UK-based health club operator Fitness First plans to open sites in India and Russia as part of an ambitious expansion programme.

Speaking to The Times, Colin Waggett, chief operating officer, said the first club in India would open in late summer, with up to 20 sites planned over the next three years.

According to Waggett, the company has identified a market for more than 100 clubs in India and is currently looking at acquisition opportunities in the Russian market.

He also confirmed that the chain, which is controlled by the private equity firm BC Partners, is on target to opening up to 70 more sites this year in the 17 countries it already operates in.

Fitness First aims to raise up to £70m through an equity fundraising to fund the expansion.

The news comes as the company announces a partnership with BUPA to offer free or discounted memberships to customers of the health insurer.

As part of the deal, a tracking system will be installed in 167 clubs across the UK to chart member’s progress.

The Health Check & Tracker will measure 16 different physiological and physical signs and monitor them over time. These include nutrition, stress and sleep patterns in addition to the standard tests of weight, body mass index and flexibility.

Members will be able to monitor their progress at any time with 24-hour online access to the Health Check & Tracker.

Dr Henriette Coetzer, BUPA’s assistant medical director, said: “This scheme is far more sophisticated than standing on the scales or measuring your waist or hips. It’s health coaching for everybody.

“There is evidence that shows if people work towards small, achievable targets and can measure their progress at short intervals, they are better motivated to achieve their bigger goals.

“We know that health is top of the list of the nation’s concerns, and this system, together with the free and discounted rates, is designed to help tackle the growing health and obesity crisis.”