Coronavirus has disrupted almost every aspect of daily life for the past several months, but, as states relax their social distancing laws, we’re all moving towards a return to normal.
As a natural shut-in who blogs for a living, the lockdown hasn’t really bothered me that much but I know many people are absolutley at their wits end, desperate to be back among their co-workers, friends and workout buddies.
Now, I would look at the fact that there’s a deadly virus working its way through the population as an excuse to maybe skip the gym for a few more months, but people with toned quads and ripped abs know that’s taking the easy way out.
Hence, workout pods have been invented.
In these photos from Frederic J Brown of the AFP, the truly hard core are shown taking an exercise class at Inspire South Bay Fitness in Redondo Beach, California wrapped in plastic sheeting.
Yes, these workout pods look kind of stupid and probably smell terrible, but this is a pretty smart way to do it. It probably doesn’t totally stop the spread of the virus, considering one side is open and germs will still travel through the air, but it’s better than nothing?
Look, I could care less about getting to the gym at the moment, but it’s clear that the virus is going to be with us for a long time, and every action we take is going to be a matter of calculating the risk/benefit analysis. Getting exercise is vital to a healthy lifestyle and helps reduce stress and depression, something a lot o us are dealing with right now. So, is it worth it to some people to roll the dice so they can workout in shrink wrap? Probably! Who am I to judge.
Also, this is still safer than all those places that just don’t take any precautions at all.
Magneto's gym pic.twitter.com/feys60QUMl
— Carlos Adama (@Carlos_Adama) June 16, 2020
I wish I could look at these pictures and marvel at human ingenuity and resourcefulness, but I mostly just feel that our dystopia grows and grows by the day. We’re in the middle of a global pandemic! Why are y’all so pressed about keeping up with your Cross Fit and Orange Theory or whatever it is people do. Use this time to be a lout! The universe has handed these dedicated gym rats a perfectly valid excuse to stay home and they turned up their noses at it in disdain. I commend you, people who are dedicated to keeping their heart rate up. Enjoy your smelly workout pods. I’ll just be sitting here, on my couch, watching the flesh accumulate around my middle.