Sunday, 9 September 2007
Oman Daily Observer

KR launches BodySpeak Wellness Facility

By Ali Ahmed al Riyami

MUSCAT —Khimji Ramdas Special Projects Division (KRSPD) held a special opening ceremony for the launching of its new BodySpeak Wellness Facility with state-of-the-art Cybex fitness equipment, at its Head Office in Muttrah yesterday. Kanak Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas (KR), together with the company’s senior managers and in the presence of invited officials, corporate executives and members of the press corps officially opened the new facility. The attractive fully modernised interactive gymnasium-cum-showroom is expected to raise the bar on recreational fitness and wellness, offering a truly first class experience for de-stressing and revitalising one’s energy levels.

In fact, this new activity centre is part of a comprehensive programme of enhancing the wellness levels of KR’s own employees, as well as spreading the philosophy of “fitness-sports-life”by reaching out to other select members of society. Offering ‘turnkey fitness solutions’, the remodelled and refurbished centre has 3,000 square feet of space. Its design projects a ‘contemporary, vibrant feel’and, in aesthetically efficient manner, makes optimal use of available space. It has a full complement of bio-mechanically-designed sophisticated exercise equipment from Cybex —a market leader in fitness equipment supplies in the US.

Complementing the array of top-of-the-range equipment are cardio machines, free weight stations, circuit machines, dumbbells, a sauna and steam bath. There is also a revitalising juice bar and a host of other original features. As noted by Pankaj Khimji, Director, KR, “In today’s stressful environment we recognise the importance of holistic wellbeing; the new facility will offer a lifestyle experience, which would be an important step in the right direction.”Commenting on the core of the specially designed programme, M C Jose, General Manager, KR Projects and Logistics Group, said, “The highlight of the Khimji’s BodySpeak wellness programme would be customised training regimens supported by newly inducted fitness instructors.”

In-line with its objective of operating and managing specialised fitness facilities that have been set up by other private sector establishments and institutions for the health and fitness of their own employees, KRSPD is uniquely well placed to offer their expertise in the Oman market.
Further, its comprehensive tie-up with Cybex International, USA, gives it the strength to hold a leadership position in one of the Sultanate’s fastest growing service industry. This point was well noted by Karem Shaik, Business Manager, KR, who stated, “Our Fitness Unit focuses on providing customised solutions and conceptulisation of wellness facilities to corporates, government and educational institutions, hospitality sector establishments and commercial operators, on a turnkey management basis —‘from thought to finish’.”

A special study, performed by KRSPD’s Fitness Unit, revealed that there is good potential for the market to go a step ahead of just simply selling equipment. From this close assessment and from the ascertainment of customer requirements, it was observed that not only is it important to provide quality fitness equipment with good technical support, but also skilled staff to teach and manage. With the new BodySpeak facility, KRSPD has pioneered a fresh and unique approach towards marketing through the medium of an interactive and dynamic showcase facility that serves a dual purpose.

Not only will it provide specialised and affordable fitness regimen —with professional trainers and health advice, as part of a Fitness and Lifestyle Improvement Programme (FLIP), for KR staff and select clientele; it will also serve as an interactive display showcasing the renowned Cybex brand and the reliable KRSPD Fitness Unit’s developmental and maintenance support services. In addition to this, the same facility is to serve as a training ground for fitness experts. This multi-focused approach is expected to pave the way for KRSPD to establish and capture a position as a one-stop-shop and an industry leader in the fitness category.