Fight the flab, shed extra kilos-the shape up mission is the raving fad obsessing a growing tribe of fitness freaks in Ranchi this summer. The desire to flaunt a comely, well sculpted physique seems to have gripped a rising number of globally aware Ranchiites too. Be it the youth or grey haired, riche-rich and bourgeois alike, a sizable populace is making a bee-line for the gymnasiums hoping to join a quick weight loss expedition.
Faizan, a fitness trainer at a premium fitness centre, confirms an upsurge of 50 per cent in membership enrolment in gyms across the city. These hotbeds offering targeted slimming programmes are raking in moolahs. “If she can, I too can”, the edging ahead desire is working wonders, though seasonally for the flourishing one crore a month fitness and slimming industry in Ranchi.
The reasons could be many and funny. Come summer and the rising mercury compels attiring of light fabrics that lays bare blobs of cushy bulges here and dollops of roly poly curves there, otherwise well hidden under layers of woollens in winter. An incredible loss of 10 kilograms weight in less than two months by Mrs Poonam Manchanda has made her a sort of diva. Head turning and heart burning, her makeover has been motivational in getting many ladies on gym’s trimming act. Weird driving force has smitten some. Being overweight sometimes creates souring spates, states an obese Mr Hiteshwar Jalan. Refused by the beggars from accepting his oversized clothes, the unkindest cut came when one of them jeered, “Saheb, your oversized clothes are like gunny bags for bag- of- bones like us! Give us the money instead”. Now he is undergoing a strict daily exercise regimen in a city fitness centre. Health conscious foodies willing to splurge on summer delights—mangoes, litchis, cold drinks and ice-creams all rich in calories and fat content, cannot afford to give their daily workouts a miss. Therefore, treadmills and push- ups become preferential than succumbing to food imperialism.
Ranch is witnessing a boom in fitness and slimming centres across the cityscape. International chain like VlCC together with national brands Talwarkars, Bodycare and Metabolism having state- of- the- art gymnasiums dot prime locations of the metropolis with some brands opening more than one outlets. Further tapping the potential fitness market and waging a price war on established brands are nearly 25 odd small gyms that have come up recently in Ranchi. The Ranchi Club, The Gymkhana Club and a lone five star hotel offering a myriad of recreational health services- Sauna, Jacuzzi and swimming pool, are for the deep pockets and well heeled capable of footing the astronomical membership fees. Standard gyms do a leveller by according a conducive atmosphere, speciality services, modern equipments, and scientifically oriented fitness regime in alignment with healthy diet charts for right calorie intake.
Apprising about the packages and charges available, Faizan elaborates, “The gyms on an average charge Rs 3000-5000 a month. Availing half yearly or yearly packages doles out concessions. The charges could range between Rs 20,000 to 25,000 for a year. There are provisions for personal trainers too, coming at a pinching price of Rs 5000-6000 a month”.
If one is slim stalking, then a loss of 4 kgs in a month and 9 kgs in 2 months is assured by these centres, depending on the body type, current level of leanness and intake of smart diet as suggested. Hot favourites of both the genders are cardio sessions for 20 minutes gradually up by 10 minutes in 2 to 4 weeks. For elusive flat abs and overall toned look, body weight training, including back to back exercises like crunches (20 to 25 times), planks, push ups and leg raisers are top fitness trends. Muscle building work outs are most sought after by the men.