Found: A (Semi-Open) Local Solution for the Home Gym You've Been Debating

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Remember when the Bay Area lockdown was set to last three weeks? While the extension into May—and, let’s be honest, probably longer—is necessary, we’re all starting to rethink the “essentials” of quarantine life. Three weeks of bodyweight-only workouts seemed reasonable. Now you’re itching for bigger, better challenges. Locally, Sports Basement can still help you with that.

While the Bay Area sporting goods company placed operations on hold at the start of the lockdown, they are back in business in a limited capacity. Online orders are once again being fulfilled, and staffers are complying with CDC guidelines, (e.g., social distancing, masks and gloves, etc.)

If you’re on the hunt for exercise bands, yoga gear, or a Bosu, Sports Basement can ship it to you. Some items, however, aren’t well-suited to shipping. For certain bulky or heavy items, Sports Basement has a new curbside pickup for the lockdown.

Here’s how it works. Curbside pickup applies to bikes, bike trainers, weights, coolers or Thule boxes/racks. If you order any of these items, you’ll select the curbside pickup location closest to you during checkout. Curbside is only available for the above items; everything else will be shipped.

When your order is ready, a staffer will contact you via phone or email to schedule your pickup time. If you buy a bike, a mechanic will call you to answer any questions you might have and ensure you've got everything you need to transport your bike home safely.

At your scheduled pickup time, park your car in the designated curbside pickup spot in front of the store and call to let staffers know you've arrived. A staffer will come out and place your order on the table nearby, or at the bike rack. (They don't touch the tables or the rack.) They'll step back six-plus feet so you can grab your gear.

If exercise monotony is the biggest of your problems, consider yourself #blessed. But before you order a bunch of shiny new gym equipment on Amazon, keep in mind that Sports Basement is still employing folks in your backyard. Amid all the talk of “buy gift cards to support local retailers,” here’s a company that you can support right now. It’s instant gratification on multiple levels. Plus the store is offering 30% off everything with the code BAYAREALOVE at checkout.

Remember, in these trying times: Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins makes you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands. Get some exercise. Shop local. Save a life.