Air-conditioned Kerala 'celebrity' gym charges just ₹50

Fitness is a costly affair today, especially if you wish to do it in a structured, guided manner. This aspect often puts many people off joining platforms like gyms, zumba classes or other fitness studios. Walk into any well-equipped, air-conditioned gym today, and you can end up paying a monthly bill of at least ₹2,000. If you take a personal trainer's help, the rate can go up even more. But here’s a story that cuts straight through that stereotype.

A decades-old, affordable gym
Would you believe that a fully functional multi-gym with air conditioning and modern facilities operates in Kerala for just ₹50 per month? Sounds improbable, even unreal. But it’s true. And it has been so for decades. The Ernakulam Gymnasium, where some of Kerala’s earliest Mr India winners sculpted their physiques and legendary actor Jayan trained, continues to operate today with this nominal fees. One of the oldest gyms in the state, the Ernakulam Gymnasium is located on South Railway Station Road in Ernakulam. 

A rich history
The Ernakulam Gymnasium carries a strong legacy that spans decades. In fact, the roots of modern bodybuilding in Kerala can be traced back to this very institution. Between 1945 and 1970, the wrestling form of gatta gusti ruled Kerala’s sporting scene with Kochi standing firmly at its centre. It was in this charged atmosphere of mud, muscle and raw competition that, in 1946, a space was carved out to nurture wrestling, gymnastics and other physical disciplines. From this vision emerged the Ernakulam Gymnasium.

The initial days
In its early days, the training here focused on wrestling and gymnastics. The gym operated from a temporary shed, with bare earth underfoot.  In 1951, the Ernakulam Gymnasium was formally established, while in 1957, the foundation stone for a new gym was laid by the then Governor of Kerala, Dr Ramakrishna Rao. The institution entered a new era on December 27, 1963, when the Ernakulam Gymnasium was inaugurated by the then Defence Minister Y B Chavan. The occasion was also graced by several eminent personalities such as T C Gopala Menon, Sahodaran Ayyappan, Joseph Chakkola, Dr B M Ambadi, P M Isaac and Lazar Mambally.

In its formative years, the gym was steered by former Agriculture Minister A L Jacob, who also served as President of the Kerala Sports Council and was the founding President of the All Kerala Weightlifting Association. It was established under the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act of 1955. A major transformation has unfolded at the Ernakulam Gymnasium under the present committee. 

Not just a low-cost facility
Its appeal also goes far beyond low-cost fitness. It serves as a living lesson in how a public institution can be safeguarded and carried forward with vision. As it nears a century of existence, the gym delivers a message that cuts across generations: health is, and will always remain, the greatest wealth. The present office bearers of the Ernakulam Gymnasium are President Sibin, Secretary Sangeeth, Joint Secretary Ramesh Kumar, and Treasurer Abhinesh.