Okay, something I never talked about because we don’t have them on this side of town is free outdoor gyms. The Turkish national government got on this thing a few years ago about people getting fit, so they started installing free gym equipment in public parks. It seemed to me, though, that they were only putting this equipment in parks near rich neighbourhoods, which never made any sense to me because rich people can afford to go to the gym.
Anyway, I had to go out for an hour or so this morning, and guess what? Down at our little local park, about two blocks from my house, they’ve put in one of those outdoor gyms— right in time for my new fitness goals. They must have put this in within the past two weeks.
It’s kind of like playground equipment for adults. That sounds like something you’d order from a porn catalog. But people were coming off the machines huffing and puffing and sweating, so I think there’s some real exercise going on here. Not that porn isn’t real exercise, of course.
We have about ten different kinds of machines.
Each machine has a sign on it explaining which muscles the machine works and how to use it correctly.
I didn’t look at the sign for this one, and it didn’t occur to me until I got home that I have no idea what it is. There are no moving parts. Some kind of leg-lift thingy? I’ve asked a couple of my fitness instructor friends and they didn’t know, either.
I make it look like the place was deserted, but quite the opposite was true. People were actually waiting in line for some of the machines, like this two-person cross-country skiing thingy. There were all kinds of people using the outdoor gym— women, men, kids, you name it. I think it’s fantastic, and next time (maybe even tomorrow) I’ll wear more appropriate clothing and have a go myself.
I remember one of that parks in Antalya – unfortunately I don’t know names of districts there but last year in early evening when with my friend we were going back to flat I saw many people there who had a really great fun.. I think it’s a great idea to create that places esp. that you have a good weather there for almost whole year ๐
but in my opinion the best thing is that Turkish people don’t afraid to go there and using that equipment – I cannot imagine here older ladies or even girls in age +25 doing something like this – I think neighbours would think you are crazy going to public place to do some exercises ๐
btw Mutlu Yฤฑllar Melissa! ๐
I remember one of that parks in Antalya – unfortunately I don’t know names of districts there but last year in early evening when with my friend we were going back to flat I saw many people there who had a really great fun.. I think it’s a great idea to create that places esp. that you have a good weather there for almost whole year ๐
but in my opinion the best thing is that Turkish people don’t afraid to go there and using that equipment – I cannot imagine here older ladies or even girls in age +25 doing something like this – I think neighbours would think you are crazy going to public place to do some exercises ๐
btw Mutlu Yฤฑllar Melissa! ๐
@Iwona – that probably would have been in Lara, that’s where I’ve seen most of these park gyms in Antalya.
Yeah, you’re right, people aren’t embarrassed at all, which is great.
Happy New Year to you too! I hope 2008 is great for you.
@Iwona – that probably would have been in Lara, that’s where I’ve seen most of these park gyms in Antalya.
Yeah, you’re right, people aren’t embarrassed at all, which is great.
Happy New Year to you too! I hope 2008 is great for you.
I think China did something similar as well.
I think China did something similar as well.
OH fuck yeah!!! Those should be everywhere. Before I scrolled down I was going to accuse you of literally being quixotic by pointing out that those are playground apparatuses like that see-saw.
OH fuck yeah!!! Those should be everywhere. Before I scrolled down I was going to accuse you of literally being quixotic by pointing out that those are playground apparatuses like that see-saw.
The ones with the circular discs are quite obviously for practicing your DJ skills. You rotate the discs in some kind of karate kid wax on whacks off kind of style resulting in overdeveloped forearms. They’re very popular with the older exercise fanatic.
The ones with the circular discs are quite obviously for practicing your DJ skills. You rotate the discs in some kind of karate kid wax on whacks off kind of style resulting in overdeveloped forearms. They’re very popular with the older exercise fanatic.
They all look like sex devices to me. I would not be surprised to walk up and see people getting jiggy on any one of these.
They all look like sex devices to me. I would not be surprised to walk up and see people getting jiggy on any one of these.
@carymc: lol I hadn’t thought of that!
@carymc: lol I hadn’t thought of that!
really cool
really cool