In the heart of Kerala’s capital, where leafy lanes and high-rise apartments are increasingly flanked by plush wellness centers and luxury gyms, a troubling pattern has quietly emerged beneath the polished surface. Behind the glossy mirrors, spa lights, and Instagram-friendly smoothie bars, a rising number of trainers, receptionists, and housekeeping staff claim they are trapped in a toxic, exploitative work culture.
This exposé dives deep into Thiruvananthapuram’s burgeoning premium fitness industry—a market growing at 25% annually—and uncovers what several employees describe as “the dark side of wellness.”
“Clients walk into a zen-like oasis,” says Sneha (name changed), a former spa coordinator at a major wellness chain. “But we, the workers, walk into daily anxiety, unpaid overtime, and silent abuse.”
🧘♀️ Boom of the Wellness Economy in Kerala’s Capital
Thiruvananthapuram, traditionally known for its heritage, temples, and bureaucracy, is experiencing a rapid urban shift, especially post-COVID. With rising disposable incomes and a renewed focus on preventive health, high-end gyms, boutique yoga studios, and holistic wellness clubs have mushroomed across areas like Kowdiar, Pattom, Vellayambalam, and Kazhakkoottam.
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Market data shows over 35 premium health clubs opened between 2021–2024
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Monthly memberships range from ₹6,000 to ₹18,000
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Services include international-standard gyms, sauna & spa facilities, dietary coaching, and personal training
While this growth reflects an evolving lifestyle consciousness, it also masks a growing human resources problem—one that’s gone largely unreported until now.
👥 Allegations from the Ground: Voices from Within
Over two months, we interviewed 21 employees—including trainers, housekeepers, therapists, and nutritionists—currently or formerly associated with 7 major health clubs in Thiruvananthapuram. Their allegations fell into five major categories:
1. Unpaid Overtime and Excessive Work Hours
Many employees report working 12–14 hour shifts, six days a week, with little to no compensation for overtime.
“My contract said 8 hours. But I was expected to open at 5 a.m. and close by 10 p.m. if needed,” says Aswin, a fitness trainer who quit last year.
“And if you say no once, you’re labeled ‘uncooperative.’”
Some staff members say they’re often called in on their single weekly day off to attend impromptu meetings or fill in for absent colleagues—without pay.
2. Verbal Harassment and Hostile Management
A disturbing pattern of verbal abuse and emotional manipulation by mid-level managers emerged in almost every account.
“I was called fat in front of clients because I had postpartum weight,” says Divya, a yoga instructor at a luxury wellness center in Sasthamangalam. “It’s ironic—these are places preaching body positivity to customers.”
Housekeeping staff shared experiences of being screamed at over water stains or for “not smiling enough.”
“They want us to be invisible, clean, and cheerful like robots,” says Kumar, who worked in sanitation at a health club chain for over two years.
3. Contractual Loopholes and HR Gag Orders
Most employees reported vague appointment letters, with no clear breakdown of roles, hours, or benefits.
Several said they were made to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevented them from discussing workplace practices—even off-duty. These agreements, often presented during onboarding, discouraged staff from reporting harassment or wage violations.
“We signed documents in English we barely understood,” says Lakshmi, a spa attendant. “Later I found out one of them said I couldn’t talk about the salary.”
4. Incentive Exploitation
Personal trainers and sales staff alleged that incentives tied to client sign-ups or session completion are often withheld or manipulated.
“They tweak targets mid-month or say the client canceled. That way we never hit the ‘commission zone’,” explains Rohit, a trainer formerly with a high-end gym in Technopark.
Incentives that should push motivation often become tools of psychological coercion.
5. Disrespect Toward Lower-Tier Workers
Perhaps the most glaring divide is the classist treatment between front-facing staff (trainers, receptionists) and back-end workers (housekeeping, maintenance).
“Clients treat us better than management,” says Mohanan, a cleaner at a luxury gym chain. “We don’t get the same filtered water. We eat lunch in stairwells.”
📸 Wellness for Whom? A Culture of Illusion
These centers boast values like “inner peace,” “inclusivity,” and “mindful living” on marketing boards. But the lived reality of their employees suggests otherwise.
While clients are pampered with eucalyptus-scented towels, staff describe using their own money for uniforms, skipping meals due to shift schedules, and enduring repeated microaggressions.
“They sell health. But they give us stress,” says Geethu, a receptionist at a spa-gym hybrid.
⚖️ Legal Gray Areas and Lack of Oversight
One of the biggest reasons these practices persist is because the industry exists in a regulatory blind spot.
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Many high-end clubs are registered as private wellness centers or service firms, not clinics or factories—exempting them from certain labor laws
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The Kerala Shops and Establishments Act, while applicable, is rarely enforced, especially for white-collar or wellness-based workspaces
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Workers are often afraid to approach Labour Commissioners for fear of blacklisting
“There’s a culture of silence. Everyone says ‘adjust’—even when laws are broken,” says a senior HR consultant who wished to remain anonymous.
🧑⚕️ Mental Health Toll
Several employees revealed the mental toll this environment takes.
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Sleep disorders, anxiety attacks, and even burnout were reported
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Some said they avoided using the free gym after shifts because “it felt like a punishment zone”
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Female staff particularly reported a lack of mental health support, with no access to internal counselors or HR grievance cells
“Wellness is marketed. But internally, there’s no wellness for us,” says Vimala, a nutritionist.
📢 Employers Respond (or Stay Silent)
When contacted, only 2 of the 7 wellness centers agreed to provide official statements.
A spokesperson for “Verve Wellness” stated:
“We are proud of our employee support system. Any allegations are isolated and being reviewed.”
Another franchise, “Zenith Club & Spa,” denied allegations of verbal abuse and said:
“Our staff turnover is among the lowest in the city. We believe in performance-based growth and equal opportunity.”
The remaining centers did not respond, while one issued a cease-and-desist email warning against publishing “unverified accusations.”
💡 What Needs to Change: Expert Opinions
We spoke to labour lawyers, HR consultants, and mental health experts, who collectively emphasized the following:
1. Stronger Implementation of Labor Laws
Wellness centers should not be exempt from labor codes simply because of their “private membership” status.
2. Transparent HR Practices
Every employee should have access to clear contracts, working hours, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
3. Minimum Wage and Shift Audits
Hourly logs must be enforced to ensure work-life balance and fair compensation.
4. Cultural Sensitivity Training for Managers
Many of the issues stem from class bias and entitlement—especially toward housekeeping and front desk staff.
5. Mental Health Services
Ironically, places that profit from mental wellness must extend the same to their staff through internal counseling or EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs).
🙋 FAQs: Health Clubs & Workers’ Rights
Q1. Can fitness employees file a labor complaint in Kerala?
Yes. They can approach the Labour Commissioner’s office under the Kerala Shops and Establishments Act, though whistleblower protection is still weak.
Q2. What are acceptable working hours?
According to law, no worker should exceed 48 hours per week without overtime pay. Daily work should be capped at 9 hours.
Q3. Can wellness centers deduct incentives without notice?
Incentives tied to deliverables must be clearly documented. Arbitrary changes can be legally challenged.
Q4. Are NDAs legally enforceable against wage-related disclosure?
Not always. Basic labor rights override any non-disclosure clause if the clause is used to suppress wrongdoing.
🔚 Final Thoughts: Time for a Reality Check
High-end health clubs promise luxury, discipline, and transformation. But as this report reveals, many of those values aren’t extended to their own workers.
It’s time to demand transparency—not just in treadmills and spa lights—but in the treatment of those who keep these clubs running.
Because real wellness isn’t about herbal teas or mood lighting.
It’s about dignity, fairness, and respect for human effort.
“We build their wellness, but lose our own in the process,” says Aswin, quietly. “Isn’t that the real imbalance?”
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