Health club chain, Bannatyne Fitness has invested £850k in new equipment for four of its North-East gyms to help members achieve their fitness goals.
The Bannatyne gyms in Coulby Newham, Darlington, Durham and Ingleby Barwick have each received new equipment, including treadmills, bikes and cross-trainers that have docks for MP3 players.
The annual results for the companies behind the Bannatyne Health Club chain showed a rise in pre-tax profits - up by almost a third.
Owner Duncan Bannatyne said it was down to growing internet bookings and the introduction of three different health club levels, which have boosted members and activity.
Pre-tax profits before exemptions and impairments for the Darlington-based business were up 30%, from £8.8m to £11.5m. Turnover for the chain was up from £91.7m to £92.4m, while operating profit before exemptions and impairments was up from £13.3m to £14.7m.
Bannatyne Fitness, which is part of the Bannatyne Group, is the UK’s largest independent health club operator with more than 60 sites across the UK. It has around 170,000 members and employs 5,000 people. Each site offers a Cafe Bar Lounge which offer a wide range of snacks and refreshments .