A Ukrainian woman has gone viral on social media after revealing what she believes European gyms could learn from India's fitness culture. Viktoriia Chakraborty, who has lived in India for more than eight years, shared her perspective through an Instagram video.
Having worked out in Indian gyms since 2017, she detailed four lessons that western/European gyms could adopt to create a better experience for fitness enthusiats.
In her video, Chakraborty highlighted that Indian gyms often make fitness more affordable, accessible and community driven compared to Europe. She explained that while European gyms are known for their structure and discipline, Indian gyms often provide a more welcoming environment with personal guidance that doesn't always come with a hefty price tag.
One of the first points she stressed was the affordability of memberships in India. Unlike Europe, where midrange gyms can cost between 50 and 100 euros per month, Indian gyms offer full facilities at that price. The lower cost allows more people to consistently pursue fitness without worrying about heavy financial commitments.
Another key difference she pointed out was sense of community. According to Chakraborty, Indian gyms have social vibe where people interact, share fitness tips, and spot each other. Trainers often know members by name, making the space feel friendly and less intimidating. In contrast, she described many European places as solitary, where people work out silently with headphones on, avoiding much social interaction.
Flexibility is another advantage she found in Indian gyms. Many fitness centers in India operate with flexible hours and membership plans, opening early in the morning and staying open late at night. They also offer day passes and monthly and quarterly options, making it easier for students, professionals, and even travelers to join without committing to long contracts. European gyms, she said, often bind people with yearly agreements, which may not suit everyone's lifestyle.
Lastly, she emphaszied trainer accessibility in Indian gyms. Trainers often guide members casually, correcting their form and checking progress without charging extra. In Europe, however, personal attention usually comes only with expensive personal training packages, making it less accessible for average gym-goers.
Many social media users from different countries agreed with her, saying they also found Indian gyms more social and interactive compared to Western fitness centers. One user commented, “True! Gymming in Australia was a completely different experience from India,” while another added, “India in general feels more social than Western countries.” Some even extended the comparison to other Asian countries, noting that the helpful and community-oriented spirit is common across the region.
