Out to boost health

By Sarah Schwager
AN OUTDOOR gym would make exercise equipment accessible for all Casey residents.
A British company is looking at designing equipment for the Australian market to help lower obesity rates and provide a healthier nation.
While visiting his brother in Endeavour Hills, Australian-born Lindsay Cruickshank saw an article in the News last week about Casey Council’s investigation into setting up an adult playground in the area.
Mr Cruickshank, who works for Yes Gyms, part of London-based The Great Outdoor Gym Company, met with council officers on Tuesday to gather interest.
A prototype has been launched in London and is being set up around China to get the nation active in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games.
The outdoor gym features weatherproof pull-down machinery, pedal bikes, treadmills, massagers, table tennis tables and tai chi equipment.
It would be set up in an open park close to children’s playgrounds and free to use for all ages, including young mums and senior citizens.
“Obesity is such a problem at the moment,” Mr Cruickshank said.
City of Casey planning and development director Peter Fitchett said officers were approached by Mr Cruickshank to receive a presentation outlining the company’s range of play and fitness equipment that had been designed to be located in public parks and reserves.
“Officers acknowledge that this type of equipment has excellent potential for open space areas in the City of Casey,” Mr Fitchett said.
He said officers were currently investigating a range of initiatives to provide alternative low cost recreation opportunities for a variety of age groups.
Mr Cruickshank said the company, run by 25-year-old director of marketing and business development Georgie Tarrant, had not yet made a profit but was more concerned with setting up the gyms to improve people’s health and fitness.
The equipment is weight resistant, working on people’s own body strength, and is made out of stainless steel and would be virtually tamper proof.
However, Mr Cruickshank said he hoped young people would adopt the equipment as their own and so it would be protected and looked after.
Signage would also be included on how to use the equipment, which would have full wheelchair access, along with warnings for people with medical conditions.
The Australian operation of the outdoor gyms would be run by Mr Cruickshank’s brother, Phillip Cruickshank.
For more information on the outdoor gym see www.thegreatoutdoorgymcompany.com.