The fitness industry has grown a lot over the years. It has become essential for us to be fit and strive for a healthier life. It is no secret that during the pandemic, the fitness industry has taken a toll.

To shed more light on the situation, we have Mr. Satyajit Dash of stay fit, one of the oldest gyms in Bhubaneswar, who is also the head of the Gym owners association in Odisha and a health advisor in Odisha Mo Parivar.

Q. Do you see Bhubaneswar as a city that has seen massive changes in terms of health fitness prior to the health hazard of Covid? How can you look forward to its  navigations ?

In 2021 as per our report, 2000 gyms are under our organization, and I believe it to be a 2000 crore rupees industry. We have potential customers of 30 to 40 lakhs. There are 300 plus gyms in twin City and serve 8-10 lakh people. There is a huge market and potential. Due to covid, the market has suffered a lot. Most gyms are rented buildings. No proper measurements and strategies for the gym industry were taken. The industry has completely collapsed. My first goal is to build what was destroyed during the pandemic. It’s a bigger challenge to save the industry. We want to be recognised, and we don’t want to fall under the entertainment category. We are part of an essential health care system. Misinformation and panic caused an uproar in the shutdown of gyms.

Q. It’s also a fact you have fought out actively asking the Government for some packages for the fitness center of Odisha after the shocking covid era as its president of gym owner associations of Odisha; how were the tough phases you have overcome-post Covid ?

The challenge was that most peers were not forthcoming. We as an industry need to unite first. And my question to the government would be, why can’t we get separate recognition so we can operate better as a business at lower interest rates? The gym industry is a budding industry; it needs government support to thrive. The pandemic has been especially tough for the gym owners as the rents and other expenses were not exempt, and the revenue was stopped due to lockdowns. We have asked the RBI and both the central and state government for certain strategies and reliefs to the small scale gym owners that would help the industry and take pressure off them. We have been assured that changes will be made, but no action has been taken yet, but we are really hopeful.

Q.Being an active member of BJD and Odisha Mo Parivar’s health advisor, what initiative have you taken for the well-being of the people of Odisha ?

My role as a health advisor of Odisha Mo Parivar,’ I feel there are many challenges in society. In such crisis during pandemic attention to some endorsement to help the society. My expertise lies in rehabilitation and fitness, and I have been privileged to be a part of mo parivaar. My goal was to give back to society and make sure that patients were taken care of properly not only in the hospitals but also during the recovery phase. Also, mental health is important, so we designed a plan that worked for the betterment of both mental and physical health. And as the health advisor, I helped the underprivileged to get the necessary equipment and treatment like hospital beds for the people in need and oxygen during the peak phase of the pandemic during the second wave. Apart from that, we made teams, which were led by me, and we educated the people about vaccination and the taboos surrounding it. I’ve also been working with Mo Parivar for the betterment of physically challenged people as I think there are ways we can empower them. We are trying our best to solve their problems and treat their ailments.

Q. What inspires you to keep doing such great work for society, and what motivates you to work towards the betterment of senior citizens ?

I take inspiration from our honorable CM, Shri Naveen Patnaik, as I strongly believe in his vision. We can see how efficient our CM can be, and he has proven time and time again how proper strategies can help towards the betterment of society. Whether it be pandemic or cyclones, his meticulous planning has helped prevent many disasters. We have the more number of medical Colleges and proper health care systems, and his initiative Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojna. Almost 80% of people were covered in the scheme. This scheme benefits the lower-income group. Apart from our CM, I would like to thank my other mentor Mr. Arup Patnaik who is the ex-Mumbai police commissioner and Convenor of Odisha Mo Parivar . He told us to enjoy our life and treat people like our family, and then it would help us to empower each other as a society.I love to work towards the betterment and fulfillment of older people. I’m really passionate about the cause. One day when I was with my father in the hospital while he was recovering, I saw him crying and asked him what was wrong. As a student, I was more into sports, especially cricket, and Student politics, which took a toll on my studies. My father worried about my future which made me realise how I need to work hard so that my father didn’t have to work a day after his retirement. This was one of the turning points in my life, and I carry the same respect and love towards other elderly people.

Q.How has your journey with staying fit so far?

Me and My sister-in-law Mrs. Bhavana Tripathi started StayFit when there were not many gyms in the city or the state. StayFit is one of the oldest and most well-known gyms and fitness centers in the state, and we have 5 branches overseas. The overseas branches are managed by my sister-in-law. The business part of the StayFit journey was going really well prior to the pandemic. We definitely took a hit as the gyms were shut down. But I believe ups and downs are part of life. We must learn from the mistakes that were made and enrich ourselves with the lessons learnt and move forward. With the covid situation bettering a little bit we expect the people to come back to gyms properly.

Q. Training or bodybuilding is mostly male-dominated; the times are changing. What are some positive changes you have seen when it comes to female athletes and females who want to get involved more in fitness ?

As a father of a girl child, I feel really connected to the subject. I believe women deserve the best opportunity and chances. I feel there have been a lot of changes when it comes to women in the fitness industry, as I have seen more women in the gyms and fitness centers than ever before. As fitness is a science, we at StayFit provide our female clients with the workout schedule that suits them and provides the optimal results that are tailored for them personally. To StayFit, we have a huge female participants. We focus on their goals and pave the path that suits them to achieve the goals. And also, new exercise routines like Zumba and Pilates being introduced in the gyms have made it even more accessible to reach your physical goals.

Q. What’s your vision for making Stayfit a top-class fitness center ?

A gym needs a good trainer; just a good hospital needs a good doctor. “My vision is to build an institute that helps to provide knowledge and education to the trainers and inspiring trainers, which would help in the growth of the gym industry.”

Q. How do you manage your professional and personal life, and what is your success mantra ?

I would like to thank my family as they helped me a lot with managing my time and following my passion. My family consists of my wife, my daughter and my parents, and our pet dog. They are the reason why I feel that I can follow my passion, and I see the entire society as my family, which further makes it easier for me to do what I do and manage my work and personal life. I believe in work culture. Doing what you love makes it easier, and learning from your mistakes is what helps us to grow. And also, one important thing is transformation of good ethos that of society & empowering one another.

By – B. Devesh & Abhishek Purohit