Plank and push-up challenges? How fitness centres in Kerala are celebrating Onam

An average gym in Kerala during Onam season is a vibe, as Gen Z would call it. Amid the daily grind of pull ups, planks, squats and deadlifts, are small groups of people practising some moves. While a few are perfecting their Thiruvathirakkali squats, a few others are trying to get the hookstep for the viral song from Coolie, ‘Monica…’, right. Onam is here and celebrations are everywhere, including at the gym. 

Groups are formed a month ahead for dances and practice sessions are carried out amid treadmills and massive weight training equipment. “Participants take practice very seriously and everyone shows up,” says Mathew M Joseph, businessman, who is a regular at Bounce Fitness Centre, Panampilly Nagar.

A vadamvali (tug-of-war) competition from last year’s Onam celebration at Ashante Nenju Fitness Centre
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Special Arrangement

The competitions include pookkalam, thiruvathirakkali, traditional games such as tug of war, uriyadi and musical chairs among others. However, these games come with a twist. “A plank challenge and a dead hang, for instance. Even if the participants are dressed in traditional attire, they could easily pull off these challenges,” says Alexander VS, founder of Bounce Fitness Studio. “While we retain the feel and flavour of Onam, we add in a bit of fitness wherever possible,” he adds. Every year, there is a celebration and clients look forward to it, he adds. 

Members of Hybrid Performance Centre playing vadamvali for the Onam celebration
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Special Arrangement

Plank, push-up and pull-up challenges are the most common. The core-essence of the festival itself has an element of movement incorporated into it, says Santhosh Swaminathan, founder of Hybrid Performance Centre, Panampilly Nagar. “If you look at the traditional way in which Onam was celebrated, the games are all movement-related. Starting from the popular vadamvali to uriyadi, the games involve a show of strength. And everyone enjoys these challenges,” adds Santhosh. 

At Ashante Nenju Fitness Centre, Ponekkara, evenings have been unusually busy this month. Practice sessions take place during the evenings and sometimes, run into the night. The season’s trending songs ‘Onam mood’ from the film Sahasam and ‘Monica’ from Coolie are the picks for the dances, in addition to thiruvathirakali. “People need non-work and family-related spaces to celebrate. And when it is the gym, celebrations are more fun, as people are already used to seeing each other, so there is less awkwardness,” says Rahul Kuttickat, founder of the Ashante Nenju. 

It is as much about connection as it is about competition, as gyms have evolved into some of the strongest community-building spaces. “We have been hosting celebrations every year, and I have seen that clients, especially the regular ones, take interest and initiative in putting the event together. At the end of the day, it is a bonding exercise. And the food, of course. There is no compromise when it comes to the sadya and no one is counting calories on that day,” says Raj CR, founder of Kult Fitness centre. “Events such as this create a sense of belonging and an opportunity for clients to interact with each other. Though most gyms experience a lull immediately after a festival, such bonding exercises ensure continuity in people’s fitness journeys,” he adds.