Thanks to the overwhelming response for open-air gyms on Puttaraj Gawai ground in J P Nagar and at Lingambudi lake premises, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) now plans to extend the facility to selected parks in the city for the convenience of people.
The initiative has come as good news for fitness freaks who like to exercise with hi-tech equipment but hesitate to visit gyms due to high membership fees and other reasons.
There are nearly 410 parks maintained by the civic body across the city. Initially, the gyms will be set up at 30 parks maintained by MCC and later extended to more parks.
Special attention would be paid for its maintenance and the initiative would be very useful for budding athletes and students who cannot afford high membership fees at gyms. Equipment which do not require electricity would be installed at these parks and would not only benefit youngsters but also women and senior citizens.
According to MCC officials, parks are more comfortable and healthy for working out than gyms that offer hi-tech equipment but play loud music. The main objective of the idea is to create health consciousness among people and provide an opportunity for them to use fitness equipment that were available only in gyms. It will be developed under special grants provided under State Finance Corporation and would be ready for public by December-end.
Uday, a resident of Vijayanagar, who works out at a private gym said that open air gyms are a good initiative as the facilities are available for all to use. The authorities must ensure basic facilities are provided and equipment maintained in good condition. Uday said that it would be more helpful if gym instructors are deputed to help users.
Chiranth said that he is a member at a private gym and pays a monthly fee of Rs 1,000. The MCC should fix minimum charges for the maintenance. “If we pay it would be a source of revenue for the civic body and help the authorities to maintain them in a good condition,” he opined. The authorities are, however, yet to decide as to whether they would charge a fee or allow people to use the facilities for free.