Open Gyms

About this intervention

Open gyms are free-to-use fitness areas located in public spaces such as parks or community centers. They provide easy and inclusive access to exercise equipment, encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in physical activity without financial or membership barriers.

Link with Health (how can it affect health?)

This the initiative helps combat the negative effects of sedentary habits and promotes active ageing by encouraging physical activity. Increasing physical activity has a preventive effect on several chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity, and osteoporosis, while also improving mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety and reducing the risk of premature death.

Design Considerations for Open Gyms

Location and accessibility

  • Situate gyms in easily accessible, well-trafficked public spaces like parks, promenades, or near community centers.
  • Ensure paths to the gym are wheelchair-friendly and safe for all ages and abilities.

Inclusive equipment

  • Provide a variety of equipment that targets different muscle groups and supports aerobic, strength, and flexibility training.
  • Include options suitable for older adults, beginners, and people with disabilities.
  • Include QR codes linking to instructional videos or workout plans.

Safety and comfort

  • Install equipment on non-slip, impact-absorbing surfaces (e.g., rubber flooring).
  • Ensure clear signage on proper equipment use and safety instructions.
  • Include shaded areas or structures to protect users from extreme weather.

Durability and maintenance

  • Use weather-resistant, vandal-proof equipment made of durable materials.
  • Set up a regular inspection and maintenance schedule to ensure safety and usability.

My neighbourhood principle:

Evidence/ Case Studies

Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence

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Exercise and well-being: a review of mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity

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At Least Five a Week – a summary of the report from the Chief Medical Officer on physical activity

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Related health determinants

Related health outcomes

Other Interventions

  • Benches

    The incorporation of benches and rest areas in public spaces is essential to ensure accessibility. It is necessary to ensure that urban space is provided with rest areas for those who may need them. Without rest areas, people such as pregnant women and the elderly for example would not be able to enjoy them.

  • Sport fields/ court

    Sports fields and courts are designated spaces for athletic and recreational activities, promoting physical activity, social interaction, and community engagement. They provide a venue for all ages to participate in sports casually or competitively. These venues are vital community assets, offering health benefits and serving as social hubs that connect residents and foster sense of community. They also stimulate economic growth, as sports events and local leagues attract spectators and support nearby businesses. Well-designed sports facilities enhance urban environments, revitalizing neighborhoods and improving the livability of cities. Incorporating sports fields and courts into urban development encourages healthier lifestyles, strengthens social connections, and transforms public spaces into vibrant, multi-functional areas for the community.

  • Dustbins

    Waste management is essential to ensure the necessary sanitation of public spaces, to reduce the risk of communicable diseases and to encourage the use of these spaces. Waste management in urban environments is also essential to raise public awareness of health, sanitation and waste management issues and their importance in the perception and use of public spaces.

  • Dog park

    Dog parks promote inclusivity in public spaces, as they introduce the collective of both animals and owners into them. On the other hand, they guarantee health and safety conditions in public spaces for other users, as they allow animals to move freely without disturbing or interfering with the activities of other open spaces users.

  • CCTV

    The installation of video surveillance systems in urban spaces is a good practice to ensure the security of these spaces. This deterrent to vandalism and crime in cities improves both the real and perceived security of urban spaces.