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Sunday, June 01, 2008
Business of good health
Publication: The Economic Times, Edition: Mumbai, Journalist: Purva Bhatia, Page No: 13, Location: Top-Right, Width(cms): 22, Height(cms): 35
, Size(sq.cms): 770
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holistic food and even DVD libraries ensur­ing relaxation and entertainment!
As per recent estimates, the fitness and wellness segment in India can be valued at Rs 2,500 crore. The growing segment and in­creasing number of health conscious Indians is attracting global players. For instance, Fit­ness First, UK's popular international chain of health dubs, recently made its debut in In -dia. Vikram Aditya Bhatia, the managing di­rector of Fitness First India Private Ltd, de­scribes the facility as a large-format gym.
Apart from modern equipment and ma­chines, members can avail free beverages and DVD library. "The idea is to create a place other than the place to love and work. The comfortable ambience would encourage people to spend quality time here," says Bhatia. The first center has come up in Gur-gaon and next will open soon in Connaught Place in New Delhi. It will be spread over 24,000 square feet. The company plans to invest Rs 12-16 crore in each dub and Rs 200 crore over the next three years in India. The center promises to provide five-star fitness at afford­able prices. The membership is available at Rs 3000 per month ex­clusive of taxes. If one opts for a per­sonal trainer, Fitness First offers a wide variety of packages ranging be­tween Rs 600 to Rs 1,500 per session. Another popular international chain Gold Gym already has its presence in India. It offers the latest equipment and services
A modern day gym is a facility where you work out, meditate doing some yoga, feel good with some aerobics exercise, and relax your senses with a day spa and then look good by grooming at the saloon. Personal trainers get more and more pro­fessional and gyms make sure your follow the diet prescribed by providing the mealsatyou doorstep!
N OT MANY years ago a plump Sridevi or a flabby Rishi Kapoor were accepted as superstars by their fans. Things have changed now and today, the badshaahs of the in -dustry require six-pack abs and the queens need lissome charms to woo their fans. A well-toned body is not merely a requirement but an obsession. The craze among the Bolly­wood stars is only a reflection of the society that is getting serious about battling the bulge. Encashing this trend are the modern gymnasiums that are adopting a comprehen­sive approach to the health and well being of its members.
Gymnasiums have thrived for long in small apartments converted into exercise dens. However, with popular international health chains entering the country and do­mestic players getting organised, this new base of theirs is becoming a haven for the fit­ness freaks. Largely referred as 'fitness or health centres', these are no less than 10,000 sq ft in area and include a work out area, yoga studios, aerobics studios, sauna and steam rooms, day spas, swimming pools, massage centres, food courts serving
Shed that extra flab and get ready to be envied. Purva Bhatia finds the mantra of Greek gods and goddesses