Fitness & Exercise

Welcome to the future!!!

A gym in Southern California has installed workout pods made out of shower curtains to safely return from its COVID-19 closure ... and the scene is pretty surreal.

Check out photos of Inspire South Bay Fitness in Redondo Beach ... the new weight room looks a hell of a lot different -- and the gym says it's all in an effort to keep people healthy.

Peet Sapsin -- the facility's owner -- told KTLA the new setup took three days to put together ... but he believes it -- and other safety measures -- will allow customers to feel normal being back in a gym.

Peet says everyone that comes through the door will sanitize their hands, have their temperature taken, sign a waiver and then will be given a pod to lift weights in.

Peet claims the gym will only operate at about half capacity with the new setup ... but he adds, "now that we’ve come up with this solution, it’s a lot more affordable and, now, we can reopen back up a little more safer and healthier for our clients."

As we previously reported ... gyms in California were ordered to close up shop way back in March in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

But, government officials gave the green light to gyms to re-open just a few days ago ... and, slowly, fitness centers across the state are making moves.

So, could pod-workouts be coming to a facility near you in 2020??

Stay tuned ...

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the most accomplished bodybuilder in the history of the sport, his gym -- Gold's in Venice -- is considered the mecca of bodybuilding ... so it's pretty stunning Arnold rolled up to the gym today but refused to go inside.

Arnold bicycled to Gold's Tuesday morning for a workout, now that the gym's back in business. He's there like clockwork when it's open, so Tuesday marked a big day for him.

When he got to the front desk he was informed people needed to wear masks when they entered and when they were in certain common areas, but they do NOT require members to wear masks when working out.

Fact is ... Gold's is complying with the law -- State regulations do not require people wearing masks when they lift, but Arnold's way more concerned about safety -- when people moan, grunt and handle the same weights, it's risky.

The 72-year-old movie star/bodybuilder/politician, we're told, will stay clear of Gold's until people start wearing masks on the floor -- or when there's a vaccine.

The good news for Arnold -- he has a spectacular gym at home.

New rule (apparently): Where there's a park, there's an angry white woman -- aka "Karen" -- spewing hateful, racist words ... and this winner does her biz in a Southern California park. Meet Torrance "Karen," everyone.

Her tirade went down Wednesday at the Charles H. Wilson Park in Torrance, CA ... because she was pissed a young woman was using a set of stairs to exercise. Now, she claims "Karen" intentionally walked through her workout ... and, as you see in the vid, she said "Jesus" ... which set off "Karen.'

She jumped in headfirst, threatening violence ... "Next time you ever talk to me like that, you're gonna get your ass kicked by my family. They're gonna f**k you up!"

She continued to unload profanities, and then quickly got racial.

"Karen" screamed, "Get the f**k out of this world, get the f**k out of this state, go back to whatever f***ing Asian country you belong in. You little f***ing bitch! This is not your place. This is not your home. We do not want you here!"

The vile woman then tells her to post it on Facebook and threatens more violence, before finally -- and strangely -- laying into her for wearing black clothes in the California sun. Seriously? Pick your beef "Karen!"

The young woman working out told reporters she was in shock over the lady's attack and it's left her shaken and afraid about returning to the park.

Torrance PD is investigating the incident.

A Wisconsin gym is catching major heat over posting a workout titled "I Can't Breathe" ... and now, the fitness center's owner tells TMZ Sports she's "deeply" sorry for the offensive sign.

Here's the deal ... Jen Dunnington, co-owner of Anytime Fitness in Wauwatosa, WI, says one of her trainers attempted to "honor" George Floyd by posting a workout for members this week.

She says the group of exercises was meant to "be a workout so hard that we felt what he felt" ... but when people in the community viewed the whiteboard for the workout, it was immediately hit with backlash.

Hundreds of people commented on the sign -- which featured the words "I Can't Breathe" and "don't you dare lay down" with a drawing of a kneeling person -- calling it inappropriate and appalling.

Dunnington tells us she regrets the sign's verbiage, saying, "I deeply apologize."

"I was not aware of the signage that it was posted in that way," she said. "I didn't read it in that way, but I do definitely apologize that those words were on there."

Dunnington -- who posted a video apology to the gym's social media page but deleted it shortly after -- insists she and the gym did not mean to offend anybody by the workout.

In fact, Dunnington says the "I Can't Breathe" line was meant to be a motivator ... calling the line a rallying cry used by protestors all over the country.

As for the "lay down" line ... Dunnington added, "I apologize that it said that, the line on there should not have been on there."

For corporate Anytime Fitness' part, it released a statement prior to Dunnington's gym's workout ... saying, in part, "We are committed to listening and learning, so that we can take action that helps our communities heal and grow in real and meaningful ways."

Crossfit CEO Greg Glassman reportedly told his staff "we're not mourning George Floyd" in the wake of the 46-year-old's tragic death ... this according to Buzzfeed, which says it has the audio proof.

Glassman -- the man credited for creating the super-popular CrossFit fitness routine -- made the comments while on a Zoom call Saturday with employees and affiliate gym owners, according to BuzzFeed

Glassman was reportedly asked about CrossFit's radio silence on the issues raised by Floyd's death -- and his response is shocking.

"Can you tell me why I should mourn for him?" Glassman allegedly said on the call. "Other than that it’s the white thing to do -- other than that, give me another reason."

The call reportedly lasted for over an hour ... with Glassman allegedly repeatedly bashing "Black Lives Matter" protesters, spewing wild conspiracy theories and slamming COVID-19 lockdowns.

"We're not mourning for George Floyd," Glassman reportedly said. "I don't think me or any of my staff are."

In fact, one of the participants allegedly on the call told Buzzfeed, "it turned into a sh*t show, really, where the guy is just -- conspiracy theory after conspiracy theory."

As we previously reported ... Reebok and several of the nation's biggest CrossFit affiliate gyms vowed to sever ties with the fitness org. over the weekend because of Glassman.

The CrossFit founder posted an insensitive tweet about George Floyd on Saturday evening -- purportedly hours after the Zoom call -- which caused tremendous backlash.

Glassman eventually apologized late Sunday for the tweet, saying, in part, "My heart is deeply saddened by the pain it has caused. It was a mistake, not racist but a mistake."

Reebok is officially DONE with CrossFit ... the apparel giant announced it's cutting ties with the workout company after the org.'s CEO posted an incredibly insensitive tweet in the wake of George Floyd's death.

Here's the deal ... Gregg Glassman -- the man credited with creating the super popular CrossFit weight-lifting program -- responded to a tweet from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation on Saturday.

IHME wrote, "Racism and discrimination are critical public health issues that demand an urgent response. #BlackLivesMatter"

Glassman commented on the tweet just a few minutes later ... posting, "It's FLOYD-19." He later tried to explain the comment, saying, "Your failed model quarantined us and now you're going to model a solution to racism?"

The tweets were hit swiftly with backlash from just about EVERYONE in the CrossFit community -- huge stars ripped the CEO, and multiple gyms pledged to sever affiliations with the brand.

In fact, one of CrossFit's top athletes, Noah Ohlsen, even pulled out of the company's Super Bowl, the "CrossFit Games," over it all, saying, "I'm out."

And, it didn't take long for Reebok to follow suit ... the apparel company announced in a statement over the weekend it would not go forward as a CrossFit sponsor, despite being the main one for the last 10 YEARS.

"Our partnership with CrossFit HQ comes to an end later this year," the company said. "Recently, we have been in discussions regarding a new agreement, however, in light of recent events, we have made the decision to end our partnership with CrossFit HQ."

"We will fulfill our remaining contractual obligations in 2020. We owe this to the CrossFit Games competitors, fans and the community."

For his part, Glassman did end up apologizing over the tweets late Sunday evening ... writing, "I, CrossFit HQ, and the CrossFit community will not stand for racism. I made a mistake by the words I chose yesterday."

"My heart is deeply saddened by the pain it has caused. It was a mistake, not racist but a mistake."

Glassman continued, "Floyd is a hero in the black community and not just a victim. I should have been sensitive to that and wasn't. I apologize for that. I was trying to stick it to the @IHME_UW for their invalidated models resulting in needless, economy-wrecking, life-wrecking lockdown, and when I saw they were announcing modeling a solution to our racial crisis, I was incredulous, angry, and overly emotional. Involving George Floyd's name in that effort was wrong."

Thousands of runners will NOT be flooding the streets of Beantown in September ... as the 124th Boston Marathon has been officially scrapped in exchange for a virtual race.

The Boston Athletic Association made the call to go virtual on Thursday ... after Mayor Martin Walsh canceled the in-person race (which was rescheduled to Sept. 14) due to COVID-19.

The decision marks the FIRST time the race has ever been canceled. Thanks, coronavirus.

Here's how it's gonna work -- runners can get in their 26.2 miles between September 7-14 and still get their medal ... IF they provide proof they completed the race within 6 hours.

The BAA will still offer virtual Marathon Week perks like champions interviews and panel discussions ... but no in-person events will take place.

On top of that, all runners who signed up for the original April 20 race will be offered a full refund.

FYI -- Usually, more than 30,000 people participate in the Boston Marathon.

Unclear how many people will run "virtually" -- but props to everyone who gives it a shot!

Another emotional tribute to ex-WWE superstar Shad Gaspard ... this time, it's Arnold Schwarzenegger calling Shad "the ultimate hero."

Arnold knew Shad from the legendary Gold's Gym in Venice -- where some of the top bodybuilders from around the world go to train.

It's clear Shad made an impression on Arnold -- not just from pumping iron -- but for just being an all around good dude.

In fact, so many people at the gym had love for Shad, they set up a memorial right in front ... and Tuesday morning, Arnold showed some love.

"On my bike ride today I stopped to pay respects to Shad Gaspard," Arnold said.

"He was such a positive force in the gym and the world. He was a hero in bodybuilding, a hero in wrestling, and the moment he told lifeguards to save his son first, the ultimate hero."

"My thoughts are with his family."

As we previously reported, Shad was caught in a riptide during a beach swim in Marina del Rey with his 10-year-old son on March 17.

Lifeguards rushed out to help them -- but Shad directed them to rescue his son first. Moments later, a giant wave crashed on Gaspard, pulling him under.

His body washed up on shore a few days later.

Since then, stars from all over the world have paid tribute ... remembering Shad as a really nice guy, a solid wrestler and a great husband and father.

Jennifer Lopez finally dished on a mystery people have been trying to ID for weeks now -- revealing the creepy floating face that popped up in one of her latest gym selfies.

She made the revelation on a recent appearance on 'The Tonight Show' with Jimmy Fallon, eventually getting past the pleasantries and asking what America wanted to really know ... WHO THE HELL WAS THAT GUY WITH A HAND OVER HIS MOUTH?!?

The answer's not as salacious as some might've expected -- J Lo says it was just a dude her fiance, Alex Rodriguez, was talking to on Zoom on the other side of their gym window.

We'll let Jen explain for herself here, but basically ... with the way they have their gym set up, and where they have one of their laptops perched for Zoom chats, the two just happened to overlap and captured this guy A-Rod was chatting up in a very scary pose.

She doesn't know for sure who exactly it was -- other than the fact that he's in real estate -- or why he had his hand over his face (might've been a sneeze or a cough) ... but the good news is that it wasn't some rando creepin' on Jennifer from behind. That's low-key what some folks thought it was at first, and thank God that didn't turn out to be the case.

Skinny Gronk is no more ...

The future Hall of Fame tight end says he's gained back the 20-or-so pounds he lost after his Patriots retirement ... joking he's "four more protein shakes away from being at my playing weight."

Rob quit the game back in March 2019 ... and almost immediately dropped down to around 240 pounds, causing everyone to wonder if he was really done with the game for good.

"It felt good just to drop that weight," Gronk told CBS Sports HQ on Wednesday. "You know, ease up my joints, let my body free. I kind of felt like that weight was bloated weight, too. So, it felt good to get rid of it."

But, after agreeing to reunite with Tom Brady last month ... he's already bulked back up, saying he only needs a couple more lbs to be NFL-ready.

"I'm about 257 pounds right now," Rob says ... "I'm excited about that. I'll definitely be at my weight when it's time to go. I'll be at 260 to 265 when it's time to roll."

As for how the weight changes will affect Rob -- who says he hadn't previously been under 260 since his senior of HS -- he's confident the cutting and bulking won't spell disaster in a return to the gridiron.

"It's time to build back upon it," Gronk said. "Put lean muscle on my body and get ready for the NFL season like I never have before."

Music to TB12's ears!!!

Here's "Too Hot To Handle" stars Francesca Farago and Harry Jowsey teaching a class on sexy couple's workouts 101 ... and you're gonna wanna pay close attention!!!

The reality show love birds hit up UCLA Friday for a steamy workout on campus, and they were all over each other from start to finish.

No dumbbells needed for Harry -- he just used his super hot workout partner instead. Just look at his perfect form as he picks Francesca up for some shirtless curls. HOT!!!

Chivalry definitely ain't dead, as Harry and Francesca learned on that secluded island ... and he took those lessons to heart, giving her a piggyback ride down some stairs. SUPER HOT!!!

Francesca and Harry brought their masks -- it's how you work out in the age of COVID-19 -- but you already know they ditched the face coverings to make out. They also got some help from trainer Shahin Safai of Royal Personal Training between make out sessions.

Harry stands out at 6'4", and Francesca's a straight-up dime ... so take notes as she shows off her bod during a round of sit-ups.

CC SABATHIA IS ABSOLUTELY SHREDDED NOW!!!

The former Yankees pitcher -- famous for throwing fastballs at close to 300 pounds for most of his career -- is getting SWOLE now that he's retired ... and the photographic proof is wild!

Check out a pic of CC in a tank top ... the 39-year-old is looking slim as hell, with his arms cut up and huge!!

And, we know what you're thinking ... but according to CC's podcast partner, Ryan Ruocco, the pic is both recent and NOT photoshopped!!!

It's crazy ... considering just a few months ago Sabathia was pushing 300 pounds -- but the 6-foot-6 future Hall of Famer (?) has clearly been putting in work during quarantine to get his bod right.

Of course, it's good for Sabathia to be carrying less weight now that his playing days are done ... he dealt with knee and shoulder issues the past few years as well as a scary angioplasty procedure in 2018.

As for how the dude's lost the lbs ... remember, he went vegan a couple years ago -- so seems plants and a lot of hard work!!

Rick Singer is the key witness against Lori Loughlin and other parents of accused of bribing universities -- but instead of shaking in his boots ... he's paddling in his Speedo.

The college admission scandal mastermind -- who copped a sweet deal early on -- was spotted over the weekend in Newport Beach -- where he was, once again, paddling his heart in nothing but a skimpy bathing suit ... something he does pretty often out there.

It's funny, 'cause you'd think the feds might want to keep their cash cow, so to speak, under close observation or away from the public eye ... ya know, in case someone starts to feel squirrely and tries something nuts ahead of what appears to be a forthcoming jury trial.

This ain't ''The Godfather'' though -- RIP Frank Pentangeli, BTW. It's just good old-fashioned white-collar crime (allegedly), and it doesn't seem federal prosecutors, or Rick for that matter, have a care in the world about him making it to the witness stand safe and sound.

Meanwhile, Lori Loughlin just had her bid to have the charges against her and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, dismissed shut down by a judge. She and her team claimed the feds tried coercing Singer into lying and telling them what they wanted to hear about his clients, but the court wasn't buying it and said it was mostly much ado about nothing.