Pablo Perez
As warmer weather approaches, some Omaha gyms are taking workouts outside — and fitness experts say the shift may offer more than just a change of scenery.
Iron Heaven, a local gym in Omaha, is preparing to introduce an outdoor training space this summer. Owner Tim Rexius said the move is designed to give members a different workout environment while improving motivation and overall experience.
“(When it’s hot outside in the summer if you feel like 1970’s Arnold Schwarzenegger on the beach on Venis and that gets you there, I will do it, I will build it, to make sure you have everything at your fingertips to get that motivation going.),” he said.
A customer makes a purchase at The Game Shoppe in Omaha as Nebraska’s
The expansion aligns with broader national trends in the fitness industry. According to the American College of Sports Medicine’s 2025 Fitness Trends Report, outdoor and hybrid fitness options continue to grow in popularity as people seek more flexible and varied ways to stay active.
Fitness professionals say working out outside can offer mental and physical benefits, including improved mood, increased energy and a stronger sense of community.
For members at Iron Heaven, the outdoor addition represents more than just extra space.
“(I feel like it can help me improve to strive to do better especially in the heat, like work up a sweat.),” said [Rafael Chaviano- Torres], a member of Iron Heaven.
This area is where the outdoor workouts will be added.
Research also suggests fitness spaces contribute to community well-being. A global economic impact study from the Health & Fitness Industry Alliance found that fitness facilities support not only physical health but also social connection and improved overall wellness.
As more gyms experiment with open-air training environments, outdoor fitness may become a more permanent part of how communities stay active — not just a seasonal trend.
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