Paul Bowman sits down with Akshay Verma, co-founder of FITPASS, to discuss how FITPASS is creating fun, affordable and accessible fitness in India with their digital solutions.
Read more: FITPASS: Revolutionizing Fun & Accessible Fitness in IndiaThrough technology, data, and intelligence, FITPASS provides access to over 7500 gyms and fitness studios across more than 40 cities in India. India’s largest app-based full-stack corporate well-being and engagement platform.
Bowman and Verma discuss the mission and services of FITPASS, Verma’s personal and professional journey, the challenges faced in entrepreneurship, and the role of technology in the growing fitness industry in India.
““A report from the WHO says inactivity is the biggest killer people don’t know.”
~ Akshay Verma, Co-founder of FITPASS ~
What is FITPASS?
FITPASS emerges as a beacon of innovation in India’s growing fitness industry, signaling a shift towards democratizing access to wellness. Positioned as the country’s premier app-based full-stack corporate wellness and engagement platform, FITPASS doesn’t just offer a service; it embodies a vision. At its helm stands Akshay Verma, the dynamic CEO, whose passion for fitness and commitment to societal well-being infuse every aspect of FITPASS’s mission.
Central to FITPASS is its unwavering dedication to making fitness not just a luxury but a fundamental right for all. Acknowledging the stark reality of inactivity prevalent across India, Verma articulates a bold ambition: to combat this sedentary epidemic head-on. The cornerstone of this endeavor lies in FITPASS’s innovative approach – offering a universal membership that transcends socio-economic barriers, granting unfettered access to a plethora of fitness and wellness services.
FITPASS’s philosophy includes a profound sense of inclusivity, shattering the notion that fitness is exclusive to the affluent or privileged. By harnessing the power of technology through its user-friendly app interface, FITPASS seamlessly connects individuals from all walks of life with a diverse array of fitness facilities, trainers, and programs. This democratization of access not only empowers individuals to take charge of their health but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.
Verma’s vision extends beyond physical exercise, encompassing holistic well-being encompassing mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. FITPASS’s expansive catalogue includes not only gym memberships but also virtual wellness sessions, personalized nutrition plans, and AI-driven coaching modules. Through this comprehensive approach, FITPASS aims not just to transform bodies but to uplift lives, fostering a culture of wellness that permeates every corner of Indian society.
Fitness Challenges and Solutions In India
Akshay Verma’s discourse on the challenges rooted within India’s fitness landscape unravels the disparities in accessibility and affordability. Amidst the backdrop of health consciousness, a stark reality persists: the high costs associated with accessing fitness facilities stand as barriers, especially against the backdrop of modest average salaries prevalent across the nation.
In Verma’s candid assessment, the traditional model of fitness membership perpetuates exclusivity, effectively alienating large portions of the population unable to bear the financial burden. This economic exclusion not only encourages inactive lifestyles but also worsens existing health inequalities, further establishing the cycle of inactivity and its consequences.
FITPASS develops as a bringer of change that disrupts this status quo by offering a holistic membership model that transcends financial constraints. Verma’s vision extends far beyond gym access; it involves an ecosystem of wellness services designed to cater to diverse needs and preferences. At the heart of this ecosystem lies the FITPASS membership, a gateway to a myriad of fitness centers, virtual coaching modules powered by artificial intelligence, personalized nutritionist consultations, and an array of supplementary services aimed at nurturing holistic well-being.
By consolidating these services under a single, affordable membership, FITPASS effectively democratizes access to fitness and wellness, rendering it accessible to individuals across all strata of society. Verma’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and affordability underscores FITPASS’s mission to dismantle barriers and foster a culture of proactive health management.
Entrepreneurship Challenges In India
One big challenge for Verma was dealing with the unpredictable timing of things. Especially in the early days of FITPASS, the market was always changing, and people’s preferences were hard to predict. But instead of seeing these challenges as roadblocks, Verma and his team saw them as opportunities to be creative and flexible.
In a crowded industry where many companies are trying to be the best, FITPASS had to work hard to get people’s attention. Verma didn’t see other companies as enemies, though. He saw them as motivation to come up with new ideas and stand out from the crowd.
“You may be naturally talented, but if you are not capitalizing on it with perseverance and hard work, it doesn’t work.”
~ Akshay Verma, Co-founder of FITPASS ~
Leveraging Technology and Future Aspirations
In a nation teeming with diversity, both cultural and geographical, Verma and his team recognized the vital need to craft a solution that transcends the constraints of convention and offer a place that challenges India’s fitness ecosystem. Through the strategic integration of cutting-edge technology, FITPASS sets out to increase access to fitness and wellness services, empowering individuals from all walks of life to embark upon a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement.
From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the shores of Kerala, FITPASS extends an invitation to all who seek a healthier, happier tomorrow. Through its intuitive app-based platform, FITPASS transcends the limitations of physical space, offering a virtual gateway to a world of fitness and wellness opportunities, tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each user.
Verma’s vision extends far beyond the confines of the present moment, reaching towards the horizon of possibility with an unwavering sense of purpose and determination. Verma’s future aspirations, both personal and professional, reflect a visionary mindset, characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a dedication to continuous growth and development.
Verma’s aspirations merge around consolidation and informed decision-making as he sets out to steer FITPASS towards a future defined by sustainable growth and strategic foresight. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a sharp eye for opportunity, Verma is ready to steer FITPASS and beyond towards a prosperous tomorrow.
Akshay Verma on LinkedIn: / akshayverma
FITPASS: https://fitpass.co.in/fitpass-tv
Paul Bowman on LinkedIn: / pbowman