New fitness mantra

The recent arrest of Rohit Talwalkar has understandably made his better known clansman Madhukar Talwalkar hot under the collar because of the obvious connection people are drawing between them. For the fledgling Gym Owners Association he’s trying to spearhead in an attempt to bring more accountability into the industry, it’s an issue they need to handle with great care if they aren’t to blow their credibility even before they have begun.

As Madhukar Talwalkar prepares to clear the air, the other prominent partners of the initiative, including Leena Mogre and Prabodh Davkhare, are planning to push for a larger “fitness plan” that envisages action against illegal gyms and seeking the government’s support for small vyayamshalas. “Our vision is not only limited to gym owners but the overall fitness industry.

There is a lot of reserved land vacant, so, there, the government can give at least 1,000-2,000 sqft for making these gymkhanas,” said Prabodh, who plans to approach CM Prithviraj Chavan with a proposal soon. One of the major issues that the new body will address pertains to the fly-by-night operators. “The biggest problem are the illegal gyms who have uncertified trainers imparting wrong techniques, which leads to injuries that gives the whole industry a bad name,” said Leena. Clearly, it’s time to flex a different set of muscles.