Swingin’ Gym
one of the most dangerous, unsuccessful rides ever produced
The Swingin’ Gym (also known as ‘The Flying Cages’) has hurt and maimed countless riders, and as far as I know, if you own one, you own a giant piece of carnival art! The original design saw the ride almost uninsurable by the end of the first operating season.
The ride action is very simple and relies on the physical exertion of its passengers to keep it moving; stopping it is another matter altogether! Basically through human strength, a single rider rocks the counter-weighted cage back and fourth until it swings over the top. There were soon numerous reports of riders getting slung over to one side and getting battered to pieces by their very own momentum. Thus it became far too common for riders to end up unconscious or with broken bones, split heads, grazes etc.
Nevertheless, the ride concept was incredibly original and if not for common injuries of lesser coordinated riders, would have been highly profitable and easy to maintain for its owner.
Due to their relatively low cost, there were over 20 units manufactured in the USA, 13 units manufactured in the UK, and many more custom-built designs rolled out in a very short time across Europe.
A small number of modified units still make appearances across Europe, with enhanced safety including extra padding and supervisor-controlled disc or air brakes in the advent a rider loses their footing.
What a conversation piece of backyard play (or exercise) equipment - I want one!
Hey if you are serious about wanting one of these rides I kno where u might posssibly aquire one im in St.Cloud Mn contact me for further info I believe that eventually the swingin gym we have will eventually have a meeting with cutting torch and essentially become scrap
Richard - April 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pm
I would love to ride in the swinging gym just one more time in my life. I am 40 years old now and have not been on this ride since I was about 12, it is the best ride ever-I want one!
chris - May 3rd, 2009 at 4:09 am
There was one less swinging gym in existance when chippiewa lake was sold. they may be scrap, the gyms were named flying cages but they are complete if any one wants to save them, they still swing freely though alot of wood is missing
Brad - May 14th, 2009 at 7:28 am
Really enjoyed the pictures and would like to purchase a swinging gym.Any assistance would be very apreciated.Thank You.
douglas doubleday - May 28th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
we seek to buy a flying cage for a new business venture in bucks county pa. we can handle the potential liability. if you can help in locating a flying cage, then please call me at 215 7577162
thomas f crawford - May 31st, 2009 at 8:57 am
i can also be contacted by email at tfcrawford1@aol.com
thomas f crawford - May 31st, 2009 at 8:58 am
I have owned a swinging gym for over 12 years. NO accidents. If the people are proprerly trained how to operate, this eliminates problems. you also need to control your customers and explain the ride operation to them. I have made a lot of money in spots with a lot fancier and expensive rides.
gary ransom - June 2nd, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I love the swing gym ride! I also would like to locate and purchase one of these rides. Please contact me if anyone knows who I could contact to persue this elusive ride. Thanks!
julia biondo - June 11th, 2009 at 3:39 pm