New Delhi, Feb. 25 -- Step into any upscale gym in Mumbai, Bangalore, or any metro city at 7 am, and you're not just witnessing workouts-you're watching a financial ecosystem in motion.

workout supplements line shelves, high-end athleisure dominates the floor and recovery is outsourced to massage guns and ice baths. What was once a morning walk in worn-out sneakers has evolved into a high-stakes lifestyle upgrade.

As India's purchasing power rises, so does its "fitness inflation." From 24-year-old lawyers training in mixed martial arts (MMA) to corporate executives budgeting for wellness travel, the business of being fit has shifted from discretionary spending to a distinct expense category.

Budget math

For young professionals, the ma...