But lately, gyms have been taking on a new avatar, being relocated outdoors. This means that you can begin pumping up your biceps and quadriceps once again, but this time basking in the sun, in the leafy green surroundings of a park near you.



Gym equipment manufacturers have begun producing complete outdoor fitness equipment for enhancing flexibility, agility, cardiovascular fitness and endurance, and for strengthening the upper body, lower body, abs and back. The equipment can be installed on a fitness trail, in a playground, or as a bunch of exercise stations in a park. They can be used by people of all ages, from school kids to senior citizens, and are suitable for both inner-city locations and the suburbs.

The outdoor fitness equipment is made of heavy gauge, strong steel and is designed to withstand the roughest of environments outdoors and last a long time. The equipment is very attractive, with colorful powder coated finishes, can be installed easily, and is practically maintenance free.

They also come with instructions for warming up, stretching, working out, and cooling down routines. The basic idea is for the user to move from one exercise to another, according to the instructions, thus getting a full body workout in an effective and safe way.

And even inclement weather cannot spoil an outdoor exercise regime, because rain does not have an effect on the equipment. They are safe to use even when they are wet. The inspiration for using outdoor equipment comes from China. With the Beijing Olympics approaching, the Chinese government has set up over 4,000 gyms outdoors in the last six years. While similarly, in the U.S. about 6,000 open spaces and parks have exercise equipment that can be accessed by the general public, and in Australia, over 50 percent of the parks have weather-proof, ultra-modern exercise equipment.

According to sports science professionals, an outdoor exercise regimen provides a more varied and functional workout, enhances mood, while you avoid all the smells and germs that indoor gyms have.

Here are some examples of common outdoor fitness equipment:

Horizontal Bars

This is used for pull-ups or chin-ups, which is one of the basic exercises for strengthening the upper body. They can be used for many other types of exercises as well, such as stretching the arms and shoulders, hanging leg-lifts which tone up the muscles in the abdomen, or just dangling by the arms, which helps to align the spine and provides a lower back stretch, which is very beneficial.

Sitting Rotator

This device has three rotating seats that swivel, which helps to stretch the internal and external muscles in the abdomen. It also serves to strengthen the lower back by aligning the spine.

Sit-up Board

This is used for sit-up exercises which target the abdominal muscles primarily, although they also are beneficial for flexor muscles of the upper thighs and hips.

Leg Press Machine

Since it involves some the most major muscles of the body, the leg press is considered one of the most important exercises. Adjustable for different resistance levels, the machine primarily targets the gluteal muscles and the quadriceps.

Climber

This is akin to a climbing wall, with strengthening pulls and hand holds.

Strength & Stretch Bars

This apparatus helps to develop shoulder and arm strength with various pushing and pulling exercises. It has five bars which are set at various heights in order to provide different levels of resistance.