Alderman James Tinsley, Chairman of the council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee; Victoria Montgomery, Every Body Active 2020 Multi-Sport and Physical Activity Leader and David Tumilty, Health & Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager for the Public Health Agency.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) has officially opened four new outdoor gyms. These are located at Barbour Playing Fields in Lisburn and Carryduff Park, Killynure Park and Billy Neill MBE Country Park in Castlereagh. And with National Fitness Day coming up on 25th September, what better excuse is there to get outdoors and check them out!

These recently completed facilities have been delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA) as part of the council’s health and wellbeing strand of its Community Plan. They make a total of 11 outdoor gyms now in the Lisburn Castlereagh area and feature a range of equipment including hand bikes, cross trainers, chest press and seated rows and recumbent bikes.

Alderman James Tinsley, Chairman of the council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, said: “We’re pleased to be opening these new outdoor gyms. As a council, we’re committed to creating places where people of all ages have opportunities to enjoy healthy and active lifestyles. We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the PHA to provide first-class outdoor facilities to our communities.

“National Fitness Day is a chance to highlight the role physical activity plays across the UK. Creating a physical environment where people can enjoy a greater sense of wellbeing is a hugely significant factor in reducing health inequalities. So we’re encouraging everyone to head to their nearest park, open space or leisure facility to try something new and reduce the risks associated with inactivity.”

David Tumilty, Health & Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager for the Public Health Agency, said: “Participation in physical activity is great for both mind and body. Research shows that people who are physically active can reduce their risk of developing chronic conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer and respiratory conditions. It can also improve sleep, help maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress and anxiety. Outdoor gyms, such as these, are a great way to get active. They are free, easy to use and are accessible on the doorstep of local communities.”

Other outdoor gyms can be found at Wallace Park (Lisburn), Moira Demesne, Moat Park (Dundonald), Stoneyford Play Park, Lough Moss Leisure Centre (Carryduff), Moneyreagh Community Centre, Moneyreagh Hillmount Drive and Milltown Crescent (Derriaghy).

LCCC would like to urge all residents to treat these new outdoor gyms with respect so that the facilities can continue to be enjoyed by everyone.