Indian lifestyle stocks: Talwalkars Better Value Fitness

The health and fitness industry, though being a nascent one in India, is growing at a fast pace. Within this, the fitness segment, viz., gyms is experiencing healthy growth rates and currently has an estimated market size of $113 million (~ Rs 520 crore). The Indian fitness industry is a hugely under-penetrated market compared to several developed and developing countries in the world. As per the statistics of IHRSA Asia Pacific Market Report, 2008, 16% of the US population has a fitness club membership, which stands at 2.3% in case of China, compared to 0.4% for the Indian market (for the top seven cities). With higher disposable incomes and a growing young population, awareness about fitness and a healthy lifestyle is growing, giving a huge opportunity for a country like India with over 80 towns which have a population of more than five lakh. Currently, the Rs 70-crore TBVF is the only company representing the industry on the bourses. It has been logging robust growth in its business which is likely to continue in the long run given the market dynamics.