Madonna opens in Mexico first gym of Hard Candy network
By DPA, IANSTuesday, November 30, 2010
MEXICO CITY - US superstar Madonna opened in Mexico City the first of a planned global network of gymnasiums amid cheer and applause from her fans.
The Hard Candy Fitness gym opened late Monday in the posh neighbourhood of Bosques de las Lomas, where fans waited for hours to see the super star.
The star singer of “Material Girl” and “Like a Virgin”, among many other hits, cut off the ribbon to open the gym, but also gave a 45-minute gym and dance lesson to around 20 club members.
Madonna has said she picked Mexico because of its people’s energy and because its proximity to the US will allow her to supervise the brand’s development closely before expanding to other countries.
Under the name Hard Candy, like the artist’s 11th studio album, the gym has the slogan, “Harder is Better”. According to Madonna, this is a reference to a toned body, but also to the idea that everything takes effort.
Carlos Slim Domit, the oldest son of the world’s richest man Carlos Slim, and Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard attended the opening ceremony among other celebrities. DJ Paul Oakenfold performed.
