Flourish your way to fitness

The fitness industry in India has undergone marked changes. The prime drivers for the sudden growth of this industry are: increase in the health problems, insulation from global meltdown, changing job profile of professionals leading to stress, necessitating avenues to relax and rejuvenate, faith in ‘prevention is better than cure’ and warnings from dieticians and nutritionists. These above mentioned reasons have made the health industry booming fast and exercising has quite literally become a business. Many entrepreneurs saw this as a good opportunity and opened gyms and fitness centers. With a marvellous response from the youth as well as the grown ups they started with franchising. Istayak Ansari, Vice President, Gold’s Gym India explains, “This pattern of health business is very successful as the awareness about fitness is increasing tremendously.”

Till the recent past gymming meant body building in the traditional sense but now it is a way to keep oneself healthy, fit and to increase stamina. Even the equipments and facilities have increased in the modern gyms. Compared to ordinary gyms next door, modern fitness centers concentrate on the well being of the mind and as well as body. Yoga and spas are added in the modern fitness centers to relax the mind as well. The modern gyms keep well trained instructors to advise the clients about proper diet and exercises.  Ansari says, “Counseling is the key to success in this business. Equipments can keep on changing as per new developments.” Therefore employing experienced instructors and trainers is the key to the success of this industry.

A great benefit in taking a health fitness franchise is that there is no requisite of a prior experience. People with outgoing personality, passion for fitness and especially who enjoy being around people do wonders in this business. Ansari informs, “Areas covered under training include operations management, sales and marketing management, fitness training, group management, financial management as well as software management.” Due to the extensive training provided even a novice in fitness will be able to run his franchise successfully.

Siginificant players

With the increase in the gym lovers, the fitness centers are also on the increase. The main players in the franchised fitness industry are Snap Fitness, Fitness One, Barbarian Power Gym, V3-Fitness, VLCC-health care. Golds gym,  Powerhouse Sports, Proline India ltd, Vision personal training and Personal point etc.

Many considerations have to be taken for proper and successful running of the franchised unit. Location should not be compromised. A new trend of opening fitness centers in the shopping malls has started. People can shop, eat and than exercise at one place! Gyms can also be opened near residential areas so that patrons can work out after coming back from offices. According to Insayat Ansari, “Proper marketing strategies and keeping service standards high is the key to success of this business.”

Young men, who have a passion for fitness, are the ideal entrepreneurs for the health business. So what are you waiting for? A great future in this industry might be waiting for you.