Punnapra South grama panchayat’s women-only gym sets pace for a healthier future

Women exercising at the fitness centre set up by Punnapra South grama panchayat in Alappuzha.
| Photo Credit: SURESH ALLEPPEY

Punnapra South grama panchayat’s new fully air-conditioned fitness centre exclusively for women is more than just a gym. It is a symbol of changing times, setting the tone for a healthier, more inclusive future.

The local body opened the centre a week ago in a bid to promote women’s health and wellness. So far, more than 60 women aged between 13 and 65 have enrolled. The facility offers modern equipment and a comfortable workout environment, marking a significant step towards women-centric public health initiatives.

“I had never been to a gym before. I wanted to lose weight and initially decided to go for morning walks, but it did not work out completely. Nowadays, I work out at the panchayat’s fitness centre for around one and a half hours daily. It is a blessing for people like me,” says Sheena Pradeep, an ASHA worker.

A view of the womens fitness centre set up by ‘the Punnapra South grama panchayat.
| Photo Credit:
SURESH ALLEPPEY

Located on the first floor of the Punnapra Family Health Centre, the 2,000 sq ft facility offers training in cardio, strength and weight training. The gymnasium is equipped with more than 15 modern workout machines including plates, dumbbells, bars, chest press, shoulder press, Smith machine, lat pulldown, treadmill, cycle, and rowing machine.

“The women of Punnapra have wholeheartedly welcomed the fitness centre,” says P.G. Cyrus, president of Punnapra South panchayat. “At a time when lifestyle diseases are on the rise, we set up the centre exclusively for women to promote both health and wellness. The initiative was launched with the understanding that incorporating exercise into daily life can bring physical and mental rejuvenation for women. It is also notable that this is a women’s fitness centre established under the leadership of a grama panchayat,” Mr. Cyrus adds.

The facility was set up at a cost of ₹31.01 lakh, sanctioned under the annual plan. Women can train at the centre by paying a monthly fee of ₹500. The local body has appointed Sreelakshmi R., a certified female trainer, to lead the sessions. The gym is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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