Drifter's Gym fully recovers from Sinlaku, weathers Bavi with minimal disruption

Saipan's Drifter's Gym has fully recovered from the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with new owner Alvin Palacios saying the fitness center has returned to normal operations after months of repairs and restoration, while Super Typhoon Bavi caused only a brief interruption to business.

Palacios said Bavi forced the 24-hour gym to close for just two days before reopening.

"We were closed for two days after Bavi. On the third day, we opened in the morning at 7am, and around 4pm power was restored so we went back to 24 hours. Thankfully Commonwealth Utilities Corp. was fast. No damages, just cleaning."

The more significant challenge came after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which left the gym without electricity and air conditioning for an extended period, allowing humidity to affect equipment and requiring extensive cleanup before normal operations could resume.

Palacios said moisture was the biggest enemy during the recovery.

"It was just the damages of labor. My team [was] cleaning constantly every day trying to remove as much rust as we can."

He said the gym also sustained a broken window, while the loss of power meant staff had to manually open and close the facility each day until electricity was restored. His landlord covered the window repair, allowing the staff to focus on restoring the facility and maintaining the equipment.

Despite the difficult recovery, Palacios said reopening the gym as soon as possible was important because many members viewed it as more than just a place to exercise.

"I was able to manage to give back all the people who really wanted to work out because, you know, this is like their second home to them."

Nearly three months after Sinlaku, Palacios said the gym has fully returned to normal.

"I was able to get all my Wi-Fi systems up and running. I was able to get my doors running perfectly. Now, technically, I can manage and continue operations in this place remotely if I needed to."

He estimated membership has rebounded to between 150 and 200 after offering discounted rates following Sinlaku to encourage residents to return to their fitness routines.

Palacios said providing affordable access to fitness remains his priority.

"My main goal for this gym isn't to make profit. I just want to be able to provide the community a cheap alternative to working out because I believe that fitness shouldn't be expensive."

He also thanked members for their continued support and pledged to keep improving the facility.

"I want to always provide you guys the best customer service, the cheapest deals possible, and as well as a great facility, the cleanest facility. I just want you guys to have a second home if you guys want to be able to come and work on your fitness journey."

The facility distinguishes itself by offering members 24-hour access every day, allowing shift workers and others with irregular schedules to exercise whenever convenient. The gym primarily features weightlifting equipment along with cardio machines, and members may bring personal trainers or workout partners at no additional charge as long as both hold memberships.

Located on As Lito Road in the former Hollywood Movie Rentals building, between Green Consume and Guangdong Hardware, Drifter's Gym operates around the clock, seven days a week. Interested customers may call (670) 785-8888, visit driftersgym.com, or follow @driftersgym on Instagram for membership information.