Eastwell July - Sept 2023 Newsletter

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Edition 2023
Member Magazine Summer
To ensure you receive emails from us, please add our email address to your email white list, to give you the best chance of receiving our content and updates. WEBSITE For more information check out our Website. FIND OUT MORE FIND OUT MORE Call: 01462 818228 Email: sandra.nice@champneys.com FEEDBACK For Membership feedback regarding facilities or services: Call: 01233 227137 CLICK HERE FOR OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS Call: 01233 227137 Email: Eastwell.Fitness@champneys.com 02

MESSAGE

WHAT’S

TRY

FROM THE MANAGER
ON GUIDE
HUB
YOUR BUSINESS
& GAIT SCAN
FEEDBACK
PROMOTE
FOOT
IT! FORTNIGHT
FORTNIGHT
YOUR PERSONAL TRAINERS
YOUR NUMBERS WORKOUT CHALLENGE YOU CAN DO IT Page 4 Page 5 Page 6-7 Page 8 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12-13 Page 14-16 Page 17-18 Page 19-20 Page 21-22 Page 23-24 03 MEMBER EVENTS FITNESS SERVICES Page 26-30 MYZONE Page 31-32 USEFUL INFORMATION FREE REPORT: MOVING INTO SUMMER Page 33-36 Page 37-40 Contents
PT
MEET
KNOW

Make the most of your summer!

Summer is finally here, and we couldn’t be more excited to share the upcoming adventures that await you at our health club. With the days becoming longer and brighter, it’s the perfect time to embark on a fitness journey that aligns with your summer aspirations. Our expert team of wellbeing coaches and wellness experts are here to guide and motivate you every step of the way. Whether you’re aiming to sculpt your body, improve your athletic skills, or boost your overall well-being, our comprehensive range of facilities and classes are designed to cater to your unique goals.

If your aim is to get your body ready for the summer holiday, our dedicated personal coaches will work closely with you to create tailored workout plans via YOUnique PT sessions and provide ongoing support to help you achieve the results you desire. Additionally, we are thrilled we have the exciting sport of PADEL in our club.

For those seeking relaxation, our serene grounds are the ideal setting. Bask in the sunshine, surrounded by lush greenery, as you sip on a refreshing smoothie. Take a moment to unwind, rejuvenate, and treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care amidst the tranquillity of your beautiful club grounds.

Wishing you a fantastic summer filled with fun and unforgettable moments!

Kind Regards, Wellbeing & Fitness Team

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Member Events

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Member Events

PODIATRIST

WEDNESDAY 9TH AUGUST

Do you suffer from Foot, Knee, hip or low backpain? Do you have Arthritis in your feet, knees or hips? Chronic pain that is left untreated can prevent you in from leading the active lifestyle that you desire and could simply be down to the imbalance in your feet. Custom Orthotics are made to meet your unique needs, reduce pain, and enhance your body’s natural movement.

LEARN MORE

BRING A FRIEND FOR FREE

WEDNESDAY 9TH AUGUST

We are excited to invite you to our exclusive Open Evening, dedicated to member referrals and a night of fun, fitness, and friendship! We believe that sharing the benefits of our health club with your loved ones is a wonderful way to foster a sense of community and promote overall well-being.

LEARN MORE

SOUNDBATH EVENT

TUESDAY 18TH JULY

Sound bathing is known to promote full body relaxation by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and removing blockages to the body’s chakras. To bathe in sounds could take people on all sorts of inner healing journeys. Come and join our special event with Martin Holme from 6.30pm - 7.30pm on Tuesday 18th July.

LEARN MORE

PADELDON TOURNAMENT

We’re thrilled to announce the Padledon Members Knock Out Tournament, taking place during the week beginning the 29th July. Gather your partner and enter the tournament to show case your skills on the court. Once you’ve registered, you’ll be placed into the draw and have the chance to battle it out with other talented pairs. The tournament will culminate in an epic final on Saturday, 30th July. Prepare for thrilling matches, fierce competition, and the opportunity to claim victory.

LEARN MORE

MEMBERS END OF SUMMER PARTY

As we bid farewell to summer, we want to celebrate the season with a bang. Look out for our Members End of Summer Party date from 18:30 to 22:00. Get ready for an evening of laughter, music, and great company.

LEARN MORE

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•HAVE WE EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS?

•HAVE EXPECTATIONS NOT BEEN MET?

•DO YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH US?

THANK YOU!

!
the link below and give us your helpful feedback CLICK HERE TO FEEDBACK
TELL US
Click

CHAMPNEYS IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH AUTO VIVENDI SUPERCAR CLUB AT EACH OF ITS SPA RESORTS AND HOTELS

Auto Vivendi Membership

Founded in 2005, Auto Vivendi operates the world’s largest private members’ supercar club. In return for an annual membership fee, members receive a set number of Annual Days of Car Use, along with an Annual Mileage Allowance, which they can use up across any of Auto Vivendi’s cars, as and when they wish. As a member of the Club you also receive a host of other membership benefits, including invitations to exclusive member-only events and a multitude of social and business networking opportunities.

CHAMPNEYS CLUB MEMBER OFFER

Join Auto Vivendi before 31st July 2023, as a Champneys Club Member, you will also receive a £1,000 Champneys Gift Voucher to spend at any of our spa resorts and hotels.

REGISTER HERE

Car Collection

Auto Vivendi’s car collection, which is worth over £7m, currently includes the latest models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, McLaren, Rolls-Royce and Bentley, amongst others. Club cars are delivered to members anywhere within the UK and Europe from Auto Vivendi’s London and Manchester clubs.

Locations

Auto Vivendi is headquartered at their Clubhouse in London. They also have a Club in Manchester which operates between Champneys Mottram Hall and Hotel Gotham, as well as 26 Club Hubs, which are located at various hotels, spas and other suitable venues throughout the UK, including the following five Champneys locations:

Champneys Springs | Champneys Henlow

Champneys Tring | Champneys Eastwell Manor

Champneys Forest Mere

Enjoy access to an ever-evolving collection of the world’s best supercars

+44 (0)207 625 9400 | autovivendi.com

Run a Local Business or Trade?

Advertise your company THROUGH US – and watch your business profile SOAR

Our Aim:

•Getting Britain Fit & Healthy Again

•Bringing your local community together

What your business can benefit from:

• Get featured on a Special Online Portal accessed by all club members

• Promoted through emails, online newsletters and sponsored fitness promotions

• Huge exposure to your business for the local community

COMPLETELY TURNKEY & BRANDED FOR YOU AND IT ALL ADDS UP TO A HIGHLY PROFITABLE OPPORTUNITY!

YES, I WANT TO PROMOTE MY BUSINESS

Do you suffer from foot, knee or back pain?

BOOK YOUR FOOT & GAIT SCAN NOW!*

A comprehensive gait assessment allows your Wellbeing Coach to determine if your feet are having a negative impact on the way that you stand, walk, run and move especially if you have foot related problems such as knee, hip and back pain.

The assessment includes a foot scan using the GaitScan Computerized Analysis.

A report will be generated by the GaitScan software that your coach will review and recommend a treatment plan.

Performance custom orthotics may be recommended as a non-invasive treatment of foot-related problems such as knee, hip, and back pain.

They also may be helpful in treating bunions, corns, hammertoes, sore arches, plantar fasciitis, sore ankles, shin splints and more.

Our next complimentary gait scan day

Wednesday 9th August

*Limited availability. Service available subject to specific days and time.

11 CLICK HERE TO BOOK
10th July - Sunday 23rd July 12 Try It! Fortnight
Monday

TRY IT! Fortnight is coming and YOU can be a part of it.

Don’t miss out on our summer deals!

It’s your chance to book on to our fantastic range of programmes and services to keep you exercising.

PURCHASE DURING ‘TRY IT FORTNIGHT’

• Summer Shape Up

• Kettlebells & Calisthenics Conditioning Programme

• Spa Treatments (up to 50% off selected treatments)

• Train with a friend and receive a discount for two

• Padel Sessions

• Learn to Clinics

PLUS why not try our Weight Management Online Programme DropIt 21 Activities and programmes will:

& receive special offers on LEARN MORE

•Keep you motivated

•Help you to learn new skills

•Help to get rid of excess body fat

•Help boost your metabolism

•Help make you feel more energized

LEARN MORE LEARN MORE LEARN MORE LEARN MORE LEARN MORE
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LEARN MORE

Monday 24th July - Sunday 6th August

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PT Fortnight

YOUnique PT at Champneys

YOUNIQUE PT TO KEEP YOU IN TOP SHAPE DURING THE SUMMER

For as little as £35 pp per session

With the arrival of summer, it’s time to take your fitness journey to new heights. During PT Fortnight we are thrilled to offer an exclusive Personal Training (PT) offer that will help you achieve your summer fitness goals like never before!

With our team of highly skilled and dedicated personal coaches, you can expect personalised workout plans, expert guidance, and unwavering support every step of the way. Invest your time wisely.

PT is not just for gym bunnies or weekend warriors. It is for all of us especially as we age and hope to remain mobile, active and independent.

STRENGTH CHANGES EVERYTHING

Strength is one of the best predictors of longevity. Strength improves almost every health outcome and is therefore paramount for general health and well-being at all ages. Our PT coaches have active ageing programmes for all. For a limited time, we are excited to provide an irresistible PT offer that will enhance your summer experience.

3 sessions for only £105*

This is the perfect opportunity to invest in yourself and experience the transformative power of one-on-one training. Prefer to be with a friend? PARTNER UP! - Personal training for two or is when you team up with a buddy or partner and share a personal training session. Not only do you get to share in the cost of the session, but it is a great way to keep each other on track and motivated. Plus, it can be lots of fun too! Whether you want to train for a special event to lose weight, get into shape, or simply feel that you’d benefit from the additional accountability, booking a PT for Two training session with one of our personal trainers is an excellent choice.

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WHY WAIT START TODAY

WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

No one should consider attempting any exercise programme without first being screened for how they move. Therefore Champneys movement screen focuses on fundamental movements with the number one goal of preventing injury.

This session includes:

•Health Review

•Movement Analysis

• Sweat Session

•Body Composition Analysis

The movement screen allows every one of our members to be tested in 7 fundamental movements including walking, squats, pushing and pulling. Any imbalances are highlighted and considered when programming specific exercises for that person. This is why a one size fits all approach does not work. With our tailor-made approach and your hard work, together we will create the best possible version of YOU.

WHAT WE CAN GUARANTEE:

• The best choice of trainer for your fitness goals

• Expert, friendly & motivational training sessions

• Professional and proven advice to produce the best results

• You will look and feel better

Don’t miss out on your chance to get expert fitness supervision!

Subject to availability. Limited offer.

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CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Meet your personal trainers

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Georgina

Georgina has a background in athletics, competing for England/Kent, with over 10 years of Personal Training experience & 5 years experience in sports massage, Georgina believes health and fitness is the combination of quality training, good nutrition and having serious fun and enjoyment. Personal training with Georgina is all about working together to get you from where you are, to where you want to be, making a positive and lasting difference to your life. Georgina helps achieve this by incorporating progressive and forward thinking into your training without forgetting proven methods.

Goals are milestones and must be achievable; if you look forward to the journey you are going to enjoy the ride!

Qualifications:

•Indoor Cycling

•Level 3 Personal Trainer

• First Aid

Katharine

I decided to use my passion for fitness to help inspire and motivate others to become more active and retrained in her 40’s to become a personal trainer. I want people to realise the importance of movement, especially in today’s world where so many people have sedentary jobs. I believe if you find something you enjoy will keep you coming back for more and that consistency is the key to the positive effects that movement has on your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. If you are new to fitness, feeling apprehensive or intimidated by the gym, I will put you at ease and help alleviate your worries - you’ll leave with a smile on your face, and excited for your next session.

• Level 2 Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:

• Level 3 Personal Trainer

• Level 3 & 4 Sports Massage Matt

• Level 2 Kettlebells

I have been qualified as an Instructor/PT for 11 years so far, having qualified at the University of East London...the same venue as the US Olympic weightlifting team trained at during the 2012 Olympics, may I add. I have trained with and helped many clients over the last 11 years, ranging from semi pro Athletes to semi pro Footballers, to professional Dancers, to your average gym user. I am also really hoping to assist YOU, so book in now and let’s turn those dreams to realities.

• Level 2 Gym

• Level 3 PT

• Level 3

Qualifications:

Nutrition and Weight Managements

• Level 3 Core Stability

Jenni

Having discovered a love of fitness in her 30’s Jenni trained up firstly to become a Fitness Instructor, then a Personal Trainer. Jenni has a passion for running, having taken part in races of all distances from 5km up to 50 miles, she is also qualified as a Leader in Running Fitness. Jenni loves motivating people to become the best version of themselves and will make personal training sessions tailored to you, to help you achieve your goals.

Qualifications:

• Level 2 Fitness Instructor• Level 3 Personal Trainer • CPD Circuit Instructor • CPD Circuit Instructor

• UKA Leader in Running Fitness • First Aid

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Know your numbers

Monday 7th August - Sunday 20th August

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FREE Body Composition Analysis

You could reap huge rewards by mapping our FREE Body Analysis checks into your exercise regime.

Administered professionally and completely painlessly under the watchful eye of our friendly coaches, our Body Analysis tests will give you a fantastic overview of your condition.

You could reap huge rewards by mapping our FREE Body Analysis checks into your exercise regime.

You’ll be in a better position than ever to work out your fitness journey and choices for your overall wellbeing and lifestyle.

For a short time only, we will be offering you FREE Body Analysis checks during Know Your Numbers Fortnight.

Don’t miss out!

LEARN MORE

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Workout challenge

Monday 21st August - Sunday 3rd September

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HOW IT WORKS?

Using the BINGO card provided, perform a series of tasks in a row, (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) to get a BINGO. For each completed BINGO row during the 30-day challenge, a user will receive a ticket to be entered into a free prize draw.

•Everyone! Sign up between Monday 21st August - Sunday 3rd Sep with belt. No belt? Trial one before the challenge starts...

•Pick up your Bingo Card from the Fitness Desk. You have 30 days to complete this challenge.

•Have fun and add variety to your workouts.

20 Complete our Fitness Challenges over 4 weeks and get one entry into a Prize Draw for a Myzone Belt or Champneys Gift. CAN YOU COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE?
using your Myzone Belt and start your 4 week challenge. *Get your Bingo card at the Fitness desk. TakeaSpin Class Earn MEPs1000 in one week Take the TestMZ-Fitness Complete5+ workouts within one week Take a MyzoneClassVirtual Earn a Zone Match Score of 80%+ on one workout Burn Calories5000+ in this month Get a Fit withAssessment a trainer Earn MEPs350+ in the Yellow Zone this month Take a strength training class Take indoorancycle class Complete8 hour-long workouts Take a HIIT class Take Groupa ClassFitness Earn MEPs150+ in workoutone Workout 2 daysonthe weekend Workout 2 daysonthe weekend Earn MEPs100+ in the Red Zone this month Completea Zone Match class on the appearninga score of 80%orhigher Burn a minimum of 500 calories in one workout. Get an InBody Assessment Take a MyzoneClassVirtual Completea Zone Match class on the MyzoneApp Get a Fit withAssessment a trainer 10Complete longhourworkouts Earn MEPs150+ in workoutone MEMBER NAME: EMAIL FOR MYZONE ACCOUNT:
Enter
10
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
a motivational and fun-loving Bingo Challenge!
Boost up your workout With

Monday 4th September - Sunday 17th September

23
You
can do it

Start your summer shape up. Visit the links below to get started.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to do in the gym or have lacked confidence to try something new, then these offers may appeal to you. We’ve got you covered

PURCHASE DURING ‘YOU CAN DO IT FORTNIGHT’
WHAT’S ON OFFER? & receive special offers on PLUS why not try our Weight Management Online Programme DropIt 21 LEARN MORE
track
Summer Shape Up Programme
Weight Loss Programme
Kettlebell & Calisthenics Conditioning Programme
Spa Treatments (up to 50% off selected treatments) CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR PROGRAMMES LEARN MORE LEARN MORE LEARN MORE LEARN MORE 24
Get back on

RECHARGE, REJUVENATE AND REHYDRATE

Here at your Champneys Health Spa, we really care about the wellness of our Club Members. No matter whether you are working out in the gym, joining in a class, swimming or visiting the spa, it’s essential that you remain hydrated while you are here.

WOW HYDRATE electrolyte and protein waters ensure healthy hydration on-the-go. Sugar-free, fat-free and low in calories, the drinks are an ideal way to add nutrients into your diet. At the push of a button, the ingredients stored inside the cap are released into the water, ensuring that no goodness is lost through degradation.

Find WOW HYDRATE here at Champneys Health Spa at our Fitness Receptions.

Special Offer This April

SOCIALISE WITH US

£1.50 Electrolyte Drinks

£2.00 Protein Drinks

@WOW
COM
HYDRATE WOWHYDRATE.
18 INTRODUCING FITNESS SERVICES 26 Fitness services Introducing

Have you ever wanted all your fitness needs all in one place, available to access from ANYWHERE?

Well now you can. As a valued member, you deserve to be treated to the very best programmes and advice your membership entitles you to.

So

Visit the link below to take a look around and feel free to ask us any questions you may have.
that’s
fitness needs.
why we’ve set up a website for all your health &
Here you can book from our range of programmes at the club, whether it’s:
•Personal Training
•Exercise Clinics
•Small Group Training
•Re-Programme Sessions
•Specialist 4-6 Week Programme
•Member & Guest Events
CLICK HERE TO VISIT YOUR FITNESS SERVICES 27 Welcome to your
Services Website!
•And much more
Fitness

Foam rolling involves applying your own body weight to a foam cylinder, using small repetitive undulating movements to exert pressure on the muscle.

Learn to clinics

LEARN TO... KINESIS

Foam rolling involves applying your own body weight to a foam cylinder, using small repetitive undulating movements to exert pressure on the muscle.

TRAINING

With whole-body vibration, you stand, sit or lie on a machine with a vibrating platform. As the machine vibrates, it transmits energy to your body, forcing your muscles to contract and relax dozens of times each second.

TRX is a form of suspension training that uses body weight exercises to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously.

LEARN TO... STRENGTHEN THE CORE

Strong core muscles make it easier to do most physical activities....

Strong core muscles are also important for athletes, such as runners, as weak core muscles can lead to more fatigue, less endurance and injuries.

LEARN TO USE... KETTLEBELLS

Revamp your workout and build strong and toned muscles with kettlebell training. The dynamic nature of the kettlebell will give you an all-in-one workout of a lifetime, combining both strength and cardio aspects.

FIND OUT MORE FIND OUT MORE FIND OUT MORE
FIND OUT MORE
OUT MORE FIND OUT MORE 28
FIND

Learn to clinics

CHAMPNEYS SLEEP CLINIC

Champneys 4-week Healthy Sleep Programme. Are you struggling to fall asleep or with waking during the night and not getting back to sleep? Is this leaving you feeling exhausted and struggling to get through the day?

FIND OUT MORE

FIND OUT MORE

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Fitness Programmes

SUMMER SHAPE-UP PROGRAMME

completely change your exercise routine, and give you the confidence to include weight training in your own exercise routine once the course is complete.

FIND

The Champneys Specialist will advise you on the best methods to do this based on your body and your Body Composition test results.

You may not get the summer holiday you have been dreaming off but what about the summer body? During the 6 weeks, we will aim to completely change your exercise routine. Workout’ strategically blends full-body movements, intense abs training, and fat-burning HIIT cardio to drive MAJOR progress in an accelerated time window.

Foam rolling involves applying your own body weight to a foam cylinder, using small repetitive undulating movements to exert pressure on the muscle.

OUT MORE FIND OUT MORE FIND OUT MORE FIND OUT MORE

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program you can use today to release your hip flexors for more strength, improve health and all day energy. FIND OUT
MORE
KETTLEBELLS & CALISTHENICS CONDITIONING
During this 8 week challenge you won’t find any strict diets or expensive gimmicks, just 8 weeks of workout plans for you to follow to transform your body. The plan is looking to develop your skills and add functional, effective exercises to your routine.

Myzone

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At Champneys Health Clubs we understand the importance of time and any time committed to a workout must be time well spent.

We all want maximum results in the minimum time hence why the trainers at Champneys use Myzone:

WHAT IS MYZONE?

Myzone is a wearable activity belt used to record your exercise effort (rather than fitness), so it doesn’t matter if you’ve been training for years, or are just dipping your toes into it. It’s based on your individual stats and is accurate (equiv. to an EKG at 99.4%). This means that it’s a level playing field for all (think of it as a golf handicap!) By using Myzone you will be encouraged to reach those activity levels that give you the results you want and be rewarded for it!

• You will be able to view your effort live in club on the

• You will be able to record ALL your activity (inside and

• You will earn points, gain status rankings and get rewarded

• You can enter challenges or set your own challenges

• You can connect to 3rd party equipment for maximum

LIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFER

30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE 32
Introducing
Try a Myzone belt for FREE when you next workout. The Wellbeing Team will set you up and explain your five colour coded personalised zones and our simple rewards scheme and MEPs (Myzone Effort Points) so you get the results you want FAST. If you like it get 50% off the RRP £129.99. If you don’t like the Myzone belt after 30 days please return the belt for a full refund.
Myzoneyour perfect workout partner is here!

Useful Information

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MEMBERSHIP CARDS

Please ensure that your membership card has been updated to the new barcoded card. In order to produce the card we require a photo ID. If we haven't already updated your card please go to the Wellbeing & Fitness Desk to have your photo taken this month. Unfortunately, we cannot issue new membership cards without a photo ID or allow you to use the Club.

SCANNING IN & OUT

For health and safety reasons we require all members to scan in and out at the Wellbeing & Fitness Desk. Failure to do so may result in termination of membership.

MEMBERSHIP TIMES

Please remember the club usage times apply to your membership type. It is important that you adhere to these, otherwise we will be forced to withdraw your membership.

GYM USE

We advise that all members seek guidance from the Wellbeing Team before using any new or unfamiliar equipment Please note the gym is unsupervised at various times of the day. If you are pregnant, have injuries and / or medical problems or have not used gym equipment before please contact a Wellbeing Coach prior to use. For health and safety reasons please ensure you are wearing suitable exercise clothing and trainers when using the Gym. Use of the Gym and equipment is at your own risk.

FOOD DIARY

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Click here to download your free Champneys Food Diary.

Class Information

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

•Don’t forget your kit

• Towels are included so no need to bring one

•Check you have your membership card to scan in on arr ival

•Book your class to ensure availability via the Champneys app. Members can book up to 6 days in advance

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

•Come to the Wellbeing & Fitness Reception to say ‘hi’ and scan in

•Let us know if you are new so we can guide you especially on class and gym advice

• Take a locker band from reception

• Get changed if you need to and then pop your belongings in a locker

DURING A CLASS

•Let the instructor know if you are new to the class, have an injury or are pregnant, so they can give you extra attention

•Listen out when told what equipment you need.

•Work hard, enjoy and get sweaty...

•Be respectful to each other

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AFTER CLASS

•Ask the Instructor or team at the Wellbeing & Fitness Desk if you have any questions or would like any class recommendations. •Skip out the door. It’s compulsory!

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Make use of the fantastic grounds that your club has to offer and play a game of tennis/padel or go for a walk. We also offer swimming lessons whether you are looking to learn to swim, learn a new stroke or improve a current one.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please click here to find your Clubs terms and conditions.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
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CHAMPNEYS SPECIAL FREE REPORT
Summer Moving into

Look around and you may notice that nature is in full bloom right now. Summer is the peak of ‘yang’ energy in the seasonal cycle (as opposed to the deep restful ‘yin’ of Winter), and this is the time of year when plants and animals are most energised and full of life. Having evolved with nature and the shifting seasons, humans have also evolved to be at the peak of energy and enthusiasm in Summer, but if you aren’t living seasonally, this can feel hard to do.

Why is living seasonally important?

How we eat, move, work, play, rest and socialise all sends messages to the brain and body, telling it how to function. Food is information, and the foods we eat tell our bodies whether to move towards a lighter, cleansed state (known as a langhana effect in Ayurvedic medicine), or a more grounded and nourished state (a brmhama or ‘building’ approach). Foods also give us vital nutrients and vitamins, protect us against allergens, and remedy oxidative damage caused by physical and emotional stress. When we consume foods that are in season and preferably local, we provide ourselves with the exact nutrients we need at that very moment. Spring greens are bitter and encourage the body to digest and ‘detox’ heavy Winter foods like fats and proteins. They contain lots of chemicals that protect against hayfever, and aid in building up minerals like vitamins K, C, magnesium and iron, which all contributes to giving us a refreshed and Spring-like feeling. When we move towards Summer, the abundance of fruits, greens, sweet vegetables and longer hours of sunlight give us exactly what we need at that

moment, which we’ll dive into in this blog post. Another important reason to live seasonally, is that our emotional, mental and social needs drastically shift throughout the year too. Do you feel like heading out to parties and BBQs in the Summer, but would rather curl up with a book and blanket in November? Cravings like this exist because we have evolved to live differently in different months. If we live in a state of ‘chronic Summer’, we burn ourselves out before we even reach those hot and sunny months. Summer is a great time to start living more seasonally, so read on for five simple steps to do it!

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01 Summer Foods

There’s a reason specific plants are growing all around us. Due to the longer hours of daylight, humans would naturally be spending much of the day engaging in low-to-medium intensity movement for long periods of time, foraging and hunting, or simply traveling and playing. With lots of movement comes the need for foods higher in carbohydrates, which our bodies can typically use more efficiently in Summer. Depending upon where you live in the world, this could mean indulging in mango and papaya, or berries and stone fruits like plums and apricots. The vegetables and plants growing in the UK and Europe at this time of year are all full of nutrients, but what these

plant foods have in common is that they’re also high in antioxidants. More movement, more play, and more activity in general leads to more natural ‘oxidative stress’ as muscles and tissue are worked and broken down. Antioxidants help repair the body, renew cells, and essentially aid in slowing the aging process. In the UK, seasonal foods include rhubarb, elderflower, nettle, spinach, raspberries, gooseberries, plums, apricots, strawberries, cherries, fennel, courgette, cucumber, peas, lettuce, chard, fennel, rocket and peppers, and plenty more! This is the season to go plant-based, so indulge in all the colours you can find at your local market!

02 Summer Herbs

Herbs used in Summer provide a naturally cooling antidote to hot and balmy days. Whilst the wild garlic has been and gone and spicy wild mustard greens are wilting, cooling herbs like fennel, basil, mint, coriander and dill are ready to pick at the height of Summer. In the world of Ayurvedic health, one of the most important principles is ‘like increases like; opposite brings balance’. This means that when the weather outside is hot, we benefit from consuming cooling foods and herbs –using the opposite quality to encourage a sense of balance.

You can add cooling herbal aromas to your home too, with organic lavender essential oil or peppermint As for the fresh herbs, try topping salads with parsley, which is very beneficial for liver health. Add coriander to curries for its added ability to aid in detoxing heavy metals, or make a mocktail with cooling mint from the garden!

03 Summer Movement

Spend a day in the heat of the sun, and a HIIT workout is probably not what your body is craving. Summer is naturally a time of more movement, but sometimes when it is really warm low-impact, slower movement done over the course of the day may be better. This could look like long walks, a day at the beach playing frisbee and paddling in the sea, swimming sessions in your local lido or lake, or more time pottering in the garden. If we apply the Ayurvedic principle of ‘opposite brings balance’ here, a Summer-inspired yoga sequence might include slow-flow sequences, cooling pranayama practices like Sitali breath or Chandra Bhedana (left nostril breathing). You might opt for a sunny restorative session of gentle back bends using a bolster and an aromatherapy eye pillow.

04 Summer Socialising

Summer is the time to say ‘yes’ to opportunities, invitations and life in general, so dig out your brightest colours and get out there! Come Autumn and Winter, you’ll have plenty of time to say no to the Christmas party invitations and stay home in hibernation.

05 Summer Sleep

Now, if you’ve been living in a ‘chronic Summer’ mode of over-working, over-exercising, consuming lots of sugar, lots of socialising, and little rest, this is not the time to sleep less! If however, you’ve been living seasonally already and got your fill of sleep in Winter, Summer is indeed the season when we can stay up a little later and get up earlier. The longer hours of daylight mean we would have naturally stayed up for longer with those in our tribe, and the early sunrise would have encouraged us to awaken around dawn to greet the day. Before you change your sleep habits, it’s important to check-in with your energy levels, and ensure you’re getting enough time to relax and recover from those busy Summer days. For those early risers, a morning practice of sun salutations is a great way to feel energised and ready for action.

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