Asian fitness operator Space Concepts has opened its first Space Cycle experience in Taipei, Taiwan.

Music is integral to the experience, with founder Matthew Allison having previously been president of Sony Music in north Asia and CEO of Asia Pacific EMI. Space Cycle claims to be the first club of its kind in Asia in the way it combines music and fitness: classes are designed around playlists, while its teachers’ music tastes are showcased online via the club's Asian music-streaming partner, KKBox.

Launched on 22 June, the 1,500sq m (16,146sq ft) studio is located in the heart of the city’s financial and commercial area and targets the health conscious, metropolitan, active population in greater Taipei. Memberships start at US$79 (€72, £51) a month for four classes and can be scaled up.

The club includes two barre studios, two indoor cycling studios and two multi-functional private studios. There's also a lounge area with a spectacular view of the city.

“Music is the soul of the Space Cycle experience, both at the barre and on the bike," says Allison. "The club provides a musically inspired social fitness solution that's both a lifestyle changer and a trendsetter. Our members are moved by music through a musically inspired, soul-uplifting workout that injects positive energy into their days and goes well beyond a mere physical experience.”

Space Cycle is part of the Space franchise, which currently operates two other boutique yoga studios and a wellness centre in Taipei, which operate under the Space Yoga and Space Wellness brands. Further studios in Taiwan and China are already in the pipeline.