FitWellAthletics, an independent club in Rostov-on-Don in Russia, opened its doors last month.

Facilities at the 6,000sq m club include a swimming pool, children's pool, gym and table tennis. Located in an attractive area of the city, near a large park, outdoor group training sessions are available in addition to indoor group exercise classes and personal training.

The club also offers a café and childcare centre. Suppliers include Life Fitness (including Hammer Strength), Everlast, SPRI, TOGU, Body Bars and Foreman.

Complementing the fitness facilities is a 1,000 sq m spa area encompassing Finnish sauna, spa pool, solarium, massages, baths and beauty treatments. The spa is scheduled to have its grand opening in early 2012.

The club is said to be the first in the south of Russia offering a combination

of fitness, wellness and beauty services.

In addition, all members receive a fitness test and medical consultation on joining. Various membership categories are available - individual, group, child, corporate, off-peak daytime - with most being annual deals. The club's investor, Doninvest bank, set up credit schemes to facilitate pre-payment, but memberships can be suspended for periods of 10-90 days.

There are plans to build a second club in the near future.