You do not need a gym membership to build strength. Across North Tyneside and Newcastle, a growing number of parks have free outdoor gym equipment - purpose-built stations designed for adults of all fitness levels. They are free, they are open all day, and they are a genuinely brilliant way to exercise outdoors without spending a penny.
Why Outdoor Gym Equipment Works for Adults Over 50
Outdoor gyms remove three of the biggest barriers to exercise: cost, intimidation, and getting to a gym. The equipment is designed for whole-body workouts using your own body weight and simple resistance mechanisms. You work at your own pace, there are no mirrors or crowds, and the fresh air makes even a short session feel rewarding.
Most outdoor gym equipment is designed to be low-impact and joint-friendly, making it particularly well-suited for adults over 50. The machines guide your movement, which means less risk of using poor form compared with free weights. And because you are exercising outside, you also benefit from natural light and vitamin D - especially valuable during the shorter days of a North East winter.
Where to Find Outdoor Gym Equipment in North Tyneside
North Tyneside Council has installed outdoor gym stations in several parks across the borough. Here are the best options:
Wallsend Parks
The outdoor gym equipment at Richardson Dees Park in Wallsend includes cross trainers, chest press stations, and leg press machines. The park is easy to reach by Metro - Wallsend station is a short walk away. The equipment sits alongside well-maintained paths, making it simple to combine a walk with a workout. There are also benches nearby if you want to rest between sets.
Killingworth Lake
Killingworth Lake Park has outdoor fitness equipment overlooking the lake, which makes for a genuinely pleasant workout setting. Equipment includes upper body pull stations, seated rowing machines, and balance-focused stations. The surrounding paths offer a gentle walk of around a mile, ideal for warming up before using the equipment.
North Shields and Chirton
Outdoor gym equipment is available at parks in the North Shields area, with stations suited to both upper and lower body exercises. These parks are accessible via the Metro, and several bus routes serve the area. The equipment is well-maintained by North Tyneside Council.
Outdoor Gyms in Newcastle
Jesmond Dene
One of Newcastle's most loved green spaces, Jesmond Dene has outdoor exercise stations along its walking trails. The combination of woodland paths and fitness equipment makes it easy to build a varied workout into a walk. Jesmond Dene is accessible from Jesmond Metro station, and there are cafes at both ends of the valley.
Leazes Park
Close to the city centre, Leazes Park offers outdoor gym equipment alongside its lake and open green spaces. It is a convenient option if you are visiting Newcastle and want to fit in some exercise. The park is a 10-minute walk from Haymarket Metro station.
Exhibition Park and Town Moor
The Exhibition Park area near the Great North Museum has fitness stations, and the Town Moor itself offers vast open space for walking. This is a good choice for combining outdoor gym work with a longer walk on the Moor.
What Equipment to Expect
Outdoor gym equipment varies between parks, but you will typically find a selection of the following:
- Cross trainer: A low-impact machine that works your arms and legs in a smooth, elliptical motion
- Chest press: Targets your chest, shoulders, and triceps using lever resistance
- Leg press: Builds lower body strength, particularly your quadriceps and glutes
- Seated row: Strengthens your back and biceps using a pulling motion
- Balance beam: A low rail for practising balance and coordination
- Pull-up bars: Used at varying heights for upper body exercises and supported hangs
- Stepper: Mimics stair climbing for cardiovascular fitness and leg strength
Each piece of equipment has instructions printed on it, showing which muscles it works and how to use it safely. Most stations use your own body weight as resistance, which means you control the intensity naturally.
Tips for Getting Started
- Visit first, exercise second: Go to the park and look at the equipment before your first workout. Read the instruction panels and try a few machines gently
- Warm up with a walk: Spend 5-10 minutes walking briskly before using the equipment. Your muscles work better when warm
- Start with 2-3 machines: You do not need to use everything on your first visit. Pick a few machines, do 2 sets of 8-10 repetitions, and see how you feel
- Go with someone: Exercising with a friend makes it more enjoyable and helps you feel confident using the equipment
- Dress for the weather: Layers work best in the North East. You will warm up quickly during exercise, so being able to remove a layer is helpful
- Check the surface: After rain, the ground around equipment can be slippery. Wear shoes with good grip
Combining Outdoor Gym Work with Walking
One of the best things about outdoor gyms is how naturally they fit into a walk. You can walk to the park, use the equipment for 15-20 minutes, and walk home - and you have had a complete exercise session covering both cardiovascular fitness and strength.
If you enjoy exploring local parks, Rising Sun Country Park offers excellent walking routes through 400 acres of woodland and lakes - perfect for days when you want a nature-focused walk rather than a workout.
For more ideas about staying active in parks and green spaces, our Active Living guide covers parks and green spaces across North Tyneside and the wider area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is outdoor gym equipment free to use?
Yes. All outdoor gym equipment in North Tyneside and Newcastle parks is completely free and open to everyone. There is no booking, no membership, and no time limit. Simply turn up and use the equipment whenever the park is open.
Is outdoor gym equipment safe for people over 50?
The equipment is designed for adults of all ages and fitness levels. The machines guide your movement, which reduces the risk of poor form. Start gently, read the instruction panels, and build up gradually. If you have specific health concerns, have a word with your GP before starting any new exercise routine.
What should I wear to use outdoor gym equipment?
Comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely, and trainers or shoes with good grip. In cooler weather, dress in layers so you can adjust as you warm up. A waterproof jacket is always worth having in the North East, even when the forecast looks clear.
