THERE is always an excuse not to go to the gym but now the gym can come to you.

For anyone too busy to make it to a fitness class, who does not fancy showing off their flab in the weights room or is simply put off by the idea of going to a gym, Mark Girven has the answer.

Mark, of The Chase, Ightenhill, and his personal instructor Jaime Hurst, 27, of Maple Street, Todmorden, have put a series of aerobic workouts on the internet.

People can subscribe to the online gym and take part in a selection of workouts with Jaime as often as they like.

Mark, 48, a project manager for BT, claims that with the gym coming to people's offices or homes on broadband, subscribers should have no excuses for not fulfilling their New Year's resolution to get fit.

He said: "I am a classic gym member. I like the idea, but there is always some reason why I can't go.

"The thought occurred to me that, if you could find a way of bringing the gym to people's homes or offices, you could create a virtual gym.

"In short, it is the Jane Fonda fitness videos with an interactive 21st century twist to it.

"I mentioned the idea to Jaime and she thought it could be a winner so, here we are."

Mark and Jaime have produced an initial series of twelve 30-minute work-out classes which subscribers can access.

They will also be able to chat' with other members and the gym even features a forum, allowing members to put questions to qualified instructors.

Mark said: "A lot of people, like me, don't have time to go to a gym, others aren't keen on letting the world see them with all their flab on show.

"Then there are people whose jobs mean they are constantly on the road.

" They can do a workout when and where it is convenient for them, be it in their hotel room, apartment or place of work.

"Not only is there a real community feel to the site. Members are able to chat to one another, while instructors can be asked questions about various exercises and healthy eating regimes."

The workouts, which all feature Jaime, are pitched at different ability levels and focus on various muscle groups.

They require little or no equipment so members can work out wherever there is a broadband internet connection.

Subscriptions to www.e-gymonline.com cost £24.99 for 12 weeks, allowing members to take part in the workouts as often as they like over that time.

To take a free tour, log on to www.e-gymonline.com and follow the on screen instructions.