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Stress, diabetes are silent killers
Being healthy is the in thing in India these days. It’s not just about looking good but about being fit. In conversation with Vikram Aditya Bhatia, Managing Director (India), Fitness First, Sreshtha Sen digs deeper into what makes more Indians hit the GYM
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Vikram Aditya Bhatia |
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How advanced is India as compared to other countries in terms of health clubs?
India is not at all advanced. It’s in a very stagnant stage. The number of people who actually participate in physical activities is one of the lowest in the world. We also have the maximum amount of lifestyle diseases. World Health Organistion standards say that if an average Indian has to achieve global standards of basic health and fitness, they need to exercise seven times a week, and we don’t. I think less than 0.3 percent of the total population works out in the organised gyms.
What, according to you, is the biggest health issue our society faces today?
The silent killers right now are stress, hypertension, cardiac diseases, and diabetes.
Can you give an overview of the latest trends in the fitness industry?
The new trends in the fitness industry are moving increasingly away from body building and heavyweight lifting and moving towards functional training, general and genetic health and fitness. People are exercising more and more for mobility and balance rather than to look muscular. So, the whole concept of training for muscularity and to look good is changing to training for fitness.
How superior has Fitness First shown itself to be over other health clubs? What is unique about it?
Firstly, our infrastructure is a whole lot more impressive compared to other clubs. We have a very good system of educating a member and then constantly monitoring him in his exercise programme as he moves to make fitness a part of his lifestyle. Thus industry, education and constant follow-ups are our usps.
Right now, Fitness First has branches in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Bangaluru. Are there any aims to expand?
We’re looking at a partnership for Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune, where we’ll enter into a regional franchise and open up through the franchise routes. But we’ll also organically grow in Delhi.
Were there any challenges in propagating the company in India?
There were significant challenges. Firstly, property was a hurdle. Secondly, there was human resource. You can’t hire people ready for this industry. It’s also challenging to attract people to the industry.
Which branch in which city is the most popular one right now?
Delhi is the most popular. Our Connaught Place club is the busiest club in the country. About 23 percent of our members take personal training and around 35 percent of our members take part in group exercises.
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