Ghosh, who heads a team of four fitness instructors at the centre, represented India in body building at the New Delhi Asian Games in 1982. ``Losing a kilogram can be done in 20 minutes flat, in an emergency,'' he claims. `` We have done it for body-builders who were slightly overweight for their competitive class. But for the over 70 members of the health centre, we have more subtle methods of getting into shape,'' he adds.

The health centre, housed in the lush green environs of the Estate, has a garden full of chrysanthemums and roses along its Ashok tree-lined driveway. Once inside, one can't help noticing the modern gadgets in the gymnasium, which include fully computerisedcalorie burner machines, treadmills, steppers, rowers, cycling machines and a newly acquired air-rowing machine.

``It is the latest means of increasing cardiovascular fitness after treadmills and steppers. The exercise done through an electronic machine controlled by a computer replicates the rowing action -- one actually moves back and forth-while using an oar. As there is no water, one is rowing against the air,'' says Ghosh, explaining the nomenclature.

Besides the gymnasium, the health centre offers spa facilities in its `wet' division, matching the services offered by some of the five-star hotels in the Capital. These include a sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi and massage services. It also has a resident health consultant who quizzes every prospective member on any complaints of blood pressure, digestion, breathing disorders or orthopaedic difficulties. Only after she has given a green signal to the member does coach Ghosh takes over. ``I temper my exercise instructions according to a person's healthproblems. For instance, if a person complains of pain in the lower back, bending forward is taboo. Also neck exercises are not recommended for someone with cervical pain,'' he explains.

The club, which began operations in 1998, already has a growing clientele of fitness conscious executives, college students, housewives and health professionals. ``Most of the people who come here come with a single-minded goal: losing weight in a jiffy. Before they step on to the exercise machine, though, they have to promise me regularity in exercise and dietary discipline,'' says Ghosh.

Ghosh's exercise regimen for reducing accumulation of fat around the abdomen and the middle is three-fold. ``For the lower abdomen, all exercises that make you raise your legs are fine. Keep the legs stationery and move your torso, for exercising your upper ab and the basic movements of twisting and grinding are best for trimming the waistline,'' he says.

For Delhi's infamous pollution, Ghosh suggests the Breathing Pullover, a specialexercise technique, designed to improve your cardiovascular system. ``Lie down on a bench. Hold a small weight in your hand and raise it. Then, breath in deeply and lower your hand, taking it toward your chest. Exhale and then take the weight back to its original position. This technique flushes all the pollutants out of your lungs,'' he says.

When Ghosh began building his muscular physique in 1959, health clubs in the Capital could be counted on the fingers of one hand. ``There was the YMCA gym, another owned by the Birlas and one at the Air Force Station. One had to acquire a certain physical stature, even to gain entry to one of them,'' he recalls. ``Today, with heightened awareness about the perks of working out, fitness clubs are as common as paan shops. But they lack quality. On the other hand, you have five-star hotels where even the cover charges are beyond the reach of most,'' he feels.

But the Chandiwala health centre is affordable, Ghosh claims. ``The annual membership, including the gym andthe spa, is Rs 21,000. Further, there are discounts for groups and family memberships. A half-yearly membership comes for 12,000, quarterly for Rs 6,000 and monthly for Rs 3,000,'' he says.With a pro at the helm of affairs, one does see reason in the tariff. The add-on jacuzzi, sauna, massage and steam bath may just bring some sheen back to tired bodies and souls.