Features
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For kids. Swedish walls designed for children. They are designed not so much for serious sports activities but for active games and fun. At the same time, their equipment can include some sports equipment such as horizontal bars, benches for the press, etc., but only children can fully engage in physical education on such equipment. Yes, and additional equipment in the form of game elements allows you to use the Swedish wall more for entertainment purposes. The allowable user weight (see below) can also be quite high, but this, again, is provided not so much for an adult as for several children at once (well, as an additional guarantee of safety, of course). Also, note that most kids' models are made of wood; see "Material" for more on this.
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Sports. Swedish walls, which are full-fledged sports equipment suitable for use in gyms during serious training. Such models have a more practical and discreet design than children's ones, besides, almost all are made of metal — to ensure the necessary strength and reliability. In addition, there are not some equipment that has a predominantly game purpose — for example,
rings or rope ladders (see "Components").
Max. user weight
The largest user weight for which the Swedish wall is designed; more precisely, the weight that it can be guaranteed to withstand without breaking, with the standard method of use for this model.
Usually, the maximum user weight is the maximum allowable load, regardless of how many people are on the Swedish wall. For example, on a children's model with a weight limit of 130 kg, two children weighing 40 kg each may well be — their total weight will be only 80 kg, this fits well into the permissible load. But in no case should this limit be exceeded, no matter how many people are on the structure: even if it does not break immediately, off-design loads will lead to increased wear, and a breakdown can occur at any time. Also note that if the maximum weight of the barbell is not separately given in the characteristics (see below), it should be assumed that the weight limit is indicated taking into account barbells, dumbbells and other weights that can be used in training. The exception is models with a bench press — they are usually designed for a fairly solid additional weight, even if this is not mentioned in the specifications. However, this applies only to the load on the bench itself, and anyway, it's ok to clarify the permissible values for additional weight separately (for example, according to the instructions or in the manufacturer's help desk).
It is worth choosing according to this indicator, taking into account how much weight the s...tructure has to be transferred in fact. At the same time, theoretically, the principle "the more — the better" is quite valid here. However, high reliability accordingly affects the price. Therefore, it is worth specifically looking for the most durable Swedish wall only if we are talking about an “adult” model for a public gym, where the group of potential users is unlimited and athletes can have a very large physique. But for personal or family use, a small margin of weight, 10-15 kg, is enough — and even then more "just in case" than out of real need.
Also note that individual elements of the Swedish wall may have their own weight restrictions: for example, for rings, gladiator nets and other ropes (see "Components"), the allowable weight may be less than for rigid structural parts.
Components
Equipment provided in the design or delivery of the product.
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Ladder. The Swedish wall in the original sense of the word is exactly a
ladder — a set of rigid crossbars installed vertically. However, among modern models,
a ladder is found, although often, but not everywhere — for example, products are made in the form of a gladiatorial net (see below) and do not have a set of crossbars at all. In general,
the ladder provides a fairly extensive range of features for both entertainment and sports: it can be used for stretching, in a light version of push-ups, for lifting and holding legs, etc.
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Dip bars. The bars used in the Swedish walls have the form of two parallel horizontal bars, fixed at one end to the structure (usually on the same supports between which the rungs of the ladder are located) and protruding forward. Such
dip bars are shorter than traditional gymnastic ones and do not allow performing acrobatic (swing) elements, but they are quite suitable for sports activities — especially dips. Note that the
dip bars are rarely used in children's models of Swedish wall, but for adults, they are almost mandatory.
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Press stop. Equipment designed to train the press by li
...fting and/or holding the legs. It has the appearance of characteristic vertical handles on the dip bars, complemented by soft pads. When performing exercises, the athlete holds on to the vertical handles and leans on the bars with his elbows and forearms — in such a way that the forearms lie horizontally on the bars, and the legs do not touch the ground, the support goes only to the hands. The back of the athlete is close to the ladder, for comfort, an additional soft pad under the back at the level of the bars is usually used (often removable so that it does not interfere with the traditional use of the ladders). "Hanging" in this position, the athlete can raise his legs, hold the angle and perform other similar exercises to train the abdominal muscles. Note that the presence of bars is almost guaranteed to mean the presence of an press stops, exceptions are extremely rare.
— Stationary pull-up bar. The horizontal bar is permanently installed at the same height and is not removable. Usually, it is located at the very top of the structure, so that even the tallest user (child or adult, depending on the purpose), hanging on the pull-up bar, does not reach the ground with his feet. The size of such a pull-up bar is small, it is intended primarily for pull-ups and is poorly suited for acrobatic elements.
— Removable pull-up bar. Pull-up bar, made in the form of a removable structure, suspended on the rung of the ladders. Thus, the height of the pull-up bar can be chosen at your own discretion — for example, adjusting the structure for a small child who is difficult to get to the “adult” pull-up bar. In addition, height adjustment provides some additional features that are not available for a stationary model. For example, by hanging a removable pull-up bar at the very bottom of the ladder, you can use it for easier pull-ups, with the torso in an inclined position and legs resting on the ground.
— Perpendicular handles. Handles mounted on a pull-up bar (usually stationary) perpendicular to the pull-up itself — most often directed forward. The presence of such handles allows you to perform pull-ups with a non-standard grip, expanding the range of exercises available for the pull-up bar.
— Trapeze. A gymnastic trapezoid is a crossbar suspended on ropes at both ends. It is found mainly in children's models; of course, there is no talk of serious acrobatic training on such a device, but it provides many features for both games and some specific exercises, including the development of coordination and a sense of balance.
— Monkey bars. A device in the form of a "horizontal ladder" — a set of horizontal crossbars on which you can move by moving your hands from one crossbar to another. Such a movement provides not only entertainment but also good training for tenacity and coordination. There is a monkey bars exclusively in complex Swedish walls and transformers (see "Type"), moreover, for children's purposes.
— Rope. The classic gymnastic rope is a thick rope suspended from the top of the Swedish wall. Used exclusively in children's models. Since the height of the home Swedish walls is small, the rope is not very long. However, it can still be used to develop initial rope climbing skills. Yes, and in games, the rope may be useful.
— Gymnastic rings. A device in the form of a pair of rings (or similar equipment of a different shape, such as triangular handles) suspended from ropes. It allows you to perform both power and acrobatic elements and can be used for games, and for quite serious training. However, in Swedish walls, smaller children's rings are usually used.
— Rope ladder. Ladder with hard rungs and soft vertical supports (made of ropes, hence the name). Climbing it is more difficult than the classic hard one, it requires careful balance and precise movement. This can be called a virtue — the rope ladder promotes the development of coordination and a sense of balance. In addition, you can swing on it, which children will surely appreciate while playing. And for storage or transport, the rope ladder can be folded compactly.
— Gladiator net. Vertical net with large cells, woven from thick ropes. Sometimes colloquially also called "sailor", because similar in design to the nets used similarly to ladders on sailing ships. It is used mainly in children's models, for climbing; at the same time, climbing a net is much more difficult than climbing an ordinary or even a rope ladder, and such an activity greatly helps to develop dexterity.
— Bench for press. A bench specially designed for training the abdominal muscles by twisting the torso. It is also called the "inclined board", because it is usually installed at an angle, fastened with the upper part to the rung of the ladder. In the same part, there may be leg rests (under the knees), which provide additional convenience; the role of a hook that allows the athlete to stay on the bench is most often played by the rung of the ladder. And by changing the installation height, you can change the slope and, accordingly, the load during training. Press benches can be found in both children's and adult models; often the same device plays the role of a bench for the bench press (see below).
— Bench for bench press. Bench for bench press (and other similar exercises that require the athlete to lie down and be able to lower their arms below the body). It is often supplemented with mounts for installing the barbell — their presence not only provides additional security for the duration of the exercise but also allows you to store the barbell directly on the Swedish wall. Note that if both a bench for bench press and a press bench are claimed in the design (see above), we are usually talking about the same bench, which can be installed in different positions and used in different ways. At the same time, if the equipment for the press is often provided in children's models, then the bench press is a purely “adult” function.
— Posture trainer. A device designed to develop correct posture and skills to maintain it. Most often, such a trainer includes two items. The first is a reversible horizontal bar of a special design, consisting of a removable crossbar and a base with slots for it; the base is fixed on the ladder, and the slots allow you to adjust the height of the crossbar with an accuracy of several centimetres, without rearranging the base. The second component of the posture trainer is a small device that looks like a ladder with tightly spaced crossbars but rather plays the role of a pillow. This “pillow” is attached under the horizontal bar so that when the user hangs on the horizontal bar with outstretched arms, the “pillow” rests against his back. Thus, by hanging on the horizontal bar and resting in the right place, the trainer provides stretching and unloading of the spine, as well as the formation of the correct posture. Such a device is considered especially useful for children of preschool and primary school age, but it can also be useful for adults. Of course, in case of back problems, care must be taken, in such cases it is advisable to consult a doctor before using the trainer.
— Punching bag. Dense, often quite heavy bag for training boxing skills. Despite the name, it can be used not only in boxing but in almost any martial arts associated with hitting. However, note that punching bags can have different shapes, sizes and weights, and therefore differ in application: for example, a small bag at face level is only suitable for training hands, for working with legs you need a large, elongated bag. Usually, such bags are made removable so that during “non-training” hours they do not interfere with other activities.
— Swing. In the Swedish walls, you can meet both classic swings, in the form of a plank on two ropes, and not quite ordinary designs — for example, a round seat suspended on one rope by a hole in the centre. Anyway, the swing is purely an entertainment device and is used only in children's models.
— Slide. A children's slide is an inclined chute that you can slide down during games. It is installed similarly to the bench for the press described above — one end on the floor, the other on the stairs. Usually, the height of such slides is small and they are designed mainly for the smallest kids.
— Growth scale. A device for measuring height, usually in the form of a scale marked on one of the vertical supports. Actual primarily for children's slides. To measure height, it is enough for the child to stand close to the scaleMaterial
The main material used in the design of the Swedish wall.
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Wood. The main advantage of the Swedish walls made of wood is that such designs are pleasant to the touch and do not cool hands when touched. And the wood looks good too. On the other hand, this material is not as strong as metal and therefore is used in children's and "child-adult" Swedish walls (see "Features"), not designed for high loads.
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Metal. The metal is notable primarily for its high strength, this material is suitable not only for children but also for full-fledged adult models that can withstand significant loads. At the same time, metal parts (primarily the rungs on the ladders), with such strength, can be quite thin, which allows them to be reliably grabbed even by children with their small hands. On the other hand, metal is not as pleasant to the touch as wood, and even in warm weather it feels cold. Therefore, it is most popular in Swedish walls for adults (in fact, they are all made of metal), but there are few children's designs from this material.
pull-up bar protrusion
The protrusion of the pull-up bar provided in the design of the Swedish wall; usually it is a
stationary pull-up bar(see "Components").
The protrusion is the distance from the pull-up bar to the ladder. The large protrusion is convenient in that it allows you to pull yourself up in such a way that when lifting your head is between the pull-up bar and the ladder — and this is perhaps the most popular position when pulling up on the Swedish wall, especially if you have to climb the pull-up bar on the ladder. On the other hand, a far-reaching pull-up is more difficult to reach. Therefore, the protrusion is usually chosen taking into account the age category of the product (see "Features") — for example, in children's models it rarely exceeds 70 cm, and in adults, it can be more than a metre.