Seven PureGym locations in New York City faced fire safety violations from the New York City Fire Department after the installation of electronic entry and exit pod doors that require access to a mobile phone. 

The violations were issued in late 2025 and early 2026 due to concerns that the pod system did not meet fire code requirements for emergency egress.

According to the violations, “exit doors must remain operable without the use of an electronic device” so people can evacuate quickly during emergencies.

It also noted the lack of approved floor and seating planning at the gyms, as well as inadequate exit signage.

PureGym, which was previously known as Blink Fitness until its 2024 acquisition, said that its facilities were “designed and validated by a licensed architect” and exits complied with applicable fire codes. The company also said that the “pods are not part of the fire exit protocol” and would not be used during an evacuation.

PureGym claimed that the installations had received formal approval from the Department of Buildings, according to News 12. However, the FDNY noted the pod systems are “not being a part of the approved original plans.”

PureGym has said that each gym is supplied with separate ADA-compliant doors which were “always an available option if a member cannot leave through a pod for any reason.”

However, fire safety officials emphasized that emergency exit must be intuitive and immediately accessible to all occupants without reliance on technology.

The pod system was introduced as part of a larger renovation initiative across former Blink Fitness locations in New York and New Jersey. 

The system requires members to scan a QR code to enter and exit the gym, allowing facilities to operate with limited staff and maintain 24-hour access.

Overall, the violations highlight the ongoing tensions between adopting automated access systems and the longstanding fire safety regulations designed to prioritize rapid evacuation during emergencies.