encourage the kind of socializing that’s unusual in a traditional gym. Especially as a wheelchair user, she finds that Fitness Zones provide her with an opportunity to feel included in community life. “I have yet to be at a Fitness Zone
without at least one person stopping and joining in,” she says. “I think they are intrigued. It is free, fun, and out- doors. Can you ask for anything else?” She loves that the equipment at-
tracts such diversity of users—from mothers with young children in tow, to couples trying to lose a few pounds, to personal trainers putting clients through their paces. Deborah Cohen, a researcher with
the RAND Corporation, conducted a comprehensive study of 12 Fitness Zone facilities. Her conclusion? “The bottom line is that Fitness Zones at- tract new users to parks.”
A PRESCRIPTION FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Irma Garcia, a 57-year-old city pro- gram coordinator, was thrilled when The Trust for Public Land installed a Fitness Zone in Los Angeles’s Mor- gan Park. Garcia now uses the Fitness Zone to lead a workout group for
seniors, some of whom are in their mid-80s. Prior to joining the group, few of
the members exercised regularly. But when Garcia suggested they train for a 5K race, they readily committed to a training plan, meeting up four mornings a week to stretch, walk, and strength-train at the Fitness Zone. To Garcia’s delight, all of her stu-
dents—even one octogenarian with a walker—completed the 5K and were eager to resume training for a new athletic challenge. The regular work- outs have become a beloved pastime for all involved; Garcia’s students tell her they look forward to the camara- derie as much as the exercise. “I love seeing the seniors enjoying
the morning with sunshine and smil- ing faces,” Garcia says. “They are out there doing it and not giving up.” Medical experts agree that it’s never
been more important to get people— young and old—excited and moti- vated to exercise. One-third of U.S. adults and 17
percent of children and adolescents are obese. Chronic diseases related to obesity and inactivity are on the rise, and so are costs: in 2008, obesity- related medical spending was an estimated $147 billion nationally, up from $78.5 billion in 1998. Public health officials everywhere are looking for practical, affordable ways to make a difference in their communities, and Fitness Zones fit the bill. “Everyone wants to solve the prob-
The Bench Dip: • Sit on the bench facing forward. • Slide forward, supporting all of your weight on your hands as you grip the edge of the bench. • Bend your elbows, bringing your upper arms almost parallel to the ground, then return to the starting position.
60 · LAND&PEOPLE · SPRING/SUMMER 2013
lem of physical inactivity and obesity,” says Deborah Cohen. “Fitness Zones look like a tangible solution.” According to Cohen’s research,
Fitness Zone users engage in sub- stantially more frequent moderate to vigorous physical activity than visitors to other areas of the park. Her
THE FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER, STAYS HEALTHY TOGETHER
Because Fitness Zones are often located next to playgrounds, they provide a unique opportunity for parents to model healthy habits for their children. “When you tell patients to exercise,
they often say, ‘I’m not getting on a treadmill for half an hour. I hate it. It’s boring,’” said University of Miami associate professor of pediatrics Sarah Messiah to American Medical News. “But when you say, ‘Take the family to the park this weekend. Do the Fitness Zone, walk the trails,’ it just sounds dif- ferent,” she said. “It’s more appealing.” Messiah, who counsels patients at the university’s obesity clinic, encourages parents to lead by example. “Exercise is our first line of defense against so many preventable diseases. Even better is when the entire family can engage in fitness activities and healthy eating together, because then everyone in the family benefits.”
research also shows that Fitness Zone users report coming to the park more frequently and engaging in more exercise sessions per week than other park-goers. Back at Gladden Park, Perryman’s
personal experience matches Cohen’s findings. He proudly points to each piece of equipment, describing his workout routine. “You can feel the difference after a while,” he says. “I know my strength has improved, my balance has improved. I’m still a little shaky, but I think if I can do this on a regular basis, I’ll turn out all right.”
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