“There is always a bigger fish in the sea,” says Harikesh Gandhi, Founder of Fitness Factory Gym

Charu Bhatia, Senior News Editor, Business Remedies, in conversation with Harikesh Gandhi, Founder of Fitness Factory.

In Sitapura, Jaipur, Fitness Factory has become more than just another gym, it represents a story of personal transformation, consistency, and community. Founded by a fitness enthusiast, Harikesh Gandhi, who turned his own struggles into motivation, the gym stands out for its emphasis on quality training, ethics, and passion over profit. In this candid conversation, the owner of Fitness Factory talks about his journey, challenges in the modern fitness industry, and what truly drives him to make fitness a meaningful pursuit.

Q: You are the owner of a popular gym, Fitness Factory, in Sitapura, Jaipur. Please tell us about your journey so far.
A: As a child, I was very shy, introverted, and low on confidence. I rarely spoke up in class and struggled with obesity. Things began to change only when I joined a gym. It was there that I discovered a new version of myself, more confident, disciplined, and self-aware. Over time, gym training became the core of my daily routine. Missing even a single day would make me anxious. When the lockdown hit and all gyms were shut, I decided to create a small setup at home just to stay consistent. What started as a personal fitness space gradually evolved, and with time, it turned into a full-fledged gym. Today, Fitness Factory stands as a reflection of that transformation, from an individual’s determination to a community of motivated fitness enthusiasts.

Q: How do you find your approach different from other gym owners?
A: I believe the difference lies in the intention. When I thought about opening a gym, I didn’t want it to be just another commercial venture. I spent time understanding what was missing in other gyms and what members actually wanted from their workout experience. My goal was to create a space that was accessible only to people genuinely passionate about fitness, those who treat it as a lifestyle, not a trend. We are not in the business of simply selling memberships. Fitness Factory functions as a self-practice arena where people can focus on their fitness journeys without unnecessary distractions. The idea is to build a community, not a crowd.

Q: What challenges do you see in today’s fitness industry?
A: The fitness industry today is quite chaotic. Discipline and consistency have taken a back seat. Many gym owners and trainers are more focused on showcasing themselves rather than training clients effectively. The growing obsession with personal trainers has made fitness unnecessarily expensive. Members pay for a gym but often don’t get proper attention unless they hire a personal trainer separately. This attitude turns fitness into a business transaction instead of a lifestyle transformation. The real essence of fitness, hard work, regularity, and genuine care, is being lost amid the race for personal branding.

Q: With so many gyms around, whom do you see as your biggest competitor?
A: Honestly, I don’t believe in competition. The only competition that matters is with myself. I’m still learning every day. There is always a bigger fish in the sea, meaning that there’s always someone better than you. Staying humble helps you evolve. Ego blocks growth. My focus remains on how I can improve, how my gym can serve members better, and how we can continue delivering value. That mindset keeps me grounded and progressive.

Q: What are your future plans for Fitness Factory?
A: We are planning to transform the gym into a fitness studio offering multiple dimensions of health and wellness. Currently, our primary focus is bodybuilding, but we want to expand into cardio, yoga, and Zumba to create a comprehensive experience. The idea is to cater to different needs, whether it’s strength training or stress relief through movement. However, our foundation will always remain bodybuilding because that’s where our roots and expertise lie.

Q: You’ve mentioned that your focus is on service rather than profit. How do you strike a balance between passion and financial sustainability?
A: Money is important, passion alone cannot sustain any business. That’s why I ensure Fitness Factory remains financially viable without compromising its core values. We maintain limited memberships and charge slightly higher fees compared to others. This ensures that only genuinely motivated individuals join, and we can offer them better attention and quality services. Also, this gym is not my primary source of income; I am actively involved in my family business. Fitness Factory is an extension of my passion, something I built for personal fulfilment as much as for others who share the same dedication.

Q: There’s a lot of talk about equipment quality in gyms. Where do you source yours from?
A: The quality of equipment directly affects the quality of training. I prefer personally inspecting the machines before buying them. I visit other gyms, talk to users, and test the equipment to understand what works best for our clients. Our machines come from both Indian and international manufacturers. The focus has always been on quality, safety, and comfort. It’s not about having a large number of machines but about having the right ones that help our members train effectively.

Q: What life skills do you consider most essential in navigating through life and business?
A: Ethics and integrity form the foundation of both life and business. Success never follows a straight line; there will always be challenges and setbacks. What matters is how you uphold your principles during tough times. In business, I believe in being transparent with customers. In the fitness world, we must clearly differentiate between general training and personal training. Every member deserves a basic level of guidance from gym trainers, and it should be entirely up to the customer whether to hire a personal trainer. Pressuring clients to spend more goes against professional ethics. The management’s role should be to ensure customer satisfaction, not manipulation.

Q: How do you think the government views the fitness industry today?
A: Unfortunately, the fitness industry still doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Whenever something negative happens, the first reaction is to close gyms down. This approach shows a lack of understanding of how crucial physical fitness is to overall health. The government should instead promote fitness as a preventive health measure. Incentivising gyms, supporting wellness initiatives, or encouraging physical activity in schools and workplaces would go a long way in improving public health. In today’s sedentary lifestyle, such support is not just desirable, it’s essential.

Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to readers who wish to join this industry?
A: My only advice is join this field if you have genuine passion. The fitness industry is not a shortcut to fame or money. It demands daily effort, patience, and a sincere desire to help people. You have to live the lifestyle you preach. Consistency is everything. If your intentions are pure and you stay committed, the results, both personal and professional, will follow naturally.