WellNation issue 3 2024

Report from this year’s Active Uprising event in London p28

Goole’s £17m health and wellbeing hub plans secure approval p7

news & trends in wellness, health & physical activity ISSUE 3 2024 www.well-nation.co.uk COVER PHOTO: UKACTIVE

CIMSPA

new

CIMSPA’s strategy looks to deliver “the recognition the sector deserves”

CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) has published its new strategy, which aims to deliver the “recognition that the physical activity sector workforce needs and deserves”.

Titled Releasing the Power of our Profession, the strategy sets out CIMSPA’s commitment to six system interventions. These are:

• Local skills plans / local skills delivery – Brokering supply and demand – the right training, delivered in the right place, at the right time, to the right people.

• National Training Academy/ education ecosystem – Harnessing skills legislation to increase the positive impact of our quality-assured education delivery ecosystem.

• Careers support – Continually improve the recruitment, training,

retention and support of a diverse and inclusive workforce.

• Business support hub –Enhancing business resilience and success for sector enterprises, with a focus on smaller employers and those in a startup phase.

• Workforce governance – Ensuring a professional, well-governed sport and activity workforce delivering safe and high-quality participation opportunities for all.

• UK sport and physical activity workforce skills observatory – Leading an exciting new sector capability. Research-informed decision-making: moving from insight to foresight.

“The strategy outlines a plan to achieve a vision where professional recognition is not a static milestone,” said CIMSPA Chief Executive, Tara Dillon.

The strategy aims to set out an achievable career path for everyone

Council secures £180,000 grant to save leisure centre

Amber Valley Borough Council has secured an £180,000 investment from Sport England, in order to provide a much-needed lifeline for Belper Leisure Centre, which had been at risk of closure.

The council successfully bid for grant support from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) after a private non-profit organisation, Trilogy Active Ltd, stepped in to prevent the imminent closure of Belper Leisure Centre.

Sport England approved the council’s application and allocated £180,930 towards the leisure centre’s revenue costs, which include things like utility bills and pool chemicals.

It represents a significant cash injection for the privately run sports centre, which was facing a closurethreatening £360,000 deficit just a few months before Trilogy Active took over.

The £180,000 Sport England grant, which comes from the nationwide £20m ‘Phase 1’ SPSF pot, is in addition to a separate, £150,000 investment

pledged to the centre this financial year by Amber Valley Borough Council.

The council is now applying for up to £1m in capital funding from Phase 2 of Sport England’s SPSF programme to be shared equally between the borough’s four leisure centres, three of which –in Heanor, Alfreton and Ripley – are

council run. If successful, Belper could therefore receive up to a further £250k to spend on energy-saving investment Chris Emmas-Williams, leader of Amber Valley Borough Council, said: “Sport England’s allocation gives the team at Belper Leisure Centre a superb chance of turning its fortunes around.”

Council offers food bank users free access to leisure centres

People using food banks are being offered free leisure activities thanks to an innovative local partnership aiming to boost the health and fitness of those most in need.

Cheltenham Borough Council’s #FeedCheltenham activity pass enables people who use local food banks and pantries to gain access to swimming sessions, gyms and health clubs, group exercise classes and soft play sessions.

The pass is supported by the NHS and run by the Borough Council, Feed Cheltenham Network and Cheltenham Trust. It gives people access to 12 free activities, in addition to a year of discounted access to pay-as-you-go activities.

Cheltenham Borough Council said the card has been a “great success” with more than 150 active users.

More than 150 people have benefited from the initiative

Rachael Vickers, Belper Leisure Centre Manager (left) with Amber Valley Borough Council Leader, Chris Emmas-Williams

PHOTO: AMBER VALLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL

PHOTO: CHELTENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL

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Allander Leisure Centre officially opens to the public

Allander Leisure Centre in Bearsden, north Glasgow, has officially opened to the public. The launch of the venue is the culmination of a £42.5m investment project which has transformed the sports and physical activity facilities in the area.

The centre features a 25m, eight-lane swimming pool and 20m training pool with movable floor, sauna and steam vitality room and a specialist hydrotherapy pool for use by people with learning disabilities, families with young babies and people with mobility issues.

There is also a large health club with a group cycling studio and low and high intensity exercise studios – to cater for all abilities.

Sports facilities include an eightcourt games hall, two squash courts and a large sports dome with two indoor football pitches and a tennis court.

Allander Leisure Centre also incorporates a support facility for adults with learning disabilities

– including dementia, rebound, sensory and physiotherapy treatment rooms, as well as arts and crafts, dance and music areas.

The centre is owned by East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC), which worked closely with partners – including the Leisure and Culture Trust, and the Health and Social Care Partnership – on the project.

McLaughlin & Harvey was the main contractor and architectural design was by Holmes Miller, with support from Doig+Smith, Brown + Wallace and planning consultancy Stantec.

EDC’s provost, Gillian Renwick, said: “The opening of this facility is the culmination of years of hard work, hopes, discussions and planning – involving patrons, partners, residents, community groups, councillors and officers.

“This facility represents a significant capital investment by the council, which will benefit generations of people from Bearsden and beyond.”

The new centre in Congleton

Pulse Fitness unveils new research and innovation centre

Fitness equipment manufacturer, Pulse Fitness, is transforming the company’s headquarters into a “dynamic hub” which will act both as a showroom gym for potential buyers, as well as a research and development centre.

Located in Congleton, Cheshire, the showroom will function as a live testing ground, allowing Pulse Fitness to gather valuable insights and feedback from users. The customer-centric approach is designed to help the company to enhance and refine its machines based on real-world usage and user preferences.

Total Gym launches women-only “clubin-club” concept

Total Fitness has launched a women-only concept called The Women’s Gym.

The new concept is based on “fostering empowerment” and delivering personalised fitness journeys, with exercisers being able to choose to work out either alone or with others. Women will also be able to chose whether they train in mirrored or mirror-free spaces.

The first Women’s Gym has now opened in Manchester, occupying a repurposed, vacant space at Total Fitness’ Whitefield club in Manchester. The gym has been set up as a club-in-club experience, with more sites to follow.

PHOTO: EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL

PHOTO: PULSE FITNESS

The centre features a 25m, eight-lane swimming pool

People news

PerformX Live 2024 reveals headline speakers

This year’s PerformX Live will feature Dr. Jonathan Leary, founder and CEO of Remedy Place, as its headline speaker.

Already a successful operation in the US, Remedy Place has ambitious expansion plans. The company’s innovative approach to wellness and self-care has been described as being “at the crossroads of design, holistic self-care, and human connection”.

Other speakers at the event include CEOs both in and outside the fitness

Ex-Gymshark chief named President of fit tech start-up Brawn

Former Gymshark chair, Paul Richardson, has been appointed President of fit-tech start-up Brawn.

Richardson’s appointment comes after he backed Brawn – marketed as the world’s first, connected community strength training platform – through a significant, seven-figure investment.

The investment will be used to further bolster Brawn’s capabilities at a critical stage of growth for the business. Brawn offers a B2B software solution for gym owners and personal trainers (PTs) to engage with customers who are early or new to strength training, lacking confidence, motivation and seeking guidance and purpose.

The community-focussed app connects members to their gym, PTs and fellow members who lift. For gym operators, Brawn allows them to replace whiteboards with digital gym floor challenges and offer new PT-led services including strength classes and small group strength coaching.

Sohail Rashid, CEO and Founder of Brawn, said: “We are pleased to

welcome Paul to the team at this important time for the business.

“Our mission is to make strength training more accessible and inclusive, providing people with the tools they need to improve their health and longevity. Gyms play a crucial part in enabling millions of people to have the space to exercise, but until now, there has been no digitalisation of the weight training area of the gym floor.

“Paul’s expertise in growing brands within the sector will be invaluable to us.”

sector – including Third Space, Soho House, UNTIL and GymBox – as well as industry pioneers, such as Emma Barry, Ian Mullane and Ollie Marchon.

Taking place on 21-22 March at London’s Tobacco Dock, PerformX Live’s theme for 2024 is “The Epicentre of Fitness Evolution”.

For more information about PerformX 2024 and to secure Early Bird tickets, please visit www.performxlive.com.

Freemotion appoints Pat Sullivan to drive corporate wellness

Freemotion Fitness, the commercial equipment arm of global fitness leader, iFIT, has appointed Pat Sullivan as Head of Subscription Sales as it continues to grow its foothold in the corporate wellness space.

An industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience in sport, fitness and wellness, Sullivan joins Freemotion from digital wellness company Kilo Health.

Sullivan will support Freemotion’s plans to expand in the corporate wellness space.

PerformX features talks on a wide range of topics across four stages

Paul Richardson (left) with Sohail Rashid (right)

PHOTO: PERFORMX LIVE

PHOTO: BRAWN

PHOTO: FREEMOTION

The centre will be turned into an active wellbeing hub

£17m Goole wellbeing hub project gets go-ahead

Plans have been approved to turn a leisure centre in East Yorkshire into an active wellbeing hub housing several services.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council approved for more than £17m to be spent on turning the existing Goole Leisure Centre into a “Goole Hub”.

The works will see the swimming pool and sports hall being retained and a health suite added.

The gym space on the first floor will be redesigned and will be “vastly improved”, which will result in an enhanced fitness offer. The first floor will also include a new atrium space.

New facilities at the centre will include a six-lane bowling alley and a learner pool.

In addition, Goole Library and Customer Service Centre will relocate to the Hub.

As part of plans to transform the venue from a traditional leisure centre into a hub offering a wide range of services, there will also be a

highly visible central core and café area and a “Tag Active and Play” area at the rear. The venue will also offer a new sensory area.

The leisure centre has now closed to the public and is expected to reopen in summer 2025.

Nick Coultish, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism, said : “This scheme is very exciting for Goole and will provide a wonderful new facility for the town, and for our East Riding Leisure members. I am absolutely delighted that work can now get under way on the site.

“We recognise the inconvenience that will be caused by the lengthy closure of East Riding Leisure Goole, but we promise that the wait will be worth it.

“A whole range of alternative arrangements are in place during the closure period, and we continue to work hard to ensure the best possible alternatives are made available. We will also communicate with residents and customers throughout the process.”

Santander’s new UK HQ opens wellbeing suite

Staff working at the new UK headquarters of global banking giant, Santander, will have access to premium fitness equipment thanks to a partnership deal between the company’s landlord and Dyaco UK.

Gym and fitness equipment provider, Dyaco, worked together with Unity Place, a new multi-purpose workplace destination in Milton Keynes – and purpose-built HQ of Santander – which opened in 2023.

Dyaco has provided the latest in fitness equipment for Unity Place’s new Wellbeing Suite.

The installation included a variety of high-quality cardio and strength products, such as treadmills, ellipticals, spin bikes, stair climbers, cable series and multi-stations for weight training.

As well as a gym space and dedicated group exercise areas, the Wellbeing Suite features a large outdoor terrace adjoining onto a walking wellness track.

Daniel Ward, Wellbeing Suite Manager at Unity Place, said: “The

Suite has been a great project to get up and running. It adds another great facility within the Unity Place building and we’re very excited to release memberships to the Unity Place patrons.

“The Dyaco UK team has been a great help. From 2D and 3D design,

to planning a complex install; from initial quote and order, it only took three weeks to fully install.

“The speed of service and consultative approach was why we partnered with Dyaco UK, and having a local supplier to the building was also a huge plus.”

Swim England to carry out ‘thorough’ review of SwimMark

Swim England is undertaking a ‘thorough’ review of its SwimMark accreditation programme and will be seeking the views of affiliated clubs, regions and key stakeholders. It will be the first in-depth evaluation of the programme since 2017 and is being carried out in light of feedback from the sport.

The outcome of the review will propose improvements and changes where appropriate for the benefit of clubs and volunteers.

SwimMark is Swim England’s quality mark for clubs and promotes high standards of governance, sustainability, safe practice and is viewed as a development tool for clubs. The review will look at the purpose of SwimMark, the strengths and weaknesses of the current process and what an accreditation programme should look like in the future.

The “full, thorough review” will involve all relevant stakeholders

PHOTO: SWIM ENGLAND

Premium gym equipment provider, Dyaco, worked together with Unity Place to fit out the Wellbeing Suite

PHOTO: DYACO UK

Precor signs trio of partnership deals to expand range

Fitness equipment giant, Precor, has signed three partnership deals as it looks to expand and refresh its product offering. The company has selected BeaverFit, one of the world’s largest suppliers of fitness equipment to US and NATO militaries, to design and manufacture a new functional training line. The partnership introduces more than 10 product options to Precor’s catalogue, designed to create purpose-built zones for functional exercises.

Commenting on the collaboration with Beaverfit, Adam Hubbard, Precor’s director of product and marketing, said: “BeaverFit’s extensive experience in developing purpose-built, functional training equipment that withstands the toughest environments, combined with their expertise in premium design and manufacturing, made them a perfect fit for Precor.

“They have been exceptional partners throughout the development process, and we are excited to introduce these new products to our customers this spring.”

Separately, Precor has entered into a partnership with Glutebuilder to introduce an all-new line of patent-pending glute training products. The collaboration combines the motion design of Arturo García López, Founder, and CEO of Glutebuilder, with Precor’s design engineering and manufacturing.

Launching in 2024, the Precor Glutebuilder Line features six products specifically tailored for glute training. Arturo García López is the principal inventor and designer of the products and Precor is the exclusive global distributor.

Dustin Grosz, CEO of Precor, said: “We’re delighted to partner with this esteemed brand and leverage Arturo’s groundbreaking developments.”

Thirdly, Precor has also strengthened its existing partnership with fitness technology and corporate health innovation specialist, Egym. The deal will see Egym integrate its tech with Precor’s third generation of connected consoles.

Precor has strengthened its existing partnership with Egym

news & trends

Three parks will be transformed

Health Parks project to improve residents’ wellbeing and fitness

Hailsham Town Council has become the latest local authority to set out to transform and improve its parks and open sapces, after taking part in a Health Parks project.

The Health Parks initiative looks to assess – in the form of a survey and a subsequent report – and then maximise community benefit from all parks and open spaces in terms of health and wellbeing.

The report produced as part of the initiative identified three key sites in the town – the Western Road Recreation Ground, Maurice Thornton Playing Field and Hailsham Country Park – which will now undergo improvements.

Projects include the replacement of outdoor gym equipment at the Western Road Recreation Ground (to be carried out this year); new peripheral pathways, shaded seating areas and a zip wire facility at the Maurice Thornton Play Field site – the latter having recently been completed).

Meanwhile, the creation of a fitness trail, additional seating and a picnic area is being proposed at Hailsham Country Park.

Town Clerk John Harrison said: “We agreed to participate in the Health Parks project, which is designed to maximise community benefit from green spaces in terms of health, fitness and wellbeing.”

The challenge started on 1 March

MPs begin ‘Fit for Office’ challenge following Westminster health checks

Politicians across the country have signed up to a new health challenge starting on 1 March, called ‘Fit for Office’, which encourages them to recognise the benefits of physical activity for themselves and the communities they serve.

More than 130 participants from around 50 offices have signed up for the month-long challenge so far, which will see MPs, Peers and their offices battle it out to be crowned Westminster’s ‘Physical Activity Champion’.

The challenge, organised by ukactive, the UK’s trade body for the physical activity sector, and supported by global fitness tracking provider Myzone, aims to raise awareness among policymakers of the benefits of physical activity for their own physical, mental and social wellbeing, and its importance to the nation’s health.

To complement the challenge, parliamentarians were invited to Westminster Gym, which is managed

by Jubilee Hall Trust, for a series of health checks with Dr Hussain AlZubaidi from ITV’s ‘This Morning’ programme, alongside Dr Shahnaz Hussain, Consultant Psychiatrist for Mental Health, and Dr Jo Fleming, NHS Health and Wellbeing Coach.

The sessions meant MPs, Peers and their staff could receive advice and simple steps within their workplace, to support their physical and mental health wellbeing. The doctors provided support with any ongoing physical ailments, as well as sharing techniques to establish habits to support and maintain health and wellbeing, with visitors encouraged to sign-up for the ‘Fit For Office’ challenge.

Participants in the challenge will be given a MZ-Switch heart rate monitor that measures their physical activity across the month, with the technology tracking ‘effort’ levels rather than volume or distance covered – ensuring the challenge can be enjoyed and accessed by all.

PHOTO: UKACTIVE

PHOTO: PEXELS.COM/CHRIS J MITCHELL

OUR

GOAL

IS

TO TACKLE

INACTIVITY

BY GETTING PEOPLE AWAY FROM THEIR DEVICES* AND OUTSIDE.

*WE’D LIKE TO MAKE AN EXCEPTION JUST THIS ONCE

CLICK HERE AND WE’LL SHOW YOU WHAT WE DO.

WE WORK CLOSELY WITH ACTIVE PARTNERSHIPS AND COMMUNITIES WE TACKLE INACTIVITY IN CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULTS WE BUILD AMAZING ACTIVITY ZONES AND ACCESSORISE EXISTING ONES

Serco and others told to stop using facial recognition

The UK’s data watchdog has ordered Serco Leisure, Serco Jersey and seven associated community leisure trusts to stop using facial recognition technology (FRT) and fingerprint scanning to monitor employee attendance.

An investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) found that Serco Leisure and the trusts have been “unlawfully processing” the biometric data of more than 2,000 employees at 38 leisure facilities for the purpose of attendance checks and subsequent payment for their time. According to the ICO, they failed to show why it is “necessary or proportionate” to use FRT and fingerprint scanning for this purpose, when there are “less intrusive” means available, such as ID cards or fobs.

ICO also said employees have not been proactively offered an alternative to having their faces and fingers scanned to clock in and out of their place of work, and it has been presented as a requirement in order to get paid.

The ICO said Serco did not fully consider the risks before introducing the tech

The ICO has now issued enforcement notices instructing Serco and the trusts to stop all processing of biometric data for monitoring employees’ attendance at work, as well as to destroy all biometric data they are not legally obliged to retain. This must be done within three months.

John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner, said: “Biometric data is wholly unique to a person so the risks of harm in the event of inaccuracies or a security breach are much greater – you can’t reset someone’s face or fingerprint like you can reset a password.”

Braintree council launches new health and wellbeing strategy

Braintree District Council has launched a new health and wellbeing strategy for its residents.

The new, five-year Livewell strategy sets out the council’s vision and plans to reduce health inequalities and improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life for children, families and adults.

Based on the six themes of the Livewell Model – which identifies interventions at key life stages: Start Well, Stay Well, Feel Well, Be Well, Age Well and Die Well – the strategy aims to build on the current foundations of the health and wellbeing provision in the district and identify any gaps which need to be filled.

Running from 2024 to 2028, the strategy also identifies local population needs, key priorities and what actions should be taken to reduce health inequalities and improve the wellbeing of residents. The plan aims to reduce health inequalities

PHOTO: BRAINTREE DISTRICT COUNCIL

Myzone ecosystem to enter Apple and Android platforms

Myzone’s popular heart rate training system will be available on Apple and Android smart watches from 13 March.

According to Myzone, making its system available on the two platforms will offer a more inclusive route into its ecosystem – and grow its global community further.

“By integrating with Apple and Android smart watches we reduce barriers to entry, helping gym operators encourage even more members to join the Myzone community,” said Myzone’s Global CEO, David Stalker.

“Until now, our own brand wearable devices have provided the only access route into our community, but that is now changing.

“Now, almost all gym members with a smart watch, working out in a Myzone powered training environment, will be able to reap the benefits of our effort driven connected fitness community.

From 13 March onwards, all existing

Myzone powered training zones in the UK will be able to activate MZ-Open.

Pairing an Apple or Android smart watch to Myzone has been made easy and, once activated, users have access to Myzone’s ecosystem providing accurate heart rate training, fitness tests, real-time feedback and access to the Myzone’s global community.

By scanning a QR code on screen with a smartphone, users can also join live gym boards and keep earning MEPs (Myzone Effort Points) whenever they move.

Myzone’s CTO, Leon Rudge, says: “Our product development is always driven by market need. In this case, gym operators were telling us, once people engage with Myzone they stay engaged but getting that initial buy-in can often be obstructed by the need to purchase a new wearable. We listened and now millions more gym goers around the world will be able to engage with Myzone.”

The centre’s gym has now reopened

First phase completed at Oakengates centre

Oakengates Leisure Centre in Telford has reopened its health club and gym, following the completion of phase one of the facility’s redevelopment project.

The gym was temporarily moved to the adjacent Tennis Centre while refurbishment work was carried out.

Works included improvements to the exterior of the building – which will make a “significant difference to the venue’s carbon footprint” – and the redecoration of the interior areas.

The next phase of the redevelopment includes essential maintenance work to the swimming pool, which is expected to be completed this summer (August 2024). The centre’s other facilities – sports hall, studio, 3G football pitch, track and tennis centre – will remain open throughout the duration of the works to the swimming pool. Oakengates Leisure Centre is owned by Telford & Wrekin Council.

Councillor Carolyn Healy, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, green spaces and leisure, said: “This planned investment will ensure that we are offering facilities to benefit the health and wellbeing of our residents. We continue to work towards our target of our operations to be carbon neutral by 2030. The work at Oakengates is part of a wider package of activity in our Carbon Neutral plan.”

Pairing smart watches with Myzone has been made easy

PHOTO:MYZONE

PHOTO: TELFORD & WREKIN COUNCIL

news & trends

Ireland’s first power-assisted exercise hub launches in County Mayo

Ireland’s first power-assisted exercise studio has opened at the Castle Leisure Club in Castlebar, County Mayo.

The Hello Good Life Health and Wellbeing Hub has been designed to help the older population and those with mobility issues to get physically active using power-assisted exercise for fitness, mental and social benefits.

The new facility is the brainchild of entrepreneur Martina Calvey, co-founder of the Hello GoodLife Health & Wellbeing company. Calvey launched the business with Seamus Davitt in 2023.

The hub at Castle Leisure Club comprises 12 pieces of power-assisted exercise equipment, supplied by specialist equipment company, Innerva.

Users can complete a 40-minute circuit using the 12 stations, which provide a safe and progressive full body workout.

Calvey – who draws inspiration from her own health challenges – said her vision is to enable and support the

establishment of Hello GoodLife Health & Wellbeing hubs across the county.

“There are people in communities who are not exercising, not because they are lazy, but because a safe exercise option is not accessible to them,” Calvey said.

“We need to make the offering more inclusive so everybody can benefit. With inclusive equipment, the new Hello Good Life Health and Wellbeing Hub removes barriers that might prevent people from exercising, such as age, joint pain, surgery history or muscle weakness.

The hub was opened by Hildegarde Naughton T.D., Ireland’s Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health and Wellbeing.

“I am really pleased to see this new facility officially open,” Naughton added.

“It will provide lots of opportunities for people to take part in physical activity, which is essential for maintaining our health and wellbeing.”

Risk HQ hosts first of a series of fitness sector partner events

Risk HQ – a risk management and health and safety consultant specialising in leisure – has hosted the first in a series of networking events designed to bring together those working in the fitness and physical activity sectors.

Held at The Padel Hub SL2 in Berkshire on 8 February, the event featured a group of suppliers and fitness industry experts, who used the opportunity to network and explore ways in which they can work closer in partnership to support the fitness sector. It also gave many people their first taste of padel, with expert input from the coaches at The Padel Hub.

The event saw representation from a number of organisations, including Love Recruitment, Future Fit, Independent Gyms, Brawn and Keiser.

Neil Adebowale, MD of Risk HQ said: “For us, partnerships are essential to the way we work.

“It is great to have so many other suppliers to the sector who share our passion in helping operators to thrive and finding ways to get more people more active. I personally love padel and have been playing for just over six months so I was really keen to share this brilliant sport with friends and partners. We are now looking at running more events throughout the year and will be inviting operators to participate at future events as well.”

The hub was opened by health minister, Hildegarde Naughton (left)

The event was held in Berkshire

PHOTO: INNERVA

PHOTO: RISK HQ

The service looks to promote healthy lifestyle choices

ABL Health to deliver Healthy Lives for Gloucester

Gloucestershire County Council has appointed ABL Health to deliver its Healthy Lifestyles service.

ABL, a community-based, behaviour change organisation, secured the £1.13 million contract to run the service for an initial five years, with the option to extend it for up to a further four years. As part of the contract, ABL will offer one-to-one coaching support to help people make a lifestyle change, such as increasing their physical activity levels, reducing alcohol, stopping smoking or managing their weight.

Since the Healthy Lifestyles service was first put in place in 2017, there has been an increase in weight management support available in the county, including the NHS Digital Weight Management offer. As a result, the service will change its weight management offer from a referral to Slimming World to focus on bespoke, targeted help for those people who face the greatest challenges in managing their weight.

Gloucester’s Healthy Lifestyles service for adults is

provided in addition to a £3.6 million healthier lifestyles service for children and families who want support to manage their weight, run by BeeZee Bodies.

Councillor Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “The major causes of early death are all linked to lifestyle factors such as smoking, too much alcohol, poor diet and not being active enough. A change in lifestyle can not only help people live longer, but to remain independent and in good health as they age.”

Holly McEneaney, Chief Operating Officer at ABL Health, said: “We believe in the power of making health in the community a priority and recognise that many people have barriers to achieving a healthy lifestyle.

“Our integrated wellbeing service will support the people of Gloucestershire to lose weight, get more active, drink less alcohol and stop smoking, as well as offering support to pregnant women to make lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet.”

Council ‘prioritises physical activity’ with strategy

The cabinet of Newark and Sherwood District Council has approved two major strategies relating to sport, physical activity and recreation.

As well as confirming an updated Sport and Recreation Facilities Strategy, the council has passed plans for a new Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sport Strategy, which will shape the future of the district’s outdoor pitches.

Both strategies include a commitment to work collaboratively with a range of key partners to maintain current access to facilities in all communities and to update facilities and provide new ones in the future based on evidence of need.

A full review of the current sports facility provision across the district has now been undertaken and is being used to identify those areas of need. The review of outdoor facilities has looked at what is available in the area for football, hockey, tennis, lawn bowls, rugby and cricket.

Councillor Susan Crosby, portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and leisure

at the council, said: “We have an on-going commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, part of that is to provide facilities that our residents can use to enjoy an active lifestyle.

“While there is no statutory requirement to deliver these facilities, the benefits to our residents and the

local economy make this a priority for the council. We want to increase access to sites that are currently not available to the general public so that provision can be optimised for all groups and communities. This will involve a lot of work for all the interested parties but will put our district in a great position.”

Les Mills and Fitness On Demand sign ‘groundbreaking’ deal

Fitness On Demand and Les Mills have signed a partnership deal designed to make it easier for health clubs, gyms and studios to create their own omnichannel fitness solutions.

Described as a “groundbreaking collaboration”, the arrangement will see Les Mills facility partners that do not yet offer a bespoke or branded fitness app for their members being able to utilise the Fitness On Demand platform, opening up the opportunity to begin delivering in-gym and athome content. The Fitness On Demand platform will also feature Les Mills content packages.

Andy Peat, CEO of Fitness On Demand, said: “Our collaboration with Les Mills is a positive step forwards and aligns perfectly with our mission to make fitness accessible to more people, empowering them to lead healthier lives.” The

PHOTO:

The strategies will shape the future of the district’s sports facilities

The UK's largest annual trade event dedicated to physical activity, health

Elevate 2024 registrations off to “record start”

Registration for this year’s Elevate event has got off to a record-breaking start.

In the first three days of registration opening, Elevate 2024 has already surpassed the number of registrations received in the first two weeks of the previous year.

Taking place from 12 to 13 June 2024, Elevate is a cross-sector event for the physical activity, sports therapy, performance and fitness sectors. The event’s exhibition and educational programme are free to attend. To register, visit: www.elevatearena.com

Global body, IHRSA, rebrands as Health & Fitness Association

Global fitness industry assocation, IHRSA (International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association) has rebranded.

The US-based organisation has renamed itself as the Health & Fitness Association. The move follows a 12-month project involving board members, stakeholders and brand strategy and brand marketing consultants.

“Our new name more readily reflects the amazing community of health and fitness leaders that we represent worldwide,” the organisation said in a statement.

Walsall Council adds BOX12 functional fitness studio to leisure centre

Walsall Council has invested in the transformation of an under-utilised office space into a dedicated, boxingbased boutique training facility at its Oak Park Active Living Centre.

The new studio space can accommodate up to 16 participants at any one time, all working out in a circuit style format, supported by digital coaching and exercise demonstrations.

The BOX12 sessions consist of 12 three-minute rounds, with a new round starting every three minutes, meaning there is no need to book, anyone can turn up and get started immediately.

People with their own boxing gloves are encouraged to bring them along to the sessions, however, those without should not fret as all equipment needed for the sessions is available free of charge.

Stuart Webb, Group Manager at Walsall Council, explains: “We were looking to create something special, something unique in the community that would inspire people to get active

and stay active. We wanted to obtain maximum impact and engagement for our £300,000 budget.”

The council worked with leisure development specialist, Alliance Leisure, on the project.

BOX12 was founded in 2019 and is the brainchild of best friends and entrepreneurs Jamie Cartwright, ‘SAS Who Dares Wins’ contestant in 2021 and Jon Eade, owners of Hatton Boxing.

“When the BOX12 studio was first tabled as an idea we were a little sceptical,” Webb added.

“It sounded interesting but we were struggling to understand how it might work as a ‘box within a box’ at Oak Park Active Living Centre. Our concerns were soon put to rest when Alliance hosted visits to an existing BOX12 facility located at Newcastle Under Lyme.

“We fell in love with the energy, fun and uniqueness of the experience and were convinced it would ignite a spark in the community and people.”

Elevate’s educational programme

PHOTO: ELEVATE/FUTURE FIT

The new BOX12 studio space can accommodate up to 16 participants

PHOTO: WALLSALL COUNCIL/ALLIANCE LEISURE

OFF and Westfield team up for corporate solution

The Original Fit Factory, which operates the corporate wellbeing solution Truconnect, has signed a deal with health and wellbeing company, Westfield Health. The partnership will see the Truconnect platform integrated into Westfield Health’s Active Spaces corporate wellness solution.

Together the businesses will explore opportunities to expand the platform across Westfield Health’s portfolio of wellbeing and insurance corporate clients – which as a collective includes 400,000 people and 9,000 businesses across the UK and Europe.

Enrolled businesses will have access to Truconnect’s collection of fitness programmes, health, wellbeing and nutrition resources. The workforce wellbeing solution is supported by a Corporate Dashboard which allows employers to view anonymous, aggregated analytics on the wellbeing of their customers and employees. It also features unique interactive functionalities designed to empower users to take control of their physical

and mental wellbeing together, with the capability for employers to roll out challenges across workforces. Employees can also create, complete and log their own workouts, while monitoring their mental health through the use of meditations, soundscapes and podcasts. Companies will also have

the option of a bespoke cloud-based, corporate gym management software solution developed by The Original Fit Factory. The service has been designed to streamline the delivery and provision of corporate fitness spaces for businesses and employees across Westfield Health’s client portfolio.

Buckinghamshire Council appoints Serco to run leisure services

Buckinghamshire Council has appointed Serco Leisure to run five of its leisure facilities. Serco and its partner, More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), will take on the running of Aqua Vale Swimming & Fitness Centre in Aylesbury, the Swan Pool & Leisure Centre in Buckingham, Evreham Sports Centre in Iver and Beacon Sports Centre and Theatre in Beaconsfield. They will also continue to run the Little Marlow Running Track. The five-year contract will start from 1 April 2024.

Brian Taylor, Chair of More Leisure Community Trust, said: “More Leisure Community Trust are looking forward to broadening their presence in Buckinghamshire having successfully operated Stoke Mandeville Stadium and Little Marlow Athletics Track since 2018. We are looking forward to working in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council.”

Serco will run five of Buckinghamshire Council’s leisure facilities

PHOTO: BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

The partnership will see the Truconnect platform integrated into Westfield Health’s Active Spaces

PHOTO: ORIGINAL FIT FACTORY

Optimum Nutrition sign partnership with McLaren

McLaren Racing has signed a deal which will see Optimum Nutrition become the official sports nutrition partner of its McLaren Formula 1 Team for the 2024 season and beyond.

With a key focus on the McLaren F1 Team drivers and pit crew, the partnership will see Optimum Nutrition support the team’s performance, health and wellbeing with scienceled sports nutrition products.

The deal comes at a time when the McLaren team is looking to build on its accomplishments during the 2023 season – which included breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest ever pit stop (a 1.80-second stop at the Qatar Grand Prix).

As part of the partnership, Optimum Nutrition branding will feature on the pit crew overalls and set-up kit, and the driver overalls of McLaren Formula 1 drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Matt Dennington, Executive Director, Partnerships & Accelerator, McLaren Racing, said: “We operate in a high performance environment

and our people are our most important asset, so it’s fantastic that Optimum Nutrition will support our continuous push for improvement and excellence across everything we do.”

Colin Westcott-Pitt, Global Chief Brand Officer, Glanbia Performance Nutrition, added: “Both McLaren and

Optimum Nutrition are dedicated to peak human performance and excellence so we are thrilled to be working together during the forthcoming F1 season.”

The 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship kicked off on 2 March at the Bahrain GP.

Young people “need more support” to find apprenticeships

There should be more support for young people to find entry-level apprenticeships in physical activity and sports coaching.

A nationwide charity, Coach Core, says that there has been a significant decline in the number of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds taking up apprenticeships, which can be a vital route into education and employment when others have closed.

Recent government figures show that, despite apprenticeship starts in England rising 7 per cent in the first quarter of 2023-24 (when compared to the year before), entry-level intermediate apprenticeship starts have declined by 2.5%. Coach Core says this is part of a “concerning trend”, which has seen the number of entry-level apprenticeships fall by 74% since 2015/16 – from 291,300 to 76,300.

Apprenticeships can empower young people

PHOTO: COACH CORE

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri is set to benefit from Optimum Nutrition’s products

PHOTO: OPTIMUM NUTRITION/MCLAREN RACING

Innovative Loughborough project to create jobs and make people healthier

A multi-million investment project to transform Loughborough will see 11 projects worth over £40 million being delivered over the next few years.

One of the key projects of the investment will be the Healthy and Innovative Loughborough initiative. Linked to Loughborough University, the scheme aims to create jobs, support new businesses, and make local people healthier.

Funded by a £2.46 million grant from Loughborough Town Deal, the project will use Loughborough University’s reputation and expertise in sports, research, entrepreneurship, and knowledge creation across five key areas:

• Attract new sporting organisations to Loughborough.

• Support local people with business ideas, entrepreneurship and overall growth.

• Encourage local residents to live active and healthy lives.

• Improve transport connectivity

between the train station, town centre, and Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park.

• Measure the success of Town Deal projects to make sure they’re delivering real, measurable benefits to local people.

There are also five core projects which will support the development of new infrastructure and enhance the overall health and wellbeing of the community.

One of these is the Active Healthy Living Project, which focuses on research-based ways to improve the health and wellbeing of the local community in Loughborough by increasing engagement in physical activity.

The other four include an expansion of the university’s SportPark Pavilion 4; a new “Business Wayfinder” scheme; an “Impact Hub” which will help plan for future developments; and a project to improve transport connections around Loughborough.

ServiceSport partners with Upholstery2u

ServiceSport UK has expanded its range of gym equipment maintenance services by signing a partnership deal with Upholstery2u.

The deal will see Upholstery2u work together with ServiceSport to provide the latter’s commercial gym clients with an “enhanced and comprehensive range of services”.

Michael Ellis, commercial director for ServiceSport UK, said: “By leveraging Upholstery2u’s specialised knowledge, we can now offer a complete solution, from servicing and repairing commercial gym equipment to expert upholstery repairs.

Parkwood Leisure completes £700,000 gym refurbishments

Leisure management company, Parkwood Leisure, has completed upgrades of fitness facilities at three leisure centres that it operates on behalf of Cherwell District Council. The investment in Bicester, Spiceball and Kidlington & Gosford Leisure Centres are worth £700,000 in total.

At each centre, gyms have been upgraded to feature modern equipment, redesigned layouts, and a refreshed fitness environment. The single largest investment was made at Spiceball Leisure Centre in Banbury, which received £300,000 with an additional £30,000 invested in indoor bikes.

The SportPark Pavilion 4 is set to be expanded under the project

PHOTO: LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY/DAVID MORELY ARCHITECTS

Michael Ellis (left), ServiceSport, with Michael Boyle, Upholstery2u

TRUST IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Leisure trust, Mytime Active, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. WellNation speaks to CEO, Jason Stanton and two of his team members – Debra Weekes and Diane Friday – who have been with the trust since its inception

Mytime Active, a leisure trust which operates facilities on behalf of local authorities, was founded as Bromley Mytime back in 2004. Historically, leisure services sat within Bromley Council alongside libraries, parks and open spaces, but the management of the local authority’s leisure centres had previously been outsourced to private companies, including Serco and DC Leisure.

On 1 February 2004, Bromley Council established Bromley Mytime as a social enterprise, amalgamating all the leisure services under one “roof”. The services included a range of facilities, from The Spa at Beckenham, The Pavilion and Walnuts and West Wickham leisure centres to the dual-use sites the council were still managing. There were also two golf courses, civic halls, sports and arts development projects, play facilities and childcare services – so quite a mix.

How did those first years as a standalone social enterprise influence what Mytime Active offers today?

Debra Weekes, Mytime Active’s Partnership Manager: “We realised early on that the programmes needed development to meet the needs of the local community. For example, we inherited a very small programme of activities for the over 60s from DC Leisure. In 2007 it only offered three or four activities at a handful of sites. As a result, we only had 79 members over the age of 60, despite Bromley having an ageing population.

“In 2008 we started a Sport England-funded Active Ageing programme and recruited Ann Wilbourn as Primetime Manager. Ann researched what activities older people enjoy and created our buddies scheme (where older people volunteer to support our Primetime members). Primetime now offers more than 100 activities a week to more than 2,500 members.

Jason Stanton, Diane Friday (middle) and Debra Weekes

ALL PHOTOS: MYTIME ACTIVE

We look at the personal wellbeing factor of residents and then aspire to make it significantly higher for those using our services

“At Bromley Council I managed our health programmes, Fresh Start and HeartSmart for people with medical conditions, which have thrived within Mytime Active. Since our inception we’ve had amazing exercise specialists working in our health team.

“The fact the team has worked together for a long time and programmes are well established, gives a consistency of approach. Our team is trusted in their field and have a place at the table where fitness and sport often aren’t included; highlighted by our relationship with the newly developed Local Care Partnership, One Bromley. We will be supporting One Bromley with the management of a Health Hub in The Glades shopping centre, where we will be offering free Vital 5 lifestyle advice.”

What makes Mytime Active stand out among other leisure providers?

Jason Stanton: “The biggest difference is that we judge our success by improving the wellbeing of our members and compare it to residents in our communities. We are measuring the wellbeing impact of our services via the Office of National Statistics.

“We look at the personal wellbeing factor of residents and then aspire to make it significantly higher for those using our services. We began this approach in April 2022 as an integral element of our new strategy.

“Our initial results show that our members have up to a 13% higher wellbeing factor than residents. I’m exceptionally proud of our initial impact. We

want to push this further by growing the reach of our on-site and particularly our community-driven programmes, which are really important to us.

“As physical activity and leisure faces increased financial challenges, many operators want to focus on building big gyms, because that’s what makes commercial sense. More marginal programmes are often dropped because they’re not profitable, but I’m keen to dial them up, otherwise you don’t serve the whole community.

“Some of our health inequality programmes are profitable, some break even, some lose money, but we’re willing to invest in them anyway. If we cut every programme that doesn’t give a return, we would be a very different organisation.

“We don’t want transactional relationships. We want our customers to get more from us than just using the gym. A leisure centre should be a community hub. I don’t care whether people workout, play dominoes or buy a coffee – at one of our golf clubs we even have a knit and natter group!”

Has Mytime Active always been health focused?

Diane Friday, Active Lifestyles Programme Manager: “Yes, when we became Bromley Mytime in 2004 we were initially three separate divisions; health, leisure and golf, but these have now been integrated to streamline both staff and services.

“Our health contracts have changed a lot over the years though. Currently they are funded for 12 sessions and act as a stepping stone. Our goal is to integrate participants into regular services, so they have the confidence to come to the gym by themselves, knowing what’s going to help with their condition and what not to do. “Our job is to educate them on the benefits of physical activity and lifestyle changes so they can then self-manage, although we also offer long-term health programmes for people that need on-going support.

“People come because our staff have knowledge and empathy; they’re interested in their lives and helping them to get better. That's key, I think. I still cover sessions occasionally; it’s so rewarding to see people in the gym who nervously came on our Fresh Start programme 15 years ago and are still members today!”

Tell us about the strategy you’ve launched to support community engagement:

Jason: “We developed our Theory of Change to drive the improved wellbeing of our members. It’s all linked around four key pathways; Eat Well, Be Together, Be Positive and Be Active.

“For example, if 10-year-old Johnny attends swimming lessons, he’s on our be active pathway. When he comes out hungry, we want to offer him a healthy food option so he can eat well.

Mytime Active runs activities for people of all ages

Mytime runs the award-winning Golf on Referral scheme

“Be Positive, meanwhile, is how we reward and acknowledge his swimming achievements and Be Together is the friends he makes during his lessons and the opportunities we provide to reinforce those friendships – such as a free swim during the holidays so he can go with his friends.”

What initiative are you most proud of?

Jason: “I joined Mytime Active eight years ago, looking after the golf estate. During my interview the CEO said ‘I'm not interested in making money out of golf, because I know we can do that. I’d like to know whether using our estate to play golf, participate in another activity or just for a social event improves a person’s wellbeing.’ So I decided to prove that we could do both.

“We partnered with England Golf and ukactive, and launched Golf on Referral, the first ever research backed, medically-proven GP referral pathway for golf, which won England Golf’s 2019 Innovation Award.

Rather than people just saying it makes them feel better, we will measure against their goals, so we can show what percentage actually achieve those goals

Mytime Active runs more than 20 locations

“We’re now trying to evaluate all our programmes for improved wellbeing, so they are all evidential. Rather than people just saying it makes them feel better, we will measure against their goals so we can show what percentage actually achieve those goals.”

You’re one of many long-serving employees – how has Mytime Active supported your career journey?

Diane: “My very first role in leisure was a Level 2 gym instructor at the Spa at Beckenham. When I saw the health programmes we were running I immediately wanted to work with people with medical conditions, teaching them how exercise could help them live more independently for longer. The things many of us take for granted some people can’t do or don’t want to try, because they’re in pain or worried it could make their condition worse.

“I helped out on the Fresh Start GP referral programme and gained my Level 3 GP referral course before moving into the health team,

We have a sport and leisure programme specifically for adults, young people and children with a learning disability called MyClub

where I completed cardiac rehab training for the Heart Smart initiative. Mytime Active provides lots of free opportunities to learn, I can now deliver NHS Health Checks and our ESCAPE-Pain programme, and so I’ve grown with the company, eventually becoming programme coordinator and then eight years ago programme manager.

What are you most proud of during your 20-year tenure?

Diane: “How we’ve adapted. Health contracting and commissioning has changed hugely, but the team has always managed to deliver a really good service, despite challenges. I’m also proud of how we’ve grown. For example, creating specific classes for people that have had a stroke or have neurological conditions, Tai Chi and movement classes for those with reduced mobility; each tailor-made for their condition.

“We have a sport and leisure programme specifically for adults, young people and children with a learning disability called MyClub too, which encourages communication, interaction and fun. And the health hub in the shopping centre, where our lifestyle advisors will be on hand to offer free advice on things such as blood pressure and height and weight measurements. Residents will also be able to access free one-to-one behaviour change support around alcohol and smoking cessation.”

What have been the highlights during your time at Mytime Active?

Debra: “During the last 14 years we’ve secured £3.45 million of grant funding to support the development of programmes and events. Since 2004 we’ve also managed Team Bromley entries into the London Youth Games, working with schools and sports clubs to put the teams together across many different sports.

“But working with amazing people over the years, many of whom are still around, has been a real highlight for me; experts in their field, great managers and people who have supported my development.

“My role as Partnerships Manager offers me huge variety. I’ve worked on so many impactful projects, with lots of great partners; no two years are ever the same. These factors, and knowing the work we do makes a positive difference, is why I’m still around!”

MyClub is aimed at those with disabilities

Mytime has created classes for specific needs

ACTIVE UPRISING

Izzy Wolridge, ukactive’s Events Manager, shares some of the key takeaways from Active Uprising, held in February

This year’s Active Uprising is perhaps best described as the day when the entire physical activity sector came together to focus on growth, development and improving the health of the nation. So much goes into organising events like this and it was a special moment to bring the sector together for a day of learning, exchanging of ideas and connecting with professionals.

From compelling keynote speeches to engaging breakout sessions, Active Uprising explored a wide range of topics under the overarching theme of ‘growth, development, and improving the health of the nation’.

Hearing from Government

Mike Farrar, the Chair of ukactive, opened the event with a speech which set the tone by addressing the pressing challenges our nation faces, the value of the sector and importance of collaborative efforts, to ensure physical activity is placed at the forefront of the health agenda.

Following Mike’s address, we then heard from the Minister for Sport, Stuart Andrew MP, who spoke about the Government’s ‘Get Active’ sport and physical activity strategy, where he outlined the goals for this plan and how our sector continues to play an integral role.

The session transitioned into a Q&A, with Huw Edwards, ukactive’s CEO, joining the Minister on stage, to dig deeper into the strategy and views of Government, which served as a reminder of our collective commitment to addressing physical inactivity and the issues it relates to.

Inspiring keynotes and messages: from Movember to Jill Scott

We were also delighted to have some top speakers joining us for the day to showcase the real importance of physical activity.

We heard from experts including Sarah Coghlan, Global Director, Men’s Health Promotion, who shared a poignant keynote that examined the critical topic of men’s mental

The ukactive team with some of the event speakers

ALL PHOTOS: UKACTIVE

The event explored a range of topics under the theme of ‘growth, development, and improving the health of the nation

Former Lioness Jill Scott was among the keynote speakers

The event’s breakout sessions offered attendees the opportunity to learn more about various projects

health and the amazing work, led by Movember, which continues to do such a stellar job to raise awareness on this important matter.

Further speakers included Dean Leak, a culture and leadership coach who spoke about cultivating a winning mindset and how working on your leadership attributes can help facilitate impactful change.

And the wonderful Jill Scott, former Lioness and Independent member of the Government’s National Physical Activity Taskforce joined Professor Greg Whyte on the main stage to finish off the day. During their insightful chat, Jill spoke about her own sporting career and experience of physical activity, the importance of resilience as a woman in sport, life post-retirement and her ambitions for her role on the Government’s taskforce.

Health panels and breakout sessions

The day also featured collaborative discussions including a health panel as well as breakout sessions for attendees to learn more about various projects happening across the sector.

“The NHS and leisure sector: what do we need

from each other” was a panel session chaired by Labour MP, Kim Leadbeater, which highlighted the urgency for cross sector collaboration when integrating the physical activity sector into the healthcare system. Key messages from the panel included the importance of agreeing on shared outcomes, highlighting the evidence of the health and cost benefits, and the necessity for sectors to align on the language and framework that is used.

A day to remember

We were delighted to bring the sector together to kickstart 2024 and hope this year’s Active Uprising conference provided you with many tangible learnings and insights.

As shown by this year’s theme and the conversations that took place, there’s never been a more important time to further this agenda and we’re looking forward to seeing how these outcomes can be put into practice in the year ahead.

Special thanks must also go to our co-headline partners Matrix, Precor and UK Research and Innovation, as well as our event partners for all the support in making Active Uprising 2024 possible.

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