OXFORD will host its first ever 'joyful cardio' workout after its founder found success for the project on the BBC programme Dragons’ Den.

SwingTrain describes itself as an ‘elating exercise experience’ accompanied by vintage vibes of swing, gospel, rhythm and blues and jazz, and says it is in marked contrast to workouts accompanied by electronic music.

The fitness venture is led by Scott Cupit, an award winning dance teacher and entrepreneur whose pitch for Swing Patrol, the dance school and events company which runs the fitness programme, secured investment on the Dragons’ Den contest in July 2014.

Now, with the help of Dragon Deborah Meaden, the first SwingTrain session will be launched with the first classes to be held in Oxford taking place next month.

Oxford-based fitness instructor Lara Hayward has been selected as the first SwingTrainer for the classes to be held at the Old Fire Station.

She said: “We’ll be fostering friendships as well as fitness at the Oxford Old Fire Station SwingTrain sessions.

“The music and atmosphere is designed to be supportive and uplifting, so that participants won’t even realise they’re burning up to 500 calories an hour because they’re smiling so much.

“The best thing about SwingTrain is that it’s accessible to everyone, no matter their age, fitness levels or abilities.

“We will always warmly welcome absolute beginners to fitness. All that’s required is a desire for a positive experience.”

The SwingTrain body workouts are inclusive and suitable for all levels of fitness and co-ordination, with no dance or fitness class experience required to join.

Instructors lead participants through a series of follow-along moves inspired by the vintage street dances of Charleston, Lindy Hop, and Shag.

The full body cardio workouts exercise legs, arms and core, as well as developing co-ordination and mental agility through memorable routines.

Each session lasts for an hour, including warm-up and warm-down time.

SwingTrain founder Scott Cupit added: “Lara is a truly talented and very friendly fitness instructor with a passion for building a local community of SwingTrainees and motivating them to achieve their fitness goals.

“She will be running her own SwingTrain business, so hopefully we’re bringing a little bit of Dragon’s Den’s entrepreneurial spirit to Oxford, not just a new fitness regime.”

Weekly classes will take place every Thursday at 8.30pm at the Old Fire Station, 40 George Street from February 2 and costing £7 per class.

For more information and information on how to book a class visit swingtrain.com