Gyms, fitness centers are mushrooming

HK-originated Pure Group eyes mainland market amid ongoing consumer shift toward health

As small fitness studios and independent instructors mushroom in big cities, Hong Kong-originated premium gym chain Pure Group has opened its first outlet in Shanghai, which is believed to be one of the biggest and most expensive in town, if not the country.

Covering 3,010 square meters on the top two floors of luxury shopping mall IAPM, where fashion brands such as Prada and Gucci cluster downstairs, the new Pure Fitness gym includes a spinning classroom with a $5 million screen offering a 270-degree perspective that immerses cyclists in virtual scenes such as glaciers and race tracks.