Table 5 Themes associated with the use of OGs

Perceived benefits associated with the use of OG

Physical and mental health benefits

“My body has become very flexible. I have become much fitter and happier than before.” (P55, M, 28 years, Outsider)

“Ever since I have been using OG, I have seen a lot of benefits in myself like a clean stomach, good sleep, sugar maintenance and living a good life even without medicine.” (P44, M, 39 years, Outsider)

“After coming here, I started feeling very good about myself. After exercising I can go back and study comfortably with a fresh mood and then come here again the next day.” (P53, F, 24 years, Outsider)

Proximity to nature

“…….there are plants and fresh oxygen, I had not seen such a good open gym before.” (P56,M, 28 years, Student)

“Open gym is useful for everyone, and you can say that it is a medium to connect with nature.” (P20, F, 23 years, Student)

Opportunity to socialize

“Along with ourselves, children also get exercise, and we also get a chance to spend time together. And here one also gets a family atmosphere like children, old women, everyone feels very good.” (P45, M, 45 years, Outsider)

“……also, one gets time to mingle with other people.” (P44, M, 39 years, Outsider)

Safe environment

“I think there should be separate equipment for girls.” (P51, F, 25 years, Student)

“Girls face difficulties when open gyms are crowded, and they feel insecure otherwise it is very safe.” (P16, M, 28 years, Student)

Economical

“It is free, so it is a very good initiative taken by the University for middle class families like us.” (P48, M, 36 years, Outsider)

Ease of access for everyone

“……anyone can come here and do exercise…….” (P37, M, 31 years, Outsider)

There is no restriction on timing and people from outside can also come and exercise here…… There is no issue, and you do not have to follow any kind of rules or regulations.” (P16, M, 28 years, Student)

Perceived challenges associated with the use of OGs

Lack of time

“Due to studies, I am not able to get time to come here daily, classes keep going on continuously….” (P14, M, 25 years, Student)

Overcrowding

“When boys from outside come here who are not even students then the machines are not available otherwise there is no problem of any kind.” (P19, M, 24 years, Student)

Damaged equipment

“Some machines have defects so it would be better if they are maintained from time to time.” (P7, F, 23 years, Student)

Laziness

“After office I am so tired that I just don’t like going anywhere. Perhaps, laziness is the biggest barrier to not coming here on a regular basis. However, I try to come on holidays.” (P37, M, 31 years, Outsider)

Feedback on improvement of OGs

Regular maintenance of gym equipment

“….and it is very important to take care of the equipment from time to time.” (P58, F, 31 years, Outsider)

“”Only a little repair of equipment is needed like greasing because the equipment does not move smoothly….” (P62, F, 32 years, Outsider)

“If the equipment installed here gets repaired from time to time, then there will be no challenges in using it.” (P12, F, 23 years, Student)

Installation of more equipment

“There should be some more equipment…….heavy machines like dumbbells and others should be there.” (P55, M, 29 years, Outsider)

“……there is no problem as such, but it would have been better if the machine was a little heavier.”(P57, M, 27 years, Outsider)

Installation of drinking water stations and restrooms

“…drinking water facility should be there.” (P4, M, 38 years, Outsider)