A seasoned professional with over two decades of experience and expertise in the fitness industry, Vikas Jain is a popular figure in the fitness fraternity. The managing director of Anytime Fitness India started his journey as a merchant of fitness equipment in his early twenties, and then made it big from thereon with sheer determination and hard work.

Having started his venture in 1998 soon after pursuing a degree in BCom, Mr Jain gained invaluable experience in the fitness industry and quickly diversified into other fitness-related vectors such as retail and fitness infrastructure. On top of two successful ventures related to fitness in the early 2000s, Mr Jain continued to grow leaps and bounds and deployed his experience to start his own health clubs and fitness centres in India. The initial breakthrough kindled his passion yet again and led to him in bringing the US-based leader in gyms and health clubs, Anytime Fitness, into India.

Lauded by his peers as a sports geek and someone who values intellect more than anything, Mr Jain comes across as a family man and prefers to spend time with his family or hit the gym whenever he gets some time off his busy schedule. He also holds the reputed position of general secretary of India Active.

Mr Jain has been the torchbearer of the fitness revolution in India right from the community aspect of growth to the values and thought leadership. His understanding of the industry and the ability to inculcate elements of inclusion, collective growth and a positive culture that keeps good health at the forefront, he continues to be imperative to the health and fitness ecosystem in India.

In an engaging conversation with Sharmila Chand, Mr Jain shares his management principles and practices that have helped him to succeed.

Your five management mantras

·       Team’s well-being: Taking care of the team’s well-being is very important. Happy and motivated employees are the drivers of a successful business.

·       Enjoyment leads to efficiency: Finding enjoyment in what you do can significantly boost your productivity level and make sure passion and enthusiasm are always present in your work.

·       Promise only the best to customers: Our primary goal is to ensure that our customers receive an excellent service, where customers’ satisfaction ranks first among our priorities.

·       Value profitability: Profitability does not exist in isolation but in connection with sustainability and growth. It is an enabler for entrepreneurs to sustain their provision of high-quality services to members continuously.

·       Purpose is everything: Every transactional detail should be tied back to purpose. At Anytime Fitness, we find our purpose beyond the operation hours, with the aim of “Let’s make healthy happen”. This powerful mission drives all our actions and decisions, infusing them with meaning and ensuring that they resonate with the broader objective of the organisation’s existence.

Any game that helps your career
For me, it is gym. My workout routine at the gym is not just exercise, because I perceive it as a fun process where we get to understand our body better. For me it is important as it keeps me fit and sharp, teaching discipline, resilience and goal-setting.

Turning point in your career
The turning point in my career, without any doubt, was bringing Anytime Fitness to India back in the year 2012. It was a pivotal moment that led to new opportunities and challenges, driving me into this transformational journey of growth and innovation in this industry that inspires holistic health and fitness to the core. 

Secret of your success
I always stick to my management mantra through thick and thin. That extra bit of dedication has truly made all the difference in my journey. 

Your philosophy of work
My approach to work includes prioritising people and helping them grow. I believe in creating an environment where individuals can thrive and contribute their best.

Any person you admire
I greatly admire Anytime Fitness co-founders Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen. Their shared vision, hunger for growth and passion for making meaningful impact deeply influence me.

Best advice you got
The best advice I have received till now is that life is what we make of it. Either it is simple or it is complicated, depending on how we choose to perceive it. Ultimately, our happiness and success depend on our mindset and actions.

Your sounding board
My sounding board comprises of my wife, family and friends. I cannot single out just one person. These people and their support, perspectives and honest feedback serve as invaluable resources for me.

Your favourite books
Two of my favourite books are Profitable Partnerships by Greg Nathan and Start With Why by Simon Sinek. Profitable Partnerships resonates with me because it offers valuable insights into building successful collaborations and relationships mainly in the franchise model, which is essential in building a business like Anytime Fitness. Start With Why emphasises on the importance of purpose and vision in driving individual and organisational success.

Your fitness regime
My fitness regime revolves around a balanced diet, regular workouts and staying active throughout the day. Additionally, I hit the gym for four days a week to engage in strength training and cardio exercises.   

Your five business mantras

·       Customer-centric approach: By placing our customers’ needs at the centre of everything we do, we ensure that our products or services meet their needs and expectations.

·       Continuous innovation: In today’s world, innovation is the key to staying ahead of the competition and adapting to changing market trends.

·       Effective communication: Clear and transparent communication is critical to building strong relationships with customers, employees and stakeholders.

·       Strategic collaboration: Collaboration fosters synergy and enables us to leverage the strengths of others to achieve mutual goals.

·       Adaptability and resilience: In an ever-changing, unpredictable business arena like we see nowadays, adaptability and resilience are crucial for overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.

Your message on management to youngsters
Consistency is the key. Stay committed to your goals, and stick to your path, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. Remember to strike a balance between hard work and smart work – put in the effort, but also work intelligently to maximise your productivity and efficiency. And most importantly, do not rush the process – focus on delivering quality results rather than rushing to finish tasks. Success in management comes with perseverance, determination and a willingness to learn and grow. Keep pushing forward, and you will achieve great things.

How would you like to define yourself?
I like to define myself as just a dreamer working to mix fitness, fun and a sprinkle of balance into the recipe of fitness for India.