Outdoor Exercise Equipment has become more and more popular in Ireland in the last decade. You no doubt will have passed an installation at some stage or had the chance to try it out for yourself. It provides a free alternative to the gym and allows people to workout outside in the fresh air. During summer and winter months they are a great alternative for people.

Gaeilge: ‘An bhfaigheann tú go leor aclaíocht rialta?’

English: ‘Do you get enough exercise?’

When selecting outdoor exercise equipment, you will think about the purpose; what you need it for and who will use it, capital cost & quality; how much can you afford to pay and lifetime costs, what will be the running costs every year and how long will it last for.

At Murphy Playgrounds we have a unique insight into all of these, and we will share that with you. At Murphy Playgrounds we carry out maintenance and repairs of all types of play equipment, travelling the breadth and width of the country every day. We are often called on to repair adult outdoor exercise equipment so we’re very familiar with all the different types of equipment installed around the country. Murphy Playgrounds are independent, so we have the luxury of only choosing products that we have tried and tested and that we believe offer the best overall value.

Gaeilge : ‘An bhfuil a fhios agat go gcuireann muid trealamh aclaíochta do pháistí ar fáil chomh maith?’

English: ‘Did you know we also supply kids exercise equipment?’

Outdoor Exercise Equipment is incredibly versatile, as it will suit a broad range of groups in a community! For instance,

  • Active Retirement
  • Athletics Club
  • Runners and Walkers
  • Adults looking for a free alternative to a gym
  • GAA Clubs
  • Kids Clubs
  • After school care

Kids and Adults alike can use the equipment. Our kids’ range is specially designed for kids under the age of 11 and is suitable for use in schools.

Check out our Senior Citizens page for more ideas!!

Often when thinking about outdoor spaces and playgrounds, we neglect to remember the best generation of all!

Senior Citizens thrive to be as active as possible and it is our job to make that possible for them.

Here at Murphy Playgrounds, we have an extensive knowledge and range of equipment suitable for actively encouraging the older generations to get outside, socialise and keep fit and healthy.

Musical Play

Our supplier Percussion Play have done some studies and lots of research into the benefits of music for the elderly.

Outdoor musical instruments for the elderly such as those made by Percussion Play are designed to encourage people of all ages to participate in making music and to enjoy the health benefits that Hanser and other identify. By encouraging the elderly in particular to use rhythm instruments, music making doubles up as physiotherapy because outdoor musical instruments require the use of a cariety of different grips and hand positions in order to produce a sound. This means that when senior citizens play the instruments they are not only working to maintain the coordinationand balance, but improving their mobility and posture, increasing their energy levels, developing the use of their fine and gross motor skills, and perhaps even more importantly, they are having fun and livingin the moment!

Health benefits of music making for older adults:

  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Decreases heart rate
  • Reduces stress
  • Lessens anxiety and depression
  • Enhances immunological response, which enables us to fight viruses

Check out the full article here

Outdoor Exercise

Did you know that there are ranges of exercise equipment specifically designed for older adults?

Gaeilge: ‘Tá tusa san áireamh anseo chomh maith!’

English: ‘We have you covered for this too!’

This type of equipment is designed to be low impact to prevent injury and maintain and improve the range of motion in most of the body’s joints. Outdoor exercise equipment for older adults can be used to form a social space, to allow people to gather and chat and develop new and existing friendships.

Furniture

Inclusion needs to be implemented in all aspects of your space, whether it be a community area or garden, recreational space, playground, nursing home or exercise habitat. Seating can often be overlooked although it is an important feature of any space.

Age friendly seating is something we are passionate about at Murphy Playgrounds.

As we are adjusting to this new world, it is so important to find ways we can socialise and get outside without causing harm. An outdoor community recreation area is an ideal way to represent this, making it feasible and accessible for everyone in your area.

Gaeilge: ‘Áis pobail ionchuimsitheach a cruthú chun caidreamh sóisialta a spreagadh’

English: ‘Create a fully inclusive community facility that encourages social interaction’

Our government have put a special emphasis on this, this year and so should you! With so many suppliers we can create a personalised space to contain only what is suitable to your community’s needs. Whether it be a sociable space that includes covered seating, a BBQ area or some game tables; or a stage for small performances, outdoor exercise equipment and teenage hang out spots, we can design and install your own unique oasis.

Stress levels are one of our biggest worries, for both young and older generations. Studies have shown that time in the outdoors can greatly reduce this, getting back to nature is a vital need for all. Often people think they don’t have time, and it can be pushed off until the weekend, only to have no time then either. An outdoor space, where people can socialise, relax, exercise and communicate with others is an incredible addition to any community. Have a look at some examples to get an idea of what this might look like in your area.


Gaeilge: ‘Cad iad na buntáistí a bhaineann ham a caitheamh taobh amuigh?

  • Ardú giúmair
  • Ardú ar fhéinmheas
  • Filleadh ar an nádúr
  • Aer úr
  • Feabhsú sláinte

English: ‘What are the benefits of getting outside?

  • Improved mood
  • Enhanced self esteem
  • Connecting with mother nature
  • Fresh air
  • Improves your health