Having previously offered 30-minute workouts , Ladies Workout Express gyms across Ireland and the UK can now also offer members use of a range of cardio fitness machines and access to a personal trainer.

The additional services follows the expansion of Ladies Workout Express' head office in Belfast, which includes a large training room for Yoga, Stretch & Tone and Ballroom Dancing, and also incorporates tread mills, steppers and a range of cardio-equipment.

"Following the expansion of our services, franchisees have found it even easier to sell memberships and have seen an increase in membership retention as a result," said Chris Donaldson, Master Franchisee for Ireland and the UK. "No competitor offers such wide-ranging services as Ladies Workout Express Plus."

Ladies Workout Express has opened four new clubs since January, bringing the total number of franchisees in the UK and Ireland to 16. Chris adds: "We're finding that most franchisees are now looking to own larger gyms and are moving away from the 30-minute fitness system, which is fairly well developed in Ireland. There's huge potential for Ladies Workout Express Plus in Ireland and we have a number of franchisees in the pipeline."