Fletcher’s Croft Fit Zone

'Delighted' Just one word to describe the feelings of The Wilson Memorial Trust (WMT) trustees, finally seeing this fabulous outdoor gym in place and open to the community. The WMT initially conceived the outdoor gym project about 4 years ago. It was identified that the Steyning community would greatly benefit from having access to free fitness equipment. This project fulfils the aims and objectives of the Trust, which enabled funding.
Finding the suitable site and talking to many other gym providers, before deciding on this final design, has been worth the wait.

The initial idea led to a collaboration with Steyning Parish Council (SPC) and Horsham District Council who authorised the site position, planning permission and installation. WMT’s final choice of equipment provider was The Great Outdoor Gym Company (TGO); a family-run business that have installed nearly 1500 gyms.

They manufacture outdoor gym equipment wholly in the UK. All TGO gyms incorporate inclusive fitness standards, so they are easy to use for all abilities. Those with smart phones can download the TGO’s app which has a built-in scanner to make the gym more interactive. Each piece of equipment also has clear signage on use and areas of the body the exercise targets.


Sally Gunnell OBE DL, who officially opened the gym, said 'Health and wellbeing is not a new concept. Exercise is one of the best prescriptions for stress, anxiety and depression, plus it’s one of the most effective ways to improve mental health. With the bonus, of course, of being good for our bodies. This outdoor gym provides free inclusive equipment which will help the Steyning community on its journey to a happier, healthier lifestyle. We are all very grateful to the WMT who were able to fund this fantastic facility'.

Luke Talbot, Head of Faculty for Physical Education at Steyning Grammar School, who attended the opening with several students, said 'In this time of national obesity and mental health issues, the addition of the community gym will be a fantastic way for students of Steyning to stay fit and healthy. Exercise can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like Type II Diabetes, Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease.

Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life. The community gym will provide an area for students to use out of hours to improve their health without cost. As an Eco School, the fact that two of the machines are energy smart fits in with our ambition of being as Eco friendly as possible'.

TGO attended the opening with Marvin Ambrosius from Sky TV who ran dynamic and inclusive gym sessions with the students and more senior residents to show all ages can benefit.


Beyond the Opening Ceremony, the Community have already begun to organise Free Classes for the Over 60’s to promote health and Well-being. These sessions which are due to start on July 3rd, are being run by Fitness professional, Jackie Flowers-Leek who has been involved as an advisor to the WMT Team and is now keen to give of her time for the benefit of the local residents.
 
Nikki McIvor. On behalf of The Wilson Memorial Trust . W: www.wilsonmemorialtrust.org.uk