The Open GYM Initiative :
46 year old, Ms.Ratna, never missed her morning schedules which comprised of brisk walk in the nearby garden. Though, she opted for walk only, she always wanted to improve upon her arms and thigh strength. And she now feels that the SDMC and NDMC of Delhi have really done a great job by installing Open Gym’s in most of the parks across Delhi.
She says “I wanted to add some strength training for my abdomen, arms and thighs but I limited myself to brisk and normal walking. I did not wanted to opt for the local Gymnasiums which ran in closed blocks with loud musics and lots of advanced gym instruments. Rather, I did not wish to enter the gyms, where mostly youth dominated. But now, it gives me immense pleasure that I’ve been able to add some strength exercises in the nature, free from loud music and yes free of cost”.
Open Gym initiative has been a boon, not just for Ms. Ratna, but for many more women, men, elderly people, students who wanted to have a great exercise regime without spending tons and in a pure natural environment.
These open gyms have been set up in majority of the parks spread across Delhi. From the parks on main road to the one’s in the colonies they are easily accessible for all now. Their presence in Talkatora Garden, Lodhi Garden has further added to the significance.
That’s my son working out in the Open Gym, when I was done:)
USP’s of Open GYM initiative by Delhi :
- Each open gym has apparatuses varying from 8-14 as:
- Elliptical exerciser : For Joints, strengthening Cardiac, leg strength
- Rowing machine : Muscle Building, limb strength
- Pull Chair : Strength of Upper limbs, helps in enhancing flexibility, good for joints and elbows
- Leg Press : Strengthen Lower limbs, good for muscular atrophy, Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Twister : Strengthens Lumbar and abdominal muscles, better flexibility, good for hip joints
- Shoulder Wheel : Building up muscles of upper limb, shoulder joints
- Double Cross Walker : Flexibility, Leg movement
- Air Swing : Arm and abdominal muscles , and few more such apparatus are installed.
- No requirement of electricity, that’s the best part, they all can be operated manually.
- Instructions are well written on the apparatus and they can be easily used without any trainer or instructor.
- Range is varied to support abs development to leg shapers to waist reductions and many more. They can suit to almost all people looking for light exercises to specific body toning as well.
- Open to all , from a child to a senior Citizen, this no restriction is a great boon to many people of Delhi.
- FREE to use, anytime, every time. It gets convenient for House wives and professionals to exercise as per their suitable timings. Some can be seen exercising at 6pm, while professionals can be seem beyond 8pm as well. I’ve even witnessed many people exercising as late as 10pm, when the society kids play while elders exercise. That is such a great way to allow everybody to keep their body fit.
- Completely in the lap of nature, no closed exercising under AC’s and no loud music. Exercising in open, looking at the greens and trees, hearing the birds chirping or looking at kids playing itself are mood elevators. I personally love the aura built around it.
- You can make many new friends. When people have their timings fixed and they daily practise exercising, I’ve seen so many new friends in the making. So now it is also helping in expanding the social circles.
Why do I feel that the open gyms are a boon to Indian women :
Well, they are boon for men, elders, students equally, but we have laid special focus on Women, since we need to raise awareness to help engaging more of women community. We want that every women needs to leave her house and responsibilities for some time a day, and lay focus on her soul and her health.
- A recent survey(results were shared in Sep 2017) says that nearly 50% of Indian women have abnormal cholesterol level which puts women at a risk of Heart diseases.
- 3 in 5 women are at a high risk of Heart diseases (even for women as low as 40years of age)
- Women living in north India had high levels of Triglycerides and cholesterols compared to South India .
- Risk of cardiovascular diseases in high in housewives as compared to the working ones. 69% of the housewives in the age bracket of 35-44 years are at a risk, against 67% working women.
- In Indian women, Heart attack is the No.1 fatality concern. rather it has an aggravated impact post menopause in women as compared to men.
- You should know that 90% of the women smokers above 35years are at the risk of heart diseases.
The reason for these stats :
- Women do not take ample care of themselves when it comes to food and nutrition. More than 70% women consume 2 or less servings of whole grains a day. They indulge in quick eating and finishing the left over, which results in access accumulation of high saturated fat ad unwanted food.
- Lesser fruits intake
- Smoking, increasing sedentary lifestyles, has also contributed to the deteriorating health.
- Lack of Physical activity has been seen on an increasing trends specially among House wives who are not exposed to Gym or exercising culture.
As women hit thirties, the metabolism slows down and fat starts building around the body. Even wrinkles begin to set in the skin, major bone loss begins. Hence there has to be sufficient calcium intake along with regular exercise to maintain the Bone density. A balanced diet full of fibres, fruits, vegetables along with exercising is a must to keep these Cardiovascular diseases at a bay. Strength training atleast thrice a week is really very effective as we enter 30’s.
As the menopause sets in while in 40’s, there are tons of emotional turmoils, depressions, and weight gains due to sudden hormonal imbalances. Shedding those extra kilos get difficult and chances of Osteoporosis enhances. And that is the reason, why for many women, this Open gym is a boon to help keep these diseases away.
Every women was aware of the importance of Exercising, but the reasons not to opt were many. With the ease of Open gyms, I see house wives wearing their shoes and getting ready for exercise. This is a positive sign to help our women improve their health. This has also led to the awareness and I really feel happy promoting them for a super life of the #superwomen of Delhi!
This practise should be replicated in major cities across India, but along with this there should be emphasis on enhanced security of the parks also. Apparatuses should not be misused for the benefit of all.
Lets all put our hands together in #CelebratingSuper to make many such initiatives for our Dear Delhi with Vodafone !
Love,
Happy Exercising!!
I loved the concept. Very intetesting and actually going to help a lot
We have a few pieces of “gym” equipment scattered about my local park. I always see people using them – children, adults, the elderly, and I think it’s a really great idea! I’m glad there’s this initiative like this is Delhi too. 🙂
Christie’s Take on Life. xx
I have seen something similar in Pune parks too and it is indeed very helpful.
Open gym is a wonderful idea. One can enjoy the open space as well as get some fresh air and motivation for a better workout.
This is simply an awesome initiative and I love how you have covered it
Wow that’s great initiative by delhi government these open gyms will helps a lot in improving health of the common
I love this initiative and how well you have captured this
This is a great initiative.. Its high time we mom starts thinking about our health too
These are so awesome! I wish I had one in our area! I don’t have space in my home for workout equipment and gym memberships are too expensive, so having a free outdoor gym like this would be great!
Such gyms or such initiatives are really in need in our country. loved reading the post thanks
This is such a great idea! I love the idea of having an open gym outdoors for anyone to use.
Wow. Really cool , such a nice idea for open gym
I hear what you are saying about how normal gyms can feel so I like the sound of an open gym that enables you to be free to train yourself in an open space. What a great initiative.
This is definitely better than being inside a gym. Sure if it rains it sucks BUT, who cares. I rather be outside with some fresh air.
They just launched an open gym nearby and it’s probably the best thing that happened in this city in ages. Hopefully more people will be introduced to a healthy lifestyle thanks to it
I think this is awesome. Coming from someone that pays for a gym membership it would be nice to have access to free equipment. There is one park in the area that I have seen equipment like this at but it’s not near me. I hope a lot of people use it and it becomes worthwhile to have been put in place..
hey!!! here in delhi we have so many open gym at every park and i see so many woman enjoying while coming for walk!!!! Great article!!!
Allthatsmom
Wow this concept is soo great and innovative…combines the benefits of gym and breathing in natural air.
This is such a great initiative. I remember seeing something like this in Dubai 3 years go. Glad that we are getting aware of our fitness in india too.
This is a great initiative to promote health. I saw a lot of these parks in Europe and found them so helpful as gym memberships were extremely expensive there. There are some sprouting here in CBDs only. Hopefully they will expand to rural areas as well.
Thats awesome initiative by them. because of busy schedule no one goes to gym daily for doing exercises. So its best for those who want to do exercise when he she gets time. I like the concept of open gym for all age group.
Thanks for amazing health tips… Inhave stopped exercising ryt aftr six months of my delivery…. N I feel dat I’m really following unhealthy habits……. Thnx fr reminding me abt health concerns…
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I like the concept of open gymn. Exercising in nature’s lap is the best thing I feel
I love working out outdoors! It’s free and you can change your scenery as often as you like. It looks like there was great equipment offered. Thanks for sharing!
I am am also using an open gym nearby my house. They are so helpful. Great initiative.
Yaass, I so love the open gym concept . Even we have this in a near by public park.
What a fun way to encourage people to work out. I love the concept of open gym, must see if we have any in our city
Great post! Women, in general, do not take care of themselves! Having equipment that is easy to use and available is a great motivation!
Wow looks like a amazing and perfect place to be fit
That’s so cool! Sounds fun for women! 😀
This is a great way to build healthy living. Brilliant of you to point this out.
wow! this is a freaking awesome idea, and with these alarming statstics, it is an eye opener. i do see many obese women, me being one and i can so relate with the thought of not being able to get to a regular gym for house chores and other activities.!!
I like open gyms. Well said. Very few women take care of themselves.
A garden gym is so fabulous! wish we had one here. lucky you
My college town had an open gym park! It was great, a quick run to the park, a fun workout in the sun, and a quick run back! And it is great for children and socialization.
What a wonderful initiative – it’s amazing what this opportunity can afford people! We have a few of these in South Africa.
Wow… It’s really great.. Open gyms are great to workout in free of cost.. Wish I could have something like that here at my city..
I love the idea of an initiative that encourages women to get healthy. I agree that it should be replicated across the nation. Kudos!
This open gym is really creative and really looks fun. Did your husband build this? He’s good.
Utilizing these public gyms are actually amazing. I remember when I was young, my whole family would take a stroll outside and we would work out on these and really be active. It’s so fun!
What an incredible thing these communities are doing to improve health. I would never have thought of workout equipment at the park, but truly, it works. I know a lot of women like Ms.Ratna, who go for their daily walk, and as they get older, realize they need to add weights as well for strength.
Open gyms are just too good for women, and an amazing initiative to be honest. Thanks for sharing such a relevant post!
I love seeing open gyms at the park. It shows how much the community really believes in health and fitness and that is a huge value of mine.
I don’t know how I feel about the open gym. On the one hand, making things available to the public I think would be a good thing. But on the other, I would be worried about what would happen to the equipment and whether someone might end up getting hurt.
This kind of initiative is very helpful. We need to keep ourselves healthy and strong, and we can do exercise without paying the hefty membership in the gym. Awesome!
Indian women have the same challenges as American women and their health concerns and eating habits are similar. However in CA, we are in the fruit basket, so we do have access to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. This open gym concept is fantastic. Some of our parks are set up with circuits to work out in. One of those parks is around the block from me, I should check it out sometime. Thanks for the inspiration.
Open Gym in public garden is a nice way to spread awareness of importance of physical well-being. Exercising amidst trees and open surroundings has lots of benefits. Thanks for sharing this beautiful park.
This looks like such a great idea! I wish that there were more places like this.
This is a great idea for women. I think there should be more The Open Gym Delhi in the parks.
Wow, I love the ideas of open gym area and It really makes me motivate to my workout.
Me and my daughter go to the open gym quite often it is great excercise for us both, plus we have loads of fun.
love the fact you raise awareness, a woman body from the early teen till her last goes thru so many hormonal changes and not every woman has access to healthcare
Great post! I love breaking a sweat and working out outside. I wish they would put up more of these where i live.