Functional fitness has grown in popularity over the last 10-15 years with the Cross-Fit phenomenon. Functional fitness and training are very effective exercises and have numerous health benefits. This trend has made its way into the outdoor fitness space in the form of larger rig systems. These systems typically feature several bodyweight exercise stations affixed together into a larger unit, with additional exercises and movements that can be performed on the equipment. When looking at this type of equipment, a few things to consider are:
Biomechanics
Does the equipment you are looking at provide correct exercise biomechanics? The majority of equipment in this category has poor exercise biomechanics. This means your body is moving or bending in ways it is not designed to move. This can lead to exercise-related injury.
Fitness Ability Required for Users
Like bodyweight equipment, a wide range of exercises on these functional rig systems require a high level of strength and fitness ability to perform most exercises.
Additional Accessories
Some of these functional systems require additional accessories to mimic a Cross-Fit Gym, like battle ropes and medicine balls. While these items provide legitimate exercise value, they cannot be left unattended. This means your outdoor fitness area will need to be supervised or staffed, and these accessories will need to be removed and stored away at the end of each day.
PROS
- Large & impressive units
- Lots of exercise options
- Multiple users at one time
CONS
- More advanced exercises
- Can be intimidating for beginners
- Many exercises require high level of skill and strength to complete
- Higher risk of injury
Indoor Functional Fitness Equipment compared to outdoor Functional Fitness Equipment and Outdoor-Fit equipment
INDOOR EQUIPMENT
OUTDOOR FUNCTIONAL FITNESS EQUIPMENT
OUTDOOR-FIT EQUIPMENT
Functional fitness equipment in an indoor setting is most relatable to a Cross-Fit Rig System. A large modular, multi-person installation that incorporates different bodyweight exercises like pull-ups, monkey bars, rings, and various attachment areas for equipment like TRX bands and barbells. In an indoor gym, this equipment is typically used by “fitness buffs” who have substantial upper body and cardio strength.
Outdoor functional equipment is similar to indoor rig systems in terms of the modular design and the combination of bodyweight exercises. A big issue is the amount of upper body strength needed to perform these exercises, making it unusable by most people. Outdoor rig systems also include places where additional equipment can be used, like medicine balls, TRX bands, and punching bags; however, this equipment can’t be left unattended and requires storage when not in use.
While Outdoor-Fit does not make this style of equipment, it does make real outdoor fitness equipment that provides stations and exercises that can help build your strength and cardio. Someone who has not built-up their strength and cardio fitness will struggle and be unable to use this equipment style. Our multigyms can improve upper body strength, and cardio strength can be improved using the Everest Cardio Climber.