Soweto's outdoor eco-friendly gym applauded

The 49M campaign was launched in March last year by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and Minister of Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba as a response to the country's constrained power system, climate change, the recent economic downturn and rising electricity costs.

The campaign encourages individuals and corporates to lead energy smart lifestyles thereby saving the planet and their pockets.

"While the gym provides residents with an opportunity to get fit and enjoy healthy living, we are thrilled with the fact that the gym equipment uses no electricity, which means that the energy that could have been used to operate treadmills and bikes can now be channelled where it is needed the most or directed to the reserves for future use," said Eskom, a 49M ambassador.

The gym, situated at Petrus Molefe eco-park in Dlamini, Soweto, is the first of its kind in the area.

Tim Hogins, managing director of Green Outdoor Gyms said that as an "environmental friendly" person it was almost natural for him to come up with a concept that would ensure a better future for all South Africans.

"The equipment is designed in such a way that it uses body weight to operate instead of electricity - it is therefore a green solution suitable for even the most remote and or rural areas," he said.

Hogins added that the concept was inspired by statistics which revealed that SA was the second most obese country in the world.

More outdoor gyms are set to be rolled out across the country.