Gyms for ladies

FITNESS: ...and now, gender specific gym equipment!

Gender specific gyms "" that's hardly news the way unisex gyms can be. But now it seems that women in India have had to make do with gyms expressly designed for men. Contours Express, the US-based supplier of the all-women cardio-fit circuit training gym, has started its India operations through the appointment of a master franchiser. Its first gym, called Progressive 29, featuring customised weight-bearing equipment for women, is now open in Bangalore.

"The focus has shifted from simply wanting to lose weight to an increased concern for overall health. Our equipment has been designed to meet those needs," said Daren Carter, CEO, Contours Express International. The franchisee expects to open 200 gyms exclusively for women in southern and western India over three years.

"So, no more stretching uncomfortably on equipment designed for men," says Chandra Gopalan, director, Body in Harmony, the master franchiser for Contours Express and a marathoner. In addition to providing weight-training equipment with positive and negative resistance, Contours Express' equipment is designed to fit the contours of women's physique.

The cost of setting up each gym is Rs 25-30 lakh, depending on real estate prices. But at fee levels between Rs 829- and Rs 1,129 per month, franchisees aren't likely to be worried about recoveries yet.