Ideas for an outdoor exercise area

[petitpasta]

Currently I go to a small, friendly gym which does circuit classes, yoga and pilates but no weights. I'd like to stay at this gym as they have beeen so supportive while I have been losing 6.5 stone.

I have about another 4 -5 stone to lose and I would like to set up some sort of exercise space at home. I was thinking weights, maybe a rebounder.

Inside space is limited as both of us work at home. I do, however, have an odd little outdoor space behind my garage. It's approximately 2.7m deep and 1.2m wide. I am considering putting a cover over it and laying some sort of flooring and making it into an outdoor exercise area.

Does anyone have any ideas of what I could do in this space to help me on my fitness journey?

Perhaps start weight first, just doing kettle bells at home and build from there before splurging on an outdoor gym set up

Is the space paved at the moment?

I used my patio throughout lockdown to do weights (and enter regional weightlifting competitions!) i brought some cheap gym rubber matting, is recommend a thicker one that is 1mx1m, not the cheap puzzle style pieces. This is what i use https://www.primalstrength.com/products/primal-strength-eco-15mm-1m-x-1m-matting
2 of those would provide ample space, and as it is rubber withstands any rain, and you can wash it easily.

Equipment wise I would just something you are familiar with, maybe 2 pairs of dumbbells? A lighter set for upper body, and a heavier pair for lower body.

I’d suggest a shelf or somewhere that you can prop a laptop or iPad for YouTube fitness videos.

I do weights and yoga on my (uncovered) patio when the weather is dry and it’s always nicer to be outside exercising. Sounds like a great idea OP.

Skipping rope

I'd get a pull up bar firmly attached to the wall and a pair of adjustable P bars, a set of rings, a bench and a set of resistance bands

Then you can train calisthenics - dips, inverted rows, pull ups, pull ups, bicep curls, hollow body holds, knee raises, pistol squats etc etc. You don't have to be able to do any of these - you use the bands and easier progressions. Very very effective for upper body. Bit less so for legs unless you;ve got really good mobility IME.

It is a good home alternative to weights as you don't need to keep buying heavier and more expensive weights. It does take discipline tho and if you have never done it before you might need to find a class or some PT to get you going - have a look at people like Megan Callaway on insta (She sells various programmes) to get an idea.