New purpose-built gym protecting members from Covid-19 excites fitness industry

A new inner-city Brisbane gym purpose built to help protect members from Covid-19 is believed to be the first facility of its kind in Australia.

The beleaguered fitness industry has welcomed the arrival of a new purpose-built facility that is fortified against Covid-19, giving them hope of a life beyond lockdowns and gym closures.

The facility, the first of its kind in Australia, gives members their own transparent ‘POD’ station, decked out with spin bikes, weight sets, trampolines, battle ropes and more.

The launch of a new purpose-built gym facility fortified against Covid-19 which opened in Newstead, Brisbane in early July.

Located in Brisbane, the Newstead gym welcomed more than 120 people to its official launch earlier this month, inspiring the industry to adopt some of its features to better protect members from community transmission.

The Pod1um team, whose group trainers included two-time winter Olympian Deanna Lockett, were keen to adapt to the demands following the pandemic without isolating those who are passionate about group fitness.

The launch of a new purpose-built gym facility fortified against Covid-19 which opened in Newstead, Brisbane in early July.

Brisbane local Samantha Irvine said she was keen to check-out the innovative facility and believes it is exactly what the industry needs.
“Training like this may become a reality for us in the future and it’s great to see that Brisbane is the first Australian city to host such a clever and innovative concept” Ms Irvine said.
“I was so excited to finally tour Pod1um and try it for myself” she said.

Each of the 18 stations at the Newstead gym allow members to social distance and removes the issues that arise from shared equipment and close contact.

The launch of a new purpose-built gym facility fortified against Covid-19 which opened in Newstead, Brisbane in early July.

The POD suites are fitted with transparent sheets to separate and protect members while allowing them to still see each other and communicate.

Pod1um boasts all the comforts and benefits of group training, as well as luxurious bonuses including a post-workout cold towel and smoothies.