Ever find yourself standing at the gym, feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the equipment choices? You're not alone! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a beginner just stepping into the world of fitness, choosing the right mix of equipment can help you to meet your goals faster.
Start with your goals
The first question that you should is yourself is: what do I want to achieve? Are you looking to build muscle, improve cardiovascular health, increase flexibility, or just enjoy the fresh air while staying active? Your goals will guide your equipment choices.
For strength training: Look for equipment like Pull-up Bars, Parallel Rails, Squat Push and Sit up Benches. These are fantastic for building muscle and toning up.
For cardio: Focus on equipment that gets your heart rate up. Think Sky Steppers, Double Health Walkers, Rowers, and Pedal Bicycles.
For flexibility and balance: Leg stretches, Tai Chi Discs and Waist Twisters are all great for stretching and improving balance.
Mixing it up
One of the joys of an outdoor gym is the variety – you don't have to stick to one type of workout. Mix strength training with cardio or add some flexibility exercises into your routine. This not only keeps things interesting but also helps you achieve a well-rounded fitness level.
You can do this by using combination equipment, such as a rig. At Sunshine Gym, we have a wide range of outdoor fitness rigs that allow multiple exercises. For example, our Sthenos Lite Fitness Rig features all the popular components such as overhead ladders, pull-up bars, rails, chest press, and a leg press.
Or you can arrange your workout in a circuit, moving from one piece of equipment to another, ideal for when you’re working out in a multi gym such as our Activ8 Multi Gym. This keeps your heart rate up and engages different muscle groups.
Remember to make sure that you’re using the correct form to avoid injury – this is especially important with strength training. At Sunshine Gym, we have plenty of online resources, such as user guides and operation manuals, that can help you with this.
Take in the environment
Outdoor gyms have the unique advantage of being, well, outdoors! Take advantage of this by incorporating the natural environment into your workout.
As well as making use of outdoor gym equipment, you can also use the natural terrain around you. For example, if your outdoor gym is in a park, you can use hills for running or stairs for step-ups.
Consistency is key
No matter what equipment you choose or goals you set, consistency is the golden rule. Regular workouts will yield the best results, so find a routine that you enjoy and stick with it. One of the best parts of outdoor gyms is the community. Join a group or bring a friend, as exercising with others can boost motivation and make the whole experience more enjoyable.
You may want to dedicate specific days and times for your workouts. You can also track your progress by using our Sunshine Gym app, as seeing your progress over time can be incredibly motivating. The app not only lets you note your achievements, but also features a built-in timer and calorie counter and step-by-step guidance on how to use each piece of equipment.
Outdoor Fitness with Sunshine Gym
The right mix of outdoor gym equipment is all about aligning your choices with your fitness goals and preferences. Enjoy the process, embrace the variety, and don’t forget to appreciate the beauty of working out in the great outdoors.
To start build your outdoor gym and start meeting your fitness goals, get in touch with one of our friendly advisors today on 01782 571719.