Why train outside
Fresh air, open space and a break from four walls are reason enough for many people. Outdoor sessions can use bodyweight work, bands, light weights, running drills and whatever the park offers. They suit early starts before work, and they fit small groups well.
Most councils require a permit
A trainer who runs paid sessions on public land usually needs approval from the council or the body that manages the land. The details differ from place to place:
- Melbourne. The City of Melbourne requires a permit for paid personal training on public land in the municipality, a requirement under state Crown land legislation. Trainers working under a permit must supply their registration and qualifications, plus proof of insurance (City of Melbourne).
- Adelaide. Trainers using the Park Lands or city squares need a Fitness Activity Permit. Sessions may run from 6am to 9pm during daylight saving and from 6am to 7pm the rest of the year (City of Adelaide).
- Gold Coast. The City of Gold Coast issues commercial fitness provider permits to individual trainers rather than businesses. Applicants supply a first aid certificate and a public liability certificate (City of Gold Coast).
- Newcastle. City of Newcastle licenses personal training, group fitness and boot camp classes in approved areas of its parks, sportsgrounds and beaches, with agreements allocated each quarter (City of Newcastle).
The permit is the trainer's job, not yours, but it tells you something: a trainer who holds one has given the council their details and agreed to its conditions. Asking about it is perfectly reasonable.
Beaches are not always allowed
A session on the sand sounds ideal, but check first. On the Gold Coast, commercial fitness providers are not permitted to operate on beaches or in bathing reserves (City of Gold Coast). The Central Coast takes another approach: its council issues temporary licences for personal training, fitness groups and bootcamps on council-managed beaches, parks and reserves (Central Coast Council). If your trainer suggests the beach, ask whether that stretch is covered by their approval.
What can and cannot be used
Councils limit equipment too. In the Adelaide Park Lands, permit holders can run gym sessions, circuits and boxing with pads, but heavy weights, resistance machinery and logs are off limits (City of Adelaide). In Perth's Kings Park, managed by the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, gear such as bench presses and weight bars is not permitted (Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority). In Darwin, the council's guidelines list public fitness equipment and children's playgrounds among the restricted areas for commercial classes (City of Darwin).
Planning for the weather
Outdoor training means working with the seasons. The City of Melbourne, for one, notes that it does not provide undercover training areas or back-up venues in bad weather (City of Melbourne). Ask your trainer what happens when it pours, how they handle summer heat and whether sessions move to a cooler time of day.
Keen to train outside? Send an enquiry and mention the park or area you have in mind.
Outdoor training questions
Does the council permit apply to me as well?
No. Council permits apply to the trainer running a paid session, not to the people taking part. In Perth's Kings Park, for example, individuals jogging, walking or cycling do not need a booking (Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority).
Can we use the outdoor gym equipment in my local park?
It depends on the council. The City of Sydney welcomes trainers on its equipment as long as they do not stop others using it (City of Sydney). The City of Adelaide does not allow trainers exclusive use of public outdoor fitness equipment, and Darwin restricts it for commercial classes.
What times do outdoor sessions run?
Within council hours, which vary. City of Melbourne permits, for instance, limit training to between 6am and 8pm (City of Melbourne). Your trainer will know the hours for their spot.