Fitness for the young and ‘young at heart’
As covered by the national press recently, keeping fit is not
just for kids and the Lycra-clad, hip and trendy 20-30 somethings,
but staying sprightly and toned into older age is vital for
maintaining a healthy active body. With this in mind,
Wicksteed Playscapes has come up with a range of ingenious outdoor
exercise equipment that can be installed in parks and other public
amenity areas – all of which are accessible, easy to use and
won’t cost the user a penny!
Xerscape, designed in conjunction with researchers from
Staffordshire University’s Centre for Sport & Exercise
Research, is both user-friendly and effective at delivering the
right degree of fitness according to varying levels of
ability.
Each piece of equipment has been individually analysed by a
research team at the University to determine how long it should be
used for and whether it is designed for upper / lower body
strength, toning or cardiovascular fitness, etc.
The researchers have also put together a number of
recommendations for the best types of equipment to install in an
Xerscape area to enable the user to get the most benefit from a
range of circuits.
Each Xerscape unit is accompanied by a simple step-by-step guide
on how to use the equipment; the sequence in which to use each
piece and how many repetitions should be achieved, according to the
user’s level of fitness. This is divided into separate
categories: novice, intermediate and experienced.
Professor Rachel Davey, Director – Centre for Sport &
Exercise Research, Staffordshire University says, “It’s
never too late to start! Exercise provides physical, mental
and social benefits as well as keeping older adults mobile and
independent. Participating in regular moderate physical
activity can help prevent a number of chronic diseases such as
chronic heart disease, certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes and
hypertension as well as helping to prevent stroke and vascular
dementia. Staying active also helps boost the immune system
and in turn wards off colds and infections.
Exercise can help to reverse some of the symptoms of
ageing. Cardiovascular and muscle exercise are key to
ensuring we are able to remain independent and look after ourselves
later in life. Good muscle strength, balance and
co-ordination can prevent falls and fractures and weight-bearing
exercise can help strengthen joints and bones.
Wicksteed’s Xerscape range is ideal for helping to keep us
active and healthy. The equipment is versatile and a
combination of different units can provide a ‘whole
body’ fitness programme so that cardiovascular, muscular
strengthening, flexibility, coordination and balance exercises can
all be carried out.”
As well as benefiting the older generation, Xerscape is a great
way to keep fit for teenagers onwards. With obesity on the
increase across the age range, outdoor,publicly accessible exercise
areas could be the future of our nation’s fitness.
Learn more about Xerscape and Wicksteed
visit www.wicksteed.co.uk