A fresh way in starts now: new PureGym entry pods
Dear Members,
Spring is in the air, and as everything starts to feel a little lighter this season, our gym community is feeling it too. More high-fives. More small wins. More reasons to keep showing up and we’re here for it.
Hi, I’m Nicole, and I recently stepped into the role of President of North America at PureGym. I joined the team because I believe fitness should be easy to access and welcoming to everyone, no matter what point you’re starting from. Less friction, more feel-good movement, and that’s exactly what PureGym is here to deliver.
Outside of the gym, I’m a Pilates reformer fan and a runner. And early in my career, I worked retail and service jobs (my very first was as a barista at a Barnes & Noble in New York). Those days taught me something I still carry: when people are busy and stretched thin, small moments of support make a huge difference.
That’s the energy I want PureGym to bring to your day. I’ll be popping into your inbox with quick updates on what’s new, what’s changing, and a few feel-good moments along the way.
So this week, let’s start with something you’ll see right away at the gym: the entry pods.
Why entry pods?
First, we appreciate your patience with this new way to enter the gym. We know it takes a little getting used to, believe me, I’ve been there. But it’s worth it, we promise.
These entry pods allow us to safely monitor entry and exit, keeping our gyms open 24 hours a day and ensuring who’s in the gym at all times. That means more freedom to work out when it actually fits your life. And over five million of you have entered and exited the gym with the pods since we launched them!
We know that working out on YOUR schedule is vital to your success. That flexibility matters. Now that our gyms are open 24 hours, coming earlier or later in the day makes it easier to beat the rush and find a quieter workout window, if that’s what you’re into.
No matter the reason—whether it’s 3 PM or 3 AM, we’ll leave the lights on for you. The entry pods are designed to make getting in and out of the gym as quick and seamless as possible while adding a layer of safety.
How to make friends with the “pod”
Step 1: Open the PureGym app
Step 2: Tap QR code
Step 3: Scan QR code (at QR reader)
Step 4: Step into pod and wait a few seconds for the second door to open
Step 5: Step out onto the gym floor and get moving
And getting out works the same way. Open, tap, scan. Should the pod doors not open, there is an emergency release button near the bottom of the pod. Push this button and slide the door to exit.
We hope this helps. In the meantime, here are a few ways to get through any Pod discomfort you may be experiencing.
Top 10 things to do while waiting for the “pod” to open
The entry pods can take anywhere from 2 to 8 seconds to open. Don’t let those precious moments go to waste!
- Take a deep breath. Get your lungs ready for the workout ahead.
- Stretch your neck side to side. (Doesn’t that feel good?)
- Do a little dance. (Get the ya ya’s out.)
- Repeat this mantra until the door opens: “This is not an MRI, this is not an MRI.”
- Give yourself a pep talk: “Really proud of you for getting to the gym today.”
- Literally pat yourself on the back.
- Focus on your posture. Straighten up. Look ahead.
- Pick the perfect workout playlist
- Contemplate the meaning of life
- Count to 3.
In the pod, we’re all fam
Overheard in The Pod from South Orange to Baldwin.
“Is this a revolving door?”
“OMG, why is this taking so–” (door opened before they could finish)
“I don’t remember a time before I entered this Pod.”
“It smells better in here than I imagined.”
“Ugh, I don’t want to do lunges today.”
“This didn’t take that long. What are people talking about?”
“This reminds me of one of those bank money tube things.”
“I wish this were a portal to another universe.”
“Look ma, no hands!”
“Damn, I look good!”
“Where’s my phone?”
What’s next?
Like you, our members, PureGym is built for progress, not perfection. We’re designed to support small wins, consistency, and momentum over time. Whether you train early in the morning, late at night, or somewhere in between, our goal is to make showing up easier and feeling good more accessible.
As we continue to open more locations in the US, my focus is on listening, learning, and building gyms that feel welcoming, supportive, and grounded in the realities of everyday life.
Here’s to more ways of feeling good!
Nicole Brennan
President, PureGym North America
Up Next: All the high-quality equipment you need and nothing you don’t.
