ABOUT GYM SHORTS

The new third episode has a lot that's new and better, with some familiar references to previous episodes. 

• Chad answer to Kevin about the "new" look of the gym, is a call back to when Chad told Gina they were still working on the lighting. (E1)
• Cheryl's picture is still on the back counter of Wesley's office. (E1)
• The U Ran Us Fitness logo behind the front desk is new and improved. (E1)
• Our local watering hole, the Juice Bar, got an upgrade from the folding table. (E1)

The character of "Sam" (or SAMI for plural) was created originally as a marketing tool to get an instant fan base. Originally just named "Front Desk Guy", Producers targeted local influencers and local celebrities to be cast as the revolving door of characters. Just like at most gyms, the front desk person is constantly changing. Sam can be played by a female or male but is played by a different influencer every episode and always has their signature lollipop and catchphrase "Welcome to Uranus"

Most of the cast met in, or studied at Michael Jacques film study class in Fort Lauderdale.

Erick and JJ came up with "Gym Shorts" while working out together at LA Fitness.

The creators thought of changing the name from Gym Shorts to "Rivals" since at some point most characters, including the actual Gym, will have a rival they have to confront.

Wil Jackson, who plays Wesley, was originally thought of for "Digits Guy", a feature role in the short sketch the series was based on. As the series developed the very talented actor was upgraded to a more fitting lead character role in the series.

Gina was the first character that was created, after the original skit concept. Originally all the characters names were going to be the actors' names portraying them, hence Gina playing Gina. Nick Puya, probably thinking the creators were being lazy not giving his character a new name, wanted a different name.  He came up with his character's name Logan, and NOT because he loves Wolverine. ;) The creators liked the new name and decided that the lead characters DID indeed need new names that matched their characters personalties.  

Originally the character of "Nico" Butt Guy was only supposed to be a visual gag. The character was written as a thin, Philippine male, with a gay Latin accent a huge butt AND only had one line in the pilot. Cougar MacDowell's audition for the overly posterior loving character was so impressive and funny as a straight Russian, his character was expanded to 3 scenes and a feature role. Nico, is most definitely a fan and cast favorite and will be coming back for more episodes. He even makes a cameo at the end of the opening theme song montage, with the lead characters. 

Interior shots of U Ran Us Fitness, for the first two episodes, were filmed at Stamina Gym @ Elan16forty of Fort Lauderdale. Exterior establishing shots were taken of University Fitness of Tamarac. Since Stamina Gym is located on the bottom floor of an apartment building and the exterior doesn't look like a gym.

U Ran Us Fitness interior filming is currently shot at AMP Fitness in Pembroke Pines, Florida. 

Most featured characters for one episode won't get actual names. They are refered to strickly by there "stereotype" persona.  Just like in the actual gym world, most people don't know the names of the people they see randomly in the gym.  They only know them as "that crazy person, doing something crazy in the gym".