FITNESS fanatics in Cheltenham have helped create a boom for gyms in the town.
There are more than a dozen major gyms in the town, including Leisure@Cheltenham, run by the borough council.
And in the last month alone, planners at the borough council have been handed two new applications to turn warehouses into the facilities.
Managers of gyms in the area insist there is plenty of scope for even more gyms in Cheltenham.
Planning officers are currently considering an application to change an industrial unit in Cheltenham Trade Park in Central Way, Alstone into a gym.
CrossFit Cheltenham has put in the plans. Bosses said it would not include typical gym equipment, but workouts based on high intensity classes.
If approved, the new gym would create four new jobs.
Dan Fivey, 36, moved to Cheltenham six years ago when he became the manager of Fitness First.
He set up The Gym in High Street last October.
His centre has since grown more than three times in size to accommodate the increasing demand.
He said: "Business has been good since last year.
"The legacy of the Olympics have really helped lots of people in encouraging them to keep fit, because they realise the importance of it.
"There is certainly a market for gyms. There are a lot of people becoming more fitness aware and exercise more now.
"But a new gym must offer something unique, which other gyms do not offer before.
"People from all over the town come here to use our equipment.
"We had a little burst of people who came to the gym in January, and a boom in May again when people were booking their holidays.
"I am sure there will be quite a few people who will want to set up gyms in Cheltenham."
Councillor Rowena Hay, cabinet member for sport and culture at Cheltenham Borough Council, said business owners realised there was a market in the town to set up a gym here.
She added: "People who are looking to set up a gym in Cheltenham must believe there is a market for it here.
"I hope people are realising how important it is to stay fit because it means they are healthy to do what they want.
"The benefits are huge. I don't know if gyms in Cheltenham are over used or under used, or if there is a need for it, but these gym owners will know.
"It is important that young people in the town continue to keep fit."
