Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Sep 15 : At a time when the drug abuse among youth in Kashmir is taking heavy toll, a gym centre in the Nowpora town of Bandipora district has been instrumental in producing some of the best athletes in recent times.
Asthtic-ERA is the first-ever Gym centre in the area. The gym is located near the sports stadium in Bandipora.
Peerzada Aqeel, 25, a civil engineering student found the gym and gradually opted for it as his career. Besides completing his education in engineering, he pursued his degrees in fitness from ‘Gold’s Gym Fitness institute Noida, New Delhi.
The gym is equipped with the latest machinery like abb strength, sit board double station, air walker-air stroller, chest press outdoor equipment, plain bench, flex nest, treadmill, late pulling down, plates, dumbbells, exercise ball, for the exercise of the different parts of the body.
Aqeel shares the names of several degrees and diplomas he pursued in health and fitness and has participated in several sports and other activities in Srinagar as well as in Delhi.
“Around 800 boys which include all age groups have a membership here. But nowadays around 300 are visiting the gym. It gives me immense pleasure when youth shows enthusiasm towards fitness activities,” Aqeel said.
What do you do with the boys who have been either engulfed by the conflict or the drugs? Usually, we suggest doctors. But according to
Aqeel said apart from keeping youth fit, gym like activities also keep youngsters away from consumption of drugs and other bad habits.
“In my short fitness trainer career I have seen many boys experiencing sooth and peace after joining the gym centre,” he said. “To keep yourself busy with such activities at least for a few hours is enough to drop the stress and depression. Medicines just kill you inside.”
Basit Hameed, a regular in the gym said that since he has been working out, he feels confident and healthier.
Apart from youngsters, older people also visit the gym to keep themselves fit.
Aqeel said that he has also installed a cafeteria, supplying store, kickboxing and cardio sessions inside the gym building.
“I have also purchased a body building supplement which has zero side effects. And anyone anytime can come and join our gym centre,” he said.
