Gymbox has partnered with Haringey Council and not-for-profit organisation, Raza Sana, to give opportunities to those living in disadvantaged communities.

Yesterday (15 July) saw the launch of a community street gym in Tottenham, in an area which has one of the highest crime rates in Haringey. The 120sq m Northumberland Park Street Gym includes equipment such as monkey bars, dip bars and pull-up bars.

A summer activation programme is supporting the launch, providing free, accessible and inclusive exercise classes, including family exercise, youth and adult calisthenics and over-50s stretching and mobility.

The project has been steered by Juan Lopez, the founder of Raza Sana, who grew up in a deprived area and felt that crime was the only option. Joining the army gave him a sense of rehabilitation by growing his mental strength and physical agility.

After working with young people of similar backgrounds at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, he was inspired to create Raza Sana and build the 1st Rep programme, which could be adapted by anyone across the country to help young people build a life outside of potential criminal activity.

1st Rep will be on offer in Totthenham, teaching disadvantaged young people how to use fitness and calisthenics to develop a personal strategy to change their life. The programme will coach people on how to break down large goals into smaller steps.

Running alongside this, the new Gymbox Academy will offer those on the 1st Rep programme the chance to train with Gymbox to gain the relevant experience and qualifications to enter its fitness workforce. The free training comprises courses ranging from how to build a business to in-depth biomechanics. Career development tools, including CV advice, developing social skills and mock interviews will also be provided.

Gymbox met Lopez through its partnership with Steel Warriors, a charity that takes knives from London streets and recycles the steel to make outdoor calisthenics gyms. It had also been reaching out to local councils to further its investment in local park gyms and improve facilities.

“We are thrilled that Haringey Council responded and to be working together with Juan again. We hope that this is the first of many street gyms,” says Gymbox CEO, Marc Diaper. “We’re honoured to bring the Gymbox Academy to life, making tools accessible to many who will make good use of them. Our hope is that we make a positive change in the world, as well as seeing the fitness industry grow with passionate individuals from all backgrounds.”

Hannah Curtis Nunn, group fitness director of Gymbox, hopes the partnership will be transformational for many people’s lives: “As somebody who has worked her way up through the fitness industry, it’s incredibly exciting to be part of something that widens the net of opportunities, especially for those who may not have the easiest path to access.”

Lopez says the launch of the street gym is a milestone in Raza Sana’s mission to transform lives through fitness and community engagement: “This project is particularly close to my heart, as I once stood where many of these young people are now. I understand the challenges they face and the potential they hold.

“Our 1st Rep programme, coupled with this new facility, will provide a real path for personal growth and positive change. My hope is that over the coming months and years we can expand this model across the UK, helping us to reach more communities and to change more lives.”

Gymbox has nine gyms in London featuring innovative programming, including a holistic and mind category.