"Strength and resistance training are vital components of a balanced exercise program, particularly as we age. These exercises help maintain muscle mass, support bone health and improve functional abilities, contributing to overall health and well-being." — Sport England
2nd September 2024
At Fresh Air Fitness, we understand the importance of factoring resistance training into an exercise regime. From boosting metabolic rate, to supporting bone density and even reducing the risk of injury by creating stronger muscles and tendons, resistance training has many benefits.
Below, we focus on the ‘Resistance Leg Press’ which forms part of our innovative Fresh Air Fitness Resistance Range.
The Resistance Leg Press offers a challenging workout for the lower body from the thighs and calves to the glutes - and gives the core a great workout too.
The Fresh Air Fitness Resistance Leg Press is unique because it can be found in parks and green spaces.
It is completely free for the general public to use and has a mechanism controlled by a dial which allows the user to select their desired level of difficulty from 1 to 11.
Resistance training is amazing for our bodies and it promotes muscle growth, strength, bone health and flexibility.
Being more active and integrating exercise into our daily routines also improves mood, reduces anxiety and helps symptoms of depression. This is due to the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" hormones, during exercise. Regular strength training can also improve cognitive function and reduces the risk of cognitive decline as we age.
To use the leg press, sit with your back to the support and your feet shoulder-width apart on the platform. Legs should be bent at the knees with the platform positioned close to your body.
The exercise is completed by pressing the platform away from your body by extending your legs and straightening them - remembering not to lock the knees.
The second part of the exercise involves lowering the platform, in a slow manner, back to the starting position by bending your knees and controlling the weight on the descent.
Factoring in several repetitions is a great way to build strength. Repetition challenges muscles through a process called ‘progressive overload’, which is fundamental in strength training and muscle development.
Beginner: Basic Leg Press
Intermediate: Alternating Single-Leg Press
Advanced: Tempo Leg Press
Whilst the Resistance Leg Press builds muscle, it also increases your basal metabolic rate, and this leads to more calories being burnt throughout the course of the day.
The number of calories burnt during a workout depends on several factors including body weight and intensity, but it typically ranges from 200 to 400 calories per hour. Using the Resistance Leg Press also contributes to the ‘afterburn effect’ where your body continues to burn calories after the workout is completed as it gradually returns to its resting state.
EPOC, or ‘excess post-exercise oxygen consumption’, is informally known as ‘the afterburn effect’ and refers to the physiological phenomenon in which your body continues to burn extra energy even after your workout has finished.
If you would like to find out more about an outdoor gym for your green space, park or recreation ground, please complete our enquiry form or call our team of experts on 01483 608 860. We are here to help answer any questions you may have or arrange a free site inspection.
When you decide to invest in an outdoor gym there is often a way to part-fund or full-fund your project. To support our customers, we have produced a free-to-download Outdoor Gym Funding Guide to signpost you to all of the existing funding opportunities available.
Back in 2007, Fresh Air Fitness introduced outdoor gyms to the UK. Many years later and outdoor gym equipment is more popular than ever as people look for new and innovative ways to enjoy exercise outdoors in the fresh air!
Our award-winning outdoor gym equipment products are high quality, long lasting and designed to blend seamlessly with natural surroundings. We offer both an Adults’ range and an extensive Children’s KS1 & KS2 range – built specifically sized for Primary school aged children.
Our team of experts provides an end-to-end service from initial site visit to design, delivery, and installation. Our professional, After-Sales team is on hand to provide a handy app, lesson planners (if you are a school), help to coordinate a launch day (if you are a park) and a complete raft of user guide videos. They will also discuss warranties, parts and health-checks with you.
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