An outdoor gym set-up is a very common sight in public parks. The workout equipment helps to do targeted exercises similar to some of the popular gym drills and even attract the crowd. Some try them out of curiosity while others get hooked, using them to supplement their brisk walking or running routines. Outdoor gym equipment, or park gyms, have its benefits, but their biomechanics aren’t perfect, say experts.
At the park though, the equipment does create a buzz around them – kids love to play on them, young adults push hard, and the elderly find them a great means to incorporate some strengthening exercises. You can go tandem on some of them, adding to the fun. The pros are aplenty.
Benefits of outdoor park gym
The idea behind setting up a park gym with outdoor equipment is to promote basic fitness. They are a hit among all age groups. Children plan playful activities around them and the elderly getting some much-needed strength training, isolating the muscles.
“Outdoor gyms at parks help in promoting discipline,” says Jagmohan Kumar, a senior physiotherapist at Back 2 Fitness, New Delhi. “People who visit parks for their regular fitness routine tend to use the equipment, this helps in promoting overall fitness. It also provides mental benefits including the upliftment of the mood because the exercises are done outdoors, surrounded by nature and positive energy.”
Kiran Jain, 43, a homemaker from Bengaluru, visits a park for regular walks. She loves the greenery in the park beside a lake. When she noticed these equipment being installed, she decided to use it after her 45 minutes of walk. She spends around five minutes each on some of them.
“I prefer working out on the cycling equipment in the park,” says Jain. “I do it after my walk; it is just an add on. Luckily have not had any injury, I have been doing this with ease.”
Bengaluru-based Shashikala, 28, a homemaker, is another regular who works out on equipment that targets the shoulders, legs and chest, though irregular maintenance makes it difficult for smooth operation. “They seem tight and require a lot of force,” she says. “Walking and the use of equipment has helped minimize my leg pain.”
Bharath from Bengaluru, a 40-year-old taxi driver and a singer has been consistently using outdoor gym equipment.
“It helped me maintain my weight, flexibility, and strength,” adds Bharath. “It gives me peace and satisfaction. Depending on the strength and the mood I use them and ensure I do not overdo it.”
Drawbacks of outdoor park gym equipment
Kumar says, “While the purpose of basic fitness is served, this outdoor park gym equipment do have a lot of disadvantages. To start with, since they are used by many, hygiene is a major hazard. They have the potential to spread infections.”
He points out that the equipment is exposed to harsh weather conditions and are prone to wear and tear and rusting. If they are not serviced regularly, they won’t function optimally. That, in turn, could not just make them difficult to operate, but also lead to injuries.
“These gym-related equipment at park have many takers, but their drawbacks include lack of proper biomechanics which increases chances of injuries,” says Mohammad Faizal, fitness manager at Iconic Fitness, Bengaluru.
Biomechanics are the biggest factor considered while designing gym equipment.
“For instance, one of the outdoor equipment is the chest press machine,” adds Faizal. “I have noticed that the shoulders are getting affected more and not the chest because you are just lifting yourself up in that machine. These machines lack biomechanics, some just lift the user up [their feet do not touch the ground], which can be dangerous.”
Another drawback is that sizes of the equipment are fixed/universalized. They cannot be adjusted according to the user’s needs and size. The equipment does not provide smooth movement, and this uneven resistance can prove harmful.
How to use outdoor gym park effectively
“If one is willing to use the equipment, their movements should be slow and smooth. They should avoid using it when one has body pain,” says physiotherapist Kumar from New Delhi. “Using this equipment will provide reward as there will be some involvement of muscle.”
However, the physical benefits of using the outdoor park equipment are non-significant when it comes to taking fitness to the next level. Experts suggest opting for compound exercises that target various muscle groups instead of using the equipment.
Takeaways
- Outdoor gym equipment (park gyms) is meant to cater to the idea of basic fitness. They are not ideal to use as they lack proper biomechanics, and standardized, rigid sizes mean they may not suit everyone.
- Users should exercise caution and should not work on the outdoor park gym equipment when they have aches or stiffness.
- While using the equipment, ensure the movement is slow and smooth to avoid injuries.
