Fitness fanatics offering thousands of dollars on Airtasker, Facebook to use home gyms
Cashed-up Melbourne exercise junkies have taken to Airtasker and Facebook offering big bucks in a desperate search for workout space following the shut down of public gyms — but some critics say they need to exercise their brain.
Leader
Don't miss out on the headlines from Leader . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Desperate fitness fanatics have taken to outsourcing websites Airtasker and Facebook to find home gyms they can rent out.
The Leader has found at least 50 posts from gym junkies offering up to $2000 for a home gym membership after public gyms closed amid the COVID-19 spread.
One Airtasker user wrote he was “desperate” to use a home gym, but urged the setting needed to be “virus free”.
“Must be a decent set-up, virus free just looking to remain fit and active. If you’ve got options let us know.”
Another wrote: “Looking for home gym access for the period public facilities are closed.”
“$50 to $80 a week seems fairly reasonable. Am willing to negotiate more if it’s easier to access.”
The Leader also found dozens of Facebook users posting on community pages asking to use home gym equipment for a fee.
One man, who posted on the group Indians in Melbourne asking to use a home gym in the western suburbs for a fee, was slammed by other users.
“Any home gyms in Western Suburbs? I’ll pay you and any time is flexible. No travel history, healthy and hygienic,” he wrote.
Users responded with anger saying: “Due to people like you, governments are imposing lockdowns.”
Another wrote: “If only you exercised your brain.”
Consumer expert Dr Gary Mortimer said he thought it was a “very smart idea” as long as home gym owners had the right insurance and good hygiene standards.
“It’s a win-win situation for both the home gym owners and users seeking to use the facilities,” Dr Mortimer said.
“Most gyms are offering apps to use during the shutdown – but it’s not suitable without the equipment.
MORE NEWS
WERRIBEE MUM BREE HUGHES JAILED FOR RIPPING OFF VICTIMS’ IDS
THE ROLE TIK TOK CAN PLAY IN KEEPING YOUR SCHOOL KIDS SOCIAL
NEIGHBOURS FIND ROLLS OF TOILET PAPER IN RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS
“As long as the there’s good hygiene standards, social distancing rules and one person at a time – it’s a great idea for the community and neighbours.”
A Department of Health and Human Services spokesman said the best way to slow the spread of coronavirus is clear: “if you can stay home, you must stay home.”