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

The Association of Play Industries Federation House Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire CV8 2RF

T +44(0) 24 76 414999 ext 208
F +44(0) 24 76 414990
E api@api-play.org