ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – Frigid temperatures are keeping some fitness businesses in the St. Louis area busy while slowing others to a crawl.

“When it gets cold outside, folks don’t wanna get out and shiver,” says Coach Hammer, a personal trainer at HB2 Performance in Maryland Heights. “They want to start turning their thoughts to ‘let’s do something inside.‘”

The seasonal shift drives many toward indoor workouts, fueling a rise in demand for home gym equipment and repairs.

David Brandt, a technician at All Brands Fitness Repair in Maryland Heights, says wintertime, especially storms, brings a rush of service calls.

“Anytime we get a long stretch where it’s really hot or cold, that’s when we get our busiest times,” Brandt says. “Whether it snows or not, people have to be able to work out, and it’s my job to keep their equipment running properly.”

Meanwhile, running retailers like Running Niche in South City are feeling the freeze. Co-owner Jennifer Henderson says sales this January were flat compared to last year.

“It was the inability for people to get to our store because of the streets,” she says. “When we have a big snowstorm or if it’s three weeks into one, and people are still afraid to go out, they’ll buy shoes online, and we lose the opportunity to make that sale.”

Henderson says they are expecting a springtime rush and do not foresee January’s flat sales leaving a long-term impact.

While businesses see different results as a result of winter weather, for those looking to stay fit, Coach Hammer suggests runners pivot their training plans just as gym-goers adjust their routines.

“You can replicate a little of that with a good treadmill,” he says.

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