Getting fit and strong becomes a lot easier

A dozen pieces of fitness apparatus installed at the Central Square of Taidong Community in Anting Town on November 2 soon attracted local residents to try their hand.

A WeChat QR code attached to the equipment gave access to each piece’s instructions and work-out videos.

Jiading is building 19 such fitness equipment stations this year, with more than half of the already finished.

The new stations have adapted to new concepts of senior citizens’ exercise habits, such as weight training, rehabilitation and health preservation. The old fitness stations used to have lots of apparatus, but they couldn’t meet the needs of many senior citizens, such as muscle strength training. More equipment for muscle training will be installed to meet this need.

At the Fangbao Jiayuan community, more than 20 pieces of equipment have been installed. Most are for strength training and aerobic exercises, similar to the ones in gyms in terms of functionality, strength and muscle training.

Tao Fengjuan, a Jiading resident, said she used to do only some stretching. Now, with the new equipment, she is able to have strength training for her legs, arms and waist. Although she experienced a little muscular soreness all over her body, her sleep quality had improved greatly.

Muscles’ major function is to protect joints. If one’s muscle strength is poor, one is likely to lose support around the joints. Some moderate muscle training for older people can reduce the injury risks from falling.

Other than the muscle training equipment, board games tables were also installed. Not only can games sharpen the mind, but they also help cultivate harmonious relationship among residents, said an official with the local sports bureau.

Ti Gong