""If you're claustrophobic or anything, it can be an issue," said Mike, a PureGym member who only gave his first name. "If you're a bigger person, it can be an issue. I would say it's definitely a fire hazard for sure.""
""They should probably figure that out soon," said Gabriella U., another PureGym member. "Right now, it doesn't feel unsafe, but if something should happen that's not really a good outcome.""
"PureGym Chief Marketing Officer, Stephen Rowe, told News 12 that they're working with the FDNY to resolve the issues and that safety is their top priority. "If a member's not comfortable using the pods, they can speak to the manager," said Rowe. "And we have a number of other ways to access the gym using the ADA door." Rowe said every PureGym location is equipped with ADA doors, which have push bars and serve as emergency exits alongside the pods. "The pods are bypassed in case of emergencies," said Rowe. He added that each pod has an emergency button, and that the pod seen in the viral video was "installed but not operational at the time." Rowe said PureGym contacted the woman about the claim that she was caught inside the pod. "We've not actually been able to verify that with the individual," said Rowe. "We've reached out to them, but they've chosen not to share that." Rowe said the violations came as PureGym was putting the finishing touches on the locations and submitting updated construction plans to be up to code."
Four PureGym locations in Brooklyn received multiple FDNY fire and building violations after a viral TikTok reportedly showed a member trapped in an entry pod. The FDNY noted the pods were not part of the approved original plans. Some gym members raised concerns about claustrophobia, size constraints, and fire hazards. PureGym said it is working with the FDNY, emphasized safety, and confirmed each location has ADA doors with push bars that serve as emergency exits. PureGym stated pods are bypassed during emergencies, each pod has an emergency button, and the pod in the video was installed but not operational. PureGym said it contacted the individual but could not verify the claim.
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