The most famous outdoor gym in the world is Muscle Beach in Venice California. To date, it’s featured in more the 400 films and any number of TV series. Dating back to the 1930s when it was first installed, Muscle Beach has become synonymous with the sea and sunshine of the California coast. And even though most cities around the world might not have the same scenic surroundings, outdoor gyms have become a regular fixture of most modern metropolitan areas.
Why exercise outdoors?
Exercising in the open air brings all the physical benefits of exercising indoors, including increased blood flow, improved heart health, greater strength, flexibility and endurance. But unlike indoor exercise, it can also provide vital exposure to sunlight that increases important levels of vitamin D in our bodies.
Ready to go
Here are just four of the many places in Johannesburg with outdoor gyms for you to enjoy.
1 Zoo Lake Park, Parkview
This popular open-air hangout spot is a great place to get some sun and exercise, close to the water. And if you don’t feel like an intense workout, take a boat out onto the water, watch the birds or have a picnic.
Location Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Lower Park Drive, Parkview
2 Mushroom Farm Park, Sandown
You might be in the heart of high-end Johannesburg, but you’ll find plenty of peace and quiet around here, with public access to a wide range of health and fitness equipment at no cost.
Location Corner of Daisy and Linden Streets, Sandown, Sandton
3 Metro Park, Newtown
On the south side of the Mandela Bridge in the CBD, there are weight machines, steppers in different variations, stationary bikes and more. Over weekends, you can expect a more leisurely atmosphere, but during the work week this is a very popular spot for lunchtime breaks, with workers in the vicinity taking a breather and getting some sun.
Location Corner of Ntembi Piliso and Carr Streets, Newtown
4 Protea Glen Park and Petrus Molefe Eco Park, Soweto
There are a number of outdoor gyms in Soweto and these are two of the most popular. Apart from the chance to exercise, there’s a neighbourly atmosphere and many people are regular visitors. Give them a try.
Locations Protea Glen Park – Kunene Street, Soweto and Petrus Molefe Eco Park – Mokwhene Street, Soweto
SOURCE: JOBURG.CO.ZA
If a modern urban lifestyle appeals to you, please contact Tersia Taljaard on 087 897 0222 or email tersiat@amdec.co.za to discuss opportunities to live or invest at Melrose Arch, or any other of the Amdec Group’s developments.
