The health & wellness industry in India was largely scattered and fragmented, until a few years ago. However, that changed rapidly when the largely millennial population started ageing and a public health crisis that had been building for years came to the fore. Today, India has become an epicenter of lifestyle diseases spurred by sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. In lieu, the health & wellness industry in India has witnessed double digit growth in recent years and is poised to rise further due to the raging coronavirus pandemic.
In today’s post we look at factors that contribute to the skyrocketing demand for health & wellness coaches in India.
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Rising Awareness about Health & Fitness
Did you know? Over 475 million people in India are suffering from one or more lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, stress, anxiety, cancer etc.
Access to internet and the rise of social media has contributed to the rise in awareness about general health and fitness among Indians. People have come to realize that their lifestyle related health problems are not individual but universal. Which, in turn, has inspired them to seek professional help. More people are now seeking health & wellness coaching in India than ever before.
Also, various wearables technologies (smart watches, fitness trackers etc.)are now aiding the health & wellness industry in moving people towards better, healthier lifestyles.
Numerous Modes of Training
A few years ago, gyms and fitness studios were the only places we could approach for fitness. However, with the concept of holistic health & wellness taking roots, multiple training channels have become available for people who could not commit to the arduous physical training regimens.
Moreover, a new breed of wellness expertshas redefined the meaning of health, from being just about physical fitness to something that encompasses physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. By creating a space for health & wellness through nutrition training and self-driven lifestyle changes, wellness leaders like Preeti Rao are motivating millions of Indians to live better.
Corporate and Government Programs
The government has also pushed the health & wellness industry forward by making it a priority in its ‘Make in India’ campaign.By establishing a connect between traditional Indian practices such as Ayurveda practices, yoga and meditation, and more modern tools of holistic learning, the government plans to convert health & wellness coaching into a primary skill development initiative. In fact, Weljii health & wellness coaching institute is working under the ambit of Healthcare Sector Skill Council to that effect.
Corporates too are investing in wellness programs for their workforces, to relive stress and anxiety, and move towards a healthier and happier work culture that nurtures productivity and creative thought. Corporate wellness programs are fast becoming a policy norm akin to CSR.
Increase in Disposable Incomes
Another factor that has contributed to the rise of health & wellness coaching is the increase in disposable incomes. Today, consumers are more open to spending money on health & wellness than they were five years ago. Youth, especially, are investing in personalized nutrition and life coaching programs to stay healthy and achieving their life goals through professional guidance.
Coronavirus Pandemic
The unexpected coming of pandemic has also contributed to the rise in demand for health & wellness coaches in India and the world. Staying at home, people are coming to terms with their long-neglected lifestyle related health issues and looking for remedies. Also, a section of previously active individuals has also been affected by the rapid change in living conditions, finding it difficult to cope with the new normal of staying cooped up at home. Wellness coaching offers them a healthy way out.
Concluding thoughts
Health & wellness industry is expected to provide the overall healthcare industry with critical support in coming years. The industry is primed for growth as there is a very large gap between the demand and availability of certified health coaches in India.
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