Planning
How to design inclusive public outdoor fitness sites
What is an inclusive outdoor fitness site?
Outdoor fitness is more popular than ever. However, the increase in popularity sets a new standard for inclusion in outdoor gyms as we all deserve the opportunity to better ourselves through fitness, regardless of any disability, impairment, or age. This is where inclusive outdoor gyms come into play.
An inclusive outdoor fitness site is a thoughtfully designed space that prioritizes accessibility, diversity, and community engagement to accommodate individuals of all fitness levels, abilities, and backgrounds. It’s KOMPAN’s mission to create these welcoming outdoor fitness areas, and through comprehensive research and user testing by the KOMPAN Fitness Institute, we have gained exceptional insight on how to create inclusive outdoor gyms for all to enjoy.
Defining disabilities
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines disabilities as long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment. For an outdoor gym to be truly inclusive, it must accommodate these individuals, including wheelchair users, seniors, and people with vision impairments, just to name a few.
To support inclusion in outdoor gyms, KOMPAN Fitness Institute conducted a survey in 2019 where they found that 92% of wheelchair users would use an outdoor gym if it were useful for them. The growing ageing population also emphasizes the need to create outdoor gyms that accommodate impairments and break down the barriers to fitness.
Planning inclusive outdoor fitness sites
1. Accommodate all genders, ages, and abilities
Outdoor fitness sites should be inclusive in design with equipment for everyone to use. Select equipment comparable to what you'd find indoors like strength training machines or cardio equipment. These pieces, and other similar ones, have adjustable resistance and an adaptive design.
2. Different types of equipment for different types of users
Your outdoor fitness equipment should cater to users’ different needs and preferences. Choose specific items that are usable for wheelchair users like the arm bike and the core twist. To accommodate the needs of seniors and those in rehabilitation, select items from the Stay Fit line.
3. Guidance and zoning best practices
Design your inclusive outdoor gym to incorporate different zones, so everyone feels safe and secure when working out. You could have a zone for strength with adjustable machines and a zone for street workouts, just like you would see in an indoor gym.
The benefits of inclusive outdoor fitness sites
The benefits of a successful outdoor gym are tremendous for everyone. The fresh air, natural scenery, and the possibility to socialise with others are just some benefits of being active and exercising outdoors.
Here are the key points that emphasise the importance of inclusion in outdoor fitness:
Promotes Physical Well-being: Inclusion allows people of all abilities to engage in outdoor fitness activities, promoting physical health and wellness for a broader demographic.
Supports Mental Health: Outdoor fitness promotes mental well-being, and inclusion ensures that more people can benefit from the positive effects of exercise on mental health. Natural daylight improves sleep, mood and immune function.
Enhances Accessibility: Inclusive outdoor fitness facilities remove barriers and reduce inequality so everyone, including individuals with disabilities or people from low-income groups, have equal access to exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
Fosters a Sense of Belonging: Inclusion creates an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and part of a fitness community, reducing feelings of isolation.
Diversity of Skill Levels: Inclusive fitness sites accommodate beginners, experienced athletes, and everyone in between, encouraging people to start and progress at their own pace.
Incorporating inclusivity into outdoor fitness is not just about creating an equitable space; it's about reaping the physical, mental, and social benefits a diverse and welcoming fitness community can offer individuals and society. We are no more than a click away; we are here to guide you in the right direction.
Examples of Inclusive Outdoor Fitness Sites
Fit for all
This site is created based on the universal design principle, as it works equally well for disabled, seniors, untrained and fit people. The design is divided into zones with different coloured equipment: one for strength, one for cardio, one for outdoor gym stations, and one for mobility. The open floor plan with ample free space makes it easy to move around the equipment.
Circuit training
This outdoor fitness design mimics the machines we know from indoor gyms. Most people feel comfortable using adjustable strength and cardio equipment, which can be adjusted to the users’ individual fitness levels, making it possible for everyone to get an effective workout.
Destination area for the whole family
This outdoor fitness design has it all! Fitness zones surround the central playground, so children can come along and fit perfectly in a parent's exercise routine. Mom or Dad get their workout while keeping an eye on their playing kids. Sounds like a win-win!
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