Jayachandran Tamilarasan, a fitness coach and founder of The Crew Fitness in Chennai, has sparked a significant discussion on social media about the challenges of starting a gym business in the city. In a two-part video series titled 'Do not start gym business in Chennai,' he reveals the harsh realities behind the seemingly glamorous gym industry. He argues that the vibrant images of packed gyms and successful transformations often mask the underlying struggles, stating that '99% of it is fake.' Jayachandran points out that many gym owners face high operational costs, low profit margins, and significant mental stress, leading to a state of quiet collapse in the industry. He highlights that most owners lack business acumen, entering the field driven by passion rather than financial understanding. As a result, many gyms in Chennai are reportedly for sale. To mitigate financial risks, he advises aspiring entrepreneurs to consider alternatives like personal training or online fitness communities, emphasizing that passion alone is insufficient for success in the gym business. His warnings serve as a sobering reminder of the hidden challenges in the fitness industry.