Modern gym to keep women MLAs in shape

CHENNAI : Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who was known for her pro-women initiatives during her two earlier terms as Chief Minister of the State, continues them in her third term with the setting up of a gym at the MLA Hostel at Omandurar Government Estate, exclusively for women members of the State Assembly.The Chief Minister inaugurated the gym on February 1 this year. It has an array of fitness equipment like the treadmill, cycle and elliptical cross trainers, and a music system.Located in Block C of the MLA Hostel building in Chepauk, the gym spans 550 sq ft in all, inclusive of a washroom. Two treadmills, an elliptical cross trainer, two sets of massage equipment and a cycle await the women MLAs. A woman trainer has been appointed to supervise the workout sessions, said a senior officer of the maintenance department in the Hostel.The gym has been established at a cost of `12.67 lakh, inclusive of equipment worth `6 lakh, a false ceiling, air conditioners and venetian blinds.