California gym reopens using pods for fitness fanatics to exercise in

A gym in California has reopened with workout pods to keep those excercising safe and help curb the spread of coronavirus. 

As well as taking basic precautions such as using hand sanitizer and having their temperatures when patrons enter the gym, South Bay Fitness in Redondo Beach will assign each gym goer their own pod, with its own dumbbells and other equipment inside.

The pods, which took three days to install, use using shower curtains and pipes – which are far cheaper than using perspex. 

A California gym has come up with a novel idea of keeping people apart

South Bay Fitness in Redondo Beach have constructed nine ‘workout pods’ made out of plastic pipes and shower curtains

Nine pods are 6ft wide and about 10ft tall and come equipped with dumbbells and a bench

‘It’s been really tough, we weren’t sure if we were gonna be able to reopen again,’ gym owner P said. ‘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.’ 

Gyms across California had been shut for more than three months as the coronavirus continued to spread but now the state has released guidelines for disinfecting and social distancing  to help fitness centers reopen.

The gym has also had to introduce other social distancing rules including a maximum of just nine people working out at one time – about half the normal capacity. 

Those wanting to attend the gym will also have to make appointments in order to control the numbers of people using the facility at one time.  

A sign is pictured as people exercise at Inspire South Bay Fitness behind plastic sheets in their workout pods while observing social distancing

The pods were the owner of Peet Sapsin, pictured, who was looking for a cheaper alternative to using plexiglass

Peet Sapsin, left, leads a class at Inspire South Bay Fitness with students behind plastic sheets 

For those working in the gym, personal trainers are required to wear face coverings and stay 6ft away from those they’re working with. 

Users are also expected to clean the equipment with wipes and use hand sanitizer throughout.   

Gym staff will have to clean everything else including countertops, vending machines, doorknobs, hand washing facilities, reception areas, locker rooms, restrooms, changing areas and showers.

Saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs are to remain closed for now.   

Gym reopened Monday under California’s coronavirus Phase 3 guidelines

People exercise at Inspire South Bay Fitness behind plastic sheets in their workout pods