FOR USERS: Equipment users must understand that using outdoor fitness equipment does involve the risk of injury, especially if the equipment is used improperly, installed incorrectly or not maintained. Outdoor fitness equipment normally is unsupervised and must be used with care and caution. If the user is unsure of how to use a certain piece of equipment, they should consult the owner or a trainer as to learn the proper use.
Individuals should not wear loose clothing or clothing with drawstrings as they can sometimes become tangled in the equipment and cause injury or death. Having a workout partner is always a good idea in case a problem arises and you need some help. Never start an exercise program without consulting you physician first! Please read the “10 Tips for a Safe Workout” listed below before beginning your new workout program.
FOR EQUIPMENT OWNERS: When determining the placement of StayFIT fitness equipment, it is important to give serious thought to several safety considerations. The safe-use area of the equipment is no less than 36 inches from the outside edge of each piece of equipment. The area needs to be free of obstacles and must have a soft resilient surface under it (i.e. play chips, bark mulch, rubber safety tiles, etc.)
The safety surfacing must conform to the ASTM standard for fall height. If the equipment is such that the user does not lose contact with the ground, it is not necessary to have a resilient surface under the equipment. Outdoor fitness equipment cannot be placed in the same location as children’s playground equipment; it must have its own dedicated area. Outdoor fitness equipment is designed for ages 13 years and older.
10 Tips for a Safe Workout
- Have a routine physical. Consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise program. Any new exercise can put stress on your body. If you have any diagnosed heart disease or other conditions, you should modify your exercise program accordingly.
- Start slowly and begin with moderate exercise and build up from there. Don’t go too hard too soon. Always warm up before any exercise routine and cool down when you are finished.
- If there are personal trainers available consult them and they will instruct you on how to do the exercises properly with good form.
- Warm up slowly before you start you program, a slow gradual warm up (at least 10 minutes) will go a long way to prevent injuries.
- Listen to your body! If you experience any sharp pain, weakness, get lightheaded during any exercise, pay attention. This is a signal that something is wrong and you should stop exercising. Continuing to exercise is the fastest way to develop a severe injury.
- Make sure you get enough sleep and take some days off so you do not over train.
- Dress properly for the exercises you are doing. Wear the proper shoes and clothing to keep dry, cool and warm.
- Pay attention to the weather, exercising in hot or humid conditions can lead to serious overheating and dehydration. Watch for signs of overheating, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, faintness, cramps or palpitations.
- During pregnancy it is essential that all women discuss their exercise program with their doctor.
- Stop exercising and seek medical help if you experience symptoms such as:
- Any discomfort or pain
- Chest pain or any other pain that could indicate a heart attack — including pain in the neck area, jaw, and pain traveling down the arm or between the shoulder blades
- Extreme breathlessness
- A very rapid or irregular heartbeat during exercise
