Moving Bodies: Open Gyms and Physical Activity in Santiago: Fid-Bau Portal

Moving Bodies: Open Gyms and Physical Activity in Santiago

Mora, Rodrigo

This paper analyzes the functioning of four recently installed open gyms—gyms installed on squares and green spaces that can be used free of charge by anyone—located in Providencia, a residential and commercial district of Santiago, Chile. Specifically, this research seeks to understand, among other questions, who uses these facilities, how often and for how long, as well as whether users were habitual exercisers prior to the installation of the gyms. The methodology used was twofold. The first study technique was to systematically observe the exercise areas between 7:00 am and 11:00 pm on four days (Wednesday and Saturday) in the months of December and August, corresponding respectively to summer and wintertime in the southern hemisphere. In addition, a survey was distributed to the 166 gym users asking, among other questions, how often they visited the gyms, for how long, if they did any other type of physical activity, and whether they were regular exercisers before the installation of these premises. The results showed that the gyms were very successful in prompting people to embrace physical activity, even those who were not regular exercisers. Moreover, the exercise facilities are contributing to the revitalization of the public spaces in which they are located.