Caloo Outdoor Playground and Fitness Equipment

2013 is going to be a very exciting year for us at Caloo. We have a lot to look forward to, but none of this would have been possible without the challenges we faced and the goals we achieved in 2012.

Last year was our best year yet. We took 40% more orders in 2012 than in the previous year, bringing the total number of sites with our outdoor gym equipment in the UK up to 400 – an immense achievement, and one we are very proud of.

These outdoor gyms were sold to a very broad client base as diverse as county, city, metropolitan, borough, district, town and parish councils, prisons and young offender institutions, holiday parks, schools, universities, and outdoor fitness devotees from the general public. And last year we also installed outdoor gyms at special needs schools and NHS rehabilitation units.

The exponential rise in demand for our outdoor exercise equipment can at least partly be contributed to the Olympics. The Games were such a success, not only in terms of medal wins and fabulous viewing, but in instilling a sense of urgency and fun about outdoor fitness that got us all out and about far more and increasingly aware of our own wellbeing.

The other reason why we have been so busy is because of all the hard work and success we have achieved in attaining the accreditations and certifications we were seeking. We renewed our ISO 9001 accreditation in 2012 and, after we passed rigorous assessments with flying colours, were included in the pre-qualification lists for Constructionline and CHAS. We recognise how vitally important it is that the outdoor gym equipment we sell is of the highest standards – we are, at all times, driven by quality and service and it’s wonderful that those responsible for upholding those standards in our sector recognise we have been doing just that.

And to all of our dedicated and fabulous staff – including all our installers who do a sterling job ensuring that our outdoor gyms are erected safely and securely and whose expertise has assisted in the design or redesign of countless outdoor fitness spaces and playgrounds – we say thank you for your hard work in 2012.

This year has already started with a bang, with an exciting new multi-site contract set for installation in the spring and a brand new brochure on the way offering an even greater selection of TUV certified outdoor gym and school playground equipment. Looks like 2013 is going to be an exciting year…

Smoking is generally considered to be the leading lifestyle choice that results in untimely deaths; however, a recent study shows that inactivity is now causing just as many deaths around the world as smoking. This study, conducted by a team of 33 researchers and published in The Lancet, found that inadequate physical activity is the culprit behind 5.3 million deaths per year. This breaks down to approximately one in ten deaths linked to diseases like diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease and breast cancer.

The general public is often reminded of the benefits of using an outdoor gym, walking regularly or maintaining an active lifestyle; however, researchers from the study note that the problem of inactivity is so great it should now be approached as a pandemic, including public warnings about the dangers linked to a lack of exercise. The research team also suggests that governments should take additional steps to promote physical activity by finding ways to make it safer, more affordable and more convenient. This could include providing increased access to conveniently located outdoor gym options.

The general recommendation for maintaining a lifestyle that is active enough to enjoy the benefits of exercise and avoid the dangers of inactivity includes adults partaking in 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, such as cycling, brisk walking or using an outdoor gym. While comparing activity levels in different countries is difficult, due to how activity is defined, the study found that those residing in countries with higher incomes had the lowest levels of activity. Even with the expanding interest in outdoor gym workouts, the UK ranked among the least active in the world with researchers finding that almost two-thirds of adults in the UK do not take adequate exercise.

One way to work towards rectifying this situation is to increase access to exercise opportunities by providing safe, convenient outdoor gym options that can be used by adults and children across the UK, something for which we at Caloo have been campaigning about for some time.

Paralympic competitors Nyree and Sasha Kindred have so far won a combined 20 medals throughout their sporting careers, including eight golds, and this husband and wife team say that their inspiration comes from their 14-month-old daughter, Ella.

Sasha Kindred, who previously held 11 Paralympic medals, competed in four events at the 2012 Games, while Nyree qualified for the 100-meter backstroke only eight months after giving birth to Ella. The couple report that it is almost as if their daughter knows they are athletes, allowing them to sleep through the night and acting as their alarm clock to wake them up for training in the morning.

These parents, both swimmers, consider Ella their number one fan and have been giving her swimming lessons since she was just three months old. While they point to safety as the primary reason for starting so young, knowingly or not, these physically active parents are inspiring their daughter to also live a fit and healthy life. For the good of our children, this is something to which we should all aspire.

Not everyone can compete at an Olympic or Paralympic level but we can all encourage our children to live healthier, active lives, leading by example and providing opportunities for appealing, fun exercise. One way to do this is to introduce our children to outdoor gym facilities at an early age. An outdoor gym outfitted with colourful, enticing exercise equipment provides an excellent workout, while allowing children to enjoy time in the fresh air and sunshine.

Many neighbourhood parks already include an outdoor gym, but what if your local park does not offer this feature? You could contact your local council to inquire about the possibility of adding an outdoor gym to an open-air gathering place in your neighbourhood, like the high-quality options provided by Caloo. An outdoor gym is a benefit to the entire community and is an ideal way to encourage increased activity in younger generations.

For 17 days, the people of our nation were honoured to host the world’s most accomplished athletes as they competed for Olympic gold. We all watched proudly as the talented men and women who represented us turned in the finest Olympic performance Great Britain has seen since 1908, bringing home a record-setting 29 gold medals and 65 medals overall.

Ultimately, the legacy of these Games will not be measured by how many medals were won, or even by the joy experienced watching the intense and spirited competition. What would make these Games a truly smashing success is if the people of the United Kingdom were inspired enough by what they saw to start making real improvements in the way they live their lives. If what you witnessed has motivated you to head to a nearby outdoor gym for a stimulating workout, or if you have decided to try out a new sport, such as archery, rowing, table tennis or badminton, after watching champions perform these activities with so much skill and enthusiasm, it is fair to say that the true essence and spirit of the Olympics has stayed with you, even though the competitors have now gone home.

The health benefits that accrue from regular exercise sessions at an outdoor gym, or from developing the discipline and dedication required to learn new athletic skills, are immense. The Olympics have always been about celebrating health, fitness and the joys of sport and exercise, and the best way to pay proper respect to that tradition is to get out there and into the action at a local outdoor gym. Healthy exercise will sharpen both mind and body, and just two to three hours per week spent at an outdoor gym or practising a new favourite sport with friends can be more than enough to deliver outstanding benefits.

Are you still feeling the Olympic spirit, even though the Games are over? If you are, then it is time to get out to your nearest outdoor gym and start proving it.

During the first six months of 2012, Caloo secured contracts to install primarily cardio-based outdoor gyms in six prison (HMP) and youth offender institution (HMYOI) facilities. This unprecedented success came after a long and highly competitive tender process, and resulted in the installation of high-quality fitness equipment in association yards and healthcare yards at the Hindley, Bristol, Pentonville, Swaleside, Everthorpe and North Allerton sites.

Caloo representatives worked closely with prison system personnel to provide consultations, guide selection and complete installation of a range of outdoor cardio- and strength-based gym equipment to fit each facility’s particular needs. The selected outdoor gym equipment was chosen for two primary purposes: for installation in association yards to provide opportunities for inmates to stay physically fit, and in healthcare yards to provide rehabilitation for injured prisoners or those recovering from illness.

The projects were completed within budget and on time, which is a common reason companies and organisations choose Caloo as their outdoor gym provider. Feedback since the installations indicates that the new outdoor gym facilities have been well received by inmates and are regularly used. This response has attracted the interest of other institutions across the country, some of which are now consulting with Caloo regarding the acquisition of outdoor gym equipment for their sites.

Caloo understands that providing inmates with access to exercise facilities can be contentious, particularly when the image most people have of prison gyms comes from Hollywood movies where overly muscular inmates spend their days bulking up in an outdoor gym that looks more like Venice Beach than a correctional facility. In contrast, Caloo gyms are designed for improving overall health and fitness. Further, the outdoor gym facilities fitted out under these contracts are predominantly equipped with cardio-based fitness equipment.

By partnering with Caloo to provide high-quality, appealing outdoor gym equipment for these six facilities, the prison system has taken an important step in providing enhanced opportunities for cardiovascular fitness, rehabilitation, improved quality of life and constructive ways for inmates to spend their time while incarcerated.

We’re always being told that we should exercise regularly and sensibly, but do you ever spare a
thought for the safety of the exercise equipment you’re using? Outdoor gym equipment specialists
Caloo have now proven that they do indeed by gaining one of Europe’s highest quality certifications
to sit alongside their pre-qualified status on Constructionline and their health and safety accreditation
with CHAS. By achieving this product certification this company leads the outdoor exercise
equipment industry in the UK by putting quality and safety first.

Caloo are very proud to have been recently awarded independent product certification to TUV standard 55012:2010 for their outdoor gym equipment placed in public spaces. Managing Director Andrew Kime said ‘The TUV test standard PPP55012:2010 for outdoor gym equipment is currently Europe’s highest product test certification, and after the gruelling testing and assessment that we were asked to undertake it’s satisfying to know that we passed with flying colours.’ Caloo is currently the only UK-based
company in its industry with this certification, which covers numerous aspects of the manufacturing
process including the product design, materials used and quality control processes in place to ensure
that the exemplary standards recognised in the certification would be maintained.

Constructionline is the UK’s largest online database of pre-qualified contractors and consultants, a
preferred supplier list if you were, that’s recommended by the OGC Common Minimum Standards
and the Local Government Task Force. In June 2011 Caloo joined their numbers as the newest
addition to their database. To be accepted onto the pre-qualified database Caloo has proven that it
meets their high standards not only for product quality but also with the planning and installation of
their outdoor gym equipment.

‘Health and safety in all that we produce and all that we do is of paramount importance to us as an
organisation, which is why it was so important for us to become a CHAS accredited contractor,’ said
Kime. ‘We supply and install our exercise equipment in outdoor gyms up and down the country for
schools, local authorities, private companies and many other organisations, and we know just how
important it is to not only offer the best, but to be able to prove that they are the best, and that’s the
reason why we have sought out our certifications, memberships and associations.’

Notes for Editors

Caloo have been supplying and installing exercise and playground equipment in schools, nurseries,
public parks and company grounds for almost five years. Not only is our equipment manufactured to
meet all European standards but it is developed to be robust, attractive and vandal resistant, designed

to enhance any open space and withstand the natural and less-than-natural ravages it will inevitably have to face in open air locations.

Caloo can design an outdoor gym or playground around your specific needs, advise you on how to
acquire the necessary funding for the project, recommend the best equipment for your requirements,
then project manage the entire landscaping and installation process to ensure that every health
and safety and quality standard is achieved. What’s more, our exercise equipment is covered by a
comprehensive structural product guarantee for up to five years, and comes with all the instructions
you’ll need in order to maintain it to ensure a maximum safe life expectancy.

Contact Details

Eccles Site within Aylesford Parish

Although works were completed in July 2010, a letter was recently received from the Clerk of Aylesford Parish Council in Kent.

Mr Flindell wrote in January 2011, “It is now around 6 months after the installation of the Caloo outdoor fitness equipment at 3 sites around the Parish. This is now adequate time to reflect on and to review the outcome of this project.

I am now able to say that this has been an overall success. These were the first sets of outdoor fitness equipment to be installed in the area and were immediately popular. We chose the Cardio bundle which has attracted all ages. This was one of the aims of the project: to provide healthy and fun recreational and exercise opportunities for all ages. Younger people have been and are well provided for in our recreation grounds. The Caloo equipment helps us to carer for the requirements of older people.

Another aim of the project was to increase the use of our recreation grounds, to get more footfall and so to improve the service that we provide to the local community. This was another aim successfully met.  The gym equipment means that we get a steady stream of visitors to our recreation grounds all through the day. Previously there had been more marked peaks in usage after school and during school holidays and more troughs during the day in term time.

With continuously rising populations, more development in the area and so more pressure on the Council’s recreation grounds we have to make the most of every space and to get as much use as possible out of each square inch. This was another plus point for the equipment as the cardio bundle is able to accommodate multiple users in a comparatively small area.

All of these comments could very well apply to a lot of other outdoor fitness equipment. We chose the Caloo equipment rather than from any other firm as it appeared to be robust, good value, fit for purpose and we had confidence in the level of service to be provided. Some six months down the line each aspect of this decision has been justified by experience.”

We are delighted to receive such positive client feedback and look forward to constructing many new facilities for community use in the coming years. We offer a FREE site consultation to survey site conditions and offer best advice with product selection and configuration. Call our sales office on 0845 055 8218 for further information or complete the Contact us page for a speedy reply.

A VILLAGE primary school is leading the way in pupil fitness thanks to a new playground gym.

Children at Barkston and Syston Primary School have been queuing up to use their new outdoor gym since it was installed by Hemel Hempstead company Caloo over the Christmas holidays.

Headteacher Sally-Anne Caunter said: “It has been very popular already – there is a queue every break time to get on it.

“It is mainly for the older children as we have climbing equipment for the younger children.

“One of the teachers is working on a series of challenges for the children to keep them interested in exercising.”

The set-up of the equipment means the resistance each person comes up against is dependant on their own weight – so a child would face just as much of a challenge as an adult on the same machine.

The outdoor gym has been paid for by Friends of Barkston and Syston School.

Jane Harris, of the group, said: “It is really the parents who have provided the funding for the project through different events like the Summer fete and over Christmas. It is something which is really popular in Europe but is just catching on here. I think we are one of the first schools in the area go get an outdoor gym,

“The equipment can be used by anyone aged between seven and 107. The younger children are desperate to have a go but it gives them something look forward to.”

Article reproduced from Grantham Journal published January 11th 2011.  http://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/education_2_1725/playground_gym_for_village_pupils_1_2288118

About landfill tax

Tax on landfill waste was introduced in 1996 as a means to reduce the amount of land-filled waste and to promote a shift to more environmentally sustainable methods of waste management.

The Landfill Communities Fund (LCF)

This innovative tax credit scheme enables operators of landfill sites to contribute money to enrolled Environmental Bodies (EBs) to carry out projects that meet environmental objects contained in the Landfill Tax Regulations.

The Government saw the LCF as a way for Landfill Operators (LOs) and EBs to work in partnership to create significant environmental benefits and jobs and to undertake projects which improve the lives of communities living near landfill sites.

For further information about this method of funding, please follow the link to http://www.entrust.org.uk/home

To search for active LCF funders in your area, follow this link http://www.entrust.org.uk/home/lcf/funders-directory

Following our attendance at Saltex 2010, we would like to extend a big thank you to all the visitors to our stand.

Over the three days of the show, (one of which was spent mostly under water), we met many new people and generated a more than satisfactory level of new project enquiries. We have booked to return in 2011 – Looking forward to it already!!!

NEW Outdoor Fitness Equipment has been fitted by Caloo in Cam, Gloucestershire to help encourage the local community to develop and maintain active lifestyles. The recent installation contained 8 exercise units positioned informally within an existing park environment.

Parish Clerk Sue Hanman said, “Cam Parish Council has been extremely pleased with its collaboration with Caloo in the installation of its ‘Outdoor Gym’. From first enquiry to installation and beyond, the Company has been extremely helpful and supportive. The installation team arrived on time and completed their work very quickly and efficiently. Now in place, the equipment looks attractive and sturdy and has already been the subject of some excellent feedback from the community – from children participating in the play programme at the field where the equipment is, to ‘mature’ dog walkers who have enjoyed it whilst walking in the area. Even I, by no means a fitness freak, have had a go and thoroughly enjoyed the experience!”

Caloo Outdoor Fitness Equipment is designed to create open use, FREE access, outdoor fitness facilities to benefit the whole community. With resistance offered from user weight, these carbon neutral, human powered units are environmentally friendly and great fun. With many different activities within the range, communities can choose items that encourage fitness activities or those to aid rehabilitation or recovery after illness or injury.

For more information contact our sales office on 0845 055 8218 or visit our special offers page for bundle offers.

£10,000 Lottery Award Provides New Equipment

PUPILS returning to a Carnoustie primary school after the October holidays will be in for a treat thanks to a £10,000 National Lottery Award.
Burnside Primary School, which secured the extra funding through their pupil council, has used the money to buy specialised playground equipment, which aims to improve children’s fitness in a fun way.

The colourful equipment, made by English-based company Caloo is carbon neutral and is powered by the pupils’ own body weight.

This means the children are exercising whilst they are playing and Burnside will be the first primary school in Scotland to install this type of equipment.

The pupil council, along with assistant head Jackie Goodwin, secured the funding for the project from the National Lottery so pupils at the school can develop and maintain active lifestyles.

Nine pieces of equipment in total will be installed and Pauline Lockhart from the school’s parent council commented on how pleased they were about the school taking delivery of this new play equipment.

Mrs Lockhart said: “I think I can safely say we are really proud of the pupil council and Mrs Goodwin’s efforts in securing the Lottery Award which enabled us to purchase this equipment.

“We look forward to seeing it in use and are delighted to be the first school in Scotland to have it.”

The equipment is being installed during the holidays and should be ready to use when the children return to school.

By Jennifer Newton – 09 October 2009

After a busy Summer of installations, we are pleased to report strong growth in product sales and the number of delighted domestic and export customers.

Our business ethos of offering the highest raw material specifications at value for money prices combined with market leading levels of customer service and support have contributed to our continued success. Our clients continue to be happy to act as Company references and say nice things.

With a wide range of customers from different market sectors and installations in England, Scotland, Wales and Sri Lanka completed this year, we are sure to have a show site near you.

For further information or the location of your closest show site, please call our sales office.

Spring Common School in Cambridgeshire and Shaftsbury Junior School in Leicestershire are two UK schools who have recently installed Caloo fitness equipment into their playgrounds.

Spring Common School

Spring Common School is a Cambridgeshire Local Education Authority Co-educational School offering education to children aged 3-19 years who have special educational needs.

Following installation of eight items from the Caloo Workout range Assistant Headteacher Debra Smith wrote, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the advice and patience you had while decisions were made at school. The equipment was sited as requested during the summer holidays and I appreciated that all timescales were kept to.

Today, I went outside to see all of the equipment being used I have been especially pleased with the use throughout the day by our autistic pupils.”

Shaftsbury Junior School

Shaftesbury is a vibrant multicultural Junior school in the heart of Leicester’s West End.

Following the installation of eight items from the Caloo Workout range, Karl Stewart, Headteacher wrote “As part of our Be Safe strand of Every Child Matters, we have been looking at ways to increase physical activity at school. Once I had seen the Caloo range, I was very impressed. So were the School Council. We made the decision to go for the Caloo Workout and this was installed over the summer holidays. The workmen were very professional and amenable to our Premises Officer who supervised the work.

When the pupils returned to school, the new gym equipment was an instant hit, with both the pupils and the staff. The kids love it and it is in regular use during playtimes and lunchtimes. It has already been used in some lessons and the staff have got together to have a ‘workout’ one evening a week.

I cannot speak highly enough of both the quality of the equipment and the professional service we received.”

NEW Outdoor Fitness Equipment has been fitted by Caloo in two parks within Cranfield Parish in Bedfordshire to help encourage villagers to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Selected items from the Caloo Workout range have been ‘outstalled’ into two Parish parks to create a fitness facility which provides a full body workout opportunity for the residents of Cranfield. Equipment selected includes the cross rider, air walker and rower which have immediately proven to be a popular provision with local residents and Councillors alike.

Parish Councillor Jo Stannage said ‘The Council felt that it was the adults’ turn to have some new equipment in the parks which is fun to use but also good for their health. The equipment has been placed near to the children’s play areas so that families can use the park facilities together’.

Caloo Outdoor Fitness Equipment is designed for users aged 7+ and can be used to create unsupervised, FREE access, outdoor fitness facilities to benefit the whole community. With resistance offered from user weight, these carbon neutral, human powered units are environmentally friendly and great fun. With many different activities, communities can choose items that provide a fitness challenge or units that aid rehabilitation or recovery after illness or injury.

Even at 99 years young, one resident of Newcastle-under Lyme in Staffordshire was keen to try out the new Caloo fitness installation in Lyme Valley and Bathpool Parks.

Following a formal tender, Caloo were selected to supply and install Outdoor Fitness Equipment into two parks under the NHS funded choosing health project.

Local research had identified that North Staffordshire has a higher than average incidence of Cardio vascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and obesity levels.

Physical activity has been shown to reduce the impact of Coronary Heart Disease risk factors, contribute (in conjunction with a healthy diet) to significant weight loss and prevent and ameliorate the management of long term health conditions and the sequence of adverse health events such as Myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Walking has been described as the “the best buy in public health” the “perfect” form of moderate exercise.  (Morris 1993)  It is sustainable, cheap and available to 95% of the adult population.  The evidence base for physical activity’s capacity to improve health and prevent or ameliorate illness (physical and mental) is not in doubt.

14 items of equipment were installed in June 2009 and quickly became popular with local residents who incorporated the equipment into regular routines including a 99 year young gentleman who commented that “we didn’t have this type of thing when I was young. I think it is a great idea”.

For further information, please contact our sales office.