Towns set to fight the flab with ‘tone zones’
Bandon, Ballincollig, Youghal and Rochestown are among nine Co Cork towns in line for the state-of-the-art outdoor gyms, which feature sophisticated equipment for exercising the arms, legs and waist.
The towns of Bantry, Schull, Dunmanway, Fermoy and Mallow are also earmarked for the amenity.
The tone zones each feature seven pieces of equipment, including cross-trainers, leg presses, outdoor riding bikes, free walkers (which are similar to treadmills) and a surf board-like gadget that allows the user to build waist muscles and enhance co-ordination and flexibility.
The gyms, which are expected to become popular with locals of all ages, are due to be ready by the start of December, at a cost of between €12,00 and €15,000 each.
“It’s a great asset,” said Vincent Florish, assistant engineer with Cork County Council. “The equipment is free to use and will encourage people to keep fit. The exercise zones are for people of all ages — everybody can use them. They’re aimed at anyone over 13.”
He said each tone zone would be similar to an existing facility in Carrigaline which opened earlier this year and was extremely popular among young and old.
Cllr Andrew Coleman of Bandon Town Council said the initiative would prove to be a great asset to residents, particularly older people.
“This equipment could be very beneficial to older people — it’s already very popular in China and Europe. However, young adults will also use it.”
Another tone zone is scheduled for the Regional Park in Ballincollig overlooking the soccer pitches. “Parents can use them while waiting for their children to finish training or a match, for example,” said Mr Florish.
All nine zones are being funded through Cork County Council under a grant from the Department of Sport. The tone zones are among 51 local authority-backed sports projects funded by the department, at a cost of just under €2.9 million.
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