A California gym is taking the safety of its customers seriously in the wake of coronavirus, creating socially distant private workout pods for them to exercise in. South Bay Fitness in Redondo Beach believes this is an important move to ensure the virus isn’t spread and the gym can operate safely.
- The workout pods are built out of shower curtains and plastic pipes. The pods are erected in specific areas to isolate workout machines, weights, etc. to ensure that people can work out alone without anyone nearby. As owner Peet Sapsin told KTLA, since the gym has been closed for three months, this seems like the only way to proceed safely.
- This invention is allowing the gym to reopen. “It’s been really tough, we weren’t sure if we were going to be able to reopen again,” Sapsin admitted. “But because now that we’ve come up with this solution, it’s a lot more affordable and, now, we can reopen back up a little more safer and healthier for our clients.” Hey, whatever works!
- Sadly, the gym can still only operate at about half of its capacity. Because there are only so many pods that can be erected given social distancing rules, it means that South Bay Fitness can only have about 5o% of its usual number of customers. This means only nine people can be in the gym to use the equipment at one time. Because of this, clients have to book their appointments in advance to guarantee their workout.
- There are other safety measures in place as well. The private workout pods aren’t the only thing Sapsin and his staff are offering their clients. In addition to wearing masks and remaining at least six feet apart from anyone else, they’re using antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer to perform regular cleanings on surfaces, machines, etc. to keep them germ-free.
- The saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs are still closed. There’s no way to keep those germ-free, so they’re still shut for now. Hey, at least you can still get a workout in if you’re desperate!
- Would you try a private workout pod? Personally, I feel like it’s not worth it for me just yet. I can still go for runs outside and I own some free weights and a folding bike at home, so it doesn’t seem worth the trouble to head back to the gym just yet even though I do miss the atmosphere. However, I know those who don’t necessarily have the equipment or the space to work out at home would welcome something like this, so best of luck to Sapsin!
