International health club brands are "lining up" to enter the Indian market, with the country poised to overtake China as the world's most populous within the next 20 years.

In the first of a two-part series, Health Club Management (July 2011) considers how consumer spending may quadruple by 2025 as India continues to experience GDP growth. The IHRSA Global Report 2011 has shown that Talkwalkers currently leads India's market with 100 clubs, followed by global franchises Gold's Gym and Snap Fitness.

Health Club Management has spoken to Curves, Contours Express International and énergie, which has underlined the potential for international operators in India. Dave Ramadan, CEO of Curves for Women - India, said: "India is a very challenging yet promising market, with high awareness of health and a significant need for gyms.

"We spent almost two years preparing for our entry into India [in 2010], and thus far we've enjoyed a smooth start to our operations." Keith Dziki, president of Contours Express International - looking to expand to 100 sites within the next five-to-seven years, also told the magazine: "Specifically within franchising, India offers more freedom than other countries."

Read the first-part of Health Club Management's investigation into the appeal of India (July 2011, pp 54-57): www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk/a.cfm?a=j7i3l

Part two will follow in August 2011 Image: Waj/shutterstock.com