Best outdoor gym ideas in 2023 – GainsMuscle

Outdoor gym ideas have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people look for ways to stay active and healthy while enjoying the fresh air and scenery. There are many different types of outdoor gyms that can be set up, depending on your interests and the space available.

Outdoor gyms can include natural elements, bodyweight exercises, circuit training, yoga mats, machines, boxing, martial arts items, a climbing wall, a ropes course, and sports fields. It is important to ensure adequate space and safety equipment are available to ensure a comfortable workout. These gyms help to build strength and lose body weight.

Benefits of outdoor gyms

Outdoor gyms offer a number of benefits, including:

1. Increased motivation: Exercising outdoors can be more enjoyable and motivating than working out indoors or at home gyms. The fresh air and beautiful surroundings can make exercise feel more like play than work.
2. Improved mental health: Being outside in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. Exercising outdoors can also increase levels of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.
3. Greater convenience: Outdoor gyms are often free to use and are available 24/7, making it easy to fit exercise into your schedule.
4. Increased socialization: Outdoor gyms provide an opportunity to meet new people and make connections with others who have similar interests.
5. Improved cardiovascular health: Many outdoor exercises, such as running, cycling, and swimming, are excellent for improving cardiovascular health.
6. Greater variety: Outdoor gyms often offer a wider range of equipment and activities than traditional gyms, making it easier to mix up your workouts and avoid boredom.
7. Better overall health: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Exercise in the great outdoors can provide additional benefits such as increased vitamin D exposure, which can help improve bone health.

Overall, outdoor gyms provide a fun and convenient way to stay active and improve your physical and mental health.

Top 5 best outdoor gyms for your needs

Picking the top 5 best outdoor gyms for everyone is hard, as someone’s ideal gym depends on their individual wants and needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an outdoor gym:

1. Location: Is the outdoor gym close to your home or work, or will you need to travel to get there?
2. Equipment: Does the outdoor gym have the types of equipment you are interested in using?
3. Cost: Is the outdoor gym free to use, or is there a fee?
4. Hours: Is the outdoor gym open at times that are convenient for you?
5. Safety: Is the outdoor gym well-maintained and safe to use?

Some popular types of outdoor gyms include:

1. Natural gyms

Natural gyms are outdoor gyms that use natural elements such as trees, rocks, and hills for bodyweight exercises. These types of outdoor gyms are a great option for people who want to exercise in a natural setting and don’t want to spend money on expensive equipment. Natural gyms are often free to use and can be found in parks, forests, and other outdoor areas.

Some examples of exercises that can be done at a natural gym include:

1. Bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, lunges, and burpees
2. Climbing trees or hills
3. Using rocks or logs for strength training exercises such as bench presses or tricep dips
4. Using tree branches or swings for suspended bodyweight exercises
5. Using a log or rock as a balance beam for balance and core stability exercises

Natural gyms offer a fun and challenging way to exercise outdoors and are a great option for people who enjoy being in nature. However, it’s important to be cautious when using natural elements for exercise, as they may not be as stable or well-maintained as traditional gym equipment. It’s also a good idea to bring a friend or family member along for safety and to spot you during exercises that involve lifting heavy objects.

2. Yoga and Pilates gyms

Yoga and Pilates gyms are outdoor gyms that have a flat, open area and mats or towels for practicing yoga or Pilates. These types of outdoor gyms are a great option for people who want to enjoy the benefits of yoga or Pilates in a natural setting.

Some tips for setting up a yoga or Pilates gym include:

1. Choose a flat, open area with enough space to comfortably perform the exercises.
2. Bring a few mats or towels to use as a surface for the exercises.
3. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows for a full range of motion.
4. Consider using props such as blocks, straps, and blankets to help with alignment and support.
5. Practice yoga or Pilates in the morning or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.

Yoga and Pilates gyms are a great way to enjoy the benefits of these practices in a natural setting. They are a good option for people who enjoy low-impact workouts that focus on strength, flexibility, and relaxation.

3. Circuit training gyms

Circuit training gyms are outdoor gyms that have stations with a variety of exercises, such as push-ups, lunges, squats, and jumping jacks. Outdoor gyms are ideal for those who wish to vary their exercises and achieve a comprehensive workout in a brief period. Circuit training workouts typically involve moving from one exercise to the next with little or no resting between exercises, which helps to improve cardiovascular endurance and burn calories.

Some tips for setting up a circuit training gym include:

1. Choose a variety of exercises that target different muscle groups.
2. Set up stations with enough space to perform each exercise safely and comfortably.
3. Use equipment such as dumbbells, resistance bands, and medicine balls to add variety and challenge to the workouts.
4. Start with a manageable number of stations and gradually increase the number as you become fitter.
5. Use a timer to track your progress and try to beat your previous times as you become fitter.

Circuit training gyms are a fun and effective way to get in shape and can be set up in a park, backyard, or other outdoor space. They are a great option for people who enjoy high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts and want to exercise outdoors.

4. Boxing and martial arts gyms

Boxing and martial arts gyms are outdoor gyms that have punch bags and other equipment for boxing and martial arts training. These types of outdoor gyms are a great option for people who want to improve their punching and kicking skills and get a full-body workout.

Some tips for setting up a boxing or martial arts gym include:

1. Choose a flat, open area with enough space to comfortably perform the exercises.
2. Install a punching bag or other equipment such as focus pads or sparring gloves.
3. Wear appropriate clothing and protective gear such as hand wraps, gloves, and headgear.
4. Practice good form and technique to avoid injury.
5. Consider taking a class or hiring a coach to learn proper techniques and progress safely.

Boxing and martial arts gyms are a fun and effective way to get in shape and improve your punching and kicking skills. They are a good option for people who enjoy high-intensity workouts and want to challenge themselves physically and mentally.

5. Outdoor exercise equipment gyms

Outdoor exercise equipment gyms are outdoor gyms that have stationary bikes, treadmills, and rowing machines for cardiovascular exercise. These types of outdoor gyms are a great option for people who want to use traditional gym equipment outdoors.

Some tips for setting up an outdoor exercise equipment gym include:

1. Choose a flat, open area with enough space to comfortably use the equipment.
2. Install the equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure it is stable and safe to use.
3. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the type of exercise you will be doing.
4. Follow the recommended usage guidelines for the equipment to avoid overuse injuries.
5. Consider using a heart rate monitor or another fitness tracker to track your progress and set goals.

Outdoor exercise equipment gyms are a great way to get a traditional gym workout in a natural setting. They are a good option for people who enjoy using cardio machines and want to take advantage of the benefits of exercising outdoors.

Conclusion

Outdoor gyms are a great way to get fit and enjoy the great outdoors at the same time. A variety of outdoor gyms exist, e.g. natural, circuit, yoga/Pilates, boxing/martial arts, and equipment. Whatever outdoor gym you select, be sure you have the needed room and equipment to be safe and at ease while working out.

Outdoor gyms offer a number of benefits, including increased motivation, improved mental health, greater convenience, increased socialization, improved cardiovascular health, greater variety, and better overall health. With these outdoor gym ideas, you’ll be on your way to a fit and healthy lifestyle in no time.