Inauguration of the gym managed (with two other centers in the suburbs) by the German giant McFit. Guests three blue athletes
PADOVA. From red light movies to muscles and wellness. Since yesterday, the former Ducale cinema in via Stoppato has officially become the new fitness hideaway. What was once a red light room, closed in 2012 and then placed under seizure (the managers were accused of child prostitution, but were acquitted 5 years later), today becomes the kingdom of McFit, the German giant that manages more than 300 gyms throughout Europe, of which 40 in Italy.
An investment in the city of the Saint one month after the reopening of the fitness centers after a year of hiatus due to the pandemic. “We are finally back to opening our centers. Now let’s forget the year just ended and let’s start again »the words of Vito Scavo, CEO of McFit and operational director of Rsg Group. Yesterday the inauguration with special guests, including the standard-bearer at the Tokyo Olympics, Elia Viviani.
THE GYM
The new owners did not want to make a clean break with the past, leaving the historic poster at the entrance which, at the time, specified that this was a cinema for adults only. Then the tools, weights and treadmills begin. “This is the third McFit center in the city and twelfth in Veneto”, explains Scavo, “the other two are on the outskirts, here we are in the center, once again ready to welcome our subscribers in total safety”.
Compared to the other centers, the one in the Facciolati area has a different design, but which reflects the McFit philosophy. Outside it has concrete panels and a series of large windows from which you can enjoy the walls: the gym is 3 floors, with a functional room for bodyweight training, another for courses live and virtual trainers, a bar area and changing rooms. On the first floor there is the cardio area; the second floor is a parking lot.
“RETURN THE SPORT”
Elia Viviani, cycling champion and flag bearer of Italy at the Tokyo 2020 Games, karateka Sara Cardin and boxer Clemente Russo were the special guests who cut the ribbon together with Scavo and the gym staff. «I am happy to be present at the opening of this new center in my Veneto» says Viviani, from Verona and gold medalist in Rio in 2016 «I think it is essential to restart the sport».
“Training and strengthening are decisive factors for the performance of an athlete” adds the champion Cardin, who did not qualify for the Olympics due to a long series of injuries (including Covid). “Physical activity is a powerful weapon to fight diseases and, in times of pandemic, it has helped me a lot” concludes the Russian boxer, who also passed through Covid and who today still dreams of taking off his pass to participate in his fifth Olympiad.