Anyone keep a weight bench outdoors?

summer8it
summer8it Posts: 433 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'd like to expand my home gym options, and I'm seeing some great deals on weight benches on Craigslist, but the only place in the house I could set up a weight bench would be either in the garage (ew) or outdoors.

I live in Florida, so an outdoor workout space is something I could reasonably use year-round. I have a space that is completely covered, so my equipment wouldn't get rained on, and is also screened in. It has a flat floor of concrete pavers. I'd think the biggest danger to the equipment (other than dust and pollen) would be the salt air and humidity.

Have any of you set up a gym outdoors? Any advice?

Replies

  • ScottysSpeedShop
    ScottysSpeedShop Posts: 47 Member
    Same boat. Can't wait to see reponses.
  • danimalkeys
    danimalkeys Posts: 982 Member
    why not? If you have a covered/screened area, go for it. Don't worry about the humidity and salt, just keep the rotating ends of the bar lubricated, scrape off any rust on the grip area with a wire brush, and have at it. You probably want some horse stall mats to put on the pavers so if you drop the weight you don't crack the pavers or the weights.

    I think the biggest problem would be the summer heat and how it affects your workouts, not how it affects the gear.
  • richardheath
    richardheath Posts: 1,276 Member
    I just got a squat rack and weights through Craigslist. You can find some good deals! Mine is in my garage, but I don't have a covered area outside.

    The salt will probably corrode it eventually, but most will be cosmetic (at least at first!) and it could still be used! Just try to buy one in good condition now, and plan on upgrading in a few years.

    I'd say the biggest issue, if you are on pavers, is that they might not be completely level. You don't want to trip while stepping back from the rack holding a heavy bar on your shoulders. Maybe consider adding some of those interlocking rubber pads?

    http://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-Puzzle-Mat-piece/dp/B0041FQZMW/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

    This will also save the pavers if you drop a weight on them. (I need to get some of these for myself to save my garage floor!)
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    Are you actually trying to make me jealous?!

    Just kidding..... sounds like a nice plan - agree on a the shady bit, imagine it gets pretty toasty down your way?

    Yours,

    Forever stuck in a damp English room (even in Summer.....)
  • margieo1983
    margieo1983 Posts: 45 Member
    I immediately thought of a prison yard. Those things last! :wink:

    I agree that the salt air and humidity shouldn't have a significant effect on the equipment. They're typically powder-coated or have zinc plating on them to slow any rusting. Think about how much abuse they get in a gym: sweat, water, cleaning materials (hopefully), heat, humidity.

    If you do notice any rust on your new equipment, do NOT use steel wool to clean it... it'll put abrasions in the metal and make it far more susceptible to additional rusting.

    Side note: So jealous that you get to work out outside essentially year-round. That sounds amazing. :smile:
  • 970Mikaela1
    970Mikaela1 Posts: 2,013 Member
    Mine is. Need a power rack now tho
  • uneik3
    uneik3 Posts: 68 Member
    My husband used to keep a weight bench outside on the covered patio in South Florida. He got it used, so it was rusty when he got it and just as rusty when we moved years later. But it worked and he used it. It would accumulate the usual layer of grime after it rained that lawn furniture would, but nothing you can't wipe off. The weights rusted, but didn't fall apart. I wouldn't touch the dumbells without gloves, they were pretty funky, but again, it was functional. I'd say as long as you're getting it second-hand and don't have high expectations for something kept looking mint, go for it!
  • uneik3
    uneik3 Posts: 68 Member
    Oh, but do put something rubber underneath so the metal doesn't make direct contact with the concrete. You'll never be able to clean that! We actually gave the weight bench to my brother 3 years ago, and he says it's still going strong (and still outside in Florida)!
  • gothchiq
    gothchiq Posts: 4,590 Member
    Hmm... Is there enough salt in the air to deteriorate your equipment though?

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