PureGym, the UK-based budget gym chain, acquired the U.S. chain Blink Fitness in 2024 and has been rebranding locations across New York City (including in neighborhoods like Astoria, Bed-Stuy, Bushwick, Harlem, and Brooklyn). As part of the transition to a low-cost, 24/7 model, many gyms have installed cylindrical "entry pods" (often called tubes or robot doors) and removed traditional front desks, shifting to app-based QR code check-ins. This has led to widespread customer frustration, with complaints focusing on the pods' design, safety concerns, and the loss of staffed reception.The New System: How It Works and Why It's ImplementedMembers scan a QR code from the PureGym app at a reader outside the pod. The outer door opens, they step into a small enclosed chamber, the outer door closes, and then the inner door opens to enter (or exit) the gym. This "mantrap"-style setup allows unstaffed operation during off-hours while aiming to prevent unauthorized access.
The changes enable full 24/7 access without overnight staffing, cutting labor costs—a core part of PureGym's business model. Staff are still present during peak hours, but the front desk has been eliminated in many locations.Customer Complaints and Viral IncidentsThe backlash has been intense, particularly in NYC, where former Blink members feel the changes degrade the experience:
While not every location has fully rolled out the pods yet, the changes are standard in PureGym's UK operations and are expanding in the U.S. If you're considering a membership or affected in NYC, check your local gym's status via the app.
Key sources: Daily Dot article on the viral trapping video (Dec 2025), Hellgate NYC piece on the "TSA-like" tubes (Dec 2025), and numerous Reddit discussions from NYC users in late 2025.
The changes enable full 24/7 access without overnight staffing, cutting labor costs—a core part of PureGym's business model. Staff are still present during peak hours, but the front desk has been eliminated in many locations.Customer Complaints and Viral IncidentsThe backlash has been intense, particularly in NYC, where former Blink members feel the changes degrade the experience:
- Trapping and Malfunctions: A viral TikTok video from December 2025 showed NYC member Gabby Kalomiris getting stuck in a pod late at night with no staff to help. She described it as "worse than being stuck in an elevator" and noted a bad smell inside (implying poor ventilation or prior users' odors). She told reporters she's seen "dozens of people struggling and complaining about the doors," and no front desk staff were present during her incident.
- Claustrophobia and Safety Fears: Many call the pods "dystopian" or a "fire hazard." Reddit users worry about power outages, jams during emergencies, or claustrophobia. One described feeling "like cattle," while others noted lines forming during busy times, leading staff to prop open accessibility doors (defeating the security purpose).
- Loss of Front Desk: Complaints highlight the impersonal feel—no one to greet members, handle issues, or monitor cleanliness/security. Some report easier guest sneaking due to no staffed check-in, while others miss the human interaction and feel equipment maintenance has declined.
- App Dependency and Accessibility: Requiring a smartphone for entry frustrates those without reliable phones or who prefer not to use apps.
While not every location has fully rolled out the pods yet, the changes are standard in PureGym's UK operations and are expanding in the U.S. If you're considering a membership or affected in NYC, check your local gym's status via the app.
Key sources: Daily Dot article on the viral trapping video (Dec 2025), Hellgate NYC piece on the "TSA-like" tubes (Dec 2025), and numerous Reddit discussions from NYC users in late 2025.
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