If you’re looking for a way to get in shape and stay healthy, an outdoor home gym might be the perfect solution for you. Not only will you be able to get a great workout in, but you’ll also enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings. Here are some great tips and outdoor home gym ideas to get you started.
Why have an Outdoor Home Gym?
There are many benefits to working out in the great outdoors. For one, you’ll be able to get a lot of fresh air and Vitamin D, both of which are essential for good health. Studies have shown that being in nature can help reduce stress levels and improve your mood. And of course, there’s nothing better than getting a good workout in while enjoying the beauty of nature.
There’s also the potential cost and time savings. If you have a home gym, you won’t have to pay for a gym membership or travel to and from the gym. You can also work out whenever you want, without having to work around the gym’s schedule.
How Do You Make an Outdoor Home Gym?
When it comes to setting up your outdoor home gym, the sky’s the limit. You can go as simple or as complex as you’d like. You’ll need to think realistically about the kind of exercise you’ll want to do regularly, and what kind of space you have available in your garden.
Preparing a Space for Your Garden Gym
You might decide to make some adjustments to your outdoor space first, to accommodate your new home gym. For example, you might install some level flooring such as a patio or wooden decking area. You might also think about adding a covered area such as an awning or gazebo.
Make sure the area is clear from debris and feels like a pleasant, clean space to relax in. You might also think about making the area more private so that you can exercise in comfort without being overlooked by neighbours. Structures such as pergolas and trellis can be added along with tall screening plants, such as bamboo to create an instant and attractive privacy screen.
Choosing Garden Gym Equipment
Once you’ve prepared a suitable area, you’re ready to start adding gym equipment. You might start with smaller items, such as free weights which can be used anywhere and are easily stored away. If you have the appropriate space, you might also look at larger equipment, such as multi gyms or an exercise bike – just imagine taking that next virtual spin class in the great outdoors!
Go for equipment that you’re most likely to enjoy using. You don’t want anything over-complicated that will become frustrating to use or hamper your enthusiasm. If you have a family or live with others then you might have a chat about what they’d like to use too, so you can get the most use out of your investment and possibly even share the cost.
Outdoor Gym Equipment Ideas
Small and Basic Outdoor Exercise Equipment
If you’re on a tight budget and want to start simple, try the following…
- A set of dumbbells or kettlebells: These are great for doing strength-training exercises like squats, lunges, and shoulder presses.
- A stability ball: This is a must-have for doing core exercises like crunches and sit-ups.
- An exercise mat: This is important for doing exercises that require you to be on the ground, such as push-ups and yoga.
- A skipping rope: This is a great piece of cardio equipment that can help you get your heart rate up.
- A set of resistance bands: These are versatile and can be used for a variety of exercises, including upper body, lower body, and core workouts.
- Punching Bag: This is a great piece of equipment for getting rid of stress and pent-up energy. Plus, it’s a great workout for your arms, shoulders, and core.
Larger Outdoor Gym Equipment
If you’re a bit more serious and have the budget, you could try the following for your outdoor home gym…
- Multi Gym: These are great if you want to be able to do a range of different exercises. Look for one that has a weight stack and pulleys, so you can adjust the resistance to suit your needs.
- Weight Lifting Bench: This is perfect for doing strength-training exercises like chest presses and shoulder presses.
- Exercise Bike: If you’re looking for a piece of cardio equipment, an exercise bike is a great option. You can use it to get your heart rate up or even do virtual spin classes. Just make sure you get a fold-up or weather-proof one
- .Treadmill: Another great piece of cardio equipment, a treadmill can help you get in some quick and easy miles
- Rowing Machine: This is a great full-body workout that can help tone your arms, legs, and core
- Cross Trainer: Another cardio favourite, the cross trainer is a great way to get in a sweat session
How Do You Keep Gym Equipment Outside?
If you’re going to be keeping your gym equipment outdoors, then you’ll likely need to take a few steps to keep it in good working order and looking its best. Of course, things like rust and UV sun damage will be the biggest things to watch for in the long term. As a general rule, you’ll want to keep everything dry and out of direct sunlight.
You might consider trying the following:
- Invest in some covers: This is a good way to keep your equipment clean and dry when it’s not in use
- Choose portable equipment, that can easily be moved when you’re not using it – there are many folding exercise bikes and similar options available
- Create a shelter: as we mentioned earlier, you could put up a gazebo, awning or another kind of structure to keep your gym area safely under-cover
- Store it in a shed or garage: If you have the space, storing your equipment in a shed or garage is a good way to keep it out of the weather
- Keep it clean: Regularly cleaning and drying your equipment will help to keep it in good condition and prevent it from rusting
- Consider buying second-hand gym equipment: This can be a great way to get started on a budget and you might feel less worried about it getting slightly weathered – just make sure that any equipment you buy is in good condition and fit for purpose.
Of course, if you’re using any kit that requires a power supply – such as a treadmill, for example – then you’ll want to be extra careful about keeping it dry and away from the elements. Always consult a professional electrician who can advise about appropriate IP-rated power sockets and additional safety provisions for such use.
Can You Buy Outdoor Gym Equipment?
Yes, you sure can! You may have seen outdoor gym equipment starting to appear in public parks and green spaces in recent years, as the trend for healthier lifestyles has increased. As outdoor gyms are growing in popularity, some are now catering to the domestic market and producing such equipment for personal home use.
A quick Google search will reveal that there are many options out there. For example, UK-based company, Fitness Tree, provide innovative back-yard solutions to help keep the whole family in shape, as the following video demonstrates:
How to Get Started
Now that you have all the equipment you need, it’s time to start working out! Here are a few tips to get you started:
-Start with a warm-up: Begin with some basic stretches and bodyweight exercises to warm up your muscles.
-Choose a workout routine: Pick a workout that fits your goals and abilities. There are many different routines available online or in fitness magazines.
-Focus on form and safety: Remember to focus on proper form and technique when performing each exercise. If you’re unsure of how to do an exercise, ask a certified personal trainer for help.
-Take breaks as needed: Don’t be afraid to take breaks when you need them. If you feel fatigued or experience pain, stop the exercise and rest.
Other Fun Exercises to Try in the Garden
Besides the obvious cardio and strength training exercises, there’s a load of other fun ways to keep fit in the garden. You could even combine some of these to break up your usual routines. Here are just a few more ideas for inspiration:
- Trampolining
- Yoga
- Hula Hooping
- Pilates
- Zumba
- Boxing
- Table Tennis
7 Tips for Success with your Outdoor Home Gym
1. Get creative with your workouts
Just because you’re working out at home doesn’t mean you have to do the same old boring exercises. Get creative and mix things up. If you get bored, you’re less likely to stick with your workout routine.
2. Make sure you have the right equipment
As we mentioned before, there are a few essential pieces of equipment that you’ll need for your outdoor home gym. But beyond that, you can get as creative as you want with your setup. Just make sure you have what you need so that you can do the exercises you want to do.
3. Set some goals
Having some goals to strive for will help you stay motivated and on track with your workout routine. Set some short-term goals, such as working out 3 times per week, and then reward yourself when you reach them. This will help you stay focused and dedicated to your outdoor home gym.
4. Make it fun
Working out should be something you enjoy, not a chore. So make sure your home gym is set up in a way that motivates you. Add some fun music or put up a TV so you can watch your favorite show while you sweat.
5. Get the family involved
One of the best things about having a home gym is that the whole family can use it. So get everyone involved! Set up a workout routine that everyone can do, and make it a fun family activity.
6. Make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed
It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re working out, especially in the heat. Drink plenty of water and take breaks as needed. If you start to feel lightheaded or dizzy, stop working out and rest in the shade.
7. Be safe
Safety is always important when working out. But it’s even more important when you’re working out at home. Make sure you have the right equipment and that it’s set up properly. And always warm up before you start working out.
Final Thoughts
Creating an outdoor home gym in your garden can be a hugely rewarding project and have a long-term impact on your overall health and happiness. While others are sweating it out and queuing to use equipment in a crowded gym, you could be out in the garden enjoying the fresh air and being at one with nature.
While you might need to spend a little upfront, your garden gym could save you a lot of money in the long run, especially when you factor in the typical costs for gym memberships.
As you can see, there are many different ways to turn your garden into a fun and effective workout space. With a little creativity and effort, you can easily create the perfect outdoor gym to enjoy whenever it suits you.
Are you building an outdoor home gym? What kind of exercises do you do in your garden? Any tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!
