A MILITARY-based fitness company set up by a mother and son team of entrepreneurs two years ago has proved so successful it is expanding.

Xtreme Boot Camps, the idea of Zoe Evans and her son James of Throckmorton, near Pershore, has launched a crowd funding campaign to raise money to operate its own gymnasiums. Currently it runs sessions based on military training fitness techniques at outdoor locations near Worcester, Malvern, Evesham and Stratford-upon-Avon with a team of instructors who are all ex-Forces.

Mr Evans said: "We have changed so many lives so far with our unique style of fitness training that the time has come for us to deliver a package that appeals to a wider audience. The gym will give people the opportunity to train in a safe and friendly environment with equipment suitable for all levels of fitness and for all goals. Some clients just want a friendly place to go and do their own workout while others are into serious weight training. Our plan is to cater to them all in a non-intimidating environment."

More than 150 people regularly attend the company's local session or residential boot camps to boost their fitness levels. Now the two entrepreneurs have taken over the lease for premises in Masons Road, Stratford and plan to convert the building into their first Xtreme Gym to complement their current boot camp business. As well as the gymnasium, there will be a military area with rigs and ropes to replicate the training from military basic training, yoga, Pilates, dance, martial arts and other popular classes to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to take part in a type of exercise they enjoy.

The pair have already raised a substantial amount of money privately to launch the gym and are now launching a Crowdfunding campaign to raise money to help the business’ initial cash flow. Mrs Evans explained: "Starting any business from scratch is hard on the cash flow and Crowdfunding is an excellent way of getting the community involved in local projects. Match this to the fact that everyone likes a bargain, Crowdfunding is the ideal solution to give people a chance to get some good membership deals and other exclusive offers and help us at the start of our new enterprise." The pair aim to open the first Xtreme Gym in November.