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Journalism of Courage
A Ukrainian content creator has set off a lively online debate after comparing gyms in India with those in Europe. Viktoriia Chakraborty, who has lived in India for over eight years, shared a reel describing how her perspective on fitness changed when she started working out at Indian gyms back in 2017.
In her video, Chakraborty laid out four big differences, cost, community, flexibility, and trainer access, which she feels make Indian gyms stand out. On affordability, she said, “In India, fitness is accessible. You don’t need to spend fifty to a hundred euros a month like in Europe. Even mid-range gyms here give full facilities at a fraction of the price. That keeps more people consistent.”
She also appreciated the sense of camaraderie inside Indian gyms, contrasting it with Europe’s more reserved vibe: “People talk, share tips, spot each other, and actually know the trainer’s name. It’s less lonely compared to the ‘headphones-on, no-eye-contact’ culture in Europe.”
Chakraborty noted how much easier it is to fit workouts into busy schedules in India, thanks to extended hours and varied membership models. “Many Indian gyms open super early or stay late. Plus, day passes, monthly, and quarterly options. There’s flexibility for students, travellers and professionals. In Europe, most gyms are strict with yearly contracts,” she said.
Finally, she praised the approachable nature of Indian trainers, pointing out that guidance often comes without an extra bill attached. “In India, you don’t always need to pay extra just to get advice. Trainers often guide you casually, correct your form, and check in on your progress. In Europe, personal attention is usually locked behind expensive PT packages.”
Her post quickly resonated with audiences, racking up views and sparking a flood of comments. One user agreed, “All 4 points are spot on!! Very true, must have come from real experience and not just for content creation. I live in Europe and go to gym here. So I can validate this.” Another echoed her observations about culture, writing, “I feel like India in general is more social than western countries.”
Not everyone was convinced, though. “Nah European don’t need to learn stuff from us,” one person argued, citing Europe’s higher living standards. Others chimed in with their own experiences, with one commenter saying they felt the same kind of helpful atmosphere in the Philippines, describing it as part of “a defining trait of Asian culture.”
