Public outdoor gyms in the time of COVID19

As the pandemic drifts on, hoteliers, real estate developers, corporate offices, and amateur fitness enthusiasts alike are having to re-evaluate their fitness facility options for the medium-term, often comparing outdoor gyms to indoor gyms.

Restricted access based on a pre-booking system has removed the spontaneity of working out for many, while obligatory face masks have now been proven beyond all doubt to be a necessary yet troublesome burden whilst sweating hard. Outdoor fitness spaces offer a safer alternative during COVID-19, providing fresh air and ample space for social distancing.

Indoor air quality in gyms

We have written previously about the issue of poor indoor air quality in gyms (long story short - it could be a lot better in most cases!) even those with seemingly well functioning air con systems but the pandemic has sharpened the general public's awareness of the role ventilation, fresh air and high-quality air filters can play in maintaining a healthy indoor environment that protects against the spread of airborne diseases.

One solution is to look long and hard at the type of materials present in the gym (for example, anything that gives off harmful Volatile Organic Compounds), whether there is an eco-cleaning protocol in place and above all the efficiency of the air filtration system - even installing an air quality monitor to measure CO2 levels, airborne particulate matter and so on. Another option, is to simply take the gym outside.

The outdoor gym trend

In retrospect, perhaps it was inevitable that hotels, offices and even existing gyms themselves would, in the face of an airborne virus, look to capitalize on their outdoor spaces, or re-format underutilized indoor-outdoor spaces in order to offer a workout environment in the fresh air, with a correspondingly reduced risk of virus transmission. Adequate parking nearby is essential for users who drive to these outdoor workout spaces.

Some, like the Real Club Padel Marbella were early adopters of the idea, making full use of their year-round climate, whilst others such as the Club Nautico Atletic Barceloneta (CNAB) have been quick to repurpose what was once an unused terrace into a functional fitness facility (Cross CNAB) with a semi-permanent roof and natural ventilation. A properly located gym near nearby exercise trails can attract individuals looking to add strength training to their routine.

Designing an outdoor gym with outdoor fitness equipment

Biofit outdoor gym designs can roughly be divided into two camps, the all-natural approach and the functional approach for an outdoor facility. An all-natural version of an outdoor gym in Europe at least is likely going to involve some form of reinforced wood obstacles, along the lines of OCR or military training concepts, such as hurdles, balance beams, monkey bars, ropes and so on. An outdoor fitness space offers numerous benefits, including the opportunity to exercise in natural settings like beach gyms and jungle gyms. It is crucial to choose durable outdoor fitness pieces designed to last and stand up to UV, snow, and rain exposure for outdoor fitness facilities.

Selecting the right exercise equipment for outdoor gyms is essential to ensure safety and low maintenance.

In other words, it starts to look something like the type of training facility imagined by the natural fitness visionary Georges Hebert, founder of the Methode Naturelle. Considerations for gym space planning, including layout, flooring, and lighting, are also important

We have recently seen a number of entrepreneurs come up with creative hybrid solutions that blend contemporary weight lifting gym equipment with natural materials. This can lead to some interesting dimensions when it comes to weight plates in particular, even with the densest of hardwoods, but in the age of Instagram this is clearly no bad thing as it makes for a great photo opp! The importance of outdoor exercise equipment and its layout cannot be overstated.

Much respect to our pal Alastair Carter over in Tulum for his mighty fine Tulum Jungle Gym set-up, and the Turkish group Woodsman Fitness too. Outdoor fitness offers numerous benefits, including the opportunity to exercise in natural settings like beach gyms and jungle gyms.

The durability of outdoor fitness equipment is crucial, ensuring it can withstand various weather conditions.

Re-uniting fitness and nature for 21st century urbanites has always been Biofit’s main objective so if there is any kind of a silver lining to come out of the incredibly harsh pandemic, it may just be this. When designing outdoor gym equipment, considerations such as using galvanized steel for durability and resistance to weather damage are essential.

Planning the outdoor gym space, including surfacing and lighting, is also important.

Contact us to enquire about outdoor gym design projects: matt @ biofit.io

Outdoor workout options, such as obstacle courses, provide alternative ways to engage in fitness activities. Encouraging members to capture their outdoor workout experiences through selfies can also enhance engagement.

Public outdoor gyms offer the benefit of accessible fitness options for the community, often supported by public funds, donations, and grant funding.

The arrangement of workout stations is crucial in planning outdoor gyms, ensuring that equipment targets various muscle groups and caters to different fitness goals.