How a silver revolution is taking place in Indian gyms

India Today

a day ago

The moment you enter a gym, you're mostly greeted by loud, thumping music. The mecca of movement is always abuzz with commotion. While some are busy clicking mirror selfies to announce their gym attendance on social media, others are sweating it out on the treadmills, with many struggling to lift weights. The oohs and aahs of pushing the body for just one more rep echo throughout. So do the clangs of iron as barbells and dumbbells are finally released after a strenuous set.advertisementFrom bulked-up men further chiselling their frames, women striving to be in their best shape, or young teens working on their physique metamorphosis, gyms, over the years, have become more inclusive. It is obviously no longer a workout arena for young men. Women are now equally serious about their fitness game. And it is no more limited to the so-called fat-melting cardio sessions.A new set of fitness enthusiasts is finally hitting Indian gyms: people in their 50s and 60s. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashu Jain (@not.just.a.grandma)Silver revolution in Indian gyms
When I re-entered the gym this month, years after first trying it, something felt different. In the cardio section, a man in his early 70s, crowned with a head of shining silver hair, was cycling with ease.On the other side of the gym, a 57-year-old woman was performing weighted squats. That day, she had brought her daughter along to get her a gym membership too.I could easily spot four to five more elderly individuals around – including my 60-year-old father, who has been a regular at the gym for over a month now.His reason for hitting the gym at 60 was to manage a few health issues that surfaced earlier this year. Alongside medication, he consulted a nutrition and lifestyle coach, who recommended some basic dietary changes, fixed his meal timings, and strongly encouraged him to start weight training.
It is not uncommon to see elderly people working out in gyms now. (Photo: Unsplash)
Sandeep, a Noida-based gym trainer with over three decades of experience, says that earlier, even doctors used to discourage the idea of going to the gym. 'Now, doctors themselves advise their patients, even older ones, to make strength training a part of their routine. It helps prevent muscle loss, controls many diseases, and supports a pain-free life,' he says.advertisementAbhishek Singh, a fitness instructor based in Raipur, also acknowledges the rise in the number of elderly people joining gyms.'There is increased awareness, especially after Covid-19, because of which more people in their 50s and 60s are beginning their gym journeys,' Singh tells India Today.Just the beginning – a long way to goMeanwhile, many fitness trainers also believe that this silver revolution in Indian gyms has just begun, and has a long way to go.'When I began my fitness journey almost 15 years ago, there were hardly any elderly people in gyms. Now, I do see a few, but I'd still call it a rarity,' says Yash Kumar, a 31-year-old Delhi-based fitness trainer.Anytime Fitness, a prominent fitness brand with a nationwide presence, shares that memberships from the 50-and-above age group have been increasing steadily at a rate of about 5.6% per year since 2019.'Compared to five years ago, we've seen a mindset shift where fitness is no longer viewed as a youth-centric activity. Post-Covid, awareness around immunity, mobility, and long-term health has made the older demographic more conscious about physical well-being. Many of them now see gym routines as a preventive and lifestyle necessity rather than a reactive measure,' Dr Richa Mishra, personal trainer and VP, Operations at Anytime Fitness India, tells India Today.advertisementRising lifestyle disorders like hypertension, diabetes and fatty liver are among the key reasons why there is a silver influx in gyms.'Strength training improves insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being, all of which are especially relevant after 50. It also supports healthy ageing by reducing the risk of falls, fractures, frailty, and lifestyle diseases like type 2 diabetes and hypertension,' says Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.Social media leading the movementAshu Jain, a fitness influencer known as 'Not Just A Grandma' on Instagram, began her fitness journey at the age of 54 after being diagnosed with hypertension and high cholesterol. She started with regular walks and home workouts, eventually transitioning to gym training.Dinesh Mohan, a popular model, was also 54 when he began his fitness journey, battling a host of health issues at the time. Choosing fitness as a way to fight back and reclaim his life, he is now 66, a professional model, and confidently flaunts his enviable physique on the ramp. View this post on Instagram A post shared by dinesh mohan silverfox India (@dinesh.mohan.58)advertisementBoth Jain and Mohan have been vocal on social media about starting their fitness journeys late in life.The rise of fitness influencers and health experts championing strength training for the elderly for an improved quality of life is also pushing this silver revolution.Navneeth Ramprasad is one such influencer championing senior fitness, both online and offline. Through video content featuring his parents, he encourages young followers to take charge of their own parents' fitness journeys. While he doesn't necessarily advocate gym workouts, he highlights the importance of strength training for the elderly, even if at home with tools like resistance bands, to combat sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass), mobility issues, and other age-related conditions.This growing trend of older adults lifting dumbbells or using resistance bands, rather than limiting themselves to just morning yoga or park walks, is also driven by children motivating their parents to adopt a more active, strength-focused lifestyle.Personal training matters more with ageThe benefits of being physically active are ample. But so are the injury risks. So, while starting gym or any other fitness activity in older age, one should not skip personal training. Look for a trainer with experience in training people of your age.advertisementYou want someone who understands your health issues and works on an approach to build strength gradually, improve flexibility, and ensure heart-friendly endurance without over-exertion.Moreover, every elderly member undergoes an initial fitness assessment to create a personalised plan, supervised closely by our fitness experts.It is never too late to start working out. Fitness experts as well as doctors agree with it. But having a personal trainer should be non-negotiable.'Many people have had the luxury of exercising and getting into weight training while they were young. They carry it forward into old age. But just because you didn't do it earlier doesn't mean you can never start,' celebrity fitness trainer Shivohaam told India Today.He, too, emphasises the importance of personal training.You need someone to correct the form and posture. It will ensure you don't get injured. 'As you are above a certain age, the risk of injury is higher. So don't exercise without a trainer,' he asserts.And in case you have serious health issues, it is imperative you first consult a doctor and have a trainer guide you accordingly.- Ends