Fitness enthusiasts will now be able to benefit from a new outdoor gym space in Newark.
The YMCA Community and Activity Village, on Lord Hawke Way, has officially opened its outdoor strength and conditioning gym with the aim of encouraging health and wellbeing in an open-air environment.
The unique new fitness area provides a setting where individuals can engage in cardio, strength training, and functional workouts, and is designed to allow users to break free from the confines of a traditional indoor gyms.
Funding from FCC Communities Foundation and gym equipment provided by Indigo Fitness made the creation of the outdoor fitness space possible.
Penny Horne, grant manager at FCC Communities Foundation, said: “We are delighted to support the YMCA’s initiative to create an outdoor fitness space that promotes health and wellbeing in the community.
“This facility is a great example of what can be achieved when we work together to foster healthier, more active lifestyles.”
The new space also features specialist wheelchair-accessible calisthenics equipment, making it an inclusive space for users of all abilities to engage in physical fitness and wellbeing.
Steffen Benbow, executive director at YMCA Newark and Sherwood, and Michael McKeever, chairman of the board, cut the ribbon to officially inaugurate the new space.
Nathaniel Soderberg, the YMCA’s Health and Sports Manager at the YMCA emphasised the gym’s potential to positively impact the health and wellness of the community.
He said: “The gym is not a place to punish yourself but a place to build yourself up.
“I believe that whatever you do in the gym should maximize your life outside of it and being part of a fitness community can add years to your life.
“I’m passionate about helping people see the gym as an exciting part of a healthy lifestyle.”
Students from the Newark Air and Space Institute have also been able to make use of the space and try out the new facility.
In a statement the YMCA said it was proud to offer the new facility, and remains dedicated to fostering a healthier and more active community through innovative facilities and programmes, with accessible and engaging exercise options for all.