PARKS
Get out,
get fit
Running, walking,
weights, yoga; Ealing
Council is making it easier
than ever for you to get
active in our parks across
the borough, reports
Neelum Bains.
I
t is proven that people who
exercise regularly are reducing
their risk of major illnesses, such
as heart disease, stroke, diabetes
and some cancers by up to 50%. So,
when residents approached the council
via their ward forums to help them
get more active, the council’s parks’
teams started investing in outdoor gym
equipment across the borough.
In fact, the equipment has been put
into 27 parks so far, so you can exercise
in your own time, in the fresh air.
36
around ealing
Autumn 2015
environment and leisure, said: “There
Popular with people of all ages is lots of research to suggest that even
and abilities, the equipment
a small amount of exercise can help
works different parts of your
improve a person’s physical and mental
body, including arms, legs and core
health. This is why ward forums, like
muscles. There are instructions on the
the one I sit on, have helped set up
machines to help first time users learn
local sports projects including Park Run.
how to use them.
We have more than a hundred parks
If you are not quite ready for the
with a wide variety of sports activities
weight-resistance equipment, but fancy on offer, ranging from football and
an activity with a bit less crunching
cricket to yoga and walking clubs,
and stretching, the parks have lots
there is something for everyone. Unlike
of walking, yoga and Park Run clubs
structured classes in a formal setting,
looking for members. Joining a group
the outdoor gyms, amazing open
activity can help keep you motivated
spaces and parkland offer free physical
and is sociable too – it is a great way
exercise for people of all abilities.”
to make friends in your area.
For the runners, joggers and walkers,
there are distance marker routes in 23
\