Towards a healthy lifestyle

Keeping fit and healthy, both physically and mentally, has always been more of a paramount concern for us. Insufficient physical activity is highly prevalent among the Bangladeshi adult population. Promoting overall PA at leisure-time and commuting considering country context can be feasible options with special attention to the women. With a massive growth in digital, connected and social fitness, it’s been a year of community and social distancing. It goes without saying that 2020 has been a tough year but the fitness industry is resilient. We took a look at how a few trends have shifted as our ideas of what it means to get fit and be healthy evolve with the growth of the fitness industry overall.

Even 5-6 years ago, going to the gym and lifting weights considered the only option to stay fit; jogging or walking was exclusively for diabetic patients and senior citizen; you need to wait for someone coming from abroad to bring supplements for you as there weren’t sufficient products in the market. Nike, Reebok, and Adidas were only brands most of the people were aware of but only a few had the luxury to own these. Fitness gadgets were only for riches, cycling considered as low or lower middle classes mode of transportation. It was even difficult to find standard gym; yoga was considered as upper class’s hobby; carrot and cucumber was a major part of a diet to reduce weight and very few were ready to take fitness as their main profession. Fast forward a couple of years, the scenario changed dramatically but positively.

People are becoming more health and fitness concerns and trying to lead a healthy life with a better lifestyle. The rising number of gyms and as well as a significant increase in their membership is supplementing the growth of the fitness equipment market, leading to increased investment in the sector.   All five-star hotels in the country have gym centres or health club. Here the equipment is very modern. On the other hand, membership cost here is higher than other gymnasiums. Few things have contributed profusely in this dramatic change in the fitness scenario of Bangladesh. The Internet has enabled the free flow of information about health and fitness choices making people more aware and economic development have ushered in the rise of an affluent middle class. Interestingly, more investments were made by young entrepreneurs who were willing to venture into an untapped market; establishing more gyms with proper setup attracting the fitness enthusiasts to join in hordes.

The scenario is so promising now that we see the establishment of two to three new gyms every month. The good thing is people rushing to these workout places don’t only aspire to become a bodybuilder. The age group is also diversified. Starting from young teens to those in their 40s and even 50s are finding fitness to be the mantra of a healthy life. They are coming to gyms to exploring powerlifting, cross fit, catalyst fitness, aesthetics fitness, body weight training, HIIT, boxercise, spinning and so on. The number of athletes from bodybuilding, powerlifting, etc. to take part in international contests are rising by leaps and bounds. Accolades and awards are also being brought home. Trainers are getting international certificates so that they can train the clients and provide global stands services. Last but not least, international fitness franchises are also closely observing further investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

Yoga, aerobics, Zumba has become regular topics of in the middle-class drawing room. A number of high-quality yoga centers were opened only last year targeting not only the people of the upper class but also with an aim to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga among the common mass.

A good number of fitness brands are available in the market now. Authentic products from brands like Nike, Reebok, Adidas, and Puma are being catered for the local consumers. Official showroom of Puma, Lotto, and Kelme have already opened their official showrooms in Bangladesh and rests are waiting to enter the market.

Even in social media, groups like Fit & Healthy Bangladesh, BD Muscle & Fitness, Choose to Lose, etc are encouraging, motivating and supporting people online to stay fit and healthy. With so many positive news from the fitness industry in Bangladesh, we only hope to experience further growth. It’s imperative that the local investors and entrepreneurs work collaboratively and share knowledge about the market. We can develop an ecosystem where all the different types of fitness related venture will thrive and eventually can contribute to building a healthy nation.