How adult playgrounds are revolutionising fitness in more ways than one

Rediscovering the joy of movement

For many adults, fitness routines often lose the sense of fun that childhood playgrounds once provided. And adult playgrounds are reversing this trend. “The motivation to incorporate them into my routine came from a desire to break away from the monotony of indoor exercises,” said Simha. Playground equipment like monkey bars and swings not only inject a playful element into workouts but also offer bodyweight exercises that build functional strength.

Saraswathi Anand, another playground user, started using these spaces during the Covid-19 lockdown. “Being out in the open with fresh air, sunlight, and a good outdoor play brings in a sense of wellness and boosts your mood,” she told indianexpress.com.

The impact on mental and emotional well-being

Exercising outdoors, known as ‘green exercise,’ can boost mental health significantly more than indoor workouts, according to occupational psychologist Gurleen Baruah. “Exposure to natural elements like sunlight and open skies calms the brain, enhances mood, and reduces anxiety,” Baruah said. Natural settings help stimulate serotonin production, improving overall emotional well-being.

Sonal Khangarot, counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, thinks that the unpredictable nature of outdoor play — choosing between a rope, swing or balancing — helps break the monotony of regular fitness routines. “It also allows the brain to form new connections, which is beneficial in combating cognitive decline as we age,” she said.

Building stronger communities

Beyond fitness, adult playgrounds foster a sense of community. Saraswathi pointed out that these spaces often create a “tribe” where social interactions occur naturally, making the fitness journey more enjoyable. “There is usually a tribe that comes together and the social interactions that arise help increase your fitness and well-being as a happy side effect,” she told indianexpress.com.

Anshu Darbari, faculty member of the public space design programme at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore, sees adult playgrounds as a way to build stronger communities. “They can serve as public spaces that promote health and social connection, offering a free-of-cost leisure space in fast-paced urban environments. These spaces could emerge as a much needed catalyst for new generation public space and social hubs,” Darbari said.

This social aspect adds an extra layer of motivation for many users. Sidhant discloses that using adult playgrounds “has enhanced my social connections.” He continues, “You often come across other fitness enthusiasts eager to share tips or join in a session.”

A new frontier in urban planning

The growing trend of adult playgrounds presents both opportunities and challenges for urban planners. According to Shanu Rainaa, also a faculty member at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, “Thoughtfully designed playgrounds must cater to all age groups, ensuring inclusivity. The inclusive design creates a more enhanced user experience, which also helps bring together people from different age groups, thus promoting community interaction.” Features like handrails, ramps, and textured flooring make these spaces accessible for older adults or those with disabilities.

Ninad Koranne, another expert from Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, suggested using tactile coloured flooring to guide visually-impaired individuals or older adults while creating separate zones for different activities. However, he stressed the importance of shared spaces where people of all ages can interact, building community bonds. “While it is good to have separate zones catering to specific needs of each age group coming to adult playgrounds, it is imperative to have common interaction spaces or activities that are intertwined into the planning, which can foster the interaction among all age groups as well,” he said.

Adult playgrounds are a great option for people across different age groups who want to stay fit (Source: Freepik)

The fitness perspective

From a fitness standpoint, adult playgrounds offer unique benefits. Vipul Lunawat, fitness expert and founder of the Institute of Sports Science and Technology (ISST), Pune, said that playground equipment targets often-overlooked muscle groups. “Monkey bars and swings are excellent for building upper body strength while climbing structures engage the legs and back. These activities promote functional fitness, balance, and coordination,” he said.

But does one need a particular fitness level before trying such equipment? Answering, Lunawat said that adult playgrounds are suitable for all fitness levels – beginners can start with simple exercises like swinging, while advanced users can increase the intensity by adding variations. “It’s important to listen to your body and progress at a comfortable pace,” he said.

Looking to the future

As adult playgrounds continue to gain popularity, fitness experts and urban planners are already envisioning the next step in their evolution. According to Lunawat, future playgrounds might integrate smart technology to provide real-time fitness feedback. These spaces will blend social interaction with exercise, making fitness personal and communal. This aims to transform physical activity into an enjoyable, integrative part of daily life, where play and fitness go hand in hand.

Baruah said the rise of adult playgrounds could inspire a cultural shift toward health-conscious communities. “As more people see their neighbors engaging in outdoor fitness, it becomes a norm. It turns fitness from an individual pursuit into a collective one,” she said. This trend could inspire group activities and community challenges that encourage everyone to focus on improving their health together. “This exposure helps set a positive example, making outdoor activity and fitness part of the community culture,” Gurleen highlights.

What can be improved?

While adult playgrounds are gaining traction, there’s room for improvement. Simha suggested incorporating more adventurous elements like climbing walls and obstacle courses. He also envisions spaces designed for group workouts and shaded areas for comfort. “Providing shaded areas would make these playgrounds more versatile and user-friendly for diverse outdoor fitness routines.”

Saraswathi concurred, saying that better maintenance and cleanliness would also improve the user experience. “It would be great to see more women-friendly designs and spaces that cater to diverse groups,” she said.