How to Design a Functional and Attractive Outdoor Fitness Space
1. Choose the right location for your outdoor fitness space
When selecting the ideal location for an outdoor fitness space, topography access and visibility should be top considerations. The chosen site must be level and also a suitable terrain for exercising. Easy accessibility is also key, both in terms of how close it is to the closest parking lot. Is the area large enough to accommodate a running area or additional activity for cardiac activity? If possible, select a spot that provides some degree of visibility to the surroundings to help with personal security. Seeing other people being active can also inspire you to keep pushing through your workout routine. Carefully consider these factors prior to deciding on a spot for your outdoor fitness space!
2. Consider the type of equipment and activity
When it comes to strength and resistance training, chest press, lat pull down, air walkers, seated row, and pull-ups are some of the common exercises that people use to target different muscle groups in the chest and upper body. For cardio-based activities, overhead climbers and chin-up bars can give you a great full-body workout as they engage multiple muscle groups across the chest, arms, shoulders, and leg muscles as you are walking or running on them. Sit-up and push-up stations can be great additions as well. Choosing age-appropriate equipment is very important. Most manufacturers make equipment appropriate for ages 13+ and also senior stakeholders. All of these pieces of equipment provide a variety of benefits to users depending on their particular fitness goals and age, so it's important to consider the type of equipment and the type of activity desired when selecting an exercise regimen.
3. Make sure there is enough shade to protect from sunburns or overheating
When spending time outdoors, it’s important to ensure that you are protected from the sun’s harsh rays. One of the best ways to do this is by providing fabric or metal shade options such as shelters and umbrellas. In addition, trees can provide natural shade throughout the day, though this method can be unreliable in terms of direct sunlight exposure.
4. Add comfortable seating options like benches or chairs for rest periods
Proper seating allows for breaks and rest periods
Comfort and convenience are key site furnishings objectives. Adding comfortable seating options such as benches or chairs to any site is a great way to provide users with places to rest during their visits. Benches offer additional comfort, tables can create eating spots or game-playing spaces, and receptacles may be added for trash. Having ample seating in the area increases user satisfaction while also contributing invitingly to the site's aesthetics.
5. Utilize flooring materials that are durable and easy to clean up after workouts
Finding the right flooring to optimize an exercise space can be tricky. A great way to ensure longevity and easy clean-up is to install poured-in-place, rubber tiles, artificial turf, or decomposed granite. Check with the manufacturer of the equipment as to the required surfacing needed. Poured-in-place rubber and tiles provide a shock-absorbent durable surface while still maintaining attractive aesthetic appeal. Artificial turf increases versatility and cushioning even with repetitive use. These unitary surfaces are more costly. More budget-friendly surfaces can be materials like decomposed granite or breeze. Be sure to check with the manufacturer of the equipment you purchase to ensure you are installing the most appropriate surface. Ultimately, whatever material you choose for your flooring, know it was quality tested for safety. Choosing a material that has ease of maintenance is important as well so you experience a worry-free breeze along your fitness journey!
6. Ensure proper lighting so it's safe to use at night time
Lighting plays an important role in safety and security, especially at night. Investing in appropriate safety lighting ensures that the area is well-lit at night, thereby increasing safety and security for those who are present. A variety of lights can be used, from electricity-powered street lamps to solar-powered lights, which enable ample and reliable illumination all night long. With proper lighting, the odds of crime being committed or vandalism taking place have been known to reduce dramatically. When it comes to ensuring a safe environment during dark hours, proper safety lights are an absolute must.
7. Include signage with instructions and rules of usage
Signage is essential for proper usage and instructions
Visibly placed signage with instructions and rules of usage is essential for any piece of outdoor exercise equipment. This ensures that all users are properly informed about how to use the equipment, reducing the risk of misuse, malfunction, and even liability. It is important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions when placing signs so that they are affixed in a location that is easily seen. Signage may be a separate sign or affixed to the equipment itself. QR codes have been popular in communicating proper use. Signage that adheres to the manufacturer's instructions and specifications is best.
Wrapping up…
Outdoor exercise equipment can be a great way to promote physical activity and create an inviting atmosphere in your park or school. With these considerations in mind, you’ll soon be on your way to offering people a place where they feel safe and inspired while getting fit outdoors!
Are you looking for the perfect outdoor exercise equipment to help promote physical activity in your park or school? Look no further than Playwell! With decades of experience in the field, Playwell is dedicated to helping you make the right selection for your outdoor fitness needs. Our experts are here to provide you with personalized advice on choosing the ideal spot for.
