Sir,

This refers to Weekend Star Supplement “FITNESS FOR FREE” (Star of Mysore dated Apr. 27). It is good to know that open air gyms in parks are a big hit and there is a positive response from people. This novel step taken by the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) is really appreciable as it is benefiting not only senior citizens but also women who find it near to impossible to schedule their workout strategies along with their hectic daily routines.

I feel that it is a great boon where fitness is offered for free. Women hardly find time to invest on themselves during their hectic schedule of household chores and attending to children. In such a situation, these gyms are of a great help for ladies to monitor their fitness. It is also helpful for people who cannot afford to purchase equipment like single pole rowing, chest press, tai chi wheel, abs trainer, pull up bar, parallel up bar, roman rings, air walker, sit up benches, air swing, twister glider, push up and pull up chairs and weight lifters, etc. For a common person like me, buying such gym equipment would not be feasible at all and I hope that Mysureans will be more and more health conscious with the arrival of such gyms in their neighbourhood parks.

Being a resident of Rajivnagar, I am keenly looking forward for open air gyms in parks surrounding my area so that even we ladies can also enjoy health benefits.  It sounds even better as we can exercise in open fresh air rather than working out within the four walls of an air-conditioned gym. Also it is helpful for mothers as they can carry children to the park without really bothering about the gym fee or about the extra payments for the entry of their kids.

The best part is that there are no time restrictions as we can walk in any time we find ourselves free and can utilise the open air gym. All thanks to MCC for the unique initiative and Star of Mysore for highlighting it.

– Yasmeen Sultana, Rajivnagar, 28.4.2019

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