The Outdoor Workout Locker is open for business in the lot on the Elm Street side of the YMCA.

Whether a member is looking to enjoy the outdoors while working out or interested in a socially-distanced workout, the facility provides just about everything available inside.

Workout equipment, benches, weights, and brackets are kept inside the container. A framework of metal that surrounds that container provides plenty of space for whatever kind of workout the user is looking for.

“It’s open from the time we open until we close at night,” Turner said.

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Warren County YMCA Sports Conditioning Program Instructor Kristine ‘K’ Hughes works out with TRX equipment at the Outdoor Workout Locker.

The equipment is sponsored by Northwest, Calvert-Pearson, and Whirley Drinkworks.

“All of use have been long-time supporters of the YMCA,” Lincoln Sokolski of Whirley said. “We all support active lifestyles and healthy living.”

“The OWL has been a great new addition for people who want to get an outdoor workout,” Sokolski said. “It offers a plethora of workout options.”

“It’s a great facility that people of all ages can take advantage of,” Northwest’s Colette Bonavita said.

“Anything you can do in a traditional gym, you can do here,” YMCA Wellness Director Chris Dolan said.

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry William Turfitt works out on the dip attachment of the Warren County YMCA Outdoor Workout Locker.

She showed the small brackets that can be placed in the framework to create a squat rack. Turner pulled out a one-piece dip bar and put it in place for a user.

YMCA Sports Conditioning Program Instructor Kristine ‘K’ Hughes got out the TRX equipment for a quick workout.

Those who want to workout, but need some instruction can find help inside. “The staff is always happy to come out and help,” Sokolski said.

For those who just need a little direction, “there are always workouts listed on the board,” Dolan said.

The locker is close to the Y’s outdoor playset. “You can bring your kids to play outside and keep your eye on them while you get a workout,” Sokolski said.

The facility was something Turner was hoping to be able to bring to the Y.

“We were looking at trying to do any outdoor gym for years,” he said.

The permanent ones he saw didn’t get much use, weathered, and were very expensive.

The container-based system made sense, but he had never seen it at a YMCA. “They were almost all military and university,” Turner said. “West Point… they have 25 of them. The Coast Guard Academy has two. No Y had one.”

“It’s what people want and need,” Sokolski said. “Northwest, Calvert-Pearson, and Whirley made it happen.”

“We made a pretty substantial investment in this in the middle of COVID,” he said. “At a time when maybe we should be cutting back a little, we decided to look long-term.”

“At Northwest, we’re proud to be a long-time sponsor of the Warren County YMCA and now, its outdoor workout locker,” Bonavita said. “As a bank, we care about our employees, friends and neighbors in the Warren community, and are committed to supporting both their financial and physical wellness in any way we can.”

“We believe in the YMCA’s mission of working together to ensure everyone, regardless of gender, income, faith, sexual orientation or cultural background, has the opportunity to live life to its fullest,” she said. “And we’re confident that the Y, along with this new and innovative outdoor facility, will continue to be an instrumental part of promoting a stronger, healthier and happier Warren County.”

“The Calvert Pearson Insurance Group is proud to be a part of the Outdoor Workout Locker for the Warren YMCA,” Dave Pearson said. “Through healthy program initiatives and new activities, the Y continues to make a positive influence on learning, leadership and character development. We appreciate the YMCA’s commitment to the Warren community and look forward to future partnerships.”

“Whirley-DrinkWorks! is committed to improving the health and overall quality of life in our community,” Sokolski said. “The YMCA Outdoor Gym is a great new addition to Warren County which is geared toward promoting mental and physical wellness with equipment that allows members to exercise in a beautiful outdoor environment with fresh air and plenty of space to stay socially distance from others.”

“WDW has been a long-time supporter of the Warren County YMCA and is proud to be one of the sponsors & partner with Northwest Bank & Calvert Pearson Insurance to bring this on-trend equipment and environment to promote mental and physical wellness for our WDW TeamMates and our community,” he said.

Although the idea was in the works before the pandemic, the timing works out well in a social-distancing environment.

“Some people are still reluctant to come inside,” Dolan said.

The locker will be closed during the winter. “In late October, early November, we’ll put everything inside and close it up,” Turner said. It’s that easy.

And, if the location doesn’t work out, the container can be moved.

Right now, the equipment is new and different and not many people are using it. It’s a good time to give it a try, Turner said. “People are going to start using it. It’ll pick up.”