About the project

Due to World Health Organization, the promotion of physical activity is an important public health agenda, as it is well documented that adequate physical activity is vital for disease prevention and health promotion. (W.H.O., 2010). There is incontrovertible evidence that regular physical activity contributes to the primary and secondary prevention of several chronic diseases and is associated with a reduced risk of premature death. There appears to be a graded linear relation between the volume of physical activity and health status, such that the most physically active people are at the lowest risk. (Darren E.R. Warburton, 2006). Those days a low level of physical activity is a pervasive feature of our modern lifestyle. Physical inactivity may be associated not only with being overweight but also with disorders such as coronary heart disease or type-2 diabetes1, which may be prevented by exercising regularly. Consequently, sedentary people often include spells of vigorous exercise in an otherwise inactive and unhealthy lifestyle. (Westerterp, 2021).

Physical activities could implement indoor or outdoor. The use of outdoor natural environments for physical activity and health is not new. For 99% of human history, not only we have lived off the land and sought nature for basic survival needs and health, but also for pleasure and physical activity. More recently climbers, hill-walkers, mountain bikers and endurance athletes have all enjoyed the great outdoors and green spaces. It may not only facilitate enjoyment for participants and improve adherence, but may also encourage positive physical activity behaviours which are likely to produce greater health gains. (Hug SM, 2009). As we maybe still genetically designed to be hunter-gatherers in the great outdoors, we are not being stimulated physically or mentally in the same way and this may be detrimental to health.

GymParks4All will focus on the participation of people, regardless of discrimination, in fitness activities in order to follow a healthy way of exercising. The project highlights the benefits and advantages of existing outdoor gyms (fitness equipment installed in public places) for the community. An outdoor gym is environmental infrastructure built in a public open space to promote structured physical activity. The provision of Outdoor Gyms is increasingly seen as an important strategy to realize public health agendas promoting habitual physical activity. 

Adapted exercises 

In the pursuit of inclusivity, it is essential to design exercise routines that cater to individuals with varying physical disabilities. Each type of equipment in the outdoor gym is paired with specific adaptations that make it accessible and beneficial for users with different abilities. The exercises proposed for each type of equipment have been carefully designed to ensure they provide effective physical engagement while accommodating the unique challenges posed by various conditions. Whether it’s for users with mobility impairments, neuromuscular disorders, or chronic pain conditions, these exercises promote strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. The following section outlines six types of gym equipment, along with tailored exercises, for individuals with a range of physical disabilities.

Rider
Workout/strengthening of upper and lower limb muscles. Full body workout/stretching.
Waist Twister Double
Training and relief of waist muscles, improvement of mobility/flexibility of lumbar.
Tai-Chi Wheel
Development and strengthening of upper limb muscles, improvement of flexibility and activity of arm and shoulder joints, wrists, elbows and collar bones. Suitable for rehabilitation purposes.
Body Wheel
Development and strengthening of upper limb muscles, improvement of flexibility and activity of arm and shoulder joints, wrists, elbows and collar bones. Suitable for rehabilitation purposes.
Air Walker
Improvement of lower limbs mobility, body coordination and balance, heart and lungs capacity, strengthening of legs and glutes.
Elliptical Trainer
Improvement of flexibility of upper and lower limbs and also activity/flexibility of joints.

Interactive GymParks4All map

This map highlights the gym parks where QR code stickers have been applied to the equipment, providing users with easy access to exercise instructions and tutorials. By scanning the QR codes with their smartphones, users can access videos, workout plans, and guidance on proper use of the equipment, making their exercise routines more efficient and accessible.