There’s rarely a “one size fits all” solution to anything, and outdoor fitness is no different. People’s ages, abilities, and interests influence the type of exercise they gravitate towards, which is why communities must consider the unique needs of their residents when installing outdoor fitness equipment.
Butterfield Crossing Park in Castle Rock, Colorado realized this when designing their fresh-air gym. Being adjacent to homes, the outdoor gym is perfectly positioned to conveniently serve community members, as it makes exercise more accessible to those who are tight on time or finances. Still, park planners knew they had to be intentional with the design as to impact as many people as possible.
Updating the Design
Originally, Butterfield Crossing Park was considering having their outdoor fitness center consist solely of equipment with static parts for calisthenic exercises. Calisthenic workouts are a great way to build strength and mobility, but they tend to appeal more to individuals who are already active. Because there are more options for exercises, figuring out how to work out with static parts is less intuitive. Additionally, calisthenic exercises rely on the user’s body weight, which can be discouraging for overweight individuals trying to get into shape. With the CDC having found that 42.4% of adults have obesity, it’s a high priority to make fitness as welcoming as possible, which means having more options than only calisthenic fitness equipment.
Inviting Fitness Equipment for All
To make the most of their compact space, Butterfield Crossing Park decided to partner with Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, and incorporated various types of fitness equipment. The units with moving parts provide straightforward workouts in a less intimidating space than traditional gyms or calisthenic gyms, encouraging people to begin their fitness journeys. The adjustable resistance design of several of the units allow people to personalize the intensity of their workout, so both newcomers and experienced athletes can get a comprehensive workout in the same place.
Still, understanding the benefits of calisthenic workouts, Butterfield Crossing Park left part of their fresh-air gym as a functional fitness rig so users can choose from nearly infinite exercise options as they map out their own fitness journeys. In addition to being a great place for advanced athletes, the rig also has beginner-friendly exercise options, and the Greenfields app has video tutorials for those new to calisthenic workouts.
Further, the social design of this outdoor gym makes fitness more fun, encouraging people to exercise longer and more consistently. Most of the units face one another, and wheelchair accessible units are included in the same area so that those in wheelchairs can work out alongside their able-bodied friends and families. The selection of units included in Butterfield Crossing Park’s outdoor fitness center allows users to build strength, balance, and flexibility to help them meet their personal goals.
Interested in learning more about how you can get a customized outdoor fitness center for your community? Contact Greenfields today for more information and a complimentary mockup!