Citizens stress need for safety norms in open-air gyms

Bengaluru

With open air gyms having become a staple of public parks in much of the city over the past few years, elderly people and kids have taken to using the equipment for improving their fitness or playing with. However, a recent video shared on line of an older woman exercising vigorously has sparked discussion about the proper usage of the equipment and preventing any accidents that could occur with its use. The equipment has been installed in almost every park in the city and consists of machines which use bodyweight to exercise muscle groups.

However, while there is usually a notice at the entrance of the open gym area that cautions people on the usage, there is usually no instruction on how to use the equipment and what precautions to take. “There should be some instructions on how to use the equipment for the people to understand. You can’t just put it and let people decide how to use it. In conventional gyms, there is a trainer, there are proper usage guidelines, stickers showing how to use the equipment.

So if you put a sticker on the correct usage, it will be helpful and prevent accidents. People should also be advised on what they can wear, sarees and lungis can get stuck and cause an accident,” said Rajarajeshwari of CIVIC Bengaluru. The gyms do not have such stickers or any information on how the equipment should be used, leading to people and kids playing with it in whichever way they see fit. Users of the gyms have also raised concerns over cleanliness as well.

“If the equipment is used incorrectly, workout-related injuries can be serious. I used to work out at a park gym. In my experience, hygiene was a concern and I didn't find the equipment particularly effective for a proper workout. I also believe senior citizens, in particular, should be taught how to use these machines correctly. A brief demonstration or guidance could go a long way in preventing accidents and helping them exercise safely,” said Juveria, a resident of R.T. Nagar.

Introduced some years ago in the country, people took to the equipment to compliment their walks and to add some more mobility to their routine. Trainers said that on the whole, the equipment does help in making people, especially those without access to conventional gyms, fitter. “It is good for basic movements, but it's only bodyweight exercises. You can improve some muscles but going to a conventional gym would be better. They seem safe but more athletic clothing should be worn because with traditional wear, there are some hanging parts which can get stuck in the equipment,” said Charan, a trainer at Work Out Zone Gym.