Outdoor gym for older people a breath of fresh air

GETTING fresh air and exercise has never been easier in Carrigaline, after a new outdoor gym for older people opened there this month.

The gym, which is located in the town park, consists of seven different exercise stations, all with detailed instructions, including a cross-trainer, waist-twister and shoulder builder.

Active Retirement chairwoman Patricia Sheridan said: “It all started with President Mary McAleese, she saw people in China using one and brought back a video. It’s absolutely brilliant.”

“The way things are going, people can’t afford to be members of clubs anymore. This is free and we have even put the air walker by the playground so parents and grandparents can exercise while the children play,” she said.

Kitty Coughlan, 72, has thoroughly enjoyed using the new gym.

“I have grandchildren so while they are running around I can do my own thing. We’re all delighted,” she said.

“Yesterday evening now, two of my friends and I went on them together and we are having a picnic there next week.”

Although the gym was set up in part by Active Retirement, it is open to the entire community other than very young children.

The Carrigaline Outdoor Gymnasium, as it is now known, was opened by local TD Michael McGrath while members of the Active Retirement group demonstrated how to use the equipment.

The gym was developed by Carrigaline Active Retirement Association, which is affiliated to Active Retirement Ireland, Cork County Council, Pepsi Co and South and East Cork Area Development Ltd.

The Carrigaline Active Retirement group has 64 members, all aged over 50.

“We have one member who is 93 and she never misses an outing,” said Ms Sheridan.

The group meets every week for a variety of activities including yoga and workshops with new technology.