Outdoor fitness equipment trend spreading through South Okanagan

KEREMEOS – As communities in the Okanagan and Similkameen increasingly embrace the movement towards outdoor fitness parks, a Keremeos businessperson finds himself ideally positioned to help municipalities with their equipment needs.

Communities are increasingly interested in the idea of placing outdoor gym equipment in municipal parks for use by everyone, but particularly for the increasing number of seniors that continue to live in small communities, Rob "Coach" Pelletier says. The gyms can be used as part of a resident’s training circuit, also offering an opportunity for residents to socialize while working on their fitness plans. He says the gyms are easy to use, but some training would be of benefit, something he is also able to offer.

Pelletier, who owns Main Event Boxing and MMA Studio's in Keremeos, also provides consulting and business services through Iron Eagle Gyms, a division of Great Outdoor Gym, the national distributor of TriActive America Fitness Equipment.

Pelletier says he formed Iron Eagle Gyms to cater to First Nations communities, but has also found local municipalities, even the military, interested in his products.

Pelletier is a certified professional boxer with more than 30 years in the business. He and partner Donna Davies opened a boxing and fitness gym on Seventh Avenue in Keremeos three years ago, providing a unique blend of fitness opportunities for residents of the village.

Iron Eagle Gyms can provide over 55 different pieces of outdoor gym equipment, which is designed for all age groups and fitness levels. Built to withstand the elements, the equipment is designed for the average sized North American, and provides strength, cardio, balance, coordination and flexibility training. Some equipment is also designed to be wheelchair accessible.

Pelletier recently sold outdoor gyms to Penticton and Oliver, and he’s currently negotiating with the Kobau Park Committee in Cawston as they look at the possibility of installing an outdoor gym in the Cawston Park.

He says he’s been in touch with the Village of Keremeos, and Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation as those two communities look at the feasibility of outdoor gyms in their municipalities.

Village of Keremeos Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Cowan says the village is still in the process of collecting funds for an adult gym in one of the village’s two municipal parks. She says the village received a Union of BC Municipalities grant for $20,000, but the community is looking at raising an additional $15,000 before proceeding.

Cowan says the project is still in its early stages, with an advisory committee forming prior to issuing a request for quotes.

The gym is expected to be completed by spring of 2017.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.