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Outdoor gym facilities first came to prominence in 2008, when the Chinese fitted hundreds of all-weather exercise machines across the country ahead of the summer Olympics. Since then, there has been plenty of research showcasing the benefits of training outdoors, including an increased exposure to vitamin D and faster burning of calories.
There are only about 60 outdoor gyms in neighboured parks up and down in South Africa, but a lot more can be found within residential estates probably because there is less possibility of the equipment being stolen or vandalised.
It is a costly investment though and working out whether they are worth the time and money will largely depend on the size and makeup of your estate. We unpack some of the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
The future of fitness
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During the recent pandemic, outdoor fitness boomed once again with South Africans preferring the relative safety of being in wide open spaces and being able to exercise from the comfort of their home (or as close to it) than having to travel to a gym.
The escalating price of fuel coupled with our continued loadshedding struggles is likely to increase the appeal of this free, eco-friendly, and convenient fitness option that doesn’t require costly membership.
Fosters inclusivity
Apart from the practicality, Melanie Clarkson, head of marketing at Collins Residential alludes to the almost nostalgic appeal of an outdoor gym.
‘The outdoor gym concept has roots in the playground concept, which began as mere sandpits in the 80s, and for many of us still represent safe places within a community where different generations can have fun and socialise while staying fit and healthy,’ she says.
It is a sentiment echoed by Andrew D’Aubrey, project manager for Collins Residential at Zululami, a luxury coastal estate on the north Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. ‘We value family and active living, which is why we have recreational spaces that allow residents to connect with nature. Our outdoor gym provides the perfect setting to stay fit and healthy while enjoying the fresh coastal air and sunshine and we strongly believe that their ideological value coupled with the minimal costs and low maintenance far outweigh any negatives,’ he says.
Not for everyone
The biggest concern with installing a few pull-up bars, balancing beams and dip bars in communal spaces is that of physical safety as users are pretty much left to their own devices. It is important to note that an outdoor gym will never cater to everyone on an estate, and for that reason cannot completely replace traditional gym facilities.
‘Outdoor gyms are generally designed to make use of the body’s natural weight and movement. This means they are not necessarily as effective for all age groups, especially senior citizens, and young children,’ says Johan van der Schyff, a personal trainer, designer and supplier of exercise equipment.
Because of their body size, children usually cannot always fit on these apparatuses and risk becoming injured when performing certain exercises. ‘This can cause a problem for those estates wanting to use this apparatus as a chance to foster a sense of community and create hours of fun for the whole family, as not everyone will be able to use them,’ he says.
Not for every estate
Another challenge with outdoor gyms is linked with the weather. While South Africa enjoys a relatively warm tropical climate, there will be periods of use when it rains or the temperature drops. Rust is also a concern, especially for estates like Zululami, which are situated near to the sea.
‘In residential estates, uniformity and aesthetic is very important and it can sometimes be challenging to integrate an outdoor gym into the wider estate when it comes to things like colour,’ says Van der Schyff. It is also important to note that an outdoor gym is a permanent fixture and so estate managers should consider how the equipment will adapt as the estate develops.
