news & trends
The Shredquarters launches new studio franchise with Physical
Functional training franchise, The Shredquarters, has partnered with fitness equipment supplier Physical to launch a new boutique fitness franchise.
Called FUSE, the new concept will offer mind-body and HIIT studios, combining strength and conditioning, reformer and mat pilates, yoga and barre as well as high-octane cardio classes.
The first FUSE studio – a 370sq m site in Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire – features two group exercise studios (one each for mind-body and HIIT) which sit alongside showers and changing rooms.
According to FUSE CEO, Adam Waters, the two-studio model is the heartbeat of the concept.
“Being fit and well isn’t just about burning calories,” Waters said. “Nor is it about doing one
type of workout over and over again. It’s about complementary workouts that bring balance and variety, challenge and recovery.
“That’s why every FUSE club will have separate mind-body and HIIT studios. We’ve fused all of this under one roof and within one supportive community. It’s a rounded approach to boutique training that’s designed to help people live better for longer.”
The workouts are available on a pay-per-class basis, while an unlimited package costs £40 a week. This allows members to do as many classes as they wish across both studios, including unlimited reformer pilates.
Also included in the unlimited package is the FUSE Wellness Journey, which starts with a TRU body composition assessment. This forms the basis of personalised goal setting.
news & trends
Gym Group back in profit as membership increases
Growing membership numbers and price increases have helped The Gym Group record its first pre-tax profit in more than four years.
The budget health club operator has reported pre-tax losses for each six-month period since the COVID-19 pandemic began severely disrupting operations in the first half of 2020.
The company, which currently operates 240 gyms across the UK, reported pre-tax profits of £200,000 for the six months to 30 June –compared to a £6.1m loss in the same period last year. Revenues increased by 12 per cent to £112m while EBITDA was up 19 per cent to £41.7m. The results follow the launch of The Gym Group’s growth plan in March 2024. Titled Next Chapter, the growth strategy focuses on driving up returns in the mature gym estate through higher yield, reduced promotion and “bettertargeted customer acquisition”.
Will Orr, CEO of The Gym Group, commented: “Further positive trading momentum during the
first half reflects the continued early benefit of executing on our Next Chapter strategy.
“We have increased membership, revenue and profit and our marketleading proposition is more resonant than ever, in a growing market.
“We are also well on track to deliver
our target of opening circa 50 new high-quality gyms over the next three years, funded from free cash flow. We have detailed plans in place for the key autumn trading period and are well set to deliver full year results at the top end of recently revised market expectations.”
Egym expands US market reach with FitReserve acquisition
Fitness tech giant, Egym, has acquired FitReserve, a premium, all-access studio The acquisition accelerates Egym’s expansion of its Wellpass corporate wellness offering in the US corporate wellness market.
Initially launched as a direct-to-consumer membership, FitReserve was acquired by national employee benefits provider Trustmark in 2022.
Egym CEO, Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer, said: “We’ve been extremely impressed by FitReserve’s rapid growth in the United States and its adoption by the most sought-after brands in fitness.
“The $20 billion U.S. corporate wellness market has always been a strategic expansion opportunity for EGYM Wellpass. We are thrilled to accelerate our growth strategy by adding FitReserve and its premier studio and gym partner network.”
CEO Will Orr said the company’s growth strategy, Next Chapter, was working
PHOTO:
PHOTO:
Egym will now work with the FitReserve team
The new classes focus on HIIT mobility & flexibility and indoor cycling
PureGym launches four group classes in partnership with SH1FT Fitness
Budget health club chain, PureGym, is expanding its group exercise offer to its members with the introduction of four entirely new class formats.
The quartet of classes focus on HIIT, lifting weights, mobility & flexibility and indoor cycling, with live in-club testing conducted earlier this year in a designated test region.
Created in collaboration with group fitness provider, SH1FT Fitness, the new classes will be launched across three key regions in the UK.
The new classes are part of an extension of PureGym’s partnership with SH1FT Fitness, which will also see four existing formats – focused on core, legs, bums & tums, cardio and strength – being revamped and being relaunched in gyms at the start of Q4.
PureGym and SH1FT Fitness first worked together to develop group fitness formats last year (2023).
Hugh Hanley, Group Director of Personal Training at PureGym said: “What drove us to partner
Inclusive, “all ability” outdoor gym opens at Chepstow centre
An inclusive, bespoke outdoor fitness space, designed to encourage people of all abilities to exercise in a gym setting, has opened at Chepstow Leisure Centre in Wales.
with SH1FT is its approach to group fitness – simple, nonintimidating but highly effective.
“Together, we’ve created a suite of inclusive fitness classes where everybody is welcome – from complete beginners to seasoned athletes.
“With more fitness coaches offering to teach at our gyms than ever before, the PureGym teaching app that SH1FT developed for us has transformed our new fitness coaches, giving them a confidence I’ve never seen before.”
Will Brereton, Founder of SH1FT Fitness said: “Our mission at SH1FT is to make Group Fitness accessible to all – both class members and instructors.
“We’re really proud of what we’ve created with PureGym. This partnership has not only grown their group fitness offering but has also significantly increased instructor engagement—the results speak for themselves. We’re looking forward to growing this even further in 2025.”
The outdoor gym features a range of equipment from Indigo Fitness, such as a functional fitness frame, a 12-meter-long turf sled track, functional wall-fixed rigs, and free weights. The area can be used for people looking to exercise either independently or as a group. The gym was funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is owned by Monmouthshire County Council.
Contractor appointed for £15m Eston centre
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has appointed Willmott Dixon to build a £15 million swimming pool complex in Eston. Facilities at the leisure centre will include a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, changing areas and a 150-seat spectator gallery. To be operated by Everyone Active, the centre is scheduled to open in early 2026. Procured via Procurement Hub’s Major Projects Framework, the project has received funding from the central government, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
The new outdoor gym at the centre
PHOTO:
Former WHOOP tech leader Vahid Zadeh joins Myzone in lead tech role
Fitness tech specialist, Myzone, has appointed Vahid B. Zadeh as its Chief Technology Officer.
Zadeh, a wearable tech expert, has been tasked with leading the company’s technological development and expansion. As former CTO of the velocity-based coaching solution, Push, Zadeh drove the development of the pioneering wearable for athletes. Push was acquired by WHOOP in 2021 with Zadeh leading
Precor strengthens its UK team
Commercial fitness equipment specialist, Precor, has strengthened its sales and customer experience teams with a number of appointments.
Amy Walls has been appointed to manage the growing strategic account business, while Nikki Doolan has taken on a new role as the UK Hospitality Account Manager. Walls is a seasoned industry professional and will serve the new and expanding David Lloyd Leisure account for Precor. Doolan joined Precor nearly three years ago and has worked in the industry for her entire career, primarily on the operator side, as a group exercise specialist.
In addition, Darren Overing has joined as a senior manager to support Precor’s UK and EMEA Export Partner businesses. Overing has an engineering background and extensive knowledge of customer relationship management tools.
Simon Overing, Precor’s UK Sales Leader, said: “The growth in the number of gym members in the UK is now exceeding pre-pandemic numbers.”
the integration of the technology into the WHOOP ecosystem as principal tech leader and contributing to the continued growth of WHOOP.
Jay Worthy, CEO, Myzone says: “Vahid has spent the last 10 years working at the forefront of innovation in the wearable tech industry. We are delighted to welcome him to the Myzone team, where his knowledge and experience will help us to push the boundaries of performance tracking.”
David Stalker joins The Fitness Group as Associate Director
Training provider, The Fitness Group, has appointed industry veteran David Stalker as Associate Director. In his new role, Stalker will be advising on The Fitness Group’s strategic objectives, which include expanding its reach in new markets. The Fitness Group Co-Founder, Steven Dick, said: “David’s expertise will be invaluable to help guide us through a crucial period of growth as we expand to new territories including the Middle East and Europe.”
Vahid B. Zadeh
The appointments will bolster Precor’s customer experience team
PHOTO: MYZONE
PHOTO:
DAVID STALKER
NRG Gym opens Newcastle site and plans three more
NRG Gyms looks to grow its presence on the UK health club market with three new openings over the next 12 months.
The 24/7 gym chain opened its seventh gym in Newcastle in August 2024.
The newly launched club features a 35,000sq ft gym floor, providing members with a dedicated boxing zone, female-only training zone, indoor cycling studio, Olympic lifting platforms, as well as male and female saunas.
There is also a functional training area kitted out with a TRX Studio Line featuring built-in anchoring, including TRX Suspension Trainers.
The Newcastle site is being marketed as one of the biggest gyms in the city, and comes 11 years after NRG opened the doors to its first gym in Gravesend, Kent.
Founded by Shafiq Ahmed, NRG Gyms offers a “competitive pricing model”, with a major emphasis on building strong communities
around each site, known as ‘NRG Tribes’.
The company does this by uniting members who have a shared passion for their health and wellbeing, providing a space where they want to train and feel part of something.
Shafiq Ahmed, Founder, CEO and Chairman of NRG Gym, commented: “At NRG Gym, our members are at the heart of everything we do.
“We work hard every day, to create a positive, welcoming atmosphere within our gyms that our members feel happy and safe in; somewhere that you want to visit and train in, and feel proud to be a part of.
“With changing member demands, our ability to evolve and deliver a quality experience is one of the things I’m most proud of.
“We will continue to bring NRG to more communities across the UK, whilst growing our existing gyms to create unique, game-changing fitness experiences for every member of our Tribe.”
The 24/7 gym chain opened its seventh gym in Newcastle in August
news & trends
London’s latest open water swimming course opens
A new open water swimming facility has opened at Greenland Dock, near Canada Water.
The area is operated from the Surrey Docks Fitness and Watersports Centre, which is located next to the dock. The centre is owned by Southwark Council and is operated by the council’s in-house leisure services team.
Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People, said: “The Greenland Dock open swim course is a great place to experience open water swimming in a safe and scenic environment. There is something truly special about swimming in the open air with the view of a London skyline in front of you.
“Introducing open water swimming was a key commitment in our council delivery plan and I am thrilled we have been able to bring the wide range of health benefits of open swimming to Southwark this summer.
“The sessions are already proving popular, and we are looking at re-introducing them next year.”
Southwark Council took the operations of its leisure services back in-house in 2023.
James Paramore, Business Engagement Manager at Swim England, who has been supporting the council with the project, said: “Congratulations to Southwark Leisure for bringing
swimming to Greenland Dock. The addition of outdoor swimming also comes at the perfect time. We have seen the popularity of outdoor swimming rocket since the pandemic, with over 4 million adults swimming in open water each year in England. That includes almost 1 million Londoners.”
Ground broken on new Lichfield Leisure Centre
Ground has been officially broken on the new Lichfield Leisure Centre at Stychbrook Park.
It marks the start of construction on the £10m centre, which is expected to open to the public in 2025.
Owned by the Lichfield District Council, the centre will offer a range of amenities and will replace the ageing Friary Grange leisure centre.
Facilities will include a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool with movable floor and poolside seating and changing. There will also be a 80-station fitness gym. Outdoor facilities will include a full-size 3G pitch and changing rooms.
The leisure centre is being designed by ReCreation, a company founded by British Olympians. To read more about ReCreation, see a full interview on pages 30-34.
The area is operated from the Surrey Docks Fitness and Watersports Centre PHOTO:
The groundbreaking event was attended by two-time Olympic gold medal winner, Rebecca Adlington OBE
MSK Hubs patients experience ‘noticeable improvement’
Nearly half (44%) of participants in a nationwide pilot – to test how gyms and leisure centres could act as musculoskeletal (MSK) treatment hubs – reported a “noticeable improvement” in their condition after attending sessions for 12 weeks.
The MSK Hub pilot involved 1,631 participants across 94 sites from April 2022 to March 2024.
Fifteen leisure operators hosted personalised physical activity sessions focused on progressive exercise rehabilitation and education around how to maintain mobility, reduce pain, and improve health before and after surgery.
Participants were supported by instructors both in person and via tailored online guidance for their exercises, whether in the gym, studio, community space or pool.
In total, 11,785 physical activity sessions were delivered during the pilot, which formed part of an industrial research project funded
by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as part of the Government’s Healthy Ageing Challenge (HAC).
The HAC was set up to investigate the feasibility of using gyms and leisure centres to reduce the burden on the healthcare system by supporting people to manage their conditions through exercise in a community-based setting.
The data showing the success of the programme comes from an evaluation report published this week, titled ‘Transforming gyms into community MSK Hubs’.
According to the report, for every £1 invested in the pilot created £5.30 in total social value.
The ‘MSK Hubs’ model behind the pilot was designed and provided in collaboration between ukactive, Good Boost, Orthopaedic Research UK, ESCAPE-pain, and Arthritis Action, each of which provided services to ensure a flexible offer for users and facilities.
Proton can be easily adjusted
Wattbike launches affordable smart bike, Proton
Indoor cycling specialist, Wattbike, has launched its new Proton bike.
Priced at £1,795, Proton will be marketed as an accessible and versatile smart bike designed to bring Wattbike’s technology and free training app to a broader audience.
The Wattbike Proton can be easily and extensively adjusted without the use of tools, allowing users to customise their position and optimise their workouts according to their individual training goals.
Proton will also offer access to Wattbike Hub, a subscriptionfree app for Wattbike users that controls the bike’s resistance and guides users through every workout.
Content on the Wattbike Hub has been overhauled as part of the launch, including new workouts tailored for runners and an enhanced user experience. Proton also integrates with other major apps, including Strava, Rouvy and Zwift.
According to Stephen Loftus, CEO of Wattbike, the launch will make indoor cycling more accessible. “With the Proton, Wattbike is introducing our proven fitness and training technology to a broader home audience, he said.
“Its quick and easily adjusted features, expanded free Wattbike Hub training app and competitive pricing makes our world-class training more accessible than ever.”
The pilot delivered 11,785 physical activity session
PHOTO: PEXELS.COM/RDNE STOCK PROJECT
PHOTO: WATTBIKE
news & trends
NFD
offered a toolkit for operators
NFD research:
Youth of today are “much less active”
A survey of 2,071 people, commissioned by ukactive and conducted by Savanta, found more than half of UK adults (56%) think the youth of today are less active now than when they were children. The figure rises to 73% for 55- to 74-year-olds and 75% for those aged 75 or over.
The findings revealed that almost three in five adults (57%) are increasingly concerned that the health and physical activity levels of young people are deteriorating. In a separate poll from ukactive and kids’ insight agency, Beano Brain, just 37% of children agreed their parents are ‘fit and healthy’, suggesting that adults need to take a look at their own activity levels and the example they set.
The findings come as the nation celebrated the theme for National Fitness Day 2024, ‘Your Health is for Life’, which highlighted the importance of lifelong health and physical activity, no matter what your age, background or ability. As part of the campaign, thousands of free activities took place across the UK on 18 September at gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres, sports clubs, schools and workplaces, as well as online, to encourage more people to get moving. To find out more about National Fitness Day, visit www.nationalfitnessday.com.
Sector tells government: “There can be no growth without health”
The National Sector Partners Group (NSPG) has hosted a reception in Westminster to discuss the sport and physical activity sector’s agenda with MPs from across the new government.
Those attending the event included the new Sports Minister, Steph Peacock; Labour MP, Kim Leadbeater and a number of other leaders from across the sport, recreation and physical activity landscape.
Among the topics explored were the opportunities for the new Government to work with the physical activity sector and help make the UK the most active nation in Europe.
In a speech on behalf of the group, ukactive CEO, Huw Edwards, said: “As we start this new parliament, has the full power of sport, recreation, and physical activity been fully harnessed in our nation? Sadly, no.
“Can it be? 100% yes. That is why the NSPG is united and unapologetic in calling for this new parliament to match its ambition
to make this country the most active in Europe. We are currently joint-11th among 15 comparable nations so there is much to do.
“There can be no growth without health and our sector clearly has an essential role to play. The exciting opportunity this parliament has is to unlock the full potential of this sector – something previous parliaments haven’t achieved.
“The return on investment will deliver results for multiple departments, cross-Westminster. The leadership in this sector is fully committed to this, and if the political will matches this, then there is a real opportunity for positive change, renewal and growth.”
The NSPG includes Active Partnerships, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), the Local Government Association, the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the Sport for Development Coalition, the Youth Sport Trust and ukactive.
PHOTO: ALICK COTTERIL
The event was attended by the new Sports Minister, Steph Peacock
PHOTO: UKACTIVE
Industry insights
Fitronics Unveils Top-Tier Speakers for ConnectCX and Sports Course Summit 2024
Sports course management software specialist, Fitronics, has set the stage for an unforgettable experience with its top-tier lineup of speakers at the upcoming Sports Course Summit –powered by CoursePro – and ConnectCX event (in partnership with ProInsight). Taking place at Voco St John Hotel in Solihull, these events promise unparalleled insights and inspiration for industry professionals.
Sports
Course Summit 07 November 2024
Powered by CoursePro
Robert Larcome from Healthy Heads will delve into the crucial topic of children’s mental health, the significance of social value, and the key things to look for when coaching.
Pocket Rocket Group Director, Nick Mennell, a seasoned sport and fitness professional, will lead the discussion with the national governing bodies panel comprising guests from STA, Swim England and British Gymnastics. During the day, a CoursePro roadmap session will be held, highlighting product updates and new features coming down the line.
Suzanne Gabb, COO of Good Boost, will be offering insights on creating effective retention and growth strategies by using CoursePro data. Activity Alliance will
share invaluable insights on disability inclusion in sports.
The grand finale will feature a captivating interview with Myrtha Pools’ consultant and ex-British Olympic swimmer Kevin Burns, shedding light on diversity and overcoming challenges in sports, drawing from his groundbreaking journey as the first black swimmer to represent Great Britain at the 1976 Olympic Games.
● To secure your spot at the Sports Course Summit 2024 and be a part of these transformative discussions, register via fitronics.com/sports-course-summit-2024
ConnectCX 12 November 2024
In partnership with ProInsight, Fitronics will showcase innovative techniques and technologies to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Jill Spencer will provide key insights into industry metrics and trends, offering a glimpse into the future of customer-centric businesses.
Tamara Bailey, Customer Success Manager at HireBob.ai will delve into the realm of Artificial Intelligence and its game-changing impact on customer experiences. Darryl Lewis, CEO of Hollywood Bowl will provide an outside industry perspective on putting the customer at the heart of your business.
In addition to other guest speakers, Juan Cuesta, founder of Fitness CX and international speaker from Barcelona, will guide attendees on customer journey mapping to shape unforgettable fitness experiences. As the leisure industry evolves, mastering customer experience is paramount to standing out and thriving in the market. The ConnectCX summit provides a platform to elevate your business, surpass customer expectations, and carve a niche for yourself.
Learn how to cultivate a customer-centric culture, resolve service issues, enhance skills, and elevate satisfaction levels.
Don’t miss this opportunity to revolutionise your business
● Register now for ConnectCX 2024 via fitronics.com/connectcx-2024
news & trends
Could rehabilitation pilot reshape stroke care?
A pioneering trial has significantly increased rehabilitation opportunities for stroke survivors immediately following a stroke, paving the way for better recovery outcomes.
Facilitated by funding from the EPSRC’s (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) IAA (Impact Accelerator Account), the University of Strathclyde partnered with NHS Lanarkshire to launch the TechnologyEnriched Stroke Rehabilitation Hub at the University Hospital in Wishaw. Supported by power-assisted exercise specialists Innerva, the hub ensures patients meet new National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Currently, NHS stroke patients receive – on average – just 34 minutes of combined rehabilitation therapy per day – 14 minutes of physiotherapy, 13 minutes of occupational therapy and seven minutes of speech and language therapy. This falls far short of the new NICE guidelines, which recommend three hours of
daily therapy, five days a week.
The trial at the rehabilitation hub has almost tripled the daily rehabilitation time for patients, adding an average of 53 minutes of additional therapy, bringing the daily total to 87 minutes.
Dr Gillian Sweeney, an occupational therapist with NHS Lanarkshire and
advanced practitioner for stroke rehabilitation, set up the hub and led the development of the trial. She said: “The results are extremely encouraging. Early findings show that the hub’s group sessions are both safe and effective and patients are receiving substantially more therapy.”
Zumtobel illuminates Tottenham Hotspur training centre
Lighting specialist Zumtobel has installed its LED solution at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre in Enfield, North London – one of the UK’s most impressive training grounds.
Zumtobel, having already forged a successful partnership with Tottenham Hotspur through the supply of over 77,000 luminaires for the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, was selected as the preferred lighting supplier for the Training Centre.
With a diverse range of luminaires, bespoke product development capabilities and installation expertise, Zumtobel was tasked with enhancing the Training Centre’s multifaceted environment at the intersection of sports, education, and architecture.
Zumtobel was heavily involved in the concept stage of the project, working closely with F3 Architects, Electro Tech Installations and EDP Environmental.
The trial has almost tripled the daily rehabilitation time for patients
Zumtobel was selected as the preferred lighting supplier
University of Southampton opens ‘largest gym in city’
The University of Southampton has opened its new Jubilee Sport and Recreation Centre extension.
Students, staff and the local community will all benefit from the expansion, which is part of a £40m investment in sport, recreation and wellbeing facilities.
The centre boasts a new large fitness suite featuring more than 200 exercise stations, making it one of the largest gyms in Southampton.
Designed with inclusivity at its core, the space also features the latest adaptive sport equipment, ensuring people of all abilities can train, compete and thrive.
The University Road expansion also includes:
• Three new squash courts, perfect for both casual players and competitive athletes
• Four new fitness studios designed to host the latest exercise classes
• A Technogym indoor cycling studio featuring the latest bikes
and interactive training sessions
• A dedicated climbing and bouldering wall perfect for climbers of all skill levels.
The centre will be used by local schools and will continue to host community leagues, fitness classes and wellness programmes, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources needed to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
University of Southampton President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark E. Smith, said: “This facility represents our unwavering commitment to fostering excellence in both academics and athletics. It’s a space where our students, staff, and the wider academic community can come together to pursue their passions, challenge their limits, and build a healthier future.
“I believe that this investment in Southampton Sport will not only enhance the university experience but also inspire the next generation of leaders – both on and off the field.”
Gamers will benefit from discounted access to 10 leisure centres
Esports gamers offered discounted gym memberships
Members of a gaming community in South Wales are being offered discounted memberships for the region’s leisure centres.
A partnership deal between Esports Wales and Leisure Lifestyle – which operates 10 leisure facilities on behalf of Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) – will see members of Caerphilly Esports Wales being offered the opportunity to sign up for a Leisure Lifestyle membership at a reduced corporate rate.
The collaboration has been set up to promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle for esports players.
Veterans get discounted leisure centre access
Oldham Council and Oldham Active have extended the support they offer to former armed forces personnel who want to remain physically active. Oldham Active has previously offered discounted memberships to local veterans in the region’s five leisure centres, but an increased level of support from the council now enables it to offer even greater discounts, including two months of free access.
The scheme will give Oldham’s veterans discounted access to a wide range of activities, including more than 150 group exercise classes and modern gym facilities.
PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
PHOTO:CAERPHILLY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL/PR GLOO
The centre will host fitness classes and wellness programmes
Breaking Barriers
Sarah Le Brocq Founder and Director
All About Obesity
The fitness industry has long been a space associated with ideals of peak physical fitness, lean bodies, and intense athleticism. While these attributes might appeal to some, this narrow definition of health and wellness has excluded many people – especially those living with obesity. For these individuals, the fitness industry is often an intimidating and unwelcoming environment, marked by stigma, judgment, and a lack of inclusivity.
As someone who has personally struggled with these issues, I know how damaging this can be. Growing up on the island of Jersey, I had a wonderful childhood. But as I entered puberty early, I began to feel different from the other girls. My body developed much earlier than theirs, and I started to fixate on my weight. By my early teens, I was already attending slimming groups and attempting very low-calorie diets.
A sample of 24,951 referrals, where obesity was identified as a medical condition, was analysed, showing an average weight loss of 10% over a typical 12-week period. In a second group of 94,650 referrals, which focused on weight measurements regardless of medical conditions, the average weight loss over 12 weeks was 2.9%. This suggests that when obesity is specifically selected as a condition at referral, the average weight loss is greater.
ReferAll
For those living with obesity, fitness spaces like gyms and even online communities are daunting. Rather than promoting health for everyone, these spaces tend to elevate a narrow standard of physical beauty – one that prioritises lean, muscular bodies and ignores the diversity of body types. As a result, many people living with obesity feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.
Here are a few reasons why the fitness industry remains a challenging space for people with obesity:
1. Body Shaming and Judgment: People with larger bodies often face judgment in gyms and fitness spaces. Unsolicited advice, stares, or outright ridicule can make working out a stressful experience.
2. Lack of Representation: When you don’t see people like yourself in advertisements, fitness classes, or even among the staff at a gym, it’s hard to feel that you belong.
3. Misguided Health Assumptions: The fitness world tends to promote the idea that health equals thinness. This narrow view ignores the complex factors –biological, psychological, societal – that contribute to obesity and overall health.
4. Equipment and Facility Limitations: Gyms are often not equipped with facilities designed for larger bodies. From small benches to narrow mats, these physical barriers add another layer of discomfort.
Creating an inclusive fitness industry
If we want to create an environment where everyone feels welcome in the fitness world, significant changes must be made. We need to shift the narrative so fitness is about health, mobility and mental wellbeing—not about achieving a specific body type. We also need to create accessible spaces, actively combat the stereotypes surrounding obesity and recognise the emotional toll that weight stigma takes on individuals. Building supportive communities in fitness spaces can help people feel more comfortable
news & trends
Goldex partners with Matrix Fitness for ladies-only gym
Goldex Fitness has launched a ladies-only gym in Sidcup, south-east London. The club is the second in the operator’s portfolio, following the opening of a unisex gym in Gillingham, Kent, which launched two years ago.
For the Sidcup opening, Goldex Fitness aimed to innovate beyond its traditional model and decided to cater to the rising demand for women-only fitness spaces.
Gavin Brar, New Business Director, said: “There weren’t many gyms in the area, so we saw a gap in the market. We wanted to create a specialised space for women, which would be a unique offering for the community.”
The gym has seen an immediate interest from women of all ages and abilities, with more than 1,000 memberships secured since the opening.
“The response has exceeded our expectations, validating the demand for a ladies-only facility,” Brar added. “We focus on breaking outdated stereotypes by providing comprehensive equipment designed to empower women in their fitness journeys without judgement.”
Designed as a space where women can focus on fitness without the fear of scrutiny, Goldex Sidcup aims to be a positive and supportive training area, featuring high-quality equipment and a welcoming design.
ukactive launches ‘Next Generation’ strategy focusing on young people
Physical activity industry body, ukactive, has launched its ‘Next Generation’ strategy for investing in the future of children and young people’s physical activity levels.
The strategy will seek to better understand the needs and demands of children and young people to support operators in encouraging participation in physical activity, as well ensuring children and young people are welcomed safely into facilities.
It will also seek to foster greater collaboration with industry partners to strengthen connections with schools and wider community provision, as well as supporting existing partner calls, including those from the Youth Sport Trust on the elevation of PE in school.
The launch of the strategy coincides with the publication of research by ukactive which shows how 40% of children want to be more physically active than they currently are – but some report spending six hours a day glued to their devices when
not at school. Based on a survey of more than 1,000 children and young people aged seven to 14, conducted with kids and family insight agency, Beano Brain, the research also showed how more than half of young people (53%) are using screens for more than three hours each day when not in school, with almost a quarter (24%) of 11 to 14-year-olds spending more than six hours a day on devices.
Almost a third (30%) of children and young people said they prefer to be physically active but not as part of a competition.
Girls in particular said being active with people they knew was important. More than half also valued having a supportive coach during activities (51%).
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “Children and young people are telling us they want to be more active and that they really value fun and varied activities in familiar, supported environments.”
The club is the second for Goldex
A third of children said they preferred organised activities
PHOTO: GOLDEX FITNESS
Current trend towards 360 Wellness further drives UK spa market
Bobby Griffiths General Manager UK Spa Association
The UK spa market is vastly profitable and, according to the most recent industry figures from a study by the UK Spa Association, is still growing substantially. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 37% of spa sites surveyed had upgraded their heat and thermal areas and 22% had invested in a renovation of their facilities. A further 29% are planning a renovation within the next 12 months.
If the pandemic had any positive effects, it was to focus everyone’s awareness on their health and quality of life. While some were lucky enough to find a new love or passion for fitness through lockdown, others have used a return to work to reassess their priorities, both in terms of time and money.
This has translated through to spa guests and in the way they now view spa days or spa memberships. It is now not a once a year treat, but a case of maintenance of health throughout the year. Guests are much more informed and more likely to invest in a selection of activities, which used to seem like a treat or a novelty.
For example, hot and cold therapies have become extremely popular and much more mainstream. This
People are more aware of the importance of wellness
Guests are now much more informed and more likely to invest in a selection of activities, which used to seem like a treat or a novelty
could be due to the benefits of them celebrated (and shared) by a number of “fitness gurus”, such as Richie Norton, The Body Coach and, of course, Wim Hof. Spa guests are now increasingly looking at integrating wellness-based classes into their spa day, with the premise that if they enjoy it they will then add this into a regular care routine once back at home.
Another popular trend to emerge recently is touchless treatments. These include infrared beds or cabins and massage beds, in which you can experience a full body massage without a therapist present. UKSA Survey figures report that an astonishing 45% of the spas surveyed had invested in at least one of these types of technology to add to their spa services menu.
So, what is next for spas? And will this appetite for a 360 approach to health within spas continue?
It’s certainly looking this way. Initial signs and industry data suggest the sector’s growth is showing no sign of slowing. Many spas are now pairing up with outside specialists in areas such as nutrition, sports science, psychology and mental health, as well as offering onsite services catering to body and mind. Some sites even offer basic medical procedures such as blood tests, blood pressure checks and other medical tests. With the challenges facing our NHS this could present a further opportunity for spas to become a one stop shop for all of our health needs.
As our industry continues to evolve and grow, it is becoming clear that guests are becoming more health conscious – which is to be welcomed and celebrated.
Event review
Innovation and insight at the London Aquatics Centre
FreeFlow, held on 5 September at London Aquatics Centre, provided a platform to explore the future of swimming and aquatics within the fitness and leisure sector. The event also had a strong emphasis on sustainability, technology, and inclusivity.
Co-hosted by Leisure DB, Hutchi, and Everyone Active, FreeFlow brought together the UK’s swimming and pool industry, showcasing discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities. The event kicked off with an inspiring introduction from Dame Rebecca Adlington, a double Olympic gold medallist, setting the tone for a day of forward-thinking discussions.
Dan Harrison, Partnership Manager at Leisure DB, followed with an exclusive overview of the newly launched State of the UK Swimming Industry Report 2024 (to download the report, visit: online.flippingbook. com/view/353936940/), shedding light on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities within the UK leisure and aquatics sector. His data-driven insights laid a solid foundation for the day’s discussions.
Achieving Net Zero – greener facilities
The first panel of the day focused on the critical and timely topic of Achieving Net Zero in leisure facilities. The panelists, including Lucy Findlay-Beale from Elevate, Keith Ashton from Space and Place, Andrew Crowley from OS GEN, and Mark Massetti from Watford Controls, explored innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption and promote environmental responsibility across the industry. The conversation highlighted how sustainability is becoming an essential pillar for the future of leisure centres and swimming pools.
The
Art of
Technology
Technology took centre stage in the Art of Tech panel, where industry leaders discussed cutting-edge solutions transforming the aquatic and fitness industries. Chris Hayes from SPATA led the discussion, followed by insightful contributions from Eyal Amit of Lynxight, Fiona Creswell from Hutchi, Ben Wilkins from Good Boost, and Marc Jones from CoursePro. Together, they demonstrated how technology, from AI-powered systems to personalised user experiences, is reshaping the way we interact with aquatic spaces, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving user engagement.
Networking and Innovation
The event provided ample opportunity for attendees to network, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. A dedicated networking break allowed professionals to connect, while Hutchi showcased its innovative 4m wide screen technology, offering attendees a firsthand look at how digital advancements can streamline operations and enrich user experiences with the likes of the digital, virtual Hydrohex workouts.
What is the Future of Swimming?
An engaging session on What is the Future of Swimming followed, led by Steve Parry MBE, former competitive swimmer and Olympic bronze medalist, alongside industry experts including Dave Candler from STA, Jo
Talbot from RLSS UK, Howard Harrison from Water Babies, and Andy Salmon from Swim England. The panel delved into the future of swimming programs, focusing on enhancing participation, safety, and the overall experience of water-based activities. A key theme of the discussion was how to make swimming “cool” again to drive greater participation among younger generations and the importance of data sharing within the newly formed Swimming Alliance to future-proof the sport.
The Power of Language for Inclusive Fitness
The closing session, The Power of Language for Inclusive Fitness, led by Fiona Creswell from Hutchi and Sarah Le Brocq from All About Obesity, was a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of how language shapes inclusivity in fitness environments. Both speakers emphasised the importance of using language that fosters accessibility, creates welcoming spaces for people of all abilities and backgrounds, and promotes positive body image.
This session highlighted the need to shift the narrative in the fitness sector—away from narrow ideals of fitness perfection and towards a more inclusive culture that celebrates movement, health, and community for everyone. Whether through marketing materials, customer interactions, or instructor training, Creswell and Le Brocq made it clear that language plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of fitness and belonging.
FreeFlow was supported by the following companies and organisations:
■ Alliance Leisure
■ Les Mills UK (LMUK)
■ PSLT Limited
■ CoursePro
■ Hutchi
■ Good Boost
■ Lynxight
■ Leisure Energy
Looking Ahead
■ OS Generation
■ Prospec Limited
■ Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)
■ Ruth Lee Ltd
■ SPATA
■ STA
■ Water Babies Ltd
The FreeFlow Swimming Conference set a new standard for industry events, combining insightful discussions, innovative solutions, and a collaborative spirit. As the leisure and fitness industry continues to evolve, the key takeaways from this event— sustainability, technological innovation, and inclusivity— will remain at the forefront of future progress.
“This event marked just the beginning of an ongoing conversation about how we can collectively drive the swimming and aquatic sectors toward a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future.” said Dan Harrison from Leisure DB.
Celebrating excellence
This year’s ukactive Awards, sponsored by STA, saw winners being picked and celebrated across 16 categories that covered operators, suppliers and individuals.
The winners of the ukactive Awards 2024 were revealed during a ceremony attended by more than 800 people from across the physical activity sector
Everyone Active was among the big winners this year, as it claimed the coveted National Club/Centre of the Year Award for its Silksworth Community Pool Tennis and Wellness Centre, as well as three Regional Club of the Year awards, and Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award.
Another was Brimhams Active, being recognised for its wide-ranging inclusion work by picking up the award for the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion category, as well as the Healthy Communities Award for making health an integral part of the way it operates.
The New Build or Design of the Year Award went to GT3 Architects for its work constructing
PHOTO: UKACTIVE
the £21m Morpeth Sports & Leisure Centre in partnership with Northumberland County Council and Active Northumberland. The judges praised the development for its consideration of the environment and praised GT3 for making the site accessible to all those in the area.
GT3’s Paul Reed, who headed the Morpeth project, said the Morpeth Leisure Centre was designed with a sense of civic grandeur befitting of its place within a historic market town in Northumberland.
“We worked closely with Advance Northumberland – the development arm of Northumberland County Council responsible for regeneration – to ensure the design responded to its surroundings,” Reed said. “We wanted the scheme to feel like an extension of the town centre, so we included small details such as a view from the glazed pool hall directly down the high street.”
Individual brilliance
For the individual awards, there was loud applause for Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA, who received the Jan Spaticchia Special Recognition Award for the huge impact she has within the industry. Chosen ahead of fellow finalists, Carolyn Hallam (Health
and Wellbeing Manager, Serco) and Sarah Roberts (Head of Fitness, PFP Leisure), Dillon was credited for her unrelenting ambition to ensure that the physical activity sector has a valued and inclusive workforce to help people be more active.
Dillon said: “I’m absolutely honoured and humbled to receive this award. It is a privilege to be nominated alongside Carolyn and Sarah who both contribute so phenomenally to our sector. This all-female line-up shows the immense impact that women are making to the leadership of our sector.
“I’m tremendously proud to be able to work on behalf of, and with, the amazingly talented sport and physical activity workforce, championing the incredible impact that they have on so many lives and communities. I’m indebted to colleagues and friends across the sector for their support and the fact that they have embraced the collaborative approach that underpins and continues to drive CIMSPA and the work that we do.
“The catalyst for that work is the passion and commitment that we see every day from professionals in leisure centres, gyms, pools, community centres, clubs, schools, colleges and universities, sports fields, parks and countless other
The awards were hosted by Professor Greg Whyte (bottom left) and comedian, Esther Manito (top left)
The event attracted more than 800 pofessionals from across the sector
venues. That’s why I’m so determined to achieve greater recognition of them and our sector more broadly through the work that we do at CIMSPA.
“I want to thank the brilliant CIMSPA team for their support and dedication, it’s a pleasure to lead them and be part of the fantastic culture that we’ve collectively developed.
“Our sector has never been more important in addressing the significant challenges that our country is facing in relation to health and economic growth, and I’ll continue to work to ensure that our potential is fully realised.”
Lorraine Patrinos, People Director at GLL, also received a big round of applause as she was named the winner of the Outstanding Individual Leader Award for her work in designing, driving and implementing organisation change projects for major business impact. The judges had praised her work to support employees across the entire organisation.
Meanwhile, Danii Vipond Houghton, Better Health manager at GLL, took home the Physical Activity Hero Award for her ongoing commitment to inspiring participation among people who do not think being active is for them. Danii’s nomination credited her for bringing more than 5,000 new people through the door, achieving more than 400 Healthwise referrals, and raising over £150,000 in funding towards the sustainability of the leisure services.
Best of the best Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “Congratulations to the winners of the ukactive Awards 2024 for your incredible achievements this year and for representing our sector so well. We have one of the most competitive sectors in the world, but beyond this year’s bragging rights, these awards show the fantastic progress our sector is making to grow our impact, supporting a healthier, happier nation.
“This year’s finalists are excellent examples of how our sector works tirelessly, day in and day out, to ensure all communities can access and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Thank you to all of the entrants, the finalists, the winners and our sponsors for helping us to celebrate our wonderful sector.”
The awards were again sponsored by STA. Dave Candler, CEO of STA, said: “It was fantastic to celebrate all of the industry’s achievements at the ukactive awards this year and to be able to play our part as headline sponsor for a second year. We saw outstanding examples of leadership, creativity, innovation, diversity, and excellence from all the finalists and winners, proving how amazingly talented and resilient the physical activity sector is.
“Congratulations to all the winning individuals, teams, and organisations who have all made such a significantly positive impact on people’s health and well-being over the last 12 months.”
REGIONAL CLUB/CENTRE OF THE YEAR
WINNER: North
Everyone Active – Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre FINALISTS:
Everyone Active – Redcar Leisure Centre
Ribby Hall – The Health Club Ribby Hall Village
Everyone Active – Wythenshawe Forum
Fusion Lifestyle – The City Baths‚ Newcastle
GLL – York Stadium Leisure Complex
WINNER: Midlands
Everyone Active – Hucknall Leisure Centre FINALISTS:
Branston Golf & Country Club
Everyone Active – Moorways Sports Village
Everyone Active – Whitwick & Coalville Leisure Centre
Serco – Northfield Leisure Centre
SLT Leisure – Sandwell Aquatics Centre
WINNER: London
Everyone Active – Flitwick Leisure Centre
FINALISTS:
Everyone Active – Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre
Foundry – Foundry North Kensington
GLL – Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex
GLL – Kentish Town Sports Centre
GLL – Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre
WINNER: South
Hilton – LivingWell Health Club Reading FINALISTS:
Alive West Norfolk – Alive Lynnsport
Everyone Active – Chilterns Lifestyle Centre
Everyone Active – Winchester Sport & Leisure Park
Active Life – Herons Leisure Centre
GLL – Donyngs Leisure Centre
WINNER: Northern Ireland & Wales
Antrim and Newtownabbey – Ballyearl
Arts and Leisure Centre
FINALISTS:
DLL (Denbighshire Leisure Ltd) – Club Rhyl
Freedom Leisure – Brecon Leisure Centre
Freedom Leisure – LC Swansea
Freedom Leisure – Wrexham Waterworld
GLL – Girdwood Community Hub
WINNER: Scotland
Edinburgh Leisure – Gracemount Leisure Centre
FINALIST:
Douglas Sports Centre – Douglas Sports Centre
The full list of winners and finalists of the 2024 ukactive Awards
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
WINNER:
Good Boost
FINALISTS:
Active IQ
Fitco Retail
myFitApp
Perfectgym Solutions
Risk HQ
ServiceSport UK
Xplor Gym
NEW BUILD OR DESIGN OF THE YEAR
WINNER:
GT3 Architects
FINALISTS:
Alliance Leisure – DCC
Alliance Leisure – LBBD
Future Studios
GLL
Sandwell MBC
Serco Leisure
University of Portsmouth
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION AWARD
WINNER: Brimhams Active
FINALISTS:
Everyone Active – Westgate Leisure Centre
Everyone Active S L M
Freedom Leisure
Freedom Leisure (LGBTQIA+ Badminton)
Life Leisure
Places Leisure
Sport Aberdeen
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES AWARD
WINNER: Brimhams Active
FINALISTS:
Actif Sport & Leisure
DLL (Denbighshire Leisure Ltd)
Everyone Active
Fulham Reach Boat Club
Fusion Lifestyle
Horizon Leisure Trust
Liverpool City Council
Hucknall Leisure Centre
ORGANISATION INNOVATION AWARD
WINNER:
Jubilee Hall Trust and Central YMCA
FINALISTS:
DLL (Denbighshire Leisure Ltd)
Egym UK Ltd
Les Mills UK
Mavericks Life Co.
Pure Energy Go
Serco Leisure – Lilleshall
House & Gardens
Serco Leisure –
Serco Leisure
MARKETING CAMPAIGN AWARD
WINNER:
Inverclyde Leisure
FINALISTS:
Alliance Leisure with Southwark Council
BPL (Barnsley
Premier Leisure)
DLL (Denbighshire Leisure Ltd)
Halo Leisure
Life Leisure
Serco Leisure
Operating Limited University of Leeds
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AWARD
WINNER: Parkwood Leisure
FINALISTS: Brawn
Central YMCA (YMCA Awards)
Durham County Council
Snap Fitness
EDUCATION PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
WINNER:
Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)
FINALISTS:
Active IQ
Central YMCA
Freedom Leisure
Future Fit
OriGym Centre of Excellence
Study Active
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY HERO AWARD
WINNER:
Danii Vipond Haughton
FINALISTS:
Avril Clerkson
Dawn Page
Gina Macgregor
Helen Chidgey
Joe Hughes
Lisa Graham
Nicole Fox
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
WINNER: Lorraine Patrinos
FINALISTS:
Jacqui Tillman
Jamie Groves
Matt Wickham
Michael Hirst
Rowland Omamor
OUTSTANDING TEAM LEADERSHIP AWARD
WINNER:
InspireAll – swimming management leadership team:
Sarah Marsh, Will Brewer, Beth Hobday, Jacqui Price, Victoria St John-Mosse, Barry Ellis, Tony Straton
FINALISTS:
Active IQ senior leadership team
Alliance Leisure development board
DLL (Denbighshire Leisure Ltd) executive management team
Xcite West Lothian Leisure must win battles team
The Jubilee Hall Trust Leadership Team
BUCS – PHYSICAL ACTIVITY EXCELLENCE AWARD
WINNER:
Nottingham Trent University
FINALISTS:
Northumbria University University of Surrey
THE
JAN SPATICCHIA SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
WINNER:
Tara Dillon – CEO, CIMSPA
FINALISTS:
Carolyn Hallam – Health and Wellbeing Manager, Serco
Sarah Roberts – Head of Fitness, PFP Leisure
SWIMMING RECREATING
Three former Olympians have teamed up with a simple mission – to get more children swimming. Tom Walker speaks to Becky Adlington, Steve Parry and Adrian Turner and discovers how their venture could transform the way swimming pools and leisure centre are built in the UK
Since calling time on their elite swimming careers, three former Olympians – Steve Parry, Becky Adlington and Adrian Turner – have been busy working in grassroots swimming. The trio share a passionate belief: that every child should have the opportunity to learn and enjoy swimming.
Having retired from competitive swimming in 2005, Parry and Turner set up Total Swimming Group, which initially specialised in learn to swim sessions. In addition to swimming teaching and getting involved in campaigns such as Get Safe for Summer – run by Swim England (then called Amateur Swimming Association) – the company came up with an innovative concept. They began installing mobile (or temporary), swimming pools into local schools, often in sports halls, in a bid to help children learn to swim and understand water safety.
The concept led to one of Total Swimming’s most high-profile early projects, the delivery of the highly successful Pools 4 Schools programme. The initiative, sponsored by British Gas, saw temporary swimming pools being installed across England and enabled tens of thousands of children to learn to swim. Its success led the campaign to being recognised, in 2013, by then Prime Minister David Cameron with a Big Society Award.
“The focus of the Pools 4 Schools programme was to support young people in achieving the National
We built the pools in playgrounds, parks, in sports halls – everywhere we could
Curriculum target of swimming 25m (82ft) and to gain an understanding of water safety,” Parry recalls. “The results were excellent. Less than 20 per cent of children in some schools had previously met targets, but after one half term of lessons, 84 per cent in one year group achieved them.”
According to Turner, the idea to use temporary pools came from their experiences as high-performance athletes. “As elite swimmers, we had been spoiled by the venues we had the privilege of swimming at – such as the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, the Manchester Arena and a number of other major venues that had temporary pools installed in them,” Turner explains.
“We wondered whether we could take the concept – having these amazing, above-ground tanks – and deliver the same experience for children? So it was from that where the British
Gas Pools for Schools and the Mayor of London’s “Make a Splash” programme were born.”
Make a Splash was one of the Mayor’s flagship sports legacy programmes and brought mobile swimming pools to locations across London for 12 weeks at a time. The project was designed to increase participation in sport and physical activity and tackle social issues by locating the pools where they were most needed – such as schools and community sites.
Make a Splash was another campaign delivered in partnership with the ASA (now Swim England) and Thames Water and brought temporary pools to more than 40 venues across London.
“We built the pools in playgrounds, parks, in sports halls – everywhere we could,” Turner says. “In total, we taught around 60,000 children to swim in Pools for Schools.”
PHOTO: SWIM!
Swim! teaches more than 30,000 children to swim each week
ADDING TO THE TEAM
The innovative way that Total Swimming was providing opportunities for children was widely recognised across the aquatics sector. Those impressed with the company’s work included double-Olympic champion Becky Adlington who, shortly after London 2012 Olympic Games, was also looking to retire and work in grassroots.
“After London 2012, I really wanted to get involved in learn to swim programmes,” Adlington says. “I knew there wasn’t anyone better in the industry than Steve and Adrian, so I got in touch, we had a meeting and we decided to work together.”
As a result of that meeting, Adlington joined the business. Shortly after, in 2013, the company launched Becky Adlington Swimstars. Designed for 3-11 year olds, the programme teaches children to swim with an emphasis on fun and water safety. It ran in tandem with Total Swimming’s “own-branded” Total Swimming Academies, which also focused on 3-11 year-olds.
OPERATIONS MODE
It was the success of – and increasing interest in – the temporary pools that led the trio to become facility operators themselves.
“The pools were designed to be temporary, but everywhere we built them, we had councils, schools and any other organisations that we worked with,
starting to ask us whether we could build them to be more durable so they could last longer,” Turner says.
“Looking back, I don’t blame them. In fact, it was a bit sadistic what we did, building these amazing, safe and fun pools which children and communities fell in love with – and then we had to take them away. Also, we realised quickly that it simply wasn’t financially sustainable putting up these temporary pools. For each one we needed to secure separate funding. That’s when we started exploring whether we could make the pools permanent.”
As a result of the demand for pools that would stay in place longer, Total Swimming came up with a new business plan – to start operating its own facilities. It does this in two different ways under two different brands. Under the Swim! brand, the company designs and builds its own pools, then operates them as welcoming, family-friendly spaces. Each Swim! site is located in an existing building –often in business parks or industrial estates. Turner says that the emphasis of Swim! facilities is very much what is inside of them. Each Swim! Venue looks to create warm, air-conditioned spaces which are inviting and safe for kids. They also offer good coffee and USB ports – in other words, charging stations for both parents and their devices.
“From a design and construction perspective, most have a simple, steel-portal frame, so they
are crinkly metal buildings,” Turner says. “For our Swim! sites, it doesn’t really matter what they look like from the outside. Our focus is to make them warm, safe and inviting on the inside.”
Perhaps the main difference, however, is in the way the pool itself is constructed. “Each pool is above ground,” Turner says. “We then build everything around it - from the changing rooms to the viewing areas. We’ve learnt how to build lasting pools above ground over the years, which makes them considerably cheaper than digging a huge hole and building the pool that way. From a design point of view, we also recognise that the changing rooms are a big part of the experience for many. We aim to create a premium experience – which is pretty much the opposite you get at many of the ageing leisure centres and their changing villages around the country.
The plan is ambitious - to build 100 Swim! facilities within the next 10 years.
“We’ve so far built 12 swimming centres which we designed, built, own and operate ourselves,”
After London 2012, I really wanted to get involved in learn to swim programmes
joined the company in 2013
Parry adds. “So we’re only just getting started.”
The Swim! business sits alongside Total Swimming’s purely operator business, called Swim@, which utilises existing pools.
“We work with pool owners – such as schools – and we refurbish it, pay rent to operate it and, in exchange, look to secure a mediumterm contract, say five-years, to then deliver swimming lessons at the site,” Parry says.
“The service we deliver at Swim@ sites is pretty much exactly the same as the ones at the sites we’ve designed and built ourselves. The emphasis is on creating warm, safe and inviting spaces where entire families can come and learn to swim.”
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
The success of the temporary pools has also led to the launch of perhaps the most ambitious part of Total Swimming Group – ReCreation. Utilising the cost savings achieved by building swimming pools above ground, ReCreation’s USP is to design and deliver full-
PHOTO: GODSTOWE SCHOOL
Adlington
The pools we build are much faster to build, are more affordable and more environmentally friendly
service leisure centres at a considerably lower price.
It is widely accepted that the usual cost for a leisure facility with a 25m, six-lane swimming pool, a gym, exercise studios, changing rooms and other associated amenities ranges between £18m and £25m. ReCreation, however, promises to deliver exactly the same services at less than half of that – between £8 and £10m.
The cost-savings, Turner says, are achieved by a combination of the innovative pool designs and a laser-focus on sustainability by keeping things simple – by “only specifying what is needed by the local community”.
“When it comes to pool design, in the UK we have something of a Victorian hangover, which in turn probably comes from Roman times,” Turner says. “For decades, we’ve been obsessed with digging large cavities in the ground, pouring concrete into them for days on end and creating pools that way.
“The thing is, it’s a very energy-consumptive, toxic and cumbersome way of going about things – not to mention expensive. The pools we build are much faster to build, are more affordable, more environmentally friendly, use exactly the same plant as an in-ground
pool and, as an added plus, you can access all the pipework when it’s finished – so it’s easier to maintain.
“We also don’t want to automatically use Tier 1 contractors – who carry larger overheads – for our projects, because we aren’t building £25m facilities. For us, selecting the right contractors is key to not only keeping costs down, but to ensure the job is done by a specialist.
“Put simply, what we offer through ReCreation is a faster, better solution which offers the same outcomes – if not better – as the traditional pools we see around the country.”
SCALING UP
Turner highlights the example of a four-lane, 50m pool ReCreation built in the London Borough of Barking. The £2.5m facility is a community facility, but also attracts elite athletes – two of the Paralympians from Paris 2024 train at the venue.
“It only took us 11 months to build,” Turner says. “As a facility, it does exactly what a traditional 50m pool would do. It is a tile-edged pool, it has Olympicstandard starting blocks and the lane ropes and airhandling unit are the same as any other Olympic pool.”
“In fact, it was Barking that led us to look seriously at leisure centres,” Turner reveals, referencing discussions that it had with Everyone Active, which operates the Barking site.
“The Barking pool’s design included a district heating network, which means that it provides heat and power to 250 local homes. Everyone Active asked whether we could, if needed, replace that with a gym area.
“Our response was ‘of course’, the space could be filled with whatever is needed. That then led us getting involved – and ultimately designing and delivering – the Rainham Leisure Centre in Havering, Essex.”
Operated by Everyone Active and owned by Havering Borough Council, Rainham Leisure Centre features a 25m, six-lane pool, a 75-station gym, group fitness studio, an indoor cycling studio and a café. It replaced a distressed leisure centre built in the 1970s that was no longer fit for purpose and costing hundreds of thousands of pounds per year to operate.
“We fulfilled Havering council’s brief exactly as
desired,” Parry says. “The facility was to be built on a green space and was therefore designed to be ‘part of the park, not on the park’. We did this by building up the ground to the main entrance, incorporating new outdoor adult activity equipment, a new playground and even a new orchard to the north of the site.
“To help the local wildlife and achieve biodiversity net gain, we also added an orchard with 40 fruit trees and swift boxes into the brickwork itself to form homes for nesting birds. As a result the building achieved a BREEAM Excellent award.”
MAKING THINGS BETTER
The total cost of the Rainham Leisure Centre was around £8m – but, according to Turner, houses everything that a “typical” £25m facility would do. The successful delivery of the facility has led to huge interest from other local authorities and ReCreation is currently working on its next project, in Staffordshire.
“We’re now on site at Lichfield Leisure Centre
PHOTO: SWIM!
Swim! pools have been designed to be inviting to the entire family
Steve Parry (left) has been helping children learn to swim since 2005
We believe that if you create warm, safe environments which are inviting, people will return to be active in it
which will feature a six-lane 25m pool, an 80-station gym, indoor cycling studio, yoga studio and community space,” Turner says.
“It’s also got outdoor facilities – including a full-size 3G pitch and playground – as well as lots of EV and bicycle charging points. The total cost will be just under £12m, so probably half the cost of a ‘traditional’ leisure centre with exactly the same facilities.”
The potential of ReCreation’s concept – and its impact on the UK leisure, aquatics and sports facility infrastructure – is clear. There are currently more than 1,400 pools in the UK which are more than 40 years old, while three quarters (76%) of all pools were built before 2000 – making them 25 years old and nearing their end of life. Those pools will need replacing, but the cost of doing so is something many local authorities simply can’t afford. No wonder, then, that data from LeisureDB shows that in 2023 more pools closed than opened – for the 10th year running – which means that the number of pools is falling dramatically.
“Not only is the number of pools decreasing, but the population has increased significantly since 2000, which means there are more people wanting to swim,” Turner adds. “So it’s a bit of a perfect storm when it comes to swimming, as the demand for swimming is growing, but the supply is decreasing.”
Total Swimming Group
Through its different brands, the company teaches more than 30,000 children to swim each week.
BRANDS: Swim!
Designs, builds and operates swimming pools in existing buildings
Swim@
Operates swimming lessons on-site
Becky Adlington Swim Stars
Teaches 2,000 children to swim each week at Bannatyne Health Clubs
ReCreation
Designs and delivers pools and leisure centres.
Rainham Leisure Centre – ReCreation’s first full-service project
PHOTO:
PHOTO: SWIM!
There are now 12 Swim! sites across the UK
ReCreation is currently working on the Lichfield Leisure Centre
Could ReCreation’s cost-saving model to creating facilities be the answer?
“We truly believe this is a game changer,” Turner adds. “Let’s be honest, over the past 30 years, the entire system has been geared towards producing expensive facilities. One of the big reasons for that is that venues are often overspecified, partly because it is in the interests of professional services companies and consultants.
“Our view is that you can spend a lot of money on reception areas and facades,” Turner says. “You can make the exterior of the building look amazing and have a 75ft glazed atrium entrance which looks lovely – an architect’s dream. But people won’t get fit and healthy because of that. It’s not why they go swimming, or visit the gym.
“We believe that if you create warm, safe environments which are inviting, people will return to be active in it – whether it’s swimming or working out in a gym. So the savings we are able to achieve are partly culture and partly technology.
Turner adds, however, that being sensible and simple doesn’t mean “no frills” or budget.
“What we do is provide facilities that match the needs and requirements of the community which they are intended for,” he says. Which is, neatly, exactly the backdrop that compelled Parry, Adlington and Turner to start working together in the first place.
“When we first set out, we felt that there were things the aquatics industry could do better,” Turner says. “I think we’re on a path to doing that.”
ReCreation projects
Rainham Leisure Centre
Client: Havering London
Borough Council
Facilities:
25m 6-Lane Swimming Pool
75 Station Fitness Suite
Indoor cycling Studio
Dance/Yoga Studio
Cost: £8m
Dukeries Leisure Centre
Client: Newark & Sherwood
District Council
Facilities:
Five-lane 20m pool
viewing area
changing village
Cost: £3m
Becontree Heath Leisure
Centre, Dagenham
Client: Barking and Dagenham London
Borough Council
Facilities:
50m 4-Lane Swimming Pool
Changing Village
Cost: £2.5m
Lichfield Leisure Centre
Client: Lichfield
District Council
Facilities: 25m pool
80 station gym
dance hall
Indoor cycling studio
Community spaces
3G pitch
Cost: £11m
ReCreation partners
● Box Architects
● BWB - mechanical and electrical services
● GWB - PM-QS consultancy
● Adept - civil & structural engineering
● Astral Pool – swimming pools
● PMQS – construction solutions
