Regular exercise is one of the biggest keys to long-term health, so it’s never too soon or too late to get started. With outdoor fitness equipment, you can provide a convenient option for community members who want to stay fit without going to a traditional gym.
When you’re creating an outdoor gym, it’s important to choose the right equipment—which includes picking the right stations and finding gear that’s safe and durable. If you need help finding the best outdoor gym equipment for all ages, check out this guide.
Outdoor Fitness & Community Benefits
Outdoor fitness offers all the benefits of exercise combined with the benefits of spending time outside. Exposure to the sun helps the body produce vitamin D, which plays an essential role in mood regulation and immune health.
Creating a place in the community where people can gather and exercise can also help strengthen your community. Going to an outdoor gym gives community members a chance to come together and socialize.
Materials, Durability, and Weatherproof Considerations
When you’re looking for the best outdoor gym equipment, the materials are an important factor to consider. Ideally, you want equipment that’s designed to stand the test of time—even when exposed to wind, rain, and other inclement weather.
Equipment should be made with thick steel tubing for long-lasting durability. That steel tubing should also have a powder coating to protect it from the elements, and that powder coat should be thick enough to withstand thousands of hours of exposure.
Generally, you should avoid equipment that has exposed moving parts that could be sensitive to corrosion. Any susceptible parts should be covered to protect against direct exposure to UV rays, wind, and moisture.
Top Outdoor Gym Equipment Essentials
Choosing the right stations is a key part of building an outdoor gym. Different types of equipment are designed to target different muscles, and it’s important to offer enough equipment that people can get a full-body workout. Let’s explore some of the best outdoor gym equipment that every outdoor gym should have.
Cardio Equipment: Running, Cycling, and Aerobic Options
Cardio is one of the most important types of exercise because it helps strengthen the heart and lungs and reduce the risk of serious heart-related diseases. You can also use cardio to increase your stamina over time, making it easier to walk or run long distances without getting winded.
Stationary bikes and ellipticals are great ways to get some low-impact cardio in. These machines are gentle on your joints while providing an excellent cardio workout, making them a great choice for people of all ages.
Recumbent bikes provide a more relaxed form of cardio. Our Air Walker and Air Strider are specially designed to simulate running or walking while minimizing impact on your joints, making them an ideal option for seniors and people with joint-related issues.
Rowing is another popular form of cardio. Our rowing machine uses your body weight to create resistance, giving you a safe but effective workout that strengthens your muscles and your cardiovascular system.
Strength Training: Bodyweight and Resistance Options
When it comes to strength training, there are countless outdoor exercise stations to choose from. Every station targets different muscle groups, so having a diverse selection of strength training equipment is ideal.
You can find a wide range of equipment for building upper body strength. Our seated chest press and seated lat pull target the muscles in your shoulders and chest, or you can get a more comprehensive workout with a rowing machine. Pull up and dip stations are also popular choices for upper body strength training.
Squat stations, leg extensions, and leg presses are three of the best workouts for your lower body. Plyo boxes also make a great addition to any outdoor gym.
Our selection of strength training equipment also includes multi-functional stations and wheel-chair accessible equipment.
Flexibility and Balance: Yoga, Stretch, and Balance Stations
Physical fitness isn’t just about strength; flexibility is important too. Every outdoor fitness facility should have a designated area where people can stretch and warm up. Padded gym flooring can provide extra comfort and make this an ideal spot for yoga.
Balance beams are also a staple of outdoor fitness. Walking on balance beams helps strengthen you core, which is one of the most important muscle groups in terms of stability and posture.
Installation, Maintenance, & Creating Accessible Workout Parks
Creating outdoor fitness facilities starts with preparing the area. Make sure you have a solid foundation and plenty of room for all your equipment. You can install gym tiles to provide some cushioning on the hard pavement.
Making exercise accessible is crucial. At TriActive USA, we have a selection of wheelchair-accessible gym equipment that allows everyone to get a workout in. Our Accessible Multi-Gym and Wheelchair-Accessible Combo Press & Pull are both excellent choices for accessibility.
Regular maintenance is another key to creating the best outdoor fitness space. Even the best outdoor gym equipment needs regular maintenance, which includes cleaning, inspections, and rust prevention. Clean your equipment at least once per week and check for chipped paint or signs of corrosion regularly to prevent rust. You can also lubricate moving parts with white lithium grease or a similar product.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Choosing Outdoor Gym Equipment
Finding the best outdoor gym equipment can be a challenge, but it helps to know what not to do. Make sure you avoid these common mistakes when you’re choosing equipment for your outdoor gym.
Overlooking Weather Resistance and Regular Maintenance
The best outdoor gym equipment is designed to stand up to inclement weather. Exercise stations should be made of durable materials like steel and coated to protect against rain, wind, and UV rays. A durable powder coat provides long-lasting protection against harsh weather.
Maintenance is also important. After you install your outdoor gym equipment, you should clean and maintain it at least once a week. Every month or so, you can do a more thorough inspection to look for signs of rust and other potentially serious problems.
Ignoring Safety and Accessibility Features in Design
Outdoor fitness spaces should be a safe space for everyone, so make sure you’re not overlooking safety and accessibility features. Choose accessible equipment that’s suitable for all ages and experience levels to make sure everyone can use your outdoor gym.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Outdoor Gym Equipment Suits Beginners Best?
The best outdoor gym equipment is easy to use, so beginners should have no problem getting started with any of our equipment. If you want to start simple, our Combo Press & Pull and cardio equipment are solid options.
How Durable Is Weatherproof Gym Equipment in Extreme Conditions?
Weatherproof gym equipment can withstand various types of inclement weather. Our durable powder coat is tested for 100,000 hours of salt spray resistance.
Can These Installations Accommodate All Ages and Fitness Levels?
Absolutely. Outdoor gyms are suitable for all ages as long as you create a safe environment and choose safe, accessible equipment.
Conclusion: Outdoor Gym Equipment for Every Age
Regular exercise is essential for everyone, from children to seniors and everyone in between. Outdoor gym equipment is an excellent way to give community members of all ages a safe place to exercise.
At TriActive USA, we have a wide selection of outdoor gym equipment that’s designed for safety and accessibility. From cardio to strength training equipment, we’ve got everything you need to make exercise accessible in your community. Contact us to get a quote and start transforming your community today.
