Children's fitness equipment supplier ZigZag has launched new software for its internet-linked Expresso bikes that allows riders to share their exercise milestones on Facebook and Twitter.

The software will allow health clubs to interact with their members in a new way - linking the cardio floor with social media sites.

The LC in Swansea - a publicly-owned leisure centre - is one of the sites already using the interactive capabilities.

Richard Proctor, CEO of leisure trust Bay Leisure, which runs LC Swansea, said: "The bikes are hugely popular and both junior and adult members get quite hooked on beating their times and the ghost riders.

"Because they're linked to the internet the riders can see their scores on the bike screens, but we also have a PC in the gym so that members can log in to Expresso and see where they rank, as well as monitoring their ZigZag dance mat scores."

The new social media software link will allow riders to share milestones on their Facebook wall or Tweet them to the universe. Facebook friends and twitter followers can then click to accept the challenge and attempt to beat the score when they next ride.

The bikes allow riders to pedal through a range of virtual worlds, ride into scenic landscapes, take part in off-road competitions and even enter a fantasy kingdom and chase dragons, all while working out.

Fergus Ahern, managing director of ZigZag said: "The product will guarantee publicity for health clubs as they are automatically promoted every time one of their member's posts or Tweets a ride on the Expresso bikes.

"With Expresso riders around the world completing almost two million courses a month, it's an ideal way for club operators to market their facilities through social media."