Is it the correct time now to allow indoor gyms and fitness centres to reopen in Mumbai?
The Maharashtra Government proposes to issue guidelines allowing reopening of gyms with SOPs. According to Minister of Relief and Rehabilitation Vijay Wadettiwar, he signed the relevant file on Thursday and submitted it to the Chief Minister for his signature. On June 25, Mumbai District Guardian Minister Aslam Shaikh had announced that gyms would reopen from June 28, but that did not happen because of differences among various government departments. Gym operators have been pleading for reopening of gyms in the larger interest of the people, to combat COVID-19. Gym operators say this is necessary for them to stay afloat and save the jobs of trainers. FPJ asked its readers - Is it the correct time now to allow indoor gyms and fitness centres to reopen in Mumbai? Here’s what a cross-section of Mumbaikars had to say:
Yes,
I feel gyms should be opened up by maintaining social distancing as people have gained weight as they are at home, sitting in front of desktops for hours and doing their office work. Exercising by going to the gym will help relieve stress and keep people fit. As the government is gradually unlocking all activities, fitness centres and gyms should also be allowed to operate as they have been given SOPs. And one should not forget that everyone cares for their health and wellbeing. Taking utmost care by wearing masks, following good habits is a responsibility of every individual at such a time.
Aparna Khanore
Yoga teacher With numb er of COVID -19 c ases s t i l l on the r i s e, opening of gyms at t hi s moment does not appear to be a good idea. It’s understandable that gyms have suffered loses but what good will the gyms do if people have to risk t heir l i ves to get in shape or exercise? Gym owners could tr y and conduct online sessions wherein they could guide their members and i nstr uct them to do indoor exercises.
Kinjal Panchal
Student
The
cases in certain parts of Mumbai are reducing since the last few days according to the data released by the municipal corporation. I think the authorities should wait for some more time to open up facilities such as gyms and fitness centres. People are anyway exercising at home and maintaining basic physical fitness during lockdown.
Vijay Bhavsar, Security guard
Though
there are livelihoods involved, I think it is risky to re-open gyms. I don't agree with the argument - `When salons and liquor shops are allowed to open, why not gyms?’ In gyms, people go around using equipment, which are then used by others soon af ter. Disinfecting equipment af ter ever y use is not practical, nor can people be expected to use gloves or masks while exercising, something that is being done in salons.
Shripad Ozarkar, engineer and proprietor
Reopening
indoor gyms and fitness centres can prove to be dangerous during this Coronavirus scare as the germs and virus can easily spread in such a hostile environment. Also, even if the gym management promises to sanitise the equipment, it is not possible for them to sanitise them af ter ever y single use, posing a grave danger. It is advisable to open them only af ter November or so, and fitness enthusiasts should prefer working out in natural arrangements and settings, like an outdoor gym or just jogging or running in gardens.
Mahesh Khatav
Application analyst
Fitness
is important, but we cannot ignore the current scenario. Maintaining social distancing and sanitizing the equipment all the time in gyms and fitness centres is quite impossible. I think we should wait for the situation to normalize again before we open gyms and fitness centres.
Prachi Khutia
MMS student
Ithink
this is the correct time to allow gyms to open up for the public. However, the authorities must be more cautious and ensure that the social distancing norms are followed strictly. I think it is also the responsibility of each and every member of the public to follow the norms and help in containing the virus. One must not forget that exercises could also be done at home.
Kishor Kagda, Vasai resident
It’s
high time to open gyms. By following proper exercise and fitness sessions, one can focus on their health. Ever yone is forced to work from home. It is for the first time we all are sitting at home for the past few months, so opening up of gyms will make people take out some time for exercise too. Though jogging and cycling is allowed, there are people like me who like to go to the gym and do extensive workouts, as trekking and swimming is restricted.
Indrajit Jore, video editor
Yes,
absolutely! they should open indoor gyms and this should have been done before, but ‘better late than never ’. They reopened salons by giving them proper safety guidelines, but if you see, in salons, no one is following social distancing. If gyms are reopened, trainers can give personal training by maintaining distance and with necessar y safety precautions. Moreover, working out will boost the immunity of individuals, due to which they will be more active. Also its better to pay for gym membership than hospital bills.
Pratik Deepak Chavan
Resident of Tardeo
The
situation in Mumbai is no doubt improving, but I don't think we are there yet. Whatever precautions we take while using gyms and fitness centres, there is still a high possibility of spreading of the virus. If cases start to mount again, then we would be forced to close gyms and fitness centre again, so I think it's better to wait.
Rohan Bidwe
Assistant vice president, corporate finance.
It’s
high time that the state government should allow gyms and fitness centres to reopen now, considering that the city has started unlocking, and almost ever ything including malls are operational now. The gym owners have taken heavy losses, and allowing them to restart their business will bring them a sigh of relief. Also, I don’t think there is any risk involved, if necessar y precautions are followed and sanitisation procedures are conducted.
Sameer Kamble
Back office executive