News and jobs updated daily on
www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk Edited by Kate Cracknell. Email:
katecracknell@leisuremedia.com Fitness First’s Asian expansion
Fitness First has announced plans to open a further 50 health clubs across Asia by 2018
Fitness First has announced it will invest more than US$140m over the next five years as it bids to grow its footprint in Asia by around 60 per cent. At present, there are 88 Fitness First Asia clubs – spread across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand – and the chain intends to open a further 50 fitness clubs in the region by 2018, expected to cost US$100m. A further US$42m will be invested in
upgrading the existing Asian facilities. In addition, 4,000 Fitness First staff are currently undergoing specialist training programmes
deploying elements of behavioural psychology, sports science and emotional quotient training. The company has identified south-east Asia
as a strong opportunity for long-term growth, estimating that less than 5 per cent of the region’s population are currently members of a health and fitness club. Having grown Asian revenues by 9.8 per cent in the 12 months up to November 2013, Fitness First expects further acceleration in 2014. Eight to 10 new club openings are planned across the region, with emphasis on the growth markets of Singapore and Thailand. Details:
http://lei.sr?a=x6m8r
Boston scheme prescribes bike passes
Authorities in Boston, US, have unveiled a pioneering new programme whereby doctors can prescribe patients with membership to the city’s bike share scheme. The ‘Prescribe-a-Bike’ programme will enable doctors at Boston Medical Centre to offer year-long memberships to Boston’s Hubway cycling scheme to low-income patients for only US$5 – a US$80 discount on the usual price. A statement from the Boston mayor’s office said patients would receive a free helmet and would be permitted an unlimited number of 30-minute (or shorter) trips on the bicycles. “Obesity is a significant and growing health concern for our city, particularly among low- income Boston residents,” said chief executive of Boston Medical Centre Kate Walsh in the statement. “Regular exercise is key to combating this trend, and Prescribe-a-Bike is one important way our caregivers can help patients get the exercise they need to be healthy.”
June 2014 © Cybertrek 2014
In addition to promoting activity as a form of medical treatment, the scheme also serves to promote green living and will help ease the burden on the city’s transport system, something London mayor Boris Johnson also hopes to achieve with his recently announced ‘Mini-Hollands’ cycling scheme. Details:
http://lei.sr?a=L4d5B
‘Prescribe-a-Bike’ is for low income groups 19
PHOTO:
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ CONNEL
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