Australia’s first gym purpose-built to be fortified against COVID-19 opens in Brisbane

Pod1um, Australia’s first gym purpose-built to be fortified against COVID-19, has opened in the Brisbane inner-city suburb of Newstead.

Rather than offering an open gym floor, Pod1um’s internal space has been divided into individual ‘POD Suites’ separated by clear glass walls, which offers members the chance to exercise in an innovative and hygienic space not previously available in Australia.

Each of the 18 spacious exercise stations are fitted with spin bikes, weight sets, trampolines, battle ropes and more, eliminating the sharing of equipment and the need for social distancing.

At the end of each session, all surfaces and equipment then gets thoroughly cleaned.

With group training at the Maud Street facility led by world-class athletes including two times winter Olympian Deanna Lockett, a spokesperson of Pod1um advises that the gym “boasts all the creature comforts of a world class facility with luxurious touches including a post-workout cold towel and smoothie.”

Inspiration for the gym comes following stringent COVID-19 regulations that had fitness centres shut down amid extensive infection risk, a threat, the spokesperson explained, “that is significantly reduced at Pod1um”.

At the recent opening, one guest advised that, even as a regular gym-goer, she’s never seen a space like Pod1um, commenting “I’m so excited to finally tour Pod1um and see it for myself.

“Training like this may become a reality for us in the future and it’s great to see that Brisbane the first Australian city to host such a clever and innovative concept.”

The gym itself has a bright, monochromatic black and yellow theme created by acclaimed designer Borhan Ghofrani.

For information about Pod1um, visit www.pod1um.com.au.

Images: Interiors at Pod!um (top and middle) and Brisbane contortionist Violeta Dee at its recent opening (below).