PureGym uses tube-style entry pods at about 60 New York-area locations

About 60 PureGym locations around New York and New Jersey now require members to tap their phones to enter narrow plastic pods that open on the other side to give access to the gym, a system being rolled out as the company transitions its recent Blink Fitness acquisition to the PureGym brand.

The company’s chief executive, Clive Chesser, said the doors “ensure only our members can access the gym, and we know who’s in the gym at any given time.” PureGym says the pods allow 24/7 access, lower membership costs by automating sign-in and free staff for other tasks. Some members, however, have complained of confusion, delays and safety worries; users including Emily Fish and Orlando Martinez said they were concerned about getting stuck or being unable to exit when a phone battery died.

PureGym is offering an optional key fob as an alternative to using a phone. The gyms have emergency buttons and monitored security cameras, and the company said every location has an emergency non-pod exit that is wheelchair accessible, but some patrons have raised concerns about staff absence late at night.

Over the last two months the New York Fire Department, according to the New York City news site Hell Gate, found violations at seven PureGym locations for issues including failing to keep means of egress free from obstructions and problems with exit signage or lights.

Key Topics

Business, Puregym, Blink Fitness, New York, New Jersey, Fire Department