10 Things You Need To Know To Build An Outdoor Gym

Building an outdoor gym can be a great way to exercise in the fresh air. But there are a few things you need to consider before starting construction.

This blog post will discuss ten things you need to know to build an outdoor gym!

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Outdoor gym factors to consider

Outdoor gyms are becoming more and more popular for a good reason! They’re a great way to get some exercise in the fresh air.

But before you start construction on your outdoor gym, there are a few things you need to consider.

Here are the top factors to think about:

What are your reasons for building an outdoor gym?

It’s a well-known fact that a gym can be a great way to improve your overall health and well-being, but what are your specific reasons for wanting to build an outdoor gym?

Are you looking for a place to work out in the privacy of your backyard? Or do you want a convenient spot that’s close to home?

Maybe you’re looking for a time-efficient way to work out without driving to the gym every day?

The location of your outdoor gym is crucial because it will determine how much time you spend there each week and what types of exercises are available (since some areas have more space than others).

The right spot could also help with noise control if that concerns you. And lastly, you’ll want to consider how much sun and shade the location offers – getting a good tan while working out in the sun can be a bonus!

Some drawbacks of outdoor gyms, of course, nothing is perfect, and there are a few drawbacks to building an outdoor gym.

First of all, you’ll need to worry about bad weather conditions. If it’s raining or snowing, you won’t be able to get your workout in.

Secondly, outdoor gym equipment will degrade quicker than indoor gym equipment due to the weather and sun exposure.

And finally, you’ll need to worry about thieves – outdoor gyms are a prime target for theft!

But despite these drawbacks, many people still enjoy having them because they get all the benefits of going to a gym without leaving their backyard.

How Much Does it Cost to Build an Outdoor Gym?

When building an outdoor gym, a significant consideration is the cost. Outdoor gyms can range from $1000 to $5000, depending on the size and type of workout equipment you choose.

But don’t let that stop you – there are ways to keep the cost down if you’re on a tight budget. For example, watch for sales or black Friday deals on gym equipment.

Another option is to buy used or second-hand equipment instead of brand new ones.

Lastly, consider building your outdoor gym in phases instead of all at once – this will allow you to spread out the cost over time, so it’s more manageable.

Noise Level

Constant noise can be incredibly distracting, especially if you’re asleep or trying to relax and enjoy a quiet evening outside. And when it comes to outdoor gyms, the noise level can be pretty high – especially if you’re lifting weights!

Dropping weights on the floor can disturb your neighbors, so try to use thick rubber mats or deadlift pads when weightlifting. Instead of dropping weights, consider lowering them slowly to reduce the noise level.

If there’s an option to build your outdoor gym away from your neighbor’s house, this may also help lower the noise level.

However, if this isn’t possible, you’ll need to ensure that your neighbors are ok with the noise level.

Try creating a workout schedule that works for both parties – that way; you can get your fitness in and maintain a good relationship with your neighbors.

Lighting for an outdoor gym

Lighting is a significant factor when it comes to outdoor gyms. For example, if you plan on using the gym after dark, You’ll need lighting that will allow you to see well.

If there’s an option to install floodlights, the RuoKid 80W Solar Street Lights are great options to consider – mainly because they are solar-powered and come with a motion sensor, which means they’ll only turn on when someone is nearby.

This will help prevent you or someone from tripping over and hurting themselves in the dark. Also, it will deter any thieves who might otherwise target an area with poor lighting.

Required Outdoor Space

To have a prosperous backyard gym, you need a sufficient amount of space for the workout equipment you plan on using, as well as room to move around.

The minimum amount of space you need is a 10×10 foot area. If you can’t fit this much space in your backyard, consider using smaller pieces of outdoor exercise equipment like dumbbells or kettlebells instead.

Also, there are many high-quality portable gyms like The GR8FLEX or Total Gym on the market that will allow you to get great workouts even if there’s limited space available!

Roofing: Covered or Uncovered

When it comes to roofing, you have two main options – covered or uncovered.

Covered roofs are a great option if you want to protect your equipment from undesired conditions such as rain or intense sun.

They also help reduce the amount of cleaning and maintenance, saving time and money in the long run. If it’s very hot where you live, a covered area can also help keep your gym cool.

On the other hand, an uncovered roof is a more affordable option but won’t allow you to work out when it’s raining.

Additionally, your equipment can age prematurely without protection from the sun and rain.

If you’re not sure which option is best for you, consider how much use your gym will get and the climate where you live. If you only plan to use your gym occasionally or if your area doesn’t see a lot of bad weather, an uncovered roof may be the better choice.

However, if you anticipate using your gym often, including during the heat of summer or when it’s raining, a covered area is best.

Consider also if you want to have a roof over just a tiny portion of the gym where you keep your essential equipment (e.g., free weights and other heavy items).

The type of roofing you choose will often depend on your budget. A covered roof tends to cost more than an uncovered one because it requires additional equipment and installation time.

Type of Outdoor Gym Equipment

The equipment you choose for your outdoor gym will depend on your available space and what kind of outdoor workouts you want to do. The more gear you intend to buy, the larger your area will need to be.

It is essential that whatever material the equipment is made from can withstand all types of weather conditions, especially if it will not be stored away when not in use (which should be the case if you live in a temperate climate).

UV light and moisture can cause damage to equipment over time, so you must choose wisely.

Having a roof over your outdoor gym will help protect the equipment from the elements, but if this is not an option, then choosing equipment made from high-quality materials is vital.

It is best to choose equipment made from high-quality steel, plastics, and rubbers. If you intend to purchase a treadmill or other electronic workout equipment, it may be best to keep them in your garage when not in use.

Below is a list of some of the most common types of equipment you may want to consider for your outdoor gym.

It would help if you also considered purchasing a mat for your outdoor gym to help protect the equipment from moisture and dirt. We’ll cover flooring in the next section.

Flooring

When planning your outdoor gym, you’ll need to consider the type of flooring you want. There are a few different options to choose from, each with benefits and drawbacks.

Concrete, Patio tile, or brick ground can be used to cover any unpaved surface and prevent your foot from slipping or getting muddy.

However, these materials can be quite hard on your feet and joints, so using softer flooring on top is crucial.

A thick rubber mat or ballistic tiles are ideal choices for this purpose as they provide some cushion while still being resistant to moisture, slipping, and other issues that may occur outdoors.

You can also use artificial grass if you want a more natural look but don’t want the maintenance of real grass!

This is especially popular in outdoor gyms used for Crossfit or other high-intensity workouts.

Whichever flooring you choose, be sure to always keep it clean and free of debris to prevent accidents.

Safety

Gym equipment is generally heavy. If you have equipment like power racks or squat stands, it would be best to bolt them down to the ground. This is a case when you want your gym equipment not to move around.

You also want to make sure that the area is safe for people to use. This means putting up fencing around the gym, especially if any dangerous equipment like sharp weights or machines are around.

It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand in case of an emergency.

Another safety consideration is that you need to lock up the necessary equipment in a small shed or lockable cabinet.

This ensures your equipment stays safe and secure even when you are not around.

For a more in-depth guide to safety, check out our blog post on how to protect outdoor gym equipment.

Weather

Weather can be unpredictable, so you’ll want to ensure your gym is protected from the elements.

Use a weatherproof cover to keep your equipment safe from rain, snow, and ice.

If you cannot put up a roof or use a weatherproof cover, it’s essential to use a rust inhibitor to stop corrosion from occurring, which can be caused by moisture.

Use a UV protection cover if possible to prevent damage from the sun’s rays, especially during summer months when temperatures reach high levels for extended periods.

What are the Benefits of Having a Backyard gym?

Having an Outdoor gym offers numerous benefits that you might not have considered.

No monthly gym fees: This is a big one! By having your backyard gym, you can eliminate those pesky monthly fees and save some money in the process.

Open 24/07: Another benefit of an outdoor gym is that it’s open 24/07- no more waiting for the gym to open or for equipment to become available.

No lines, Distractions, or waiting to use equipment: One of the worst things about going to a gym is dealing with all of the other people there- the noise, the distractions, and having to wait your turn on the equipment. You can avoid all of that and get your workout in peace with your backyard gym.

Make Your Own Rules: Want to take a break in the middle of your workout? No problem! With your backyard gym, you can make the rules and work at your own pace.

You Get Privacy: Tired of people looking at you while you’re working out? An outdoor gym gives you the privacy you need to focus on your workout.

Fewer Germs (Hopefully): Gyms can be pretty germy places- especially if they’re not kept clean. Having your backyard gym can help reduce the number of germs you encounter.

Space to add more equipment as desired: Don’t like the equipment that’s available at your gym? No problem! With your backyard gym, you can add whatever equipment you want- and as much or as little as you want.

Family can join In: Working out with your family is a great way to stay motivated and have fun. An outdoor gym provides the perfect opportunity for everyone to get in a quick workout together.

Eliminating travel: Tired of having to drive to the gym? An outdoor gym removes that issue; you can work out right in your backyard.

You can customize your gym to your need: Not everyone has the exact workout requirements. By having your gym in your backyard, you can customize it to your needs by adding specific equipment or using a particular type of flooring.

What are some Backyard Gym Ideas?

Depending on your needs and preferences, there are plenty of different types of outdoor gyms you can build.

Here are the most common types:

Basic Gym: This is a simple gym that includes essential equipment, such as weight benches, barbells, and squat racks. It’s perfect for people who want to focus on strength training.

Weight Lifting Gym: This outdoor gym is similar to a basic gym, except it allows you to lift heavier weights. This can be great for people who want to work on their strength and endurance.

DIY Gym: This type of outdoor gym is built by hand using only the materials available at home or in your garage. It can be an option if you don’t have enough fitness space in your garden for a full-fledged outdoor gym.

Garden Gym: This outdoor gym is built in your garden and can be easily moved from one place to another. It’s excellent if you want something temporary or don’t have enough space for a permanent structure.

CrossFit Gym: This outdoor gym includes all the equipment needed for CrossFit workouts. It’s ideal for people who want to get in shape quickly and efficiently.

Half-open Gym: This outdoor gym is half-open, which means one side is completely enclosed while the other is open to the elements. It’s great if you want to train outdoors but don’t want to be exposed to the sun.

If you’d like more outdoor gym ideas, you might want to check out this post on outdoor gym ideas.