Outdoor fitness stations are quickly becoming one of the most desirable community amenities, and for good reason. These outdoor gyms allow people of all abilities and demographics to easily access fitness equipment, giving them an opportunity to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle while sticking close to home. Outdoor fitness stations are popping up in various places throughout the community, such as the grounds of apartment complexes, within the boundaries of community parks, senior centers, hotels, Universities, and more.

Are you thinking of installing an outdoor fitness station in your community? Here are five reasons why you should dive right into this project.

1. It’s Free — No Gym Membership Fees

For many Americans, working out at a facility with state-of-the-art fitness equipment is a luxury that they can’t afford. This means that far too many people are left without access to the resources they need in order to lead a healthy and active life. Gym membership fees continue to soar year after year, and even some of the latest home exercise equipment technology that is available requires an ongoing membership or service contract.

When you invest in an outdoor gym, you are providing every member of your community with an opportunity to exercise for free. This helps break down the barriers that prevent people from being able to improve their physical and emotional well-being through exercise. The people who frequent and use your outdoor fitness station will soon discover how the various pieces of equipment can assist them with achieving the 5 key areas of fitness; aerobic, muscle, balance, flexibility and core fitness. 

2. Inclusive for People of All Abilities

Let’s face it, we all know how intimidating it can be to go to the gym, this atmosphere can discourage people who feel like they do not belong.

However, outdoor gyms that are free to use and designed specifically for adults of all abilities are far more welcoming. Given the fact that these outdoor fitness stations typically blend in with the surrounding landscape and create a park-like atmosphere for visitors, more people of varying ages and abilities will feel motivated and inspired to comfortably use the equipment.

3. Encourages Healthy Habits

When people choose to exercise and make it a part of their regular routine, they find that it is something that they enjoy. Staying active not only promotes their physical health, but also their emotional and social well-being.

By installing innovative equipment in an outdoor fitness station, you are making it easier for people to change their habits and adopt a healthy lifestyle. When you walk by an outdoor gym at your local park on your way to work every day, it’s more difficult to ignore the fact that you really should be getting some exercise. Once you try out the equipment, you are likely going to find that it’s easy to fit in a few minutes of exercise each day into your routine, and it will quickly become a habit that you are accustomed to.

As employers, school leaders, community organizers and politicians continue to emphasize the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle, there has never been a better time to consider installing an outdoor fitness station in your local area.

4. Gets People Outdoors

For years, researchers have been publishing their findings about the negative aspects of leading a sedentary life. The reality is, however, that most people are confined to their homes, office spaces and desks in order to complete their daily tasks. They have to sit at a desk to do their work. They relax by watching their favorite TV shows in the evening. They are able to operate every aspect of their lives from the screen of their smartphones, so there is often very little motivation to get outside and stay active.

Outdoor fitness stations invite adults to come together and exercise in the fresh air, exposing them to the elements and introducing them to a new part of their community. Outdoor exercise promotes muscle development and cardio strength while giving the brain a much-needed boost of endorphins. Not to mention, the fresh air can also help support the strength and development of the immune system, allowing you to feel like the best version of yourself.

5. Fosters New Relationships within the Community

Most people spend their days operating under the same schedule. They go to work, pick up their kids from school, help their parents or assist their neighbors. They are involved in community life, but they rarely meet people from outside their existing social groups.

However, when you create a community gathering space, such as an outdoor fitness station, you invite people to make new connections and forge new friendships within their community. 

When outdoor fitness centers are strategically placed in the community, it can allow new social networks to develop. For example, an outdoor gym at a university can allow students from different social groups to mix and mingle with one another. In addition, an outdoor fitness center at a local park can bring together adults from all walks of life, which showcases the beauty of diversity within a community. By making exercise as accessible and welcoming as possible, the entire community at large will benefit.

Where to Buy Outdoor Fitness Equipment

With so many benefits associated with outdoor fitness stations, it’s easy to see how your community could benefit immediately. To get started, you will want to work with ActionFit — the leading provider of outdoor adult fitness equipment. Offering products designed for users ages 13 and up and providing a diverse range of equipment to choose from. Let’s work together to create a personalized outdoor fitness space that benefits your entire community and brings people together as they work toward their fitness goals in a safe and inclusive space.

For more information about the benefits of outdoor fitness in the local community, contact ActionFit today.