Why more colleges are taking fitness outside
Stronger campuses start outside. BeaverFit outdoor training environments give students simple ways to stay active throughout the day.
Why creating outdoor training space is your smartest move yet
Thinking about creating an outdoor training space? Whether you own a gym, run a college recreation program, manage a YMCA, or develop multifamily housing properties, creating outdoor training space might be your smartest move yet. Here are five reasons why. 1. Expand access to strength and functional training Strength and functional training have exploded in popularity over the past decade – and with that growth often comes overcrowded indoor training zones. An outdoor space gives you breathing room to accommodate more members during peak hours, offer additional class formats, and reduce wait times on high-use equipment. With weatherproof training and storage solutions, you can confidently expand your most in-demand offerings to the outdoors. 2. Meet member demand for open-air wellness The benefits of outdoor training can’t be denied. Exercising in fresh air boosts vitamin D, increases serotonin, and helps reduce stress – all motivators for a wellness-minded member. Creating an outdoor training space shows your community that you’re listening to their preferences and evolving to meet their needs. 3. Grow without costly indoor expansion Expanding your indoor footprint can mean big dollars and even bigger headaches when it comes to permits, construction and temporary closures. Outdoor space is often just sitting there, waiting to be activated. A well-designed outdoor training environment expands your offerings without adding square footage or taking on a massive renovation. 4. Maximize underutilized outdoor areas Where do you have underutilized space? Where you may see an extra parking lot or tennis court, we see a blank canvas. If your lot has ample parking, redesignating a few spots can easily accommodate an outdoor training zone. Sports courts that aren’t getting the same play they used to can be converted into custom fitness environments. If neither of these are options, don’t forget to look up. Rooftops are often the most scenic, motivating places to train – proven by forward-thinking facilities like Bay Club San Francisco, 300 Main in San Antonio, Fit Athletic in San Diego, and University of Wisconsin. 5. Create a standout, branded fitness space Your outdoor space is an extension of your brand. With custom colors, logos and layout options, your training environment is a powerful representation of your facility. Even if someone never walks through your front doors during their workout, they’ll still connect your brand with their fitness experience – and that positive association is worth its weight in bumper plates. It might be time to think outside the building – and train outside of it, too. Eager to grow, differentiate and give your members more of what they want? We’re ready when you are. Let’s get started. Bring your vision. We’ll build the rest. Contact BeaverFit Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
BeaverFit launches redesigned Shred Shed: The next evolution in outdoor training
The leaders in outdoor fitness have done it again. BeaverFit, the industry’s premier manufacturer of outdoor training solutions, has officially launched the redesigned Shred Shed – now with expanded customization and training functionality for gyms, schools, first responders, military units and communities looking to take fitness outdoors. The Shred Shed is the only American-made outdoor fitness solution that combines secure storage, versatile strength and functional training capabilities, custom colors and branding in one durable, weatherproof design. It’s more than a place to store your equipment – it’s a complete, standalone training environment. “To us, it’s not just about building equipment – it’s about creating training environments that enable our customers to win, whatever winning looks like for them,” said Greg Monaco, product manager at BeaverFit. “The new Shred Shed delivers on that mission in every way.” What’s new with the Shred Shed: Dual roll-up doors for faster gear access, and more efficient setup and breakdown Corrosion-resistant aluminum panels for long-term durability and less maintenance Improved interior shelving and secure storage to stay organized and protected Modular rigging on up to four sides to support a wider range of training formats More compact footprint: 4’ x 4’ x 8’9” per unit More sustainable: 40% less material used, and streamlined production process Lighter weight: 30% weight reduction Still built with hot-dip galvanized and powder-coated steel for superior weather protection Still available with custom colors and branding to match your identity “We understand and have experienced the challenges of bringing structure, consistency and professionalism to outdoor training,” Monaco added. “You can either do your best with your surroundings and no equipment, or lug gear – not designed for outdoor use – back and forth, in and out. The Shred Shed solves this issue by creating an environment that delivers a secure, modular, and fully integrated training experience that adapts to any outdoor setting with one rugged solution.” Each Shred Shed combines interior storage with steel rigging and attachments to create a highly efficient space for strength and functional training. From rooftop terraces to parking lots, the Shred Shed transforms underutilized outdoor areas into fully-equipped, branded fitness zones. University of San Diego is the first customer to receive the new Shred Shed, with three custom units in gray and blue school colors and logos. Opting for two Shred Sheds connected by a 16’ modular rig and one standalone unit, the university now offers outdoor space for on-rack barbell work, pull-ups, landmines, dips, battle ropes, wall balls, boxing, and more – enhancing student recreation and campus appeal. “As always, our product innovation is driven by feedback from customers and our hands-on commitment to building smarter, more resilient training solutions,” Monaco said. “We preserved the strengths of the original Shred Shed while enhancing its modularity, durability and accessibility to deliver a more adaptable and performance-driven outdoor training platform.” The redesigned Shred Shed is now available. Make one (or two) your own. Click Here Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
4 tips for creating outdoor training spaces
Looking to expand your training footprint outdoors but not sure where to start? Creating an outdoor training space is an exciting way to increase offerings while introducing the benefits of fresh air and sunlight. But creating the best experience for your members doesn’t mean simply taking an indoor rig, moving it outdoors and expecting people to carry equipment in and out of the facility — causing inconvenience, inventory nightmares and decreased longevity of your equipment. There is a strategy to a well-developed outdoor training space, and we’re here to offer four basic tips to get started. 1. Define your outcome Looking to increase throughput? Add new class offerings? Determining your goals is the first step of designing your outdoor training space. When it comes to designing an outdoor fitness space, lean into providing more of what your members are already using inside. If your strength room is constantly overcrowded, create a strength training space outdoors with weatherproof equipment and storage. If your functional training space is in high-demand, consider outside stations with outdoor-rated accessories for maximum training capabilities. Examples: Outdoor workout space at Club Northwest featuring a SunPro shelter, Shred Shed, 30′ rig, racks, turf and more; and outdoor workout space at Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation featuring a Shred Shed and 24′ rig. 2. Identify your location Where do you have underutilized space? Where you may see a parking lot or tennis court, we see a blank canvas. The parking lot If you have ample parking for members and redesignating some spaces would not pose an inconvenience, an outdoor training space can be created in your very own parking lot. With the addition of rubber or turf flooring along with custom colors and branding, you can turn a parking lot training space into a true extension of your facility. Old basketball or tennis courts If the basketball or tennis courts at your facility are no longer being used, or are underutilized, consider turning that space into a dedicated outdoor training zone. With custom flooring, outdoor-rated strength equipment and accessories, and lockable storage customized to reflect your colors and branding, your members will never realize that your high-quality outdoor training zone was once an old sports court. The roof If the structure of your facility allows for it, a rooftop training space creates an exciting new experience for members without extra real estate. Structural considerations will be important here, and you may find that the best solutions are freestanding training stations that do not require anchoring. Example: Rooftop workout space at Bay Club San Francisco featuring two freestanding Shred Sheds. 3. Select your equipment You can’t just take any piece of training equipment and place it outdoors. Most equipment is meant solely for indoor-use. In order for a product to be fully weatherproof, the steel should go through a superior weatherproofing process involving hot-dip galvanization and powder coating. Anything less is a recipe for rust, corrosion or other damage. You should also consider custom branding so the space looks like an extension of your indoor facility. Luckily, we do both. Examples: PGA West Golf Resort and Club featuring a BeaverFit Shred Shed, double Bay Unit and Gym Box. 4. Don’t forget storage Weatherproof, integrated storage solutions keep members from dragging equipment in and out of spaces, and increase longevity of your accessories. The equipment you select should include dedicated, lockable storage for all integrated accessories and components. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of your training gear growing legs and finding a new home. Examples: Plano Athletic Club and YMCA Middle Tennessee Performance Lockers. Get in touch Interested in expanding your training space to the outdoors? We can help. From storage and shelters to equipment and accessories, BeaverFit can outfit you with American-made, weatherproof solutions specific to your training needs, space and budget. Email Us Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
Club Northwest, others expand outdoor training spaces with BeaverFit
As the demand for outdoor fitness grows, commercial gyms seek functional, durable solutions for their members. A 2,500-square-foot covered outdoor training space in Grants Pass, Oregon, is the latest – and perhaps the biggest – to join the outdoor movement. The largest known open-air training space of its kind “Our partnership with BeaverFit once again breaks the mold,” said Jeff Keller, president, Club Northwest. “Our members expressed their desire for an outdoor workout facility… For us, BeaverFit was the only choice.” Club Northwest partnered with BeaverFit to build the largest known open-air training space of its kind for a commercial fitness facility in America. The facility features a 70 x 36-foot BeaverFit SunPro, a custom Shred Shed for storage, a 30-foot modular rig, a 12-foot bouldering wall and more than 1,000 square feet of athletic turf. https://vimeo.com/884460858/ba044036b6?share=copy “Working with BeaverFit was an awesome process – they just got it,” said Jesse Sallas, director of people and programming, Club Northwest. “They’ve been creating outdoor training facilities like this for years for the military, so it made sense for us to partner with them.” Now, in addition to the vast offerings Club Northwest already provides to its roughly 10,000 members, gym-goers get to enjoy outdoor strength and functional training with a robust equipment and accessory package that is built to withstand the toughest climates. “We were stoked to work with Club Northwest on this outdoor space,” added Brett Grossman, director of sales, BeaverFit. “They came to us wanting to create something that didn’t exist yet – something that was accommodating and inclusive for all their members. It’s been awesome to see that come to life.” Outdoor expansions across the country And Club Northwest isn’t the only one. Other recent outdoor expansions supported by BeaverFit at commercial gyms include Plano Athletic Club in Texas, the Bay Club in California, Physiq Fitness in Oregon, and the St. James in Virginia. Plano Athletic Club’s outdoor expansion includes a storage locker and modular rig. The outdoor solutions at Bay Club and Physiq Fitness each include custom Shred Sheds and modular rigs, with Bay Club opting for a dual Shred Shed rooftop training space overlooking the San Francisco Bay. The St. James, a 450,000-square-foot facility offering sports, lifestyle and wellness experiences, invested in a Beyond Trailer 20’ in order to expand outdoor offerings to youth athletes. “The common denominator in all of these projects is that we identified the need, and we built upon that need according to the specific space and budget requirements of each location,” Grossman said. “Every space is different, that’s why we don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions.” Grossman explained that in many cases, the need goes beyond having a tennis court, a track or a couple of pull-up bars; what people want is “a dedicated outdoor training space where they can do the same type of fitness activities they’d normally be doing indoors.” “Fitness activities outdoors have numerous benefits that can’t be achieved indoors. Not only does your physical health improve, but so does your mental health,” he continued. “When you do small or large group training outside there tends to be a greater element of ‘play’ that historically has only been achieved through organized sports and recreation. And when people are having fun, they tend to work out harder and more consistently.” Whether a custom outdoor rig, a shaded strength training platform, a secure storage locker, or an all-weather protected training space, BeaverFit designs custom solutions to fit unique requirements and bring brand visions to life. Wondering what an outdoor expansion could look like for your facility? Get in touch with us today. Explore outdoor solutions Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
6 benefits of outdoor training
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve seen BeaverFit outdoor training solutions while doomscrolling social media. Or maybe your military unit keeps pressing you to use the new container gym they purchased and installed outside the headquarters. But why the movement toward outdoor training – is it really worth it? Short answer: Yes. Keep reading for the many dam(n) reasons why. 1. MOOD BOOST Outdoor training acts as a natural antidepressant. Exercising in nature, or ‘green exercise,’ has been shown to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. With nature increasing serotonin and exercise producing endorphins, you’ll get a double dose of feeling good. Why go for a single when you can get a double for the same cost? 2. INCREASED VITAMIN D When you exercise outdoors, your body absorbs vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D is important for bone health, immune system function, mood and energy regulation. Spending even a short time in the sun can provide the body with all the vitamin D it needs for the day. Just remember to use protection – sun protection, that is. 3. FRESH AIR When flus and viruses are floating around, indoor gyms become breeding grounds for illness. Let’s face it: no one wants to train next to a guy who’s coughing and sneezing like he just ran a marathon through a pollen-filled field. That’s why outdoor fitness is a no-brainer when it comes to avoiding germs and enjoying fresh air. 4. STRONGER EYES Outdoor thighs, stronger eyes… or something like that. More time outdoors can improve eye health. Bright sunlight forces your eyes to “flex their muscles” and release dopamine – believed to block excessive eye growth – and serotonin – which regulates our sleep-wake cycle, ensuring eye rest and recovery. And while your eye muscles may not look as impressive as your quad muscles, they’ll prove their worth in the long run. 5. MORE SPACE, MORE OPPORTUNITIES Compared to awkwardly cramped indoor gyms, outdoor fitness allows you to take up the space you need and move freely. This not only provides more room for accessories and equipment, but opens up opportunities for unique and fun cardio drills that combine with strength work when training equipment is placed near open fields, hills, or beaches with sand. Yes, we just used ‘fun’ and ‘cardio’ in the same sentence. 6. CHALLENGE + REWARD Outdoor training is fitness with an extra shot of espresso. It’s invigorating and energizing, helping you feel more motivated to stick to your routine and continue making progress towards your goals. Whether it’s braving the elements on an exceptionally hot or cold day or powering through imperfect conditions, outdoor training will test your stamina and leave you feeling like a certified badass. If you’re interested in expanding your training space to the outdoors, we can help. From storage and shelters to equipment and accessories, BeaverFit can outfit you with an American-made, weatherproof solution specific to your training needs, space and budget. Check out our most popular outdoor training solutions at: https://beaverfitusa.com/outdoors/ Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter