Faith meets fitness: The Keralam church where prayers come with pull-ups

In Kuriachira, Thrissur, Keralam, St. Joseph's Church has introduced an open gym on its premises, merging faith and fitness for its parishioners. The facility, set up in a corner of the church campus, has grown into a community hub for fitness enthusiasts. With no fixed timings, parishioners can visit whenever they wish, often stopping by after Holy Mass. The altar boys, numbering around 60, are regular users, along with parents bringing their children and senior citizens exercising with basic equipment.

The gym's origins lie in the personal fitness routine of the church's vicar, Fr. Frederick Eluvathingal, a former athlete who has maintained a workout regimen for 51 years. When he arrived at Kuriachira a year ago, he sought a space to continue his regular exercises, including push-ups and pull-ups. After installing parallel bars and a basketball hoop, the idea evolved into a community gym.

Fr. Eluvathingal aimed to create a space where people could develop a workout habit, as Kuriachira lacks a strong fitness culture. The need is urgent, as lifestyle diseases and obesity are on the rise.

The parish supported the proposal, selecting a limited space around a well on the church premises. Within a week, the gym began attracting visitors. P.R. Wilson, a church trustee, notes that the modest facility has been well-received. John Vazhappilly, a nearby real estate broker, uses the gym daily to rebuild his leg muscles after an accident and surgery.

The church views the gym as more than a fitness facility, aiming to foster a healthy generation and encourage parish involvement. Fr. Eluvathingal hopes the gym will draw more young people to the church community.