GymGuru launches New Zealand-developed range of outdoor gym equipment

A new Kiwi company is aiming to supply the growing trend for outdoor gyms in parks and open spaces with a New Zealand-designed and developed range of equipment.

The innovative new products have been designed for people who want to exercise outdoors more, and for councils and community boards wanting to encourage people to interact with their local environments in a new way.

Introducing the new equipment range, GymGuru Managing Director Brett Forsyth explains "there are many under-utilised open spaces in New Zealand, which given the right equipment will really help entice people outside, address work-life balance, and do this by combining workout routines with the great outdoors."

GymGuru did extensive research with councils and community boards before bringing their products to market, with Forsyth explaining how he identified a "common desire for community place-making in the form of recreation points.

"Our product creates a solution to this desire by establishing fitness destination points, which can become social meeting areas within communities."

With customers and users firmly in mind, GymGuru equipment is designed for low maintenance and durability, and so it can be used by any person, regardless of their age, body type and physical condition.

Forsyth states "this is one of our key points of difference, the technology we've developed doesn't rely on an individual's own body weight and so anyone can safely use it. It's a first of its kind."

The idea for outdoor gym equipment was originally developed by GymGuru's parent company Hotshot Sports Equipment - a Hawkes Bay company that has made and supplied outdoor sports and playground equipment to New Zealanders for more than 30 years - before being spun-off into its own company.

Forsyth, son of Hotshot founder Roger Forsyth, says the idea was progressed after a trip to China revealed how popular outdoor training was over there.

GymGuru's machines have been ruthlessly tested and peer reviewed by organisations including the Sports Performance Research Institute (SPRINZ, part of AUT), Napier-based product and industrial design company AXIA and Team New Zealand America's Cup designer Richard Karn.

As a result of this testing and contact with councils, parks stakeholders and others, GymGuru is offering five launch products: an elliptical cross trainer, a stationary bike, a seated overhead press, a seated leg press and a hip flexibility swing. All have been put through their paces by SPRINZ and GymGuru's own team - undergoing 35 days of continuous stress testing and more than three million swing movements apiece. The final product utilises the latest corrosive and UV-resistant materials, and all comply with the New Zealand playground equipment standard.

The new equipment is currently on trial in three Auckland parks: Sommerville Park, Howick Domain and Logan Carr Reserve, with Forsyth concluding "it's really satisfying to see dozens of people a day giving it a go.

"And the feedback from all involved parties has been overwhelmingly positive".

Consequently, there are now plans to roll out the trial to other parks in Auckland over the coming months.

Click here to contact GymGuru via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory. 

17th June 2013 - SOUTH EASTERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT TAKES A LEAD WITH ADVICE ON OUTDOOR GYMS