Fitness Kochi: Where Iron Whispers and Age Bows to Strength
Nestled under a humble asbestos roof that rattles with every ambitious downpour, Fitness Kochi exists in deliberate seclusion. This isn't a place one stumbles upon accidentally; it's a destination revealed through whispered recommendations among those who know. In a city where geography often dictates destiny, this unassuming facility has become powerlifting's best-kept secret—a sanctuary where iron speaks louder than location, and obscurity has paradoxically forged extraordinary excellence.
A Trophy-Lined Sanctuary of Quiet Rebellion
Inside the modest space, medals and trophies stand with almost military precision, their polished surfaces catching stray beams of light like silent testaments to rebellion against conventional limitations. At the center of this disciplined environment stands Beena Mary Stephenson, a 60-year-old matron-like figure whose sharp eyes miss nothing. Her calm voice guides athletes through grueling repetitions, like during a recent bench-press session where every lift became a battle of will against weight.
Earlier this month, this unlikely nerve center of strength briefly captured national attention. Ten lifters from the gym traveled to the Bench Press Nationals in Faridabad, held from January 7 to 11. They returned transformed—not just physically fortified with new muscle, but literally heavier with metal, having secured an impressive haul of seven gold medals and two bronze.
Beena 'Ma'am': The Record-Breaking Heart of the Gym
At the core of this remarkable success stands Beena herself. Known simply as 'Beena ma'am' to her disciples, she demonstrated what true champions do when confronted with limits: she shattered them. Competing in the Masters 3 category, she achieved a personal best of 85kg to clinch gold, breaking her own previous record. For one glorious moment, the small gym beneath its asbestos roof transformed from a training ground into a launchpad for national dominance.
"It all comes from passion," Beena reveals with characteristic humility. She founded the gym in 2018 and currently mentors approximately 20 students whose ages span an incredible spectrum from 14 to 75 years. This diverse community includes remarkable individuals like 66-year-old Reeni Tharakan, who drives from Cherthala to train at least three times weekly. "On days she can't make it, I take a state transport bus to her home and train her there," Beena explains, demonstrating her extraordinary commitment.
Then there's 75-year-old Premachandran Nair, who rides his Bullet motorcycle from Piravom to attend sessions. "I may not have many students," Beena observes, "but the ones who come are deeply committed."
Overcoming Challenges Beyond the Weight Room
The journey to Faridabad presented obstacles long before the first official lift. Securing train tickets and accommodation proved arduous. Upon arrival, the team confronted North India's biting winter—conditions most had never experienced, with temperatures plunging to 3 degrees Celsius. "To perform under such circumstances speaks volumes about their resilience and temperament," Beena notes proudly.
Former Air Force employee Johnny VJ, whose daughters Jewel and Naomi competed, recalls the difficult journey: "The ten representing Kerala from Ernakulam district traveled in sleeper class, and their tickets were confirmed only at the last moment. But as a parent of two teenage daughters, I wasn't worried. I knew Beena ma'am would take care of everything."
Jewel won gold while Naomi placed seventh. "My daughters told me Beena ma'am didn't sleep the entire train journey," Johnny shares. "She watched over her nine students like a mother." Beyond technical expertise, he emphasizes, Beena possesses profound understanding of human psychology. "That personal touch sets her apart from other coaches."
A Legacy of Record-Breaking Performance
At last year's Nationals in Kozhikode, Beena already rewrote record books, establishing new benchmarks in squat, deadlift, and bench press. Only her third bench-press attempt eluded her, where she managed 67.5kg. She returned with vengeance in Faridabad, demolishing that record with a powerful 77.5kg lift.
"You won't find anyone like her," Reeni states emphatically. "To train relentlessly and keep excelling at that age is extraordinary."
The Struggle for Recognition and Support
Despite her achievements, Beena remains largely unknown outside powerlifting circles. Mohan Peters, secretary of the Kerala Powerlifting Association, expresses a paradoxical wish: "I hope Beena and her gym remain a secret. She isn't chasing numbers, only quality. Serious lifters will find her."
The sport itself battles visibility and support issues. Athletes frequently travel in sleeper class to national championships with minimal financial backing from state or national associations. While Alappuzha has traditionally been Kerala's powerlifting stronghold, Ernakulam and Kannur have gained prominence recently, largely due to Beena's quiet perseverance.
A handful of state lifters have secured central government jobs following strong national performances—one of the sport's few tangible rewards. Yet international competitions remain distant dreams for most, including Beena. "We simply cannot afford it," she admits, noting that a bench press event scheduled in Warsaw this March would cost nearly ₹3 lakh per participant.
Johnny is unequivocal about her potential: "If Beena ma'am competed internationally, she would break every record." He acknowledges the double-edged sword of sponsorship: "Sponsors come with expectations and pressures that can distract athletes. Sometimes, competing with your own resources is more hassle-free."
Systemic Challenges and Grassroots Solutions
Beena observes a troubling trend: "Until just before the pandemic, the Sports Council of Kerala used to support powerlifters with travel and accommodation. Since then, that funding has stopped."
Peters offers a different perspective: "Only powerlifting competitions are recognized by the Sports Council of Kerala. Since the Faridabad event was specifically a bench press event, it wasn't recognized, and no grant was given. They didn't even send an observer."
Beena advocates for stronger, more systematic support: "Everything has to begin at the grassroots, especially in schools."
The Unseen Revolution Continues
As dusk envelops Kochi, the iron within Fitness Kochi continues its rhythmic movement. Repetitions are counted, breaths are held, and belief is quietly reinforced with every successful lift. The world may not yet be watching this hidden corner where greatness trains in obscurity, but here, strength is being constructed patiently—lift by determined lift, proving that sometimes the most powerful revolutions happen away from the spotlight.
