Fitness First moves forward with Indian expansion

International health club chain Fitness First is planning to expand in the Indian market with the investment of Rs 150 crore (US$3.5 million) over the next five years.

Aiming to expand its current base of six clubs and over 11,000 members, Fitness First India is in talks with IT firms, banks and universities to expand its presence.

Explaining the move Fitness First India Managing Director Vikram Aditya Bhatia states "companies have approached us to set up gyms for them. We have started with one and will be adding more such in near future."

The company said it has already invested close to Rs 100 crore (US$1.16 million)since its launch in 2008.

The Indian fitness market is estimated around Rs 2,000 crore (US$46 million) with players such as Gold Gym, Talwalkar's in the market along with a host of smaller regional brands.

A recent Technopak study said that the organised fitness market is concentrated in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, with more than 60% of outlets of 12 top chains located in these cities.