MEC 7: Kerala's 'age-proof' fitness movement is like no other

This is the story of a Malayali soldier who, after serving the country for more than two decades, returned home after retirement to develop a unique exercise program that soon evolved into a fitness revolution. The simple and effective fitness routine became a hit among the masses and grew into a movement that brought together people from all walks of life. Now, it is practised by more than 3000 fitness communities and millions of people across Kerala.

It was P Salahudeen (57), a native of Kondotty Thurakkal, who developed the MEC 7, a community–based fitness programme that combines seven types of activities. There are no strict registration formalities or hefty fees to join this fitness programme. Salahudeen only needs half an hour of your time to help you be fit and healthy. The popularity of MEC 7 has grown beyond Malappuram to other districts and abroad.

It was in 2010 that Salahudeen retired from the CISF after serving the country for 20 years. He had been strictly following a fitness routine as part of his job. After returning home, Salahudeen did his regular exercises every morning at the Thurakkal GLP School ground. He also started a yoga class to create awareness among people about the significance of fitness and exercise. However, it didn’t take off as well as he had hoped.

What is MEC 7?
Salahudeen soon realised that he needed to develop a unique and effective fitness program that could be performed in a short time, even by elderly people. MEC 7 stands for Multi Exercises Combination that involves seven types of activities like aerobics, simple exercises, yoga, deep breathing, acupressure, meditation and face massage.

MEC 7 exercises
There are 21 different types of exercises that could be done within 20 – 25 minutes. One of the most amazing advantages of MEC 7 is that this effective fitness routine could be easily performed by women and elderly people. The half-hour exercise routine results in approximately 1750 major body movements and 3500 minor movements. Out of the 21 exercises, 11 are stretching exercises with deep breathing. Usually, one might feel exhausted after a high-intensity workout session. However, Salahudeen says that you feel energetic and refreshed after performing MEC 7. Although MEC 7 was established in 2012, it was only a decade later, in 2022, that Salahudeen decided to make it more popular.

He utilised the ten years to study and research whether this fitness routine had any limitations or side effects that might lead to health problems. Finally, in 2022, he became confident that MEC 7 is 100 per cent safe. MEC 7 soon started earning positive reviews from people of all ages, and everyone was keen to try this new fitness program. In this community-based program, those who have been practising MEC 7 can become instructors too. Meanwhile, MEC 7 has now grown into a popular movement that brought revolutionary changes in the idea of fitness and exercise.

A community workout
One might get easily bored working out alone, without any company. Salahudeen started the MEC 7 groups because he believes that exercising becomes a joyful activity when it is done in the company of others. Now, MEC 7 groups have become safer community spaces for elderly people to forget their loneliness and enjoy life. MEC 7 has successfully established the idea that exercising together can eliminate loneliness and achieve a healthy lifestyle. Parambilpeedika Arakkal Bava is the ambassador of the MEC 7 community fitness program, while Kondotty municipal chairman UK Mammadisha and K Ashraf are the vice captains. KT Mustafa is the chief coordinator. Contact 9497084503 to learn more.