By Neha Mehrotra
In the modern world, fitness is no longer a hobby. It’s a way of life that prioritises overall health. Vikas Jain, Managing Director of Anytime Fitness, is a strong advocate of this approach. In response to the growing interest in fitness and well-being, his brand Anytime Fitness has introduced new offerings, including 24/7 accessibility, stylish and comfortable fitness technology, and a wide range of innovative gym equipment, all of which adhere to international standards.
Under the vision and leadership of Vikas Jain, Anytime Fitness has grown to over 134 gyms in India and aims to increase this number by 100 in the next three years. In an exclusive interview with PEAKLIFE, Vikas Jain, Managing Director of Anytime Fitness, provides insights into the trends in the fitness industry and outlines the company’s plans for the Indian fitness market.
Global fitness trends are constantly evolving. Can you share some notable trends that you believe will impact the industry in the coming years?
Vikas Jain: Anytime Fitness as a global brand has always been ahead of the trend curve. The most impactful trend will be that of having different forms of fitness in one place. We have already jumped on this trend by equipping all our gyms with functional fitness, cardio, and weight training areas, as well as a dedicated place for group workouts.
How are you positioning yourself to meet the evolving fitness needs and demands of Indian consumers while staying aligned with global trends?
Vikas Jain: To meet the evolving fitness needs and demands of Indian consumers, we have brought the comfort of working out in different ways in one place. All the Anytime Fitness Clubs are equipped with high-tech equipment and studios for functional training and group classes. Additionally, we heavily focus on creating the best member experience for our customers both online and offline via our Anytime Fitness app. Our vision has always been customer- centric and that is exactly what keeps us ahead of our competition and in staying aligned with global trends.
Fitness chains in India are witnessing cutthroat competition today. What strategies have you implemented to stay ahead of the competition and maintain your position as a leader in the Indian fitness market?
Vikas Jain: Our aim has always been simple. We position ourselves as a member-centric brand, and we stand by it. Our prime focus has always been our members, and to achieve this, we ensure that we offer the best guidance from our trained and certified coaches.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the fitness industry. How did you manage to not only survive but thrive in this challenging environment? And what were the challenges you faced?
Vikas Jain: It certainly was a tough task to survive in those conditions, but never impossible. We ensured that our members were taken care of as their usual regime was disrupted. We stepped up our game by going digital and providing live coaching and workout facilities through our app. This ensured that our members’ health and our trainers’ income were safeguarded to a high extent. When we opened post-COVID, this helped us bring back our members and staff to the gym without any worry.
Can you describe the innovative technologies and facilities you have introduced to ensure a continued focus on health and well-being?
Vikas Jain: While Anytime Fitness believes in innovating at every step of the way, the biggest innovation from our end has come in the form of our Anytime Fitness app, which offers multiple facilities and health workouts at the touch of a finger. All our facilities, like 24×7 availability, global reciprocity, and an inclusive environment, along with the comfort of working out from your home, can be availed via the app. This has certainly helped us become the best version of ourselves for our members.
What are the expansion plans for Anytime Fitness?
Vikas Jain: Currently, we are working with over 134 gyms in India. In the next three years, we plan to expand 100 more gyms, focusing our attention on West and Central India. We plan to explore the untouched territory and give Anytime Fitness India an even stronger brand presence.
