Outdoor gym planning

How To Build an Obstacle Course for Adults

Man jumping over hurdles on an obstacle course in the woods

Commercial outdoor obstacle courses for adults

Creating an outdoor commercial obstacle course isn't just about throwing together a bunch of physical challenges. It involves careful planning to ensure the exercises offered provide the most opportunity for achieving fitness goals.

Here are some key factors to consider:

Location: Choose a suitable area for the obstacle course that is easily accessible and offers enough space for the layout.
Layout and Design: Thoughtfully plan how the obstacles will be arranged to provide a challenging yet safe experience for users.
Materials and Equipment: Select high-quality materials and appropriate equipment to withstand outdoor conditions and ensure user safety.

Designing and constructing an outdoor obstacle course tailored for adults requires meticulous planning to guarantee its effectiveness and usage. The process involves evaluating the location, designing the layout, selecting materials and equipment, and considering the associated costs.

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What is an obstacle course?

Obstacle courses vary in their dimensions and complexity. Regardless of their scale, they typically comprise a range of physically demanding exercises. These exercises may include running, jumping, balancing, and sometimes even swimming components, tailored to suit the difficulty level and intended participants. The fundamental concept involves combining elements for traversing over, under, balancing upon, and climbing. Obstacle courses offer an fun way to test one's speed, agility, and stamina.

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man jumping over hurdles on an outdoor obstacle course

Location scouting for your obstacle course

When deciding on the location for your obstacle course, it's essential to consider the scale of your project. Are you planning for a competitive course, a large-scale one like those seen on Australian Ninja Warrior, or a smaller one suitable for community parks? Regardless of the size, ensuring clear access routes to and from the area will greatly enhance the chances of success for your site.

Another aspect to think about is whether the obstacle course equipment will be installed indoors or outdoors. While safety and user support are crucial for all equipment, indoor courses offer protection from the elements and may not require weatherproofing. However, most obstacle course equipment is designed for outdoor use due to its size. Therefore, it's vital to ensure that the equipment you choose can withstand various weather conditions. KOMPAN fitness equipment, for example, is constructed using durable materials built to endure extreme climates, whether you're setting up a course in Antarctica or the harsh Australian desert.

Planning and designing

Before you dive into planning your obstacle course, it's crucial to brainstorm layout and design possibilities, as well as consider the types of exercises you want to include. Here are some ideas for outdoor obstacle courses suitable for commercial use:

Incorporate a range of activities, such as:
Make sure the course has a clear start and finish line for participants to follow.
Consider including an outdoor gym timer, which can add a competitive edge for those who enjoy challenges.
Take inspiration from the natural environment surrounding the course.
Ensure that the course offers scalable difficulty levels to accommodate people of various ages and abilities.

Choosing the right elements for your course

Firstly, it's essential to identify who the equipment is for. A fitness site catering to professional athletes will require different obstacle course components compared to an active ageing site tailored for older adults. Tailor your design to suit your users, taking into account their specific goals and how the obstacle course equipment can assist them in reaching these objectives.

For instance, if you're creating an obstacle course for adults in their 20s aiming to enhance overall strength, opt for equipment that facilitates compound movements, such as vertical walls and hurdles. On the other hand, if you're installing outdoor exercise equipment for a retirement village focused on supporting mobility, consider incorporating balance-based obstacles, like a surface challenge.

KOMPAN offers a comprehensive range of outdoor fitness equipment, providing you with the flexibility to design a custom obstacle course that meets the unique requirements of your users or community.

man climbing a vertical net on an outdoor obstacle course

Material selection: steel or wood?

When deciding on the design and type of obstacle course equipment, our portfolio offers two main options: an urban steel look and a wooden aesthetic.

Our wooden obstacle course equipment, crafted from Robinia, boasts a close-to-maintenance-free feature and exceptional durability. Robinia is naturally resistant to outdoor elements, thanks to its natural preservatives and naturally high oil content. This ensures that the equipment remains highly resilient to heavy impacts and harsh weather conditions, making it an excellent choice for long-term outdoor use.

Similarly, our steel obstacle course equipment is constructed from hardwearing materials, designed to endure the challenges of time and severe climates. Whether it's extreme temperatures or adverse weather conditions, our outdoor obstacle courses for adults are built to stand the test of time while maintaining their functionality and appearance.

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The physical benefits of an obstacle course

Strength

The diverse range of obstacle course equipment ensures that participants receive a comprehensive full-body workout by the end of the activity. The compound movements necessary to navigate obstacles like rope walls and jump pods offer an excellent means to enhance overall strength.

Endurance

Outdoor obstacle course equipment presents a prime opportunity for users to build their endurance levels. Negotiating the array of challenges throughout the course demands both physical and mental stamina, making it an exceptionally rewarding experience. Additionally, varying climates introduce an extra layer of challenge, from chilly winds to scorching sunshine. Purposefully crafted to push users beyond their limits, obstacle courses can serve as a powerful tool for individuals to discover and surpass their endurance thresholds.

Agility

One of the thrilling aspects of an obstacle course is the element of surprise; participants seldom anticipate what lies ahead. With obstacle course components ranging from hurdles to overhead ladders, users are constantly challenged to think on their feet. This dynamic nature not only enhances physical prowess but also cultivates mental agility. As agility develops, users become adept at efficiently tackling challenges, both within and outside the confines of the obstacle course.

The cognitive benefits of an obstacle course

Confidence

Extensive research has delved into the relationship between exercise and confidence, consistently demonstrating that physical activity often results in increased self-esteem. Obstacle course equipment provides an engaging workout that motivates users to push their physical and mental limits, fostering a sense of accomplishment as challenges are conquered. As individuals advance in their fitness journey, they're likely to navigate obstacle courses with greater speed and efficiency, resulting in a notable confidence boost.

Problem-Solving

Obstacle courses captivate participants by presenting various solutions to each challenge. The ambiguity of certain course elements encourages users to take a creative approach and hone their problem-solving skills.

SOCIAL BENEFITS

Team building

Outdoor obstacle course equipment presents enjoyable and dynamic opportunities for group exercise. A notable aspect of obstacle courses is the diverse array of challenges they offer; while one participant may be leaping over hurdles, another might be navigating a balance beam. Depending on individual abilities, participants may require assistance from fellow members to conquer specific obstacles. Tackling obstacle course challenges as a group fosters teamwork and a sense of community, whether among friends, colleagues, or even strangers. Obstacle courses can also stimulate healthy competition among peers, particularly with the inclusion of additional equipment like an outdoor gym timer.

Frequently asked questions

How long does obstacle course take to build?

If you're interested in delving into the timeline and best practices for constructing an obstacle course, don't hesitate to reach out to the KOMPAN Australia sales office. We're always ready to assist you with any inquiries or guidance you may need.

How long should an obstacle course be?

As a general rule, the primary consideration in designing your obstacle course is the selection of equipment. However, given the variety of activities involved, it's essential to ensure you have sufficient space for constructing your obstacle course, including fall zones and appropriate space for surrounding landscaping. Your local KOMPAN sales representative can assist you with these technical considerations.

Is obstacle course equipment safe?

Yes, all our obstacle course equipment complies with Australia safety standards, ensuring it is safe for public use. Public exercise equipment must adhere to rigorous safety regulations and standards to guarantee user safety and peace of mind, KOMPAN strictly align with these rules for every project.

What is the cost of an obstacle course?

Numerous factors contribute to the planning and construction of an obstacle course, making it challenging to provide an exact cost estimate. If you're interested in understanding the costs associated with building a fitness site in general, we recommend checking out our blog post titled "How much does it cost to build a fitness site?"