£9,000 outdoor gym aims to put the fun back into fitness

The new gym at Belmont Park, in Starbeck, was officially opened by the Mayor of Harrogate Les Ellington last week.

It is hoped it will help alter a worrying trend in the area which has seen residents’ health fall behind the rest of the Harrogate district, where life expectancy is traditionally very high.

The health problems in Starbeck are particularly prevalent among males, with a lack of regular exercise often seen as a crucial factor.

The free gym, which features machines such as a double cross country skier, push-up station, and leg press, is already proving a hit among pensioners in nearby residential homes.

Coun Caroline Bayliss, Harrogate Council’s Cabinet member for cultural services, said: “The gym seems to have gone down a storm in Starbeck but of course anyone can use it.

“It is part of £374,000 lottery funding to make sure that those who can’t easily access leisure and fitness facilities have the opportunity to get active.

“Getting healthy does have a huge benefit in that people will be less reliant on other public services such as GPs and hospitals. Putting the fun back into fitness will help.”