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Who Is Using Outdoor Fitness Equipment and How? The Case of Xihu Park

Author

Listed:
  • Hsueh-wen Chow

    (Graduate Institute of Physical Education, Health and Leisure Studies, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan)

  • Andrew J. Mowen

    (Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA)

  • Guan-lin Wu

    (Graduate Institute of Physical Education, Health and Leisure Studies, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan)

Abstract

Outdoor fitness equipment (OFE) placed in public parks has the potential to encourage physical activity. However, little is known about OFE users and use patterns. This study employed onsite and video observations of OFE usage to describe user characteristics and patterns in Xihu Park. Results indicate that OFE in this park attracted considerable use, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. During these peak-hour observations, approximately 12 users per hour used the OFE, with the majority being females and seniors. The triple arm stretch and air walker were the most popular stations. However, most OFE users interacted with less than three of the available six OFE stations. Furthermore, users spent an average of less than nine minutes on all OFE stations combined. While OFE equipment was well-used in this urban park, it appears users did not interact with OFE at rates to produce a sufficient bout or level of physical activity during their park visit. Further investigations of OFE are encouraged to determine their health impact.

Suggested Citation

  • Hsueh-wen Chow & Andrew J. Mowen & Guan-lin Wu, 2017. "Who Is Using Outdoor Fitness Equipment and How? The Case of Xihu Park," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-12, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:4:p:448-:d:96423
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rodrigo Mora, 2012. "Moving Bodies: Open Gyms and Physical Activity in Santiago," Journal of Urban Design, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(4), pages 485-497.
    2. Lincoln R Larson & Viniece Jennings & Scott A Cloutier, 2016. "Public Parks and Wellbeing in Urban Areas of the United States," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(4), pages 1-19, April.
    3. Cohen, D.A. & McKenzie, T.L. & Sehgal, A. & Williamson, S. & Golinelli, D. & Lurie, N., 2007. "Contribution of public parks to physical activity," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(3), pages 509-514.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hsueh-Wen Chow & Kun-Tang Chang & I-Yao Fang, 2021. "Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Outdoor Fitness Equipment Intervention in Achieving Fitness Goals for Seniors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-16, November.
    2. Jiao Xue & Wei Liu & Kuixing Liu, 2021. "Influence of Thermal Environment on Attendance and Adaptive Behaviors in Outdoor Spaces: A Study in a Cold-Climate University Campus," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-15, June.
    3. Janet Lok Chun Lee & Temmy Lee Ting Lo & Rainbow Tin Hung Ho, 2018. "Understanding Outdoor Gyms in Public Open Spaces: A Systematic Review and Integrative Synthesis of Qualitative and Quantitative Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-15, March.
    4. Greta Helen Bladh, 2022. "Spatial Bodies: Vulnerable Inclusiveness within Gyms and Fitness Venues in Sweden," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-24, October.
    5. Keyi Liu & Xia Zhang & Danning Xu, 2023. "Research on Community Fitness Spaces under the Guidance of the National Fitness Program," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-20, September.
    6. Hsueh-wen Chow & Dai-Rong Wu, 2019. "Outdoor Fitness Equipment Usage Behaviors in Natural Settings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-18, January.

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