THE success of a Malvern gym has provided the inspiration for a national chain that has just been launched.

Planet Fitness opened 18 months ago by fitness professional Richard Noble and wife Rachel, who live in the town.

After more than 17 years in the industry, working in both private and public sectors, Richard wanted to realise his ambition to have his own club that would be truly inclusive, welcoming people of all ages, sizes and abilities. His idea has been so well received locally, it has been become the role model for a nationwide chain of identical, franchised centres, called Attiva.

"I am delighted that our approach has proved so popular with people in the town and that our model will be replicated all over the country," said Richard. "The only thing that is changing is the name from Planet to Attiva - we will continue to operate in the same way, at the same premises and with the same staff, as well as offering people in the rest of the country the same opportunities."

The Malvern club is renowned for satisfying members who were previously sceptical about joining a gym because many of them were too embarrassed by their shape, age or weight. Planet Fitness is also enjoying the accolade of being the only independent club to be accepted onto the "Inclusive Fitness Initiative Pilot Scheme", a trial by several organisations to promote fitness for people with disabilities.

Craig Farman, Attiva managing director, added: "I was very impressed with what I saw at Planet Fitness and saw no reason to change things for our new centres. We know the need for such fitness centres is there because, despite the constant public health warnings about the dangers of not taking exercise, only about ten per cent of the population currently belongs to a gym.

"Although an estimated 20 per cent of people recognise the benefits of exercise and want to get fitter, many say they feel alienated by the clubs currently on offer. They don't like their noise and frenetic atmosphere," he said.

"We want to encourage people like this to join an Attiva Club where they will not feel out of place."