Aquaterra Leisure will introduce the Premier One initiative at Bath Sports & Leisure Centre this month, following the success of the programme at its five Islington sites.

Launched by the charitable trust in April 2003, Premier One offers members free one-to-one gym sessions and has been based on retention research produced by the Fitness Industry Association (FIA), said Aquaterra’s group sales and fitness manager, Marc Jones.

“We looked at the research and thought hard about our customers’ needs,” he said. “We discovered what was really needed was more contact with gym staff.”

Premier One was introduced to replace the standard group induction to offer new members four one-to-one sessions with a fully-trained instructor in the first month of membership.

Taking place each week, the sessions are tailored to each person’s needs and not only introduce them to the gym, but also serve to assess motivation levels, set goals and teach members how to build exercise into their daily life.

Members are rewarded with Premier One-branded goods, such as water bottles and towels after each session and are supplied with booklets providing motivation and direction to help them achieve fitness goals.

The company said it has been overwhelmed by the success of the programme – a recent survey found that 100 per cent of respondents said the Premier One had helped them achieve their goals.

Bath Sports & Leisure Centre opened this year following a £0.8 million investment from Bath & North East Somerset Council and Aquaterra Leisure.

The 110-station Premier Gym at the centre, equipped by Lifefitness, is four times the size of its predecessor and has recently received a new sauna and steam suite, funded by a £100,000 cash injection from Aquaterra. The suite has integrated changing facilities and a relaxation area and has been designed to allow accessibility for the disabled.

Aquaterra Leisure manages two further health clubs for Bath council and plans to upgrade these within the next two years.