A former senior manager with easyJet is bringing his experience to the health and fitness market, with the launch of a low cost health club concept.

The Training Room, founded by Jonathan Davies, aims to provide health and fitness facilities in a ‘sociable, non-judgemental environment’ at competitive rates. Davies says his strategy will use tried and tested low cost principles. Standard monthly membership will cost £25, but fees will be less for customers using the facilities during off peak times. There will be no joining fees, but instead a small administration fee of around £20.

Costs will be kept low by going back to basis, says Davies: “We will focus on what is essential to members,” who believes significant savings can be made in the fit out of the club and the use of technology to automate processes and reduce staffing costs.

Davies is looking for large sites from 15,000 to 25,000sq ft up to 1.5 acres in size located in a three-mile radius of 50,000 ABCD population. The proposed clubs will offer the usual CV and resistance facilities, but no pool. They will also include a sports element, such as climbing walls and running tracks to offer such sports as badminton, 5-aside football etc. Davies aims to attract 4,000 members to a site, with this mix of facilities.

Principally backed by a Plc company looking to expand their portfolio of business interests, The Training Room now has all financing in place for the initial rollout of the concept. A number of sites have been shortlisted in London, the south coast and M4 corridor with a view to opening the first facility before Christmas. Another two or three sites are planned for next year.