Let’s Go Southall launch three new state of the art outdoor gyms as part of their initiative to create a more active environment in Southall. The investment for these new facilities is by Ealing Council, and Sport England funding from the National Lottery. Three of Southall’s Parks, Spikes Bridge, Manor House and Southall Recreation opened the new gyms in February, which builds on the initial gym offering in Southall Park. Working in partnership with The Great Outdoor Gym Company (TGO), and supported by their activation arm TGO activate, the goal is to transform Southall into a healthy and sustainable place.
Head of Transformation, Rajinder Singh said, “We want to get everyone in Southall to feel part of this movement. There is something for everyone from indoor and outdoor activities, cycling, mental wellbeing, relaxation and the arts!”
What’s unique about this project?
A community led approach to encourage the residents of Southall to use their parks and green spaces more efficiently, is welcoming Southall to be part of a growing momentum. Ensuring we are inclusive and considering those with health conditions or disabilities, the programme has put together a range of exercise and community sessions for everyone to enjoy.
Warren Leigh, Strategic Lead with Sport England said: “These brand-new outdoor gyms provide an inclusive and interactive opportunity for the whole community to enjoy. As one of our National Lottery funded local delivery pilots, we look forward to supporting Let’s Go Southall to make physical activity part of everyday life for everyone in Southall.”
Further information about the Sport England local delivery pilot programme can be found here https://www.sportengland.org/campaigns-and-our-work/local-delivery
How are the new TGO gyms helping to drive up health?
- Community led activation of the gyms, with local people supporting gym users
- The gyms will be used as part of social prescription so patients can access physical activity more easily
- There is a movement medicine programme with an initial focus on Type 2 Diabetes
- Two of the gyms have a revolutionary screen with free classes tailored to TGO gym equipment throughout the day, with local faces leading and a variety of exercises
- TGO activate trained local people to become activators to encourage the community to get involved
- The equipment features inclusive weights and accessible equipment for all
How is the gym helping to drive sustainability?
- The gym is offset by tree planting and courses purchased plant trees
- The gym harnesses human power generating gym cardio equipment recycling your energy
- The screen has messaging about climate action such as sustainable, healthy eating
- The facility is shared by the whole community
- Litter picking and other activities will be formed around the gym
- Local people become part of the solution to address better health and a better place to live
- The gyms are creating a healthier planet by encouraging hyperlocal activity and active travel
Councillor Josh Blacker, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for healthy lives said: “I am delighted to see these brand-new outdoor gym facilities ready to support local people in Southall stay active and healthy. The equipment makes the most of cutting-edge technology and vitally, is designed for use for the whole community. The benefits of introducing a bit more activity into your weekly routine are huge, not only for fitness but general health, physical, and mental wellbeing – and this equipment is going to support a lot of people in Southall do just that.”
How to find them?
Download the TGO activate app to find the gyms and what’s in them by clicking here: https://uqr.to/tgo/qr/activate
The Great Outdoor Gym Southall Grand launch event:
- Date: Saturday 19th March 2022
- Time: 12:00pm -2:00pm • Address: Spikes Bridge Park, West Ave, Southall UB1 2AR
- Key Speakers: Rajinder Singh, Chris Bunting and community leaders
What to do once you are there?
Find courses and classes to do on TGO gyms here: https://www.tgo-activate.com
To receive Southall's monthly timetable of TGOGC Southall sessions delivered by our local activators Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ) https://forms.gle/r6gg5ZfZamonZLag7
Southall Resident Activator, Manjinder Rooprai, "Being an Activator for TGO gyms has been an empowering experience, both for me and the community. I feel motivated to teach the public to get healthier by advising on the different equipment that's aimed at all abilities. Be part of our Green Movement!"
Quote from Georgie Delaney MBE, Co-founder of The Great Outdoor Gym Company and TGO activate “We have a vision of a healthy people and planet, and it has been a delight to work with everyone at Southall. Southall are leading the way in showing how Local Authorities can work with us to activate communities. Our British made gyms provide communities with an inclusive way to get active. Our smart activator screens, movement medicine programmes and activator training give people the capability, autonomy and sense of belonging they need to make positive changes to their lifestyles.”