Outdoor Gyms Go Unused
Outdoor gyms remain underused despite being free
Life Matters - Separate stories podcast
May 10, 2026 · 10 min · 10 segments
Have you ever wanted to use an outdoor gym but weren't sure where to start? It's a sentiment that many people share and a new program from the Adelaide University is looking to get over-50s into the…
Alison CrozierGuest
Tegan TaylorHost
However, for smaller women and older children who might like to use it, the equipment is often designed for large men and is not suitable for smaller people.

Yeah, so one of the things we're hearing from people with some of the other research we're doing is that they really want equipment that is adjustable because you're right, the manufacturers tend to use or design the equipment for a typical body.

So often there is a range, but anyone who's kind of outside of that range, so the smaller people or even really tall or really big people, it wouldn't necessarily work for them.

And we see that changing with manufacturers, but it does come with an added cost, which then impacts whether councils will purchase that equipment because they do have limited funds to install this equipment.

Coming back to the health benefits, you say it's not just about the physical health benefits, but you're hoping to really show engaging in this space, promoting community.

However, for smaller women and older children who might like to use it, the equipment is often designed for large men and is not suitable for smaller people.

Yeah, so one of the things we're hearing from people with some of the other research we're doing is that they really want equipment that is adjustable because you're right, the manufacturers tend to use or design the equipment for a typical body.

So often there is a range, but anyone who's kind of outside of that range, so the smaller people or even really tall or really big people, it wouldn't necessarily work for them.

And we see that changing with manufacturers, but it does come with an added cost, which then impacts whether councils will purchase that equipment because they do have limited funds to install this equipment.

Coming back to the health benefits, you say it's not just about the physical health benefits, but you're hoping to really show engaging in this space, promoting community.
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3 of 6
Outdoor Gyms Go Unused
Outdoor gyms remain underused despite being free
Confidence Through Community
Early feedback already shows people gaining confidence
Why People Avoid Outdoor Gyms
Uncertainty and poor instructions keep people away
+3 more clips · 5 min 41 sec of audio in all
7 of 22
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