“Fitness industry in Vijayawada sees a spike around Navratri, which gradually rises in January, as people take memberships of gyms as part of their New Year resolutions. This trend continues through February, March, and April. It typically dips during the summer season,” says Sai, head trainer at MultiFit Fitness Studio, Vijayawada.
He disclosed that awareness within public about fitness has seen an uptick in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic.
Gym owners reveal that on an average, at least 30 new people take memberships at large gyms, while the number is fewer in smaller gyms across the city.
Vijayawada has around 70 small and large private gyms, excluding the nine gymnasiums maintained by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC). These gyms offer a wide variety of exercises, such as cardio, functional training, personal training and Zumba.
It is estimated that the fitness industry in Vijayawada generates business worth ₹4 crore to ₹5 crore annually.
“I joined a gym and paid ₹55,000 for a three-month membership, which includes personal training,” says Ravi, who works as an anaesthesiologist at AIIMS Mangalagiri. He explains that he is spending a large sum to incorporate some physical activity into his day, as his long 12–13 hour shifts, which are mostly sedentary, are making him unfit.
A recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report points to increasing physical inactivity among adults across the world. It says increased sedentary behaviour could cause cardiovascular disease, cancer and type-2 diabetes in adults.
“It is thus important for all individuals to spend their energy working out,” the anaesthesiologist underlined.
On an optimistic note, fitness circles say new gyms with more affordable pricing are expected to open soon, with more and more people enrolling into gyms in the city.
