5 Min Read
A Free Outdoor Workout Spot Near the University of Leicester
If you're after an outdoor gym near Leicester city centre, Victoria Park is a top well-equipped free fitness spot. With a full calisthenics setup, it’s a great place to train pull-ups, dips, and bodyweight strength exercises. However, due to its location near the University of Leicester, this park can get very busy with students, especially on sunny days. Let’s see into what makes Victoria Park a good (or bad) place to train ⬇️
Check out my list of top calisthenics parks in Leicester City centre.
What Equipment Does Victoria Park Have?
Victoria Park’s outdoor fitness area is identical to Nelson Mandela Park, making it one of the best calisthenics-friendly locations in Leicester. Here’s what’s available:
Equipment Overview:
- Pull-up Bars – Multiple heights for different grip styles and progressions.
- Dip Bars – Great for chest, triceps, and shoulder strength.
- Monkey Bars – Perfect for grip endurance and coordination.
- Ab Bench – Designed for core workouts, but often gets muddy.
- QR Code-Enabled Exercise Guide – Scan for exercise demonstrations and routines.
With this setup, you can train a full-body workout with just your body weight, making it a fantastic alternative to a gym for those who prefer outdoor training.
How Does Victoria Park Compare to Other Outdoor Gyms in Leicester?
Victoria Park vs. Nelson Mandela Park
- Both parks have identical fitness setups, meaning you can train the same exercises in either location.
- Victoria Park is significantly busier, especially during university term time, making it harder to get time on the bars.
- Nelson Mandela Park is quieter, so if you prefer a less crowded training space, it’s the better choice.
Victoria Park vs. Abbey Park
- Abbey Park has more fitness machines rather than bar-based calisthenics equipment.
- If you’re into pull-ups, dips, and progressive strength training, Victoria Park is the better option.
- Abbey Park is quieter and more scenic, while Victoria Park is more crowded but better suited for serious workouts.
Verdict: If you can handle the crowds, Victoria Park is a fantastic spot for calisthenics. However, if you want a quieter experience, Nelson Mandela Park may be a better fit.
What Workouts Can You Do at Victoria Park?
With a full bar setup, Victoria Park allows you to train every major muscle group using just your body weight.
Upper Body Strength
✔ Pull-ups (regular, wide-grip, close-grip, explosive)
✔ Muscle-ups & chin-ups
✔ Dips (triceps & chest variations)
✔ Straight bar dips & explosive bar work
Core & Grip Strength
✔ Hanging leg raises & knee tucks
✔ Front lever & back lever progressions
✔ Monkey bar traverses for grip endurance
✔ Ab workouts on the ab bench (if it’s not too muddy)
Full-Body & Static Holds
✔ Human flag practice on the vertical bars
✔ L-sits on parallel bars
✔ Planche progressions
This makes Victoria Park one of the top locations in Leicester for calisthenics training.
Things to Consider Before Training at Victoria Park
✅ Pros:
✔ One of the best bar setups in Leicester for calisthenics.
✔ Completely free and available 24/7.
✔ Close to the University of Leicester, making it convenient for students.
✔ QR code system for guided exercise routines.
✔ Scenic park environment, great for warming up or post-workout stretching.
❌ Cons:
- Extremely busy, especially during university term time and warm weather.
- Less privacy – training here means being around a lot of students and passers-by.
- Ab bench often gets muddy, making it less usable for core workouts.
Final Thoughts: Should You Train at Victoria Park?
If you’re looking for one of the best outdoor gyms in Leicester, Victoria Park is worth visiting. It has everything you need for a full calisthenics workout, but be prepared to train alongside a lot of other people.
Quick Recap:
✅ Best for: Calisthenics athletes, bodyweight strength training, and students.
✅ Location: Leicester city centre, near the University of Leicester.
✅ Key Features: Pull-up bars, dip bars, monkey bars, and ab bench.
✅ Workout Style: Strength, endurance, and skill-based calisthenics.
If you don’t mind the crowds, Victoria Park is a top-tier calisthenics spot. But if you want a quieter training experience, Nelson Mandela Park might be the better option.
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