The Evolution of Fitness in Corrections

For a long time, correctional facilities have provided their inmates with access to fitness equipment, recognizing the value in allowing them to work on both their physical and mental health while incarcerated. However, there are lots of risks that come with doing this. 

The Early Days of Fitness in Corrections

Many facilities originally relied on basic weightlifting equipment such as traditional dumbbells and barbells. These free weights are as straightforward as can be and provide inmates with simple physical training options. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long to recognize the dangers associated with this type of equipment. Free weights allow for a free range of motion, and granting inmates access to heavy objects poses several security risks, including violence toward others, self-harm, and even aiding in jailbreak attempts. Jail administrators and wardens quickly understood that this equipment was unsuitable for their populations and began to phase it out of their facilities. 

Commercial Gym Machines 

To address these concerns, correctional facilities started to bring in commercial-grade gym equipment, similar to what you’d find in any public or private gym. These machines offer a wide range of exercises and were believed to minimize risk. While this equipment does eliminate certain risks, whether it's a common chest press machine, shoulder press, treadmill, or other standard equipment, one fact remains true: commercial gym equipment is not designed with prison environments in mind. Most machines have removable parts or cables that can be tampered with or weaponized. Machines with removable parts become complex due to the constant maintenance required and the damage or misuse by inmates, leading to equipment failure.

Correctional Grade Fitness Equipment

The shift towards fitness equipment specifically designed for safety and high-security environments has begun to sweep through correctional facilities across the continent. Instead of just looking for weights, it is now commonly understood that having heavy-duty, tamperproof, and safe equipment is the only way to successfully provide inmates with access to fitness equipment. As the leading manufacturer of correctional-grade fitness equipment, we at Outdoor-Fit are proud to design exercise equipment that meets the strict requirements of modern correctional environments. 

Outdoor-Fit: The Number One Choice for Fitness in Prisons

Our products have redefined what it means to provide inmates with fitness equipment. They are completely safe, durable, and space-efficient, maximizing the number of users in a small area. Constructed from heavy-duty steel, each unit requires very little to no maintenance and is fully tamperproof with no removable parts, hidden compartments, or loose pieces. 

Another key feature of our equipment is that it is fully weatherproof. The 15-year warranty on all structural components covers all climates, including snow, sun, rain, hail, salt spray, and all of the above. Facilities can place products in outdoor recreation yards worry-free, allowing inmates to exercise in fresh air. Exercising in fresh air improves mental health and reduces tension among what can be a very high-tension population. 

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Integrating tamperproof fitness equipment supports broader correctional goals, such as reducing recidivism, improving behavior, and promoting positivity. Allowing inmates to exercise regularly decreases stress, enhances discipline, and boosts health. When equipment is frequently under repair or needing replacement parts, inmates can become agitated, potentially leading to physical altercations. This perspective illustrates that selecting the right fitness equipment can serve as both a security benefit and a rehabilitative strategy.

Conclusion

Fitness equipment has evolved in commercial gyms, so why shouldn’t it evolve in correctional facilities too? Old equipment, such as dumbbells and barbells, is no longer safe. At Outdoor-Fit, we strive to provide secure, heavy-duty, and safe fitness equipment specifically engineered for the complex needs of modern correctional environments. Want to learn more about how we can improve your facility? Click the link below to contact one of our reps today!