Open air gymnasiums seem to be the new trend with netas in the city. After the Shiv Sena, the Congress is also setting up open air gymnasiums. Brian Miranda, Congress corporator from Kalina, set up an open air gym in his locality on Tuesday.

The move has come after Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray set up such gyms at several locations across the city. The Congress's gym, located in Kalina's Sundar Nagar garden, was inaugurated by former Congress legislator Kripashankar Singh.

"We have not copied the Shiv Sena. Our gym is not just one set of equipments. Different equipment have been installed in the garden. It is not on any footpath and so it doesn't not block pedestrian movement in anyway. There was a demand for local residents and so we decided to set it up. Many youngsters will use it to stay fit," Miranda said. The gym has been set up using funds from the BMC's garden department at a cost of Rs3.5 lakh.

Recently, Aaditya's open air gym at Marine Drive in South Mumbai was in controversy after a High Court appointed panel suggested that the gym should be moved out of the sea-facing promenade. The multi-purpose fitness station was touted as Aaditya's pet project, involving actor Dino Morea's DM Fitness. Inaugurated in July, by Aaditya, Morea and actress Jacqueline Fernandes, the open to all gymnasium is an ensemble of multiple fitness equipment.

"Open air gymnasiums are a good thing for the city. They should be promoted. Its good that political parties are promoting fitness. If used properly, they can help citizens get fit in the right way,. Not just youngsters but everyone can use it." said Ryan Pereira of the Bombay Fitness Project. Apart from Marine Drive, Morea has set up the gyms at Shivaji Park, Worli and Bandra too.