The soaring temperatures and high humidity in Kolkata have forced fitness enthusiasts to change their workout routines to stay safe and active. Across the city, from Salt Lake and New Town parks to zumba and pilates centres in south Kolkata, people are altering their schedules, reducing workout intensity, and focusing more on hydration and indoor exercises.
Popular parks like Rabindra Sarobar and Deshapriya Park see many early morning walkers, but they usually clear out by 7 a.m. Gym owners are advising members to stay hydrated and cut down on the number of exercises they do. Ajit Biswas, secretary of the New Town Laughing Club, said, “We moved our meeting time to 6 to 6:15 a.m. because of the heat. In winter, we usually meet around 7:15 to 7:30 a.m.”
Many people are also shifting their morning walks to earlier hours. Several parks in Kolkata, Salt Lake, and New Town now open around 5:30 a.m., including the Victoria Memorial. Ananya Ghosh, a resident of AK Block in Salt Lake, said, “I usually jog at 7 a.m., but because of the heat, I start at 6:15 a.m. when the sun is not so strong.”
Gyms across the city have noticed a rise in attendance during the evening. Priyabrata Das, manager of a popular fitness centre in Ballygunge, said, “We have seen a 30% shift in timing preferences. Most regulars now come after 7 p.m.”
Senior citizens are also taking precautions. Many are skipping outdoor workouts and doing their exercises indoors. Aniruddha Sen, a 68-year-old retired bank employee and member of a senior fitness group in Santoshpur, said, “I do my stretching and yoga exercises inside.
Fitness trainers stress the importance of hydration. Rajib Banerjee, a trainer in Behala, said, “I tell my clients to drink water before, during, and after workouts—even if they do not feel thirsty.”
Younger fitness enthusiasts are also adjusting their routines to cope with the heat. Aniket Mitra, who trains six days a week, said, “Staying active is important, but surviving the heat is more important. I have reduced my workouts to four days a week and take adequate rest between sessions.”
