Outdoor gym equipment is becoming increasingly common in schools, parks, and other community spaces. From simple horizontal bars to complete multi-station gyms, outdoor fitness equipment gives everyone access to an effective workout.
Creating an outdoor exercise space is an excellent way to keep your community members mentally and physically fit. So, what outdoor gym equipment do schools use and how can you create your own outdoor gym? Read on to find the answers to these questions and more.
Creating Engaging and Safe Outdoor Spaces
When you’re designing outdoor spaces for schools, it’s important to focus on creating a safe and engaging space. Here’s how it works:
Designing Multi-Functional Active Learning Areas
Outdoor exercise equipment isn’t just about staying fit, it also gives children an opportunity to learn and grow. From balance beams and horizontal bars to plyometric boxes and cardio equipment, multi-functional active learning areas offer something for every child.
Prioritizing School Playground Safety and Durability
At the end of the day, school playgrounds have to be safe. Outdoor fitness and learning spaces are designed with special equipment that prioritizes safety, reducing the risk of injuries and allowing children to play freely.
The Role of Outdoor Equipment in Enhancing Student Fitness
Physical fitness is crucial, and it’s a big challenge we’re facing as a society. Here’s how outdoor equipment helps enhance student fitness.
Boosting Physical Education Engagement
When children have a dedicated outdoor fitness space with a wide range of equipment, it’s easier for them to engage with physical education. Children can have fun and exercise with balance beams, horizontal bars, and more.
Promoting Active Play and Student Wellness
With the prevalence of phones and tablets, promoting active play is essential. Outdoor exercise equipment encourages kids to play in a more active way, which promotes physical wellness and keeps children entertained.
Encouraging Teamwork Through Agility Courses and Group Challenges
Outdoor equipment also gives you a chance to encourage teamwork. Group challenges are an excellent way to keep everyone engaged and active, which helps promote physical fitness and build teamwork skills.
Common Types of Outdoor Gym Equipment in Schools
When you’re designing an outdoor fitness space for a school, choosing the right equipment is key. So, what outdoor gym equipment do schools use?
Climbing Structures, Monkey Bars, and Balance Beams (Durable Playground Structures)
Climbing is a favorite activity among children of all ages, which is why climbing structures like monkey bars are one of the most common pieces of school gym equipment. Monkey bars come in all shapes and sizes, helping children build upper body and core strength while having fun.
Balance beams are another popular choice for schools. Good balance is essential, and balance beams help strengthen the lower body and core muscles that provide a foundation for balance.
Outdoor Fitness Stations and Cardio Zones for a Comprehensive PE Curriculum
Outdoor gym equipment is an excellent way to offer a more comprehensive physical education (PE) curriculum. PE class doesn’t have to be as simple as running laps and playing kickball, and providing a more well-rounded experience helps keep kids engaged. From strength training equipment to cardio machines, you can provide a more extensive PE experience with outdoor gym equipment.
Agility Courses and Team Sports Areas for Active Play
Agility courses and spaces for team sports are vital in schools. Playing isn’t just about physical fitness, it’s about building important teamwork and social skills that stick with children for life. Agility courses, basketball courts, and other areas that encourage group activities are an excellent choice for schools.
Eco-Friendly Gym Equipment Options
Some gym equipment is designed with eco-friendly materials like wood and recycled rubber. This equipment gives children a chance to play and learn while minimizing your impact on the environment, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious communities.
Selecting Safe and Sustainable Equipment for School Grounds
When you’re choosing gym equipment for schools, safety and sustainability are two key focuses. Here’s how you can find the right equipment for your school gym.
Choosing High-Quality, Weather-Resistant, and Eco-Friendly Materials
Outdoor gym equipment should be built to resist harsh weather and stand the test of time. Steel equipment with a durable powder coating is a simple choice if you’re looking for long-lasting, weather-resistant equipment.
There are also eco-friendly options made from more sustainable materials like wood.
Meeting Safety Standards and School Playground Safety Guidelines
Before you invest in school gym equipment, review school playground safety guidelines and standards to make sure your equipment meets those standards. Avoid equipment that’s not designed to meet safety standards.
Strategies for Equipment Maintenance and Long-Term Value
If you want to maximize the life of your exercise equipment, you should clean and inspect each station once a week or so. If a piece of equipment needs to be repaired, compare the repair cost to the cost of replacing the equipment. It’s typically not worth replacing equipment if the repair cost is close to the replacement cost.
Integrating Equipment into the Physical Education Curriculum
Integrating equipment into the PE curriculum helps children stay active and engaged. Here are some tips.
Effective Methods for Physical Education Curriculum Integration
You can encourage students to use outdoor gym equipment by integrating it into the curriculum. For example, you can spend one week of class focusing on how to use equipment and what each piece of equipment is used for. Make sure each child gets a chance to try out different equipment.
Supporting Active Learning, Social Skills, and Teamwork
Gym equipment isn’t just about physical fitness, it’s about building social skills and teamwork.
Group challenges and workouts are a great way to encourage teamwork and socialization. Group agility courses are a particularly effective way to encourage students to work together.
You can also encourage students to work together by teaching them about gym etiquette and how to work out as a team.
Common Pitfalls in Equipment Implementation
If you want to smoothly integrate gym equipment into schools, here are some common mistakes you should avoid.
Neglecting Regular Safety Inspections and Maintenance
Gym equipment should be inspected and maintained on a regular schedule to prevent unnecessary damage. We recommend cleaning and inspecting your gym equipment at least once a week.
Overlooking Budget Considerations and Long-Term Investments
When you’re choosing gym equipment for schools, it’s important to consider your budget and the lifespan of the equipment. Gym equipment is a long-term investment, so think about the future before making a purchase.
Failing to Sustain Student Interest and Engagement
Some students may work out without encouragement, but keeping all your students engaged is a continuous effort. It’s your job to find ways to sustain student interest and engagement, whether that’s a group workout challenge or a weight training section of your PE curriculum.
FAQ on Outdoor Gym Equipment in Schools
What Are the Best Outdoor Gym Options for Schools?
The best outdoor gym equipment for schools includes monkey bars, balance beams, agility courses, and strength training and cardio equipment.
How Can Schools Ensure Equipment Safety and Durability?
Choosing the right equipment and staying on top of routine maintenance helps ensure students’ safety and extend the lifespan of exercise equipment.
Are There Eco-Friendly Gym Equipment Choices for Schools?
Yes, there is eco-friendly gym equipment for schools made from sustainable materials like wood and recycled rubber.
Conclusion: Empowering Schools Through Outdoor Fitness Solutions
Fitness is an essential part of life, which is why it’s important to encourage children to stay active from a young age. Upgrading your school with outdoor gym equipment is an excellent way to help students stay active and fit.
At TriActive USA, we’ve got all the outdoor gym equipment you need for your school, from balance beams and horizontal bars to weight training stations. Check out our catalog and start building a fitness space for your school today.
