Today it is no longer necessary to explain to anyone what an outdoor gym is. More and more of these facilities are being built in Poland, and this means that their popularity continues to grow. At the same time, interest in traditional stationary gyms and fitness clubs is not waning. In such a situation, the question arises, which place to choose? Of course, it all depends on personal preferences, but we will try to present the most important features of both gyms. We hope that this entry will make your choice easier.
Traditional gym
Usually stationary gyms have large areas, which allows you to arrange a lot of equipment. This provides a variety of exercises and the opportunity to work on almost every part of the body. You don’t have to worry about the weather or the season – during high temperatures all rooms will be air-conditioned, while in winter they will be pleasantly heated. In a traditional gym, you can count on the professional support of a trainer, who will conduct a full individual workout, or explain how to properly use the various pieces of equipment. In addition, quite a few gyms are equipped with showers, so you can refresh yourself after finishing your exercises before returning home.
Nevertheless, an indoor gym requires proper scheduling of the day. It is worth choosing the hours when there will be the least siege, so that you do not have to wait in line for selected equipment. This can be difficult, however, as the vast majority come to exercise before or just after work. You also always have to remember to take your clothes and athletic shoes with you and manage more time to change. A stationary gym also involves additional costs for a pass. Unfortunately, sometimes you may run out of extra money in your household budget.
Outdoor gym
One of the biggest advantages of outdoor gyms is their accessibility – you can use them at any hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So if one day an emergency pops up that prevents you from working out, you’ll be able to make it up even on Sunday, when traditional sports facilities are usually closed. Another important feature is the lack of fees, as all outdoor fitness facilities are completely free for all users. That’s why it’s worth going to an outdoor gym even with the whole family, without worrying about high costs. It’s a great idea for active leisure time together.
Do not forget about the benefits of exercising outdoors. First of all, the body gets oxygenated, and this has a positive effect on concentration and the most important organs – the brain and heart. It also speeds up your metabolism, which means you burn fat more easily. Being outside comes with an extra dose of vitamin D, which is responsible for immunity, blood sugar regulation, and healthy and strong bones. It’s not worth giving up exercising under a cloud, even when the temperatures drop significantly, as this hardens the body and defends itself more effectively against getting sick.
However, outdoor gyms will not always be equipped with a large amount of equipment – it all depends on the size of the area where it is located. Fortunately, this does not involve monotony, as investors are obliged to provide a variety of available equipment. Sometimes, through adverse weather conditions, certain elements can corrode, making them unavailable for maintenance. In addition, a big frost or heavy rainfall will be too much of an obstacle for some people to use an outdoor gym.
An outdoor gym may not be a choice for everyone, but you have to admit that it has many advantages that traditional counterparts will never be able to provide – no fees, 24/7 availability and a dose of essential vitamin D. It’s definitely worth trying to exercise under a cloud!