New outdoor gym to get Tobermore active

Tobermore is getting into its stride thanks to the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Magherafelt District Council opening a new outdoor gym.

The free facility, based at Mill Park, has 16 pieces of equipment which offer a variety of benefits including improved balance and coordination, flexibility, strength and cardiovascular exercise.

The PHA’s Head of Health and Social Wellbeing in the Northern area, Madeline Heaney, said: “Participation in physical activity, sport and exercise is great for both body and mind. It helps maintain a healthy weight and protect against heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes. Physical activity also helps with our sleep patterns and can improve our mental health by reducing stress.

“The outdoor gyms are a great way to get active. They are free, easy to use and are easily accessible on the doorstep of local communities.”

The Tobermore gym brings the total number of PHA-funded gyms in the Northern area to 12.

Kate McEldowney, Chairperson of Magherafelt District Council, said: “I am very pleased to be able to open this facility in Tobermore. It is a relatively new venture for the Magherafelt District Council area and I'm sure that local people will enjoy using the new gym equipment and will also benefit from doing so.

“I would like to thank the Public Health Agency for providing funding for this equipment and I look forward to seeing additional outdoor gyms being developed in the Magherafelt District Council area.”

Similar free facilities are also available in the Cookstown and Moyle District Council areas, Newtownabbey, Antrim, Ballymena and Carrickfergus Borough Council areas.