Why Your Playground Needs Outdoor Fitness Equipment (With Top 5 Recommendations)

The last few years have seen a rise in the number of outdoor gym equipment at playgrounds, parks, and other recreational spaces. This move attempts to make fitness both fun and accessible. Spending time at an outdoor fitness space regularly offers a wide range of benefits for adults. What?s more, they encourage you to be more active and these spaces can be used for hosting sports training sessions or dynamic PE lessons. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has doubled since 1980 and we are seeing an alarming rate of health problems resulting from the same. Weight gain and inactivity has been linked to numerous health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and more.

Benefits of Outdoor Fitness Equipment

Did you know that India has over 135 million people who are affected by obesity? Playgrounds and parks are a great way to combat this. Outdoor fitness equipment offers the same benefits that working out at a gym does. Except, it?s free and you're surrounded by fresh air! An ideal exercise routine should include both cardio as well as strength training. Cardio enhances the endurance of the heart and lungs while strength training increases muscle mass, making you stronger and burn calories faster. What?s more, being unhealthy can also cause negative effects on your self-esteem. When you use fitness equipment outdoors, you get a chance to meet other people and feel included as part of a group. Moreover, working out produces ?feel good? chemicals like endorphins, which also improves your mental health and makes you feel more positive. Outdoor fitness equipment also improves the appeal of the park. It attracts new people and results in higher foot traffic. More importantly, parks with such equipment encourage children to exercise. In fact, many children who use this equipment develop a good habit of working out and continue the habit in their adulthood.

Expert Recommendations

While outdoor fitness equipment is great for health and well-being, the installation process can seem daunting. While choosing the equipment, it?s essential to pick ones that are versatile enough to be used by different ages and ability levels. To help you decide the kind of equipment you should buy, below are some of Arihant PLAY?s top picks: