Summary: Fitness court is an outdoor gym that provides a full-body workout with no expense or membership fees. It is a great option for individuals who want to incorporate exercise into their daily routines and lead a healthy life.
1. What is a fitness court?
Fitness court is an outdoor gym that offers a complete workout. It was first introduced in 2012 by the National Fitness Campaign, a nonprofit organization that aims to promote wellness and inspire local communities to live an active lifestyle. Fitness courts are free to use and typically feature seven stations that target various muscle groups in the body. Each station has a QR code that can be scanned, providing users with access to step-by-step instructions on how to perform each exercise safely and effectively.
The fitness court design incorporates elements of circuit training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and bodyweight exercises that use functional movements such as jumping, running, and lunging. As a result, users get a full-body workout that is tailored to their fitness levels. Fitness courts provide a fun and challenging way to exercise while enjoying the outdoors.
One of the advantages of a fitness court is that it is easily accessible. There are over 120 fitness courts across the United States, and many more are being installed. Fitness courts do not require any special equipment or gear, making them a great option for individuals who do not want to invest in a gym membership or break the bank purchasing home gym equipment. With fitness courts, anyone can get a free and effective full-body workout.
2. Benefits of using a fitness court
Using a fitness court comes with numerous benefits. For starters, fitness courts help improve overall health and fitness levels. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. A full-body workout, such as the one provided by fitness courts, helps increase muscle strength, improve the cardiovascular system, and promote fat loss.
Fitness courts are also highly versatile. They allow users to customize their workouts by adjusting the intensity and duration of each exercise. Additionally, fitness courts offer options for both individual and group workouts. They are a great place to meet new people and socialize while staying active. This is especially important as socialization is often overlooked in promoting overall well-being.
Another significant advantage of using a fitness court is that it can help reduce stress levels. Exercise has been proven to release endorphins, which are hormones that promote feelings of happiness and relaxation. Outdoor exercise amidst nature is also known to have mental health benefits as being in nature can help reduce negative thoughts and improve mood.
3. Who can use a fitness court?
Fitness courts are designed to accommodate people of all fitness levels, and they are suited for individuals of all ages. The workouts can be modified to suit different fitness levels and abilities, making them beginner-friendly. At the same time, fitness enthusiasts can adjust their workouts to increase the intensity and challenge themselves further.
Fitness courts are ideal for people who want to incorporate exercise into their daily routines but do not have the time or money to join a gym. They are also a great option for athletes looking to supplement their training with additional workouts, especially during the offseason.
Individuals with health conditions should consider consulting with their doctor before starting any new exercise program, including using a fitness court. However, since the workouts can be customized to suit various fitness levels and abilities, they can be easily adapted to accommodate different health conditions.
4. How to use a fitness court
Using a fitness court is easy and straightforward. To use a fitness court, find the nearest location and check if there are any park use restrictions. Once you arrive at the fitness court, you can scan the QR codes on the stations using your mobile phone to get step-by-step instructions on how to perform each exercise safely and effectively.
Each session should last between 7 to 10 minutes, with each station requiring 45 seconds of work and a 15-second rest in between. The workout should be repeated for three rounds, making it a full-body workout lasting approximately 30 minutes. Users can adjust the intensity of the exercises based on their fitness level and health condition.
It is important to stay hydrated while using a fitness court, and users should consider carrying a water bottle. Users should also wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear when using a fitness court.
5. The future of fitness courts
Fitness courts have gained popularity as people are becoming more aware of the benefits of regular exercise. They provide an affordable, accessible, and fun way to get a full-body workout. In response to this growing trend, National Fitness Campaign plans to install over 1000 fitness courts across America by the year 2025.
In addition, advances in technology are making fitness courts even more user-friendly. With the introduction of smart fitness equipment and wearable devices, users can now track their progress on the go, monitor their daily activity levels and quantify their health data. This allows users to set fitness goals and tailor their workouts accordingly, ultimately leading to better health outcomes in the long run.
As America grapples with obesity and other chronic diseases, fitness courts represent a step in the right direction towards promoting healthy living and wellness.
Conclusion:
Fitness courts offer a practical solution to the growing concern of physical inactivity and its associated health risks. They are an affordable way to get a full-body workout, and the workouts are suitable for people of all fitness levels and ages. Fitness courts offer versatile options for individual and group workouts and are a great way to meet new people while staying active. As America’s obesity and chronic disease rates continue to rise, fitness courts represent a necessary step towards promoting healthy living and wellness.