Delhi man spends Rs 30,000 a month on a personal trainer: ‘Keeps me healthy’

How much is too much to spend on staying healthy? Well, for this Delhi entrepreneur, the answer is simple: if it helps him stay fit and he can afford it, it's money well spent.

Rohan Dhawan, founder of business consultancy firm UAbility, has sparked a lively debate online after revealing that he spends Rs 30,000 a month on a personal trainer.

The figure raised eyebrows, particularly within his own family, but Dhawan insists he sees it as an investment in long-term health rather than an unnecessary expense.

His comments have resonated with thousands online, touching on a question many Indians grapple with: is spending money on preventive health worth it when the benefits are not immediately visible?

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‘He looked at me like I was burning money’

Dhawan shared the story in a LinkedIn post, recalling the reaction of an uncle who was shocked by the amount he spends on fitness coaching.

According to Dhawan, his uncle suggested that a basic gym membership costing around Rs 2,000 a month would achieve the same result. He joked that his relative had "aged two years worrying" about the expense.

For Dhawan, however, the comparison misses the point.

“I've been lifting for 11 years. The last three with the same coach - former competitive bodybuilder, watches my form, adjusts my macros, texts me at 6 AM if I miss a session. Keeps me healthy. And if I can afford it, then why not?” he wrote.

A debate about health, not just money

What struck a chord with readers was not the trainer's fee itself, but the comparison Dhawan drew between spending on fitness today and spending on healthcare later in life.

In his post, he contrasted his own approach with the health challenges faced by his 64-year-old uncle, who reportedly lives with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic knee problems and long-standing back issues. Dhawan said his uncle spends thousands of rupees each month on medication and physiotherapy.

The entrepreneur framed the choice bluntly: spend money on health proactively, or spend money on treatment when health problems arise.

“Rs 30,000 to a trainer in my thirties… or Rs 30,000 to a hospital in my fifties,” he wrote.

The changing attitude towards wellness

Dhawan's post tapped into a broader shift in how younger professionals view health and wellness.

For previous generations, fitness spending was often considered a luxury. Saving money was prioritised, while health-related investments such as personal trainers, nutrition coaching or specialised exercise programmes were frequently seen as optional.

Dhawan argued that this mindset can prove costly in the long run.

“This is the script that broke our parents' generation. Frugality is virtue. Health is always the line item that can wait,” he wrote.

The post generated widespread discussion, with many users agreeing that preventive healthcare is often undervalued compared with medical treatment after health issues emerge. Several commenters noted that people tend to negotiate fitness-related expenses while accepting hospital bills as unavoidable.

Does a personal trainer really make a difference?

The debate also raised a practical question: does hiring a personal trainer justify the cost?

Fitness experts have long argued that a good trainer can provide accountability, technique correction, structured programming and personalised guidance that many people struggle to maintain on their own. Experienced coaches can help clients avoid injuries, improve consistency and tailor nutrition and exercise plans to specific goals.

Of course, not everyone needs a trainer. Many people achieve excellent results through independent exercise, online resources and disciplined routines. The value often depends on an individual's goals, experience level and ability to stay consistent.

What Dhawan's story highlights is that fitness spending is deeply personal. For some, Rs 30,000 a month may seem excessive. For others, particularly those who view health as a long-term investment, it may be easier to justify.

Personal trainer or not: Here's the bigger takeaway

Perhaps the reason Dhawan's post has attracted so much attention is that it goes beyond fitness.

At its core, the discussion is about how people think about health. Many are willing to spend significant amounts treating illness but hesitate when it comes to spending money preventing it.

As conversations around longevity, preventive healthcare and wellness continue to grow, Dhawan's argument is likely to find supporters and critics alike.

But one thing is clear: the debate is no longer about a personal trainer. It is about whether investing in health today can help avoid paying a much bigger price tomorrow.