Named Fitness `53’ after his infamous shirt number, ex-Guyana/West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan yesterday said he hopes his new gym and fitness centre will open newer dimensions of healthy living for Guyanese.
When Stabroek Sport visited the Gym located between the Ramada Hotel and the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, Fitness `53’ which officially opens on Tuesday from 5:30am to 22:00hrs daily, looked a potential haven for gym rats and fitness gurus with its modernised equipment.
The interior of the gym boasts a comfortable spread with numerous forms of cooling and ventilation which makes easy when working out.
Sections of the gym are divided exclusively for weights, cardiovascular exercises, as well as a sauna and a fitness bar. The 35 year-old said the plan to open a gym was some five years in the making and it was because of being a professional sportsman, he saw the need to encourage persons to live well.
According to Sarwan who played 181 ODI’s and 87 Test for the West Indies, interested persons can enjoy various packages which the gym has to offer. Persons can sign up for a fee of $6,000, $500 for registration and thereafter a monthly fee of $5,500.
“I felt we need a facility to help the Guyanese people, I’m not trying to degrade any other gym, but I just think we needed higher standards,” he said. When asked about whether athletes can enjoy special packages as members, “Sars” as he’s commonly called said that no specific packages are yet confirmed but he was sure that those requirements can be met in the future.
Nevertheless, he said he hoped that the local sportsmen would come and utilize the facility.
Sarwan, who last played for the West Indies in July 2011 laughed off any talks of a possible comeback when he was questioned on whether he would be using his own facility to get back in shape for the field.
“I’m not sure about the comeback”, he laughed adding,”I haven’t worked out for about 8 or 9 months but I plan to use the gym a week after we open but I’m more focused and really looking forward to the opening and the turnout, he declared.
Prior to Tuesday’s official opening of Fitness `53’, there will be a Cocktail reception and official ceremony on Monday evening.
