Jena, 30.04.2026. The popular event series “Sport im Park” returns from its winter break. Starting Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the Saaleaue in Lobeda-West will once again transform weekly into a free open-air fitness studio for all residents of Jena.
- What: Free health and fitness training (“Sport im Park”)
- When: May 6 to September 16, 2026 (every Wednesday, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Where: Feld der Jenaer Hanfrieds, Saaleaue, Lobeda-West
- Target group: All age groups, from beginners to experienced athletes
- Requirement: No registration necessary, participation in all weather conditions
Health Promotion Under the Open Sky
The concept of “Sport im Park” is as simple as it is effective: a low-threshold sports offer accessible to everyone directly in the neighborhood. The project is organized by the Impulsregion Erfurt – Weimar – Jena – Weimarer Land, with the local coordination in Jena handled by the Stadtsportbund. The organizers emphasize that the offer is explicitly designed for all performance levels. Neither prior sporting knowledge nor club memberships are required.
Thematic Blocks: From Yoga to Parkour
To allow participants to experience training continuity, the 2026 program is divided into thematic blocks. The kick-off in May is entirely dedicated to relaxation and body awareness: Yoga trainer Franca Rudolph will start on May 6.
In the following summer weeks, the spectrum will be steadily expanded. Successive courses in Zumba, HIIT the beat (high-intensity interval training), Square Dance, and Bodyfit are planned. Special target groups have also been considered: later in the summer, the offer will be rounded off with targeted parkour sports, specific children’s sports, and finally, adapted senior sports.
Background: The Saaleaue in Lobeda-West
The venue for “Sport im Park” is optimally chosen: the Feld der Jenaer Hanfrieds is located in the middle of the extensive Saaleaue in the district of Lobeda-West. These green spaces have grown in recent years into a central local recreation area for Jena’s most populous district, built in the 1970s. The flat lawn area, regularly used by the Jena American football players (the Hanfrieds) for their training, offers the best conditions for extensive group workouts outdoors.
Since “Sport im Park” expressly takes place in all weather conditions, health experts advise dressing according to the so-called onion principle. This means wearing several thin layers of clothing on top of each other, which can be flexibly removed depending on body temperature and weather. Regular participants should ideally bring their own exercise mat or a robust towel for floor exercises.
Source:
Sport im Park starts
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.