A growing number of parks around the country offer outdoor fitness equipment that provides visitors with a total body workout. These exercise sites provide an alternative to traditional gym memberships that require a substantial upfront investment and ongoing fees.
Parks, neighborhoods and apartment complexes that install these facilities often find the equipment encourages local residents to exercise more frequently. The equipment also helps individuals of all ages and abilities avoid the sedentary lifestyle that is the norm for many modern people.
When designing an outdoor fitness site, planners need to consider who will use the equipment and what type of workout they are looking for. For example, if a park already has jogging trails, the planner may not need to include as much cardio equipment in the facility. For a neighborhood outdoor fitness park, the planner might want to arrange the equipment in a way that allows visitors to combine their cardio workout with a strength training session.
In addition, planners need to make sure the ground in the space can absorb impact. Some popular options for this surface are rubber surfacing or loose-fill surface material. Some manufacturers even include instructions on their websites that help installers determine the best surfacing for specific equipment types.
Typically, outdoor fitness equipment is designed to be used by people 13 and older in an unsupervised setting. To help keep the risk of injury low, ASTM F3101-15 Standard Specification for Unsupervised Public Use Outdoor Fitness specifies a number of safety measures that installers should follow when installing the equipment.
For example, the ASTM F3101-15 specification requires the manufacturer to create a product that is not intended for use by children under 13. In addition, the equipment should be placed on an accessible, shock-absorbing surface.
Aside from ensuring the proper design of the equipment, planners should also consider what other amenities might be beneficial for users at the facility. For example, the addition of a few benches and tables can allow patrons to take a rest between exercises or to wait for equipment that others are using. Signage that explains how to use each piece of equipment is another valuable inclusion at an outdoor fitness site. This signage can help overcome language barriers and prevent misuse by providing step-by-step instruction on how to properly use each piece of equipment.
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
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