What if going to the gym didn’t actually mean going to a gym?
That is the idea behind PT Pods, a British company that installs compact, private workout spaces that users can book and unlock through an app. Each Pod operates independently, combining fitness equipment, technology, guided workouts and privacy within a compact space.
A Gym That Started in a Backyard
The idea emerged during lockdown, when Mike Mair, founder of PT Pods, built a small gym in his backyard to work out with his partner and a friend.
During those sessions, Mair began questioning why some people avoided strength training and what barriers they encountered in traditional gyms.
That led him to develop a different concept: a space where people could work out privately, without sharing equipment or dealing with some of the dynamics that can make conventional gyms feel intimidating.
The first PT Pod opened in Hackney Wick, London.
From Your Phone to Your Workout
Technology became a central part of the model. Through the PT Pods app, users can find a nearby unit, book a session and unlock the space directly from their phone.
Once inside, they can follow guided workouts on an integrated screen or connect with a personal trainer via video call. The Pods are also equipped for strength and functional training, along with audio and climate-control systems.
For the duration of the session, the entire space is reserved exclusively for the user.
From Private Gym to a Solution for Buildings
But what began as a solution for people looking for greater privacy while exercising has evolved into a broader business model.
Today, PT Pods targets building owners and operators, hotels, offices, coworking spaces and residential developments looking to offer fitness facilities without having to build a traditional gym.
The partner provides the space and electricity, while PT Pods handles the installation, maintenance, technology and operation of the units.
The company is already working with several operators across the UK. One of its clients, Praxis, started with a single Pod and expanded to five units within 12 months.
The next challenge will be determining whether a concept developed in the UK can be replicated just as efficiently in new markets.
Because perhaps the gym of the future does not need to be a large space filled with machines and people. It could also be a small, private unit installed exactly where someone needs to work out.
Source: PT PODS