Kerala Gym to Implement Islamic-Guided Rules, Sparking Debate

A gym in Kerala's Palakkad is reportedly set to introduce a set of Islamic-guided operational rules and is drawing attention for its structured approach to training, gender separation, and dress code expectations.

According to details available on social media, the gym is said to have been running for around 15 years. The gym owner has now announced it would shift to a new model that aligns its environment with specific cultural and religious practices.

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What the new gym rules say

The announcement outlining the updated guidelines has been widely shared and includes clear operational changes for members:

• No music or songs inside the gym

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• Men and women will not work out together

• Separate timings for male and female members

• Women are expected to follow Islamic dress requirements, cover their body and wear hijab

• People of other faiths may join if they agree to the rules

The gym’s management has not positioned the change as a closure or rebranding, but rather as a transition in how the facility will function going forward. However, The Economic Times cannot independently verify these claims, going viral on social media.

How did the controversy begin?

According to a report in India Today, the controversy started after the gym in Puthunagaram released a promotional video. In the video, the owner Nawaz Muthu T said the facility would operate without loud music and would have separate workout timings and spaces for men and women, adding even trainers would be segregated.

"We are launching an Islam-friendly gym, and I believe it will be the first of its kind in Kerala. Anyone interested is welcome to contact me and visit the facility," Nawaz said in the video.

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How the gym operated earlier

Before this shift, the fitness centre reportedly functioned as a regular mixed-use gym for over a decade. Locals say it was a known training spot in the area with steady membership and standard bodybuilding and fitness equipment.

The recent change, however, marks a significant departure from its earlier setup, especially in terms of shared workout spaces and entertainment elements like music.

Following criticism, the original promotional video was taken down. In a revised clip, Nawaz clarified that the gym is open to people of all religions and was never meant to be a Muslim-only facility. "A lot of people say this is a Muslim gym or a gym only for Muslims. I am not saying that. I have never said this is a gym only for Muslims," he said.

"When it comes to an Islamic-friendly gym, women and men should not work out together. Women should have a separate time and separate space. Men should have a separate time. There should be no loud music," he said.

"A lot of Muslims live according to Islamic principles. They don't listen to music. There is no gym for them. When you go to a gym, it is not possible to switch off the music. There are women who are uncomfortable working out in mixed spaces. These are people who have not been able to access gyms until now," he said, adding that his own family members had stayed away from fitness centres for similar reasons.

"Because I am a Muslim, I know many such people. Even among my relatives, there are people who do not go to gyms. This facility will be useful for them," he said.

Mixed reactions among locals and fitness community

After the owner's clarification, there have been mixed reactions, with some praising the initiative for creating separate workout areas.

"It doesn’t have to be religion-specific nor advertised as one, It is not at all a bad idea to have separate gyms for both genders! I swear there would be more women joining a gym if they knew they wouldn’t have to parade in front of strange men," a user posted on X.

"It's not like all other gyms are forced to convert as Islam-compliant gyms! You will have perfectly normal regular gyms where you can go, and let people who believe in this to go here. Peace," another person added.