From Courts to Clubs: Nadezhda Grishaeva’s Anvil Fitness Revolutionizes Gyms with Art and Community

Modern fitness is about much more than physical workouts—it’s about mental and spiritual well-being. Visionary and former Olympic basketball player Nadezhda Grishaeva is at the forefront of this evolution with Anvil Fitness Club, a space that combines art, style, and community to create a holistic wellness experience.

The global fitness industry is robust, with over 200,000 clubs worldwide, serving upwards of 200 million people. While the United States leads with 41,000 clubs and 64 million members, followed closely by Europe with 60,000 clubs and 60 million members, new markets are showing the most growth. Asia-Pacific nations, including China, Indonesia, and South Korea, are seeing rising fitness memberships due to urbanisation, economic growth, and a growing focus on health.

The Middle East, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, is also experiencing a surge in fitness clubs. Cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh are witnessing an increase in luxury facilities and hybrid gyms, driven by higher incomes, wellness initiatives, and an increasing interest in fitness.

These expanding markets attract entrepreneurs like Grishaeva, who bring innovative concepts like Anvil Fitness Club to the Middle East. Anvil is more than a gym; it’s a lifestyle destination that incorporates art, design, and community.

Anvil Fitness Club, launched in May 2021, celebrated its third anniversary in May 2024 with over 1,500 members and a 25,000-square-foot space. Grishaeva, inspired by fitness innovator David Barton, designed Anvil to feel immersive. “When you step into Anvil, it should feel like entering a different world. It’s not just a gym; it’s an entire mindset,” she says.

The club’s industrial elegance inspires members to see fitness as self-expression. Anvil also supports wellness with a healthy café, aligning with members’ overall well-being. Grishaeva’s focus on community creates a connected space for those sharing a passion for health and fitness.

Looking ahead, Anvil will expand internationally, with a new Kuala Lumpur franchise opening in summer 2025. This move continues Grishaeva’s mission to redefine fitness spaces through transformation and community.

Anvil Fitness is redefining the fitness industry, where gyms are dynamic hubs of style, culture, and wellness. Grishaeva’s innovative approach exemplifies a modern, healthy lifestyle.