DAVV Indore Inaugurates Two Open Gyms to Enhance Campus Fitness Infrastructure
Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) in Indore has taken a significant step toward promoting physical wellness among its student community by establishing two open gyms on its Takshashila campus. This initiative is designed to expand the university's fitness and sports facilities, providing students with convenient access to exercise equipment without the constraints of indoor gyms.
Strategic Locations for Maximum Accessibility
The newly opened gyms have been strategically positioned at two key locations on the campus to ensure easy access for students. One facility is situated behind the vice-chancellor's residence, close to the girls' hostel, while the other is adjacent to the synthetic athletic track. This thoughtful placement aims to integrate fitness into the daily routines of students, particularly those residing in hostels.
Both gyms operate during morning and evening hours, allowing students to work out before or after their academic schedules. This flexibility encourages regular exercise without interfering with class timings, making it easier for students to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Modern Equipment for Comprehensive Workouts
The open gyms are equipped with a range of modern outdoor fitness machines, including:
- Air walkers
- Cross trainers
- Cycling stations
- Sit-up benches
- Shoulder wheels
- Leg press units
These machines are specifically designed for outdoor conditions and do not require electricity, making them both eco-friendly and cost-effective. They enable users to improve flexibility, balance, and muscle strength through full-body workouts. The equipment is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned fitness enthusiasts, catering to a wide spectrum of users.
Encouraging Physical Health Alongside Academics
The primary objective behind this initiative is to motivate students to prioritize their physical health alongside their academic responsibilities. According to Sudhira Chandel, the university's sports director, the location of the gyms simplifies the process for students, especially hostel residents, to incorporate exercise into their daily routines.
With access to both the athletic track and gym equipment, students can seamlessly combine strength training with cardio workouts at a single location, Chandel noted. This integrated approach fosters a holistic fitness environment on campus.
Community Benefits and Future Plans
In addition to serving students, the open gyms are also accessible to campus residents and individuals living in the vicinity, thereby extending their benefits to the broader community. University officials have assured that the equipment will be regularly maintained and upgraded as needed to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Registrar Prajwal Khare emphasized the administration's commitment to student welfare and infrastructure development. He revealed that more student-oriented facilities are in the pipeline, indicating a continued focus on enhancing campus amenities.
Honoring a Sporting Legacy
In a move to inspire students, one of the open gyms has been named after Sushma Sarolkar, a distinguished alumna of DAVV. Sarolkar is a kho-kho gold medallist and an Arjuna Award recipient, and the naming honors her remarkable sporting achievements. Vice-chancellor Prof Rakesh Singhai announced this dedication, highlighting its aim to motivate students to pursue excellence in sports.
Positive Response and Growing Participation
Since their launch, the open gyms have witnessed a steady increase in participation, with notable enthusiasm among hostel students. Female residents, in particular, have shown keen interest, reflecting the initiative's success in engaging diverse segments of the student body.
This development underscores DAVV's proactive approach to fostering a healthy and active campus culture, aligning physical fitness with academic pursuits for overall student development.
