Rieutort-de-Randon is equipped with a gym, a unique facility for a village of 750 inhabitants

La salle de sport est équipée de dix machines et est en libre accès par un badge. Midi Libre – Lucas Manouvrier

Les adhérents sont déjà 80, en seulement trois mois d'activité. Le résultat d'une politique publique tournée vers le sport.

Whether you live in Mende or in a small Lozère village, no discrimination. Everyone has the right to play sports. But in reality, it is sometimes difficult for small municipalities to invest in sports development projects which, unfortunately, cost more than they serve. To the detriment of residents who sometimes have to travel many kilometers to practice a sporting activity.

In Rieutort-de-Randon, that is no longer quite the case. The mayor of Monts-de-Randon (new commune), Francis Saint-Léger, and his municipal council have created a fitness gym, at the top of the main square of the village, in a building belonging to the commune. An exceptional investment for a town of this size. Open since October 2, 2023, it is already experiencing some success: 80 subscriptions in just three months, and without communication. "We did not want to communicate to see what it would mean to the residents, explains Francis Saint-Léger. We can accommodate a few people from outside but we do not want one day our members to find themselves waiting in front of the machines."

Energize the village through sport

Sébastien Coulomb, resident of Rieutort, is behind the project. The state-certified sports instructor wants to “energize the village through sport.” To do this, he can count on listening and the policy pursued by the municipality. "What private person would settle here ? If we want something, we have to go for it! supports the mayor, in office since 1989. Public initiative is necessary."

In total, the gym cost 70,000 € excluding taxes, half of which for the machines, and the other for the obligatory fittings of the room (shower, changing rooms, etc.). The State, via the equipment allocation for rural territories (DETR) financed up to 50%; the municipality, 25%; the Occitanie Region, 15%; the Department, 10%.

This investment should also have positive repercussions on commerce: "We could have created it outside the village but we preferred to install it in the center, explains Francis Saint-Léger. The objective, and we are already seeing this, is for people to go to shops before or after their session. This sports hall must contribute to the dynamism and good living in Rieutort-de-Randon." In other words, establish an ever more virtuous circle, which will attract new people to the town .

Ten high-end machines

"We opted for high-performance and durable equipment", explains Sébastien Coulomb. Quality, before quantity. Equipped with ten machines (classic bikes, elliptical bikes, arm crank, incline treadmill, dumbbells, weight bench…), the room offers a varied and complete range for all types of exercise.< /p>

Sébastien Coulomb gives his advice to new members. Midi Libre – Lucas Manouvrier

Sébastien Coulomb is there to guide new members. Employed part-time at the gym, he is there every morning, and late Thursday afternoon. He distils his valuable advice and adapts the exercises according to the person's physical condition, to strengthen their autonomy. "People come here for all the reasons: lose weight, improve their cardio, increase their muscle mass…"

One of the great advantages of the room is its opening hours. Members are independent and can come and train whenever they want during the day, using a badge. "I come on my lunch break, confides Didier Chabert, a municipal agent, who is sporty but who is discovering this practice. I would never have registered anywhere else." For him, the fitness room allows him to be warm during the winter, rather than running in the cold. "But when the weather is nice, I won't be here anymore", he smiles. A good complement, too, for fans of outdoor sports. 

The room is open every day. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., weekends, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Several subscriptions are offered: 150€ per year ; 50€ per quarter; 20€ per week. From 15 years old. To register, contact the Monts-de-Randon town hall and provide a medical certificate, an identity photo, an insurance certificate, and for minors, parental authorization. The room is authorized to accommodate people with reduced mobility. I subscribe to read more