Seeking new ways to improve the lives of your community members? Try installing an outdoor exercise space at your facility. When combined with fresh air and sunshine, exercise has all kinds of mental health benefits, from lowering levels of stress and anxiety to improving self esteem, creating routine, and more. An outdoor exercise space is a free, accessible way to benefit your population.
Read on to learn all about the mental health benefits of exercising outdoors and how to install an outdoor exercise space at your facility.
#1 Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Exercising outdoors is a simple way to lower levels of stress and anxiety. First, physical activity alone has all kinds of positive impacts on mental health. When you exercise, your body releases “feel good” chemicals known as endorphins. These chemicals elevate your mood and impart feelings of well-being. Studies show that getting about 30 minutes of exercise a day can help produce more endorphins and better regulate mood.
Exercise also impacts the stress hormone cortisol. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Regular exercise naturally lowers cortisol levels, helping your brain and body better regulate stress.
When combined with the outdoors, the benefits of exercise grow even greater. Time spent in nature is shown to lower cortisol in addition to blood pressure and heart rate, for both physical and mental stress reduction. Time spent outdoors is also naturally therapeutic and can disrupt chronic anxiety.
#2 Boosts Vitamin D
Another great benefit of exercise outdoors is the increase in Vitamin D. When UV-B rays from the sun hit your skin, they trigger your body’s production of Vitamin D. Lots of mental health benefits follow.
This vitamin has many impacts on your brain. Low levels of Vitamin D are associated with depression, anxiety, mental fog, and other mental health concerns. By increasing levels of Vitamin D, your body can regulate production of the mood stabilizer serotonin and reduce depression symptoms. Installing an outdoor exercise space at your facility gives community members the perfect opportunity to boost their Vitamin D levels.
#3 Improves Self Esteem
Exercise has many positive impacts on self esteem levels, which are central to mental health. Consistent exercise enhances strength, coordination, flexibility, and other physical factors, leaving community members with a greater sense of their physical capabilities. It also imparts feelings of accomplishment and resilience, which further improves self esteem.
Adding an outdoor exercise space to your facility gives everyone a chance to get in shape and enjoy the self-esteem boost that comes with physical health.
#4 Reduces Isolation
Humans are social creatures. Studies show that socialization reduces depression and anxiety, boosts self esteem, and fosters better coping mechanisms. Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to socialize. Isolation is common, whether as a result of health issues, economic barriers, or other factors. In senior populations, isolation is a particular health concern.
Outdoor exercise spaces are a great way to reduce isolation and the negative impacts that come along with it. An outdoor gym provides a free common space for community members to spend time and interact with one another. For the best outcomes, be sure to install accessible outdoor exercise equipment that can be used by people of all ages and ability levels, especially senior citizens.
#5 Creates Routine
When it comes to mental health, predictability and consistency plays a significant role. People thrive on routine, especially when they’re struggling with mental health issues. Creating a regular routine can lower levels of stress and anxiety, impart feelings of control, improve sleep, and have other positive impacts on mental health.
A place to exercise outdoors introduces an easy opportunity to build routine. Community members can make exercise a cornerstone of their weekly or even daily life and give them something to look forward to each day. Structure is an important part of life for people who struggle with behavioral health, and an outdoor gym is an excellent way to make sure people have the opportunity to add it.
How to Build an Outdoor Exercise Space at Your Facility
It’s clear: outdoor exercise benefits everyone. If you’re ready to introduce an outdoor exercise space in your community, read on to learn how to build one that’s functional and built to last.
Designate an Outdoor Exercise Space
First, determine where you’ll install your outdoor exercise equipment. A naturally shaded area is a great choice, as it protects your community members and equipment from the harsh sun. If you have a relatively flat area, you’ll thank yourself in the long run. It will require less leveling for laying your foundation.
Lay the Foundation
Next, it’s important to lay a level foundation. A flat surface is essential to keeping your community members safe. Without one, you risk equipment tipping or residents falling and injuring themselves. When laying your foundation, be sure to include concrete footers to help stabilize your equipment.
Select and Install Your Equipment
Once your space is ready, it’s time to select your equipment. Look for the following when choosing outdoor exercise equipment:
- Variety: In order for your community members to get a full workout, it’s important to choose a variety of pieces of exercise equipment for both cardio and strength exercises.
- Accessibility: Choosing accessible outdoor exercise equipment is essential, particularly for an outdoor gym that will be frequented by seniors or people with differing ability levels.
- Durability: Outdoor exercise equipment is constantly exposed to the elements. Durable and weather resistant equipment is essential for the longevity of your outdoor gym.
When installing your equipment, be mindful of how people will use the space. Allow for plenty of room between machines, benches for resting between sets, and more.
Source Equipment Built to Last from TriActive USA
For the best selection of high-quality, durable outdoor exercise equipment that’s built to last, shop TriActive USA. Our equipment is used nationwide by parks, schools, senior centers, and other facilities. We’re committed to ensuring each piece of equipment is weather resistant and designed for whatever your seasons throw at you, whether that may be snow, sleet, ice, sun, or salty air. Get in touch with us today to get started.
