Independently-owned health club SpecForce Fitness opened in Auckland, New Zealand.

Owned and operated by Scott Cottier, the 1,500sq m club offers a large gym and

group fitness area supplied by Cybex, Proteus, Keiser, Concept2, Fitness Imports and HQH Fitness.

Cottier has ambitious plans for the brand, aiming to open one club a year for the next three years, throughout the world.

The concept is based on circuit training, with a focus on social interaction and motivating the individual.

The club aims to help members progress through regular fitness testing and body weight functional exercises using minimal equipment, with an emphasis on correct technique.

Other exercise options include wrestling, boxing, yoga/pilates, suspension training and self-defence. There is also social group fitness training with an on-site DJ, plus team training for kids.

The range of equipment includes functional options such as climbing ropes, chin-up bars and SMAI boxing bags, as well as group cycling bikes, rowers and treadmills.

The resistance training offer includes power squat cages, weight benches, a full range of dumbbells, Olympic bars and weight plates.

Cottier is joined at the new club by Dan Temple, with both men ex-army and NZ Special Forces.

However, although it caters for elite athletes, SpecForce targets everyone from kids to the police and fire service.