When people hear “outdoor fitness franchise”, the first question is often not about royalties or marketing.
It is:
“What do you do when the weather is bad”
Snow, freezing rain, heat waves, wind.
If you live in Canada, these are not theoretical.
This article explains how we handle weather at Outdoor Fitness, based on more than 25 years of all-season outdoor training with Cardio Plein Air in Quebec.
It is written for future franchisees and coaches who want a realistic view of daily operations, not a glossy brochure.
Our guiding principles for weather
Before getting into details, here are the three principles that guide us.
- Safety first
If a situation is unsafe, we do not run the class. Period. - Consistency second
Clients commit and progress when they know classes will run whenever it is reasonably possible. - Comfort third
Outdoor training is not meant to copy the comfort of a climate-controlled gym. We educate clients to dress and move for the season.
The weather protocol exists to help owner-coaches make decisions that are safe, consistent and predictable.
The decision framework
Every Outdoor Fitness territory applies a simple decision framework:
- Check the forecast and alerts early
- Temperature, wind chill, precipitation, wind speed
- Official warnings from local authorities
- Apply clear thresholds
- Below a certain temperature or wind chill, you adapt duration, intensity or location
- Above a certain risk level, you cancel or reschedule
- Decide early, communicate clearly
- Clients know by a set time whether class is on, adapted or cancelled
- You use standard messages provided by head office
- Log the decision
- You record the reason in the CRM or internal tools
- You learn from patterns over the season
You are not improvising each time. You are applying a method.
What we do when it snows
Snow is not an exception in Canada. It is a season.
Light snow, normal conditions
- Classes run as planned
- You adapt warm-up and movements to the surface and visibility
- You remind clients of clothing basics: layers, hat, gloves, proper footwear
For many clients, these are some of their favourite sessions. The experience is unique and builds strong loyalty.
Heavy snow but safe conditions
- Classes often still run
- You might slightly adjust the location inside the park where footing is better
- You simplify drills to reduce slipping risk
- You plan a bit more time for arrival and departure
Snow plus risk factors
Example: freezing rain, very strong wind, poor visibility on roads.
- You may cancel or reschedule
- You apply the protocol thresholds defined for your territory
- You send clear messages with next steps: new time, credit, or replacement class
The key for clients is not “always run, no matter what”.
The key is “I understand why they decided, and I trust the process”.
Very cold days
Cold is not the same as danger.
We work with:
- Clear temperature and wind chill thresholds
- Recommended duration adjustments on very cold days
- Programming changes to keep people moving and warm
On very cold but acceptable days
- You shorten breaks and static holds
- You choose movements that involve big muscle groups
- You emphasise clothing and layering education
On “too cold” days
If the combined temperature and wind chill fall below our defined limit, or if there are alerts for extreme cold, you:
- Cancel or reschedule
- Inform clients early with the reason
- Offer alternatives when possible later in the week
Clients understand cold. They want to know that you are professional and prepared.
Rain and storms
Not all rain is a problem.
Light rain
- Classes usually run
- You adapt surfaces and reduce any unnecessary slipping risks
- You prepare clients with “rain plan” expectations at the start of the season
Many clients enjoy training in light rain once they experience it. It often becomes part of the story they tell about your brand.
Thunderstorms, high winds, dangerous conditions
- You cancel or reschedule
- You follow local alert systems and internal thresholds
- You never compromise on lightning or falling branch risks
Again, the protocol is there so that decisions are predictable, not based on mood.
Heat and sun
Bad weather is not only about cold.
On hot days
- You adjust class time when possible to cooler slots
- You increase water and rest reminders
- You adapt intensity and choose shaded areas
On extreme heat alerts
- You may cancel or reschedule
- You reduce duration or shift to lower intensity formats when still acceptable
- You apply any local public health recommendations
The same logic applies: set thresholds, adapt when possible, stop when needed.
How we communicate with clients
Clear communication is half of good weather management.
At Outdoor Fitness, franchisees receive:
- Standard weather policy text for websites and onboarding
- Message templates for “class maintained”, “class adapted” and “class cancelled”
- Guidelines for how early to decide and notify
Clients know:
- What channels you use to inform them (email, SMS, app, social group)
- At what time decisions are usually taken
- What to expect in terms of credits or replacement classes
This reduces complaints and increases trust. People accept a cancelled class when they see the logic and consistency behind it.
What this means for future franchisees and coaches
If you are used to a gym, you might see weather as a big uncertainty.
In reality, with a good protocol, weather is:
- A factor to manage
- A strong differentiator
- A key part of your brand story
You are not alone with a weather app on your phone trying to guess.
You have:
- Thresholds based on long experience in four seasons
- Scripts and templates for client communication
- Support from a network that has seen almost every scenario
Your role is to apply the protocol, know your local micro-conditions and lead calmly.
The real question to ask yourself
The deeper question is not “Will the weather be perfect”.
It is:
- Am I ready to embrace seasons as part of my brand
- Do I like the idea of being the coach who helps people stay active all year, not only when it is easy
If the answer is yes, outdoor weather is not a problem to avoid. It is part of the value you bring.
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