Reebok imagines a future where you meditate in a pod, run around on a hamster wheel, and take a spin class inside a truck, all while at the gas station Image via Gensler
By Ken Storey
With electric cars becoming evermore popular many gas stations around the country are struggling to stay open. Now Reebok is here to help. The Adidas-owned fitness clothing brand partnered with global design firm Gensler to reimagine gas stations as fitness hubs where instead of fuel for their cars people stop by to “refuel” their bodies. The proposal calls for what looks to be hamster wheels for humans, an auto repair that offers nutrition classes, and pop-up trucks that offer Crossfit and Spinning classes in them. No word on if the farm-to-table dining will feature a touchscreen kiosk like at Wawa but don’t worry, if it all seems to stressful, you’ll be able to rent a pod to meditate in.
Austin Malleolo, head of Reebok fitness facilities, explained what Reebok with thinking when hiring the design firm for the project. “This design work with Gensler allows us to imagine a future where there is zero barrier to entry for an opportunity to work out and be healthy. Consumers may not need gas stations anymore, but instead of wasting them, we’re recycling them, and maximizing the space so that they become places of community.”
Breaking down gas stations into three categories the project imagined how each would play a different role for users. Reebok explains how the three categories break down:
Image via Gensler
“The Network: We’ve imagined the major, interstate rest stops as the power grid of the future. They’re a place where travelers can stop and generate energy through spinning and boxing, Crossfit, Les Mils, and a running trail.”
Image via Gensler
“The Oasis: The larger gas station that commuters pass on small, local highways will be turned into recharge zones, to capitalize on the type of mental and physical rest those commuting need. There are real food offerings from a farm-to-table eatery to a juice bar, as well as yoga and meditation pods. The exterior will provide sustenance in the form of an herb garden, and outdoor wheels where you can run in the fresh air.”
Image via Gensler
“The Community Center: The local, small town gas stations are transformed into four different ways for communities to enhance their healthy life. People can charge electric cars, and in the auto repair shop, there will be nutrition classes. The minimart will offer local, healthy food, and pop-up trucks will offer rotating Crossfit and Spinning classes so there’s no lack of access for healthy options.”