The Benefits of Outdoor Exercise Stations

Posted by Premier play solutions on May 10th, 2024

Have you noticed those funky-looking exercise stations popping up in parks and public spaces around your community? That colourful collection of pull-up bars, rotating pedals, and push-up stands isn't a bizarre new playground - it's outdoor gym equipment! These innovative exercise areas are becoming increasingly common as cities embrace the idea of making fitness accessible to all. In this article, we'll explore the world of outdoor gyms and why you might want to give your local fresh-air gym a try.

Outdoor gym equipment offers a completely free and convenient way to get in a workout without any hassle or gym fees. The concept is simple - a series of durable, weather-resistant exercise stations are installed in a public park or greenspace. This transforms the area into an open-air gym where anyone can drop in for a quick bodyweight routine or cardio session at no cost.

The Benefits of Exercising Outdoors

There's something incredibly invigorating about exercising in the great outdoors surrounded by nature's beauty. Outdoor gym t allows you to combine a fitness routine with a healthy dose of fresh air and vitamin D from the sun's rays. Numerous studies have shown that outdoor exercise can provide a greater feeling of revitalization, lower tension levels, and improve self-esteem more than indoor gym sessions.  

Additionally, exercising outdoors can actually enhance your workout. The diverse terrain of parks and trails engages more muscle groups and taxes your balance and stability. You also have to work harder against nature's subtle resistance like breezes and minor slopes. This means you'll likely burn more calories during an outdoor routine compared to an indoor one of the same intensity.

A Gym for Everyone

Outdoor gyms are awesome because they're for everyone - no matter your fitness level. You'll typically see stations for basic exercises like push-ups and crunches, but also tougher strength-training stuff like pull-up bars. Lots of outdoor gyms have cardio options too, like bike pedals or step boxes.  

This variety means there's something for you whether you're an absolute beginner just getting into exercise, or a total athlete looking to mix up your training routine. Outdoor gyms are designed to be accessible for folks with disabilities or mobility challenges too.

Of course, having gym equipment in the fresh air makes it perfect for kids and families too. Exercising together outdoors can be a fun bonding experience and helps instil healthy habits from an early age.

Get Creative With Your Routine

Outdoor workouts have lots of choices! You can make full-body routines by switching between the different strength stations. Or do more cardio by jumping rope, running on the paths, and stepping on and off boxes between strength moves.

Don't be scared to be creative and have fun exercising. Use the outdoor area to make it harder, like push-ups on hills or squatting and balancing on benches. The outdoor gym helps you train your whole body in different ways.

Many outdoor gyms include basic instruction plaques to guide you through suggested exercises and routines. But you can always find free video workout routines online or hire a personal trainer if you want more structured guidance.

Bring Your Own Equipment (Or Not!)

One awesome perk of outdoor gyms is that they're minimalistic and equipment-free. Just show up ready to leverage your own body weight for resistance training and cardio drills.  But that's not to say you can't bring your own portable fitness gear to supplement your routine.

Items like resistance bands, medicine balls, agility ladders, and yoga mats can all amp up your outdoor workout. Just be sure to only use equipment that won't cause any damage to your park's green spaces.

Rain or Shine Fitness

Unless weather conditions are dangerously extreme, most outdoor exercise areas can be used year-round. The punishing summer heat or bone-chilling winter? It's not a problem when you can work out in the great outdoors at your own comfort level.

Rainy days are often an ideal time to hit up an outdoor gym. Most stations feature rubberised surfaces and cover overhangs to keep you high and dry. Just be mindful of slippery spots and take it easy on the balance-intensive moves.

Getting Started at Your Local Outdoor Gym

Ready to give your neighbourhood fresh-air fitness zone a try? Start by doing some research to locate the outdoor gym nearest to your home. Scope it out at different times to get a sense of when crowds are lightest if you prefer more privacy. 

For your first few sessions, take it easy while you get acclimatised to exercising outdoors. Don't forget essentials like a towel to wipe down equipment, sunscreen, water, and proper athletic footwear. Most importantly, have fun! Exercising outdoors helps boost your mood and energy levels.

Conclusion

So next time you're looking for a free, easily accessible way to get active, give your local outdoor gym a try! It's a fantastic way to get in a great workout while soaking up some sun and fresh air at the same time. Best of all, outdoor exercise parks are continuing to pop up everywhere, making it incredibly easy and convenient to get fit without any fees or hassles. Whether you're an exercise enthusiast or just getting started an outdoor gym makes fitness attainable and enjoyable for everyone.