Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after your school days are over can often include working out using gym equipment at home or a local leisure facility. Some secondary schools have their own gym for their students to use which means they can develop healthy habits from a young age.
Some of the most common pieces of gym equipment used in schools are:
Cardiovascular Machines – to improve overall physical fitness and endurance
- Treadmills
- Bikes
- Cross Trainer
- Elliptical Trainer (Stairmaster)
- Rowing Machines
Strength Equipment – to improve overall strength and endurance
- Free Weights – Discs, Kettlebells, Dumbbells etc.
- Yoga Mats
- Upper Body Machines – Lat Pulldown, Chest Press, Shoulder Press etc.
- Lower Body Machines – Hip Adductor/Abductor, Leg Press, Leg Extension etc.
Incorporating gym equipment in schools can provide a range of benefits for students, promoting physical, mental, and social well-being. Here are some of the advantages:
Physical Fitness: Gym equipment encourages regular physical activity, helping students to improve their cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and overall fitness levels.
Stress Reduction and Mental Health: Physical activity is linked to the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Regular exercise can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, thereby enhancing students’ mental well-being and concentration levels.
Cognitive Benefits: Research suggests that physical activity positively impacts cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. This can lead to improved academic performance.
Social Interaction: Gym equipment fosters teamwork and social interaction. Students engage in group activities, collaborate on projects, and learn to communicate effectively with their peers, promoting social skills and friendship building.
Building Healthy Habits: Introducing gym equipment in schools can instil a lifelong habit of regular physical activity, setting a foundation for a healthy lifestyle in adulthood.
Inclusivity: Schools can ensure that gym equipment accommodates students with different abilities, making physical education more inclusive and allowing all students to participate in activities regardless of their physical limitations.
Reduced Behavioural Issues: Regular physical activity can contribute to reducing disruptive behaviour in the classroom. It provides an outlet for excess energy and can help improve focus and attention in students.
Long-term Health Benefits: Encouraging physical activity from an early age can have long-term health benefits. Students who engage in regular exercise are more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle as they grow older.
It’s important to ensure that the gym equipment is age-appropriate, safe, and well-supervised to maximise the benefits while minimising the risk of injuries. Additionally, schools should consider integrating physical education classes and gym equipment usage into the curriculum to make it a structured part of students’ education.
If you’re looking to create a gym environment in your school, or upgrade your existing equipment, contact us today on 01625 415 400 or send your wish list to hello@f4e.co.uk.
