Fitness operator Crunch Fitness says it's continued its recovery from lockdowns, with membership levels across its franchised estate now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Crunch said that, as of October 2021, its franchise sites had exceeded 128 per cent of pre-pandemic membership levels.

The brand also revealed it is set to reach a milestone in February 2022, when it opens its 400th club.

Headquartered in New York, US, Crunch has gyms in 30 US states as well as in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Portugal and Spain.

CEO Ben Midgley said: "We're proud of reaching the 400th Crunch gym milestone and the momentum we've maintained, despite the many challenges that the pandemic posed on the fitness industry.

"The significant growth we experienced is a true testament to not only Crunch's leadership, but also to our ongoing commitment to our members and their safety. It also speaks to our franchisees' tremendous efforts and shows that our members wanted to get back in the gym."

In 2019, before the pandemic struck, Crunch secured investment from private equity group TPG.

As well as its franchised arm, ​​Crunch owns and operates Signature clubs in urban US markets such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco.