The Camden outdoor gym programme is the largest of any borough in the UK. Eight sites opened in 2009 and a further 9th site was installed in 2012. Most Camden residents live within 20 minutes of an outdoor gym. The investment in outdoor gyms followed on from a physical activity needs assessment, which identified that people in Camden found cost and access both barriers to being more physically active.

This report is the first stage of the evaluation of Camden’s outdoor gyms which aims to identify: use of outdoor gyms; increases in individual levels of physical activity as a result of outdoor gym use; and to establish what the barriers are preventing other Camden resident’s from using the outdoor gyms.

The aim of the study was to provide a clear understanding of the extent of current provision and identify interventions that would increase participation amongst local residents.
The needs assessment covered the Borough as a whole but had a particular focus on the wards of Kentish Town, Kilburn, Kings Cross and St Pancras and Somers Town. Residents living in these wards suffer the worst life expectancy and are amongst those with the lowest levels of regular participation in sport and physical activity.

4 Key areas explored as part of the study included:
• relevant policy, research and guidelines at a local, regional and national level
• demographic, health and participation profile of the local population
• barriers to participation
• current service provision and future needs
• adequacy of current indoor and outdoor facility provision