Gyms and fitness centres in Patna, are yet to recover from the impact of the prolonged lockdown imposed due to the COVID pandemic last year. While many gyms continue to witness poor footfalls, some claim that the situation is gradually improving.

After five months of closure, gyms opened their doors on September 8 last year.

The owner of a gym in Gardanibagh, Amit Kumar, told this newspaper that he continued to suffer huge losses due to low footfalls. “Only 5% of our members, who are mostly teenagers, come to the gym on a regular basis. Besides, only a handful of them have opted for membership renewal,” he said.

Amit added, “Those, who visit the gym, prefer exercises like push-ups, jumping jack and high knees that can be done without any equipment.”

The manager of a Kankarbagh-based gym, Ashish, however, claimed that the members began coming back after the announcement of the COVID vaccines. “We have set different timings for different members in order to avoid crowding. We also sanitize the gym frequently,” he added.

Divyanshu Shekhar, the owner of a gym in Patliputra, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has made people more health-conscious. We provide diet charts that help boost immunity.”

Meanwhile, fitness enthusiasts evoked a mixed response. 23-year-old Harsh Shrivastava, who lives in Gardanibagh, has not started going to his gym due to COVID-19. Hence, he exercises at home with his trainer’s help over the phone.

Boring Road resident Keshav Suman, who is a fitness enthusiast, said, “COVID has not vanished. I am, therefore, following all the safety norms and taking care of myself.”

35-year-old Ritu Jha is also taking all necessary precautions in her gym. She pointed out, “I use a sanitizer, wear a mask, and maintain social distancing.”

If You Like This Story, Support NYOOOZ

NYOOOZ SUPPORTER

₹ 10 - ₹ 1000

NYOOOZ FRIEND

₹ 2000 - ₹ 5000

Your support to NYOOOZ will help us to continue create and publish news for and from smaller cities, which also need equal voice as much as citizens living in bigger cities have through mainstream media organizations.

Stay updated with all the Latest Patna headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.