Spanish health club franchise Altafit, which to date has operated exclusively on a low-cost model (€19.90 a month), has opened its first premium club in Madrid.

Launched last month, the Myst Gym Club is Altafit’s 40th gym and is located in a former city centre theatre, close to Puerta del Sol and the Plaza Mayor.

Some of the features of the theatre have been retained, including the stairs and the stage, which is home to the indoor cycling studio.

The new 1,800sq m club has strength, functional, TRX, cardio and free weight areas, supplied by Matrix, as well as a group exercise studio, the cycling studio and a chill-out lounge. For €49.90 a month, members can access all their training information, classes to do at home and enjoy discounts with brands such as Amazon, UnderArmour and Spanish health insurance company Sanitas.

“It’s a unique site,” says Maria Villalon, Altafit’s media and communications manager. “Myst Gym Clubs will only be opened in a few locations in major cities, and we’ll take expansion step by step. However, we also plan to open around 10 low-cost Altafit clubs across Spain this year.”