When one thinks of adult fitness, their first thought is often an indoor gym rather than an outdoor park. Interestingly, those who use outdoor fitness spaces are more likely to build a habit of exercising compared to people who only visit indoor spaces. While indoor gyms have their benefits, outdoor fitness parks may be the solution to some communities’ health crises.
If you’ve considered adding outdoor fitness equipment to your park or recreation area, there is a resource you should have in your possession – the Outdoor Adult Fitness Parks design guide from PlayCore. Read on and learn why this guidebook is essential to planning the perfect outdoor gym.
Benefits of Research-Based Design
PlayCore’s Outdoor Adult Fitness Parks outlines many studies that show a need for outdoor fitness and fitness spaces designed around best practice design principles.
The first study discovered that when an outdoor fitness park is thoughtfully designed using best practice research, it attracts twice as many visitors compared to other parks and outdoor fitness areas. This demonstrates the popularity these parks have within communities and how vital research-based design is to the planning process.
The second study discovered that 63% of outdoor fitness park users engaged in moderate to vigorous levels of activity – an essential milestone of personal health and wellness. This shows that one can achieve effective workouts using outdoor fitness equipment.
Other Benefits of Outdoor Fitness Parks
Many communities find outdoor gyms and workout areas promote socialization and community pride. They remove barriers to better health by offering a free alternative to costly gym memberships.
The cost of these parks can be offset by parks departments who allow personal trainers to reserve the fitness area for one-on-one or group training sessions. And these parks may also qualify for increased grant funding related to obesity prevention/reduction.
Planning a Park
PlayCore’s Outdoor Adult Fitness Parks contains all the information you need to start planning an outdoor workout area.
The guide introduces outdoor fitness park typologies: fitness centers and fitness trails. Fitness centers are arranged in a collaborative pattern and encourage communication among users. In contrast, fitness trails are installed along a pathway to incorporate cardiovascular exercise and distance tracking.
The guide also provides recommendations for the type and configuration of outdoor fitness equipment. You’ll learn about the correct placement, spacing, signage, and other details to meet necessary safety and usability standards.
Readers will also learn how to design a park for diverse user groups. A park designer must consider the following:
- Skill level (beginners - fitness enthusiasts)
- Age (teenagers – senior citizens)
- Users with disabilities
- Multilingual users
- Class groups
- Solo users
GameTime Fitness Equipment
GameTime offers a variety of outdoor gym equipment that meets the guide’s considerations.
GTfit products are an excellent solution for an inclusive experience. This line accommodates adults of all ages and fitness levels, including those adults who need accessible or therapeutic equipment.
Challenge Course is ideal for users who enjoy competitive fitness. This line is more intense than GTfit and allows users to fulfill their “Ninja Warrior” fantasies.
THRIVE is a compact design that requires as little as 250 square feet of space. But it packs a ton of opportunities for adults of all fitness levels to get a full-body workout alone or as a group.
Help Make a Difference in Your Community
Outdoor fitness parks have many benefits for communities. Designing a space that attracts people and provides the right experience requires research and planning. PlayCore’s guidebook for developing a fitness park is based on best practice research and includes plenty of examples, case studies, equipment suggestions, and more.
Learn more and request your copy today! Or contact the GameTime outdoor fitness expert in your neighborhood.
