A fitness trainer at a gymnasium in Thiruvananthapuram. , Photo Credit: Nirmal Harindran
The rapidly growing network of Upskale Health Clubs of Thiruvananthapuram is emerging as a young man’s maize for employment.
Hundreds of young fitness of families of a struggling working class families with a affinity for bodybuilding are becoming a certified physical instructor for cashing on the craze.
Most of the families seem to be motivated by the desire to be free from the fetus pieces to carry forward their studies and fitness, complementing the income of the family.
Nevertheless, Justice Alexander Thomas, Chairman of the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), recently heard that stylishly luxurious and upmarket health clubs protected by fitness-conscious upper middle class, hiding an exploitative work culture.
The petitioner, Johnny Vincent, told SHRC that many gym managers often manipulate trainers to work for a long time for low wages.
He said that most health clubs consider fitness coaches part-timer and contract workers, so overtime pay, minimum wages, a provident fund, Kalyan Dole and ESI coverage are disqualified for basic security.
A physical instructor, Sanjith (name changed) says that fitness coaches lack a collective voice.
“We tolerate many outrage at the workplace. For one, the gym manager drinks, sit, or bends on machines during work for a long time. The trainers should stand and be vigilant, even if only one member is on the floor. Salary is a bile despite the physical tax nature of the job. In addition, the Health Club management made the lion part of the remuneration from the individual training assignments, ”they say.
With 30 years of experience as a physical instructor, Mahesh (name changed), 56, has no savings. A former wrestler and certified fitness coach, Mahesh works in a posh health club of 15,000 per month. He partially comes to the club at 4.30 pm to the club for 20 km daily from his brick-cement house.
“Four hours and eight -hour shifts are only on paper. We work overtime, cut back on food, and take additional training sessions and tips, if any, from good comprehension to subsistence.
Jim’s owner Johns Abraham says that most coaches prefer to work part -time and have a penchet to move jobs. The number of experience, certification, health club membership fee, and preservatives determine their wages. He denys that the Health Club is an exploitative workplace.
The fitness coaching community, to a large extent, hopes in the intervention of a young demographic, SHRC.
Justice Thomas reported the District Labor Officer that fitness coaching fell under scheduled employment and minimum wages and other workplace security should be implemented.
As a result, he ordered the Principal Secretary of Labor to address the issue and form an expert committee to submit a report on the action taken by June.
Published – 09 February, 2025 07:20 PM IST
