Outdoor fitness center at Terra Fermata bar in Stuart reimagines exercise amid COVID-19

Catie Wegman, Treasure Coast Newspapers
·2 min read

STUART — A new fitness center that opened Monday aims to bring a different exercise experience to Martin County, combining outdoor workouts with the motivational group training found at traditional gyms.

All-Outdoors Fitness provides functional-based training, using only free weight and body exercises and no machinery, said owner Sarah Wickstrom. Classes are capped at 12 people to maintain a more personal experience.

The center operates out of a separate, renovated space at Terra Fermata in downtown Stuart, at 26 S.E. 6th St.

"Being outside, you’re going to have different variables that you just don’t get inside," said Wickstrom, 28, a Jensen Beach High School graduate. "This makes the brain work along with the body, and that’s really going to ignite different neurons and active them.”

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Wickstrom, a former professional volleyball player who lived in Germany for six years, always trained outside in public parks, she said, and there was a huge outdoor fitness community.

When she came back to her hometown about a year ago, she noticed there was nothing like that here and sought to change that.

The coronavirus pandemic added another layer, as traditional gym settings temporarily closed and more residents opted for safer exercise alternatives.

"People were almost forced to get out of their training routine and either do home workouts or go outside, and people started to realize how nice that was," Wickstrom said. "It was almost a silver lining that brought about this idea at the right time."

There are many benefits to outdoor workouts, she added.

"The majority of people are inside a lot more than they’re outside," she said. "When you can feel the sun in your face and get fresh air, that’s going to be a mood booster."

Right now, there are three classes offered Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wickstrom hopes to add another morning and afternoon class in the coming months as the business grows.

On Saturdays, Wickstrom plans to host one morning workout at different public parks and beaches throughout Martin County.

There are a handful of membership and class package options at varying prices:

  • Unlimited membership: $149

  • Eight classes monthly: $99

  • Four classes monthly: $59

  • 10-class package: $180

  • Six-class package: $100

  • Drop-in class: $20

Personal training is also available. Residents interested in trying an All-Outdoors Fitness class can sign up for one free session online at alloutdoorsfitness.com/first-class.

All-Outdoors Fitness

Catie Wegman is TCPalm's community and real estate reporter. You can keep up with Catie on Twitter @Catie_Wegman, on Facebook @catiewegman1 and email her catie.wegman@tcpalm.com.

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This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: All-Outdoors Fitness Stuart: New gym reimagines exercise amid COVID-19