Authorities in Bishkek have opened an outdoor gym at a city park to encourage healthy lifestyle.
At the July 28 opening ceremony for the new gym, Bishkek Mayor Kubanychbek Kulmatov said two more outdoor gyms equipped with all-weather fitness equipment will open in the Kyrgyz capital "within the next 10 days."
Dozens of Bishkek residents attended at the opening ceremony at Togolok Moldo square, with many taking the opportunity to exercise on the newly installed equipment -- which includes weight benches, ski walkers, and sitting rotators.
Officials say the fitness equipment allows people of all ages to exercise free of charge in a healthy green space.
Almaz Kenanbaev, a local councilor in Bishkek said the initiative is aimed at promoting mass sport, especially among young people, to encourage them "to lead a healthy and active lifestyle instead of sitting in front of computer screens all the time."
