The equipment can be used for both cardio and weight training workouts
East Riding residents can now access gym equipment from the mobile library service(Image: East Riding Council)
East Riding residents can now get fit through an innovative ‘Gym in a Box’ service from the mobile library. The local authority hopes people will be tempted to try exercising by borrowing some basic gym equipment suitable to use from the comfort of their own home.
Councillors are confident the scheme will help residents improve fitness, boost confidence and ‘move towards a healthier lifestyle’. The new service has been launched to coincide with National Fitness Day, which takes place on Wednesday, 16 September.
The equipment can be used for both cardio and weight training workouts. The box also contains guidance and suggested exercises for each piece of equipment, making it suitable for users of all fitness levels.
Each box includes a mini exercise bike, resistance bands, dumbbells and a gym ball. A yoga mat, a pilates mat and pilates bricks are also included to help people with their stretching and flexibility.
The scheme has been funded by Libraries Connected and aims to address health inequalities in rural communities. All the exercise equipment and guidance will be provided free of charge.
Councillors are hopeful that Gym in a Box borrowers will become more physically active, see improvements in their mobility as well as their mental health and have more confidence to take part in other activities. And to encourage residents to continue their fitness journey, East Riding Leisure have provided free one-week gym passes to all borrowers once the Gym in a Box kit is returned to their local mobile library. These passes can be used at any East Riding Leisure centre.
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The fitness boxes are available to all East Riding Library members and will be available for an eight-week loan period, giving the customer time to adjust and build on their new fitness routine.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said the box was suitable for people beginning their fitness journey and added he was hopeful it would have a long-term legacy in the region. ‘’We are pleased to bring the ‘Gym in a Box’ scheme to residents in the East Riding. The project allows residents to borrow gym equipment and explore exercise no matter what their fitness level may be, from a Mobile Library in their area,” he said.
‘’This inclusive scheme broadens the offer of our popular Mobile Library Service whilst helping people to improve their fitness, gain confidence and move towards a healthier lifestyle.’’ The East Riding Mobile Library Service visits more than 160 stops every single month, bringing books, and more into local communities. The new fitness equipment offer will be available on all East Riding Mobile Libraries.
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