One of Fitness First’s intense spin classes.

UK-based Fitness First Thailand Co Ltd plans to spend Bt440 million to open four new branches and refurbish some of its existing gyms.

The company will pump Bt360 million into building the new outlets and the rest will be used to modernise and spiff up its current stock.

The first two new branches will open at Q House Lumpini and Seacon Square, occupying space of 2,362 and 3,004 square metres, respectively. The locations of the third and fourth branches remain under wraps for the time being and the fourth branch will open early next year, said Simon Flint, managing director.

Flint added that since Fitness First opened its first branch in Thailand four years ago the company has grown to 10 branches as of the end of last year. The company had 40,000 members at the end of last year and expects to add another 5,000 this year.

"All of our members are active members. They use the club's facilities on average 6.7 times per month," Flint said, adding that most members are working people, who hit the gym to relax and to maintain their health.

The company will also open between three to five new branches next year in provinces outside Bangkok.

"We cannot say where we will open our new branches now but we believe that our business will expand to upcountry next year," he said.

Worldwide, Fitness First operates 445 branches with more than one million members. The company plans to expand in Asia, especially India, and hopes to have 100 branches on the continent by 2010.

Flint said that many Thais are concerned about their health and fitness, resulting in fierce competition among fitness clubs and low membership rates. But Fitness First won't play the discount game.

"We will offer a quality service and a variety of exercises for our members and that makes Fitness First a good choice," Flint said.

Somluck Srimalee

The Nation