The legendary center of Kerala’s fitness heritage is Ernakulam Gym
Kerala saw the height of the Gatta Gusthi sport between 1945 and 1970. Even if the gusthi activities were spread out over the state, Kochi remained a significant center for sports. In 1946, the last Cochin emperor granted space for the growth of gusthi and other sports, like as gymnastics. This marked the founding of the Ernakulam Gymnasium, one of Kerala’s oldest.
It was once merely a temporary structure that was erected close to the current Ernakulam South metro station. The gym was formally founded in 1951, and Dr. Ramakrishna Rao, the governor of Kerala at the time, lay the foundation stone for the current facility in 1957. This information is provided by Sibin B, the president of the Ernakulam gym and an EREPSI, ISSA-certified fitness instructor.
The new Ernakulam gymnasium was dedicated on December 27, 1963, by then-defense minister Y B Chavan, under the direction of notable individuals such as T C Gopala Menon, Sahodaran Ayyapan, Joseph Chakola, Dr. B M Ambadi, P M Isaac, and Laser Mamballi.
The All Kerala Weightlifting Association was founded by former agricultural minister A L Jacob, who also served as president of the Kerala Sports Council during its early years. The Travancore-Cochin Literary Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955, was used to authorize the construction of the gym.
What sets the Ernakulam gymnasium apart from other multi-facilitated gyms is its very low cost. Telson Sebastian, 58, works in building maintenance and has been a frequent visitor to the gym since he was 15.
“We just need to pay Rs 50 a month, and the entrance fee is Rs 1000. The price element has made access to the improved amenities easy for everyone, from hotel guys to bank managers,” he explains.
T G Xavier, a retired police officer and lifelong member of the Ernakulam gym, was a champion wrestler who trained there for over three years without paying a monthly fee while winning fights at the state and national levels.
This is where I have been exercising since 1979. The admission price was merely Rs 15 back then, and the monthly cost was simply Rs 3. In district-level competitions, we were exempt from payments for a period of two months. We could use the gym for free for a whole year if we prevailed at the state level.
The starting point of everything
Interestingly, the Ernakulam gym was a turning point for many of the fitness aficionados in Kochi, notably in the 1990s.
“All subsequent gyms in Kochi sprung from the Ernakulam gymnasium, in a sense. Actually, the majority of the city’s trainers, educators, and gym owners got their first instruction here, according to Sibin.
Those ladies who were interested in gusthi and kalari also took interest in the amenities. “This place has never had an open membership structure for women. According to Sibin, women who took part in college activities in the 1980s used to have temporary memberships that allowed them access to the facilities.
The Ernakulam Gymnasium is well-known among fitness enthusiasts and is a shining example of quality, with a membership that includes many Mr. India champions. They are Ronald Varghese, Rabinson, Gifson Williamson, Xavier Joseph, M S Mohan Kumar, M K Babu, and Riju Paul Jose.
Back in the day, the gymnasium even attracted movie stars. Actor Benny Mathew is a lifelong member of the gym, and the late actor Jayan visited there for exercise.
What is taking place at this moment
Cross-fit, powerlifting, martial arts, and even a 15-foot rope climbing facility are currently offered as training programs at the club.
