"We attract ladies that would never go to a traditional gym," reveals Contours Express franchisee Saheeda Talib who, with her husband Imran, opened a ladies-only fitness and weight loss centre in High Wycombe on 31st July.

"A lot of women feel they have to be stick-thin to even go into a gym, but we provide a secure environment with an all-female staff which encourages people of all shapes and sizes to join."

Contours Express has launched over 600 franchised fitness centres in the US and worldwide, and is established in Great Britain under Master Franchisee Jason Chong. The franchise utilises a CardioFit exercise system with weight-based equipment designed especially for women, which develops lean muscle, increases metabolism and improves bone density, while burning up to 600 calories in a 29-minute workout regime.

"We have put in all the groundwork to prepare our business concept for the British market, and are now in our initial stage of recruiting franchisees," says Jason. "Saheeda is the third franchisee to open for business, and her initial success is very encouraging."

Saheeda's interest in the concept of ladies-only fitness was sparked by her own attempts to find one in High Wycombe. "I contacted all the gyms and community centres to find a ladies-only environment, and when I found there were none I saw an opportunity to bring the concept to High Wycombe," she explains.

"I did some research and identified franchising as a way forward. Contours Express appealed most because of the better standard of the equipment, and the support provided by Jason from day one. I was also impressed by the flexibility of the offering which has allowed me to include additional sauna facilities, and shortly a massage therapy area as well.

"Contours Express has done a lot of research into the UK fitness and weight-loss market, and has all the legislation covered in a very detailed and reassuring package. I had no prior fitness knowledge but the five days' franchise training in America and Gym Instructor's Award have provided the knowledge we need. With Jason and his team always available to offer advice and the thorough manuals we felt well prepared to operate the business."

Challenges in obtaining the right premises and location delayed the launch of the franchise until 31st July this year, when the centre was opened by mayor of High Wycombe Darren Hayday cutting the ribbon. "In the run up to the launch we marketed the business through a leaflet campaign in the local paper and a promotional stand in the town centre where we made over 200 appointments," Saheeda reveals. "We have continued to maintain a high profile through newspaper and radio advertising, which Imran coordinates while I manage the centre."

The centre currently has 214 members, and Saheeda reveals that the couple are considering expanding to open a second centre in the future. "The speed at which the business has grown has far exceeded my expectation," she reflects.

"I always knew that Contours Express would allow us to achieve profitability quickly, but never imagined it would happen in the first month. With the guidance and support of Contours Express at all stages of setting up the business we were able to focus on the tasks that needed to be completed and the responsibility required to operate a successful fitness studio."

Contours Express recently opened its 100th centre in Australia and its 42nd in South Africa, both within two years of opening their first centres. With new franchise centres set to open in Southampton, Stafford, St. Albans and other locations in the new year, Contours Express GB is seeking to emulate this level of growth. The company is seeking enthusiastic prospective franchisees who are keen to get involved in the fitness and weight-loss industry with a concept that is growing in popularity.