For women living in the congested lanes of Nizamuddin, the city's only free government-run gym has become a space where they can improve their body image issues. "People may think that working out in burqa is impossible but it's not so difficult," says Rehnooma, who lost 17 kg, and proudly proclaims that she is the biggest loser in the gym. Most women wear anklelength burqas that are manageable on elliptical trainers and treadmills while some take them off once inside the gym.
Around 40-50 women, mostly housewives, visit the fitness centre every day. "We want to be fit and slim for ourselves. Many think because we wear burqa and with our bodies not showing it is of no use. But we don't wear it inside the house or in front of our husband. If Kareena Kapoor can be size zero, why can't we?" says Farheen.
It was during a meeting in the slum in 2010 that Aga Khan Foundation volunteers got a request for a gym in the area by women. Along with the municipal corporation, Avaam Fitness Centre was opened with exclusive timings for women. Men can use it for five hours in the evening.
It's also free though not without problems. "The gym is very basic and no new machines have been installed ever since inauguration. Many are now rusted and not in usable condition," complains Sana, another gym-goer.
Gym instructor Vimlesh, has been a part of the centre ever since its inception."The women are like my family now. Even when some don't come, we call them from their homes." But it wasn't easy initially for the gym staff to get women to the treadmill. With most of them coming from a conservative background, the concept of `fitness' had to be instilled in them. When some started coming, the men in the basti would stand in groups outside the gym and some would try to peep inside from the windows. "They would harass the girls and we could see the women avoiding the gym." The management then held a public meeting where the elders of the slum were requested to ensure that women feel safe.With a night shelter operating from the first floor of the community centre, drunkards sometimes interrupt the workout sessions. "Now, the women throw them out."
From weight training to yoga to aerobics, women are given their monthly workout plan as per their age, weight and dedication. Earlier, the gym staff was very insistent on sports shoes and gym attire."Later we realized that these women cannot afford gym gear. To make them come to the gym, we had to relax the rules," explained Vimlesh.
Like girls anywhere in the country, many head to the gym when they reach marriageable age. "Nobody wants to marry a fat girl," says Farheen while doing a lat pulldown. A diet plan is also given to all the women, and a record of each client's weight is maintained, "It's difficult to lose weight without changing lifestyle and food habits," says Vimlesh. But some have made a start.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Vimlesh,Sarah Hameed,Nizamuddin Basti community centre,Farheen,body beautiful
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