Futuristic, fun, free fitness: Enormous outdoor gym opens
An outdoor gym believed to be the largest in the country has opened at a West Bromwich park with fitness fanatics already turning out to use the new facility.
A total of 40 pieces of equipment have been installed at Sandwell Valley Country Park to create the new £120,000 fitness area.
And since its recent opening the new gym has been 'packed' with residents visiting to use the new equipment and improve their fitness.
It is thought to be largest gym of its kind in the country due to the amount of equipment on site.
And the size of the fitness area is also considerable - the equivalent of one-and-half football pitches, according to Sandwell Council.
The authority said the gym will be free to use at all times and open every day of the year.
It is aimed at anyone aged 14 and over with the equipment suitable for use by complete novice through to experienced athletes.
Each piece of equipment in the fitness area has a QR code which provides users with a video on their smartphone.
The video allows visitors to have their own virtual personal trainer showing them how to use the equipment and get the best results from it.
The gym is on the right hand side of the main drive next to the tennis courts.
Sandwell Council's cabinet member for highways and environment councillor Maria Crompton said: "The gym is completely free of charge and open to use every day of the year.
"It is a wonderful facility for those who want to improve their levels of fitness and health.
"Since its recent opening the new gym has certainly proved a hit with people in the area looking to improve their health.
"I visited the park and the fitness area was absolutely packed with people. It is absolutely fantastic.
"In the past some people have been prevented from attending a gym because of the price. Because this new area is free that is no longer an issue."
Councillor Crompton said the new facility would also bring more people to the country park itself.
"The site is already very popular but this is an added attraction."
She said the new gym was distinctive from similar schemes through its size and location and would make a significant contribution to improving people's health in the area.
The new fitness area is in addition to another 150 pieces of gym equipment already installed across Sandwell's parks and green spaces.
They are at Jubilee Park, Tipton, Mary Macarthur Park, Cradley Heath, Broadwell Park, Oldbury, and at Friar Park, Wednesbury.
