A fitness center in Palakkad district of Kerala is caught in an online controversy after claiming to be an ‘Islam friendly gym’ in a viral video. The facility, at Puthunagaram, was criticized by social media users who wondered if this was for Muslims only and whether ‘religion based’ branding should be applied to fitness centres. The controversy surrounding the gym escalated further when the gym owner Nawaz Muthu T revealed that the gym will have gender specific workout hours, rooms, noise levels and trainers. In response to the outrage, Nawaz issued a statement saying that the gym is for everyone and not for Muslims.
Kerala’s ‘Islam-Friendly’ Gym: What Is Going on Here?
The controversy started when a promotional video for the new facility was posted online. In the video, Nawaz said that the gym could be the first ‘Islam-friendly’ fitness centre in Kerala and called for the public to come and visit. ‘The gym was not a new business, but rather a facility that had been in operation for almost 15 years and was in the process of renovation,’ he said. But many social media users read the brand as exclusionary and felt it was a cause for debate as to whether membership would be limited by religious affiliation. The discussion heated up and the original promotional video was taken down and a new message from the owner was posted.
What Is ‘Allowed’ Inside Kerala’s ‘Islam-Friendly’ Gym?
According to sources, the gym will follow the mentioned guidelines:
- No music will be played inside the gym.
- Women will be required to wear modest attire
- Separate work out timings and spaces for men and women
- Separate trainers for male and female members
Social Media Reactions
Kerala’s First “Islam-Friendly Gym” Announced in Palakkad
A gym in Palakkad has reportedly been converted to operate under Islamic guidelines.
According to the announcement:
• No music or songs inside the gym
• Men and women will not work out together
• Separate timings… pic.twitter.com/lnBL5chnSv— Anand #IndianfromSouth (@Bharatiyan108) June 3, 2026
Muslim League takes charge in Keralam. The first Sharia based Islamic gym inaugrated in Palakkad. Men and women shall have different timings and women will work out with hijab covered heads.
Congratulations Hindus of Keralam for voting Congress and its other version,the Muslim… pic.twitter.com/0O54sK0PVF— Pran Razdan (@pnrazdan) June 4, 2026
Is Keralam gradually moving toward becoming an Islamic state under the guise of secularism ?
If this trend continues, your state could be next.
This clownery should stop now. Otherwise, when we start calling for Hindu-only gyms with no entry for Muslims, they will cry. pic.twitter.com/WwEeAnN7p5
— Krishnan Gaur (@Mercedes5494) June 4, 2026
Kerala is witnessing a worrying shift.
What began with years of political appeasement is now surfacing openly in public spaces. “Sharia gyms” with restrictions on music, dress codes, and faith-based rules shows the height radical politics by left & Congress! pic.twitter.com/qFB1GNuBmt
— Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (@SVishnuReddy) June 4, 2026
What Did The Owner Of Kerala’s ‘Islam-Friendly’ Gym Say?
In response to the criticism Nawaz stated that the term ‘Islam friendly’ only applied to ‘how the gym operates and not to who can be a part of it’. The unit’s design is based on those who prefer to exercise in separated workout areas and in an environment where they do not hear loud music, he said. He said there were many Muslims who are strict on some religious practices who do not go for conventional gyms, as they are not comfortable with having mixed workout setting or music all the time. The plan was aimed at creating an alternative fitness venue for them, such as women who might want to work out at different times and in different locations, he said. He also confirmed that the members, who want to listen to music, can also do so by headphones.
