Air Quality Woes Drive Fitness Indoors as North India Braves Smog
As smog cloaked northern India, turning the sky a dull orange haze, fitness enthusiasts shifted gears, trading outdoor workouts for indoor havens. Gyms across the region reported seeing a surge in memberships and walk-ins as people sought refuge from the hazardous air quality.
“It’s like the world has shifted inside for now,” said Jitin Bhasin, CEO of fintech startup SaveIN, whose platform offers financing solutions for health services, including gym memberships. He revealed a telling statistic: a 60% rise in gym memberships and personal training sessions this November alone. “The smog has made outdoor activities hazardous, forcing people toward indoor fitness,” Bhasin explained.
This shift isn’t limited to the usual gym-goers.
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The severity of the pollution pushed even home to elevate indoor workouts. E-commerce giants like Amazon India reported an over 25% YTY growth in yoga equipment and a surge in demand for weights and dumbbells, highlighting a significant shift towards at-home fitness solutions during the polluted months.
“People are consciously opting for indoor walking, using walking pads, and under-desk treadmills,” recounted KN Srikanth, director, home, kitchen and outdoors, Amazon India. He added, this year, premium ranges in home workout categories like adjustable dumbbells and TPE yoga mats are among the bestsellers.
This year’s pollution-induced fitness trends point toward a commitment to well-being, even in the face of adversity. “Indoor exercises protect respiratory health,” shared Saurabh Bothra, CEO & certified yoga instructor at wellness platform Habuild.
Habuild itself witnessed a surge in engagement for their free online yoga community, with over 2 lakh people participating this month.
Zooming into Zen
“ Indoor sessions are safe, while low-intensity activities like yoga, simple stretches, or mobility exercises are excellent choices for these conditions," Bothra continued.
"We advise using air purifiers or practicing in a room with plants like snake plants or peace lilies to help improve air quality. Mindfulness practices like meditation or pranayama help the body cope with the stress caused by pollution,”
Fitness Centers Navigate the Shifting Landscape.
The bricks-and-mortar gyms are witnessing a similar trend. Anytime Fitness, with its 137 gyms across India, reported a significant jump in memberships – exceeding last year’s numbers.
Rohit Marya, CEO of Ozone chain of gyms with seven outlets across north India sighting a 20-25% average rise in memberships and walk-in. "Pollution is one big concern,” said Marya, "From November to January, we see many new members."
Nov. He said
"These are mostly the middle-aged, who are unable to exercise outdoors. When their outdoor activity is restricted, they switch to a safe and hygienic controlled gym environment,” he explained. Like blended fitness themselves:** “In November, we see a demand for
What are some examples of indoor fitness activities that people are turning to due to the smog?
## Battling Smog: Fitness Finds New Ground Indoors
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re talking about a pressing issue impacting North India - the dangerous smog and its effect on fitness routines. Joining us to shed light on this is [Guest Name], a fitness expert and coach. [Guest Name], thank you for being here.
**Guest:**
Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** The smog situation in North India has been particularly severe this year. We’re hearing reports of gyms seeing a surge in memberships. Can you share your observations?
**Guest:** Absolutely. The smog has definitely pushed people indoors. We’ve seen a significant increase in people seeking indoor fitness options like gyms and home workouts. It’s concerning because outdoor exercise is important for both physical and mental wellbeing, but the air quality can be seriously hazardous right now.
**Interviewer:** It seems people are adapting and finding ways to stay fit despite the challenges. We even heard about a 60% rise in gym memberships!
**Guest:** That’s right! This data is reflected in what various gyms and fitness platforms are reporting. [1](https://www.canadianliving.com/health/fitness/article/how-to-exercise-safely-in-summer-heat-and-smog) And it’s not just about gyms. E-commerce companies are seeing a rise in sales for home workout equipment.
**Interviewer:** Exactly! Amazon India mentioned a surge in demand for things like yoga mats, dumbbells, and even walking pads. What do you think this tells us about people’s commitment to fitness?
**Guest:** I think it demonstrates remarkable resilience. People are committed to staying active even when faced with challenges like air pollution. They’re adapting their routines and exploring innovative ways to exercise indoors.
**Interviewer:** What advice would you give to those who are struggling to stay motivated during this time?
**Guest:** My key advice is to find enjoyable indoor activities that keep you moving. Don’t be afraid to try new things, whether it’s online fitness classes, dancing, or even just taking the stairs more often. Staying active, even indoors, is crucial for our health, both physical and mental.
**Interviewer:** Great advice. Thank you so much for sharing your insights, [Guest Name].
**Guest:** My pleasure.
