Can I put my gym equipment outside?
Can Gym Equipment Be Left Outside? - Fitness Town
When you decide to build a home gym, the first step is finding an area that can accommodate your new equipment. Your spare room might be your first choice, but what if you dont want to give up that space?
As you start looking into alternative solutions, you ask yourself, Can I leave my gym equipment outside?
Maybe you have an open garage, a covered patio, or a fenced backyard that would be perfect for your fitness centre.
Short answer? Its possible. Some gym equipment can withstand all types of weather because of the material its made from. While others will need the proper precautions in place to handle the elements.
In this article, well take a look at
- The pros and cons of leaving fitness equipment outside
- Maintenance tips to increase the longevity of your outdoor gym equipment
- Strength, cardio, and functional fitness pieces that you can enjoy outdoors
So that by the end, you can answer for yourself if your gym equipment can be left outside.
Pros of Leaving Gym Equipment Outside
Theres More Space
Its important to have a dedicated space where you can work towards your health and fitness goals. Wherever you set up your home gym acts as a visual reminder of what youre trying to achieve. But if you cant afford to give up any free space inside your home or apartment, storing gym equipment outdoors is a great option.
Carving out a corner in your garage, on your patio, or even in your yard allows you to build and expand your home gym, without sacrificing precious square footage. And leaving equipment outside also means you have more space for functional exercises, like Olympic lifting, overhead presses, and walking lunges.
Increased Convenience
Lacking space for an indoor home gym can also mean you are constantly moving equipment from room to room when its time to work out. While this takes minimal effort for pieces with transportation-friendly designs, like the Keiser Mi3 Spin Bike, heavy or bulky equipment thats not as easy to move can discourage you from exercising.
Leaving your gym equipment outdoors means everything is set up and ready to use when its time to train. This added convenience allows you to save all your energy for where it counts: getting your sweat on.
Encourages Outdoor Exercise
When you set up your gym equipment in the great outdoors, you get a change of scenery, a breath of fresh air, and loads of other health benefits. Not only do you get all the physical benefits of indoor exercise (improved blood flow, cardiovascular and muscular endurance), but research shows that exercising outdoors can also boost your mood and provide significant mental health improvements. [1]
Plus, you get a healthy dose of Vitamin D from the suns rays which improve bone health and release serotonin, your bodys happy chemical. [2]
Cons of Leaving Gym Equipment Outside
Damage to Equipment
One of the biggest concerns about leaving gym equipment outside is if it will get damaged. Without proper cover and care, its a possibility.
The weather can wreak havoc on uncovered and poorly maintained fitness equipment. Rain, snow, and humidity can cause iron, steel, and mechanical components to rust and corrode. And plastic or rubber equipment left in the harsh sun can become brittle and crack over time. Keep in mind that even if you keep your home gym covered, like under a patio or carport, a windy day can cause rain to splatter on your equipment and result in damage.
Seasonal Changes
Even though outdoor fitness has many benefits, it might not be possible in every season. Winter and spring in Vancouver are notoriously rainy. In fact, this city gets so much rain that its earned the nickname Raincouver.
This incessant rain can cause damage to gym equipment thats left outside, especially strength training and cardio machines. To increase the longevity of your pieces, consider an alternative storage location during months with heavy rainfall.
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Increased Maintenance Requirements
Another drawback of leaving your gym equipment outside is the extra time you have to spend on maintenance. Indoors, the only thing you have to protect your equipment from is sweat. Outdoors, even on days it doesnt rain, the humidity in the air or the dew on the ground can cause certain materials to rust without proper care.
Types of Gym Equipment That Can Be Used Outside
With planning, you can enjoy almost every piece of gym equipment outside. Even if its not built to withstand nature, transportation features like wheels and folding designs make it easy to work out wherever you want.
Below is a list of cardio, strength, and functional training pieces that are suitable for indoor and outdoor fitness.
Cardio Equipment
- Hoist® Lemond® Series Elite Cycle Bike:
- LifeSpan E5i Elliptical Trainer:
Concept2 RowErg Rowing Machine:
The powder-coated frame and stainless-steel track hold up against sweat and light moisture. Just be sure to wipe it down when youre done! The Concept 2 is light, portable, and disassembles into two pieces for easy outdoor storage.
Strength Training Equipment
Functional Training Equipment
Maintaining Gym Equipment Thats Left Outside
Fitness equipment that is left outside will need regular maintenance to function properly. This includes cleaning, oiling, and removing rust whenever its present on free-weight pieces, and special lubrication and cleaning of mechanical equipment, like treadmills and rowers. Fitness Town carries products designed to help you prolong the life of your equipment, like the WaterRower Cleaning Kit and LifeSpan Fitness Treadmill Belt Lubricant.
But even when equipment is meticulously maintained, it will eventually need serviced or repaired to return it to like-new condition. Fitness Town offers Western Canadas largest and most experienced in-house service department for your equipment maintenance needs. Fill out our service request form here if your gym equipment needs a little love well put you in touch with one of our expert technicians. And remember, any piece of equipment purchased from Fitness Town is eligible for a 15-50% discount on our service rates!
Final Thoughts: Choose What Works For You
Deciding to build your home gym is a big decision. You spend months picking out the right equipment, reading through buyers guides, and designing a dedicated exercise space. Its only natural that you would want to protect your purchase. Indoor or outdoor, the best home gym is the one that helps you reach your fitness goals. So, if you decide an outdoor studio is right for you, remember that there are measures you can take to preserve your gym equipment and prevent excessive wear.
If youre considering an outdoor home gym, but you still have concerns, give us a call at 1-855-417-. Well walk you through a no-pressure consultation and help you find the right pieces for your goals.
Can You Store Gym Equipment Outside & How to Protect It.
Let me set the scene. A Backyard adorned with lush greenery, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves, and in the centre of it all, a collection of gleaming home gym equipment. Its the dreamy scene of an outdoor workout paradise. But before you embark on your journey to creating the ultimate fitness space, lets address some burning questions. Can you store gym equipment outside? Will your gym gear succumb to the clutches of rust in your garage? Is a home gym under the open sky a feasible venture? And for the love of fitness, can you really leave a weight bench to the elements?
Can I Leave Exercise Equipment Outside?
The short answer is, yes. However, while the allure of a garden gym setup is undeniable, exposure to the elements can be like a double edged sword. Cardio equipment like stationary bikes and treadmills might tolerate the outdoors better than their bulkier counterparts. However, equipment like dumbbells and yoga mats are best kept in a sheltered environment. Lets face it, nobody wants to do the downward dog on a soggy mat!
Will Gym Equipment Rust in a Garage?
Ah! The classic garage conundrum. Its a haven for all things I might need this one day, from old magazines to that mystery box of cables. But can your gym equipment coexist with the clutter without turning into a rusty mess? Heres the scoop; garages can be damp and prone to temperature fluctuations, which can spell disaster for metal equipment. However, if youre willing to put in a bit of effort; think occasional wipe downs, a dehumidifier, and a little TLC, you might just turn your garage into a gym friendly sanctuary.
Can You Set Up a Home Gym Outdoors?
The allure of vitamin D and fresh air while pumping iron is undeniable. Creating an outdoor gym can be as exhilarating as a HIIT workout itself. Just imagine the thrill of doing pull ups while birds sing your motivational anthem! But, and theres always a but, outdoor setups demand more maintenance. Rain, sun, squirrels (yes, squirrels), and an occasional impromptu rain dance from a local bird can all leave their mark. So, if youre willing to trade the pristine environment of a commercial gym for a touch of adventure and a smidge of uncertainty, go ahead and take your dumbbells outside.
What about Leaving My Weight Bench Outside?
The crown jewel of any weightlifting endeavour; the weight bench. While it might seem tempting to crown your backyard with the throne of gains, beware: weight benches are a tad more sensitive than youd think. Moisture, insects, and the unpredictable weather might decide to wreak havoc on your cherished bench. However, if youre ready to play the role of a vigilant caretaker, covering it when not in use and ensuring its shielded from the elements, you could very well be the monarch of an outdoor fitness realm.
Importance of Proper Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and functionality of gym equipment stored outdoors. Firstly, choose a suitable location that offers some shelter from the elements, like a covered patio or a shed, to minimise direct exposure to rain and sunlight. Regularly clean the equipment using mild soapy water to remove dirt, sweat, and debris that can cause corrosion or damage. Applying a protective coating, such as a rust resistant spray, can further shield the equipment from moisture. Utilise waterproof covers designed for each specific piece of equipment to provide an extra layer of protection when not in use. Lubricate moving parts like hinges, pulleys, and joints to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. Lastly, conduct routine inspections to identify any signs of wear, addressing any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration
Final words; In the grand saga of storing gym equipment outside, theres no one-size-fits-all answer. Each piece of equipment comes with its own set of requirements and demands. So, before you send your treadmill on an outdoor escapade, consider the element-exposure game its about to play. While an outdoor gym has a charm thats hard to resist, its essential to weigh the allure against the potential rust, wear, and tear.
Remember, just like a diligent workout routine, maintaining outdoor gym equipment requires commitment. Whether its the charm of a garden gym or the familiarity of an indoor setup, the choice is yours. So, as you ponder the merits of an outdoor workout paradise, remember this fitness goals, like the weather, can be unpredictable. But with a sprinkle of dedication, you might just create the workout haven of your dreams, right in your very own backyard.
Discover here, how to properly look after your weights!
Are you interested in learning more about Outdoor Fitness Equipment? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!