ZONE Fitness on the Granby Industrial Estate has welcomed a new general manager.

Mladja Ninkovic, also known as MJ, will takeover as the gym's general manager. He was head hunted due to his vast experience in the fitness sector and motivational leadership skills.

MJ has been teaching a variety of evening classes at Zone Fitness for the past four months, but will now take on a more permanent role.

He said: “I have inspired and guided clients and colleagues from all over the world to reach their goals. I am trained in Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, TRX, Kettle bells, Boot-camp, Judo as well as being able to provide nutritional advice. When my vast fitness experience is combined with my management and business skills, I have the opportunity to lead Zone Fitness to the next level and dominate the South Dorset fitness market”

He added: “My objective is to make Zone Fitness the best club, not just in South Dorset but in all of Dorset and beyond. I want Zone Fitness to be a place where people are coming not just to exercise, but also to be a place they can enjoy time with their friends and family.”

As part of his role, MJ will be focusing on managing the business and growing its membership base.

The gym opened in late January, but since its launch it has attracted more than 1,000 members making it one of the largest gyms in south Dorset.

Before working for Zone Fitness, MJ travelled the world as part of the cruise industry, working for Steiner aboard. His time as a fitness instructor has seen him work in luxury spas and fitness clubs.

He recently worked at the HSBC bank, which is says enabled him to extend his experience in customer care.

In his role at Zone Fitness, MJ hopes to reach out to people who may not even set foot in the gym environment before and educate them about health, wellbeing and fitness.