BLOG: The QR-FIT bench

The QR-FIT bench is much more than an ordinary park bench: it combines sustainability, exercise and social interaction in an innovative way. For various target groups such as sports parks, municipalities, provinces, Rijkswaterstaat and operators of charging stations, this exercise bench offers numerous advantages.

The multifunctional design for strength, mobility, coordination and balance with platforms and bars that allow users to perform many strength exercises makes this bench not only a place to sit, but also an accessible opportunity to exercise.

In this article we discuss a number of strong points that demonstrate why the QR-FIT bench is a valuable addition to your field of work.

General benefits of the QR-FIT bench

Sustainable and circular

The QR-FIT bench is made in part from recycled artificial turf from worn-out artificial turf fields, which fits perfectly with the increasing demand for circular solutions in the Netherlands. The use of recycled raw materials is in line with government objectives and the Dutch Raw Materials Policy to make optimal use of waste streams. This exercise bench is fully circular at the end of its service life.

"With the help of the artificial turf waste calculator you can make a good estimate, what percentage of a worn-out artificial turf field is processed into recycled products, such as the QR-FIT bench."

Go to the artificial turf waste calculator.

Exercising in public spaces

At a time when more than half of the Dutch population does not exercise enough, the QR-FIT bench stimulates exercise in an accessible and motivating way. Users can do exercises via the QR-FIT app that are tailored to their personal level. The app also encourages users to keep moving.

How does the QR-FIT bench work with the app?

The QR-FIT bench uses four QR codes per component, which give users access to the free QR-FIT app. Here they will find over 240 exercises that can be used at any time. The exercises are supported by videos explaining the correct execution. This makes it accessible to get moving, even for people who have little experience with fitness exercises. In addition, there is also a QR code with free exercises for when the components on the bench are occupied. This adds another 450 exercises, which provide plenty of variation when users train over a longer period.

Specific benefits in relation to your field of work

For sports parks and sports clubs

Facts and developments:

Sports clubs are facing increasing demand for multifunctional facilities that members can also use outside regular training hours. The QR-FIT bench offers this possibility. This aligns with the trend of ‘open club’ concepts, in which sports accommodations make their facilities more accessible to local residents and recreational users.

Benefits:

Multifunctional expansion of sports facilities: The bench can serve for warm-up, cool-down or additional training without extra equipment.

Member retention and health: Athletes, visitors and recreational users can improve their fitness, while the club strengthens its role in promoting exercise.

For municipalities

Facts and developments:

Municipalities have the task of promoting the health and well-being of their residents. The national physical activity guidelines of the Health Council state that adults should exercise at least 150 minutes per week. However, a large part of the population does not meet this standard. By placing QR-FIT benches in parks and squares, municipalities can contribute in an accessible way to improving the health of their residents.

Benefits:

Promoting health in public spaces: The bench invites residents to be active without having to go to a gym or take out a subscription. In the app you can link the exercises with walks, which responds to both elements of the physical activity guideline.

The QR-FIT bench can also be part of a broader QR-FIT offering, whereby insight into usage and target group also becomes available.

Making public spaces more attractive: Parks and squares become multifunctional and more attractive for all ages. The bench fits into a natural environment and also offers the possibility to simply rest for a while.

For provinces and Rijkswaterstaat

Facts and developments:

Provinces and Rijkswaterstaat deal with facilitating rest and relaxation areas along roads and in recreation areas. These places must meet the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and healthy solutions. The QR-FIT bench is a sustainable solution that moreover invites travellers to get moving for a moment during their breaks, which promotes physical condition.

Benefits:

Increased functionality of rest areas: Travellers can take a break and improve their physical condition by doing a few exercises.

Sustainable management of public infrastructure: The bench contributes to circular ambitions through the use of recycled artificial turf.

"Did you know that the QR-FIT bench is assembled at Empatec - social workshop in Sneek."

Read more here about Empatec.

For operators of fast-charging and charging stations

Facts and developments:

With the growth of electric mobility, fast-charging and charging stations are becoming increasingly important hubs in public infrastructure. Charging stations not only provide a service, but are also places where drivers spend time while charging their vehicles. The QR-FIT bench offers a smart way to use this time actively, which aligns with the sustainable mission of electric mobility.

Benefits:

Waiting actively: Drivers can use their waiting time effectively to do short exercises, which improves the user experience of the station. "Don’t just charge your car, charge yourself as a driver too".

Supporting the sustainable image: By placing the QR-FIT bench, charging stations strengthen their green and progressive image.

What can users expect?

What really distinguishes the QR-FIT bench is the digital component. By scanning one of the QR codes on the bench, users get free access to over 240 different exercises, divided over three intensity levels. Through an instructional video, the exercise to be performed is demonstrated, so that people are inspired to imitate this movement.

By downloading the QR-FIT app you create a personal environment. Your exercise history is tracked here and you can also compare yourself with family, friends, sports buddies or neighbours. The app invites people to exercise in teams and challenge others. You get access to exercise routes nearby and other locations in the Netherlands, a rotation system of target-group-oriented exercises (at 3 levels) and a physical activity guideline meter. It is also possible to draw your own routes.

Conclusion

The QR-FIT bench offers unique benefits for a diversity of target groups, from sports clubs to municipalities and charging and fast-charging stations. It motivates exercise, promotes physical condition, supports circular objectives, reduces the mountain of artificial turf waste and also contributes to stronger social cohesion. This makes it an ideal investment for anyone involved in making exercise more attractive and making public spaces attractive.

Contact us for more information on how this exercise bench can optimise your project or public space!