| |
There is no way out
Sujata Assomull & Deepa Deosthalee
One of the most common New Year's resolutions that you make is to start exercising come January. This usually follows a month-long self-indulgent party season when you drink and eat with gay abandon. "I'll knock off those extra pounds next month," you say. But January 3, usually tells a different story. You switch off your alarm clock and roll back to sleep. And June comes along and you are still taking out the seams of your old clothes. But there really is no excuse to put off exercising and to make sure you sign up, we list the health clubs around the city. Piramal GymnasiumLower Parel, Tel: 4947837/6647 This is purely a gymnasium and there are no aerobic classes conducted here. Run by Dr Swati Piramal, it is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art machinery. They will evaluate your fitness levels and fat-to-muscle ratio for Rs 500 and find a suitable programme. They also have a nutrition test and a cardiac stress test. TalwalkarsMain Branch, Dadar, Tel: 4373762 Has nine branches
in Mumbai, including Charni Road, Breach Candy and Dadar. They have classes conducted by trained teachers as well a gym and steam rooms. You can join the step, aerobic or toning classes for a minimum period of three months. The Breach Candy branch is where Miss India contestants are put through their fitness programme. Annual membership is Rs 7,000. Flex AppealMarine Drive, Tel: 2002627 This is sponsored by Reebok and is run by Manjula Screwvala. It offers a whole range of classes throughout the day. And for the shy, they even have special ladies-only classes. Fees start at Rs 1,000 per month. Pure EnergyWalkeshwar, Tel: 3682156 Mumbai's latest entrant in the world of fitness, it is located in the posh Walkeshwar area. Sponsored by Nike, Pure Energy has a small gym too. It offers all the normal classes plus box-a-cise and Chinese silk weaving. They charge Rs 1,200 per month and that includes free use of the gym. Guestline DaysJuhu, Tel: 6705555/6713246 A part of the
Guestline Days hotel, this is one of the best fitness places in the suburbs. Apart from a well-equipped gym and wet areas with steam rooms, saunas and jacuzzis, there are aerobics classes specially designed for weight reduction. The charges for an annual membership are Rs 22,000 for individuals and Rs 33,000 for couples. This gym is a hot favourite with the film stars. Holiday InnJuhu, Tel: 6204444/6204351 The Holiday Inn's fitness centre has a gym, separate wet areas for ladies and gents and a massage parlour for all kinds of massages, including acupressure. There is also an in-house dietician and yoga and aerobics instructor. The annual membership charges are Rs 27,500 for individuals and Rs 44,000 for couples. IdeaSanta Cruz, Tel:6161155/6175631 The facilities this club offers include aerobics, jam, tag, powerstep, body toning, weight loss, steam and sauna. Fees start at Rs 2,400 for three months. If you want to start exercising but the thought of shelling out huge sums of money
puts you off, then work your way up by walking. Even though the city is starved of green belts, you will be surprised to know that there is a nice garden in your locality. Check out Colaba Woods, Jogger's Park in Bandra, Napean Sea Road's Priyadarshini Park and the Mahalakshmi Race Course. Most of these gardens have specially laid out tracks for walking and jogging. Avoid running on the roads as the hard concrete can damage your knees. And you will end up inhaling traffic fumes. Remember, exercise is also about increasing lung capacity and for that you need fresh, clean air. What to wear: If you want to be with-it then you need the right gear. Wear either leotards or bicycling shorts. These are available at most sports shops in Mumbai. Places well worth a visit are Pro-Line at Breach Candy and Reebok outlets at Bandra and Vama. For Nike Gear you need to go to Pure Energy. Remember, looking good while working out is half the battle won.Tips: It is always better not to be over-ambitious when you start
or you will give up very easily. Start by exercising twice a week and then build it up. If you go for a walk or to a gym, choose one near your home or office so that it does not require too much effort to get there. It is also advisable to visit the doctor before you embark on your routine and ask his opinion. And last, but not the least, remember it is meant to be fun and not hard work, so find a class you really enjoy.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
|
 |
