Fitness First chief says its main competitor is the sofa

Oliver Seibold, who leads fitness company Fitness First, says its biggest competitor is the sofa.

He says the company wants people who enjoy training, including women and bodybuilders, but does not want bodybuilders to make up most of its members.

More than half of its customers are women, and Seibold says they more often attend classes.

Fitness First has more than 50 premium Black clubs, which can cost up to €80 a month, and more than 180 Red clubs, with memberships at about €45 a month.

Seibold says the higher-priced clubs offer more facilities and services, including classes and saunas.

He says people can train at home if that works for them, but a gym can provide variety.

The company no longer uses sales staff paid by commission to sign up members, Seibold says.