Despite the credit crunch demand for Gymophobics membership - to the ladies only health chain - has never been higher. Most Gymophobics gyms have had to install a second circuit to cope with the number of members attending each day and it is estimated that some 150,000 sessions will take place each week around the UK.

Pllications to open new Gymophobics franchises are also at their highest for three years and 10 new facilities are expected to open in 2009.