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    Exercise – even more important for the elderly

    20th February 2012

    Outdoor fitness equipment for the elderly

    Much emphasis is placed on the importance of good health, physical fitness and exercise for younger people. But too often the needs of the elderly are forgotten. The assumption seems to be that older people really don’t need to exercise anymore, and that the infirmities associated with old age, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, dementia and heart disease, make exercise too difficult for most seniors anyway.

    But no one is too old to reap the benefits of exercise on outdoor fitness equipment. In fact, seniors can often gain even more benefits from exercise than other age groups. This is because many of the infirmities that people assume are the inevitable companions of the ageing process are actually opportunistic disorders that take advantage of inactivity and an unhealthy lifestyle to establish a foothold. Older people who choose to stay active as they age have a much better chance of avoiding age-related health conditions, and they will also be more likely to recover from bouts of illness if they resume their regular exercise routine as soon as possible after suffering a health setback. Exercises that build strength and endurance without putting excessive stress on the bones and joints are highly recommended for older people in general, which is why outdoor gyms supplied with well-made outdoor fitness equipment might make more sense for the elderly than jogging tracks, tennis courts or football pitches.

    Caloo makes some of the best outdoor fitness equipment that can be found anywhere in the world. Many councils buy outdoor fitness equipment for the gyms they have installed in local parks, while retirement homes have also been purchasing exercise equipment bundles as a way to help elderly people in their care stay healthy. Staying physically fit and active can work wonders for most older people, and park gym equipment like that sold by Caloo is especially useful for seniors because it is so versatile and easy to use. Caloo’s outdoor fitness equipment really can do it all, and the bundles of equipment that have been designed specifically for rehabilitation or a total body workout might be especially well suited to older exercisers.

    For those who want to stay healthy and independent as they age, the best way to make it happen is to get active and stay active. Fitness is great for the mind, the body and the spirit, and older people who keep exercising, or start exercising again if they had quit, are taking steps that will help them preserve their health. While there are a variety of ways for older people to improve their physical fitness, working out on a regular basis in outdoor gyms furnished with the outstanding outdoor fitness equipment supplied by Caloo will deliver an exercise experience that can’t be matched anywhere else.


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    The relationship between exercise and cancer recovery

    20th February 2012

    Outdoor exercise equipment and cancer recoveryA new study recently published in the medical journal BMJ shows that exercise and physical fitness can help cancer patients in their recovery process and improve their overall quality of life. Conducted by researchers from the University of Hong Kong, this meta-analysis of 34 separate studies found that cancer patients have indeed experienced statistically measurable improvements in their physical and emotional health after starting and maintaining a regular exercise regimen following treatment.

    Ultimately, when disease or infirmity strikes, the human body must participate in the healing process. Medical science can perform miracles but it cannot perform them alone, which is why those who are dealing with cancer or any other serious health condition would be wise to include exercise as a part of their healing regimen. Probably the best kind of exercise for cancer sufferers and others battling serious conditions is something that can be practised out in the fresh air and sunshine, in a setting where others are around to provide encouragement and inspiration. An outdoor fitness gym filled with fun and durable outdoor exercise equipment is an ideal location for those who are trying to recover from illness, since well-made outdoor exercise equipment is easy to use, offers a variety of exercise possibilities, and will draw plenty of friends and neighbours who will come out to offer moral support to those battling difficult health conditions.

    Caloo is the company to turn to for any institution or organisation that would like to provide excellent outdoor exercise equipment to medical patients, as well as to others living in their area. Caloo has been selling its outdoor exercise equipment bundles to outdoor gym sponsors for many years, and they have used their experience in this business to design outdoor exercise equipment that maximises fitness and pleasure. Cancer patients trying to regain their strength following surgery, radiation and chemotherapy will find that Caloo’s exercise equipment is so versatile and easy to use that they will have no trouble coming up with an exercise routine that meets their special needs.

    For anyone who has been battling cancer, or any other kind of debilitating disease or medical condition, getting back out there and getting moving again can play a vital role in promoting a full recovery, which is why outdoor gyms filled with the superb outdoor exercise equipment sold by Caloo are an excellent way to help those who are in this situation.


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    The rise and rise of Liam Pitchford, Olympic hopeful

    15th February 2012

    Outdoor table tennis tableAt the 2011 European Championships, Derbyshire’s Liam Pitchford made quite an impact on the world of table tennis when he scored a surprising victory over Vladimir Samsonov, who at one time was ranked number one in the world. He followed up that performance with another strong effort a few weeks later at the World Junior Championships. Overall, Pitchford beat four players in the world’s top 100 over the course of the calendar year. Based on his international success, Pitchford has now risen to number one in the English rankings, which is quite an achievement for someone who is still a few months short of his 19th birthday.

    Like almost every young competitive athlete, Liam Pitchford has long dreamed of someday wearing his country’s colours and winning gold at the Olympics and, with the Games coming to British soil, Pitchford’s sudden rise in the world table tennis rankings couldn’t have come at a better time. When the shortlist for the UK Olympic table tennis team was recently announced, it was certainly no surprise to see Liam Pitchford’s name listed and, when final selections are announced in May, it is highly likely that Pitchford will indeed be one of those lucky few who will have the chance to pursue the dream of Olympic glory.

    Given the rapid rise in popularity that the sport of table tennis has undergone in the UK in the last few years, it was inevitable that this country would begin producing some outstanding young players who would make their presence felt on the national stage. The best thing about this trend, however, is that it is helping to increase participation in a sport that is fun, exciting and healthy. This is the type of trend that should be eagerly supported by everyone, and neighbourhood organisations, school administrators and community groups can encourage the growth of this wonderful sport by purchasing outdoor table tennis tables for placement in parks, school playgrounds and any other public space where such equipment would ideally fit. Outdoor table tennis tables are perfect for promoting physical fitness, and anyone who hopes to promote healthy activity would be wise to investigate the high-quality outdoor table tennis tables offered for sale by Caloo.

    Caloo’s outdoor table tennis tables are sturdy, stylish, durable and a tremendous amount of fun. There is no question that outdoor table tennis tables are great for encouraging exercise and good health and, when those tables are furnished by Caloo, the quality of the product is sure to bring aspiring champions of all ages back to play and compete again and again. It is quite possible, or maybe even probable, that the next Liam Pitchford will get his or her start in a park or on a beach near you – practising on outdoor table tennis tables supplied by the fitness and sports equipment experts at Caloo.


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    Big profit in wide waistlines

    29th January 2012

    Outdoor fitness equipmentObesity may be bad for your health, but research shows that it’s good for some companies’ wallets. Over 1.5 billion people worldwide are classified as overweight or obese and ‘smart’ entrepreneurs and businesses everywhere are coming up with new products and services to cater to this expanding market. But is this trend towards the larger customer simply following a market need and servicing a forgotten proportion of the population, or is it driven by morally questionable profiteering?

    As you can imagine, many of those who are on the frontline of this weight-related cavalcade of profit seekers are to be found in the United States, which is of course well known for its obesity issues. Our US cousins do love their junk food – certainly more than they love their exercise – and this has opened up many opportunities for those looking to make some hefty profits. For example, one US businessman named Scott Kramer has created a new company that ultimately hopes to sell a plethora of products designed to meet the needs of the overweight crowd, and his first entry into this niche market is a special type of reinforced toilet seat called the Big John.

    While those who are suffering from weight problems should not be subject to discrimination, there is still a fatalistic feeling about all of this that seems quite depressing. In most cases, obesity – and the numerous health problems associated with it – is far from irreversible. This is why just accepting the prevalence of obesity as an unavoidable fact of life to be exploited for money should not be considered an acceptable response by the public at large.

    As an alternative to resignation, we could instead choose resistance. In this spirit, one excellent way to confront and resist obesity would be installing brand new outdoor gyms outfitted with top-notch outdoor fitness equipment, like that sold by Caloo. Losing weight is far from easy, but when people who really need exercise have the chance to use high-calibre outdoor fitness equipment that allows them to enjoy the beautiful outdoors at the same time as they are practising healthy activity, it can have a revolutionary effect on the lifestyles of those individuals. Caloo’s outdoor fitness equipment is the best choice for an outdoor gym because it offers so much diversity, variety and truly fun activity. Outdoor gym equipment also needs to be extremely durable and reliable, and Caloo’s outdoor exercise equipment is a real winner in these categories as well.

    Outdoor fitness equipment can be the antidote to obesity for many people. So, while we certainly should do everything we can to provide comfort and convenience to those suffering from weight problems, it is also important to provide readily available opportunities for exercise for those who want to lose weight and get into better shape. Caloo’s outdoor fitness equipment is just the thing for those suffering from obesity who want to change their lives for the better, which is why anyone planning on installing a new outdoor gym in their local park, school, leisure centre or office grounds should choose Caloo as their exercise equipment provider.


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    Table tennis big at the Paralympics

    23rd January 2012

    Table tennis at the ParalympicsOne of the most popular of the Paralympic sports, for athletes and spectators alike, turns out to be table tennis. Nearly 300 players from many different nations will be competing for gold, silver and bronze in 29 medal events, which are divided up into three separate classifications – wheelchair athletes, standing players and those with learning disabilities. Here in the UK, the sport has been getting some excellent exposure and publicity lately with the announcement that the coach of the GB Paralympic table tennis team, Neil Robinson, has been awarded an MBE for his outstanding service to the disabled community. In a larger sense, this award for Mr Robinson represents a tacit recognition of the positive impact that the sport of table tennis has been making in the lives of not just disabled people but of UK citizens in general.

    Because the sport of table tennis has been exploding in popularity, the time has never been better for community groups, local authorities, school administrators and non-profit organisations devoted to health issues to promote exercise by paying to have outdoor table tennis tables installed in parks, schoolyards, beaches and any other public spaces where there might be room. Outdoor table tennis tables are even better than the indoor version because they encourage people to get out into the fresh air and, if you have ever had the chance to visit a park or other space where an outdoor table tennis table has been installed, you will have noticed how popular these tables are just about all the time.

    Table tennis is fun, exciting, fast-paced and easy to play, which is why investing in outdoor table tennis tables is one of the very best ways available to help people improve their physical health. Caloo’s outdoor table tennis tables would be an especially good investment; they are extremely durable and resistant to all kinds of damage, feature anti-glare surfaces that make them appropriate for even the sunniest days, and are so attractively designed that they will help to beautify any public space they occupy.

    Table tennis is a wonderful sport in large part because almost anyone can learn to play it, which makes it a perfect sport for those who have disabilities as well as those who prefer competitive sport as an alternative to simple exercise. The proliferation of outdoor table tennis tables can only help the sport grow even further, and this is why any group or organisation that cares about public health should strongly consider purchasing and installing them in any open space they can find.


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    Link between exercise and academic performance found

    19th January 2012

    Playground equipment helps to exercise minds tooThe relationship between a healthy body and a healthy mind has always been the subject of much speculation in educational circles. But now, thanks to a team of Dutch doctors and scientists, we have some real evidence that shows maintaining good physical health plays a role in helping students of all ages achieve wonderful things in the classroom.

    Researchers at VU University Medical Centre in Amsterdam looked at the results of fourteen studies involving 12,000 children, all of which were intended to explore the connection between exercise and academic success in children aged 6–18. After examining the numbers closely, the authors of this meta-study (published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine) were able to show a clear positive relationship between vigorous physical activity and good performance in the classroom. Some medical experts believe that these results can best be explained by the fact that exercise increases blood and oxygen flow to the brain, while others point out that the discipline and concentration that are necessary to succeed in sports are critical, since these characteristics are also beneficial in the classroom.

    There is an on-going debate about the best ways for schools to improve the academic performance of students. Many have emphasised the need to increase the amount of time children spend in the classroom, but few have recommended providing more time for recreation and play as a way to help kids boost their grades. Now that this Dutch study has been published, hopefully this situation will begin to change. It is clear that children need plenty of time to play in order to have success in their studies, and this means that playground equipment must now be ranked up there as being important to the educational process next to textbooks and lesson plans.

    Physical exercise and academic achievement go hand in hand, which is why every school should install playground equipment that is well made, well designed and fun. School playground equipment should be built to be used, and no company does a better job of making the kind of playground equipment that children truly love to play on than Caloo. The play and exercise experts at Caloo have spent a lot of time looking at what works and what doesn’t, and the result of these efforts is a line of outstanding playground equipment sets that can provide young people with hours of stimulating exercise and entertainment.

    Outdoor playground equipment should be a magnet for children. What brings them fun will also help to bring them success in the classroom, and any school that purchases Caloo’s amazing playground equipment will be pleased to see how enthused and excited children become when these fantastic sets are added to their playgrounds.

    Schools owe it to their students to give them everything they need to succeed academically, and the colourful, durable playground equipment sold by Caloo belongs on any educational institution’s list of essential purchases.


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    The myth of a January detox

    19th January 2012

    Outdoor exercise equipment Each January, many people vow to give up drinking alcohol for a few weeks or an entire month because they believe this is the way to detoxify their livers after eleven months of imbibing. But, according to the good folks at a health advocacy group called the British Liver Trust, this idea is balderdash. In order to protect the liver from sustaining alcohol-related damage, the trust spokespersons say it is necessary to abstain from liquor for at least a few days a week, every week, as opposed to trying to accomplish something worthwhile with just one month of teetotalling.

    The myth of the January detox echoes the way so many people approach the subject of exercise and fitness. After making New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and get into shape, tens of thousands of people join gyms or purchase new exercise equipment each January, pledging to live a healthier lifestyle. But, just like those who stop drinking for a month only to start indulging again in February, more than half of those who swear to start new exercise routines throw themselves enthusiastically into the task for the first few weeks in the new year, only to return to their slothful ways soon after.

    Those who have decided to start exercising to get into better shape need to try a different approach. Instead of signing up for expensive gym memberships, or buying home equipment that will hardly ever be used, what people really need to do is campaign for outdoor fitness gyms outfitted with high-grade, top-of-the-line outdoor exercise equipment to be installed in their neighbourhoods. The reason this is a better solution is because working out in an outdoor gym equipped with well-designed and sturdy outdoor exercise equipment allows people to get out in the fresh air on a regular basis, which is an experience that can be highly addictive. Outdoor gyms also tend to become social gathering spots, encouraging people from the local area to gravitate to them to use their outdoor fitness equipment while sharing a few laughs and pleasantries with friends and neighbours. Exercise is always more sustainable when it is fun, and outdoor fitness gyms make things more fun for everyone.

    To make it perfect, neighbourhood groups and associations planning to put in outdoor gyms should ask the fitness experts from Caloo to install one or more of the company’s brilliantly conceived and constructed outdoor exercise equipment fitness bundles as foundation pieces for those gyms. Caloo’s bundles of outdoor exercise equipment are customised for cardiovascular fitness, strength training or a total body workout, and Caloo’s park gym equipment is so colourful, durable and enjoyable to use that any outdoor gym that features it will become a popular destination for neighbourhood residents.

    This is no myth: Practice regular exercise for a few days a week, every week, on the outstanding outdoor exercise equipment sold by Caloo and watch your fitness levels, stamina and overall health improve.


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    US research finds exercise helps relieve symptoms of peripheral artery disease

    27th December 2011

    Outdoor fitness equipment helps to healPeripheral artery disease is a condition in which the arteries of the legs become narrowed or clogged, blocking blood flow and putting its sufferers at risk of strokes or other serious health problems. This disease is usually treated surgically, and doctors will implant a metal tube called a stent to help restore proper blood flow in and out of the leg where the blockage has occurred.

    According to a new research study carried out in the United States, however, surgery may not always be the only or best remedy for this condition. What the sponsors of this study discovered is that patients who took medication and participated in a supervised exercise programme recovered from the symptoms of peripheral artery disease and regained their mobility more quickly than those who relied on surgical treatment alone.

    Poor health is often a direct result of bad personal habits, including a lack of exercise, and it is certainly not a surprise that a serious health problem would respond so favourably to an exercise-based treatment regime. Regular exercise is clearly valuable for the prevention and treatment of disease and the general decline of physical health that tends to be our close companion as the years pass and the ravages of ageing take their toll. If there is anything that is holding us back, it is that there is simply not enough opportunity for most people to practise the kind of enjoyable, invigorating exercise that can make the decisive difference, and it is for this reason that community groups, university administrators and neighbourhood associations should begin investigating the possibility of purchasing and installing new outdoor fitness equipment in any open areas they can find.

    Whenever new outdoor gyms featuring well-constructed, challenging and stimulating outdoor fitness equipment are opened, people will come to see what all the excitement is about and, in our experience, many will become regular visitors to that gym and users of that outdoor fitness equipment because its convenient availability will make it so much easier for them to start and maintain a healthy exercise routine.

    If we are serious about improving the overall state of public health, then helping people get the access they need to well-supplied gyms with outdoor fitness equipment is critical. Caloo currently produces the best outdoor exercise equipment in the business, which is why any community-minded organisation that has made the decision to put in a new outdoor gym in their area should consult Caloo first. Caloo sells its outdoor fitness equipment in convenient bundles that emphasise cardiovascular fitness (great for peripheral artery disease sufferers), strength training or a total body workout. Of course, you can also mix and match outdoor fitness equipment to suit your community’s needs.

    Peripheral artery disease is only one of many conditions that can be helped by regular physical activity. What this means is that, in the long run (if you’ll excuse the pun), outdoor fitness equipment is one of the best investments in health care we can ever hope to make.


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    Table tennis is one of only four sports to see an increase in popularity

    27th December 2011

    Outdoor table tennis tables stand outTimes have been tough for the men’s and women’s UK table tennis teams lately. UK Sport was forced by funding shortfalls to cut the budget for table tennis by 50% and, at the recent ITTF World Tour Grand Finale international event at the Excel Arena in London, sparse crowds watched the UK’s future Olympians defeated at the hands of players from nations with much higher levels of government support, such as China and Japan.

    This situation may be surprising to those who have heard about the tremendous growth the sport has been going through in this country. And these reports are true: the number of adults playing the sport in the UK has increased from 75,600 to 114,800 since 2007, tens of thousands of younger people have taken it up, and table tennis is one of only four sports that has seen the number of participants go up rather than down in recent years. But, so far, this grass-roots explosion has not translated to greater success or public interest at the national level and, despite having a home advantage, the UK team will have their work cut out to win any medals at the upcoming Olympic Games.

    Nevertheless, it is important that we all find a way to do everything we can to support our national table tennis team, because table tennis is a fun and exciting sport that has the potential to encourage a greater general interest in sports and healthy living. In addition to the popularity of the sport at indoor facilities and even in many of the trendier clubs, outdoor table tennis tables are also beginning to pop up in a lot of different places, and this is a very good development. But we need to expand the number of outdoor table tennis tables available in parks, on beaches, in schoolyards and in common areas everywhere, so that even more people can discover the joy and excitement provided by this interesting and fun sport.

    Caloo knows a thing or two about how to make outstanding outdoor table tennis tables, and they are constantly expanding their line to include more exciting options. No matter which model a customer prefers, however, all of Caloo’s outdoor table tennis tables have a sleek, attractive profile, the same incredible durability and resistance to damage or destruction, and the same advanced anti-glare and anti-fade properties. Outdoor table tennis tables can foster a real love for the sport because of the fresh air, fun-in-the-sun playing experience they offer, which is why purchasing and installing one of Caloo’s brilliantly designed and constructed outdoor table tennis tables can make such a positive impact on the lives of many.

    Hopefully, the UK will produce numerous great champions in this sport in the future. But, even more importantly, we must also hope that the expanding popularity of table tennis will help produce a healthier and more physically active nation in the years to come. This is where outdoor table tennis tables freely available everywhere can make the decisive difference.


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    Move Your Butt!

    27th December 2011

    Outdoor exercise equipment and your buttAccording to a new research study published in the American Journal of Physiology, couch potato behaviour has the ability to make you fatter – but not in the way we would usually assume.

    Not getting any exercise, eating junk food and sitting around the house watching the telly all day is an obvious recipe for obesity. But what this new study has revealed is that the actual act of sitting around for an excessive amount of time causes physical changes to occur in the cells found in the part of the body that is making contact with the chair or the couch – the bum, in other words. The weight of the body pressing on the seat subjects cells in the rear end to prolonged periods of increased mechanical stretching load, and it appears that this causes those cells to carry higher levels of fat. Hence, sitting around a lot will actually cause your butt to get bigger!

    Clearly, this physiological response is the body’s way of sending us a message: if we want to be healthy, then we need to get moving and keep moving. Human beings were meant to be outside being active and getting exercise, and our sedentary lifestyles have truly put us on the road to obesity, illness and sometimes even premature demise.

    One of the best ways to get people out of the house and moving again is to create outdoor gyms furnished with high-quality outdoor exercise equipment. Parks, schoolyards and other convenient public places are ideal spots for outdoor fitness gyms, and Caloo’s outdoor exercise equipment would make the best choice for any public interest group looking to make a positive contribution to the health of their fellow citizens. Caloo’s outdoor exercise equipment is special because it offers a unique combination of durability, colourful appearance and the ability to deliver a fantastic workout for anyone fortunate enough to have the chance to use it.

    Of course much of the time that people spend sitting these days is on the job. Therefore, putting in an outdoor gym outfitted with one or more of Caloo’s outdoor fitness equipment bundles, like the ones designed for cardiovascular health or for a total body workout, could be a particularly good idea for businesses. Not only will they be doing a nice thing by giving their workers a chance to get outside and get some exercise during the day, but they will also be helping themselves, because a good, stimulating 15–20 minute workout once or twice a day on Caloo’s premium outdoor exercise equipment could rejuvenate their workers physically and mentally throughout the day.

    Now that scientists have proven that sitting down for too long leads to a bigger butt, it is clear that the only sensible cure for this condition is to get up off that butt, get outside and active on some outdoor exercise equipment, and get moving again!


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