Dr. Law an anesthesiologist at the Swami Vivekanand Hospital in Delhi thinks this is quite possible. ``Most often people don't pay attention to the basic cleanliness of the place. But diseases like Hepatitis B which are passed through body fluids like sweat can easily be picked up at such places.''

This should alert Chanidgarh's gyms, most of which are in dark and damp showroom basements. Therefore, exhaust fans are a must. Furthermore, since there are few water connections, there is often no check on where it is coming from. And even if you have taken all these factors into consideration and go equipped with your own water and hand towel, have you ever asked how often the machines you use are cleaned? B.S Gill, the coach at Hotel Mount View's health club, Nirvana, however says that they offer their clients all such facilities. ``We provide basic cleanliness, there is a proper arrangement for hot and cold water and drinking glasses are washed in clean water. The entire area is centrally air conditioned with exhaust fans to circulate the air. We also provide clean towels, all of which are washed in the hotel laundry and insist that members take a hand towel before using the machines.''

The health club has its own steam, sauna and jacuzzi. Describing their facilities, he says: ``all the machines are cleaned with wet towels after each person uses them. Once a month we also have technical cleaning.''Nirvana, is more than just a gym. Each person is given workout schedules and progress charts are maintained for all of them. They can also consult a dietitian when needed.

Rupa, the manager of Nirvana says: ``we conduct an analysis and then decide what sort of exercises the clients need to go in for. We have sophisticated machinery, doctors and professionals, to keep an eye on the functioning of the place.'' Anil Lamba, proprietor, Superma, a gym in Sector 34 says: ``ninety percent of the gyms use stored water. There are no toilets, or those that they have are not very user friendly. Furthermore, even though most of them are in the basements, they do not use the exhaust fans efficiently.''The machines , he says, are cleaned every day. ``There is a tank fitted with an aqua and clean glasses for the members. "

Planet Fitness, an up market gymnasium is also clean and as compared to the other two well lit and ventilated. They also have aerobic classes in a large room with its polished parquet floor. According to the manager, their premises are cleaned regularly and they have a lot more to offer in combination with the work out facilities.