Those in the fitness industry are quite excited about the Indian market because of the opportunities it offers, but despite the mushrooming of gyms and fitness centres, the growing popularity of fitness apps and virtual gyms, most Indians are unfit.
A survey conducted by fitness company Fitbit (they make fitness trackers) has named India as the least-active country. Indians were also the second-most sleep deprived nation (after Japan).
Based on the user data collected from 18 countries, the Fitbit report found that:
- Indians log in only 6,533 steps daily, the least among all the 18 countries, and 3,600 steps lesser than the average of the most active country — Hong Kong.
Indians Lack discipline
Indians are unable to find time to exercise; most of them lack the discipline to stay fit.
When it comes to taking membership at a fitness centre, lack of adequate parking space, poor quality of fitness equipment, poor maintenance, and lack of group fitness classes, are the problems that haunt fitness enthusiasts.
These problems, along with the fact that most Indians lack discipline when it comes to fitness, more and more Indians are opting for the services of a personal fitness trainer at home, despite that being an expensive option.
- Men were three times more likely to join a gym to build muscle, while women are more interested in weight loss.
- Convenience of virtual gyms and home workout videos made it preferred options for time-starved professionals.
More reasons why Indians are unfit
- Indian parents are emotionally too attached to their kids and also have some misconceptions about diet which stops them from telling their kids to control their diet.
- Every occasion and every festival needs to be celebrated with sweets, and that too lot of it.
- Lack of sporting opportunities, unlike foreign countries. Very few opportunities to play sports like tennis, badminton, soccer or swimming. Membership of clubs that offer such facilities is very expensive. That is why most end up playing cricket in some corner around their building.
- Indian Government doesn’t have a proactive approach towards building sports infrastructure. They are happy to dole out cash prizes when an Indian wins at the international level, but are not willing to spend on sports infrastructure.
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