With more of us utilising our outdoor spaces and gardens for additional living spaces, there is no limit to what you can create for a clever solution to getting extra space. Think play areas and yoga studios to home offices and gyms.
Many of us choose different styles of outdoor space to suit our lifestyle and the available room we have to work with from covered courtyards, garden rooms and sheds to modular units and even sheltered platforms for dedicated exercise, such as CrossFit.
In this blog we'll uncover everything you need to create an outdoor space for CrossFit training.
Table of Contents
How do I Make My Outdoor Cross Fit Gym Work for Me?
Here we look at the main factors to consider when designing and maintaining an outdoor CrossFit gym.
Available Space
CrossFit can involve several pieces of equipment varying from jump ropes, battle ropes and weights to power racks, sleds and agility apparatus. To ensure you have adequate space to include your favourite workout kit you need to think about how things will be positioned. Consider how big your existing space is and how much equipment you want to include at the design stage. CrossFit gyms do not need to be huge, but you want to prioritise the equipment you like using.
Shelter
Weather plays a big part in an outdoor gym space. Even in hot, summer months you don't want direct sunlight affecting your performance. If you are creating a gym within a covered space such as a Garden room or modular building, you will already have suitable shelter, however consider temperatures, insulation (for cooler days), fans and shades.
Suitable Outdoor Gym Flooring
Most CrossFit activity is high impact and involving weights. To protect your body from injury or repetitive strain, it is essential that you have a high density shock absorbent surface in place. Likewise, you need to protect the subfloor or concrete from damage.
Extra thick gym tiles for outdoor use which have inbuilt drainage are a great choice. From a 43mm thickness to 63mm, these tiles will cushion falls and absorb impact and noise from equipment and weight dropping. Most importantly, these gym mats will remain stable (without adhesive) as they butt together due to their weight and retain their position.
"I set up some outdoor rigs in the corner of our kid's patio. The rubber mats have made the area feel so much safer and functional. It means I can exercise and watch over my girls when they play"
Durable Equipment
When investing in your Outdoor Cross Fit equipment and accessories, think about choosing materials that will withstand outdoor use better than others. Think about rust-resistant and UV protected pieces that are easily portable and stored.
Long-Term Maintenance
An outdoor gym should be created with long-term in mind. That means thinking about all seasons, the main users of the space and how portable your design and equipment is. With that in mind, it is good to consider equipment and storage options that align with your plans.
Versatility
Can your CrossFit gym space double up as a children's play area surface when not in use? Maximise your space as much as you can so that you and other members of your family can get the most out of it. Think of how you will form your space and if you can save costs by creating zones, using multi-functional flooring and seating to accommodate different functions like fitness, play, dining or hobbies
What CrossFit Equipment should I use Outdoors?
Final Thoughts
