Fitness First in ambitious India workout

Fitness First Group says it plans rapid expansion in India, where it currently has just seven clubs.

It wil invest £16.4 million to open to 30 new premium fitness clubs in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore over the next five years, targets a membership of over 45, 000 and plans to create 1250 new professional fitness roles.

PWC forecast the Indian health and well-being market to grow by 50 per cent over the next five years as growing awareness of the benefits of fitness, healthier lifestyles and rising incomes change consumer behaviour.

Vikram Aditya Bhatia, MD, Fitness First India said he expects revenues to reach £30 million, with healthy profit margins as the company expands its portfolio.

“Our total investment of £16.4 million over the next five years, funded internally, also brings hi-tech fitness innovation, new insights into the science behind motivation to exercise and development opportunities for employees so we keep pushing the boundaries of fitness in India.”

Fitness First will add  four to five clubs across the three major cities annually, with the focus remaining primarily on Delhi and Mumbai in the medium term of the next three years. Delhi is projected to have the largest portfolio with about 15 clubs and Mumbai will grow to about 12.

Fitness First India will open both Premier and Platinum tier clubs and will have an equal split between the two categories. The clubs will be in different sizes and formats, based on the unique real estate challenges of India. The company is looking at opening 12-14 compact clubs, eight to10 mid-sized clubs and about 10 big box clubs over the next five years.

Andy Cosslett, CEO of Fitness First Group said a new generation of Indian consumers are waking up to the benefits of fitness and well-being.

“But they want something more from a gym and are looking for state of the art clubs, innovative new workouts and support and inspiration from expert staff.  Our new club design and brand, launched in Maker Maxity in Mumbai and today’s announcement to open up to 30 new fitness clubs reflects our confidence in the exciting Indian fitness market and the opportunity for Fitness First to lead it into a new era.”

 

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