Health first: Food meets fitness

Gym Club M now accompanied by café Social M to offer well-rounded experience to members

KARACHI: With the trend of one-stop shops gradually permeating the lifestyle of Karachiites, there has been an influx of multipurpose spaces in the cultural hotspots of the city. After a series of spaces housing food and fashion have surfaced on the hip streets in the metropolis, entrepreneurs now seem to be testing waters for exploring the intrinsic link between food and fitness. Mustafa Omer, owner of fitness destination Club M, has introduced an eatery named Social M in the same building, now opening doors to what he claims is a first-of-its-kind gym and café.

Located a floor below the gym, the café aims at enhancing the overall social experience of Club M’s members. “We decided to cater to all the needs and demands of our members and outsiders by providing them with facilities, such as a café and a library,” said Omer. Social M is a full-fledged lounge with facilities such as a retail store, library and baithak that can be used by anyone, with plans already under way to provide personal grooming (manicure and pedicure) in the near future.





The menu of the restaurant has been crafted in line with the dietary needs of the members. “We have a healthy menu with items, such as grilled chicken, salads and steamed vegetables. So, members who are on a diet can go downstairs after their workout and enjoy a meal,” he shared. Social M also has a non-diet menu with a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, mocktails and protein shakes.

Omer took the initiative up in the hopes of providing people with a “good and friendly atmosphere” for exercising and socialising. “We didn’t want to create a run-of-the-mill gym. We were aiming at establishing an extraordinary facility, so that people feel eager to come here,” he said.



In addition to offering a state-of-the-art gym and training facilities, he shared that what sets the fitness centre apart is the services rendered by their instructors. They facilitate members in devising appropriate diet plans and workout routines. While most trainers working at local gyms are self-taught, Omer said the instructors at Club M are both well-qualified and have extensive experience in this line of work. “It’s a nice mix of both [self-taught and qualified] trainers. They’ve completed online courses and globally certified programmes,” he shared.

Club M has diversified its offerings by introducing other workout models, such as a result-oriented weight-loss programme. “Apart from the gym, we offer services, such as jacuzzis, sauna, steam baths and locker rooms. We also have a studio where we conduct different classes, such as cross-fit (a combination of cardio and weightlifting), yoga and zumba (exercise plus dance),” stated Omer.

Now a year since its inception, Club M has managed to attract many clients, including high-profile ones, such as former cricketer Wasim Akram and actors Fahad Mustafa and Sana. Of his future plans, Omer shared he may consider opening another branch of Club M.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2015.

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