First things first. The folks at Talwalkars mean business! Whether you're looking to shed all those extra pounds, stay fighting fit or anticipating weight gain, rest assured this lot will ensure you stick to your resolve.
After a run on the treadmill, I find myself wanting to give up the ‘calf press' midway, but there's someone watching over me , egging me on, “Just three more counts. Come on, you can do it!” That's Manoharan, my trainer with nerves of steel who doesn't budge an inch though I complain, plead, and even try to cheat (well, I'm human after all). Sigh! I take a deep breath and complete the prescribed repetitions, secretly conjuring up epithets for my personal trainer! But at the end of the session, I strangely feel good. I grin at my trainer, guilt mixed with gratitude. He's a benevolent taskmaster after all.
I am at a personal training session at Talwalkars, who have opened their doors to Tiruchiites recently. After perusing the offers available, I decide on the Total Fitness Package (TFP) that seems the best bet, as it includes a personal trainer who will monitor my progress. Why a personal trainer? Well, as Roaming Manager, Ruchi Bhatt says, “Weight loss is not easy. You need constant motivation- someone to pep you up everyday.”
The ‘ten kilos in three months' option is irresistible. Though I raise my eyebrows sceptically, Ruchi assures me, “Yes it's possible,' she smiles but smartly tags in a disclaimer, “Provided you follow both diet and exercise schedule punctiliously.” Anyone who's tried to stick to any kind of schedule knows that it's easier said than done. Exactly why, the prospect of a personal trainer looms as a comforting beam of light at the end of the tunnel of weight loss.
“We don't advocate crash diets or supplements. The programme comprises two phases: three and a half months of ‘weight loss' and eight months of ‘weight maintenance', which is more important. In the second phase, you learn to stay in shape without further help,” briefs Ruchi.
The good news is Talwalkars offers you tailor made packages priced per your requirements. All packages besides offering gym facilities and diet counselling, throw in a steam session on alternate days! Trainers work out the exercise schedule and nutrition counsellors discuss daily diet, after which you hit the floor. With cool interiors and uber cool machines, the floor space is neatly appointed into three zones- the gym, strengthening zone, and weight training space.
Shot in the arm
And back to where we started, my trainer directs me to the shoulder press, chest press and total leg workout gizmos. Exercise becomes monotonous without variations and the personal trainer introduces variations to make your exercise not merely exciting but customised for you. He puts me through exercises for the leg, chest and back, supplementing it with biceps, triceps and shoulders. “Those who have excess weight, have loose muscles. That's why it's important to tone them,” he reasons.
I realise that a personal trainer is a coach, your personal shot in the arm. Manohar counts my workouts, gives me time to recuperate and makes me believe I can do it.
The best part of being involved with one of the largest fitness chains in the country is with 100 centres across India, you need not worry about missing out on your workout, if you are a frequent traveller. A visiting letter gains you free entry to other centres.
I walk back, deliberating that perhaps an hour at Talwalkars could make a difference after all!
Talwalkars is a unisex fitness centre and is located opposite Kohinoor Theatre on Salai Road, Thillainagar. The doors are open from 6 a.m to 10 pm on all days except Sundays. For tariffs and other details, contact: 0431- 4311668/ 669.
