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Outdoor gyms – A trend that sweeps SA Outdoor exercising is an expanding concept for the South African health and fitness market, with outdoor gyms providing an opportunity for communities to build cohesion, get fit and help to curb crime amongst the youth. The equipment is designed for all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced, and its colourful and vibrant appearance is not intimidating like that found indoors in a conventional gym.   Outdoor fitness zones offer a free alternative to gym memberships and many are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, users benefit from the fresh air and relaxation that comes from spending time in a park. National Health Director Precious Matsoso has stated that the outdoor gyms will go a long way in helping to prevent the illnesses and health problems that develop as a result of poor diet and lack of exercise in our communities.   In October 2011, World Outdoor Fitness installed the first outdoor gym in South Africa at the OR Tambo Environmental and Narrative Centre on behalf of the Ekurhuleni Municipality. Residents of the surrounding area are now using the gym daily and this is driving the community to lead a healthier lifestyle, according to Sarit Qwabe, marketing director of WOF. She adds that the outdoor gym is cost effective, eco-friendly, does not require electricity and there is no maintenance once installed. It is also a ‘green’ product made from recycled materials.   Since the OR Tambo installation, numerous units of outdoor equipment have been installed around South Africa, helping municipalities contribute to their residents’ quality of life by increasing their activity levels. In May 2103, the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Fikile [...]

Thursday, May 23, 2013 Minister Mbalula launched outdoor gym in Mitchell's Plain Imogen Vollenhoven 23 May 2013 On Wednesday the Minister of sport and recreation Fikile Mbalula along with the deputy Minister of sport and recreation Gert Oosterhuisen, MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer and Councillor Alderman from the City of Cape Town Belinda Walker handed over an outdoor gym in Rocklands Mitchell’s Plain.   Minister Mbalula addressed the crowd saying that they should not allow the surge of drugs and ganstrism to take over.   He also asked them to take care of the gym and allow it to build character and courage in the people of Mitchell’s Plain. Mbalula explains that as the government they went to Mitchell’s plain to give inspiration to young people and the people of Mitchell’s Plain as a whole. “We are here and we are saying to you, what we are giving to you is not a privilege it is a right and it belongs to you and you must look after is as a community, this facility belongs to your children, added Mbalula. Furthermore he said that the community must not give up hope in the fight against drugs and gangsterism. Minister Mbalula also said that irrespective of colour all are meant to be treated equal and as a government they need to change the lives of the poor and poverty stricken area as these are one of the main reasons young people get caught up in the wave of drugs.   He said we are all Africans that during liberation of South Africa the struggle was lead from Mitchell’s Plain.   Mbalula also encouraged those affected by drugs and said they should not give [...]