Planning an Outdoor Gym

Outdoor spaces give operators flexibility, added training opportunities, and ways to tap into underutilized spaces. Exercising outdoors can also provide members and athletes with a change of scenery and a chance to train in the fresh air and soak up some sunshine, which can improve mood and mental health. With spring and summer coming, outdoor training is a popular option for commercial gyms and those creating home gyms in their backyards.

Building outdoor gyms for commercial fitness or performance training spaces is also an excellent way to expand the geographical reach and make training programs and services available to more users. Outdoor gyms can take shape in many ways, from pop-up container solutions to permanent satellite locations at the beach or in the park where you provide access to group or personal training sessions when seasons support outdoor training.

Here are five things to consider when planning an outdoor gym:

1. Space

Choose a flat and firm area to install the outdoor gym equipment. Ensure enough room for each piece of equipment and space to perform each exercise correctly. The garden lawn is ideal for free weight exercises with outdoor gym equipment such as dumbbells or kettlebells, as the soft ground is suitable for cushioning shocks. However, when dropping weights, use rubber flooring, platforms, or mats to protect the surface underneath and provide a safe, non-slip surface for your training.

If space permits, consider a training space under open skies and a more enclosed area, such as a patio covered by a canopy or roof. Protected areas will make outdoor training more accessible, rain or shine.

2. Equipment

Next, consider the type of equipment needed to outfit your outdoor gym. Most stationary outdoor equipment is bodyweight focused, designed to support a variety of exercises such as pull-ups and dips. Carefully consider the surface treatment; it's best to select equipment that is rust- and weather-resistant and designed for outdoor use.

Combine fixed pieces, such as racks and rigs, with portable free-weight equipment that can be easily moved around and put away when not in use, such as barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and medicine balls. We recommend Eleiko XF Bar, XF Bumpers, and Eleiko Training Kettlebells, which can be brought outdoors to train with but must be brought back inside and wiped off after use. Store the equipment indoors when not in use.

Eleiko XF Bumpers are manufactured using EU-grade crumb rubber from recycled car tires. The thicker profile and rubber construction stand up to drops on varied training surfaces, including concrete. The corrosion-resistant stainless steel hub makes XF Bumpers an excellent option for outdoor training.

When building an outdoor fitness and strength space, galvanized racks, rigs, and squat stands from the Prestera System are scalable and modular, fitting smaller backyard gyms and larger outdoor commercial installations. Combine Prestera with free weights to create a complete outdoor training experience.

Use the Prestera Strength System to create bespoke rack or rig solutions adapted for long-lasting performance in any outdoor training environment. The products have a galvanized finish that provides weather-and rust resistance, allowing the racks and rigs to stand outdoors 365 days a year in all climates. For facilities looking to provide outdoor training, these strength stations provide space for several users to train simultaneously.

Many rack and rig training attachments, like dip modules, wall ball targets, j-cups and safety arms, are also available in a galvanized finish making it easy to create complete functional fitness and strength training that support a wide range of programs.

Another essential piece of outdoor gym equipment to complement any rack or rig solution is a bench, which supports bench pressing and other prone exercises. The Eleiko XF Flat Bench features a fully custom moulded polyurethane pad on a weather treated base, which can remain outdoors and withstand varied weather conditions.

3. Durability

Outdoor training equipment needs to withstand the elements – dust, moisture, dirt, and temperature changes. The galvanized finish on our outdoor racks, rigs and benches is achieved by dipping the steel in zinc to enhance corrosion resistance, allowing maximum protection from rust-inducing elements. With this weather and rust resistance steel, we extend the longevity and performance and ensure our Eleiko outdoor equipment is suitable for demanding use in harsh outdoor environments.

4. User needs

Are you looking to equip a simple backyard gym area for yourself or tailor it to the needs of several users in an outdoor commercial gym space? The outdoor training goal and intended use of the outdoor space will help you select the correct type of equipment. You can build the galvanized racks and rigs utilizing the Prestera System in different configurations tailored to your area, training style and environment. Users or facilities can customize the equipment with various storage components and attachments.

5. Storage

Storage shelves in the Prestera System can house free weights, plates, medicine balls and kettlebells for easy access during training. However, when not in use, store your free weight equipment in an indoor, dry environment to protect the equipment from the elements.