Pakistani fitness professionals explain high monthly costs and the time sacrifice tied to gym routines.

Ashas Rahim, a professional who trains six days a week, spends about Rs18,000 monthly on a gym membership, Rs15,000 on diet‑friendly food, and Rs5,000 on supplements. Adding fuel, sports, clothing and training gear, his total monthly fitness bill ranges between Rs68,000 and Rs76,000. Rahim says each gym session requires two to two‑and‑a‑half hours; yoga visits add 45 minutes, and playing padel can add another couple of hours. He acknowledges that this schedule often forces him to miss family gatherings, dinners, and events that usually occur during his workout times. Another professional, Kabir Hussain, also balances work and fitness. He estimates that a typical fitness month costs between Rs40,000 and Rs50,000, which includes gym fees, possible trainer costs, and dietary supplements. Hussain emphasizes that the real challenge is finding time, not just money. He notes that even free gym access would not solve his scheduling conflicts and that the pressure to match others’ social‑media‑visible routines can discourage newcomers. The article notes that social‑media content shows a growing range of equipment, supplements, and apparel, which can create the impression that every item is necessary. Experts argue that basic nutrition and consistent training are essential, while many high‑priced products are optional. The recurring themes in both stories are the financial burden of maintaining a modern fitness routine in Pakistan and the allocation of personal time that often outweighs the monetary cost. Overall, the piece highlights how fitness culture’s expansion has made the pursuit of health feel both expensive and time‑intensive for many working families.