The answer to this question is complex, but there are many different factors that contribute to the use of outdoor fitness equipment. These include age, income, fitness levels and physical activity patterns.
Generally, people who are less active are more likely to use OFE than those who are more active. It is therefore important to design and place OFE so that it encourages exercise by a wider range of users.
Health benefits: The health benefits of exercise outdoors are numerous. These include improved cardiovascular health, muscle strength and flexibility, and immune health. Additionally, working out outdoors burns up to 20% more calories than indoor workouts.
Mental health: Exercising outdoors improves moods and reduces stress. It also increases hormone levels in the body that promote positive emotions and increase feelings of well-being.
Community benefits: When you install gym-quality outdoor exercise equipment, you create a place for your community to connect, exercise and socialize. This creates a sense of pride and accountability, which helps to build strong communities.
Business opportunities: Businesses can utilize outdoor fitness equipment to encourage their employees to get fit and stay healthy. This makes it easier for them to fit their personal health into their schedules, which can be a huge benefit in the long run.
Employees may find it more convenient to work out outside before or after a busy day at work, which can increase productivity and morale. It can also improve workplace culture by helping to keep employees focused and happy.
The market for outdoor fitness equipment is growing, as it allows individuals to work out in a natural setting and is typically free of charge. This is especially true for the elderly and people with limited financial resources.
Seniors: The aging population is increasingly interested in outdoor exercise, mainly because it has been shown to improve their overall health and well-being. It is also a great way for them to spend time in nature and enjoy the fresh air and sunlight.
Moreover, a growing number of parks are installing OFE to help promote health and wellness among seniors. However, little research has been done on senior OFE users’ perceptions and experiences of these facilities. This study seeks to address these issues by conducting semi-structured interviews with 55 senior OFE users in two parks in Taiwan.
In Xihu Park, the study conducted video observations over a 42-hour period of use of OFE in order to identify user behavior. This allowed the researchers to avoid bias among observers and capture precise durations of use of each OFE.
Of the users observed, a significant proportion of them were females. In addition, most OFE users tended to use the equipment for shorter periods of time than the recommended minimum of 20 minutes of exercise. Similarly, most users were older than 50 years of age.
Observers used digital video cameras to record all OFE users, including users of each piece of equipment, and identified their gender, age, and the duration they used each piece of equipment. These data were analyzed, and the results were summarized as a report.
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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