Building an outdoor gym is an effective way to infuse wellness into your organization. From parks and senior centers to military bases and correctional facilities, institutions are discovering that outdoor fitness equipment is transforming the lives of their community members.
The key to a functional and long-lasting outdoor exercise space is durable, high-quality equipment that’s suitable to a range of different exercises and ability levels. Read on to discover our selection of 10 must-have pieces of outdoor fitness equipment for your facility’s gym.
The Benefits of Outdoor Fitness Equipment for Organizations
Considering introducing an outdoor gym? You’d be wise to do so. Outdoor exercise spaces offer perks to both organizations and their community members. The benefits of outdoor fitness equipment include:
- Boosts mental and physical health: Any kind of fitness can improve cardiovascular health, combat high blood pressure, and lower stress levels. But outdoor gyms have the unique benefit of increasing your community’s vitamin D levels, too, which supports immune health, strengthens bones, and more.
- Promotes social interaction: Certain populations, like seniors and incarcerated people, may struggle with limited opportunities for social interaction. Shared outdoor gym equipment at senior centers and correctional facilities offers opportunities for people to connect and build community.
- Less upkeep: Compared to complex indoor equipment like treadmills, high-tech ellipticals, and more, commercial outdoor gym equipment is simpler and sturdier, resulting in less upkeep for your staff.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Gym Equipment for Your Facility
A successful outdoor gym begins with selecting the right machines. Consider these factors when selecting your commercial outdoor gym equipment:
- Durability: Unlike home gym equipment, commercial equipment should be designed to withstand nearly constant use. Look for weatherproof outdoor gym equipment made from high-quality steel with construction that’s built to last.
- Weatherproofing: Rain, sleet, snow, and hail. Your gym equipment should be able to withstand it all. Make sure it has a powder coating to resist rust, corrosion, and damage from extensive UV exposure.
- Resistance to vandalism: If your outdoor gym is in a park or other publicly accessible space, it’s important to consider possible vandalism. Find sturdy, tamper-proof equipment that can’t be easily broken or stolen.
- Accessibility: Consider your population when selecting equipment. For senior centers, look for ADA-compliant, low impact options. For public spaces, find equipment that suits a range of different experience levels.
The Best Commercial Outdoor Fitness Equipment
Whether you’re just getting started with your outdoor fitness area or are looking to upgrade an existing one, there are a few must-have items to ensure your community members get a full-body workout. Read on to learn our 10 best pieces of outdoor gym equipment for parks, senior facilities, and other institutions.
1. Cardio Machines
Cardio is a great way to burn fat and build endurance. Plus, cardio equipment tends to be easy to use with little experience, so every gym should have a few options. Outdoor Ellipticals and outdoor exercise bikes are great outdoor gym equipment options that don’t require an electrical hookup. For senior centers or gyms geared towards people who require greater accessibility, the Air Walker is a fun, low-impact machine to improve leg and hip flexibility while supporting cardiovascular health.
2. Horizontal Bar
Horizontal bars are an excellent strength-training option that eliminates the need for dumbbells, barbells, or other loose pieces of equipment. They enable people to work out using their body weight with exercises like pullups, chin ups, or a flexed arm hang. Save space in your outdoor fitness area with a standalone horizontal bar, wall-mounted pull-up bar, or choose multi- level horizontal bars to offer multiple height options and boost accessibility.
3. Balance Beam
Building out an exercise space for all ages? Consider adding a balance beam to your outdoor fitness equipment. Balance beams help develop skills like balance and coordination while working legs, glutes, lower back, and core. These skills are crucial for developing kids and aging seniors.
4. Dip Station
Dips are an effective way to build muscle and strength without an extensive selection of equipment. Look for an outdoor dip station that can accommodate multiple people at once. To ensure the longevity of your dip station, choose weatherproof outdoor gym equipment made from sturdy steel.
5. Parallel Bars
Parallel bars give people the freedom to work out the way they choose. Unlike outdoor fitness equipment that’s only designed for a single move, parallel bars can be used for a wide range of workouts. Whether your community members are interested in doing muscle ups, leg raises, or just need extra support and stability while lunging and stretching, they’ll be one of the most used pieces of equipment in your gym.
6. Plyo Boxes
Plyo boxes are highly underrated pieces of commercial outdoor gym equipment. While they may look like basic steps, they’re incredibly versatile and practical. Plyometric exercises are perfect for building explosive strength and are becoming more popular with each passing year. To deter theft, look for weighty plyo boxes made from heavy-duty steel. Ours begin at a hefty 80 pounds.
7. Sit Up Bench or Board
Helping your community build core strength is essential, not just for personal fitness goals, but to minimize injury and healthcare strain. A strong core is one of the best ways to ward off painful and expensive back injuries.
Sit-up benches and boards provide a convenient and comfortable spot for core-strengthening exercises. People won’t need to lay on wet grass, hard cement, or other unpleasant surfaces to get a core workout in.
8. Multi-Gym
Want a quick and easy way to build an outdoor gym that supports a full-body workout? Invest in a multi-gym. These unique pieces of outdoor fitness equipment combine presses, bikes, bars, and more into a single piece of machinery. They can provide exercise space for several people at the same time with a small footprint.
9. Rowing Machine
A rowing machine offers a full-body workout in one simple machine. Rowing works out quads, hamstrings, glutes, traps, lats, and biceps, and is an excellent cardiovascular workout. Look for features like durable design, comfortable handle grips and non-removable, tamper-resistant hardware for the best possible results.
10. Leg Press
Leg presses are a great way to work out quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Commercial outdoor leg presses are designed to use body weight as resistance instead of free weights. Our TriActive leg press machine is built for two people to use at once. It features two stations designed for different heights and resistance levels, which means everyone can find a leg press station that works for them.
Get Durable Outdoor Gym Equipment from TriActive USA
Outdoor gyms are an excellent way to boost your community’s wellness and improve the quality of their lives. They’re low-maintenance, provide countless mental and physical health benefits, and promote community building. Plus, healthier people means less strain on your healthcare system and finances.
For a selection of the best outdoor gym equipment for parks and other facilities, shop TriActive USA. We carry a wide range of equipment to power a full-body workout. Each piece of equipment is built with heavy duty steel and designed to be theft-proof, tamper-proof, and weatherproof. Shop outdoor gym equipment from TriActive USA today.
Outdoor Fitness Equipment: FAQs
What kinds of organizations benefit from outdoor fitness equipment?
Outdoor fitness equipment can benefit a range of organizations, including:
- Parks and public spaces: Outdoor gym equipment for parks can boost community health and offer a free alternative to expensive gyms. Installing an outdoor gym at your park or community center can also increase visitorship.
- Senior centers: Physical fitness for seniors can help reduce the likelihood of falls, broken bones, heart disease, and other devastating health conditions. Not only can it improve your seniors’ quality of life, but it can dramatically lower healthcare costs for your center.
- Correctional facilities: For populations with limited opportunities for physical activity, an outdoor exercise area can serve as a lifeline. Incarcerated individuals can maintain their physical and mental health and have an outlet for stress, anger, and more.
What is the best outdoor fitness equipment for senior centers?
The best outdoor fitness equipment for seniors is accessible and versatile. Seniors often have a range of ability levels and require special accommodations for disabilities, wheelchair-bound people, and more. Look for accessible outdoor fitness equipment that everyone can enjoy.
Is outdoor gym equipment weatherproof?
Yes, outdoor gym equipment is weatherproof thanks to a power coating that’s designed to resist water, snow, salt spray, and other weather conditions. It’s rust- and corrosion-resistant and built to last.
How long does outdoor exercise equipment last?
High-quality commercial outdoor fitness equipment is designed to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years when maintained correctly. To extend the lifespan of your equipment, clean it regularly and choose a sheltered location whenever possible.
