New outdoor gym in Juvanpuisto to be built based on users' wishes
The City of Espoo carried out a survey for outdoor gym users in spring 2023. The results of the survey will be used to plan the location and equipment of new outdoor gyms and develop the activities.
In spring 2023, counter devices were installed in five City of Espoo outdoor gyms. The aim was to monitor the start of the gym season, the popularity of the equipment, and, naturally, the utilisation rate of the equipment.
"In addition to the user data, we wanted more detailed research data on the use of outdoor gyms, which would help us develop future activities. The outdoor gym survey was carried out as a part of the City-wide pilot project on data, knowledge and impact leadership. We will be able to use the results of the survey in practice starting this summer," says Sports Services Manager Marianne Uppa.
The outdoor gym survey ran from June to September. The link to the survey was shared on social media and various communication channels. The Sports and Exercise Unit staff also visited the outdoor gyms to tell the users about the survey. The gyms also had QR codes through which visitors could access the survey.
"We received over 600 responses, which is a great number. Of the respondents, a little under 40% were male and over 60% were female. Many praised the City's contributions to outdoor gyms," Uppa adds.
The survey inspired an outdoor gym tour
The outdoor gym users were asked which factors influence their use of the gyms and which limit it. In addition to other topics, we asked about people's wishes for new equipment and the factors that influence their motivation for going to the gym.
"People are especially motivated to use outdoor gyms thanks to the diversity and quality of the available equipment and the gym's location close to their home. The surroundings also play a role. What keeps them from visiting the gyms are a distant location, bad weather and not knowing how to use the equipment."
Many users also value safety, good instructions and clear rules at outdoor gyms. For example, respondents wanted to see more signs about whether dogs are allowed at the outdoor gym.
"They requested better on-site instructions. Many outdoor gyms already have QR codes through which you can see for what and how the equipment are used. In addition to this, we will organise an outdoor gym tour in the summer based on the feedback. Sports instructors will tour the gyms for a week in May and August and instruct people in using the equipment," Uppa says.
Based on the survey, the equipment that the users requested the most were devices for dead lifts and squats.
Espoo has taken these requests into consideration at the newest outdoor gym in Juvanpuisto, for example, which will open this summer.
"Espoo is opening new outdoor gyms at a rate of a gym per year, approximately. Juvanpuisto was selected as the location for this year's gym partially based on the survey," Uppa states.
Check the locations of outdoor gyms in Espoo.
Text: Thea Ekholm