Street Workout brings a breath of fresh air to the world of bodybuilding, using bodyweight alone and combining physical performance with artistic expression. This training method, which is attracting more and more enthusiasts, requires suitable and safe facilities. If you’re thinking of installing a Street Workout station in your town, your company or even your home, there are a number of factors to consider. Among them, the free height of fall is a key element defined by standard EN16630-2015.
What is free-fall height?
According to EN16630-2015, the free-fall height corresponds to “the greatest vertical distance between the operating position and the horizontal surface directly below”. In other words, this is the maximum height from which a user can fall during normal use of the equipment.
This information is essential as it determines the type of shock-absorbing floor required under the equipment to ensure user safety. Each type of covering has specific properties that enable it to absorb the impact of a fall and minimize the risk of injury.
How do you calculate free-fall height?
The free-fall height varies according to the user’s position on the apparatus:
- Standing position Falling height is the distance between the bottom of the foot and the surface below.
- Seated position The distance between the seat and the surface underneath it.
- Suspended (when the user is hanging by his hands and can lift his body up to the hand support): the distance between the hands and the surface below is measured, minus 1 meter. This distinction is particularly important for Street Workout stations, where the suspension point is often the maximum drop height.
Why is it essential to take free-fall height into account?
Once the free-fall height has been calculated, it’s imperative to adapt the floor surface to guarantee an optimum level of safety. Standard EN16630-2015 sets out precise recommendations on the type of flooring to use, depending on the fall height.
Here is a summary table of recommended materials according to free-fall height:
| Free-fall height | Accepted soil types |
|---|---|
| 0 to 100 cm | Hard floor: concrete, paving stone, asphalt |
| Up to 120 cm | Earth |
| Up to 150 cm | Grass, lawn |
| Up to 200 cm | Shock-absorbing floor, 20 cm creep tray |
| Up to 300 cm | Shock-absorbing floor, 30 cm drain pan |
The higher the fall height, the greater the shock-absorbing capacity of the floor. This requirement not only ensures that the installation complies with current regulations, but above all protects the users.
How do you choose your Street Workout station?
When selecting a Street Workout station, please take into account :
- The height of the modules: a good layout should allow safe progression from beginner to expert level.
- Equipment layout: good spacing between structures minimizes the risk of collisions and promotes smooth operation.
- Materials used: galvanized or stainless steel structures are preferred for optimum resistance to weathering and wear.
- The floor: a suitable floor considerably reduces the risk of injury and ensures a safe training experience.
Conclusion: Safety first!
Free-fall height is an essential criterion to take into account when designing and installing a Street Workout space. By complying with the recommendations of standard EN16630-2015 and opting for suitable materials, you can guarantee the safety and comfort of users, while optimizing the durability of your facility.
If you still have questions, or if you’d like us to help you with your project, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to help you choose the equipment best suited to your needs.
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