Outdoor gyms are great when it’s warm. What will exercisers do in winter weather?
fitness activities get increasingly limited or remain shuttered across the country, gyms have moved outside. Why? Well, there’s typically better airflow, more space and fewer mask requirements.
In the last few months, Barry’s created 13 outdoor class locations and Equinox launched two fully outdoor clubs with tented class studio areas and lockers. Gyms including Crunch Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness and Basecamp Fitness have all turned parking lots into weightlifting and bootcamp workout spaces.
But now winter is coming. That means rain, snow, freezing temperatures and other inclement weather. And, honestly, who wants to stationary bike in sleet?
Here’s how fitness junkies and gyms are planning to adapt — yet again — to the challenges of 2020.
Outdoor workout challenges: Rain checks, headphones and face masks
as it does indoors): Basecamp and Equinox do not require face masks to be on socially-distanced fitness classes while Barry’s and 24 Hour Fitness typically do.
Outdoor gyms could stay open through December
Although Crunch Fitness just closed one of its outdoor Blackhawk locations, it’s keeping another outdoor California gym, in Burbank, open indefinitely. Hansen says he plans to continue to offer Basecamp outside in Santa Monica even if the studio opens indoors.
But what about the gyms that will see much colder winters?
As for Barry’s, its NYC studio on a hotel rooftop already has heating, its Boston location will be utilizing propane-fueled heaters and, according to Barry’s CEO Joey Gonzalez, the boutique chain is working to get approval for a tent and electric heating solution in D.C.