With relaxations in lockdown, demand for fitness equipment surges

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 23

Amid uncertainty and anxiety due to the Covid-19 pandemic, people focus on their health and do exercise to beat the lockdown blues. Taking advantage of the relaxations given under ‘Lockdown 4.0’, residents have been daily visiting sports shops to purchase equipment that will make their fitness regime at home more exciting.

Since the announcement of relaxations, the demand for fitness equipment and indoor games have surged, said sports goods dealers here.

Karan Khurana (28), an engineer, who resides in Mota Singh Nagar, said, “I was in Delhi when the lockdown was announced. However, I managed to reach home in my private vehicle. Though I consider myself fortunate enough to be at home, a few days after self-confinement, I started missing my daily workout sessions in the gym. With all outdoor movements and activities coming to a standstill during the lockdown, I didn’t want to end my fitness journey. Therefore, I resorted to weightless exercises. As we now have to opportunity to go out to buy essential items, I have been gathering all basic workout equipment, which can be easily used at home.”

Vipan Mahajan, director, Nova Fitness, which is also known as Phillips Sports across the country, said the business has resumed in local markets. “Every day, we have been selling sports equipment to 15-20 customers. The demand for several workout tools such as dumbbells, skipping ropes, barbells, resistance bands, abs roller, push-up and pull-up stands, battle ropes, stability balls, yoga mats and weights has increased,” he said.

“Customers say they only need equipment that can be used at home to maintain fitness and improve muscle strenghth. Besides, people prefer playing indoor games such as badminton and carom these days. There is less demand for equipment required to play outdoor games,” Mahajan added.

Mayuri Muskan, a fitness lover, said, “As gyms have been lying shut, I have been taking the help of online lessons to keep myself fit. I have been purchasing all basic workout equipment.”