Running clubs, obstacle races, hybrid fitness competitions and marathons are changing the way Indians think about staying fit. Increasingly, it’s not just about losing weight, building muscle or improving endurance. It’s also about finding your people, challenging yourself and making room for real-world connections in an increasingly digital life.

In this episode, host Kritika Sharma, Assistant Editor with TOI, speaks to Adnan Adeeb, founder of Spectacom and the man who brought Devil’s Circuit to India, about the rise of participative sports and why they are resonating with a new generation of fitness enthusiasts. From building a community around obstacle races to transforming his own health at 39, Adeeb discusses how fitness can reshape confidence, mental well-being and everyday habits.

The conversation also explores Gen Z's appetite for experiences, the balance between fitness trackers and listening to your body, and why getting stronger doesn’t have to come with an age limit.

Chapters:

00:01-02:32 - Why Fitness Is Becoming a Social Experience

02:32-04:20 - What Are Participative Sports? Inside the Rise of Devil's Circuit

04:20-05:36 - From Obstacle Races to Hybrid Competitions: What’s Next for Fitness?

05:36-07:50 - Why Gen Z Is Putting Experiences Before Everything Else

07:50-10:01 - Can Running Clubs Help Fight Loneliness?

10:01-12:20 - From 98 Kg to 73 Kg: Adnan Adeeb's Fitness Transformation After 39

12:20-16:05 - Resting Heart Rate, Body Fat and Fitness Metrics: How Much Should You Track?

16:05-18:03 - Fitness Trackers and AI: Are Wearables Worth It?

18:03-19:46 - Fitness After 40: Why It’s Never Too Late to Get Stronger

19:46-21:52 - How Exercise Changes Your Mental Health and Confidence

21:52-23:08 - Raising Active Kids: Can Parents Pass on a Love of Sport?

23:08-25:19 - Gen Z vs Millennials: Who Takes Fitness More Seriously?