The fitness business in the State is in a nascent stage. There are gyms where the interested can build their physique. The odd chain is present in the state to cater to the masses but now something very structured has been launched for people interested in being healthy and not just looking good. AJIT JOHN spoke to Amit Bakhle and Felipe Alvares the duo behind the Fitness Bar a new concept in health management.
HERALD: What is the state of fitness industry in Goa?
FELIPE ALVAREs: It is growing. When one compares it to the rest of India, it is different. The entire gym set up here is very different from the metros. The look, feel and the equipment was different. It is in its nascent stage. Today there are a little more customers but the gyms have a certain basic kind of equipment. Most of the five star hotels with gyms are cardio based because the people come for a day or two. We decided at the Fitness Bar we would be a marriage of these various systems. You have to understand fitness as an idea is growing very fast all over the country. In India, the total market for fitness is valued around Rs 4,670 crore and growing at 17-19% and was estimated to cross Rs 7,000 crore last year. Fitness centres are growing as per capita income rises and inactive lifestyles lower immunity amongst today’s youth. Body building training has increased amongst men and aerobics and strength training amongst women.
The Indian fitness industry is going through a revolution spiked by the increasing number of cases of obesity and diabetes. If you look around, you will find that weight loss advertisements are everywhere. This is one of the reasons why health clubs and gym memberships are increasing. Spending on gym was earlier seen as a luxury, but now it is a way of life. Also in tier 2, tier 3 cities, people are increasingly going for wellness and fitness. Today’s generation wants to look and feel good at any cost and this is further fueling the overall growth of the fitness resources and services. The same holds true for Goa too. It is changing with people from all over the country and world coming here. They have their demands thus creating a market. The average Goan travels abroad and has witnessed first-hand the importance of fitness in those societies. And no, it is not about just looking good but it is about being healthy.
HERALD: Why did you get into this business?
AMIT BAKHLE: There was a gap in the market which we noticed. The usual gym looks very boring, with the same usual routines. We came up with this facility which will excite people. It has a vibe that will excite people. The gym has to be about feel and you can feel it over here. The facilities over here are truly unusual for Goa. We have a salad bar, we have the best trainers, DJ’s on Friday and Saturday who will play music here and yes most importantly we also have the best equipment. We have also priced it very competitively whereby if you take membership for a year you will be given three months complimentary and you end up paying around Rs 2800 odd per month which is a steal. We have worked at making the place feel sexy and not like any other gym. That is our USP.
HERALD: What are the trends you see in the fitness business in Goa?
FA: A lot of people are getting conscious of the importance of being fit of being healthy. It is no longer about being thin because you can be thin and unhealthy. It is about having the right lifestyle. The concept of big bodies not being a sign of being healthy has also percolated. People want personalised service. We do that over here. My trainers will be there right through. The diet will be specific around your needs and your body requirements. The demand for professional advice is growing and this market will grow in the years ahead undoubtedly.
HERALD: What is the value of the fitness business in Goa?
AB: I really would not know. Like I said earlier we saw a gap in the market and as a businessman, I felt it ought to be catered to. We have created a segment in this business in the State. No one has tried this in such a big scale. Scale and quality is very important. I really would not be able to put a number. In India, the value of this business could be Rs 50,000 crore and Goa is a small state and will be part of the number. There is a market without a doubt.
HERALD: What do you offer in this gym?
AB: We offer yoga, dance, the fitness bar, Les Mills group fitness programmes, kickboxing, Taekwondo in addition to personal training and a nutritionist.
HERALD: Do you intend to expand to other parts of the state like Norberts which even has a centre in a residential complex?
AB: No, we will not, we are very different and maybe at most we will have one more bar like this but we shall first work on this. In the three days we have started we have had 50 people signing up and it is looking encouraging.
