Muscat turns parks into open-air gyms

For early risers and night walkers who kept putting off the gym membership, Muscat Municipality has just given them a reason to move — and it is free.
Across the capital, open-air fitness areas and outdoor gyms have been popping up in public parks and along beaches, turning seaside promenades and neighbourhood parks into workout spots with a view. No fees, no memberships, just you, the equipment and the Gulf breeze.
It is part of a wider push by Muscat Municipality to make health accessible to everyone, while also expanding the city’s green spaces. With more than 147 parks now in Muscat, the focus is shifting from just recreation to active living.
These outdoor gyms are designed for everyday use, with cardio and core equipment that can be used by beginners and regulars alike if one is not satisfied with the ample jogging options available in these places.
A number of parks offer outdoor gym facilities and include the Muttrah Sea Road where the outdoor gym equipment is set against scenic coastal views and is popular for morning jogs followed by a quick strength circuit.

Other centres include:
1) Al Qurum Beach: Two dedicated fitness zones, including one behind the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with each one boasting of 11 pieces of equipment
2) Al Ghubra and Al Athaiba Parks: These neighbourhood parks are now equipped with outdoor exercise gear, walkways and lighting
3) Al Seeb Beach, Sur Al Hadid: Leans into beach sports with facilities for volleyball and football
4) Ruwi: Home to a synthetic jogging and cycling track which is a pilot project by Muscat Municipality and private partners
5) Al Sahwa Park, Al Seeb: This park features dedicated walking paths for low-impact exercise.
Besides these, the Muscat Municipality has upcoming projects in Al Athaiba which is also set to include designated pedestrian, jogging and walking paths.

More than just machines:
Gym trainer Jaison Mathai feels that these outdoor workout areas are perfect for a workout session with no bother of the time or fee.
“The outdoor gyms offer equipment suited for cardio and core workouts — think elliptical machines, benches and resistance stations and are efforts to make people conscious of their fitness”, he said.
But the plan goes beyond equipment. Many parks now include, or are planned to have, football fields, volleyball courts, basketball courts and proper lighting for evening use. The idea is to create spaces where families can exercise together and communities can stay active after sunset.

“These initiatives are about building a culture of fitness that doesn’t depend on expensive gyms”, a Muscat Municipality official said. Many of the projects are being delivered in partnership with the private sector.
With Oman’s summers hot and gym fees often a barrier, the free public facilities are already drawing health buffs, students and retirees. At Al Qurum and Muttrah, it is common now to see groups doing workouts at sunrise and families using the walkways in the evenings.
As Muscat continues to add green spaces, the message from the Municipality is clear: fitness should be part of daily life and it should be within walking distance.
For those who have been “too lazy to wake up and rush to the gym”, the gym is now in the park.