Breaking the gym rut, Ludhiana residents turn to open-air workout

A gym with a view of the nature and fresh air or a gym inside closed walls with an air conditioner — what do you prefer? Increasingly, many city residents are choosing the former, embracing healthier lifestyle options made more accessible with open-air gyms set up in their neighbourhood.

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Exercising in fresh air amid lush surroundings helps them break the monotony of indoor gym routines.

People with erratic work schedules and those unwilling to spend money on expensive gym memberships are frequently visiting these open-air gyms located in public parks across residential colonies.

“I generally come home late from my job and twice a week, I have to travel out of the city. So, spending so much money on gym fees was a sheer wastage for me. Instead, I start my day with a morning walk and exercise at the open gym whenever I am in the city. If I come home early, I hit the gym in the evening too. The open-air gym has added so much convenience to my exercise schedule,” says Harpreet Singh, who works in the private sector.

In addition to promoting fitness, these open-air gyms have become hubs of social interaction, where families with children gather in the evening as well as early morning. While children enjoy the swings and games, grown-ups lay their hands on the gym equipment. Senior citizens take their fitness sessions seriously and ensure regularity.

An open-air gym located in BRS Nagar has become a go-to destination and is always bustling. Mothers exercise while children play, occasionally sneaking in a few reps on the machines, while seniors follow their routines with dedication.

For Maneeta, the open-air gym means both exercising and catching up with friends. “My mornings are occupied with outdoor activity in the park for two hours. I start my day with a walk, followed by a yoga session, and then use the gym equipment. All my friends also come to this park, and sometimes we go for a refreshing juice after the workout,” she says.

Exercising or doing yoga in the open air is beneficial for the lungs and also provides exposure to sunlight, which helps in the synthesis of Vitamin D. Being surrounded by greenery while working out improves mood and boosts energy. With so many benefits, it’s no surprise that many people are moving away from indoor gyms. For office-goers, it provides a refreshing break from air-conditioned environment. “It feels refreshing to work out in the fresh air, and it also leads to better quality sleep,” adds Manik, a working professional.

Free access and no time restrictions are added advantages of these open-air gyms. “My previous gym had separate hours for men and women, and there was always a specific time frame in which I could go. But now, I got to the open gym in a park near my house as per my convenience,” says Harman, a college student.