East Riding libraries launch ‘Gym in a Box’ to encourage home fitness
Borrow gym equipment for free exercise at home
Starting this September, people in East Yorkshire can embark on a fitness journey from the comfort of their own homes with the innovative ‘Gym in a Box’ scheme.
Provided by the East Riding Mobile Library service, this initiative, funded by Libraries Connected, offers gym equipment suitable for home use, aimed at encouraging those who don’t typically engage in exercise or lack access to resources.
The boxes include items tailored for both cardio and weight training, featuring guidance and suggested exercises, ensuring suitability for all fitness levels.
Inside each box, users will find:
A mini exercise bike, usable both as a traditional bike while seated and for arm exercises, offers low-impact cardiovascular workouts.
Resistance bands, dumbbells, and a gym ball for comprehensive weight training.
A yoga mat, Pilates ball, and Pilates bricks for stretching and flexibility exercises.
Coordinated with National Fitness Day on 16th September, the project addresses health disparities in rural areas by providing accessible exercise tools and guidance.
Those taking part are encouraged to continue their fitness journey with the incentive of free one-week gym passes, courtesy of East Riding Leisure, once the kit is returned.
These dynamic boxes are available to all East Riding Library members for an eight-week loan period, fostering adaptation and growth in new fitness regimes.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, expressed enthusiasm for the scheme.
“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,” Coultish said.
For more information or to reserve equipment, visit Exercise at home with Gym in a Box! - East Riding Libraries.
The East Riding Mobile Library Service makes more than 160 stops each month bringing books and resources into local communities. For additional details, visit Mobiles and At Home Service.