Women’s gymnasiums, developed by the Chennai Corporation a few years ago in areas such as Gopalapuram and Sharma Nagar, are in disuse.
The lack of women trainers in such facilities had contributed to gradual deterioration of their condition, said users.
“Much of the equipment in the gym was damaged within three months of commissioning. We did not have trainers, so many of us did not know how to use the equipment,” said a woman who used to visit the gym on Conran Smith Road in Gopalapuram.
The gym was inaugurated by former deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on November 28, 2010. The facilities were commissioned at a cost of Rs.17 lakh in 2010.
“Some women still come to enquire about the gym. They return disappointed as the gym has not been open for the past few years,” said Natraj, an employee of an office adjoining the gym.
The Chennai Corporation maintains 234 gymnasiums and most of them have equipment such as treadmills, fitness cycle, butterfly press machine, dumbbells and leg press. Over 100 people use each of the facilities. But many, such as those near Kolakaran Pettai bus stop in Royapettah, remain closed.
Councillors of some areas have taken initiatives to improve such facilities. “The work order for restoring the women’s gym in Sharma Nagar has been issued. The facility will be ready next month,” said N.M. Baskaran, councillor of ward 36.
