Health club operator, LA Fitness, has secured a three-year contract to test the fitness of applicants to the Royal Navy.

The contract, which takes effect from 1 July, was agreed after LA Fitness successfully delivered the new tests over an initial 12-month period.

The Royal Navy introduced the new fitness programme and assessment in June 2003 to help potential recruits prepare for Naval training and ensure they will meet required fitness levels before giving up their civilian career.

Previously all recruits had to go to the Royal Navy’s training centre at HMS Raleigh at Torpoint, Cornwall for their initial fitness test. Under the new arrangement, the test will be delivered by LA Fitness or subcontracted gyms – including 12 Spirit Health Clubs and 14 independent clubs – throughout the country.

The clubs are expected to see between 6,000 and 10,000 people pass through the scheme each year.

Any potential recruit failing to pass the treadmill test – they must run 2.4km within 10 minutes 45 seconds – will get a further two chances to retake the test.

Julia Clarke, LA Fitness’s head of commercial development, said: “After a successful first year working together and with the basic operating structures in place, LA Fitness is delighted to have the opportunity to further develop the services on offer to support the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in recruiting the best candidates.”