Latest news with #Malik
Economic Times
a day ago
- Business
- Economic Times
How to start a gym business and make it succeed: Here's a 6-step guide
Getty Images Visit every gym in your target area. Check the facilities they offer, how much they charge, and what their weak points are. Fifteen years ago, when Saif Malik joined Anytime Fitness as general manager, he had no designated seat and zero access to the owner. 'I saw how things worked and, more importantly, how they didn't,' says Malik, who had grown up observing his older brother run a gym. Since then, he had dreamt of owning one himself. 'I knew the gaps that needed to be plugged: poor amenities, angry members walking out, staff with no voice,' he says. So, when he opened his own gym, Component Fitness, in 2021, he set out to fix these drawbacks. The gym was launched along with a friend with an investment of Rs.1 crore. The biggest expenses were for the equipment and rent, which comprised Rs 7 lakh annually and accounted for 60% of the total capital. Another 30% went into space design, and the remaining 10% on marketing and advertising. 'We didn't cut corners on quality,' he says. Within a year, Malik had expanded the gym from 3,000 to 7,000 sq ft to accommodate the surge in footfall. The reason for this rapid growth, he says, was his 'consumer -first approach'. He offered premium amenities at affordable prices and supported members through personal challenges, waiving fees for accident victims and pregnant women. Empathy guided his decisions. After the Pahalgam attack, he extended free memberships to all army families. Malik tried various marketing channels—pamphlets, newspaper ads, billboards and online campaigns. At the outset, he spent Rs.20,000-25,000 a month on Instagram, which proved very effective. His priority was brand awareness over profits. 'I was okay about breaking even as long as people knew about us,' he gym now offers three-, six-, and 12-month plans priced at Rs.10,000, Rs.15,000, and Rs.24,000, respectively. The monthly revenue ranges from Rs.20-25 lakh, with profits of Rs.10-12 lakh. Challenges on the floor Malik faced teething troubles. 'The biggest challenge for gym owners is underinvesting in amenities due to tight budgets,' he says. Most people also overlook the opportunity cost. 'If you could earn Rs.20, but settle for Rs.10 by selling at Rs.12, that's not profit; it's an unseen Rs.8 loss,' he explains. His industry experience helped him avoid such the right location was also a challenge. 'If your rent is too high or you open a premium gym in a low-income area, you're setting yourself up for failure,' he says. Success depends on research, knowing the local demographic, and pricing to match purchasing power. Business at a glance Talent management Malik discovered that the largest operational expense wasn't marketing, but salaries. With a team of over 30, people management has been both fulfilling and demanding. 'Finding well-educated, professional trainers remains a challenge, and lack of formal education often reflects in their conduct,' he notes. To address this, Malik places a strong emphasis on training his staff in etiquette and professionalism, particularly to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for keep his team engaged and motivated, his company offers generous appraisals, subsidised meals, and regular team outings Malik has also implemented an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) to ensure the gym's equipment is well-maintained. One of the ongoing challenges for him is the demanding nature of work. He cautions against viewing the gym business as a passive income stream. 'This isn't a side hustle. You have to give it your all,' he says. In the early days, Malik clocked up to 20 hours a day; even now, he puts in 14-15 hours daily. Looking ahead, he is focused on scaling the business through franchise partnerships. His model is straightforward: 50:50 investment, with the brand contributing half the capital. 'It ensures that the partner knows we have skin in the game,' he explains. How to start a gym business STEP 1 Do your researchVisit every gym in your target area. Check the facilities they offer, how much they charge, and what their weak points are. Your goal should be to offer better services at the same or slightly higher price. That's how you create value. STEP 2 Understand your audience Don't assume what customers want; observe and ask. Is your target area price-sensitive or driven by quality? Avoid launching a premium facility in a low-income neighbourhood or a basic gym in an upscale area. Your offering must align with the local needs. STEP 3 Invest in marketing early Getting people through the door is the hardest part. Use Instagram, flyers, newspaper ads, and word of mouth to create brand awareness. Even if your initial revenue just covers your marketing spend, it's worth it. Conversion happens once people visit. STEP 4 Maintain your equipment This is where many gym owners go wrong. Invest in annual maintenance contracts and fix broken machines. Poorly maintained equipment leads to cancellations and bad reviews. Customers expect reliability. STEP 5 Hire a well-trained team Your trainers represent your brand. Look beyond certifications, check how they talk, behave, and treat people. Most trainers need to be trained in professionalism. Make sure female clients feel safe at all times. STEP 6 Service over profit Focus on building good reputation, not just revenue. Give discounts and help out members going through personal challenges. Such details go a long way and profits will automatically follow. DRIVEN BUILDERSaif Malik, owner of Component Fitness N.R. Narayana Murthy Founder, Infosys Watch Now Harsh Mariwala Chairman & Founder, Marico Watch Now Adar Poonawalla CEO, Serum Institute of India Watch Now Ronnie Screwvala Chairperson & Co-founder, upGrad Watch Now Puneet Dalmia Managing Director, Dalmia Bharat group Watch Now Martin Schwenk Former President & CEO, Mercedes-Benz, Thailand Watch Now Nadir Godrej Managing Director, of Godrej Industries Watch Now Manu Jain Former- Global Vice President, Xiaomi Watch Now Nithin Kamath Founder, CEO, Zerodha Watch Now Anil Agarwal Executive Chairman, Vedanta Resources Watch Now Dr. Prathap C. Reddy Founder Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Watch Now Vikram Kirloskar Former Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Watch Now Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Executive Chairperson, Biocon Limited Watch Now Shashi Kiran Shetty Chairman of Allcargo Logistics, ECU Worldwide and Gati Ltd Watch Now Samir K Modi Managing Director, Modi Enterprises Watch Now R Gopalakrishnan Former Director Tata Sons, Former Vice Chairman, HUL Watch Now Sanjiv Mehta Former Chairman / CEO, Hindustan Unilever Watch Now Dr Ajai Chowdhry Co-Founder, HCL, Chairman EPIC Foundation, Author, Just Aspire Watch Now Shiv Khera Author, Business Consultant, Motivational Speaker Watch Now Nakul Anand Executive Director, ITC Limited Watch Now RS Sodhi Former MD, Amul & President, Indian Dairy Association Watch Now Anil Rai Gupta Managing Director & Chairman, Havells Watch Now Zia Mody Co-Founder & Managing Partner, AZB & Partners Watch Now Arundhati Bhattacharya Chairperson & CEO, Salesforce India Watch Now No trending terms available.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Stephen Robinson on 'patience' needed as St Mirren secure long-term targets
The Buddies gaffer has reflected on the club's recent transfer business with the Premiership season kicking off this weekend. Stephen Robinson says persistence has been key in securing several long-term targets for St Mirren. The Buddies gaffer has rolled out the welcome mat nine times over the summer as new faces arrived at the SMiSA Stadium. Liam Donnelly, Richard King, Malik Dijksteel (pre-contract), Ryan Mullen, Jayden Richardson, Jalmaro Calvin, Tunmise Sobowale, Miguel Freckleton and Shamal George have all put pen to paper in Paisley. Both Roland Idowu and Killian Phillips turned their loan deals into permanent moves bringing the total number of signings to 11. After a hat-trick of top-six Premiership finishes, Robbo knows it is about going again. All the new recruits have been players the Northern Irishman has been keeping tabs on for months — with Sobowale and Dijksteel on the 50-year-old's radar since the start of last year. He says the art of the deal is about patience as he understands not everyone will want to sign for the club when they are first approached. 'It's a long process and sometimes you don't get them at the first try,' he said about how he handles his business. 'I've tried to sign Shamal twice before! 'Tunmise and Malik, who has joined on a pre-contract, are boys we've been looking at for the last 18 months. Miguel I've watched since he was on loan. You keep track of these boys and hope they'll come around again. 'The position the club's in, we can build. We're building for Christmas already in signing Malik. Everyone in the office deserves credit as well. We don't have a big staff and they're the unsung heroes of transfers and deserve a big mention.' With a huge number of players incoming, Robinson knows there will be some heading for the exit. Already, Owen Oseni and Greg Kiltie have left the club for permanent deals at Plymouth Argyle and Kilmarnock, respectively. Luke Kenny has joined Arbroath on a season-long loan with Callum Penman (Queen of the South) and Peter Urminsky (Glentoran) also going out on temporary transfers to get valuable game time. Robbo says the moves for both Penman and Urminsky were to ensure their growth isn't stunted. He said: 'We believe Queen of the South is going to be a really good place to go on loan for Callum. He had three months on loan at Arbroath last season and we believe Queens will give him a real opportunity to develop. 'These young boys have to play games. It's a bit harder for goalkeepers, but [Glentoran] will have a top keeper on their hands. Sitting in training isn't the way forward. They need to play games.'
News18
2 days ago
- News18
Can These 2025 Predictions Come True? ‘Temple Stampede, October Train Accident, Grave Market Crash'
Past-life expert Sanjiv Malik claimed that in November, a stampede could occur at a temple in North India. We are seven months into 2025, and India has witnessed a series of devastating tragedies. From mass casualties, a horrifying terrorist attack, to a heart-wrenching plane crash and harrowing temple stampede, the nation saw one disaster after another. And with five months remaining, an astrologer has now predicted that more tragedies would follow. On a podcast called Supertalks, renowned past-life expert Sanjiv Malik shared his insights into the future of India up to the end of 2025. During his conversation with the host, he predicted that the nation might face yet another stampede at a temple. He said, 'November mein stampede jaisa dikhai padh raha hai kisi Mandir mein (In November, there could be a stampede at some temple)." When the host mentioned that the incident could occur somewhere down south, the astrologer shared that while he cannot predict the exact location, what he can say is that the incident may happen in North India, possibly in Mathura. Further, he spoke about this year's monsoon. Malik predicted that the rainy season this time will be particularly severe for people all over the country. 'Iss bar ki baarish sab ko rulayegi (this time the rains will make everyone cry)," he said. 'Bohot zyada chances dikh rahe hai ki jo bhi pahadi areas hai na, khaas taur pe yahan pe bohot dikkat aayegi. Natural disasters bohot zyada tang karenge (There are high chances that the hilly areas will face serious problems. Natural disasters are likely to cause a lot of troubles)," he mentioned, citing the recent incident in Uttarakhand, where a bus carrying Kanwariyas overturned on its way from Rishikesh to Gangotri. Malik suggested that people should avoid travelling in the later part of 2025, especially to mountainous regions. Furthermore, he also revealed that India might witness yet another mass casualty train accident towards October. He shared that it could take place in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka or Tamil Nadu, based on his astrological observations. He concluded his predictions by stating that India could face its worst market crash in years. '2025 ke end tak aate aate December mein share market crash bohot serious level hoga (By the end of 2025, share market is expected to witness a serious crash)," he mentioned. He asked those in the financial field to be careful. Internet Reacts To The Predictions Made By Sanjiv Malik Immediately, after the reel was shared, many took to the comment section, noting that a stampede occurred at Haridwar's Mansa Devi Temple on July 27. One user said, 'That's true! Stamped today at Mansa Devi temple." Another asked the past-life expert to use his expertise to avoid such incidents, saying, 'With all due respect to your spiritually enlightened self, if you truly foresee such tragic events in India, why not use your divine connection to get clearer, actionable details and actually help prevent the disaster instead of just predicting doom ??" Since the reel was posted, it has garnered over 1.3 million views. view comments Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 29, 2025, 11:57 IST News viral Can These 2025 Predictions Come True? 'Temple Stampede, October Train Accident, Grave Market Crash' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
How to start a gym business and make it succeed: Here's a 6-step guide
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills Challenges on the floor Talent management How to start a gym business Fifteen years ago, when Saif Malik joined Anytime Fitness as general manager, he had no designated seat and zero access to the owner. 'I saw how things worked and, more importantly, how they didn't,' says Malik, who had grown up observing his older brother run a gym . Since then, he had dreamt of owning one himself. 'I knew the gaps that needed to be plugged: poor amenities, angry members walking out, staff with no voice,' he says. So, when he opened his own gym, Component Fitness, in 2021, he set out to fix these drawbacks. The gym was launched along with a friend with an investment of Rs.1 biggest expenses were for the equipment and rent, which comprised Rs 7 lakh annually and accounted for 60% of the total capital. Another 30% went into space design, and the remaining 10% on marketing and advertising. 'We didn't cut corners on quality,' he a year, Malik had expanded the gym from 3,000 to 7,000 sq ft to accommodate the surge in footfall. The reason for this rapid growth, he says, was his 'consumer -first approach'. He offered premium amenities at affordable prices and supported members through personal challenges, waiving fees for accident victims and pregnant women. Empathy guided his decisions. After the Pahalgam attack, he extended free memberships to all army tried various marketing channels—pamphlets, newspaper ads, billboards and online campaigns. At the outset, he spent Rs.20,000-25,000 a month on Instagram, which proved very effective. His priority was brand awareness over profits. 'I was okay about breaking even as long as people knew about us,' he gym now offers three-, six-, and 12-month plans priced at Rs.10,000, Rs.15,000, and Rs.24,000, respectively. The monthly revenue ranges from Rs.20-25 lakh, with profits of Rs.10-12 faced teething troubles. 'The biggest challenge for gym owners is underinvesting in amenities due to tight budgets,' he says. Most people also overlook the opportunity cost. 'If you could earn Rs.20, but settle for Rs.10 by selling at Rs.12, that's not profit; it's an unseen Rs.8 loss,' he explains. His industry experience helped him avoid such the right location was also a challenge. 'If your rent is too high or you open a premium gym in a low-income area, you're setting yourself up for failure,' he says. Success depends on research, knowing the local demographic, and pricing to match purchasing discovered that the largest operational expense wasn't marketing, but salaries. With a team of over 30, people management has been both fulfilling and demanding. 'Finding well-educated, professional trainers remains a challenge, and lack of formal education often reflects in their conduct,' he notes. To address this, Malik places a strong emphasis on training his staff in etiquette and professionalism, particularly to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for keep his team engaged and motivated, his company offers generous appraisals, subsidised meals, and regular team outings Malik has also implemented an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) to ensure the gym's equipment is of the ongoing challenges for him is the demanding nature of work. He cautions against viewing the gym business as a passive income stream. 'This isn't a side hustle. You have to give it your all,' he says. In the early days, Malik clocked up to 20 hours a day; even now, he puts in 14-15 hours ahead, he is focused on scaling the business through franchise partnerships. His model is straightforward: 50:50 investment, with the brand contributing half the capital. 'It ensures that the partner knows we have skin in the game,' he every gym in your target area. Check the facilities they offer, how much they charge, and what their weak points are. Your goal should be to offer better services at the same or slightly higher price. That's how you create assume what customers want; observe and ask. Is your target area price-sensitive or driven by quality? Avoid launching a premium facility in a low-income neighbourhood or a basic gym in an upscale area. Your offering must align with the local people through the door is the hardest part. Use Instagram, flyers, newspaper ads, and word of mouth to create brand awareness. Even if your initial revenue just covers your marketing spend, it's worth it. Conversion happens once people is where many gym owners go wrong. Invest in annual maintenance contracts and fix broken machines. Poorly maintained equipment leads to cancellations and bad reviews. Customers expect trainers represent your brand. Look beyond certifications, check how they talk, behave, and treat people. Most trainers need to be trained in professionalism. Make sure female clients feel safe at all on building good reputation, not just revenue. Give discounts and help out members going through personal challenges. Such details go a long way and profits will automatically Malik, owner of Component Fitness
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
'Malik's agent made it clear he was unavailable' - Dijksteel shuns City's six-pointer
Malik Dijksteel made himself unavailable for Cork City's defeat to Sligo Rovers on Friday, manager Ger Nash has revealed. It was announced in midweek that the Dutchman will join St Mirren once his contract elapses in November. However, City knocking back a bid by the Scottish club to sign the winger in this window led to a standoff. 'Malik is still under contract for this club,' Nash said about the 24-year-old's surprise absence from the matchday squad. 'St Mirren made a bid to take him in this window but that was rejected by the club. 'Unfortunately, since then Malik's agent made it clear that he was unavailable for this match for personal reasons.' Nash couldn't confirm if Dijksteel's exile would continue. 'We'll speak to Malik,' he said. City, now 11 points adrift at the foot of the table following the 3-2 loss, host John Caulfield's eighth-placed Galway United on Friday. Nash has been at the helm for the last 11 of City's 14-game winless sequence in the league. He's vowed to soldier on in his first senior managerial job despite the miracle required to avoid the drop with 11 games remaining. How his team got nothing from a game they led 2-0 in by the hour mark raised questions about his in-game management. Owen Elding's reply in a move exposing City's soft centre, was the turning point in his view. 'At 2-0, the message was to be calm,' he explained about his sideline instructions to the players. 'We were in control but their first goal was key because it changed the mood in the stadium and gave them momentum. 'The team hasn't been two goals up in a hell of a long time but the psychological aspect of what's gone on here is really high. 'Patrick McClean equalises with his header whereas Fiacre Kelleher had a similar chance in the first half that went just wide. It was a microcosm of our season.' Nash spoke afterwards about strategic planning in a bid to detach the yo-yo tag from City. If, as expected, relegation is confirmed, it will mean City playing five of their last seven years in the First Division. He's prepared to risk flak, or ridicule as brands it, for persevering with his principles within the blueprint. 'We're forming something,' he insisted, pointing to specific recruitment criteria as his calling card. 'I know nobody wants to hear that. I understand the anger of fans. 'Players aren't reluctant to come to the club. I take responsibility for wanting to bring a certain type of player in. I'll be strong on that because players have come in from window and window before moving on. All we're doing is developing players for other clubs. We've not been getting value for players when they leave. 'This club must be competitive in this division. We've tried to do that with a lot of foreign players, plenty on short contracts that mean there's no value when the deals run out. 'I came into a situation where we were a point ahead of Sligo at the bottom. There needs to be a plan on developing the club to have sustained success on the pitch. That will be with a settled squad of players who want to be at this club. 'I stand over that. I might get ridiculed but I'll stay strong on it. I might get one go at this job and I'll do it my way.'
