• Subscribe
  • Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact
  • Login
Campus Rec Magazine
  • Sections
    • Facility Development
    • News
    • Operations
    • Programming
    • Rec of the Month
    • Staff Development
    • Well-being
    • Profiles
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
  • Columns
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
  • Podcast
  • Webinars
  • Education
    • CR Leadership Summit
    • Campus Rec Mastermind Groups
No Result
View All Result
  • Sections
    • Facility Development
    • News
    • Operations
    • Programming
    • Rec of the Month
    • Staff Development
    • Well-being
    • Profiles
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
  • Columns
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
  • Podcast
  • Webinars
  • Education
    • CR Leadership Summit
    • Campus Rec Mastermind Groups
No Result
View All Result
Campus Rec Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Home Well-being Mental Health

Outdoor Fitness Equipment and Mental Health

July 7, 2022
in In Print, Mental Health, Well-being
0
Outdoor Fitness Equipment

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedIn

Mental health concerns continue to increase among college students. An American Health Care Association study found 60% of American college students feel “overwhelming anxiety” and 40% experience depression. Outdoor fitness equipment may provide relief from these and other issues facing college students.

The College Experience Isn’t Always What You Expect 

Many students consider college to be the best time of their lives. Most young adults find the freedom exhilarating after spending years under parental supervision. This sense of adventure might seem significant on the surface, but the reality is often different. 

Studies show that: 

  • 70% of students gain weight during college.
  • 50% of students report their mental health to be below average.
  • 64% of students stopped pursuing higher education due to poor mental health.

To fix this issue, many universities invest in indoor fitness equipment. Unfortunately, these indoor gyms don’t always meet the needs of students.

Benefits of Outdoor Fitness Equipment

When adults exercise outside, they are more likely to exercise longer and burn more calories. This is due to a physiological reaction the body has engaging with the outdoors. 

Outdoor spaces also allow for vitamin D exposure from the sun, which can improve health issues like depression. This is especially important for students considering their days mostly consist of staying indoors.

Exercising outdoors also improves mental clarity through connecting with the environment. Psychologist Marc G. Berman published studies that state nature enhances memory and uplifts those who suffer from depressive disorders.

The Importance of Socialization

Aside from improved physical and mental health, students who participate in outdoor exercises experience a greater degree of socialization. 

The social culture at an indoor gym is to put in your earbuds and look ahead while you complete your workout. Studies show college students who are more social see improved mental health and are more likely to stay in school.

Help Make a Difference

Right now is the best time for colleges and universities to consider outdoor fitness spaces. When students return, they can experience the physical and psychological benefits of exercising outdoors. So, the investment you make today will have a long-lasting impact tomorrow.

 

Jon Walker is the outdoor fitness product manager at GameTime. For more information, email
jon.walker@gametime.com.

 

Tags: campus reccampus recreationGameTimeJuly-August 2022outdoor fitnessoutdoor fitness equipment
Previous Post

Risk Management at Aquatics Facilities

Next Post

Inclusivity: Be Part of the Solution

Related Posts

Passport to Play
Programming

Passport to Play Relieves Stress at The College of New Jersey

March 23, 2023
Mental Health Programming
Mental Health

Collaborations Enhance Student Mental Health Programming

March 21, 2023
Duke University
Cover Story

A Transformational Duke University

March 6, 2023
Mental Health Outcomes
Ask the Expert

Q&A on Mental Health Outcomes

March 6, 2023
Columbia Basin College
Building Blocks

The New Student Recreation Center at Columbia Basin College

March 6, 2023
SportaFence
Brand Voice

Something Special at SportaFence

March 6, 2023
Next Post
Inclusivity

Inclusivity: Be Part of the Solution

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn
Campus Rec Magazine

The premier business resource for college and university recreation centers.

The Current Issue

March/April 2023

March/April 2023

Browse

  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletter
  • Podcast
  • Media Kit
  • Contact

© 2022 Campus Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.

No Result
View All Result
  • Sections
    • Facility Development
    • News
    • Operations
    • Programming
    • Rec of the Month
    • Staff Development
    • Well-being
    • Profiles
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletter
    • Contact Us
  • Columns
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
  • Podcast
  • Webinars
  • Education
    • CR Leadership Summit
    • Campus Rec Mastermind Groups

© 2022 Campus Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In