India: 'Strong is new skinny'
India’s movement away from a 'skinny' ideal toward strength is accelerating — women are prioritizing muscle tone, weightlifting and functional training, reshaping gym demand and advertising. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Deloitte India and the Health & Fitness Association project the Indian fitness market to expand from INR 16,200 crore in 2024 to INR 37,700 crore by 2030 at a 15% compound annual growth rate. (deloitte.com) Research firms recorded sector momentum in 2024: the gyms, health & fitness clubs market grew about 15.2% that year. (marketresearch.com) Industry analysis also shows low base penetration — gym and fitness-centre penetration in India is estimated at roughly 0.5%, leaving large scope for increased participation. (theindiawatch.com) Public company filings and filings reported for major players show commercial scale: Cult.fit’s fitness-segment revenue reached Rs 694 crore in FY23, and the company reported total income above Rs 1,000 crore in FY24 while operating roughly 300 physical locations. (entrackr.com) Local gym owners and fitness coaches in Mumbai and Chennai say female interest in strength-based classes has surged — several operators cite roughly a 50% increase in women signing up for strength training over the past two years. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) India’s elite pathway is reflecting the shift: Preetismita Bhoi set a youth world record clean & jerk of 76 kg at the Youth World Championships, and Indian women lifters continued to win international medals through 2024, raising the sport’s visibility. (thebridge.in) Female-focused facilities and franchising are scaling to meet demand — Ladies Club in T Nagar is one high-profile women-only gym cited for growing female participation, and Cult.fit reported reaching 100 franchise sign-ups as part of its expansion. (thehindu.com)
