Beneath the neon lights and monthly memberships of the gyms, lies a reality we’re not talking about enough, says ABHI SINGHAL

It is always talked about certified things while you train or build your body but it is equally important to choose the right place while you workout. The clang of iron plates, LED-lit workout zones, and neon signage screaming ‘TRANSFORM NOW’, the gyms have become the modern sanctuaries of fitness. Across every urban block, new fitness centres sprout like cafés, each promising better bodies and faster results. What was once affair with morning walks in parks, yoga under the tree, or evening strolls around the neighbourhood with family or friends is steadily being replaced by treadmills and protein shakes.

More and more people are signing up for gym memberships, not just for health but often for aesthetics, validation and a fast track to physical change. The idea of fitness has shifted from functionality to form. The motto has shifted from feeling good to looking good within some years. But beneath the curated Instagram reels and sculpted abs lies a more pressing concern: Are we choosing the right places to work out? And more importantly, are we trusting the right people to guide us through it?

Gyms Are Everywhere, but Quality Isn’t

Like not all that glitters is gold, not every gym with flashy equipment and discount deals is built for real fitness. The explosion of gyms across cities has brought with it a mixed bag — some well-equipped and guided by the certified professionals, others run by underqualified enthusiasts with little understanding of body or the process involved.

This boom in numbers doesn’t guarantee quality or safety. While the fancy lighting and trending playlists may attract the crowd, the real test lies in the integrity of the space and the credentials of the trainers. A wrong choice can do more harm than good, both physically and mentally.

Fitness should energise the mind as much as it does the body. There are people who depend on external validation often spiral into cycles of anxiety, social withdrawal, or aggressive behaviour. The perfect body becomes a trap rather than a triumph. Unfortunately, many gyms are chosen based on popularity, influencer promotion, or peer pressure-not research or reliability. “People come to us saying, I just want a physique like a fitness influencer or a filmstar, they don’t come in the gym for fitness or health. The main purpose of today’s generation is just getting a good physique,” said Piyush Aggarwal, Owner of HAMR Fitness Centre at Shankar Chowk, Northwest Delhi for the past 16 years.

It is important that people keep a check on the trainers and advice provided by them. Piyush Aggarwal further added that there are cases where people don’t even talk to trainers or experienced people and start following diets and steroids on their own for cost cutting, which leads to cheap quality items and, in turn, affects their body.

A Trainer Can Make or Break Your Body

This brings us to the second part of the question: Do we trust the right people to guide us through it? Trainers are your fitness compass. The right trainer knows when to push, when to pull back, and when to say rest. Yet, many gym-goers fall into the trap of trusting unqualified trainers who hand out one-size-fits-all workout plans and unrealistic expectations.

A certified trainer doesn’t just have the responsibility of guiding; they have the responsibility of assessing and educating. They chart workouts based on your goals, physical limitations and lifestyle. More importantly, they know how to prevent injuries and manage progression before it’s too late. Talking to Ayush Singh, a certified trainer practising in Delhi, he said, “Qualified trainers make a customised plan for different body types. But if you go to unqualified trainers, they will go on with the same plan they have learned from someone else or used on their own body. This is a major difference. If a product is not suitable to you, a qualified trainer will switch it, but an unqualified one will keep pushing the same because he doesn’t have alternatives.”

It’s easy to get lost in filters and reels but fitness, was never meant to be a popularity contest. It was meant to empower and to strengthen the body and the mind. Prioritise your health over haste and don’t fall for dangerous shortcuts. So, yes join the gym. Push yourself. Challenge your limits.

Fitness should be a celebration of your body. So, most importantly train for life, not for likes. Because strength built the right way doesn’t just change your body, it transforms your life.

The Illusion of Fast Results: The Steroid Shortcut

In this pressure-filled ecosystem, where transformation pictures and social media likes serve as reward systems, people chase fast results and fall into darker traps. One of the most alarming trends is the misuse of steroids. “Nonprescription doses are usually many times higher than the doses prescribed for health conditions by your doctor. These doses have short and long term side effects when misused like high blood pressure, liver damage, heart attack, increased aggression, acne, and even depression. Young adults get attracted to improve body appearance which should not be done. These medicines should only be taken under medical supervision.” said Dr Paras Agarwal, Clinical Director & Head - Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolic Disorders, Marengo Asia Hospitals.

Checklist

It was equally important to speak to someone experienced who has practised gymming for years and competed at various levels. Akshay Tyagi, a fitness enthusiast, winner of many body building competitions like - Mr. Delhi, National Dead Lift Championship, 7th Amberprix Mr. India, said, “You have to keep a check from the start. The most important thing is the equipment. It should not be outdated, must be serviced regularly, and shouldn’t be broken. Faulty machines can cause serious injuries. It’s not always important to choose expensive gyms but to go to the right one where you can work out properly.”

Before signing up, consider these: verify gym credentials, observe the environment, ask for an assessment and listen to your body.

Fitness for Life, Not Just for social Feed

True fitness isn’t built in 30-day challenges or shortcut supplements. It’s a lifelong journey rooted in discipline, consistency, and informed choices. A healthy lifestyle isn’t a trend but it’s a personal investment. Dr Indramani Upadhyay, MPT (Ortho), HOD Physiotherapist at The Centre for Knee & Hip Care, says, “Overtraining or poor guidance from unqualified trainers can lead to both short- and long-term health issues. Some red flags in your gym trainer’s guidance will be seen as persistent fatigue, recurring injuries, lack of recovery days and sleep disturbances.”

Moves to keep in mind for your gym Success

• Your body is unique. Follow a plan that suits your fitness level, body type, goals and lifestyle  and is ideally one crafted by a certified trainer or coach.
• Progress in fitness doesn’t come overnight. Consistency beats intensity. Show up regularly, even if some days are light.
• Nutrition is key. Focus on balanced meals like protein, good fats, complex carbs, fibre. Stay away from fad diets or extreme calorie deficits.
• Learn the basics of anatomy, movement, and nutrition. It helps you make informed decisions and avoid blindly following trends.
• Stick to basic, tested supplements like whey protein, creatine, multivitamins — and only if needed. Always consult a trainer or a nutritionist.
• Seek guidance only from certified trainers (ACE, ISSA, ACSM, etc.). They are trained to guide you smartly — not push you into harm.
• Focus on your routine and stick to your plan. Avoid getting distracted by others or feeling pressured to do what they’re doing.
• Ask questions from the trainers if you’re unsure about how to use a machine or do an exercise, ask a trainer instead of guessing.
• Keep a track of your progress by using a journal, app, or progress pictures for your ownself to stay motivated and track improvements over time.
• Dress comfortably and wear  flexible gym clothes.

Workout Blunders you should Skip in gym

• Steroids may promise faster gains, but they bring irreversible side effects — liver damage, hormonal imbalances, mood disorders, infertility, and more. They’re not worth the risk.
• Avoid following gym “bros” or influencers who aren’t qualified. What works for someone may harm you.
• Pro bodybuilders have years of experience and often unnatural aids. Their routines are not meant for beginners or average fitness goals. Don’t try to be like them and follow them.
• Pain, dizziness, exhaustion, loss of motivation — these are all signs that something’s wrong. Don’t push through blindly.
• Starving your body will only weaken your immunity and metabolism. Long-term health always wins over quick fixes.
• Don’t skip warm-ups or cool downs as this leads to stiffness, soreness, or worse that is injuries.
• Avoid texting or scrolling between sets as it disrupts your focus and slows your routine.
• Don’t compare yourself constantly as everyone’s fitness journey is unique. Celebrate your own progress, no matter how small.
• Don’t rely on supplements alone as supplements are just the support systems but not the actual solutions. Real nutrition comes from real food.
• Don’t neglect cleanliness. Always wipe sweat off equipment after use as it’s basic hygiene.