Franchise chain Anytime Fitness is significantly expanding its portfolio with up to 500 gyms expected in China alone by 2020.

The group has been granted a licence to franchise in the country and has seven sites, with another due to open in Shanghai this week. With a further 20 agreements signed, Anytime Fitness anticipates 300-500 gyms in China in the next two-and-a-half-years. It opened its first gym in the country in 2014.

“With more than 3,500 gyms serving nearly three million members on five continents, we are confident our business model paired with the China capacity, will prosper thousands of gyms,” Dave Mortensen, Anytime Fitness co-founder and president, said.

China's master franchisee, Maurice Levine, who also owns the rights for Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, is eager to provide Chinese people access to 24-hour fitness opportunities.

China has a population of 1.3 billion people but more than 99 per cent do not have a gym membership. Part of Levine's strategy to build a culture of fitness includes creating a wellness university in Shanghai for career development and certifications of personal trainers.

He said: “Our goal is to bring fitness to the Asian community and support people on their journey to get to a healthier place.

“While the atmosphere and amenities are upscale, the gym is inviting, unintimidating and priced right. It brings a much-needed service to the community. It’s accessible, affordable, provides supportive coaching and is a great place for community members to get to know each other while achieving their fitness goals.”