Vikas Jain on Scaling Anytime Fitness and Shaping the Future of Wellness

• Tell us a bit about your entrepreneurial / professional journey.

My journey in fitness began over two decades ago – not with a gym, but with a small wholesale business in fitness equipment. Back then, fitness wasn’t mainstream in India, but I could sense its potential. That curiosity turned into passion, and I kept expanding – from fitness retail to building infrastructure, and eventually setting up health clubs. Each chapter taught me something new, and somewhere along the way, I realised that fitness isn’t business. It’s a way of life.

• When and why did you decide to become a master franchisee of Anytime Fitness? How has the experience been so far?

It was around 2012 when I first came across Anytime Fitness – a brand that stood for convenience, consistency, and community. What really drew me in was its simplicity – 24/7 access, a friendly atmosphere, and a global model that worked. I knew instantly that India needed something like this. The experience has been phenomenal. From the first few clubs to now 150+ and counting, the journey has been deeply fulfilling – not just professionally, but personally as well. Watching communities transform through fitness is an unmatched feeling.

• What is your management mantra?

Keep it real and keep it consistent. I believe in empowering people – whether it’s my core team or franchise partners. I’m hands-on, but not overbearing. For me, it’s about building trust, staying transparent, and always being open to learning – no matter how much experience you carry.

• What are the brand’s expansion plans for FY26?

By FY26, we aim to triple our presence in West and South with focused growth in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Hyderabad and Bangalore. We’re also eyeing strongholds in tier-2 and tier-3 markets across India. As part of this expansion, we will establish a presence across 220 gym clubs nationwide. The goal isn’t limited to quantity, but quality – choosing the right partners, building strong local communities, and delivering value to every member who walks through our doors.

• Where do you see the brand 5 years from now?

Five years down the line, we see ourselves as a 500+ gym strong network, deeply rooted in local communities across India. But more than numbers, I envision Anytime Fitness becoming the most loved and approachable fitness brand in the country – one that connects with people on a personal level and drives long-term lifestyle change.

• In your view, how do you think the health and fitness market has evolved over the last 5 years?

The shift has been huge. Fitness is no longer confined to looking good. Rather, it’s about feeling good, staying healthy, and living longer. People are more aware, more proactive. The pandemic, in particular, has made everyone rethink their health priorities. Mental health, functional fitness, and tech-driven wellness have become part of the conversation and that’s a massive win for the industry.

• How will it evolve in the next 5 years?

I see fitness becoming more inclusive and hyper-personalized. Tech will drive a lot of the change but at its core, it will still be about community. We, at Anytime Fitness are striving to imbibe the same by creating an inclusive, fitness centric community.

• How have you integrated technology for the brand’s growth and expansion?

Technology has been one of our biggest enablers – be it member experience, club operations, or marketing. We’ve streamlined onboarding, app-based check-ins, and virtual training sessions. Our Anytime Fitness app plays a key role in member engagement and personalized fitness journeys. Our franchisees get real-time dashboards to track performance. And we’re constantly working on improving our tech stack to stay ahead of the curve.

• How do you plan to cater to the growing markets of tier II and tier III cities?

These cities are bursting with potential. There’s hunger, aspiration, and increasing awareness. Our strategy is clear i.e. identify the right partners locally, offer the same premium Anytime Fitness experience, and adapt to regional nuances. The idea is to grow deep, not only wide.

• 3 key trends according to you in the health and fitness industry right now?
  
• Tech-integrated workouts – wearables, smart equipment, and virtual training.
• Holistic Wellness – people are focusing on overall fitness, not just muscle gains.
• Community-driven fitness – group classes, events, and local engagement are big drivers now.

• How important has been the business model of franchising in the health and fitness industry? How do you envisage it in the future?

Franchising has made fitness accessible at scale. It allows local entrepreneurs to bring global standards to their communities. For us, it’s been the backbone of our expansion. Going forward, I see franchising becoming more collaborative – with franchisors offering more data, tools, and support to help franchisees succeed.

• How does Anytime Fitness support its franchisees?

We offer 360° support – from location scouting, layout planning, and staff training to marketing and tech integration. But beyond systems, we offer something more important and that is - real relationships. Our team is accessible, responsive, and invested in every franchisee’s growth.

• How does the brand choose its franchisees?

We look for passion. You don’t need to have a fitness background, but you do need to believe in the lifestyle and be committed to building a community. We conduct detailed interactions to understand their vision, values, and readiness.