Did you know that Swedish crown princess Victoria married her personal trainer? That Billy Joel’s ex-wife dated her surfing instructor after their marriage ended? That Madonna had a child with her personal trainer boyfriend, Carlos Leon?
Until a few years ago, women dating their personal trainers was as common as men cheating on their wives with their personal secretaries. No
one was shocked, and everyone pretended to ignore such news. Almost overnight, things changed. Along came Tinder and suddenly, your next lay was just a swipe away. Women realised they didn’t have to limit themselves to trainers, just like men moved on from their secretaries. The dating game in modern India went through a major shift and for a while, everyone was happy.
Now that the it’s-no-longer-a-trend phase is over, and women are back to dating their personal trainers, there’s a sense of déjà vu.
I was reminded of this new wave at a luncheon hosted by one of Delhi’s most revered doyens, whose parties are always the talk of town. Sitting amidst the who’s who of the capital, I was rather surprised to discover just how common this had become, yet again. “Why bother with the trash on Tinder when I have a perfectly wonderful guy in close proximity four times a week? Plus, the men on Tinder rarely have the physique!”
Savita Sharda (name changed), founder of one of Delhi’s most popular furniture brands, has been dating her trainer for almost a year now and is happier than ever. “Hooking up with a 27-year-old with six-pack abs is any day better than making do with someone twice his age and no abs whatsoever!”
It isn’t just the appeal of someone with an enviable physique, though. It’s also multi-tasking, apparently. Rhea Verma (name changed), model extraordinaire in Mumbai, is another one of those women who’d rather do their trainers than bother with men in other professions. “You’re
anyway meeting your trainer so often, aren’t you? Might as well put all that time to good use! Plus, their fitness levels almost always ensure a great time!”
Generation-now takes fitness rather seriously, which means they’re spending a significant amount of time in the gym. Doing the person who helps you with your squats is a natural progression. “I barely have time to squeeze in a workout in my schedule,” said Shikha Talvar (name changed), a prominent PR professional from Bengaluru. “Dating my trainer means I can save on time spent looking for a man!”
The person who trains you isn’t just working on your physical fitness. A good workout is as much for the mind, as it is for the body. A good trainer, hence, also tends to your soul while tending to your silhouette. “Ever since I started working out in my early 20s, I’ve treated my trainers as friends. They know and deal with your body rather closely—your flaws, the parts you’re good with, the ones you hide. It’s an intimate equation, and sometimes that leads to other things,” Sundari Sekri (name changed) makes a valid point. Renowned for her flawless figure, this reigning czarina of the small screen has had countless torrid affairs, many of which went from barbells to boudoir. “I don’t get what the fuss is
about—people are way too judgemental!”
Aforementioned ‘judgements’ aside, women (and some men) doing the tango with their trainers is rather popular, all over again. And there’s science to back it too. As per research put out by Society for Neuroscience, based in New Orleans, US, apart from releasing endorphins, exercising causes a woman’s body to release oxytocin, a neurohypophysical hormone that’s also released when she starts falling in love.
Additionally, since exercise causes men to release pheromones from their armpits, the chances of a woman finding that man attractive are significantly higher. Basically, she’s bound to fall for her trainer, hormonally speaking!
But hormones or no hormones, dating (or doing) your trainer is definitely uncomplicated. “He knows you’re his client so the chances of love complicating an otherwise fun extra-marital situation are slim. And that makes it an ideal choice for women who are married but looking for
some excitement on the side,” said Nikasha Mehta (name changed), jewellery designer from Delhi, more famous for salacious gossip around her personal life than the neckpieces she’s sold. “I wholeheartedly recommend it!”
A man who makes you sweat and then makes you come—talk about having your cake and eating it too. Or rather, working out with your trainer and later, having him work for you. How’s that for a fitness regime?
Who Am I?
Think of me as someone who knows the minds, hearts and bedrooms of the young Indian today. I have a social life across cities that allows me access to coveted parties, people and positions (pun absolutely intended!). Through this column, I aim to keep you abreast of how the young people of India go about their personal lives. I promise to keep it honest and to-the-point. No judgements, no prudishness.
