VERVE FITNESS HUB

Interview Where Strength, Sisterhood, and Self-Belief Meet

- By, Prachi Sharma Senior Correspondent

In a fitness world largely shaped by male dominance, Sobia Samir and Gunjan Bhuva decided it was time for a change. Together, they founded Verve Fitness Hub—a space built by women, for women, where health, strength, and confidence are celebrated every day. Sobia’s inspiration came from her childhood in Dubai, where her mother ran a women’s gym that served as a sanctuary for healing and empowerment. After moving to India, Sobia saw a glaring need for similar spaces—places that understood the real, complex journeys of women. In 2018, she teamed up with Gunjan Bhuva, a skilled personal trainer and dance fitness expert, and Verve was born. Today, it stands as a thriving community where women are nurtured, respected, and transformed—physically, mentally, and emotionally—proving that fitness is about so much more than just the body.

BUILDING SPACES BY WOMEN, FOR WOMEN (AND NOW FOR ALL)

Initially, Verve was a women-only zone, designed to create a safe and nurturing environment where women didn’t have to look over their shoulders. With female trainers specializing in everything from prenatal recovery to hormonal health, it was about understanding the nuanced, often unspoken challenges women face. As the community grew, however, men began expressing interest—not just in the workouts, but in the culture. The vibe at Verve was different: respectful, supportive, empowering. Responding to the demand without compromising their ethos, Verve introduced dedicated unisex slots. And the response has been heartwarming. “Strength, respect, and community aren't gendered,” says Sobia. “We didn’t dilute our mission—we expanded our circle.”

Changing the Face of Fitness: The Story of Verve