Posted on: Friday 25 April 2025
A new outdoor gym has opened at the Northfields in Cwmbran.
The new accessible gym equipment near the skate park, off Llanfrechfa Way, features eight stations, including callisthenic equipment for strength and exercise bikes for cardio workouts, with scannable QR codes for easy-to-follow instructions.
The new facility replaces the existing outdoor gym equipment near The Olive Club in Croesyceiliog.
Last year, nearly 200 people took part in a consultation about the plans for a new outdoor gym. The majority of respondents wanted the gym to be installed in a different location, with 50 percent voting for it to be in the Northfields with the site chosen due to better drainage. They also asked for more modern equipment that could be used by people of all ages and abilities, including people who use a wheelchair.
Cllr Mandy Owen said: "Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation. We looked at all the suggestions and created a design that we hope will be appealing to anyone who wants to improve their fitness."
Aled Walker, Torfaen Council’s Health & Wellbeing Officer, said: “Exercise using just our bodyweight outdoors can significantly improve both our physical and mental health.
“Calisthenics uses our bodyweight for resistance and this equipment will help people develop strength, improved mobility and co-ordination using their bodyweight. This style of exercise can be adapted for different age ranges and abilities and provides a free opportunity to exercise every day.”
The outdoor gym is part of a £1.1m programme to improve and enhance the green infrastructure in Torfaen, funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.
The other projects have included enhanced disability access to Blaenavon Flower Park, a new inclusive play area at Pontnewynydd Park in Pontypool and a new multi-games area in Pontnewydd Park in Cwmbran.
This programme contributes to the council’s County Plan which seeks to support and promote healthier lifestyles in Torfaen to improve mental and physical well-being.
The new outdoor gym will be maintained by the Council's Environment Operations service.
Always fancied trying out resistance bands on a bar but don’t have any? Sports equipment such as bands can be borrowed for free from libraries. Check out library opening times here.