In response to recent fatalities in gyms, gym owners and trainers in the city are adopting a more cautious approach to the health of their clients. They are placing greater emphasis on tailoring workout routines to individual needs, particularly for those aged 40 and above. Trainers are now recommending exercises that are lighter and easier on the body, while still effective in promoting fitness. They stress the importance of finding a workout regime that suits one’s body and abilities, regardless of age.
Larger gyms have already implemented practices such as recommending medical check-ups for older clients before they begin their exercise routines. Smaller gyms have also joined this trend, prompted by cases of cardiac arrests, including those involving celebrities, which were suspected to be related to intensive workouts.
“If someone above the age of 40 comes to the gym, we first learn their medical history. Depending on their condition, we do not give them any high-intensity workouts. We increase the intensity gradually and after three months we recommend a health check-up again. There will usually be an improvement in their health and after that we continue the regime,” explained Maruthi, of Muscle Planet Gym in Basaweshvaranagar.
He further stated, “We have been doing this for a long time. We only used to recommend check-ups, but now, we care about it more and we actually convince the clients to get these check-ups.”
Gym owners assert that they are not hesitant to train individuals across all age groups. However, they acknowledge the need for a tailored approach to workouts, especially for older clients. In Bengaluru, the majority of gym-goers reportedly fall within the age range of 20 to 40 years, and this demographic remains a significant part of their clientele.
These new regulations have perplexed older clients who are trying to join gyms only for fitness purposes. “I recently joined a gym for basic exercises. I did not even ask for high-intensity workouts. But the trainer there outright refused to work with me and told me to work out on my own. He said that as I am above 50 years, he does not want to give me any recommendations even though I told him that I have no pre-existing health conditions,” stated Surya Prakash, a resident of Vijayanagar.
This cautious shift in the fitness industry reflects a growing awareness of the importance of personalized exercise plans and the potential risks associated with high-intensity workouts, particularly for older individuals. The focus on individual well-being, regardless of age, aims to create a safer and more inclusive fitness environment while promoting healthy habits.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
