Article sponsored by vidaXL
Editorial Note: This content was created by vidaXL and does not necessarily reflect the views of ginasiovirtual.com, nor should it be construed as an endorsement of the products mentioned. The publication is the responsibility of vidaXL.
If you’re looking for a practical and affordable way to create a space to stay active at home, this article from vidaXL is for you. We’ll show you how to transform your outdoor area into an outdoor gym, providing a functional and motivating environment for your workouts. From smart storage solutions to choosing the best equipment, here you’ll find everything you need to set up your fitness space efficiently and conveniently.
In this article we will see:
- How to keep your fitness space organized
- What equipment to choose for outdoor activities
- How to adapt your space to different types of exercises
- How to protect yourself against adverse weather
- How to Create a Post-Workout Relaxation Area
Come with us to build a health and well-being space that is accessible, functional and best of all: just yours.
1. Organization and tidiness: keep the space functional
Keeping your outdoor gym organized is essential to ensuring efficient, distraction-free workouts. A messy space can compromise the flow of your workouts and even increase the risk of accidents.
To avoid this problem, investing in storage solutions is the best strategy. In addition to improving organization, these solutions help protect your equipment from weather conditions, extending its durability.
At vidaXL you can find the ideal outdoor furniture not only for storing your equipment, but also for your entire outdoor area, quickly and easily, using our intuitive and intelligent search system. See our many options.
Outdoor storage boxes: protection and practicality
Outdoor storage boxes are one of the most effective solutions for keeping your outdoor gym organized. They allow you to store weights, yoga mats, resistance bands and other accessories without them being exposed to the sun, rain or humidity.
Choose models made from durable materials, such as resin or treated wood, to provide extra protection against the elements. In addition, many of these trunks have safety locks, preventing equipment from becoming worn or untidy.
Shelves and supports: optimized organization
If you have more space, shelves and stands are an excellent option for storing equipment in an accessible and practical way. With the right support, you can organize dumbbells, kettlebells and weights efficiently, preventing them from being scattered across the floor. For smaller spaces, vertical stands are ideal, as they maximize the available area without compromising circulation.
Wall hooks: solutions for small accessories
Items such as jump ropes, resistance bands and towels can be easily stored using wall hooks. These accessories help to keep the space organized, preventing small items from falling on the floor and deteriorating due to contact with moisture. In addition, they allow for quick and convenient access during workouts.
Folding non-slip floors: safety and comfort
Another versatile solution is foldable non-slip flooring. These are ideal for ensuring a safe and comfortable surface for your workouts, reducing the impact on your joints and preventing injuries. When not in use, they can be easily folded and stored, making them a practical option for those who need to optimize the available space.
2. Choose the right equipment
The choice of equipment for an outdoor gym must take into account resistance to environmental factors, functionality in multi-joint training and adaptability to different training methodologies.
Strength Training Equipment
If you want to focus on muscle development, some equipment is essential:
- Adjustable dumbbells — A versatile solution for outdoor strength work, allowing load progression without the need for multiple pieces of equipment.
- Stainless steel bars and discs — Best option for outdoor environments, as they are resistant to oxidation and allow for high-impact compound workouts.
- Adjustable benches with waterproof covering — They facilitate multi-angle exercises and are resistant to climate changes.
- Reinforced latex resistance bands — Lightweight and portable alternative, ideal for outdoor strength and mobility training without taking up space.
At vidaXL you will find various models of free weights for the best performance in your outdoor workouts.
Cardiovascular training equipment
For those looking to improve endurance and burn calories, the following equipment can be very useful:
- Reinforced PVC skipping rope — Excellent for cardiovascular training and motor coordination, being easy to transport and resistant to uneven surfaces.
- Folding exercise bikes — Compact models are ideal for covered outdoor areas, promoting resistance training without the need for an electrical connection.
- Punching bag made of water-resistant synthetic material — Suitable for resistance and muscle explosion training, and can be fixed to external supports.
Functional training equipment
Functional training improves mobility, stability and muscular endurance. For an efficient workout, consider:
- Galvanized pull-up bar — Perfect for strength and endurance training, ensuring stability even when exposed to inclement weather.
- Rubber coated kettlebells — They prevent damage to the floor and allow for a wide variety of outdoor ballistic exercises.
- Waterproof Mattresses — Essential for core training and stretching, maintaining comfort and making cleaning easier.
The careful selection of equipment guarantees effective training adapted to the external environment, maximizing durability and physical performance.
3. Adapting the space for different types of exercise
The organization of the outdoor gym should include a strategic distribution of equipment, ensuring fluidity in movements and safety during exercises. The space should be divided into functional zones for different types of training, ensuring that each segment contributes to the efficiency of the exercise routine.
Cardio zone: intensity and resistance
The area dedicated to cardiovascular training should be large enough to allow for quick movements and changes of direction without restrictions. If a skipping rope or punching bag is used, it is essential to ensure that there is a space free of obstacles, allowing for fluid execution of the exercises.
For those using exercise bikes, choosing a level surface reduces the impact of vibrations and improves the training experience.
Strength zone: stability and security
The strength training section should be equipped with sturdy supports for dumbbells, bars and kettlebells to prevent equipment from wearing out too quickly. Using a non-slip floor helps minimize impact on joints and increases safety during lifts.
The arrangement of equipment must allow sufficient range of motion for compound exercises, avoiding interference between different types of training.
Stretching and recovery zone: mobility and relaxation
The muscle recovery area should include comfortable mats for stretching and myofascial release techniques. For those who practice yoga or meditation as a complement to their workout, choosing a space with shade or protection from the wind will enhance the relaxation experience. Including foam rollers and resistance bands in this area will help prevent injuries and promote more efficient muscle recovery.
4. Protection Against Weather Conditions
Training outdoors provides a unique sense of freedom, but to ensure that your outdoor gym is functional in all seasons, it is essential to protect it from the changing weather.
Whether it's on sunny days or rainy seasons, some adaptations can make all the difference in the durability of your equipment and your comfort during training. Let's look at some types of protection.
Shading and protection from rain
Creating shaded areas is one of the first steps to maintaining a pleasant environment. If your outdoor area receives a lot of sun, installing a pergola, retractable awning or shade sails will help reduce direct exposure to UV rays. In addition to making workouts more comfortable, this protection extends the life of equipment by preventing materials such as rubber and plastic from drying out and wearing out prematurely.
Choosing structures that are wind-resistant and easy to adjust gives you the flexibility to adapt the space to suit the conditions of the day. On rainy days, waterproof covers ensure that your training area remains usable, whatever the weather.
Suitable flooring: grip and drainage
The flooring of your workout space plays a key role in the safety and functionality of your outdoor gym. A non-slip, draining floor prevents water build-up and reduces the risk of falls on wet days. Materials such as recycled rubber tiles or modular flooring are excellent options, as they absorb impact and provide greater stability during exercises.
If you train with weights or perform explosive movements, a floor with good cushioning capacity protects not only your equipment, but also your joints. A well-paved space improves grip and ensures that you can train efficiently, without worrying about slipping or uneven surfaces.
Equipment protection and maintenance
Protecting your equipment is essential to ensure its durability over time. If you use dumbbells, kettlebells or iron discs, ensuring that they have an oxidation-resistant coating will prevent premature wear caused by humidity.
For larger devices, such as exercise bikes or workout stations, investing in waterproof covers can help preserve mechanical and electronic components by preventing corrosion. If you prefer to keep your accessories completely protected, outdoor storage boxes or cabinets are practical solutions to prevent damage from the elements.
Making sure your space is weather-proof means you can maintain a consistent workout routine throughout the year. With proper planning, you can create a functional and long-lasting outdoor gym without having to interrupt your workouts due to the weather.
5. Create a post-workout relaxation area
Ensuring good recovery after training is essential to optimise results and avoid injuries. A well-structured relaxation area in your outdoor gym allows you to recover efficiently, promoting the relief of muscle tension and helping to normalise your heart rate. In addition, incorporating elements that encourage relaxation improves the overall training experience and creates a more balanced space. Whether through a comfortable place to rest, muscle recovery techniques or an immersive environment that reduces stress, it is possible to transform the post-workout period into a moment of physical and mental regeneration.
Ergonomic sun loungers and chairs: recovery in comfort
After an intense workout, it’s important to allow your body to gradually relax. Having lounge chairs or ergonomic chairs in your outdoor workout area provides a comfortable place for this transition period. Choosing models with lumbar support and materials that are resistant to outdoor conditions ensures that you have a functional and durable space.
An adjustable frame allows you to find the ideal position to reduce muscle tension and promote better blood circulation. If you're looking for even deeper relaxation, supportive cushions and breathable fabrics contribute to extra comfort.
Cold bath or jacuzzi: optimizing muscle recovery
Using water to recover after a workout is a practice widely used by athletes. Immersion in cold water helps reduce inflammation and speed up muscle regeneration, making it ideal for high-intensity workouts.
If you prefer something more relaxing, a jacuzzi or a swimming pool with a hydromassage can help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. The warm water relaxes the muscles, allowing for more efficient recovery and reducing joint stiffness.
If you don't have space for fixed structures, a simple outdoor shower can provide similar benefits, helping to lower body temperature and promoting an immediate feeling of freshness.
Stretching area: flexibility and injury prevention
Including a dedicated stretching and mobility area in your outdoor gym significantly improves muscle recovery. A space with waterproof mats, massage rollers and myofascial release balls allows you to perform relaxation and muscle release exercises straight after your workout. These methods help reduce stiffness, improve flexibility and minimize the risk of injury.
Stretching properly after training also helps eliminate lactic acid, preventing muscle soreness the next day. If possible, creating a calm and isolated environment for this area makes the practice more effective, allowing you to fully concentrate on the recovery movements.
