After market pump-up: BSE staff take to the barbell

Guess who is on a fitness trip? It is the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Literally.

It has set up a swank new gymnasium on the top floor. But if you think that you can spot many a broker pumping iron in the midst of frenetic trading, forget it. The gym's open only to BSE's management trainees and cadres above.

The reason is simple: executives can now officially flex their muscles while at work. It is meant to de-stress them from the daily number crunching and high intensity share transaction activities, all for long hours.

Opened a month ago, the state-of-the art facility, spread across approximately 300 square feet, boasts of two treadmills imported from Taiwan. They are equipped with safety features and programming capabilities. There's also an electro magnetic cycle with a back rest and a multi station gym for muscle building.

Says a BSE official involved with the project: "We have emphasised more on cardio vascular equipment, keeping in mind the fitness profile of our employees to ensure that the executives enjoy the exercises while they try to stay fit."

Set up at a cost of Rs 10 lakh, he says that the fitness initiative came from BSE's executive director. "Traditionally, we are not a fitness-oriented organisation," says the official.

And for tips on pumping iron, BSE plans to induct a certified fitness instructor soon. The facility available before and after the working hours on weekdays, also offers bathing and locker facilities as freebies.

The response, says a BSE executive, is tremendous. Deputy general managers and assistant general managers are said to be making a beeline for the gym as soon as market closes. So next time, if their cabins are empty, kindly check the gym.