Jakobstads physical activity facilities will be improved when an outdoor gym opens for free use in the park between the Town Hall and Runeberginkatu, where people will be able to train with Finnish Omnigym outdoor exercise equipment as part of a Europe-wide study by the equipment manufacturer.

The outdoor gym will have its opening ceremony on 7 August 2024 from 15.00 to 17.00, when Thomas Pokela from Omnigym Oy will be present. In the outdoor gym visitors will be able to train on Omnigym outdoor exercise equipment, which uses a patented weight unit to adjust the exercise resistance to suit the user. The equipment is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The safety and effectiveness of the equipment is based on long-term development and research. The new outdoor gym is part of Omnigym Oy’s international research project, which studies user satisfaction, experiences and data on the number of users in different sized locations around Finland and Europe.

– As a manufacturer, it is important for us to understand how much and how our equipment is used and how satisfied people are with it. We want the user experience to be so good that it makes the user come back, time and time again. Then we have succeeded on many measures, says Kirsti Laasio, CEO of Omnigym Oy. 

During the five-week study period, an on-site survey will be conducted, allowing users to give direct feedback on their training experience and the suitability of the location. Numerical usage data will also be collected, such as the number of repetitions performed on the equipment and at what time the equipment is used. Data on equipment usage is automatically stored in the cloud. Sensors measuring usage are installed inside the equipment and no people are photographed or individual data is recorded on site. The feedback received and the usage data are also shared with the municipality. The site has nine machines for total body workouts. Exercise is free of charge and the gym is open 24 hours a day. The project is being implemented in close cooperation with equipment manufacturer Omnigym Oy and the Town of Jakobstad. 


Omnigym, Global User Study

The domestic Omnigym equipment has quickly gained popularity among users, with positive feedback from both users and municipal decision-makers. Currently, there are more than 300 permanent Omnigym outdoor gyms in Finland and around 80 outdoor gyms in the rest of Europe. The Global User Study research project will be carried out between 2020 and 2025 in several European countries. So far, the temporary outdoor gym has already visited more than 200 locations in 10 countries.