George Rex open-air gym ready

Video

KNYSNA NEWS & VIDEO - Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies officially opened the open-air gymnasium in George Rex Drive, next to Cathy Park, on Thursday 3 May.

Bouw-Spies said the municipality was delighted when they heard they had been selected as a beneficiary by the Department of Sport and Recreation. “What a wonderful contribution as an outdoor activity and we want to thank the department for the great initiative.

"This gym does not only allow our residents to get healthy outdoors, but the facility can be enjoyed by old and young, able and disabled. Exercise time can now double up as family time!”

She said the municipality would like to introduce more of these in the Greater Knysna municipal area. “We are investigating ways of adding more outdoor gyms in other wards as well. It is no secret that regular exercise has great health benefits, ranging from a marked improvement in general health to relieving stress, tension, anger and depression."

Mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies was one of the first to give the new gym equipment a go. Photo: Yaseen Gaffar

Bouw-Spies said that although the municipality will do some maintenance, it is up to the residents to make sure they use the equipment responsibly.

“Please look after the equipment. It is for the community and we hope it will also be looked after by the community. Make sure you clean it after you’ve used it for the next person, and lastly, please be safe. Use the equipment in the correct way, and do not overdo it. ”

The best part, she said, is that it can be used free of charge. “I have news for those of you that use finances as an excuse for not working out – it is no longer valid! I am looking forward to seeing all our residents using these facilities. Remember, no matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch. The important thing is to just get going.”

Community Services director Richard Meyer also had a workout. Photo: Yaseen Gaffar

The gym was then opened to members of the public who were invited to try out the equipment and give their opinion. Among equipment at the site are steppers, exercise bikes, a rowing machine, and plate-loaded machines.

Those in attendance broke a sweat within just a few minutes and some expressed that they would be using the equipment regularly. – Staff reporter

See a video on the open air gym and comments by the mayor below: