road, was opened by Three Rivers District Council Chairman Chris Lloyd, in front of residents, councillors and the media.
Councillors and residents were not shy in climbing onto the ski machine, exercise bike, chest and leg press machines, and even our own reporter Kieran Theivam gave the equipment a go. Described as a facility for the older persons of the community, the outdoor gym is the first of two to open in the district as part of a £40,000 investment by Three Rivers Council – the other is due to open in Rickmansworth. Chairman of TRDC, Councillor Chris Lloyd, told My Abbots News that the new facility would hopefully attract a wide variety of people and was another project that would see more people getting involved in sport – one of his goals when he took over as Chairman last year. He said: “Any different way that encourages people to get active like you see here today is a good thing. We obviously have good gym facilities like the YMCA, but we needed something more informal, so I think it is brilliant.” As well as the use of the gym facilities, there was also Line Dancing and refreshments put on for those in attendance, with many enjoying the sunshine and entertainment at the event. But the question My Abbots News wanted to ask was, will people really use an outdoor facility which is very open and easily visible for those passing by? Park Leisure sport consultant Keith Parker, who is responsible for the installation of the equipment, told us that the council were looking to target a particular age group which would increase mobility and fitness. He said: “We’ve had tremendous success across the country with this type of equipment. I used to be a gym manager and there is a big barrier called a door. Here, you can come when there is nobody else here, you can come in a group and there are no barriers.” The outdoor gym facility is now open to anyone who wishes to give it a go, so why not pop along and improve your fitness while having fun
Residents in Abbots Langley can get fit in the sun this summer after a new outdoor gym officially opened to the public. The fitness facility, located in the grounds of Leavesden Country Park, College Road, was opened by Three Rivers District Council Chairman Chris Lloyd, in front of residents, councillors and the media.