Gym owners Ron and Karen Magnum have put their Front Street business up for sale.

Mr. Magnum, a professional body builder and personal trainer from the United States, said that while Magnum Power Force Gym was very successful, after more than a decade he and his Bermudian wife have a desire to move overseas.

"I like it here, but I've been here 13 years and I'm just interested in doing something else," he said.

The proposed sale of the gym comes at a time when local fitness buffs have lots of choice when it comes to working out. Many exempt companies have recently built their own fitness facilities while there are now more than half a dozen public gyms within city limits.

Total Fitness ? which is currently searching for a new home ? had approached the Magnums with a proposal to merge the two gyms, but the deal fell through on financing and Mr. Magnum said he was no longer interested in merging with anyone.

He and his wife are asking $595,000 for their business ? which Mr. Magnum said is "pretty cheap" considering what the business made over the last five years.

The asking price includes the 5,000 square foot Front Street facility which currently has a a two-and-a-half year lease. The buyer will also inherit the gym's current staff, a membership list of more than 500 people, all of the gym's equipment in addition to its Diet Centre comprehensive weight loss programme.

"It is a good business. It is a good gym," Mr. Magnum said adding that he will ensure the potential sale does not leave members out on a limb.

"I would never do that ever. I would help the people here who buy the business. I would teach them how to run it properly," Mr. Magnum said.

He plans to offer full training to whoever buy his gym, but even so he only wishes to sell to someone who is knowledgeable about the industry.

"You need to be knowledgeable about fitness and you need to be knowledgeable about the equipment," he said: "I want somebody who is willing to work, who wants to do this and loves it and does not just want to go into business because its a business. It is a lot of work. it is not easy."