If you find the indoor gym crowded or a bit too far out of the way, or you just simply prefer to be outdoors when exercising, outdoor gyms are a fantastic way to get active.
Outdoor gyms are popping up in parks and public spaces across the UK — and for good reason. They’re free, accessible, easy to use and offer a refreshing alternative to indoor fitness environments. Whether you’re new to exercise, returning after a break or simply looking to mix up your routine, a park gym can deliver real physical, mental and social benefits.
15th September 2021
One of the biggest advantages of a park gym is that it’s completely free. There are no membership fees, no contracts, no sign-ups — just turn up and get moving.
Local councils and green spaces are investing in high quality outdoor gyms, because they not only present a sustainable, fresh air fitness solution with a genuine public interest, but they create healthy places and active communities.
Most park gyms are open 24/7, making them perfect if you prefer flexible, drop-in training. The equipment is designed to be robust and weather-resistant, offering cardio, strength and mobility-focused stations suitable for all fitness levels.
This investment means, whether it is a full outdoor gym or a trim trail, equipment is robust, weather resistant and designed by sports professionals, to offer an excellent range of outdoor gym equipment. From cardio pieces, such as the outdoor bike or cross trainer, to strength and resistance pieces, such as the chest press, shoulder press or leg press, so you can be sure of a full body workout if you want one.
We have produced a short safety video on how to stay safe at your outdoor gym, and you can dip into a range of free workouts which can be found on our blog.
Despite being outdoors, these gyms aren’t lacking in effectiveness. Many parks now feature a wide range of equipment including cross-trainers, cycles, steppers, chest presses, leg presses and body-weight stations.
You will find all types of people with all different fitness levels and goals, down at the outdoor gym.
Men and women with their PT’s doing a combination of on kit and off kit workouts, parents exercising whilst the kids kick a ball or play in an adjacent playground, seniors maintaining their fitness levels and more casual users who pop in on the way home from work.
There is something for everyone from those who go for the moveable equipment, to the body builders who almost exclusively use the calisthenics bars. If you want to maintain weight, lose weight, or gain weight, an outdoor gym has different types of equipment, in just the same way as an indoor gym.
Use your own body weight to build strength on the bars, or the resistance equipment, or hop on a cardio piece to get your heart rate going and burn calories, or a combination of the two. Be sure to take regular rest breaks, drink plenty of water, and if you are in any doubt about using the equipment, check with your GP first.
Exercising outside in the fresh air has so many fantastic benefits. Fresh air is good for your digestive system, it helps improve blood pressure and heart rate, strengthens your immune system, gives you more energy and a sharper mind and overall makes you feel happier.
Training in the open air can help:
Add this to the benefits of natural daylight which has numerous health benefits such as boosting vitamin D, warding off seasonal depression and improving your sleep and your daily exercise outdoors is guaranteed to set you off on the right track for the rest of the day!
Even a short outdoor workout can leave you feeling refreshed, recharged and mentally clearer than an indoor alternative.
Hop onto the local council or friends of green spaces websites in your local area and search for organised outdoor fitness events or regular meet ups. These can be a great opportunity to have fun, meet new people and keep active.
Events range from PT lead HIIT classes to Bootcamps and add a totally new dimension to group fitness combining the outdoor gym equipment with battle ropes or resistance bands and some mat activity.
But they’re equally great if you prefer to train alone. With plenty of space, you can go at your own pace and create a routine that suits you
At Fresh Air Fitness, we often hold PT lead outdoor gym sessions, particularly when a new gym opens. Just check out our Twitter, Facebook or Instagram where we place regular event updates.
An outdoor gym is a focal point for communities and also families to come together. They often attract a wide range of ages and abilities, creating a welcoming, community-focused environment. Community activities help to create a support network and build bonds and relationships.
When a community is given the chance to exercise in the local park or green space for example it brings together people from all walks of life, and provides opportunities for participation, engagement and involvement for all ages. New fitness equipment regenerates and provides interest to an area giving residents a nice place to live in and meet friends for exercise, socialising and fun!
"It's brought us closer as a family, we come up here together, we chat and we workout in our own local park which is superb!" Hannah, local resident, Windlesham.
Final Thoughts
A park gym is far more than a few pieces of equipment in an outdoor space — it’s a free, accessible, health-boosting community asset. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, build strength, support your mental wellbeing or simply enjoy fresh-air fitness, your local outdoor gym can help you achieve it.
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