Mens Health Magazine :: Fitness or fad?

Mens Health Magazine :: Fitness or fad?
(My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/delhi/fitness-or-fad/)

It’s raining fitness clubs in India. Every month, there is a new chain of ‘the best fitness club’ making its foray into the country. Indian fitness companies are not too far behind either. Among these ‘world-class’ clubs, one name that still stands out rather prominently is Ozone

Fitness & Spa. Wait. Don’t pack your gym bag and definitely don’t write that cheque yet.

How big is the brand?

Ozone is not a pan-India chain yet. They have six studios in the country with three in New Delhi and one each in Gurgaon, Hyderabad and Chandigarh.

How’s the equipment?

“The circular cardio section at the Chandigarh club was quite good and there was ample floor space,” says Men’s Health India editor Jamal Shaikh. But MH contributor and fitness expert Vesna Pericevic-Jacob doesn’t feel the same about the club in Delhi’s Defence Colony. “The cardio section at the Defence Colony club was well laid out but I wouldn’t call it great. The spin studio is cramped. I loved the area designated for yoga, Bollywood dancing, Krav Maga and Pilates though,” she says. On the strength area, they reiterate the same verdict: Inadequate. “It’s definitely not for lifters like me and the place is very cramped,” says Rajiv Khati, assistant editor, Men’s Health.

What about the staff?

“I was very impressed with the reception staff. Well informed, not too pushy and very precise,” says Jacob. “But if you have a small car, like I do, don’t park it in front of the entrance, because according to the valets, the place is reserved for big cars like Mercs, Audis and Beemers,” Khati points out.

Are the trainers any good?

“Unlike other studios, the trainers here were quite hands on, especially in the strength area,” says Jacob. “They knew their stuff, but some of them were carrying a slight paunch, which I think reflects badly on the brand,” says Khati.

What about the cost?

A whopping Rs 82,725 per annum for single entry and Rs 1,43,390 for a couple.

Any extras?

The fee includes the use of the steam and sauna facilities, as well as a fairly impressive range of optional classes. Plus, a member can use any of the gyms in the country four times a month. “In Chandigarh, the path leading to the gym is laden with posters of bulky figures and thanks to the blue light, it feels like you are entering a dingy night club even during the day,” says Shaikh. So much for extras!

Verdict: Ozone still holds its guns and is one of the better places to workout, provided you want to and can shell out that kind of cash. But if your main aim of joining a health club is to socialise, go on, you may write that cheque now!

Source: http://menshealth.intoday.in/