I was despondent, dejected, morose - just with the thought of a boring workout. There was little to motivate me to wake up at 6am ... .was it sheer fatigue or did I need a change of environment ? I was gymming actively in Saturday Club, Tolly Club , VICC and was also the Health Club Captain for Saturday Club for 3 years . Then why this sudden averseness to the Gym - that too when it has been my passion all this while . I guess something needed to be changed
I had heard about a new Gym on 22 , Camac Street a few years back - but I also heard that it was not doing too well despite being pretty decent in terms of infrastructure . It therefore never pulled me to even to try it. Then a couple of years down the line, I heard that Sanjay Budhia , an industrialist friend of mine and his charming wife Minu had acquired this Gym . Knowing the Midas touch of the Budhias, gave me the intuition to check out this new facility - post acquisition
I began feeling the sense of newness...and intrigue . I was wanting to see the new equipment, meet the trainers , lift the dumbbells - inhale every aspect of the Gym . So I did the next best thing - went up to the 5th floor on 22, Camac Street. I was warmly greeted by a lady from the North East- Shireen was her name . I was then lead to meet Gautam Deb , the Senior Fitness Advisor who took me around the Gym and showed me all the equipment and the facilities . Being a Sunday morning , the Gym was not very populated - but a few enthusiasts were still there sweating it out. I was shown the changing room, steam, sauna , Jacuzzi facilities - and what was very noticeable was the hygiene factor - something that is very crucial for a place where there are many users and in sweaty conditions ! I don't think I have taken a decision so fast for anything - barring when I saw my now wife to marry her many years back !
I was excited - I did a quick audit of my Gymning gear and I decided to pamper myself with everything new - after all, I was getting into a new ambiance - with new trainers , new acquaintances -so I deserved a new outfit. That got done in no time - located1 so close to the branded showrooms where you can make a hole in your wallet very fast! I couldn't wait for the next morning
Woke up at 6am - bright day - brewed myself an antioxidant filled Darjeeling cup of tea to kick start my day . Having been a professional Tea Taster for most of my career - the tea had some different expectancy - some ensuing thrill ...was it the subtle invigorating flavor of Add life ?!
From then to now the clock has turned almost 4 years - and I live that enthusiasm every single day when I work out at Addlife . Equipments have been constantly upgraded with technology , members have swelled - and importantly , a screening done to ensure quality prevails over quantity. The aesthetics have been meticulously improved , hygiene standards strictly monitored , Trainers getting more challenging and a Health Cafe that ensures that post workout one is adequately nourished and refueled - I am told that close to a 100 Addlife egg whites sell each day !! - that is apart from the Protein Shakes, Health Bars, Fresh fruit juices and tea / coffee that also move briskly . It is no wonder that my day starts with Addlife - a tough workout, a steam/shower, quick scan through the elaborate spread of magazines and newspapers , a cup of Coffee along my multigrain sandwich - and I am ready to go to office right away - and what follows is a truly energized and fulfilling day
But now I have a good problem on my hands - my wife, Seema , who all along preferred her evening walks in the natural environment- plants, butterflies, the chirping of birds at Victoria Memorial, has also got addicted to this new contagion called Addlife !! Since last monsoons, when outdoor activity got restricted , she joined for the 21 day trial - and sure enough she got hooked . Due to her early schooling hours at St James, she works out in the evenings - and believe me she forgets the meaning of time management or what the clock reads. It's after several calls from me in the car does she decide to descend and come home. Addlife or Addiction !? Both, daughter Pooja and son Dhruv who work and study respectively in Bangalore and Pune have also been bitten by the bug - whenever on longish leave they have joined the Gym on a short term basis . So would that, in a manner of speaking say the family is blessed with the fitness regime of Addlife ?!
Some great USPs of this place - modern equipment, friendly Trainers , high hygiene standards, supportive and honest staff, good ambiance, healthy supplements and very importantly, hands on management by Minu - who herself is a dedicated Gymer and presence of Sanjay with his infectious laughter when discussing current affairs while on the Swiss ball!! Lastly, do not miss out on the Wine and cheese anniversary parties - a fun two hour event - where some special singing talent is also discovered !
Thanks Addlife for being a part of our family and our lives . Keep taking care of us !
Thanks & Regards
Arun Grover
Director and CEO
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