Members of a California gym are working out in individual pods made of shower curtains and PVC pipes.
CNN reported that Inspire South Bay Fitness in Redondo has constructed pods to enforce health and safety guidelines enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gym owner Peet Sapsin said that the pods allow people to participate in group workout classes while maintaining social distancing in a way that doesn’t require them to wear masks.
“My wife drew them out on paper, and soon after, we built our first prototype,” Sapsin said, noting that the entire project cost less than $400. “We sent the prototype to our clients, and they were very excited, and felt more comfortable knowing there was a clear wall between one person and the next.
“Everything you need is inside your pod — bench, mat, dumbbells. There is also a disinfecting spray in there, so that after, everyone can clean up after themselves.”
Since California gyms were allowed to reopen June 12, Inspire South Bay Fitness classes have been full, according to Sapsin.
Gyms across the country have handled reopening in a variety of ways after being forced to close their doors this spring. Nationwide chains like 24 Hour Fitness and Gold’s Gym have filed for bankruptcy and permanently closed locations, while other gyms defied state orders and many moved their classes online. The enhanced safety guidelines are also likely to lead to new products, such as workout pods, masks or cleaning materials.
