“Americans have changed the way they exercise,” says CNN.

The way people work out is evolving. From running clubs and outdoor boot camps to wellness retreats and pop-up strength training zones – outdoor fitness activities are at an all-time high. 

In fact, exercising outside was the #1 fitness trend of 2021, and the demand for open-air workouts, functional training spaces, and nature-infused movement hasn’t slowed down since: ⬇️

• Pickleball reached 8.9 million players in 2023,
• Outdoor walking is now considered an essential part of fitness by 52% of people.
• 39% of consumers see outdoor exercise as crucial for their mental well-being.
• 43% of consumers believe that community plays a key role in their wellness experiences.

People are craving fitness experiences that connect them with nature—whether it’s walking, sports, or wellness retreats. The gym of the future is evolving into a space where community and functional movement take center stage.

According to IHRSA, fitness clubs are shifting away from cramming in as much equipment as possible. Instead, they’re prioritizing open spaces and even dedicated workout pods, where small group training participants have their own gear—eliminating the need to share.

Big-name gyms and fitness companies are already leading the way. Equinox, for instance, has expanded its outdoor fitness offerings with Equinox+ In The Wild, fully outdoor gym spaces designed for open-air training.

Pure Barre is offering classes in Central Park and Navy Pier, Physique 57 in Battery Park, and SoulCycle, which hosts outdoor spin sessions in Hudson Yards and the Hamptons. Meanwhile, companies like Evryman and Junto host men’s retreats in places like Joshua Tree and Costa Rica, where workouts are combined with hikes, meditations, and community-building activities. 

Apple Fitness+ has even leaned into the walking trend with its “Time to Walk” feature, offering audio-guided walks narrated by celebrities.

“The gym of the future is open, with more and more room for community and connection.” – DISRUPT 2023, presented by Athletech News.

The opportunity is clear: as consumer demand for wellness experiences grows, outdoor fitness becomes a natural extension of your facility’s services. 

Good thing you don’t need a massive outdoor space or a huge budget to make it work. With the right outdoor equipment and setup, outdoor zones can be used in all seasons, offering new programming opportunities. This blog will walk you through the top outdoor fitness equipment —so you can create the ultimate outdoor training experience for your members. 🚀

The 10 Best Outdoor Fitness Equipment for 2025

1. Multi-Use Functional Training Stations

Why It’s a Must-Have:

A quick look at Google Trends shows that interest in functional fitness continues to grow year after year, and it’s expected to be a major fitness trend in 2025.

Functional fitness is on the rise—and it’s easy to see why. It delivers real, practical results that members can feel and see. These stations make it easy for gyms to offer versatile, full-body workouts in one compact space while also providing a great way to keep members engaged.

Having a multi-use functional training station in your gym is a smart way to give your members more variety in their workouts, and it makes the most out of your space without breaking the bank.

IHRSA reports that more fitness facility owners see functional training zones as a must-have for modern gyms.

“These days, having a functional training space isn’t just a nice addition—it’s a must,” says Justin Honas, director of procurement and design at Active Wellness. “We’ve seen that creating open areas with the right training tools and storage makes a huge difference in how members engage with the space.”

Plus, versatility = more engagement. Members love equipment that offers endless workout possibilities, keeping them motivated and preventing training plateaus. Whether it’s a small gym or a large fitness facility, installing a weather-resistant, multi-functional station ensures your outdoor space stays busy year-round.

• Best For:
  • Strength training
  • Calisthenics and bodyweight exercises
  • High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
  • Functional fitness and obstacle course-style workouts

Example:

Gold’s Gym in Thousand Oaks jumped on this growing demand by expanding its facility to include a new outdoor fitness area, a turf zone for functional training, and the latest equipment from Life Fitness and Freemotion.

Brian Morris, senior VP at Gold’s Gym SoCal, mentioned that they’re seeing a surge in interest in open workout spaces. As a result, future renovations might turn underused areas like pools into open functional training zones.

2. Battle Ropes with Outdoor Anchors

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Battle ropes instantly add an element of power and intensity to any outdoor workout. This simple yet powerful outdoor equipment provides a low-impact, high-intensity workout that challenges both cardiovascular and muscular endurance. 

For your gym, battle ropes are a small investment with a big impact—they take up minimal space, can be used indoors and outdoors, and add instant versatility to any workout area. 

Another huge plus? They’re low maintenance and easy to install. With a secure anchor point, you can set up a battle rope station anywhere in your outdoor space. These outdoor fitness equipment can be incorporated into HIIT classes, strength training, or even warm-ups and cooldowns.

Best For:

• HIIT and metabolic conditioning
• Full-body strength training
• Group workouts and personal training
• Functional training for athletes

Example:

Many Equinox locations have incorporated battle rope stations into their outdoor training zones, allowing members to integrate explosive movements into their workouts. Similarly, Life Time Fitness locations in multiple states have introduced battle rope circuits as part of their outdoor fitness classes.

3. Outdoor Pull-Up & Dip Bars

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Simple, effective, and scalable—pull-up and dip bars are some of the most utilized pieces of outdoor fitness equipment for a reason. They allow for full-body strength training, improving upper-body and core endurance. 

These stations cater to all fitness levels, as beginners can use resistance bands for assistance while advanced users can perform weighted or high-volume reps.

“We’ve found that creating open space with proper functional training tools and storage—it’s a must!”

– Justin Honas, director of procurement and design for Active Wellness.

Pull-up and dip bars also help gyms attract calisthenics enthusiasts and functional fitness fans, offering a minimalist, effective way to train. Plus, they encourage outdoor social workouts, boosting member engagement and community-building.

Best For:

• Upper-body strength & endurance
• Calisthenics & bodyweight training
• Functional fitness workouts
• Small-group & personal training

Example:

Street Workout parks in major cities like New York and Los Angeles have proven how popular pull-up and dip bars are for outdoor training. Gyms that install these  outdoor fitness equipment tap into the growing demand for functional, minimalist strength workouts.

4. Plyometric Boxes

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Plyometric boxes are perfect for explosive power training and functional fitness. These versatile outdoor equipment are ideal for jump training, step-ups, box squats, and burpee variations, giving members an effective way to increase strength and coordination while improving speed and agility.

They’re compact, lightweight, and durable, making them perfect for outdoor fitness spaces. Whether used for personal training or group workout sessions, plyometric boxes offer a great way to keep your members engaged and challenge their fitness limits.

Best For:

• Plyometric training
• Speed and agility drills
• Functional fitness
• High-intensity group training

5. Outdoor Rowing Machines

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Rowing machines provide a full-body, low-impact workout that engages the legs, core, and upper body, making them a great addition to any outdoor fitness space.

Outdoor rowing machines are weatherproof and built for durability, making them ideal for open-air training zones. Whether used for individual workouts or incorporated into boot camps and HIIT classes, they add diversity to your outdoor offerings and help members build power and endurance in a way that’s easy on the joints.

Best For:

• Low-impact, full-body conditioning
• Cardiovascular endurance training
• HIIT and circuit-style workouts
• Functional fitness programs

Example:

Gold’s Gym Venice has introduced outdoor rowing machines as part of its open-air workout space, giving members a unique  outdoor fitness equipment option that blends strength and endurance training.

6. Multi-Functional Outdoor Training Rig

Why It’s a Must-Have:
If you want to maximize your outdoor space, a multi-functional training rig is the ultimate investment. These setups offer pull-up bars, dip stations, squat racks, monkey bars, and suspension training anchors—all in one unit.

Outdoor rigs let members perform calisthenics, strength training, and functional movements in an open-air setting. They create a dedicated training zone for group workouts, personal training, and self-guided sessions, making them a high-value addition to any fitness facility.

Best For:

• Strength, functional, and calisthenics training
• Group and circuit-based workouts
• Maximizing limited outdoor space
• Multi-use training zones for members of all fitness levels

Example:

Equinox and boutique training facilities integrate outdoor rigs to offer members a premium open-air strength and conditioning experience.

7. Parallel Bars

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Parallel bars are a staple for bodyweight and calisthenics training, offering unmatched versatility for upper body and core workouts. They enable dips, L-sits, push-ups, and dynamic gymnastic movements, helping members develop upper body strength, stability, and mobility.

These  outdoor fitness equipment are also an excellent option for progressive bodyweight training, allowing both beginners and advanced athletes to modify exercises based on their fitness levels. Since they require minimal space and maintenance, they’re a cost-effective addition to any outdoor fitness setup.

Best For:

• Strength and calisthenics training
• Upper body and core development
• Gymnastics and functional fitness workouts
• Members of all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes

Example:

Street workout parks in major cities use parallel bars to create engaging outdoor fitness zones, while gyms like Gold’s Gym and local CrossFit affiliates incorporate them into outdoor training programs for versatile bodyweight workouts.

8. Outdoor Kettlebells & Dumbbells

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Free weights remain one of the most effective strength training tools, and having a dedicated outdoor dumbbell and kettlebell station allows for seamless strength workouts in an open-air setting. Unlike machines, kettlebells and dumbbells support functional movement patterns, grip strength, and power training, making them ideal for all fitness levels.

“There’s always demand for kettlebell workouts, so we’re designing layouts with dedicated open zones for these exercises,” says architect Daniel Allen, who specializes in gym design.

Outdoor-friendly weights are designed with weather-resistant coatings, ensuring they withstand the elements while maintaining durability. Plus, they can be easily incorporated into HIIT sessions, strength circuits, and individual training.

Best For:

• Strength and muscle endurance
• Functional and power training
• Personal and small-group training
• HIIT and circuit-based workouts

Example:
Onnit Gym’s outdoor training programs frequently incorporate kettlebell circuits, showing how dynamic strength training in an outdoor setting can increase engagement and challenge members in new ways.

9. Sleds & Prowlers

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Prowler sleds are a game-changer for functional strength, speed, and conditioning training. They offer a total-body challenge by engaging the legs, core, and upper body, making them excellent for power development, sprint training, and metabolic conditioning.
Unlike traditional weight machines, sleds allow progressive resistance training that mirrors real-world movement patterns. These outdoor fitness equipment easy to use for all levels—members can push, pull, or drag sleds to build strength, endurance, and acceleration.

Best For:

• Power and explosive strength training
• Athletic performance and speed development
• Conditioning and endurance workouts
• Versatile, functional fitness training

Example:
Many CrossFit gyms and performance training centers use sleds to help athletes develop raw power and improve cardiovascular conditioning.

10. Outdoor Suspension Training (TRX or Similar)

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Suspension training (like TRX) offers a full-body, scalable workout that can be adjusted for any fitness level. By leveraging bodyweight resistance, members can improve strength, stability, and mobility, making it perfect for personal training, group classes, and individual workouts.

“TRX and many of our signature products were designed for non-traditional and outdoor spaces,” says Mark Livingston, VP of Commercial Sales at TRX. “This outdoor-first approach is part of our DNA and has been embraced by thousands worldwide.”

The weather-resistant build of outdoor suspension trainers means they can be anchored to existing structures or outdoor rigs, maximizing the use of available space. Plus, they engage core muscles in nearly every movement, making them an excellent outdoor fitness equipment for functional training.

Best For:

• Full-body strength and mobility
• Core stability and functional fitness
• Personal and group training sessions
• Low-impact strength training for all fitness levels

Example:
TRX Training Centers and high-end gyms like Life Time incorporate outdoor TRX workouts to give members a challenging group fitness option.

Bringing the Outdoors to Your Gym—The Time is Now

The future of fitness isn’t just inside four walls—it’s out in the open. With outdoor workouts gaining momentum, there’s never been a better time to invest in outdoor training spaces. Whether you start small with a few key pieces or go all in on a full outdoor setup, your members will love the fresh air, variety, and fun these options bring.

If you’re ready to add outdoor fitness to your facility but aren’t sure where to start, here’s your action plan:

1. Scope Out Your Space – Got a parking lot, rooftop, or unused outdoor area? Even a small setup can make a big impact.
2. Pick Multi-Use Equipment – Think pull-up bars, battle ropes, and resistance stations—gear that’s durable, versatile, and built for all fitness levels.
3. Test the Waters with Outdoor Classes – Start with boot camps, HIIT circuits, or bodyweight training to see what clicks with your members.
4. Market It Like a Pro – Hype it up on social media, offer free trial sessions, and get your trainers involved.
5. Plan for the Long Haul – Invest in weatherproof equipment, set a maintenance schedule, and ensure proper safety measures.

These steps will help you offer an exciting new experience for your members, up your gym’s appeal, and future-proof your business.