 |
|
Fitness Guide
by PREENA SHRESTHA
| FROM ISSUE # 112 (April 2005) | IN THIS ISSUE | |||
 |
|||
 |
REFER TO FRIEND |  |
PRINT THIS ARTICLE |
HARDIC FITNESS CENTER, Pulchowk, Ph: 5-522068 CLUB TARA, HOTEL GOODWILL, Patan, Ph: 5-544520 ESHANI CLUB, Kalankisthan, Ph: 4-274890 GOLD'S GYM, Manbhawan, Patan, Ph: 5-543517 HOTEL SHAHANSHAH INTERNATIONAL SPORTS CENTER, Dhapasi, Ph: 4-355484 KUNDALINI HEALTH RESORT, Chandol, Ph: 4-410721 CITY GYM, Lazimpat BANU'S TOTAL FITNESS, Kamal Pokhari, Ph: 4-434024 Life Physical Fitness, Mitrapark, Ph:4-477822 If we were to learn something from all this, it's the fact that fitness involves a lot more than the common mind can fathom, so it wouldn't be entirely stupid to get professional help. The list is all yours. Take your pick and wave goodbye to the pounds. This season is all about ditching reservations and heading straight for what you want. Raise your glasses (of carrot juice?) to health!
Six years since its establishment by Dr Taraman Amatya, today, Hardic boasts a substantial clientele and is currently one of the more popular health hubs in Kathmandu. Besides two swimming regular sized pools and a smaller one for the kids; a tennis court and extensive gyms equipped with the latest in weight machines, treadmills and various other gear, Hardic also provides sauna facilities, and hourly aerobic lessons with skilled instructors or 'guru's as they are referred to. The membership rates vary, from monthly to yearly, ranging from approximately Rs 2500 to Rs 30,000, based on the chosen facilities. According to Sita, an instructor here, seminars on diets, fitness and health are also held occasionally, and even though members are in majority, many non-members do enjoy dropping in and making use of the services.
Located within the hustle and bustle of urban Patan, Club Tara gives off an alluring air; the swimming pool is fitted with a 25ft slide, and there's a karaoke restaurant at poolside, in addition to sauna and Jacuzzi facilities. "Swimming is undoubtedly the main attraction," says Ushan Shilpakar, Tara's manager. "But the gym comes a close second." Large and well equipped as the gym is, one can see the appeal. Instructors like Dinesh Shakya are always present to guide you through your sets and train you. Various membership schemes are available so you can choose and determine which of the facilities suit you best and that includes different arrangements for singles, couples and families. With a 'resort-like' atmosphere, a variety of activities and drawing a diverse crowd from miles around, if its leisure you seek, Club Tara is the place to be.
Initially constructed and founded by Shrikar Pratap Rana and now owned by a collaboration of eight members, Eshani Club has a wide variety of facilities. Whether its basketball, tennis, badminton, snooker, squash, or just a simple sauna, it's all available here, including an elaborate gym. Swimming seems to be a popular favourite among the patrons, which is not surprising, considering there are two large pools with a smaller one for children, soon to be launched, and swimming instructors, ready and willing to assist. Yearly membership rates vary from Rs 12,500 for singles to Rs 30,000 for families. The poolside restaurant is open most hours of the day and the weekends are particularly hectic here; the crowd consisting mostly of non-members seeking a good time after a hard week.
At first glance, it will seem like a miniature version of those shady bad-guy warehouses you see in movies, which actually lends it a subtle charm of its own. Take a peek inside and you will notice a unique attribute – all men. Well into its 12th year, with clients ranging from 16 to 40 years of age, Gold's gym has become a prime junction for the built and brawny. "We've been coming here since forever," says a member. "We don't even need instructors anymore." But if the need were to arise, trainers like Lobsang Tamang, who has joined recently, are always available. Yearly membership rates are Rs 3,100 for admission, Rs 250 payable every month, and Rs 100 for single visits. With impressive machinery and an even more impressive array of clients, not to mention the fact that you can practically see the adrenaline bouncing off the walls, Gold's Gym is bound to evoke serious 'pump-iron' urges even in the scrawniest of us.
Though Dhapasi is quite a distance from most places in Kathmandu and a little hard to get to, once you lay eyes on Shahanshah's sports center, the inconveniences of the ride there will definitely seem worth it. 'Enormous' seems like the best word to describe the place; and it is this abundance of space that sets it apart from most health clubs. Apart from having its own four-lane bowling alley, Shahanshah also offers snooker, pool and table tennis as activity choices. Enclosed within a large amphi-theatre, are two indoor tennis courts, and for squash-players, two squash halls. The swimming pools are innovative in shape; the one indoors can even be heated on request. "We provide separate gym facilities for men and women," says Rita Pathak, one of the aerobics instructors here. "They have different sauna rooms and steam-baths too." The barber shop, the beauty parlour, the plush bar and the restaurant, all add to the effect and the center is so large, just walking from one part of it to another is exhausting but there's so much to see. Yearly membership rates range from Rs 26,000 for singles to Rs 58,000 for families. So if you're thinking sports and if you're into grand and classy, look no further.
Somewhere between Maharajgunj and Ringroad, lies Kundalini. Proprietor Jagat Gauchan and his staff have successfully created an environment where fitness and recreation are prioritised. More than seven years after its establishment, it now has an indoor swimming pool, a tennis court and two gyms, with separate changing rooms, Jacuzzi, steam bath and Japanese bath for men and women. Aerobics and yoga classes are also held occasionally. The membership charge is Rs 15,000 a year for individuals and Rs 35,000 for families, but guests can also pay for single visits which depends on the kind of facilities you choose. Mediocre, both in size and services, if you're in the area, it wouldn't hurt to drop in.
Started six years ago by well-known trainer Gopal Chhetri, City Gym stands on its own among all the gyms cropping up in the city. In a place where the male to female ratio is about 3:1, and where eve-teasing and mockery are not tolerated, the membership slots are exclusive, restricted to select individuals whom Gopal believes he can count on and whom he considers family. "Its not the money or the fancy equipment that matters," he says. "It's the satisfaction I get when I can recruit students who are as resolute as I am." Spend some time with him, and he will immediately have you regretting eating that buttered toast in the morning; knowledgeable as he is, he loves to talk about healthy diets, fitness and the importance of continuity. "We have no age-bar here," he confides. "The notion that exercise and fitness are limited to people of a certain age group is unfair." At a rate of Rs 2,000 as admission and Rs 400 per month, a membership at City Gym would not just be profitable health-wise but affordable too.
It was in 1994 that Salima and Amina Banu, two sisters, established "Banu's", to create a sanctuary for health-aficionados of all ages and genders. And today, it is one of the trendiest fitness centers in Kathmandu. Set in an impressive three-storied building, with ample parking space below, it is obvious from the first glance that at Banu's there's no slacking off–they mean business.
Concentrating mainly on aerobics and gym training, namely weights and cardio vascular exercises, Banu's also offers the services of personal nutritionists and yoga gurus to assist you on your journey to physical well-being; and holds Japanese karate classes to impart the art of self-defense. "We have an equal blend of both male and female members," informs Zahid Kamal, the supervisor. Organisation is clearly one of Banu's many strong points, which also includes the in-house café upstairs. Large gyms, dedicated instructors and an even dedicated flock of customers; Banu's is in a league of its own.
Established in 2002, Life Physical Fitness is a health club that offers premier fitness services. The health centre offers educational packages that include both practical and theoretical lessons on health for those who come to train. The package may either be 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years or 5 years long. Unlike other clubs, Life Physical Fitness provides services that are very different from your average club. They have mass physical fitness training, instructor training, spa health care and also health food supplements. So far the health club has had 2,100 members within three years, while there are 250 to 300 members that train on a day-to-day basis. They also have a 35% discount on new memberships during happy hours i.e. 1 to 4PM. Managing Director, Prachanda Dhoj Rana, doesn't seem too threatened by the competition, he says, "There has surely been a rapid increase in the number of health clubs but there is lack of professionalism". So if you are looking for a health club where all your health needs will be met, then look no further.