Staying in shape, making friends at fitness centers

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Clad in casual attire, dozens of people including models Davina Veronica and Catherine Wilson gathered at a spacious hall in the basement of Pondok Indah Mall II in South Jakarta recently.

Most of them were listening to a speech by Celebrity Fitness director John Franklin, while others were chatting with their associates.

It was the opening of the Celebrity Fitness outlet in the new mall.

"The concept that we pioneered has received a positive response from the public. More and more people are joining our clubs. In appreciation of their response, we provide only the best facilities at our outlets," said Franklin.

The Rp 21 billion (about US$2.1 million) outlet is Celebrity Fitness's fourth in town. Aside from the four outlets in Jakarta, it also has two outlets in Surabaya, East Java.

Miskad, a fitness instructor who has been in the business for 12 years, agreed that more and more people are now going to fitness centers.

This is because people are becoming more aware of the importance of health and the benefits of exercise to stay healthy. In addition, more fitness centers have been established in the city, which makes them more accessible to most people.

"Previously, being a gym member was a privilege of the wealthy. Now, there are many fitness centers which offer a range of fees from the lowest to the most expensive," said Miskad, who is also a fitness consultant and club manager.

The growing number of fitness centers also means competition among fitness centers has become stiffer. This has prompted the fitness centers to aim to provide the best service at the best price. One of the strategies is to offer the latest aerobics program to customers.

"Usually, people are interested in a new exercise or program. In a short period, it become a new trend," he added.

While many people come to fitness centers to lose weight, some of them come to relax.

Thus, people visit fitness clubs not only to get into shape, but also as a stress reliever.

"The main reason I work out is to maintain my stamina and to keep in shape," said Handoko, a copywriter at a public relations company in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta.

Handoko, who is in his mid 30s, however, acknowledged aside from health and relaxation, he came to the club to seek new friends.

He said that he exercised four times a week at the New Physical Studio near his office.

Handoko added that at the fitness center, he once met a girl -- an attractive girl with black hair, clear skin and a nice smile -- with whom he now has a relationship.

Fajar Hermawan, also in his mid 30s, said that he joined the fitness club to maintain his stamina.

"I exercise at least twice a week. Our office recommends that its employees exercise to stay healthy," said Fajar who exercises at Klub Ade Rai in South Jakarta.

Like Handoko, Fajar comes to the fitness club not only to exercise, but also to relax with colleagues and seek new friends.

Miskad added that the interaction among customers was possible because they joined the aerobics classes. However, there are also cases where customers want intensive exercise guided by a personal trainer.

In personal training, a customer will go through exercises like body pump (barbell class), body combat (martial arts), rpm (cycling), body balance (tai chi and pilates) and yoga basics under the close supervision of an instructor.

Given the enthusiasm of the people, it seems that exercising in a gym is not only a trend, but it has become a lifestyle -- especially in the big cities.

And the opening of another outlet of Celebrity Fitness, which has been named a Men's Health Approved Gym by Men's Health magazine, will motivate more people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.