During the summertime it seems like everyone wants to be outdoors, and they want to take their fitness routines with them. For many that means biking, running, hiking, swimming and the host of other summer options that come to mind, but for a growing number of enthusiasts it literally means having an outdoor fitness center, equipment and all, to use outside. Facilities who offer indoor fitness experiences are heading outdoors too, joining numerous municipal recreation organizations making investments in outdoor fitness options that are growing in popularity every day.
It’s a whole new way of thinking for property managers, as available green spaces are no longer just places for attractive landscaping. Facility managers, architects and developers are finding that investing in outdoor fitness (beyond the playground) is paying off in a big way, bringing community members outdoors and engaging them in new ways.
Two key revelations are fueling the rise in outdoor fitness development: individual engagement and equipment evolution.
Having an outdoor space available for fitness is one thing, but knowing what equipment to put in those outdoor fitness spaces presents an entirely different challenge. Outdoor fitness equipment has advanced tremendously to include more sophisticated machines to work on strength and agility, including many new options beyond the adult versions of playground equipment. Using advanced outdoor versions of seated rowers and leg curl machines, outdoor fitness routines have really changed to include a “gym without a roof” type of experience. Plus, the equipment is extremely durable and made of weather-resistant materials so that outdoor fitness options are a year-round consideration for fitness-forward communities. An added bonus for obstacle course enthusiasts or boot camp participants: more people than you think like to work out in the elements (i.e. mud, rain, etc.) to really test themselves!
According to BeaverFit USA, the market is changing. “As progressive companies are looking to enhance their corporate wellness programs, our outdoor rigs and Performance Lockers are more in demand, as companies can easily add more fitness options without having to go through the expense of adding a new fitness facility,” says Lyndsey Taylor, Account Manager with BeaverFit USA.
The capital expenditure for outdoor fitness equipment can be a fraction of what indoor fitness options cost. In fairness, the technology and sophistication present in advanced indoor fitness equipment is far superior to outdoor fitness equipment options, but even with simple outdoor options the return on investment is worthwhile for the facilities who pursue it.
A wide variety of communities are experiencing the benefits that outdoor fitness areas bring to usually small footprints of green space, at an affordable price that many find surprising.
People want the option of bringing the great outdoors into their fitness routine. As fitness options are a top draw that tenants look for in where they choose to live, expanding those options to include outdoor fitness areas is compelling to potential lease signers. No matter the demographic or the level of fitness interest, people like having a wider variety of fitness options – even if they don’t use them.
Adding accessories to BeaverFit equipment creates a full, functional outdoor gym.
The University worked with Advanced Exercise to handle the details, working with the dimensions of the space and what products would fit, how concrete padding needed to be used, what fencing and construction requirements might be necessary, etc. “We put our heads together to find the best tailored solution and luckily didn’t run into too many complications along the way,” Beall admits. The project came in on time and on budget.
Studies show that exercising outside is more beneficial. It’s calming to work out in the natural world, where you’re free to move without walls. Plus, those who exercise outside spend more time exercising and do it more often than those with a strictly indoor fitness routine. Communities of all kinds are becoming more wellness-aware, and it’s showing in how we work, live and play every day.
Wellness thinking is also evident in our surroundings. Urban landscapes are becoming greener where they can, and encompassing the natural world into more daily routines is becoming a lifestyle standard. It’s only natural, pardon the pun, that this evolution also includes fitness. Properties of all kinds, serving all populations, are turning their appreciation and integration of natural spaces and their passion for fitness into new assets for community members to use and enjoy. After all, creating outdoor fitness spaces is more authentic and attractive to both younger and older demographics than a perfectly landscaped flower garden. Outdoor fitness investments are more community-oriented and have the benefit of giving back to the community, whereas the flower garden is aesthetically pleasing but somewhat limited beyond that. Outdoor fitness options are more utilitarian, more useful and functional, and fast becoming favorite community gathering places.
Advanced Exercise used BeaverFit for this student fitness space.
To explore outdoor fitness options for your community, reach out to an Advanced Exercise representative today.
This entry was posted in Community, Equipment Trends, Outdoor Fitness and tagged Creating spaces, exercise equipment, fitness equipment, Municipal Recreation, new in fitness, outdoor activity, outdoor fitness equipment, Wellness, workout outdoors.