The UK’s second Speedflex centre opened in London at the end of September, following on from the success of the first site in Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The concept taps into the growing trend for HIT training and group exercise. Forty five minute, group circuit classes are led by a personal trainer and incorporate seven Speedflex machines, which respond to the user’s force to create appropriate resistance levels. All users are given a health screening prior to exercise and are monitored by Speedflex physiologists.

Speedflex was developed in the US, in 2009, by former professional baseball player, Darren Holmes, in partnership with orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Jim Silliman and mechanical engineer, Joe Worley. Speedflex Europe was formed in 2011 by businessman, Graham Wylie, former England football captain, Alan Shearer and physiotherapist, Paul Ferris. All centres are operated by licensees, with start up costs of around £250,000.

Co-owner of the Jesmond club, Cath Jenkins, says membership feedback has been very positive: “We could see the huge business potential, especially with the growing interest in HIT training and hope to open additional centres in the area in the future.”