For many people, working out means paying for a gym membership and finding time to go to the gym a few times a week. While gyms are a great resource for people who want to stay physically fit, sometimes it’s nice to have access to equipment without going to the gym.
Weatherproof outdoor gym equipment offers a simple alternative for people who don’t want to pay for a gym membership or work out inside. If you’re looking for an alternative to your local gym, learn more about the most popular types of weatherproof outdoor gym equipment.
Why Invest In Weatherproof Outdoor Gym Equipment?
Weatherproof gym equipment is absolutely necessary if you’re building an outdoor fitness area. Indoor gym equipment isn’t designed to stand up to wind, rain, and UV rays, but outdoor equipment is specifically designed for durability.
Whether you’re investing in an outdoor multi-gym for your yard or designing an outdoor fitness center for a park or correctional facility, weatherproof outdoor gym equipment can stand up to the harsh weather and provide an accessible way to exercise.
How Equipment Withstands Extreme Weather
Wondering how outdoor exercise equipment can withstand extreme weather? Here’s a quick breakdown of the key design features of outdoor equipment.
Durable Materials And Protective Coatings
The durability of weatherproof outdoor gym equipment starts with the materials it’s made of and how those materials are coated for protection. The best outdoor gym equipment is made from strong steel tubing that can support a lot of weight. That steel tubing is then protected with a durable powder coating that can stand up to extended exposure to rain, salt, and UV rays.
Innovative Design Features For Reliability
The durable steel tubing and protective coating isn’t the only reason outdoor fitness equipment is more durable, it also has to do with the design. Indoor gym equipment is designed for simplicity, which means there are exposed parts that can rust and corrode over time.
Durable outdoor fitness equipment is designed without exposed moving parts, which means the bolts that hold the equipment together are protected from harsh weather.
Top 5 Weatherproof Outdoor Gym Equipment Types
Whether you’re working out at the gym or in an outdoor space, getting a full-body workout is essential. Here are some of the top weatherproof outdoor gym equipment types.
Stainless Steel Weight Machines
Stainless steel weight machines are similar to the equipment you’d find in a typical gym, but the stainless steel construction provides increased durability. Stainless steel is more resistant to rust because of the chromium content in its alloy.
You can find a wide range of stainless steel weight machines, from rowing machines and shoulder presses to multi-gyms and cardio equipment. These machines are designed to use your body weight to create resistance for enhanced safety.
Weatherproof Cardio Equipment
Cardio is one of the most important forms of exercise, improving endurance and cardiovascular health with as little as 150 minutes of weekly cardio. Because of the many benefits of cardio, weatherproof cardio equipment is a staple of any outdoor gym. Weatherproof cardio equipment includes stationary bikes, recumbent bikes, elliptical machines, and more.
Outdoor Pull-Up And Dip Stations
Outdoor pull-up and dip stations are ideal when it comes to building upper body strength. Pull-ups and dips are a great way to strengthen your back, biceps, forearms, chest, triceps, and shoulders.
Horizontal bars are also common in outdoor fitness spaces. These weatherproof stations can be used for pull-ups, chin-ups, and acrobatics.
All-Weather Multi-Exercise Stations
As strength training has grown in popularity, multi-use exercise stations have become more popular. Our weatherproof multi-gym combines several stations in one machine, including a stair stepper, tai chi spinner, lat pulldowns, and shoulder presses.
Multi-gyms aren’t just popular because they offer a diverse selection of workouts, they can also be used by multiple people at once so everyone can exercise.
Portable Weatherproof Fitness Accessories
Portable weatherproof fitness accessories like yoga mats, bands, and kettlebells also play a key role in outdoor strength training. These accessories are affordable and effective, giving any workout routine a boost.
Choosing And Maintaining Your Outdoor Fitness Equipment
Weatherproof outdoor gym equipment is an excellent addition to any outdoor space, but it’s important to choose the right equipment and stay on top of maintenance.
Key Factors To Consider
Not all weatherproof outdoor gym equipment is made equal. Outdoor gym equipment is available in different materials with different designs and protective coatings, so compare equipment to find the best options.
Ideally, you want durable steel equipment with a protective powder coating. It’s even better if that powder coating has been tested for salt spray resistance.
Of course, there are other factors to consider as well, including the cost and size of equipment.
Routine Maintenance And Cleaning Tips
Outdoor fitness equipment is designed to stand up to harsh weather, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to maintain it. If you have an outdoor gym, you should be inspecting and cleaning your equipment regularly.
Start by cleaning and wiping down gym equipment once every week or so. Removing excess dirt and salt from equipment reduces the risk of corrosion and damage to the protective coating.
It’s also important to inspect your gym equipment regularly for signs of damaged paint or corrosion. If the protective coating on your equipment is damaged, you can apply paint to the area or have a professional apply a new powder coating.
Common Pitfalls With Outdoor Gym Equipment
As great as weatherproof outdoor gym equipment is, there are some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
Overlooking Material Quality And Durability
Outdoor fitness equipment isn’t all the same. Different manufacturers use different designs, materials, and protective coatings to ensure your equipment stands the test of time. Overlooking material quality and durability could mean that your equipment only lasts a year or two.
Look for weatherproof gym equipment that’s made from durable steel with a protective coating to prevent rust and corrosion.
Inadequate Installation And Placement
Outdoor gym equipment should be securely installed on a flat surface and placed in an area that minimizes exposure to harsh weather and UV rays. Placing equipment on uneven surfaces or near trees that produce large amounts of pollen can damage the equipment.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Cleaning and inspecting your outdoor gym equipment regularly helps reduce the risk of corrosion and other damage. If you’re not cleaning and inspecting your equipment at least once every couple of weeks, you’re risking significant damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Weatherproof Equipment Typically Last?
If you choose high-quality equipment and stay on top of routine maintenance, weatherproof gym equipment can last up to 20 years.
Which Materials Offer the Best Weather Resistance?
Stainless steel or powder coated steel offer the best weather resistance for outdoor gym equipment.
Do Outdoor Installations Require Professional Assistance?
You can install your outdoor gym equipment on your own, but we recommend hiring professionals to prepare the surface at the very least.
Conclusion: Top Choices For Weatherproof Outdoor Gyms
There are tons of options available when it comes to weatherproof outdoor gym equipment. Choosing the best equipment starts with looking for durable materials and designs.
At TriActive USA, we’ve got a wide selection of gym equipment for upper body, lower body, cardio, and plyometric training. All of our equipment is protected with a powder coating and tested for 1,000 hours of salt spray resistance.
Check out our catalog to find the best weatherproof outdoor gym equipment for your fitness space.
