A new outdoor exercise gym coming to Campus Umeå

A new outdoor gym facility with 10 machines will open in October 2020.

ImageOutdoor gym project

The Police Education Unit’s primary reason for funding the outdoor gym project is to create an attractive and well-functioning study environment for the police training which also contributes to a more physically active campus. The project enables training for everyone, in correlation with studies and work, at no cost and during all seasons.

"The concept of ​​building the outdoor gym started a few years ago and started off as shared idea with the Sweden University of Agricultural Sciences and to some extent the Umeå School of Sport Sciences, but for various reasons Umeå University and the Police Education decided to move forward," says Jenny Nordhall, project manager and financial coordinator at the Police Education Unit at Umeå University.

A training environment open for all

At the present time, three modules will be constructed according to Conny Tärnklev, study director and lecturer at the Police Education Unit.

• Module A, will be situated between the Northern Behavioural Sciences Building and Police Education Building, is a complete outdoor gym with ten permanent stations with adjustable weight resistance to train all muscle groups. Each station has a roof with articulated lighting, which means that the gym can be used during all seasons.
• Module B is a 400 m long running track that will be built around the artificial grass pitch.
• Module C which is a multifunctional training unit that offers a variety of exercises for both experienced individuals and amateurs.  There are countless exercises which include both static and dynamic training.

The project also includes a gravel pitch in connection with the running track, which the Police Education Unit will use in various exercises. Each module is equipped with a QR code with clear instructions about the exercises that can be performed and the gym will be designed to suit everyone.

Opening on 2 October

The gym will be inaugurated on 2 October in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the basic training programme for police officers at Umeå University. More information about the anniversary and activities in connection with the opening of the outdoor gym will be disseminated on the university’s web site.

"To be able to return to a campus in the autumn where, as a student and staff member, you will be given greater opportunities than before for movement and activity feels fantastic,” says Jenny Nordhall. “The opportunity to exercise in a simple way, at no cost, outdoors and during all seasons of the year feels like a good prerequisite for producing sustainable students and employees."