Having expressed an aim to launch in India in 2006, Fitness First is now reported to be undergoing rapid expansion in that market, opening six health clubs in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore in 2008.

Reports in the local media suggest that this month will see a new, 2,230sq m (24,000sq ft) club opening in Connaught Place shopping centre in the capital city of Delhi.

This follows on from a new opening in Lokhandwala, Mumbai, in May – a 1,672sq m (18,000sq ft) site – and a 2,044sq m (22,000sq ft) club in Ambi Mall in Gurgaon, near Delhi. A 1,115sq m (12,000sq ft) club is set to open in August in EVA Mall in Bangalore.

More clubs will follow over the next quarter.“We took three years to look at the real estate market in India, which has been very volatile. Some correction is happening in the market now and so we are able to progress with our plans. We plan to set up 15 to 17 clubs in the next three years,” Vikram Aditya Bhatia, MD of Fitness First India, told local business publication Business Line.