Outdoor fitness is more than just working out in nature — it’s an experience that requires intentional planning and effort from the clubs that offer it.
Outdoor fitness has been proven to have added benefits compared to typical indoor fitness, such as enhanced physical performance due to factors like varied terrain and natural resistance, allowing the body to work harder without any extra effort.
Whether it’s rock climbing or doing a group fitness on a rooftop, outdoor fitness is one of the many programming efforts clubs are using to expand their offerings.
At Fit Athletic Club’s Mission Beach location in San Diego, outdoor fitness is simply part of the lifestyle. “People want to move outside,” said general manager Parker Washington. “It’s where they feel their best. So at Fit, we’ve always leaned into that and just found ways to elevate it.”
With an upgraded rooftop turf overlooking the ocean, Fit Athletic runs some of its most popular classes there including Fit Grit, Turf Strength and Turf HIIT. At Fit Social, their social club, they offer low-intensity wellness classes with somatic movements and breathwork outdoors. They also offer Beach Yoga and Beach X in the summer, allowing members to enjoy the sun and sand.
“It’s the definition of San Diego fitness: people moving together in the sun, near the water, building community through shared energy,” said Washington.
Club Northwest’s ‘The Backyard’ is host to a variety of events including their second annual MovNat certification training and basketball and pickleball tournaments and clinics. Their goal was to expand on the programs they already had in the outdoor environment.
Designing and Maintaining Outdoor Spaces
One of the most important things to think about if a club is going to incorporate outdoor fitness is where it will happen. The space needs to be intentional if training outside is going to be available, especially if it is year-round. The space needs to be able to stand up to the elements: wind, rain, humidity, sun exposure and changing temperatures.
At Fit Athletic, upgrades included working with BeaverFit and Gym80 to choose the best equipment that holds up in the coastal environment. “Even small decisions, like the type of turf we used, were about performance and comfort,” said Washington. “It’s cooler underfoot, drains fast, and holds up through constant use.”
Club Northwest also worked with BeaverFit to install a 2,500-square-foot covered outdoor workout arena that is designed for year-round use. The arena features a ninja rig, power racks, treadmills, bikes, rowers and other functional gear. They also have nine dedicated pickleball courts in the arena, allowing for a wide range of activities to choose from.
The space is also important for the overall experience. Little things like sounds and surfaces are all a part of how the workout will go for the member.
The outdoor spaces at Fit Athletic lend themselves to the activities they offer. “The energy of the rooftop calls for intensity movement, [while] the calm of the beach invites slower grounding work,” said Washington. “We’re lucky enough to operate in a place where the natural elements do half the work for us. We just build the spaces and complement that.”
Club Northwest wanted to create a space for community with their outdoor arena. “We designed this area intentionally with ample seating and social zones, ensuring it serves not just as a place to play, but as a hub for members and guests to connect,” said Jesse Sallas, the director of programming.
Safety and Preparedness in Outdoor Programming
Even with the energy and atmosphere that define outdoor fitness, safety remains a priority for the clubs that offer these programs.
At Club Northwest, supervision and safety protocols are tailored to the risk level of the activity. “For instance, our low ropes ‘Discover Obstacle Course’ is fully fenced with a locked gate to control access,” said Sallas. “We require all members and guest to wear helmets while on the course and to be under direct supervision of a safety-certified staff member.”
Being prepared is key for Fit Athletic. Before they launch a new program, they run mock classes to test everything from spacing to flow. They also adjust based on day-to-day changes that come from working in an outdoor space. “Our team promptly responds to changing conditions to maintain safety and comfort,” said Washington. “It’s become second nature. We don’t need to rely on daily oversight because our team’s trained to make smart, safe calls on their own.”
Marketing and Engagement
Of course, none of the efforts for these programs matter if people don’t know about them. Effective marketing is essential to the success of these programs. By spotlighting what these outdoor programs offer, it will draw people in.
“Our social team tells the story through a mix of curated content and real members’ voices,” said Washington. “A lot of what we see now is organic.”
Members of Fit Athletic share videos and tag the club, talking about the club without the club even asking. Because of this, classes have been filling up fast and staff at the club have heard members talking about how they look forward to them every week. “It’s the best promotion we could ask for,” said Washington.
Club Northwest wants ‘The Backyard’ to be more than just an outdoor amenity but a destination for purpose-driven well-being and community building. “Our content strategy actively highlights the social and community elements, using member testimonials and user-generated content to showcase the fun of community and the competitive spirit through our outdoor programming,” said Sallas.
And the response has been positive, with members contributing ‘The Backyard’ to their overall well-being at the club.
The Future of Outdoor Fitness
With new trends and opportunities, outdoor fitness programs will continue to adapt to meet the wants and needs of the members participating.
At Club Northwest, they’ve noticed an emergence of hybrid fitness as a format that their members are looking for. “It provides a tangible goal for members who want to train with purpose and who are looking for more than just a workout; they want to train for something,” said Sallas.
Since the pandemic, members of fitness clubs have continuously been searching for community in their clubs. Most facilities have leaned into this, making it more of an experience rather than a simple routine.
“That sense of belonging is what’s shaping the next wave of outdoor wellness,” said Washington. “I think that’s where opportunity lies. Creating space for people to train hard and still hang out or grab a bite together. Designing places that make people want to stay. The gyms that focus on experience over volume will build real longevity.”
