5 min read
A rare outdoor gym offering adjustable resistance machines, calisthenics bars, and a scenic running track in Hackleton village.
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Welcome to Hackleton: A Proper 10/10 Outdoor Gym
Maybe I'm being generous with a 10/10 rating, but if you're after free outdoor fitness in Northamptonshire, Hackleton Outdoor Gym should be on your radar. Found in the village of Hackleton, just 5 miles south of Northampton town centre, this gym most likely has what you're looking for.
What makes it stand out? Unlike most outdoor fitness parks in the UK, Hackleton includes adjustable resistance machines, full calisthenics setups, and even a running track, all free to use, all located on Hackleton Recreation Ground.
What Equipment Can You Expect?
This gym has a lot going on. Here are some of the highlights:
Adjustable Resistance Machines
- Leg extension
- Leg press
- Squat machine
- Shoulder press
- Oblique twist station
3 leg machines! Unheard of, I know.
Each machine has a dial allowing resistance settings from 1 to 6. While advanced athletes may outgrow the resistance quickly, this feature is a game-changer for beginners and rehab users.
Calisthenics & Bodyweight Training Area
- Monkey bars
- Swedish ladder
- Parallel bars for dips
- Incline/decline push-up stations
- QR codes showing how to perform each exercise (Takes you to the Caloo fitness app)
Running Track
Surrounding the gym is a running track (a big field), great for cardio warm-ups, interval training, or recovery walks (yes, I did turn a field into an opportunity to shoot keywords at you).
Accessible Cardio & Strength Machines
- Wheelchair-friendly chest press and lat pulldown machines
- Designed for inclusivity, offering seated resistance training
- Ideal for rehabilitation, older adults, and adaptive fitness users
- Found in the cardio area
What Makes Hackleton Outdoor Gym Special?
Compared to other free outdoor gyms (that I've been to anyway), Hackleton stands out for one simple reason: resistance options.
Most outdoor fitness parks rely solely on bodyweight. Hackleton provides:
- More structured strength training
- Beginner-friendly weight progression
- Accessibility for older users or those rehabbing injuries
Add that to the calisthenics stations and you've got a complete fitness park. Not just for pull-ups and push-ups, but for legs, shoulders, and core too.
Workout Ideas at Hackleton Outdoor Gym
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned athlete, there's a lot you can do here.
Strength Training
- Squats and leg presses (weighted machines)
- Shoulder press and oblique twists
- Parallel bar dips
- Push-ups on incline/decline platforms
- Upper body machines (bicep curl, lat pulldown, chest press, etc)
Calisthenics
- Pull-ups on monkey bars
- Static holds and progressions on the Swedish ladder
- Leg raises and L-sits
Cardio & Conditioning
- Sprints or jogs on the running track
- Bodyweight circuits using machines and bars
Location & Accessibility
Hackleton Recreation Ground, centrally located in the parish, is easy to find and accessible by car or foot. It's just 2 miles from M1 Junction 15 and a short drive from Northampton town.
Google Maps Location: Hackleton Outdoor Gym
Free parking nearby and a peaceful setting make this a perfect training spot year-round (although I got rushed by a few wasps while training here, so come prepared and ready to defend yourself in summer seasons).
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth a Visit?
Absolutely. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking for a new outdoor challenge, Hackleton’s outdoor gym offers the best of both worlds - calisthenics variety and adjustable machine resistance.
If you live anywhere near Northampton, this is the most complete and user-friendly outdoor gym in the area.
Join the Calisthenics HQ Community!
Feel awkward training alone in a public park? I know I do. Join the Calisthenics HQ community – where we train together, share routines, and support each other’s progress. Whether you're a beginner or training a new skill, we've got your back. Click here to join!
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