With gyms generally being harshly neon-lit, sweaty, airless boxes, blaring music from MTV, is it any wonder that although most people join them with every intention of following an exercise routine for health and fitness, they soon drop out?
But lately, gyms have been taking on a new avatar, being relocated outdoors. This means that you can begin pumping up your biceps and quadriceps once again, but this time basking in the sun, in the leafy green surroundings of a park near you.
Gym equipment manufacturers have begun producing complete outdoor fitness equipment for enhancing flexibility, agility, cardiovascular fitness and endurance, and for strengthening the upper body, lower body, abs and back. The equipment can be installed on a fitness trail, in a playground, or as a bunch of exercise stations in a park. They can be used by people of all ages, from school kids to senior citizens, and are suitable for both inner-city locations and the suburbs.
The outdoor fitness equipment is made of heavy gauge, strong steel and is designed to withstand the roughest of environments outdoors and last a long time. The equipment is very attractive, with colorful powder coated finishes, can be installed easily, and is practically maintenance free.
They also come with instructions for warming up, stretching, working out, and cooling down routines. The basic idea is for the user to move from one exercise to another, according to the instructions, thus getting a full body workout in an effective and safe way.
And even inclement weather cannot spoil an outdoor exercise regime, because rain does not have an effect on the equipment. They are safe to use even when they are wet. The inspiration for using outdoor equipment comes from China. With the Beijing Olympics approaching, the Chinese government has set up over 4,000 gyms outdoors in the last six years. While similarly, in the U.S. about 6,000 open spaces and parks have exercise equipment that can be accessed by the general public, and in Australia, over 50 percent of the parks have weather-proof, ultra-modern exercise equipment.
According to sports science professionals, an outdoor exercise regimen provides a more varied and functional workout, enhances mood, while you avoid all the smells and germs that indoor gyms have.
Here are some examples of common outdoor fitness equipment:
Horizontal Bars
This is used for pull-ups or chin-ups, which is one of the basic exercises for strengthening the upper body. They can be used for many other types of exercises as well, such as stretching the arms and shoulders, hanging leg-lifts which tone up the muscles in the abdomen, or just dangling by the arms, which helps to align the spine and provides a lower back stretch, which is very beneficial.
Sitting Rotator
This device has three rotating seats that swivel, which helps to stretch the internal and external muscles in the abdomen. It also serves to strengthen the lower back by aligning the spine.
Sit-up Board
This is used for sit-up exercises which target the abdominal muscles primarily, although they also are beneficial for flexor muscles of the upper thighs and hips.
Leg Press Machine
Since it involves some the most major muscles of the body, the leg press is considered one of the most important exercises. Adjustable for different resistance levels, the machine primarily targets the gluteal muscles and the quadriceps.
Climber
This is akin to a climbing wall, with strengthening pulls and hand holds.
Strength & Stretch Bars
This apparatus helps to develop shoulder and arm strength with various pushing and pulling exercises. It has five bars which are set at various heights in order to provide different levels of resistance.

A hobby is a favorite leisure pursuit one wishes to venture over and over again. May be it is for the thrill or the adventure; hobbies like rock climbing are followed by many. If you are planning to take up rock climbing as a hobby or sport, make sure, you follow all the guidelines for ensuring your safety. Everything from the helmet to the shoes should be checked to ensure, they don’t give in when you are climbing. There are many instances, wherein rock climbers were injured. The injuries due to rock climbing are serious, but can be easily prevented with the right gear and equipments and most importantly taking right precautions. Given below are some precautionary guidelines, you can implement during rock climbing for all safety purpose:
. Rock climbing is a dangerous sport. Make sure you don’t go alone to the park. Always carry a mobile phone, just in case you get stuck somewhere.
. Before using the rock climbing gear, thoroughly test it. Inspect whether the gear is not used up in certain places. Also inspect the ropes, buckles and knots. These small equipments play a big part in acting as your lifesavers. Do not neglect them. Always remember to immediately change the worn-out gear.
. The climbing rope should be able to bear your weight and the rough terrains. The anchors should be secure, and there shouldn’t be any friction, when you feed in the rope. The harnesses should be in good condition for bearing the abrasions. Your safety should be the ultimate while rock climbing.
. Always abide by the rules of the park. Some parks insist on rock climbers wearing a helmet while climbing. The Instructors recruited by the park usually guide the climbers during their performance. They often have the right to judge the weather conditions and prohibit the climbers accordingly.
. When it comes to rock climbing, the shoes you wear should be capable to sustain rough terrains. Avoid wearing shoes that are not meant for climbing. Always buy shoes that have been certified by a medical or sports organization and are apt for climbing. Don’t forget, if you happen to slip, you might suffer some serious injuries.
. Before performing any physical activities, it is always recommended to do some warming up exercises before you get on to rock climbing. As indicated by many experts, right warm up exercises would reduce the probabilities of sprains and strains while climbing. Always try and carry out exercises that will give you the ability of stretching your legs, arms, shoulders, back, and neck. 5-10 minutes warm up will lessen the possibilities of injuries occurring while you climb.
. Rock climbers are usually asked to sign a liability form issued by the park, just in case there is any accident during the act. During competitions, every rock climber is provided with basic training that includes basic rope work, proper belay technique, basic climbing technique, proper use of a harness, etc. Whenever a climber faces difficulty or has sudden change in health, he or she is lowered to the ground on request.
As mentioned before rock climbing, can be a very risky game if ventured inappropriately. However, if you follow the right professional guidelines and instructions, the danger will be considerably reduced. Besides, if you are new to the sport, you can consult experts before attempting it.

Rock climbing, a popular hobby in England and Germany, became established as a sport in the end of the nineteenth century. The sport has gained critical acclaim and admiration from the media, especially for the dare-devilry stunts and guts, it involves. Ever since, more and more athletes showed interest, it soon gained popularity and became declared as a world sport.
The earliest form of this sport was practiced in Colorado in the nineteenth century. A popular pass-time for the local public, the sport involved free-climbing with passive protection. In other parts of Europe, the sport was an essential part of mountaineering, with mountaineers scaling angular faces as preparation for a climbing expedition. By the early twentieth century, Rock climbing became completely established in the United States.
Free climbing and Aid Climbing were two traditional methods used by early rock climbers. In Aid Climbing, climbers use climbing harnesses and climbing gear for protection, whereas climbers in free climbing, needed to have skill, technique and physical strength.
As Aid Climbing became extremely popular in the sixties, American companies developed more advanced and safety oriented equipment that replaced the rudimentary piton and the coir rope. More Finer Equipment like slinging machine nuts was available, that offered safety to the amateur climber. A more advanced technique was developed in the early eighties that combined both free and aid climbing methods. This technique reduced the level of difficulty, thus improving style of climbing.
As climbing gained popularity in the United States, the sport became more sophisticated and safe. The indoor rock-climbing wooden walls replaced the traditional rocks and hostile terrains. The harnesses and ropes were made shock absorbing and from skin friendly material. Climbing as a sport is extremely demanding. In order to make it as an athlete, with strength, power, endurance, flexibility and durability is an absolute necessity. These attributes are equally important and a deficiency of either one of them can make the climb painful. Thus, a regular review and practice of climbing basics can improve your style.
There are many types of climbing, each having own grade of risks and difficulty. It is one of the most dangerous sports as it involves extreme risk and sicknesses. The sport is not advised for people suffering from ailments such as vertigo and heart diseases. However, with the proper safety, the danger element is reduced considerably.
Basics Rock Climbing:
A climbing troupe works in pairs, with one leading the climbing and the other belaying. The leading climber is regularly provided rope through a belay device. The job of a leading climber is to place route aids, also known as bolted hangers, until he reaches the peak. The duty of the belayer is to ensure the rope locking system in case of a free fall. The ropes are attached to the climbing harnesses, using a figure-eight knot or double bowline knot. The leader can also place nuts or Spring-loaded camming device in cracks along the route. In sport climbing, metal loops or hangers are employed. Hangers are nailed to the rocks, using hammers or masonry bolts. Ice screws are used in ice climbing.

Indoor rock climbing is the only sport that requires co-ordination between all five senses. The sport demands strength and endurance much more that any other physical sport. It also requires mental composure more than any strategy game. For many the sport may seem easy, but rock climbing needs continuous guidance from the basics till you finally reach the top.
Besides, rock climbing requires constant surveillance and guidance from coaches and experts. Every aspect of the sport needs to be mastered, even the equipment used in rock climbing is essential. The equipment does involve complex safety tools and headgear. Using faulty equipment or gear below the set standard would result in injuries and wounds that could scar you permanently.
Rock climbing is a popular sport in the United States with more and more people beginning to develop an interest in it. Over 100,000 athletes are involved in the sport of rock climbing, with the number increasing over the years. The sport is an all-season sport with climbing gyms located in most major cities. These gyms are open at nights, sometimes for the twenty-four hour/seven-day duration. Most rock-climbing gyms make an attempt to publicize the sport as much as they can. Therefore, if you join as a beginner, you may end up with a discount. In addition, the gym is the place to learn your basics, do away with your phobia of heights (if you have one) and then finally try your hand on outdoor rock climbing. If you are convinced about joining a rock-climbing gym, the following tips may guide you in the process:
The Climbing Gym location:
According to a recent survey, most rock-climbers are in their late 30s and early 40s. Also stated was that the climbers frequenting gym classes settle for this sport to keep fit. If you belong from this class of climbers, then you may need a gym that may be located close to your home or office. Increase your awareness, browse and enroll online as most of these gyms are listed in the US sports department. You will surely find a gym suitable for your needs and requirements.
Enroll for a Gym Class:
The kind of classes available would depend totally on the infrastructure present in the gym. Some gyms may offer small classes to begin with, while some may offer private tutorials. It all depends on the gym you visit. However, beginner courses are common in all gyms. These courses offer rentals, day use of the facilities and a several hour classes in a complete package. Teachers and technique could differ, but a common lesson taught in these gyms is safety, which is one lesson that should not be overlooked. Besides, the classes are the best places to get to know other people with the same interest.
Joining the Gym
On joining a gym, you should ensure regular attendance. After all, classes are expensive and you wouldn’t want to waste your hard earned money. Besides by joining, you can get better at climbing through practice and repetition.