5 Benefits of Fitness Parks

Americans need more physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 25.3% of U.S. adults are inactive, meaning they get no exercise outside of work.

Increasing physical activity can help people improve their physical and mental health. Installing an outdoor gym benefits your community by providing a safe place to get active. Read on to learn more about the benefits an outdoor gym can offer.

1. They Make Exercise More Accessible

While there are many great ways to get in shape, people in underserved communities may not have safe outdoor exercise options or accessible fitness centers. According to the CDC, the lack of accessibility is one of the most significant barriers to physical fitness.

Installing an outdoor fitness park eliminates financial barriers by creating a free, safe space for local adults to get active right away. As a result, more people in your community will be able to achieve their fitness goals.

Your fitness park should be in a convenient, easy-to-find location to ensure people can visit without hassle. For example, many cities place fitness parks near walking trails to provide easy access and encourage people to walk to and from their workouts.

2. They Promote Healthy Lifestyles

Regular physical activity is vital for ensuring one’s health and longevity and an outdoor fitness park is a convenient, accessible place to get some movement in. Some of the most significant outdoor gym health benefits include:

• Increased energy levels: Aerobic exercise like walking, rowing and cycling can improve heart and lung function, boost energy levels and build endurance.
• Improved balance: Equipment like balance beams can help adults improve their balance and reduce the risk of serious falls, which is especially important for senior citizens.
• Improved strength: When paired with a nutritious diet, resistance training or weight-bearing activity can stimulate lean muscle growth and build bone density.
• Reduced stress: Researchers have found that regular exercise may help the body manage general stress by promoting the release of norepinephrine.
• Boosted vitamin D levels: Exercising outdoors benefits health by providing sunlight that helps the body make vitamin D. The body uses this essential nutrient to build healthy bones, strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Improved mental health: According to the APA, people who engage in habitual exercise regimens generally experience lower rates of anxiety and depression than those who are sedentary. Regular exercise can also reduce the risk of brain conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

An outdoor fitness center can also help promote healthy habits by providing a new outlook on fitness. Many people view exercise as a chore rather than an enjoyable activity. Those that find it boring may even avoid working out altogether.

One of the top benefits of exercising outdoors is that it makes working out more fun. Getting out in nature and breathing the fresh air stimulates the senses and reduces stress, which can make people feel more positive about exercise.

3. They Bring the Community Together

An adult fitness park provides residents with a safe space for socializing while they work out, which can tighten the bonds between the members of your community. People can get out and meet new people while getting their daily workout in. Fostering a dedicated fitness community improves the chances that people will stick with their exercise routines and keep moving toward their goals. Here’s how a fitness community can help:

• It boosts energy: People often feed off each other’s energy in group settings, making them feel like they had a better workout.
• It motivates people: Feeling like you’re part of a community encourages you to keep showing up to get some exercise with your workout buddies even when you don’t want to. Encouragement from friends goes a long way in pushing people toward their goals.
• It provides support: A fitness community provides a support network for people when times get tough. It shows people that they’re not alone in their challenges and helps them get back on track if they fall off the wagon.
• It inspires people: Social influence is a powerful force in building healthy habits. People may feel encouraged to join in when they see others working out.

4. They Attract New People

A fitness park is a clear sign that your community prioritizes health and wellness, which is a great way to draw in exercise enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals.

Placing the park in a good location is crucial for bringing in new visitors. Be sure to choose a central, safe location that’s convenient for the surrounding area. Some great suggestions for locations include:

• Walking trails
• Shopping malls
• Convention centers
• Apartment complexes
• Public parks
• Hotels
• Universities

Providing a variety of equipment to work different muscle groups can also help bring in new visitors by giving them the opportunity to program varied workouts throughout the week. For example, someone might plan to split their routine into upper body and lower body days — having the equipment available for different exercises lets people work their whole body without needing to go elsewhere.

Many beginners find complicated gym equipment intimidating. Installing beginner-friendly options in addition to more advanced equipment can help community members ease into working out and increase their confidence.

Additionally, choosing ADA-compliant equipment is a great way to make your park more inclusive. You can provide everyone in your community with the ability to get a great workout with no unnecessary frills.

5. They Provide New Ways to Generate Revenue

While building an outdoor fitness park is not a direct revenue-generating initiative, it can provide opportunities to bring in more money for your community. Pay attention to what your community wants and figure out what you can do to provide.

For example, a personal trainer might be interested in renting the park out for an outdoor exercise class. Similarly, if your park has parallel bars, you could host a calisthenics competition for athletes in your community. The possibilities are truly endless.

Build an Outstanding Outdoor Fitness Park With Playworx

An outdoor fitness park has the power to get your whole community up and moving, build strong relationships and add value to your area. If you have a vision for your outdoor gym, Playworx can help you build it.

At Playworx, we have the equipment and the expertise to help you build the park of your dreams. From planning to installation, we’ll take you through the process of designing and building a fitness park for your unique community. Contact us today to get started, or view our catalog to see what equipment we offer.