Green Gym Anybody?

Counting the calories and the seconds on the treadmill, staring at your own reflection in the gym wall mirrors, a sea of bods working out silently absorbed in their own MP3 players. Does this tedious work out ring a bell.?

Staying fit and active has gone back to it’s roots as environmental groups are springing accross the UK.

Hit The Green Gym!

The Green Gym is run by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV). Not only does it encourage activity in fresh outdoor environments, but it encourages a worthwhile contribution to conservation projects throughout the country.

It’s a good thing

Whatever age you are it helps people get out and about, meet like minded people and stay active to boot.  Typical members of green gyms include those of retirement age who wish to stay fit and healthy, other people may be recovering from ill health or injury and see the green gyms as an opportunity for physical rehabilitation. Generally regular exercise decreases the risk of heart disease and helps combat the growing obesity problems occurring in the UK.

How does it all work?

Conservation projects like gardening , planting, gathering rubbish for recycling, an array of activities take place around the country.
The Green Gym provides the training and the tools and each session has a team leader. This is an enjoyable activity and certainly does not promote a no pain no gain philosophy. Individuals take things at their own pace. Unlike all other gyms this one is free and promotes healthy outdoor exercise.

Green Gym Facts

• It has been running for 10 years
• 95 established across the country
• Over 2500 worthwhile projects have been attended by the Green Gym


How do I get involved?

Look for a Green Gym near you and contact the organisation if you would like to get involved. For further details about the Green Gym see www2.btcv.org.uk