Paris: A gym equipment company from Finland is bringing physical fitness to the homeless community of Paris — and seeing results.
To address inactivity, which is a growing concern especially in lower income communities, Omnigym installed an outdoor gym at a homeless shelter in the French capital.
The company partnered with Emmaüs Solidarité, a French nonprofit that supports people experiencing homelessness, to pilot the courtyard fitness unit.
They tested whether easy access to exercise would improve physical and mental wellbeing, collecting anonymous data and self-assessments.
One month later, the findings are in.80% of respondents reported improved physical health since the equipment arrived. The benefits went beyond fitness. 90% said the gym has helped them meet or talk to other people.
When asked what they appreciate most, one user said, “A change in behavior. I smoke less.” Another simply described it as “a change” in their life, “even if only a little”.
Residents were asked to assess their physical health, mental wellbeing, sleep, mood and energy levels.
Kirsti Laasio, CEO of Omnigym, calls it The People’s Gym and says the initiative addresses a need that is often overlooked.”We want to democratize physical training and make it accessible to everyone.”
