Outdoor Training Guidelines

Getting people outdoors for workouts in the warm weather can be a great way to maximise season attendance in the summer months of longer, warmer days. The seasons, weather and light will always be your biggest factor for outdoor training attendance – so set up a culture for these conditions, like ‘If it’s raining, we’re still training’ or Terms and Conditions that are well communicated and known by your members and stakeholders. Ensure the safety and wellbeing of your participants and the public, is always your first concern.

Equipment storage, transport, maintenance, set up and use is also part of your planning, time considerations and safety.

Resources

Outdoor Training Guidelines

Work Health Safety Guidelines for Fitness

Note: This is also a great way to apply for your local council recreational permit, attach the last 3 pages to demonstrate your Risk Assessment Skills and professionalism in delivering outdoor fitness programs.

Outdoor Training Equipment

The array of available outdoor training equipment also gives you an enormous variety, creativity with space, class types, exercise selection and a vibrancy that only the outdoors can provide, making outdoor training great for member engagement.

Boot Camps

Boot camps are portable by nature and the equipment you choose needs to reflect this. Use equipment that is simple, lightweight and versatile. As an instructor you can educate your clients with bodyweight exercises, park exercise stations and solid/stable ledges and benches that are functional and fun. Try combinations of star jumps, box jumps, push-ups, planks, squats, broad jumps, lunges, sprints, running laps and partner work.

We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing

Outdoor Training Equipment Ideas

• Cones and markers
• Agility ladders
• Jump ropes
• Floor mats
• ViPRs
• Fitballs
• Kettlebells
• Sandbags
• Battle ropes
• Resistance bands
• Suspension straps
• Medicine and slam balls.

Further References

To ensure your exercise prescription and safety of your participants, refer to the Exercise Guidelines for all targeted population groups and when using exercise methods and equipment. Source: Fitness Australia, 2019 e, f.

Also, refer to the SunSmart UV Exposure and Heat Illness Guide Source: Sunsmart, 2019.