Tone Zone

During a state visit to China some years ago, President Mary McAleese was intrigued to see adults of all ages exercising in parks on what resembled playground equipment. On her return to Ireland, she discussed the idea of establishing something similar in Ireland with Mary Nally, Third Age chairperson. Mary Nally researched the subject in China and Ireland before approaching Meath County Council who received the idea enthusiastically.

Ireland’s first Tone Zone opened in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath in 2008. Tone Zone is an outdoor space with equipment designed specifically for adults of all ages to an exercise in the open air. There are nine pieces of exercise equipment in Tone Zone, some accommodating up to four adults at one time. Users can perform aerobic exercises on an air walker, parallel bars, a leg press, a rocking horse, self-weighted leg press, a sit-up board and sitting or standing rotators. The robust, colourful machines are constructed to the same safety standards required of children’s playground equipment, are easy to maintain and withstand tough weather conditions.

A Tone Zone is accessible, free, and easy to use. It brings the generations together. It can help facilitate and strengthen local social contacts for older people who may feel lonely or isolated, an emotional health gain. There is also a physical health gain in that the machines are geared to improve cardiovascular health, and also enhance muscle strength, stamina and joint mobility. Third Age members regularly visit Tone Zone, Dunshaughlin as a group, and the Tone Zone idea has been adopted in a number of other Irish counties.