Fitness franchise YourZone45 is planning to open eight studios this year, starting with a flagship gym in Greenwich, London, in March.

Launched in 2004, YourZone45 launched its franchise operation in 2015 and has four studios in Bingley, Braintree, Colchester and Colliers Wood.

In addition to the Greenwich club, studios will also open in Woking and Southampton, while five other sites are yet to be confirmed.

“I’m confident that in the next 12 months we'll achieve the targeted growth and have a number of established studios around the UK,” said YourZone45 founder Chris Elms.

Each franchise, which costs £70,000 (US$99,990, €80,105) to set up, is 2,000 to 3,000sq ft (186-279sq m) and holds between 45 and 60 classes per week.

The 45-minute bootcamp-style workouts focus on heart-rate technology training and are delivered by a fitness coach.

Members’ heart rate percentages are displayed on screens and the goal is to achieve 84 to 100 per cent of their maximum heart rate for at least 12 to 20 minutes so they continue to burn calories for up to 36 hours after working out.

As part of its expansion plans, YourZone45 has hired Michael Jones as its new marketing manager and Davide Ferreira as its franchise manager.

Jones, a former competitive swimmer, taught swimming at David Lloyd Leisure and Virgin Active before launching his own PT business and swim school. He has spent five years working in marketing for The Health Club Collection.

Ferreira has 12 years’ experience in sales and business development at health club chains, including Virgin Active and Nuffield Health.