By Alice Hart-Davis

As CALLUM, my personal trainer for the morning, leans his weight into the exercise ball clamped between my legs and commands me to do another set of 15 squeezes, I grit my teeth and do as I’m told.

If this specialised training is what moves the WAGs and Real Housewives of Cheshire to pay £850 a month for gym membership, then I’d better make the most of it.

We’re in the gym at neon Pt in Alderley edge, Cheshire, and this highly specific exercise is aiming to streamline my body by strengthening weaker muscles and releasing over-tight ones I use too much.

neon Pt is the newest and fastest growing chain of gyms in the area. It has a trendy juice bar and will soon be offering pre-packed meals with precise nutrients to support whatever diet clients are following.

It’s a fine example of ‘the dumbbell economy’. Gyms are booming — there are nearly 7,000 of them in the UK. Many of the best are more like elite members’ clubs. they don’t just give you an assessment and an exercise plan, and leave you to get on with it — they personalise the experience. they’ll know your motivation as well as your measurements and make sure you are on track to reach your goals.

so, could they ever be worth the money? I went along to try out the new breed of supergyms . . .