LEITRIM-based fitness franchise Sasta Fitness will open 20 new outlets in Ireland over the next 18 months, creating 105 jobs.

The company is looking for fitness trainers, marketing, sales and administrative support staff.

The business is based around a special treadmill-based fitness pod, which uses vacuum technology, as well as one-to-one coaching.

Its makers claim it is four times more effective than regular exercise.

The patented pods are manufactured in Boyle, Co Roscommon.

Sasta, launched last September, currently runs five franchises in Ireland – in Athlone, Carrick-on-Shannon, Cavan, Naas and Sligo.

The first 25 new jobs will be created by March next year when the next five outlets are opened in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Mayo and Limerick.

The company also intends to expand into the UK in 2014 with 10 new outlets.

“I am so excited about the potential of our Irish-made Sasta Fitness product, which has taken more than three years to develop at a cost of more than €1m.

“We’ve had huge interest from people who want to take up our franchise opportunity. It is simple to operate, has low running costs, excellent margins and high return,” said founder and former accountant Fiona Egan.

Ms Egan said it was the right time to expand the business in light of awareness about obesity and the importance of exercise, and said Irish people spent €330m a year getting fit and losing weight.