Jalandhar, Apr 5: After the success in Ludhiana, Gold's gym, the largest co-ed gym chain in the world has opened its franchise in Jalandhar.

Gold's gym, called "The Mecca of Bodybuilding", is the gym of preference for the amateur and the professional-athletes' besides fitness and beauty conscience entertainment industry professionals'.

"Such sports centers are essential for everyone. Gyms should be well equipped where people can come and gain fitness. As Punjabis are very fond of eating, they gobble and forget about health. Going to fitness centers is the best way to fight many of the diseases," said Harbhajan Singh, Indian off spinner.

The Punjabis have also learnt the secret of remaining fit as they avail facilities at high-tech fitness centers equipped with a cardio vascular section, a strength training and free weight are and a steam room.

The credit of bringing a world-class fitness facility to Jalandhar goes to Amolok Singh Gakhal, a non-resident Punjabi who spent 1.4 million dollars in getting the franchise.

The mantra of 'Health is Wealth' is currently into the schedule of Punjabis and they don't think it's a big deal to spend 650 dollars every year to stay fit.

The fitness industry has noted the rising health trend and it's planning more such centers in the near future.

Manvinder Singh Bal, Director, Gold's Gym, said: The potential is enormous. Because this is an industry, which does not target any specific sector like doctors or engineers as, health is necessary for everyone. But, in today's modern lifestyle fitness is not part of the daily curriculum. So, our job it to first educate the people. If they are aware of the importance of health and fitness in their lives, they will definitely like our concept."

Gymnasiums, health centers and spas have mushroomed in all major cities of Punjab. Some of the larger ones like Gold's gym have qualified medical practitioners and dieticians to guide members.

In today's stressful and fast-morning life, fitness is necessary to be savvy and successful.

"One gains mental fitness by having physical fitness. One who is mentally and physically fit can achieve anything," said Dr. S P S Virk, a customer.

Gold's gym is currently setting up an international gym chain in India with one gym opening every two months. It has 16 open and operating gyms across 10 cities in India. (ANI)