Open air gyms in Prayagraj helping people keep fit
PRAYAGRAJ: : Open air gyms installed at 200 locations across Prayagraj are helping citizens keep fit.
Gym equipments like sit-up bench, double pull chair, double chest press, standing best trainer, skywalker, double leg press, bicycle, double shoulder wheel, parallel bar, rowing machine, scaling ladder, chin up machine etc have been installed at parks as well as open spaces at colonies, near government offices and schools and colleges.
“Nearly all the machines needed for keeping people fit are now available for free at nearby locations,” says lawyer Vikram Singh, from Katghar area. He said he had managed to control his obesity through regular workouts in these open-air gyms. “I used to get little time for workout but now I do exercise at the park at my own convenience,” he added.
Not only youths but elderly too have begun availing the open-air gym facilities. Maya Tiwari, 60, a housewife from Dhumanganj said she regularly visits her nearest park and does light exercises.
“I am experiencing the difference since I started visiting these open-air gyms. Even half an hour of exercise every morning is helping me keep fit,” she added.
Students residing near AU can be seen doing exercise at Azad Park and other locations in Allapur, Daraganj, Baghada, Kydganj etc. Sarvesh, a student preparing for competitive examinations said that he used to spend Rs 500 per month at a private gym but these open-air gyms were helping him keep fit for free. Om Prakash, a physiotherapist said the installation of open-air gyms as part of the smart city project was a welcome step by the government.
Fazal Khan, a corporator of Kareli area said these open-air gyms had been installed at five parks in his ward.
A former executive engineer at Nagar Nigam under whose supervision, the open-air gym was installed at 200 locations said more open-air gyms will be made available as per the requirement in near future.