Karnataka: Gyms finally open, but only a few fitness enthusiasts turn up

Nearly five months after fitness centres were closed due to the pandemic, some gingerly opened on Wednesday following the green signal by the central government under Unlock 3.0. However, only a few fitness enthusiasts turned up at gyms across the state.
Swapnil R, a resident of Rajarajeshwari Nagar said he was eager to meet his gym buddies but they didn’t turn up. “Some people did come in but I could see they were worried. Many of them tried to wear gloves and work out but that was terrible. The gyms are equipped with everything from sanitisers and visors,” he added.
The gym quipment has been rearranged to ensure distance of 6ft and only 10 to15 can exercise for an hour. They have to book slots and carry their own water bottle, masks and sanitisers. Entry is allowed only if the body temperature is normal and interacting with other gym-goers inside the studio is a strict no-no. Santosh, a regular at a gym in Mysuru, was thrilled. “I’m a fitness freak and exercise is most essential in these times. However, we have to make sure we follow safety protocols,” he said.
“It’s a challenging time for gyms and fitness centre owners. We can’t expect fresh admission but have to provide service to existing members,” said MS Harsha, president, Mysuru Gym and Fitness Owners Association.
Harsha said: “Our gyms in Siddartha Layout and Vijayanagar received about 50 members each in the morning session and we hope it’ll be business as usual soon,”he added. Mysuru has around 250 gyms and fitness centres and all the owners are keen on reviving the fitness culture, he said.
In Mangaluru city, many are adopting a wait-and-watch policy and are likely to open next week depending on response from fitness enthusiasts.
One gym to resume ops on Wednesday as Zuese Fitness Club which saw only 25 per cent of members returning to the exercise floor till afternoon. Rajesh P, managing director, said patrons wanted it to be opened. “Earlier, every batch had about 60-70 members but the first day-first batch had less than 20.”
The club plans to open its regular yoga and Zumba classes depending on the response.
Rajesh said not many women came in. “The reason could be online classes for children. We have temporarily closed our ladies-only gym in Attavar,” he explained. Another gym Atomm Fitness Club has decided to restart after August 10.
(With inputs from Milton Lawrence and Kevin Mendonsa)