NOIDA: The horticulture department of Noida Authority is setting up 66 open
gyms across residential parks in the city, of which 19 have already opened and the remaining are expected to be developed in six months.
With a project cost of Rs 15 crore, equipment such as sit-up stations,
air swing, stair stepper, leg press, pull chair, exercising bar, seated chest press, arm wheel etc. have been set up in the sector parks.
“The gyms have already come up in 19 sectors. The remaining 47 gyms will be set up in the next six months,” said Rajeev Tyagi, general manager, Noida Authority.
Tyagi added that the agency setting up the gyms would also maintain the facilities for five years after they are selected through tenders.
“There are 2,500 residents in our sector and the open gym has come as a boon for them, especially women and children, who visit it whenever they want to. There are no restrictions on timing, unlike private gyms,” said NP Singh, RWA president of Sector 35.
“We have covered the open gym area with concrete to avoid insect bites from grass or sludge during the monsoon. The whole area is being utilised properly by residents who keep visiting the park at all times of the day,” Singh added.
Residents welcomed the decision to set up open gyms. “I find it convenient. I can visit it at any time of the day without spending anything. The commercial gyms charge exorbitant rates and are time-bound,” said Urmila Singh, a resident of Sector 35.
Doctors, however, said that people with medical condition should use the gyms under supervision. “People with heart conditions and with pacemaker, blood pressure, diabetes etc. should always consult their doctors before using any gym. Senior citizens should avoid rigorous exercise,” said Alok Mathur, a general physician.
According to Tyagi, these gyms have transformed the residential parks, which were fast becoming a den of anti-social elements, into safer areas.
“These parks are now being fully utilised. There is no room for any anti-social element. There are no drunken brawls as earlier,” said Tyagi.
