Akshay Verma, Co-founder of FITPASS, the platform for fitness & wellness solutions, writes exclusively for our special series, BRIEF25.
2024 has been a defining year for me, marked by several milestones with FITPASS. Professionally, the release of our ‘State of Fitness and Wellness in Corporate India’ report was a proud moment—it spotlighted the evolving fitness needs of India’s workforce and the critical gaps in corporate wellness programs.
A new era of employee welfare initiatives emerged as India Inc began transitioning from ‘reactive’ to ‘proactive’ fitness and wellness programs, focusing on enhancing the true productivity of their greatest asset—their people—through FITPASS Secure.
The trust placed in us by over 100+ clients and the shift in perspective towards health driving true ROI has duly made FITPASS India’s largest fitness membership program for retail and corporate consumers alike.
Our global partnership with Wexer introduced Indian users to world-class fitness experiences, blending technology and accessibility. Expanding our network to over 1,277 pin codes across 75+ cities brought us closer to our mission of defeating inactivity nationwide.
Personally, this year has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of fitness—not just as a business opportunity but as a societal imperative.
A major highlight was recognising the vast potential for fitness and wellness to address deeper societal challenges. The findings from our corporate fitness report were eye-opening—61% of employees face high stress, 29% report burnout, and 76% feel disengaged from their wellness programs. These statistics underscore the urgent need for personalised wellness initiatives.
The realisation that fitness is not just about aesthetics but longevity and mental well-being has been pivotal as well. Any movement is better than no movement, and a daily fitness routine can help us fight many preventable lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, etc. Staying fit is now not just a choice; it is essential to living our best life.
This year has also demonstrated that there are many innovative ways to stay active and healthy, regardless of age. Adolescents can benefit from gamified fitness experiences, turning workouts into fun challenges, while older adults are increasingly drawn to convenient, at-home workouts that fit their routines. From an industry lens, strength training emerged as a key solution to combating sedentary lifestyles, promoting resilience and quality of life.
On a professional level, teamwork has been a cornerstone of FITPASS’ achievements. The collective effort of our team has enabled us to innovate, scale, and deliver impactful solutions. Another key factor driving our growth has been consumer education—empowering users with the knowledge and tools to prioritise wellness has fostered trust and engagement, paving the way for long-term success for us.
My biggest learning? Fitness needs to be reframed—not as a luxury but as an essential, sustainable part of life that fuels productivity, creativity, and happiness.
Not a trend, but 2024’s standout realization is how fitness has proven to be a cornerstone of economic resilience, with India’s corporate leaders increasingly recognizing its role in sharpening decision-making and fostering innovation. This shift isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a fundamental change that is now been better understood and embraced.
Therefore, in terms of 2024, the fitness and wellness that have redefined the boundaries of human potential include:
- Personalized Fitness Ecosystems: Tailored plans driven by AI, aligning with individual goals, preferences, and lifestyles.
- Longevity-Focussed Fitness: A shift from aesthetics centered fitness plans to sustainable fitness practices that concentrate on overall health and longevity via strength training and nutrition.
- AI and Wearable Technology Integration: Leveraging AI for personalized recommendations via devices and fitness plans, vital metric tracking, and adaptive workout plans.
- Biohacking: Science-backed methods to optimize physical and mental performance.
- Corporate Wellness Evolution: Companies prioritizing holistic wellness to boost productivity and employee satisfaction.
To seize the opportunities of 2025, we at FITPASS are doubling down on innovation, strategic planning, and collaboration. Our focus is on:
- Scaling Operations: Expanding our reach to over 100 cities within the next three months and 500 cities by mid-2026 to bring fitness solutions closer to every Indian.
- Leveraging Technology: Enhancing our AI-driven platform to deliver hyper-personalised fitness recommendations and seamless user experiences.
- Strengthening Partnerships: Collaborating with more gyms, fitness experts, and technology providers to diversify offerings and reach underserved markets, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
- Team Empowerment: Investing in upskilling our team to adapt to emerging trends and drive innovation across all levels.
We’re poised to meet the rising demand for new-age and flexible fitness solutions, solidifying our position as the go-to platform for health-conscious Indians across the nation.
By staying ahead of trends and fostering a culture of adaptability, we aim to not just respond to market demands but also redefine fitness accessibility in India. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that fitness becomes a way of life, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.
India’s unique demographic advantage, with an average age of 28.5 years, presents a tremendous opportunity to unlock the potential of its young talent.
Professionals across sectors should prepare by harnessing the power of technology and entrepreneurship to drive innovation and growth. The future belongs to those who invest in both health and innovation. Prioritising physical and mental wellness isn’t just a personal goal—it’s a professional necessity.
The synergy between physical fitness and business success is unmistakable. India Inc’s top CEOs are leading by example, following fitness routines and motivating their employees to do the same.
Leaders across sectors must now do the same, and embrace holistic wellness as a cornerstone of success, fostering a corporate work culture that values fitness as one of the key drivers of productivity. A healthy body sharpens the mind, enhancing decision-making capacity, resilience, and business discipline. A fit workforce isn’t just healthier—it’s more innovative, adaptable, and efficient.
Additionally, for the start-up ecosystem on the whole, leveraging technology for growth, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, will unlock untapped potential and drive India’s growth story.
India’s growth hinges on addressing the decline in physical activity, which affects both individuals and the economy. A 2024 Lancet study revealed that nearly half of Indian adults fail to meet WHO’s recommended physical activity levels, with sedentary lifestyles prevalent across age groups.
Research shows that promoting fitness could add ₹1.5 lakh crore to India’s GDP, directly impacting our vision of a $5 trillion economy. By integrating wellness into workplaces, schools, and communities, we can create a healthier, more productive society.
We are becoming a sedentary generation at a time when India needs its youth to be at their best. We have the largest young workforce in the world, and if we want to be a progressive, thriving nation, we need fitter, healthier young people. India’s future is in our hands and we need to collectively take care of our bodies and our minds if we want to build a stronger, healthier nation.
My Tip: Compound Your Health Gains with the 1% Rule.
Start moving today.
Just as Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) grow your wealth, consistent, incremental improvements can compound your health gains. Aim to improve just a little every day. Consistency compounds into significant change. Focus on making small, achievable changes to your daily habits, and watch your overall wellness flourish!
FITPASS embodies this philosophy through our #YourFitnessYourWay initiative, encouraging people to take small, actionable steps toward their fitness goals. Whether it’s a quick workout or a mindful meal choice, these incremental habits drive lasting transformations.
Personally, I am committed to staying curious by taking mindful steps towards my personal growth—whether it’s through reading, fitness challenges, or learning from my team and peers. Some downtime is equally important, and I hope to spend more time with my family in 2025.
“Sitting is the new smoking.” Even the World Health Organization (WHO) concurs.
Just as the realisation of smoking’s dangers revolutionised lifestyles, we must now understand the profound health risks posed by prolonged inactivity. The good news is that the power to change rests in us, for fitness isn’t about competing with others; it’s about being better than you were yesterday.
Start small, stay consistent, and embrace the power of movement. Remember, any activity is better than none, and every step forward is progress towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
