Madonna is teaming with the founder of the US health club chain 24 Hour Fitness to launch her own chain of fitness clubs.

The project is a joint venture - named New Evolution Ventures - between Madonna, her manager Guy Oseary and Mark Mastrov, the founder of the 24 Hour Fitness chain.

The chain - to be called Hard Candy Fitness - will launch in New Mexico next month with a 9,144sq m club, which will feature zumba, yoga and cardio-kickboxing classes.

Mark Mastrov, chair of New Evolution Ventures, told Leisure Opportunities: "Hard candy plans to open 8-10 facilities in Europe in the next 12-18 months.

"Our goal is to create an environment inspired by Madonna's vision and high standards of what the ideal gym would be.

"Hard Candy Fitness will be a reflection of Madonna's point of view and will reflect her input on every detail including music, space, light and other design cues. Madonna's touch will be everywhere."

There are plans to open 10 more sites in Russia, Brazil, Argentina and Asia.

Hard Candy is the name of the singer's 2008 album.