Calisthenics is an increasingly popular form of training based on the use of your own body weight. Along with this trend, the number of calisthenics parks – outdoor spaces that allow free and effective exercise – is growing. In this article, we will take a closer look at the phenomenon of calisthenic parks, as well as the benefits of exercise they enable.
We will also pay attention to the aspect of safety, which in the case of a place such as the Calisthenic Park is of great importance.
What is calisthenics?
Calisthenics, derived from the Greek words “kallos” (beauty) and “sthenos” (strength), is a form of exercise that focuses on the use of your own body weight. Rather than relying on exercise equipment or weights, calisthenics uses the body’s natural resistance to develop strength, flexibility, agility, and endurance. Calisthenics exercises, such as push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and crunches, are not only available to everyone, but also extremely effective in building muscles, improving posture, sculpting the desired figure and increasing the overall physical condition. In our country, the term “calisthenic park” is not yet very popular, but in the minds of people exercising outdoors, there are simply “outdoor gyms”.
Calisthenic parks – growing in popularity
In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the popularity of calisthenic parks. These purpose-built outdoor spaces are equipped with various types of equipment such as pull-up bars, handrails and jumping platforms that allow you to perform a wide range of calisthenic exercises. Calisthenics parks are becoming more and more popular not only because of their accessibility and low cost, but also because of the social aspect of outdoor training, which attracts both beginners and experienced enthusiasts of various types of physical exercise.
Of great importance is also the increase in popularity and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, which is extremely important in today’s times and everyday running. Calisthenics parks allow you to exercise at any time, which is a convenience for people who lack time or the ability to adjust the desired time to the opening hours of the gym. Street Workout is free, which makes it even more popular.
Security and certification
Certification is a key element in the process of creating calisthenic parks, guaranteeing their safety and durability. One of the most recognised certificates in this field is the TÜV Technischer Überwachungsverein) certificate – a German organisation dealing with inspection and certification in the field of technical safety and quality.
The TÜV certificate for calisthenic parks is proof that a given park meets strict safety and quality standards. The certification process involves a series of tests and inspections to ensure that the equipment is safe to use, durable and weatherproof. These tests include the assessment of the strength of materials, the stability of the structure, as well as the safety of use – for example, whether there are any sharp edges in individual elements that could cause injury.
The safety and durability of calisthenics equipment is critical to ensuring a positive experience for calisthenic park users. Safe equipment minimises the risk of injury during exercise, and its durability guarantees that the park will serve users for many years. Therefore, certification such as TÜV is very important. It gives users confidence that they are using safe and solid exercise equipment.
Calisthenic parks – types
Calisthenics parks differ in size, the amount of available equipment and the training opportunities they offer. There are three main types of calisthenic parks: compact parks, medium-sized parks, and large, multi-functional calisthenic parks.
Calisthenic compact parks
This is the smallest calisthenic park available. They usually consist of a few basic devices, such as pull-up bars, dip bars or jumping platforms. They are ideal for installation in small spaces such as small city parks, backyards or even private gardens. They offer the opportunity to perform many basic calisthenic exercises and are an excellent choice for beginner enthusiasts of this form of activity.
Medium sized parks
Mid-size parks are more elaborate training spaces that offer a wider range of calisthenics equipment. In addition to the basic devices, such as bars or handrails, they can contain additional elements, such as climbing walls, gymnastic rings or balance training stations. Medium size parks are perfect for people who want to vary their training and try different calisthenic exercises.
Multifunctional outdoor gyms
Large multi-purpose calisthenic parks are the most advanced spaces for calisthenics training. They contain a wide range of equipment and are designed to meet the highest safety requirements. Large calisthenics parks are suitable for users of all ages and levels – from beginners to intermediate to experienced athletes. The multifunctionality of these parks allows for a variety of workouts, from basic calisthenics, through strength training, to advanced acrobatic exercises.
Outdoor gyms – exemplary exercises
Calisthenics parks offer a wide range of exercises that can be done using various elements and equipment available on site. Below are some examples of exercises that can be done in a calisthenic park:
• Push-ups: This is a basic exercise that can be done almost anywhere. In a calisthenics park, various elements can be used to vary the angle and intensity of the exercise, for example, by doing push-ups on parallel bars or on raised platforms;
• Sit-ups: calisthenics parks are often equipped with special devices to train the abdominal muscles, but you can also confidently perform sit-ups on any flat surface;
• Inverted rowing: This is an exercise that can be done on a pull-up bar that is set at a low height. It involves pulling your own body up while your feet are on the ground;
• Push-ups on the bars, also called dips – triceps and chest exercise that can be done on the bars,
• Pull-ups: one of the most classic calisthenic exercises that can be done on a pull-up bar.
Although calisthenics parks offer plenty of exercise opportunities, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Each exercise should be adapted to the level of physical condition of the exercising person. Always start with exercise at a level that you are comfortable with, then gradually increase the intensity and difficulty of your exercise. It is also a good idea to warm up before starting your workout to prepare your muscles and joints for the effort.
Keep in mind that correct technique is critical to exercise efficiency and injury prevention. If you are not sure how to perform an exercise correctly, it is worth consulting a trainer or looking for information in trusted sources.
Calisthenic parks (outdoor gyms) – design
Designing calisthenic parks is a process that requires consideration of many factors, such as available space, user expectations, and budget. There are various models and configurations of calisthenic parks available on the market, which can be tailored to individual needs and requirements.
The basic element of the calisthenic park are the pull-up bars. However, depending on the model and configuration, parkas may also include other elements. These include dip rails, jumping platforms, gymnastic rings, climbing walls and even balance training stations. Some calisthenic parks are designed with specific groups of users in mind. For example, they may include devices adapted to the elderly, children, or people with disabilities.
Outdoor gyms can be installed in various public spaces. They are most often found in city parks, where they are a perfect complement to traditional walking and cycling paths. But that’s not the only place they can be placed.
Beaches are another popular spot, especially in tourist destinations, where calisthenic parks can attract active vacationers. University campuses are also a place where calisthenic parks are increasingly being installed as part of the sports infrastructure available to students. Finally, outdoor gyms can also be located in housing estates, as part of the recreational infrastructure available to residents.
Designing a calisthenic park is not only a matter of choosing the right equipment, but also of their arrangement in space. It is important to ensure that there is sufficient space between the devices. This will allow for safe use of the park, as well as taking into account the need for a possible extension of the park in the future.
What are elements in calisthenic parks made of?
The materials used play a key role in the design of calisthenic parks, also known as street workout parks or outdoor gyms. Among them, steel pipes are one of the most commonly used materials due to their strength and weather resistance.
Steel is a material with high mechanical strength, which is essential for calisthenics equipment that has to support the weight of the users. Steel pipes are often galvanized, i.e. coated with a layer of zinc, which provides additional corrosion protection. Thanks to this, steel street workout equipment is not only durable, but also safe for users.
An example of such equipment is the Street Workout park, available here. It consists of various elements, such as pull-up bars, dip rails or jumping platforms. All elements are made of steel. As a result, the park is not only durable, but also resistant to various weather conditions, which guarantees its long-term use.
In conclusion, steel tubes are a key element in the design of street workout parks. Their durability and resistance to weather conditions make them an ideal material for building durable and safe calisthenics equipment.
Summary
Calisthenics parks or, if you prefer, outdoor gyms, are an increasingly popular form of outdoor activity. It is available to people of all ages and skill levels. From compact parks perfect for basic exercise to large multi-purpose training spaces, calisthenic parks offer a wide range of exercise options. The safety and durability of these parks is guaranteed by certifications, and the variety of available exercises makes the training both effective and interesting. Whether you are a beginner fitness enthusiast or a seasoned athlete, calisthenic parks will help you achieve your goals.
