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“The biggest part of exercise activity is entertainment, engagement and social interaction."

Find out how outdoor gym equipment ticks all 3 boxes and more!

outdoor gym circuit workout

12th November 2020

Martin Franklin the Europe CEO of Les Mills is quoted, this year, as saying “The biggest part of exercise activity is entertainment, engagement and social interaction. The live experience is never going to go away.” We look here at how using outdoor gym equipment ticks all three boxes and more.

*Note: Outdoor gyms in England are currently closed. Always check the latest Covid19 government advice before using an outdoor gym in your area.

 

Entertainment

Studies have shown that when you try something new your brain reacts by releasing dopamine, a ‘feel good’ chemical, which in addition to boosting your mood also improves movement, memory and focus. 

As humans, we need entertainment as relaxation away from the stresses of day to day life. Along with lessening stress, the joy of entertainment is also said to enhance productivity and motivation. 

A key part of the recreation and entertainment industry is the outdoor gyms market. Rapidly growing in popularity since the 2020 Covid19 pandemic, an outdoor gym adds variety to a regular training programme. It can be used as a warmup before a run or in combination with a bootcamp. It can be used as a full body workout providing cardio, strength, flexibility and balance training options. 

Many people prefer the outdoor gym as they find it more fun being outside surrounded by nature and taking in more vitamin D, fresh air - and of course they are absolutely free to use!

 

Engagement

Outdoor gyms are really sociable places to be! 

The perfect live environment for achieving engagement, users can meet new friends who use the gym at the same time, exercise with an existing friend or even do a workout with a PT or outdoor bootcamp club. 

Engaging in physical exercise is an activity which can benefit you physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Nowadays there are plenty of virtual environments for exercise but to really feel this engagement you need a live environment. 

 

Social Interaction

Social interaction, spending quality time with loved ones or friends, will probably never be taken for granted again. 

More so than ever, we are realising that socialisation has many, many benefits including bettering your mental health, increasing your quality of life and giving you a sense of purpose. Fresh Air Fitness outdoor gyms are designed to be meeting places*. Out in the open and fresh air, they create an opportunity for whole communities to come together, get some exercise and vitamin D and motivate and encourage one another while chatting and socialising. 

Exercising at an outdoor gym is a great way to stay connected with people. It can combat social isolation and make exercise fun by getting out into nature. A recent report in Science Daily Magazine, reinforces the benefits of being outdoors, explaining how being outside in green spaces, reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and even high blood pressure. 

 

Space and Fresh Air

With a simple wash of the hands, an outdoor gym, gives you the freedom to exercise in a wide, open space, at a safe distance from others and provides you with fresh air and vitamin D.

Breathing in some fresh air can be massively beneficial to your health. 20% of the oxygen you breathe in is used to help your brain function, providing greater clarity and helping you to think, focus and concentrate better. 

Fresh air also increases serotonin release, is great for your lungs, and can help to reduce airborne illness and infection, something which is of utmost importance at the moment. 

Vitamin D intake is also great for your lungs and helps to support your immune system, so exposure to a combination of this and fresh air while you exercise at an outdoor gym is amazing for your overall health and well-being. 

 

Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable

Fresh Air Fitness outdoor gyms are environmentally friendly and sustainable. They are people powered, so there’s no heating or electricity needed and they don’t draw on nature’s precious resources. 

This doesn’t mean outdoor gyms aren’t a challenge though. You can use your own body weight or if there’s a Fresh Air Fitness Big Rig in your area, you can attach battle ropes, punch bags and TRX training straps. 

All of our outdoor gym equipment is waterproof, robust, sustainable and will last for years. A Fresh Air Fitness gym is an investment for the health, happiness and wellbeing of entire communities. 

*Note: Outdoor gyms in England are currently closed. Always check the latest Covid19 government advice before using an outdoor gym in your area.

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