Green Gym

Benefits of Green Gym

The Green Gym was established in 1997 and now operates at various locations throughout the UK. The benefits of participating in Green Gym can have a number of positive effects on your physical and mental wellbeing.

• Improves cardiovascular fitness, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Improves muscular strength, leading to improved balance.
• Is a good way to socialise and make new friends.
• Helps to relieve stress and anxiety by working outdoors in contact with nature.
• Has a range of activities that allows you to exercise at a level to suit your capabilities.
• Can help build your confidence through learning new skills.
• Participants claim a sense of satisfaction and often continue their work in the community by volunteering for local conservation groups.

Individuals
The Green Gym is for people who lead inactive lifestyles; who experience isolation and mental or physical health problems. Each person who takes part can gain in fitness, health and wellbeing. New skills can be learnt, new friends made and new interests discovered.

Community
The Green Gym brings local people together, to ‘work out’ in their communities. Training and support is available to all members of the group so they can develop their skills and confidence.

Environment
South Tyneside and Newcastle’s Green Gym are currently working on nature reserves, community gardens and allotments. The local environment naturally benefits from the care given by the Green Gym.

  

Objectives

The Green Gym aims to help those who experience isolation and physical or mental health problems. The project is designed to bring local people together to ‘work out’ in their local green spaces through taking part in horticultural and conservation activities. Training and support is offered to all volunteers so that they can develop their skills and confidence.

Purpose and Results

Health Team staff hold a Wright Foundation in Exercise Referral, Mental Health First Aid and Gym Instructors Level 2. Health checks are offered to volunteers every 6-8 weeks in order to monitor health progressions. Last year, of the volunteers tested, 75% showed physical health improvements such as weight reduction or a decrease in blood pressure. Furthermore, 99% of volunteers tested showed an improvement in mental wellbeing.

"I’ve never looked back since joining Green Gym, it’s still hard work but it gets you fit, I’ve been here just under a year and it’s really having a benefit to my fitness levels... I’ve noticed a difference in my waistline too!” South Tyneside Green Gym Volunteer

Partnership Working

Green Gym is licensed from BTCV and is also a part of the New Leaf New Life Portfolio funded by the Big Lottery, as well as being funded by the South of Tyne and Wear PCT and hosted by the North East Strategic Health Authority and is one of a range of projects across South Tyneside and Newcastle.

     

For more information about Green Gym please contact us on T: (0191) 428 1144