New open air gym welcomed by locals

WORKING OUT: Sisters Thea, 4, (left), and Cleo, 2, check out the new exercise station on the Hatea Loop while their mum Pip Kirkman also enjoys a workout. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Fitness enthusiasts will have the option of an open air workout thanks to a new exercise station on the Hatea Loop in Whangarei.

The Inter-Generational Exercise Equipment Area installed on a concrete pad between the Riverbank Theatre and A'Fare, on the Loop, was officially opened yesterday.

It is thanks to the Whangarei District Council (WDC), Hatea Lions and the Northland DHB who banded together to create the new feature.

Some Whangarei residents could not wait for the opening and gave the weight machines a workout, giving the site the thumbs up.

Pip Kirkman, of Maunu, and her two daughters welcomed the addition.

"I think this is brilliant. Not everyone can afford a gym membership and this is a gym workout for free," she said.

"We walk the Loop a couple of times a week and I'm sure this will now be added to our fitness regime."

People will be able to test themselves on the four pieces of equipment which offer exercises including leg press, dip and crunch, stepper, recumbent cycle and a vertical bench press.

Northland DHB chief executive Dr Nick Chamberlain said strong support for positive ageing had been at the core of the project and the equipment reflected that, because it was easy for people of all ages and levels of fitness to use.

"Falls are common as people get older and can be debilitating, however they can be minimised by regular exercise that focuses on flexibility and balance."

He said the exercise equipment was designed to improve physical fitness including strength, flexibility/balance, cardiovascular fitness, targeting the upper and lower body and the core to provide a full body exercise.

"We are pleased to collaborate with Hatea Lions Club, and Whangarei District Council to introduce this outdoor exercise equipment. The walkway currently provides the people of Whangarei and the surrounding areas with an opportunity to exercise safely, and at their leisure."

WDC Community Services Manager Owen Thomas said the collaborative project had cost approximately $50,000 and had been possible thanks to Hatea Lions showing leadership, and fundraising for the project.

Northland DHB provided technical advice and funding with WDC contributing the location and management of the project.