Outdoor Gym Installation at Gloucestershire College, Gloucester

Encouraging Active Lifestyles at Gloucestershire College

Gloucestershire College (Gloscol) partnered with Sunshine Gym to install a brand-new outdoor fitness space for staff and students. The goal was clear: to provide free-to-use facilities that promote healthier habits, reduce barriers to exercise, and encourage physical activity both during and outside of lesson times.

For education providers and public sector organisations, this case study demonstrates how outdoor gym equipment in Gloucester can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a student population, while also offering long-term value as a durable campus facility.

Collaboration Between Staff and Students

One of the standout aspects of the Gloucestershire College outdoor gym project was the collaborative approach. College staff involved students directly in the decision-making process, ensuring the college outdoor gym equipment selected matched their interests and fitness goals. A voting process was held so that the final mix of outdoor gym machines reflected the preferences of the people who would benefit most from them.

This democratic approach not only ensured high levels of engagement from the start but also guaranteed that the equipment installed would remain popular and well-used.

A Balance of Cardio and Strength Training

The final design at Gloucestershire College features a carefully balanced selection of both cardio and strength outdoor fitness equipment. Machines were chosen to support users at all fitness levels, whether beginner, intermediate, or advanced.

- Solo-User Equipment

Individual outdoor gym units allow students and staff to train independently, focusing on improving cardiovascular health, stamina, and endurance at their own pace. These pieces provide the flexibility of light, medium, or intensive exercise depending on user preference.

- Multi-User Equipment

To complement this, Sunshine Gym also supplied multi-user equipment that encourages social interaction as part of the fitness experience. These machines allow multiple participants to work out at once, helping to build teamwork and camaraderie while delivering effective physical activity.

Safe and Accessible Fitness for Education Settings

All outdoor gym machines installed at Gloucestershire College were selected from Sunshine Gym’s adults’ equipment range. This makes them suitable for users above 1.4m in height, ensuring accessibility for older students and staff alike.

As with all Sunshine Gym installations, the equipment comes with built-in safety features and requires no electricity or complicated set-up, making it highly suitable for schools, colleges, and universities seeking long-term, low-maintenance facilities.

Benefits for Students and Staff

The installation at Gloucestershire College has transformed underused outdoor space into a functional, attractive fitness area. For students, this means the opportunity to exercise during free periods, before classes, or after lessons. For staff, it provides a convenient and cost-free alternative to commercial gyms in Gloucester or at nearby facilities such as Gloucester Quays gyms.

The result is a fitness initiative that not only boosts health and wellbeing but also supports the college’s wider commitment to student experience and campus development.

The solo equipment which features in this case study includes the following:

These equipment pieces allow for a solo user to improve their cardiovascular health whilst working at their own pace with either beginner, intermediate or advanced level exercises.

Further to the above, Sunshine Gym also supplied multi-user equipment which combines exercise with essential social interaction.

The multi-user equipment installed includes:

All the equipment installed at Gloucestershire college was chosen from our adults’ equipment range and is suitable for any user above 1.4m.

For more information, or to find out how you can also create a fantastic outdoor gym space, contact one of our expert sales advisers! 

Why Educational Institutions Choose Sunshine Gym

For colleges, universities, and public sector organisations, outdoor gyms are an increasingly popular way to enhance facilities, encourage physical activity, and deliver long-term value for their communities. Sunshine Gym works with stakeholders to design, install, and maintain fitness solutions tailored to each environment.

The Gloucestershire College case study highlights the importance of consultation, inclusivity, and durability in creating successful outdoor fitness spaces with college outdoor gym equipment. By combining professional installation with student-led equipment selection, Sunshine Gym delivered a facility that meets the needs of a diverse campus population.

Ready to Create Your Own Outdoor Fitness Facility?

If you represent a college, university, council, or leisure provider, Sunshine Gym can help you replicate the success of projects like Gloucestershire College’s outdoor gym installation. With flexible equipment packages, mix-and-match options, and expert installation, we deliver solutions that promote long-term wellbeing for students, staff, and the wider community.

Contact our expert sales advisers today to find out how Sunshine Gym can transform your outdoor spaces.