Head indoors this monsoon

As monsoons hit the city, health junkies stay inside to continue their workouts to stay fit, season witnesses an increase in gym memberships.

With the rains washing out their usual exercise routines, health junkies are forced to head to the gym. Fitness centers across the city have seen a spike in the memberships this season, with most people opting for limited membership to ride out the monsoon showers.
“This is the peak month for the fitness industry because people have limited choices if they want to workout,” says Shraddha Sheth, general manager, sales, Gold’s Gym. She’s backed by Prakash Sawant, club manager, True Fitness, who explains, “The numbers are higher among those who have the habit of going for walks. They prefer to hit the treadmill instead of battling the showers.”

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Sheth adds that those returning from summer vacations also make a beeline for the gym. “People returning from holidays obviously can’t fit into their jeans anymore because they’ve eaten to their heart’s content, and have put on weight. They’re anxious to get back into their routine and shed those pounds quickly.” She adds that weight management becomes the primary focus of gyms during the monsoon, saying, “Our packages are focused on arresting weight gain. Almost all people who head to the gym at this period are on a fast-track weight maintenance programme because they work in corporate houses, which don’t give them much time to lose weight. We tailor-make gym packages which include nutrition sessions and massage therapies.” Prakash adds, “People are looking for quick benefits because they plan to get back to their walks once the rains stop. We introduce short-term packages that last for a few months.”

Shailendra Sawant, club manager at Snap Fitness, reveals that people usually opt for cardio during this season. “They stick to what they’re used to and choose the treadmill, or spinning cycles, which are all cardio machines.”

Back to basics

Dheepesh Bhatt of Crossfit Om advises first-timers on how to get the best from the gym.Learn basic movements like squats, push-ups, before you move on to equipment. If you’re using a machine and don’t know how to squat properly, you could hurt yourself.
Make the most of your three free personal sessions with the trainer, which most gyms offer. Explain exactly what you want from your time. If you can’t master a particular exercise, get a personal trainer to make adjustments to it.