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 underutilised 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 underutilised, consider turning that space into a dedicated outdoor training zone. With custom flooring, outdoor-rated strength equipment and accessories, and lockable storage customised 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
Solving a need for space, CIMT invests in BeaverFit solutions for Army units
As Australia boosts defence capabilities, there’s a critical need for modern training solutions designed to ensure the Australian Defence Force is combat-ready. With over $30 billion allocated to strengthening northern bases over the next decade, procurement of state-of-the-art fitness solutions will be essential to support the objectives outlined in the defence plans. BeaverFit, the largest supplier of fitness and training solutions to U.S. and NATO militaries, offers a range of portable, semi-permanent, durable solutions that can be set up quickly and relocated if necessary. The article below showcases how BeaverFit helped the U.S. Army solve a need for training space with an all-weather strength and conditioning training solution. Contact us to learn more about bringing these proven capabilities to Australia. As the Holistic Health and Fitness initiative, or H2F, rolls out across the U.S. Army, units must overcome the hurdle of finding dedicated space to carry out their programs. BeaverFit USA and the U.S. Army’s Center for Initial Military Training have begun to solve that challenge together with a solution delivered to more than a dozen units this year. Nicknamed the CIMT SunPro, the solution consists of three components: <ahref=”https://beaverfit.com.au/product/container-gym/”> BeaverFit Performance Locker A shipping container with anchored training rigs and secure storage <ahref=”https://beaverfit.com.au/product/cardio-locker/”> BeaverFit Cardio Locker A container including off-grid cardio equipment and roll-up doors <ahref=”https://beaverfit.com.au/product/beaverfit-sunpro/”> BeaverFit SunPro A tension fabric structure that creates a training space protected from the elements, with the option to add rubber flooring and lifting platforms While the Army plans to resource more than 100 brigades with Soldier Performance Readiness Centers by 2030, in the meantime, the readiness of Soldiers and the success of unit-level H2F programs depend on quick solutions. Select units at Forts Bliss, Huachuca, Liberty, Jackson, Johnson, Drum, Campbell and Joint Base Lewis-McChord are the first to receive the new BeaverFit SunPros designed to create space for H2F activities. “It’s great to see that as units are being resourced for H2F, CIMT is ensuring this includes proper equipment and the space to utilise it,” said Jason Clark, training and education lead, BeaverFit. “Our goal is to develop environments alongside them in which those resources can be used effectively.” The desired environment called for an all-weather strength and conditioning asset that could accommodate personnel up to the company level. Most of the resourced units had used standalone BeaverFit Lockers to train, which offer suitable platoon-level strength training capabilities but lack weather protection and integrated conditioning assets. The specific SunPro and Locker configuration designed for CIMT provides all-weather coverage, strength and conditioning components, and – the biggest win, according to Clark – can be placed anywhere because it’s not Real Property. Instead of Soldiers needing to trek across the installation to a separate facility for a training session, the SunPro can be placed at the unit level, removing logistical barriers to training. “The SunPro creates an environment in the outdoor space that limits as many factors that could negatively influence a training session as possible,” he stated. And as the SunPros are delivered, CIMT is also funding training and education courses for select locations to empower small unit leaders to be force multipliers within the environment. “Space does not automatically equal an environment,” Clark explained. “The environment is human driven. Training and education sets an environment of organisational success versus chaos. Kudos to CIMT for leaning forward into providing space and training resources instead of waiting for it to be figured out at the unit level, and also, good on the coaches for continuing to do the most with what they have and scaling their mindset as the program grows.” As the Army’s mindset around physical training evolves, BeaverFit’s support evolves in step. “We don’t do this from a standpoint of ‘we know best;’ it’s a collaborative effort to receive feedback from the higher-level command, the experts on site, and the Soldiers on the ground,” Clark said. “It’s our goal to be the Army’s trusted partner. As they continue to require new capabilities, or as they encounter new barriers, we’ll work alongside them to create solutions that enable them to win.” In addition to delivering these SunPros and the accompanying training and education courses to CIMT, BeaverFit remains in the running for the Army’s SPRC contract. Whether supplying Lockers, ACFT equipment, SunPros, SPRCs or other tactical training solutions, one thing is constant: BeaverFit continues to support and develop the Soldier Weapon System with innovative, purpose-built, requirements-based capabilities. Get in touch. BeaverFit creates custom expeditionary fitness and readiness equipment for every mission essential task: from portable container gyms to special operations subterranean trainers. Explore solutions
US Air Force unit reveals new BeaverDome human performance facility
As Australia boosts defence capabilities, there’s a critical need for modern training solutions designed to ensure the Australian Defence Force is combat-ready. With over $30 billion allocated to strengthening northern bases over the next decade, procurement of state-of-the-art fitness solutions will be essential to support the objectives outlined in the defence plans. BeaverFit, the largest supplier of fitness and training solutions to U.S. and NATO militaries, offers a range of portable, semi-permanent, durable solutions that can be set up quickly and relocated if necessary. The aticle below showcases how BeaverFit supported the U.S. Air Force in creating a fully-enclosed, state-of-the-art fitness facility from the ground up. Contact us to learn more about bringing these proven capabilities to Australia. A roof logo so big it will be seen by planes using the landing strip nearby – that’s one of the requests the 5th Air Support Operations Squadron had for their new BeaverDome at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. BeaverFit accepted the challenge, and the newly opened 50 x 120-foot human performance facility boasts the 5th ASOS call sign “Lowlife” with a roof logo spanning the facility’s length. “Championship tactical athletes need to have venues where they can build their championship abilities. And when the Airmen walk in here, it is the man or woman in the arena – and this is where excellence gets built,” said retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell, former senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during his remarks at the facility’s grand opening. When the 5th ASOS needed a state-of-the-art fitness facility to train Air Force tactical air control party members, they placed a call to BeaverFit – leading supplier of human performance and tactical training solutions to the U.S. military. The resulting solution is a fully-enclosed training facility – known as a BeaverDome – complete with electricity, HVAC and industrial ceiling fans. Six 40-foot BeaverFit Performance Lockers form the walls of the facility with internal equipment storage and rigging for strength and functional training, surrounded by custom rubber and turf flooring. The eight lifting stations boast custom floor logos and branding plates for 5th ASOS, Lowlife and TACP. Additionally, BeaverFit designed custom weight plates labeled with the squadron’s name and call sign. BeaverFit formed and poured a custom concrete pad to support the BeaverDome, which is built atop an existing asphalt parking lot. They positioned the concrete pad high enough to minimize water entering the space, and designed it with a one-degree slope for water runoff, since Washington is no stranger to rainy weather. Additionally, BeaverFit built two concrete ramps leading to the commercial roll-up garage doors at either end of the BeaverDome. Michael Hirsch, project manager at BeaverFit, said his favorite part of every project is the moment BeaverFit shows up to install the accessories and rigging, when “the customer is so amped to get into the facility and start training.” And amped they were. The 5th ASOS celebrated the grand opening in true military fashion – by getting straight to work in their new training space. “Seeing the thrill on the faces of all the Airmen and women within the unit was the best,” said Scott Wing, territory sales director for BeaverFit. “They were truly grateful for our efforts and the space turned out exactly how they had envisioned.” As with any custom build for a military customer, BeaverFit begins by listening to the unique scope and human performance requirements of the project. A team of product managers, facility design experts, engineers and fabricators work together to create equipment solutions that are designed to perform in the toughest training environments. BeaverFit provides overall project scoping, design, kitting and ongoing project management. Dedicated teams guide a project from the initiating and planning phases all the way through to execution and closing phases. “This BeaverDome is proof-positive that although these projects are cumbersome and require meticulous attention to detail, we have the capability and the vital partnerships in place to be able to execute quickly and effectively,” Wing said.
How BeaverFit is helping the US Army operationalize H2F
As Australia boosts defence capabilities, there’s a critical need for modern training solutions designed to ensure the Australian Defence Force is combat-ready. With over $30 billion allocated to strengthening northern bases over the next decade, procurement of state-of-the-art fitness solutions will be essential to support the objectives outlined in the defence plans. BeaverFit, the largest supplier of fitness and training solutions to U.S. and NATO militaries, offers a range of portable, semi-permanent, durable solutions that can be set up quickly and relocated if necessary. The article below showcases how BeaverFit helps the U.S. Army operationalise their Holistic Health and Fitness program through a variety of training equipment and environments. Contact us to learn more about bringing these proven capabilities to Australia. RENO, Nevada — The Holistic Health and Fitness initiative created a paradigm shift in Soldier readiness with its introduction in 2020. Once the H2F operating concept was released, U.S. Army units around the world had to overcome the obstacle of creating training spaces that met commander’s intent without obvious solutions. According to the Army, the ultimate vision of H2F is to provide each brigade with an H2F campus to include a Soldier Performance Readiness Center, ACFT testing lanes and track, a terrain running course, sheltered strength training racks, and containerized strength equipment. Enter BeaverFit, with space and time saving solutions for all of the above. “We’re the defense contractor for the Soldier Weapon System,” said Michael Taylor, BeaverFit USA co-founder and veteran. “We’re here to surround that weapon system with the equipment and facilities needed to optimize them for resiliency and lethality under any mission essential task. That’s our clear vision.” “We’re not a commercial fitness company with solutions that have been designed for someone else that we’re trying to push to the military,” added Alex Roodhouse, BeaverFit USA co-founder and veteran. “We’re listening to the military’s requirements and designing solutions based on what is actually needed in the field.” Let’s take a look: Soldier Performance Readiness Center Army Need: A dedicated facility for units to facilitate and foster their H2F programs. BeaverFit Solution: As seen at Fort Jackson with the recently opened Drill Sergeant Timothy Kay SPRC, BeaverFit has the capability to convert unused indoor spaces into world-class human performance facilities for individual or group training and recovery sessions, along with specialized office areas for physical therapy, nutrition counseling and other H2F programs. And while converting underutilized indoor space is one way Army brigades are creating their SPRC facilities, BeaverFit also offers the capability to create new, standalone, fully-enclosed structures to fulfill Soldier readiness needs. The appearance of DoD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. Terrain running course Army Need: Courses that are designed to assess, develop and refine strength, endurance and responsiveness through a series of obstacles and varied terrain. BeaverFit Solution: BeaverFit offers custom created elements and course designs to improve mission-specific cardiovascular conditioning while actively engaging the mind and body of Soldiers, as seen at the Devil’s Field Obstacle Course on Fort Liberty. The appearance of DoD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. ACFT testing lanes Army Need: A consistent environment to perform the Army Combat Fitness Test at any time of year. BeaverFit Solution: The ACFT testing field by BeaverFit creates a consistent and standardized testing environment, utilizing performance-grade turf to reduce the risk of training injuries. To enable year round ACFT activities, BeaverFit also provides a shelter around the field to offer protection from the elements. BeaverFit ACFT Storage Lockers are the final piece to the turnkey ACFT testing environment. An open-air SunPro covers the 12-lane ACFT field for U.S. Army South at Joint Base San Antonio from unrelenting sun, whereas a fully-enclosed structure with heating protects Soldiers using the 5-lane ACFT field at Fort Devens from brutal Massachusetts winters. The appearance of DoD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. Sheltered strength training racks Army Need: Sheltered strength training racks to create a year round outdoor training area and while maintaining longevity of outdoor equipment. BeaverFit Solution: The tension fabric BeaverFit SunPro creates an environment up to 15° F cooler than in direct sunlight and can be fully engineered to meet local wind, snow and seismic loads. The SunPro is mounted to BeaverFit Performance Lockers or to the ground, allowing battalions to build the ideal human performance training facility that meets their space and requirements. Containerized strength equipment Last but certainly not least, our flagship product. Army Need: Self-contained fitness units that allow training to be conducted anywhere the containers are placed. BeaverFit Solution: Known by the Army as the ‘gym-in-a-box,’ or simply as ‘The BeaverFit’, BeaverFit Performance Lockers are standard shipping containers custom-fabricated to include anchored training rigs and secure storage. Filled with outdoor-rated training accessories, they create a multi-modality training center that accommodates up to 90 people at once. Additionally, BeaverFit offers the ACFT Storage Locker, specifically designed to hold the exact amount of ACFT equipment required per lane, and the mobile ACFT Storage Trailer. The appearance of DoD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. As the Army recently approved accelerating the fielding of H2F equipment and staff to 15 brigades per year, creating these solutions is a paramount priority for Army leaders. From standalone and mobile training solutions to indoor space conversions and facility builds from the ground-up, BeaverFit is creating new and innovative ways to help Soldiers train for whatever they need to prepare for, wherever they need to train.
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 USA 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. “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 USA 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 mobile gym 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 organised sports and recreation. And when people are having fun, they tend to work out harder and more consistently.” Whether a custom outdoor rig, 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