Another development influencing the diversity of fitness centres is that western trends are rapidly being adopted in Hong Kong.

Not only does this mean that Pilates classes and hip-hop dance classes are increasingly becoming available here, but the concept of the fitness centre as a beauty parlour is growing.

'Spa therapists are one of our fastest-growing sectors,' said Sebastian Gordon, general manager at Seasons Fitness.

At Pure Fitness, therapists provide beauty care for clients including slimming programmes, massages and skincare.

Fitness First national operations manager Jacqui Parker said: 'Body care therapists are important because they fulfil our philosophy of looking after the body both on the inside and outside.' She added that potential therapists must hold relevant qualifications in beauty care therapy.

No Hong Kong institution has embraced the idea of a fitness centre as a lifestyle choice more than Pure Fitness.

And this is no surprise, given its history as a yoga centre.

Its facility at IFC has several treatment rooms which offer manicures and massage services.

Chief executive Colin Grant said: 'Our restaurant and bar, Red, offers a full range of comfort food and beverages.

'At Pure Fitness, our approach is holistic, as we can care for the body internally through yoga and nutrition, and externally through exercise.'

Staff at Pure Fitness range from food and beverage personnel and manicure specialists to yoga instructors.

The centre's rapid growth - it started with six employees at a yoga centre 31/2 years ago, and now employs 310 staff - has created a need for a chief operating officer.

'The successful candidate may well come from the hospitality industry in the food and beverage sector or in sales,' Mr Grant said.

Proof indeed that fitness centres are becoming more than mere gyms.