89-year-old doctor challenges notions about age and fitness through gym workouts

KOCHI: AK Sabhapati, the 89-year-old director of Ernakulam Krishna Hospital is breaking stereotypes by embracing gym workouts. Facing issues with walking, Dr Sabhapati sought help from a trainer and initiated exercises at home. Encouraged by a doctor's suggestion, he joined Dream Gym in Kadavanthra a month ago, focusing on weight training, functional exercises and improving balance.

The result? Dr Sabhapati noticed a significant change in his overall health. He now relishes the freedom to walk without hindrance. His daily routine commences at 5 am with coffee, newspapers and TV. Further, he engages in Kathakali training with Sadanam Krishnan on select days and tends to his farm.

Emphasizing the importance of gym workouts for the elderly, Dr Sabhapati's schedule includes an hour-long gym session after breakfast and yoga practice. His active lifestyle also extends to Kathakali performances with the upcoming 37th consecutive Kuchelavesham at Guruvayur temple.

Despite founding Krishna Hospital in 1967, Dr Sabhapati remained active in surgery at various hospitals until 2019. His experiences highlight the need to rethink the notion that gyms are exclusively for the young.