A gymnasium exclusively for women has been set up in Madambakkam near Tambaram. It is the first “women only” gymnasium to be set up by any urban local body in the State, according to Mallika Mohan, Chairperson of Madambakkam town panchayat.
The gymnasium, on a 1,000 sq ft area, has been established at a cost of Rs.9.5 lakh. It is located in a new building constructed at a cost of Rs.5 lakh in the Balaji Nagar Park, Madambakkam. Another Rs.4.5 lakh was spent on purchasing and installing the equipment, she said.
According to her, the town panchayat council had given its nod for constructing four gymnasiums in different places across the town panchayat. The elected representatives and civic groups had suggested that one of them be earmarked for women only.
Following this, they decided to make the facility at Balaji Nagar for the exclusive use of women. A qualified lady fitness instructor would be assisting the women visiting the gym. The gym had equipment found in hi-tech fitness centres. There were also a few machines meant for slimming, Ms. Mohan added.
The gym would be available for use free of cost to the women and would be open between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. The local body also proposes to construct a room on the first floor for setting up a training centre in yoga for all residents.
