Charkop police station has been organising one-hour strength, stamina, yoga, and meditation sessions for the past one and a half months to keep cops physically fit and stress-free. Participants have reported weight loss, better stamina, and increased agility, crediting the initiative, a brainchild of Senior Inspector Vinayak Chauhan.
Chauhan told mid-day, “To stay physically fit, I exercise daily. I participate in 42-km marathons in Mumbai and Mira-Bhayandar every year. After taking charge of the police station, I observed that we tend to spend long hours there. Officers and staff often spoke about being ill and frequently requested leave. I always advised them to exercise, but the employees would reply that they simply did not have the time.”
“So, I thought of doing something during duty hours — something that would allow work to continue while also improving the health of our officers and staff. I spoke to the trainer at the place where I work out and requested one hour exclusively for my staff. When he agreed, I consulted officers and employees at the police station, and everyone supported the idea. In October, we arranged for an exercise setup within the police station premises,” he added.
“We decided to have sessions in the evening. We started with those officers and staff members who were free at that hour. Initially, the response was low, but as days passed and people began noticing changes and results in colleagues who took part in sessions, more officers joined in. My only reason behind doing this is that all the employees and officers should remain healthy and mentally stable so that they can serve the department in the best possible manner,” Chauhan stated.
The schedule
“People themselves are coming forward to participate — there’s no need to call anyone anymore. Apart from exercises, games, yoga, and meditation sessions are being conducted to maintain mental well-being — and the results are clearly visible,” he added.
Strength training and aerobic exercises take place between 6 pm and 7 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and yoga sessions are held on Tuesday and Thursday, while Saturday is for meditation.
Health benefits
Police Inspector Vilas Shelke said, “There are no restrictions on food or drink. I can’t even express how beneficial this initiative has been for me. I have lost one and a half kilograms. I genuinely feel that I am improving both physically and mentally.” He added that earlier, after working 15-16 hours a day, they had no time for their daily routine. “But this initiative taken by the Senior Inspector has made all of us very happy and appreciative.”
API Rajender Kumbhare said, “For us, there are no fixed timings when it comes to duty, meals, or sleep. But since I started participating in these activities, I have seen major changes in my physical and mental health. I feel refreshed, and my stress levels have decreased.”
Head Constable Manoj Bhringare said that a month of exercise and activity had resulted in a reduction in belly fat and overall weight. “I hardly get time after duty, but my family has noticed the changes in me,” he said. His wife added that senior officers who are taking such initiatives for the health of their staff truly deserve appreciation.
API Rajender Kumbhare
Police Constable Sagar Borkar shared, “I live in Virar and don’t get time to exercise after duty. But I really enjoy participating in these fitness activities and will continue to take part.” Woman Constable Rupali Patil said, “I used to have difficulty walking due to my weight. Now, I am happy to say that my mobility has improved dramatically.” Police personnel Kavita Kurade and Sheetal Bhosale had similar stories to tell.
Trainers speak
Coach Sunil Maurya said, “We are training the officers in a circuit-training workout style, which combines strength and cardio exercises. It involves short rest periods with high-intensity movements that target the whole body. This builds endurance, increases strength, and helps burn fat. Each participant performs multiple exercises in quick succession with very little rest, completing one full ‘circuit’ before repeating.”
Senior Inspector Vinayak Chauhan, the brain behind the initiative
He added, “In the initial days, it took us time to stabilise people, but now I can see they are becoming more agile. It’s a very positive sign, and I am extremely happy. All police officers and staff members are actively taking part.” Yoga coach Tushar Vaghela, who has been training cops for a month, said, “I am noticing a visible increase in their flexibility compared to before.”
