Background and objective: Research has demonstrated positive associations between park-based outdoor gyms and physical activity (Rung et al., 2011). Few studies have evaluated potential challenges with outdoor gyms on physical activity, especially interventions using smartphone Apps (Johnson et al., 2019). The purpose was to study the participant’s perceived challenges during participation in a six-month outdoor gym program.

Methods: Ten participants (age = 50.3, SD = 9.2), with low levels of physical activity were interviewed at the end of the six-month intervention (male = 2; female =8). At the start of the intervention participants received a smartwatch and the “ParkStark” exercise app, along with an individual motivational interviewing coaching sessions.

Results/findings: A thematic content analysis of the interview data generated three core themes of perceived challenges experienced during the intervention: negative life event stressors, problems managing the smartwatch and an exercise app, and, lack of motivation. The results indicated both structural and personal challenges, likely to have a negative effect on the adherence to the intervention protocol.

Conclusions: It is important to develop simple and user-friendly communication systems. When designing outdoor gyms, it is recommended to organize opportunity for continuous communication with significant others to facilitate motivation and adherence for sustainable exercise.