THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With incidents of atrocities against them on the rise, more and more women in the city are taking self-defence classes along with their regular gym routine. These women find self-defence workouts to be very benefiting. With the help of the workouts not only do they get to boost their confidence in tackling an unsavoury situation but also their physical appearance. According to some of the gym users, the workouts help in building confidence, manage stress, deescalation, awareness, tactical and strategic thinking.
Not only do they feel safe and confident, but also fearless when out in the public. Jane Issac, a regular gym goer, said, these workouts are not just for maintaining physical beauty but also to protect ourselves. “I feel safe after a workout in the gym,” she added. Keeping in mind that women need to be aware of different strategies in adverse circumstances, Anita Jake of Roops Ladies Health Club, Nandavanam, said, “Self defence is mostly a misunderstood term. People talk about it like a huge physical adventure. But I use it every day to tackle various situations.” “If you find yourself a target of a violent encounter, will you know what to do?” asked a woman who frequents the gym at Sasthamangalam.
Some of these gym goers want martial arts and boxing too to be taught as methods of self-defence. Mohi Vishwan, a private fitness trainer said the conception physical fitness is a man’s domain has changed. “Now, a large number of women take physical fitness courses and attend training regularly. It is definitely a positive sign,” she said. Meanwhile, V Darshini of Carvers Fitness and Yoga Centre said there is a misconception that women go to the gym to just get that killer figure. “Staying fit and healthy is the primary concern.”