University of South Australia study reveals importance of outdoor gyms for community wellbeing

An audit of outdoor fitness equipment in 34 out of South Australia’s 46 local government areas has identified factors that might motivate or deter people from using them.

Undertaken by University of South Australia (UniSA) researchers and funded by Wellbeing SA, the study involved the physically inspection and a comprehensive review of 169 of 202 sites (84% of identified outdoor gyms). It found that 72% were in good condition, 70% featured soft-fall foam under the equipment, 72% had seating and 82% were next to playgrounds.

However, the study found that 51% of sites had no drinking fountains, 63% had no access to public toilets and 49% did not have adequate shade.

Researchers also identified potential safety issues, with only 21% of outdoor fitness sites having lighting nearby.

Advising that the findings from the state-wide project will support councils to better promote and maintain safe and user-friendly outdoor fitness sites, UniSA researcher Dr Alyson Crozier stated “outdoor fitness equipment is great because it is freely accessible to the community and provides a unique opportunity for people to exercise outdoors, with families and people within the neighbourhood.

“But given the wide range of potential users, it’s important that the equipment provided are appropriate and sites are safe.

“Having well-maintained equipment with clear user instructions is essential, but equally so is ensuring that outdoor sites are located in accessible, well-lit, and high-foot traffic areas, which is important from a personal safety perspective.

“Adding shade or shelters to sites in open areas will also help protect people from the elements - enabling them to exercise rain or shine - and making sure the sites have drinking fountains, and amenities such as toilets, seating and disability access is also important.”

The study also indicated that to encourage more people to use the outdoor fitness sites, councils will need to consider additional signage and communication tools, with Dr Crozier adding “outdoor fitness sites are great for those in the know, but to increase the number of people in a community using these spaces, we need to ensure they know about them.

“So, things like additional signage, websites, icons on maps and apps would certainly help.

“Supervised sessions that encourage people to come and try outdoor fitness equipment may also be useful and a good way to bring communities together for a positive experience.

“Projects like this showcase how small adjustments to the promotion of public areas have the potential to create positive change in local communities. It’s another step forward to boosting community health and wellbeing.”

South Australia has 68 councils of which 23 do not appear to have outdoor fitness equipment sites.

This initiative is aligned with Wellbeing SA’s Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative and the Physical Activity in Nature Action Plan.

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