Working out in the open is great for a multitude of reasons. To begin with, you get to exercise in the fresh air which is always great for the quality of your workouts. Equally important, you don’t have to worry about a lack of space since you’re out in the open and can move around freely. An open-air workout area is also great for motivation since you’re generally in a better mood when you’re out in fresh air as opposed to being inside your home and looking at blank walls while exercising. If you have a half-decent backyard or a front lawn, setting up an open-air workout area is in your best interest.
When setting up your outdoor gym, there are quite a few things you need to consider, namely the space, type of equipment, equipment storage, layout, and much more. Figuring out all of this can be a little challenging, especially if you’re just starting on your wellness journey. To help you make the most of your outdoor space, we have put together a handy guide on how to set up an outdoor garden gym.
Open Air Workout Area Setup Essentials
Identify the Space
The first step in setting up your garden or backyard gym is finalizing the space you’ll be using to work out. If you have both a front yard and a backyard, ideally you should choose your backyard to set up your outdoor gym since it offers more privacy and generally more space. Once you have the general area where you’ll set up your outdoor gym, you need to zero in on the exact spot where you’ll workout. Find a flat area, a clear area where you can install your workout equipment and you’ll be golden. Remember to indulge in some basic space planning to identify where exactly you want to place your equipment. This will also help you ensure you don’t end up with a cramped workout area and give you enough breathing room.
Sourcing the Fitness Equipment
Once you’ve finalized the space where you'll set up your outdoor gym, the next step is to arrange the fitness equipment. Since your gym is located outside, you can't use equipment that uses electricity like treadmills and ellipticals because of potential damage caused by rains. Apart from electrical workout equipment, your outdoor gym can have all kinds of other accessories designed to work your entire body. Generally, most outdoor exercise equipment is centered on body weight, which means the person using it employs their bodyweight for the workout as opposed to free weights or machines. Some popular outdoor garden gym equipment options include dumbbells and barbells, trapeze rings, pull-up bars, ski machines, and sit-up benches. The great thing about working out outdoors is you don’t need dedicated equipment for cardio; a 15-20 minute run around your garden or backyard works great!
When choosing fitness equipment for your outdoor gym, ensure you get weather-resistant options since the equipment will be braving the weather all day long. Some feasible gym equipment options for your outdoor gym include rust-proof metals, stainless steel equipment, and equipment with powder coating.
Outdoor Gym Layout
Once you have your gym equipment, it’s time to set up your outdoor gym. Functionality is key when it comes to designing an outdoor setup and although you have a lot more space to play with, you should still be mindful of the design and layout. For optimal efficiency, it’s recommended to place your gym equipment in the order you intend to use it. For instance, all your cardio equipment should be placed together in the beginning (if you’re starting with cardio), followed by all your strength training equipment, and your recovery equipment. This will make your outdoor gym better organized and make your workouts more efficient.
Storage Space
Certain gym equipment like dumbbells, barbells, resistance bands, and more cannot be placed outdoors when not in use for a variety of reasons. Ideally, any fitness equipment that can be moved should be stored in a safe space in your home when you don’t use it. This is because your equipment will get damaged faster when it's outdoors and exposed to the elements. Build a shed in your backyard to store all your fitness equipment and ensure it stays in top condition. If building a shed is not an option, you can choose to cover your gym equipment every day with a tarpaulin sheet. If both these options aren’t possible, you’ll have to limit the fitness equipment you decide to store so that it can fit in any corner of your house.
This is a basic rundown of how to set up an outdoor gym. One of the key elements of any gym is the equipment you use and unfortunately, the cost of good-quality equipment is always high. If you don’t want to compromise on the quality of your fitness equipment, we have the perfect solution for you. Rent outdoor gym equipment from CasaOne and equip your gym with the finest fitness equipment available at a fraction of its original cost. Our gym equipment rental plans are designed for your convenience and can be modified as per your requirements. Check out our fitness equipment rental packages right now and bring your outdoor gym to life.
GOT QUESTIONS?
- Which space is best for an open workout?
The backyard is the perfect space for an open workout for a variety of reasons. First, your backyard is relatively private and you can exercise without the prying eyes of your neighbors. Second, backyards are generally clean, green, and fresh, making them the perfect location for a refreshing workout.
- What are the essentials for an open-air workout area?
The essentials for an open workout are the same as an indoor workout. You need a good exercise mat, a sturdy and comfortable bench, dumbbells in different weight categories, a jump rope to warm up, resistance bands for more challenging workouts, and a medicine ball to stretch your core. You can add more equipment to your gym depending on your workout.
- How to protect fitness equipment in an open-air workout area?
The best way to protect your fitness equipment in an outdoor space is by covering it completely with a tarpaulin sheet. This will keep your equipment safe and protected from the elements of nature. You can also store your fitness equipment in a shed or store if you don’t mind the hassle.
- How can I work out in an open space when it rains?
It’s recommended not to work out in an open space when it rains. While simple exercises and even a short run are okay as long as you wear the appropriate clothing, avoid lifting weights or using any heavy gym equipment when it rains. This is because you can easily slip while working out and injure yourself.