A gym in California has reopened its doors to fitness fanatics with nine workout pods to allow for safe exercise.
The pods measure six feet in width and are roughly 10 feet tall, each equipped with a workout bench and selection of dumbbells.
Created using plastic pipes and shower curtains, South Bay Fitness in Redondo Beach, Los Angeles will also provide hand sanitiser and check the temperature of gym-goers once they enter.
The pods are the brainchild of gym owners Tring and Peet Sapsin, with the latter commenting: “It's been really tough; we weren't sure if we were going to be able to reopen again. 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 safer and healthier for our clients.”
Far cheaper than using perspex, the pods took just three days to install and will allow the gym to be operating at half the normal capacity, with those wanting to use the facilities required to pre-book an appointment.
Those using the equipment will be expected to wipe everything down after they are finished, whilst gym staff will be ensuring work surfaces, vending machines, locker rooms, showers and more are regularly cleaned and monitored throughout the day.
Personal trainers will be allowed to supervise workouts, however, they will be required to wear face masks and abide by social distancing guidelines.
Fitness centres across the Golden State have been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and despite gyms now reopening, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs remain off limits to the public.
With July 4 touted by many news outlets as the possible date for gyms to reopen in the UK, fitness centres could well follow Los Angeles’ novel approach.