January 2016
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
No 268 £3
St Peter’s is the main winner at annual awards By Christina Eccles
ST Peter’s Leisure Centre in Burnley was the big winner at the 2015 National Fitness Awards, in a night which saw clubs all over the country recognised for their achievements. The club scooped three awards at the event, organised by Script Events in partnership with Workout and headline sponsor Servicesport, including the top prize of the night – National Gym of the Year. The facility was also named Group Exercise Gym of the Year and Local Authority/Leisure Trust Gym of the Year at the awards, which took place at the Athena in Leicester, hosted by fitness entrepreneur Katie Bulmer-Cooke and Olympic swimmer Steve Parry. Head of operations at Burnley Leisure Neil Hutchinson, whose team also attended the daytime National Fitness Conference at the National Space Centre, said: “Congratulations on a great event and great conference. We had a fantastic time, especially winning three awards.” 2015 winners covered more of the country than ever before with others scooping a trophy including Northern Irish personal trainer Scott McGarry – crowned Gym Based Personal Trainer of the Year – Healthhaus in St Helier, named Newcomer of the Year, and
Dunfermline club Gym 64, who picked up the award for Regional Gym Scotland. Inspirational Zoey Wright from Penryn Campus Fitness Centre in Cornwall was also rewarded with the Member Achievement Award for her courage in battling a debilitating illness. Nathalie Le Mottee from Healthhaus added: “A huge congratulations to your team for putting on such a fantastic event. The speakers at the conference were really interesting and the awards night was spectacular!” National Fitness Awards’ event director Judith Halkerston added: “We are delighted with the feedback we've received from the inaugural National Fitness Conference and we’re already planning more events for 2016. “Also, congratulations to our very worthy winners and a big thank you to everyone who entered the awards this year and the 850 industry professionals, including short-listed gyms and our sponsors, who joined us to celebrate industry success and excellence at our biggest awards' ceremony to date. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.” For a full round up of all the winners and action from the 2015 National Fitness Awards and National Fitness Conference, see our special feature inside this issue.
Jean Ann is pictured with Kevin Scott from category sponsor Harlands Group and event hosts Katie Bulmer-Cooke and Steve Parry.
Lifetime award for Jean Ann LES Mills’ instructor experience director Jean Ann Marnoch won this year’s National Fitness Awards’ lifetime achievement trophy, awarded to an individual who has dedicated their life to the industry. Jean Ann, who was instrumental in the creation of the European Health and Fitness Association pan European standards for gym instructors and personal trainers, is also a former registrar of the UK Register of Exercise Professionals. She said: “It was such a huge surprise to win the Lifetime Achievement Award. “I had already presented an award
that Les Mills had sponsored for group exercise and could see the excitement and sheer joy of those that had won awards during the evening. “At no time did I think that I would be going back on stage as a recipient! “When I knew it was me the thoughts going through my head were: I so don’t deserve this, I’ve just been doing my jobs and what on earth am I going to say! As the reality set in over the evening those thoughts turned to delight and appreciation. Thank you – I had a great evening!”
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Former social club transformed into thriving business By Olivia Taylor AN inspirational gym owner is celebrating his success after transforming an old social club into a thriving business. Alex Hanvey was inspired to follow his dream and open AK Fitness in Seaton Delaval in Tyne and Wear when his wife sadly passed away last year. Alex said: “I used to manage a different gym and it’s always been a dream to own a gym and when my wife passed away it spurred me on to actually do something that I’ve always wanted to do.” The facility opened in October, six weeks after Alex purchased it, providing the local community with a range of resistance and cardio machines, a group exercise studio and a beauty room. Alex said: “There’s been no negativity at all. I didn’t think it would take off as well as it has, the feedback I’ve had has been good. “At first it was all about getting everything in and getting the doors open, but now I want people to come in and think wow.”
The social club when Alex bought it.
Daniel Whiston’s Dance Fit is a workout based around Salsa, Bollywood and Disco.
Ice champ launches DVD
AK Fitness opened in October. AK Fitness has a small close team that consists of Alex and four fitness instructors who are all heavily involved in the gym and helping members. Alex believes that gym managers should be as involved as they can, staying on the gym floor and being a friendly face for members to approach. He added: “Where I was in my previous job the owner was never actually there, but at this gym I want to be the opposite. I want to be the face of the gym, if members need anything I want them to be able to approach me no matter what.” The club has attracted over 380 members and 2016 looks to be even better with a healthy snack bar and a second studio set to be added to the facility to accommodate members. Have you recently opened a fitness facility? We’d love to know how it’s going. Email ot@scriptmedia.co.uk and you could appear in a future issue of the magazine.
THREE time Dancing on Ice champion Daniel Whiston has launched a new workout DVD. Daniel, who is also a trained fitness instructor, has created Daniel Whiston’s Dance Fit; a workout made up of three sections themed around Salsa, Bollywood and Disco. He said: “Fitness has been a huge passion of mine for as long as I can remember and it has been absolutely integral to all my work whether that has been ensuring my skating routines are absolutely top notch or more
recently working with members of the public to get them fit and healthy. “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to create my own workout DVD with routines entirely devised by myself based on what I know works. “Many of my Dancing on Ice partners enjoyed fantastic weight loss while getting fit with me for the shows and I am delighted I have been able to take that skill and transfer it to the fitness studio, or home, where people can have fun while losing inches at the same time.”
At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: ce@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk
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Team hopes to raise thousands with challenge A FITNESS team from Harrogate are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for Yorkshire Cancer Research by lifting 1m kilos in just 24 hours. The epic challenge, which will take place on March 12-13 next year, has been organised by two of the town’s most experienced personal trainers to celebrate the launch of their new business, thebodydocs. Ollie Holtam and Shaun Hallett will bring together a team of 12 people at Prospect 1 Fitness Studios, thebodydocs’ new premises on Prospect Crescent, where they will be required to lift their own body weight more than a thousand times to reach the million kilo goal. Shaun said: “As far as we're aware this hasn't been done before. The challenge will be carefully programmed to allow for individual capabilities and to ensure that everyone is fed and rested properly throughout. “The team consists of both sexes, all sizes and ages from 20 to 60 years old. We hope to demonstrate that weight training is suitable for everyone.” Ollie added: “We're really keen to ensure that the challenge is demand-
ing but also safe and achievable. Yorkshire Cancer Research has been hugely supportive as our partner and we are delighted to have the opportunity to generate funds for this very special cause. “Cancer affects almost everyone in some way during their lives and we want to play our part in raising awareness of how proper nutrition and effective training can reduce your risk of developing the disease.” The ‘Million Kilo Challenge’ will include squatting, deadlifting and bench pressing and each participant will prepare with personalised programmes during the next four months. They will also come together to train as the ‘Millionaire's Club’ on a regular basis and the aim is to raise a minimum of £10,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research. Ollie and Shaun are hoping local businesses will get involved and sponsor the challenge, perhaps in exchange for company personal training sessions. Anyone wishing to find out more or support the challenge can contact thebodydocs via their website.
Kirklees Active Leisure has won the ASA’s Facility Operator of the Year. KAL, which manages 14 leisure facilities and swimming pools on behalf of Kirklees Council, won the category for operators with up to 22 wet sites. The Amateur Swimming Association recognised KAL for its outstanding programmes, performance and partnerships. KAL aquatic manager Gemma Hill-Wood said: “Winning a national award is a fantastic achievement for KAL. Aquatics has been a key focus for the organisation and the teams work really hard to provide such a range of activities. We have had a fantastic year with KAL Swim Performance, having athletes invited to the GB programmes and the opening of Huddersfield Leisure Centre providing an amazing facility for the whole community. KAL have now been recognised nationally for being the best facility operator for 2015 – it’s brilliant.”
Intersport partners with parkrun UK SPORTING goods retailer Intersport has become an official partner to parkrun UK. Intersport’s investment will assist with the establishment of new parkrun events while supporting existing teams with essential kit. Additionally, Intersport will be providing exclusive offers to parkrun’s rapidly expanding community, which currently stands at 1.3m registered participants in the UK alone. parkrun UK managing director Tom Williams said: “Partnering with an organisation that has an extensive
network of local independent sport retailers will allow individual stores to support their local parkruns and provide a great service to parkrunners. “We always choose our partners extremely carefully and only team up with organisations with the same vision. “In partnering with Intersport, parkrun is proud to join forces with a company that shares our passion for ensuring that physical activity and grassroots sport is enjoyable and accessible for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.”
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Operator teams up with Bigwave to boost figures By Christina Eccles INVERCLYDE Leisure has boosted swimming lesson participation by more than 44 per cent and related income by a staggering 82 per cent at its Port Glasgow pool, after embarking on an ambitious expansion plan. The increases are part of a plan by CEO, Kieron Vango, who brought in Bigwave media soon after his appointment in 2013, to help drive participation and income through a number of product development and commercial marketing projects. Other wins include a 45 per cent increase in swimming lessons income at The Waterfront Leisure Centre, and the successes have been replicated across the leisure trust’s fitness suites, where gym memberships increased by almost 30 per cent, representing a 28 per cent growth in income. Kieron said: “Whilst our quality of customer service was superb,
Bigwave helped us to create a culture change and instil a business focus across all members of staff to ensure that, whilst giving this first-rate service, we also thought commercially. “We set ourselves a three year development period, but hit our targets in just two years thanks to the support of Bigwave media.” Inverclyde’s swimming development focused on increasing class occupancy to over 95 per cent, expanding the pool programme, fully utilising pool space and clearly segmenting the swim school classes to accommodate each child accordingly, for example, confidence boosting classes for timid children using the warmer, shallow learner pool. Bigwave media sales director Nick Masson added: “Just looking at the groups more carefully can really aid retention. We also looked at ways to limit the effects of re-enrolment and reduce attrition, such as direct debit
and 51-week terms, so there is no reenrolment and, importantly, dropping the word course. “Swimming is a life long journey and we don’t want parents to suddenly stop lessons once their child can swim – it’s an opportunity keep young people physically active throughout their lifetime.” The aim for health and fitness was to identify any potential membership improvements, both in terms of service delivery and commercial opportunities. As part of this, Inverclyde Leisure has invested almost £2m in new facilities to take advantage of gaps in the local market. Through the rebranding and redevelopments of existing facilities, the trust has introduced a budget model, a CrossFit gym, soft play and climbing facilities to the local area. Kieron added: “Our biggest investment has been at Ravenscraig Activity Centre, which the council had
planned to close. “We used innovative thinking to redevelop the sports hall and small gym, including a mezzanine floor to accommodate an IL Fitness For Less budget gym, soft play area and XHeight, ultimately saving the centre, as well as creating 30 new jobs.” This was all backed up with marketing support and social media delivery as part of Bigwave media’s Big Solution marketing package. Nick added: “By sharing and implementing best practice across a wide range of commercial opportunities Inverclyde Leisure has driven income and at the same time raised operational standards. “Bigwave’s national benchmarks now show they are operating at a significantly high level, both in terms of participation and income, with an overall improvement for swimming lessons of 34 places for the Waterfront and 49 places for Port Glasgow.”
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Trust gets hospital moving with actiLIFE technology By Christina Eccles
Active IQ has appointed Jenny Patrickson as managing director, following a strategic review of the business by parent company Ascend Learning LLC. In her new role, Jenny will retain responsibility for the business development team and will also assume responsibilities for operations and the customer service team in Active IQ. Jenny, who formerly held the role of commercial director will continue to report to Debra Stuart, CEO of Premier Global. Debra said: “The last year has been an exciting and challenging time for Active IQ as it continues to grow its presence in the market. As Active IQ’s new managing director, I am very confident that Jenny is ideally positioned to drive further growth and enhance our position as the leading training providers and awarding organisations in the health and fitness and active leisure sector.”
STOCKPORT based sport and leisure trust Life Leisure has been working in partnership with Stockport NHS Foundation Trust to improve the health of local NHS employees. Funded by Sport England, the actiLIFE initiative is targeted at NHS employees who are currently leading sedentary lifestyles and therefore who are at high risk of developing chronic health problems. Key to this initiative is Life Leisure’s actiLIFE product, which employs a combination of a web based programme, technology in the form of an accelerometer and remote coaching. During a host day, participants were fitted with the actiLIFE accelerometer and undertook extensive testing using state of the art Boditrax technology. From this initial assessment all participants will receive an overview of body composition make up which included BMI, muscle mass, fat mass, hydration levels, visceral fat and overall metabolic age readings. During the programme participants will receive encouragement and coaching from Life Leisure trainers and will be able to monitor their progress online via the actiLIFE portal. To add further motivation, Life Leisure has mapped out distances
A participant is fitted with the actiLIFE accelerometer. between certain points in the hospital using measurements of ‘actiLIFE steps’ and prizes will be rewarded to participants who complete the most amount of steps. Life Leisure CEO Malcolm McPhail said: “We are delighted to be working in Partnership with Stockport NHS Foundation Trust to improve the health of their employees. “Through the use of technology
there is no need for participants to come into our facilities, no need to exercise in our gyms, but they can still benefit from the expertise of our health and fitness professionals. “If this is a starting point which may lead them on to becoming a gym member in the longer term, then that is great, but most importantly they are making an initial positive step in the right direction.”
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Experts predict group exercise trends for 2016 By Christina Eccles
The first visitors have enjoyed the latest Go Ape site in Battersea Park – the company’s first park to be built outside a forest environment. The new site is situated in the heart of Battersea Park and combines a Tree Top Adventure plus a Tree Top Junior course for mini Tarzans. The experiences are physically challenging with the highest obstacle crossings double the height and many twice as long as the usual Go Ape courses.
School to get new £14m centre STUDENTS at Latymer Prep and Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith are to benefit from a new sports centre. The £14m, two-floor facility featuring a fitness suite, swimming pool and three studios, will replace the old sports centre constructed in the 1970s. The new gym will include the latest Precor cardiovascular equipment, including five new Next-Generation Experience Series Treadmills. Director of sport at Latymer Upper School Tallan Gill said: “Precor has a
reputation for quality and after sales service and the equipment suited our sporting and IT requirements. “Latymerians take their sport and exercise very seriously and it was important for us to have equipment that matches our high quality training and expectations.” While the new sports facilities will be used primarily by the schools’ 1,390 students and sporting clubs, they will also be used as part of local community partnerships as well as offering parents a sports and fitness facility.
EXPERTS have revealed what they think will be the biggest trends in group exercise in 2016. According to programming operations manager at FitPro, Holly McNamara, trends to watch out for in the coming months include small group classes, such as TRIBE Team Training, which will be popular as clubs look to bridge the gap between member and PT client. She said: “Group fitness in 2016 will be challenged by the member to be more progressive and results driven, leading to higher levels of education and experienced instructors taking the lead.” National Fitness Awards’ winners Burnley Leisure Trust are also looking to expand their group exercise offering; further improving their timetables and making sure all members feel supported. Health and fitness manager Elaine Adams-Gilligan added: “Our group exercise classes are one of the most important parts of our business. “We all know that when a client comes to our centres for the first time
they are quite vulnerable – even the most hardened gym users have the first-time nerves, so it’s really important that all instructors approach and nurture them at this time. Holly McNamara “From the first visit to the centre, our instructors ask what the customer is looking for and guide them to a relevant class to join. We know that statistically we keep more members through engagement in classes than any other way. “Our programme is always evolving to ensure that we have new – as well as tried-and-tested – offers for everybody and this is regularly evaluated, although at this time of the year we are now starting to look really seriously at what we can offer that's different and will make us stand apart from the rest. This year we are hosting one of the biggest MOSSA events outside of London and we are regularly asked to host events that bring world-class master trainers to our centres.”
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A 24-hour gym in Uxbridge is providing members with a unique way to work out, with an innovative class timetable playing a key role in its success. Christina Eccles took a look around – and tried out a class.
Great instructors, 24-hour opening and unusual classes helps gym to stand out RUSH Fitness has been open just over three years and in a competitive marketplace, the combination of great instructors, 24-hour opening times and unusual classes is helping it to stand out from the crowd. One of the most eye catching sessions on the timetable is Look Good Naked, with the branding immediately encouraging people through the doors who are intrigued to find out more and give it a go. Club manager Paul Palmer said: “Everyone knows the TV show by the same name, so it draws people in as it’s a name they know and can associate with. “It’s a class that engages with people who simply want to feel good about how they look and encourages them to feel confident.” Although the club is achieving success with more unusual classes, these sit alongside consistently popular – and more traditional – workouts such
as Pilates, Zumba and Les Mills Bodypump, meaning there is something for everyone. Paul added: “The industry evolves so quickly and every week there is some new funky, innovative class or workout. “I think clubs should stick to what works and keeps members coming back week in week out. “However, I believe every quarter a club should run a taster session of potential new classes to gather uptake on it and obtain feedback from members. “All of our classes are very popular and well attended by members, however I put this down to the great instructors we have here in the club. “We are launching a new personal training membership, which includes one 30-minute session a week with a personal trainer, helping members achieve their goals and retaining these members for longer.”
Unusual classes sit alongside more traditional workouts at Rush Fitness.
Fast and fun Look Good Naked class gave me a great workout By Christina Eccles ON a gym timetable which includes all the usual group exercise classes, one called Look Good Naked is bound to attract maximum attention. What does it involve? What makes it different? And when can I try it?! were all questions I asked myself when I first spotted it on the club’s website. I was intrigued to say the least... Arriving at the gym on a Wednesday evening, I was pleasantly surprised to find the studio was full of women of different shapes, sizes and ages, reassuring me this wasn’t just a class for the ‘super fit’! But still not sure exactly what to expect, when instructor Astra asked us if we wanted a ‘proper’ workout or if we were just here to have a go, we said we definitely wanted to work hard – and worked hard we definitely were – discovering over the next 45 minutes that this definitely isn’t a class for those who aren’t prepared to put in the effort. Giving participants a
Christina with instructor Astra. great total body workout, the Look Good Naked class included cardio, dance based moves, elements of a step class, floor work and a section using light weights, blended seamlessly together by Astra, who was encouraging throughout and one of the most energetic instructors I’ve ever seen. Throughout the whole session, she did a really good job of giving participants personal attention; correcting technique and urging them to keep going by counting down the reps left on each exercise. Everyone in the class, regardless of ability, also appeared to be having a great time. The class was fast and fun and gave us all a really good workout. A big thank you to Abigail from Big Fish PR for organising the session and for coming with me. It was a great way to spend an evening, although after a full 45 minutes of hard work, we did decline Astra’s kind offer to join her afterwards for a Pilates class! Maybe next time!
Christina taking part in the Look Good Naked class.
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Welcome to WorkOut Weigh In – it’s your chance to have your say and share your views on industry issues. You can email us at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or you can message us on Facebook or Twitter.
This month’s top Tweets... @floors4gyms: Congratulations to all winners @FitnessAwards 2015 and commiserations to those who didn't win. Well done Gym 64! @ScriptMktgSols: @FitnessAwards 2015 was amazing! Well done to all winners and @SIMrod2 for putting together some ace sponsor videos! @clubzestfitness: North East Women rock this week @LesleyAitken @katiebulmer1 both amazing @FitnessAwards @VickyGShore wins @imacelebrity and us winning award! @kimingleby: Wonderful evening, #inspiring winners, proud to judge with you all @SARAH_DONOHUE @Stetops @KenHeathcote @FitnessAwards @richcallender @ChipcoJim: Massive congratulations to @SMcG_Training winning Top Gym Based PT In The UK! @FitnessAwards @NAhutchinson: @FitnessAwards @Graeme_Hinde @BurnleyLeisure Great event again. Well done, fantastic night! @ChristinaEccles: Fab night @FitnessAwards! Congratulations to all our winners and thank you @katiebulmer1 and @steparry2 for doing a fab job hosting!
Picture of the month
Vision Health and Fitness owner Richard Taylor and gym manager Richard Beever are pictured with the Community Involvement Award they won at the National Fitness Awards. The duo were unable to make the annual ceremony at The Athena due to prior community events that they were involved with. They said they were disappointed not to be able to make it to the event, and were humbled to hear that their hard work had been recognised by their peers. For a full round-up of this year’s National Fitness Awards turn to page 40.
Editor’s Comment
@CherylHersey: Congratulations @FreedomHailsham @FreedomLeisure on scooping Best Rehab Facility @FitnessAwards last night! @RivoallanGlenda: Very overwhelmed and so proud to have our team and vision recognised @FitnessAwards @healthhaus #blownaway @Tom_Exeter: Proud to be finalists in the @FitnessAwards for Northern Gym of the Year. @TheEdgeLeeds will be back next year to win. @guru_paul: Unusual experience – presenting in the dark with my slides on the ceiling, but really enjoyed @FitConference Thanks guys! @Lesley_at_NS: Today I've absorbed some top advice from @guru_paul @DPMCL @KenHeathcote forever learning reinforcing @FitConference
@CatherineTRuss: Lovely to meet and speak with fitness professional @katiebulmer1 @WorkOutUK @FitConference @FP247: Feeling super motivated by @katiebulmer1 loving the @FitConference @Stetops: Enjoying the talks at the National Fitness Conference and #honoured to be involved @FitConference
IT’S January again and that time of year when we look back and celebrate the achievements of all our readers, including the successes of our National Fitness Awards’ winners. At the beginning of December, we welcomed a sold out crowd of 850 people to the Athena in Leicester, where over 20 trophies were handed out to gyms of all shapes and sizes in recognition of the great work they do all around the country. We were really pleased with our winners this year who represented a complete cross section of the industry from small independent clubs to larger leisure trusts, health clubs and hotel gyms. The standard was so high that our judging panel had a really difficult time picking the winners, so a massive well done to everyone who picked up an award and also to those of you who were named runners up. And if you were a finalist who didn’t win this year, please don’t be disheartened. Everyone who made the shortlist did extremely well and our judges were very impressed with all of you, so we hope to see you back again next year. Also a massive thank you to event hosts Katie and Steve, our expert judging panel and our sponsors, whose support is invaluable in helping us stage the event and put on what we hope is an enjoyable celebration of our industry for everyone who
This month’s hot topic:
Christina Eccles attends. We also had a great time before the awards at The National Space Centre at the first National Fitness Conference, where delegates enjoyed some inspirational keynotes, breakout sessions and a chance to network with our exhibitors. Thanks to everyone who came along and especially those of you who attended mine and Dawn Tuckwell’s session on how to work with the media to raise the profile of your gym. We really enjoyed presenting and hope attendees find our tips useful when thinking about how to spread the word about their clubs. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2016 from the Workout team and we’ll look forward to hearing your new year news!
What are you doing in 2016 to keep up with the competition? Whether you’re planning a refurbishment, introducing a new class or bringing something to your gym that no other local club has, we’d love to hear about it! Send your answers to ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or contact us via Twitter or Facebook. We’ll print the best responses next issue.
Follow us on Twitter @WorkOutUK or contact us on Facebook at www.facebook.com /workoutmagazine What did you get up to in your gym to celebrate Christmas and the New Year? We’d love to hear more about it and see some pictures, whether your members took part in a festive themed group exercise class or you all wore your best Christmas jumpers in the gym. Here are the Workout team wearing ours. Send us details and a high resolution image to ce@scriptmedia.co.uk and we’ll use the best in the next issue.
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Gym installs Change of career helps Nicola new bikes beat chronic pain symptoms AN innovative Lancaster gym has expanded its offering with the installation of bikes from React Fitness’ Expresso HD range. Members at 3-1-5 Health Club can now benefit from two Upright and two Youth bikes, enabling them to beat their personal best on routes against a ghost rider, challenge fellow members side-by-side or compete against another Expresso user anywhere on the planet. Managing director Sean Thornton said: “Our main goal when seeking out the latest additions to our club’s offering was to enable and encourage exercise across the spectrum of generations at the club. “Expresso was ideal, with both the Youth Bike option and the interactivity, it enables the parents amongst our members to enjoy a shared experience with their children where all parties are engaged and benefit. “So far we’re finding that, because of the Expresso’s advanced interactivity, our members are enjoying more time utilising these bikes than the vast array of cardiovascular equipment we have on offer. “For clubs looking for a differential and for a way to encourage interactivity in the gym floor setting between generations – Expresso is the ideal solution.”
By Christina Eccles A FORMER assistant head teacher has discovered a love for fitness and reduced her chronic pain symptoms by embarking on a career as a personal trainer. Nicola Shaw was originally a full time teacher, however the stress of her job, coupled with an onset of chronic pain syndrome, led to her rethinking her career choices. She explained: “I was never really into sports or fitness at school, probably because I wasn’t particularly good at any of them. “However whilst I was working as a teacher, I found the job particularly stressful and was looking for a hobby or exercise to help deal with this. “At my local gym I discovered a kettlebell class and a pole dancing class which managed to alleviate some of the stress from my job. However when I began to experience chronic neck, back and shoulder pain whilst teaching, I was signed off work for three months.” After visiting several doctors, Nicola found that sports massage was the best method reducing her discomfort. She added: “It was through having these sports massages, that I discovered my masseuse was also a personal trainer. “I asked him to help rehabilitate me and found that exercise was the best method in controlling my pain.”
Nicola Shaw It was then that Nicola took matters into her own hands and signed up for her Level Three diploma in personal training with Premier Training International. “The course was a lot of work, but so worth it and I was able to put the knowledge I gained into practice, using exercises on myself and on clients. After qualifying, I started off as a Kettlebell instructor for a local PT
initially and then I decided I wanted to focus on setting up my own boot camp classes in the local area.” Nicola has now been running her own PT business, Shaw to Succeed, for around two years. Here she focuses on weekly boot camp sessions, ‘Fighting Fit’ boxing classes as well as one-to-one personal training sessions. During the boot camps, Nicola focuses particularly on body weight exercises and makes use of her surroundings in her local park as additional equipment for the sessions. “For me, it’s really important to focus on individual goals and needs and I love the fact that I can help clients achieve their targets, whether it be fitness, nutrition or weight loss related. “I base most of my work in small groups, with a maximum of six clients per session, allowing each individual to have a more personal experience than you would typically get in a larger, group class. “I do still struggle with the pain on a daily basis, however it is through training others and exercising myself, that I’m able to keep the majority of it at bay. “Knowing that exercising will help alleviate the pain, even for a short amount of time, is incredibly beneficial, and the fact that I’m able to combine this with building my business is even more rewarding.”
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UK FITNESS SCENE
Embracing digital transformation By Leon Rudge FOR centuries the world has gone through revolutions that reshape the future and rewrite the rule books forever. The industrial revolution took almost 200 years to slowly create the new play book, whereas the new digital age has had significant impact in just two decades. I remember the days of going to HMV, Tower Records or Virgin Megastore to buy music; it was a day out and a destination. Now with my mobile phone and Spotify, I have the entire store at my fingertips for just £9.99 per month. Furthermore, it’s an even better experience now. It learns what I like and suggests new music, it can select music based on my cadence while running and allows me to dive deeper into an artist if I feel like it. It’s changed the way I listen to music and it’s in my pocket. I can get this experience on any device connected to the Internet and in my car. We all know about the clear winners and losers of digital disruption. We have seen Netflix sinking Blockbuster in under a decade and Amazon and the Kindle sinking Borders. Kodak first invented digital imaging in their labs in the mid 70s but didn’t develop it further because they thought it wouldn't take off and impact sales of their 35mm films. Xerox refused to acknowledge digital imaging as they saw themselves as just a copier company and the ‘Lose It’ app reportedly took 13m users from Weight Watchers in under four years with just eight members of staff. The list goes on, but this article isn't about disruption, it’s about digital transformation. Digital transformation is unstoppable, nobody really started it – it’s just the digital revolution taking place around us. It’s like a virus, making its way through industries and rewriting the
rule book forever. Again, looking at some high profile cases, consider the Banking sector. I heard somebody remark recently that banking hasn't changed but the banks have. This is a perfect example of how an industry has successfully embraced digital transformation. Banks don't even need their real estate assets anymore as we do all the teller services ourselves and our mobile phones can act as payment cards now. We have online banking so we can completely manage our accounts from simple transfers to opening accounts. By the way, did anyone notice Microsoft Money tiptoe out the side door and Intuit quietly retire its Quicken home accounting software because of online and telephone banking? With digital transformation comes disruption and transformation is inevitable. I had the privilege of being part of the dot.com era, heading up an ecommerce department for a company with over 100 designers and developers and thousands of clients. As a computer programmer, it was a really exciting time to be immersed in the first wave of digital transformation and watching businesses launch new revenue channels. Unfortunately as we know, things grew a bit too fast and the bubble burst. However, the lessons learned in the late 90s dot.com crash paved the way for the processes we take for granted today. During this exciting time companies started to realise the importance of customer insight or ‘metrics’ as it was then known. Companies wanted to know what users were doing on their websites and they wanted insight into their customer and non-customer activity. This spawned a new market of internet analytic software companies that would charge hundreds of thousands of pounds to help big brands under-
Leon Rudge stand their customer metrics, analysing important data about the habits of web user activity and their purchasing decisions. Guess what happened next? Google released Analytics, a super advanced, simple to set up, powerful and userfriendly web-based analytics platform that could be up and running in minutes and available to anyone with a Google account. Fast forward to today and what does Google have? More aggregated data on web user activity than anyone could ever imagine, from every country and across millions of websites. And this data has a value. Google built their empire on data and analytics is just one industry
where they rewrote the rules. Bringing this kind of activity closer to home, the big tech companies are now in our space. Google, Microsoft, Apple and Samsung, to name just four, all have health and fitness platforms. They are not really concentrating on the commercial fitness market right now as they are gathering data in the consumer world with wearable tech and apps, but is it only a matter of time? Google have just created their parent company, Alphabet, which could be a conglomerate like no other; it could harness the talent, technology and data of all Google’s companies and products and influence business models in many industries. Healthcare and medical companies have been collecting data on human wellbeing and activity for decades so just imagine the amount that is being collected by these big tech companies now just from apps and wearable tech? Alphabet is the new parent company to represent all of Google’s interests and right now the ‘F’ is taken by Fiber, a company which is laying fibre optic internet lines around the world to increase internet speeds, all at Google’s expense. When you consider the value of the health and fitness data to Google, how long could it be until we see the ‘F’ being Google Fitness? Imagine a hyper-connected, digital and intelligent gym that generates so much health and fitness data for Google – providing real world, real time data that has monetary value. Could this gym generate enough data for a big tech company that it wouldn't charge a membership? Is it time that the commercial fitness industry really should start forward thinking and understand how it should really embrace technology and digital? Ask yourself what you plan to do about it. Leon Rudge is technology solutions manager EMEA at Life Fitness.
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UK FITNESS SCENE
Scottish gym offers best in gym wear and supplements By Olivia Taylor AN independent gym in Scotland is covering all corners of fitness by offering the public the best in gym wear and supplements. National Fitness Awards’ finalist Think Fitness 4 Less in Hawick came up with the idea of offering members and non members the opportunity to purchase their gym kit at the club after meeting with The Fit Co at Leisure Industry Week and realising they could offer an extra service to the local community by installing one of its sports retail units. Co-owner Greg Dalgleish said: “We generally only sell what we know will work, that way we can feedback to members our opinions. “There’s a few shops in town but nowhere that sells good quality sportswear. “We’re looking to provide our members and non members with a good service. It’s a good way of attracting new members as well.” The club is also looking to expand its offering further, gearing up for a £20,000 refurbishment, which will provide members with a variety of new kit – from a functional training rig to free weights and sand bags – that can be used by them independ-
The team from Think Fitness 4 Less in Hawick in their kit. ently or utlised by personal trainers during sessions. Greg added: “We bought the equipment because we felt that was the way that the industry was turning. We’re refurbing the facility to cope with the added member demand.” The team at Think Fitness 4 Less have always been quick to jump on board with the latest trends, providing members with the option to buy MYZONE equipment to take part in competitions, lowering their prices to tap into the low cost membership trend and following the slogan ‘More Gym Less Cost.’ Greg added: “Some members start off a bit reluctant to join in with MYZONE but once they know what they’re doing and they get into it, it becomes a great retention tool.”
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UK FITNESS SCENE
Mayor of Wigan Borough Councillor Susan Loudon opens the new Howe Bridge Leisure Centre with key partners from Wigan Council, Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, Sport England and Alliance Leisure.
Mayor opens redeveloped centre THE transformation of Howe Bridge Leisure Centre has been celebrated at an official opening event, attended by sporting stars including world champion inline skater Jenna Downing. Mayor of Wigan Borough coun Susan Loudon unveiled a plaque to mark the £2.9m redevelopment of the site which has taken place over the past year. As well as climbing, skating and play opportunities in the adventure zone,
the facility includes a new 80-station gym, a sauna and steam room, plus an indoor cycling studio, a studio for group exercise and new changing rooms. A 3G FIFA two star pitch has also been built on site. The redevelopment has been carried out in partnership with Alliance Leisure, ISG, and Pozzoni architects thanks to a £2.4m investment by Wigan Council, as well as £500,000 funding from the National Lottery’s
Sport England Improvement Fund, secured by leisure partner Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles. Alliance Leisure chief executive Sarah Watts said: "We are extremely proud to have been able to deliver such a huge transformation to Howe Bridge. Working in partnership the centre is now revitalised bringing new participants through the doors, driving up activity levels and creating a sustainable centre for years to come.”
XPT – the ultimate training partner PERFECT for a gym’s free weights area, the XPT is a Power Rack that combines the desired benefits of free weights with the safety of machine weights by including a Patented Quad Lock Braking system with a Unique Linear guided Barbell. The XPT’s barbell is incorporated into the rack, but unlike a Smith Machine it enables vertical, horizontal, diagonal, lateral and rotational bar movement and this engages all muscle groups as in free weight training. The patented quad lock braking system incorporates two levers on the bar. These are closed by the hands as
they grip the bar and when breaking is required, simply opening the hand automatically releases the lever and engages four solid steel locking pins, catching and stopping the bar in any position.
This also makes the equipment ideal for performance athletes wanting to do explosive movements such as jump squats, as the braking system allows the user to leave the bar in the air. Designed by Super Bowl winner Brady Poppinga to enhance his own top end speed, power and explosiveness at the end of his career, the machine allows members to enjoy the benefits of explosive movements, while giving peace of mind to the gym owner who no longer needs to worry about the safety aspects associated with free weight training. For more information visit www.rubiconsports.co.uk
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FUNCTIONAL TRAINING
Functional areas provide greater opportunities for trainers, claims specialist By Christina Eccles
Pavigym has launched a new customised version of its Pavigym Turf product, which includes functional training markings. Designed for heavy duty training, Pavigym Turf provides the ideal characteristics for all types of workouts, while maintaining the ultimate comfort underfoot for members. It is ideal for all types of workout, including heavy duty, thanks to its technical characteristics (polyurethane finishing and UV-ray resistant). The product allows operators to transform underused areas into new zones in their clubs for functional training and is available in three different colours.
INTRODUCING well programmed functional areas can provide trainers with greater opportunities to add more value to members’ workouts – and achieve some impressive results. This is the view of James Griffiths, founder of functional training specialists Wild Training, who believes that this type of training can work really well for clubs looking to provide varied and effective training sessions. He explained: “The trend towards making more engaging, interactive, fun, fitness zones in gyms is a positive shift away from stationary training set ups that don't encourage much value add from personal trainers. “Give me a room full of cardio machines and fixed path resistance equipment and I can't add much value for members to their experience in the gym. “If I had a decent amount of floor space with enough equipment to create varied sessions without needing to have loads of different circuits running at the same time, then I can throw some magic down and create a real buzz on the gym floor that will encourage more members to get
involved with instructor led training sessions. “The more our members interact with our instructors, the better our retention gets, and the more referrals we get so it should be a no brainer.” However, James told Workout that for clubs to make the most of functional training, they must think carefully about programming and quality, as well as the kit they are providing. He added: “I think the success that functional training zones can achieve in gyms comes down to how they are planned, based on the targeted usage. Buying massive rigs, loads of functional training equipment and fancy flooring isn’t a guaranteed way of increasing member engagement with trainers. “Open up your gym floor space. Create versatile, functional training environments that allow your trainers to add value to a massive range of member types and make sure there is innovative, effective and fun programming available for the set up that you are installing so that the member excitement doesn't fade away once the initial buzz of new equipment has gone. New equipment is cool, but new training systems that deliver outstanding results consistently is what members will value more.”
FUNCTIONAL TRAINING
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Advertiser’s announcement
Boost member drive with KETTFusion ®
January is one of the most important times in the fitness industry with new members vowing to make this year the one where they get in the zone to get fit and get healthy.
The mixture of popular music and tribal rhythms creates a different sound to other classes and also provides an audio cue to participants that the series of exercises is about to change.
So why not capitalize on this by adding something completely new and unique to your timetable? KETTFusion is a dynamic 60-minute workout that can be enjoyed by absolutely everyone as all exercises are scalable to suit different abilities.
Already a huge success at Hatton Health & Fitness, the LifeLeisure Group based in Stockport and other independent facilities across the North-West of England, now is definitely the time to get it on the timetable to entice members into the gym and keep them coming back for more.
Fusing together two well-known and proven fitness disciplines – kettlebell training and martial arts exercises – KETTFusion delivers a full body cardio, strength, stamina and conditioning workout.
2015 has been such a successful year for KETTFusion that two new variations of the class format will be launched throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled for more KETT inspired fusion classes.
KETTFusion instructor training courses will be running throughout 2016, starting with the following locations in the first quarter and with more to be announced throughout the the year covering all parts of the UK:
• FitJAM pre-con day, Alton Towers Resort on 28th January • Premier Training International, North London, 14th February • Bankside Health Club, London, 28th February • Ztudio, Leeds, 13th March To book spaces for your group exercise instructors or to find out more visit www.kettfusion.com.
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FUNCTIONAL TRAINING
Creating a functional training zone can be a cost effective way of boosting business at your gym, according to an expert. Workout found out why.
Zone creates ‘exciting environment’ PHYSICAL Company key account manager Lloyd Salmon says that almost every client he sees now wants to include a functional training area – a combination of them asking about it and him recommending they go down this route. And he revealed the benefits are vast for operators who do choose to incorporate this type of training into their facilities. He explained: “The beauty of a functional training zone is you can create a space where there is more for everybody. Freeweights sections can be a bit scary to some people but functional training zones are less intimidating. “A functional training zone creates an exciting environment: people in the gym on the cardio machines and such like can see the functional training taking place and feel encouraged to give it a go. “The different kit enables people to have a different workout every single time. You have space to work out with partners or friends and in small groups. “For the club it’s really cost-effective too. For the cost of a piece of cardio equipment, you can pretty much kit out a functional training zone. Not only that, but think how many more people can use the functional training area. You can spend a few thousand pounds on a treadmill that one per-
The benefits are vast for operators who choose to incorporate functional training into their facilities, says Lloyd Salmon. son uses for 30 minutes. For the same cost in a functional training zone, you can have at least 10 people occupied for the same period of time.” Lloyd added that zones can be as big or as small as you want, as there are so many pieces of key functional kit – from kettlebells to BOSU – that can be adapted to suit the space. He added: “It’s usually a case of moving, rather than removing, kit to accommodate a functional zone. You’ll be amazed how much space can be released if you just move a treadmill a couple of feet.
“Functional zones can bring in extra revenue too: through offering gym floor classes, extra PT sessions and simply from retention as members are motivated and inspired to use the gym. “It’s a lot simpler than you imagine to fit out a functional zone: Physical Company can do it from scratch: we’ll measure up, make recommendations for the best flooring and kit and create a space to suit the space, the number of people expected to use it, any particular demographic considerations and to meet the budget. “It doesn’t take long to turn around
either – and the gym will only be out of action for a couple of days. “You need decent flooring that will take the impact of kettlebells and dumbbells being dropped on there but also comfortable to lie on. A good quality rubber floor is usually recommended. It can be as straightforward as using interlocking tiles or as creative as you like including 20m astro sprint tracks, marked up areas or mixed colours to create further zones. “The budget will dictate this but, let’s remember, functional training started outside with boot camps on grass.”
FUNCTIONAL TRAINING
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Functional training is proving popular with members at Sunderland Aquatic Centre.
North East clubs benefiting from kit installation
FUNCTIONAL training is going down a storm at two Everyone Active clubs in the North East, which have recently benefited from the installation of new specialist kit. Sunderland Aquatic Centre’s functional zone was installed in September as part of a complete refurbishment of the whole gym. New additions included the latest kit from Technogym, such as the popular Omnia rig. General manager Steve Dougal said: “Functional training has increased massively in popularity in recent years, with customers realising that being functionally fit for purpose is a lot more beneficial in both daily life and later life, with many benefits attached to it. “It also lends itself fantastically to personal training, small group training, and for members wanting to jazz up their workouts and try something different. “The gym is entirely different from prior to the refurbishment and we have had dozens of customer comments on how shocked/pleased they are with the improvements, and how much they love training there.” The brand new Washington Leisure Centre opened in June, with functional training placed right at the heart of the club’s offering. Fitness manager David Jarvis added: “With being a brand new centre, we have had a huge mem-
bership growth in the short time we have been open. “From old to new centre we have gained over 1,000 new members, and better still we have a membership base that covers all ages and abilities. “The engagement between fitness motivators and customers both new and existing has been particular strong, and there has been a large update on use of the functional equipment. “On a Saturday morning at 10:30am, there is an Omnia Workshop. This workshop has been running for three months, and has over 15 people taking part, which shows the popularity of the equipment, and those that take part range from 16 – 70. “When personal training is been delivered, our personal trainer uses the functional equipment more often than any of the resistance machines, and it has also had a hugely positive impact on disabled users. In particular, all wheelchair uses who use our centre, use the functional machines and thoroughly enjoy them. “Fitness motivators spend a lot of time delivering one to one tutorials to those who want alternatives and progressions in their workout. “We have also had a large uptake from those who do sport specific exercises using the functional equipment.”
Improvements have included the installation of Cybex cardiovascular equipment.
Trust completes refurb of its gyms following investment NORTHAMPTON Leisure Trust has completed the refurbishment of its Trilogy gyms at Danes Camp, Mounts Baths and Lings Forum Leisure Centres following a £750k investment. Improvements include the addition of state-of-the-art Cybex cardiovascular equipment, new squat racks and functional training rigs, along with the complete redecoration of all three centres. The refurbishment also includes the installation of a new staircase at Lings Forum linking the free weights area to the main gym. This enables customers to flow between the two areas with greater
ease during their workout. Head of business and commercial activity for NLT, John Fletcher, said: “Functional training is all about natural moves that people perform in their everyday lives such as pulling, pushing, squatting and lunging. “It’s a very efficient way of working out, perfect for busy lives and because there are so many different pieces of equipment to try out there is plenty to experiment with for a full body work out. “We are delighted to offer this type of training to our customers in all of our gyms making them a very motivating place to exercise.”
The experts at Pulse have revealed a trend amongst their clients for bespoke functional training areas, with the company working with facilities used by everyone from the armed forces, to health clubs and hotels. Recent projects have included supplying a range of kit for Total Fitness Wrexham as part of a £1m refurbishment of the site. The installation included a new functional training area, complete with bespoke rig, and the mix of equipment installed at Wrexham has now been used as a blue print across all other sites within the Total Fitness portfolio.
UK FITNESS SCENE
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Ellie Woollam
Ellie takes prestigious apprentice accolade A FITNESS manager at Gosport Leisure Centre has scooped a prestigious national learner achievement award from Lifetime Training. Ellie Woollam, who works for Places for People Leisure, received the Active Leisure Apprentice of the Year Award as part of the Lifetime Learner Achievement Awards, which were held at the Tower of London. Now in their fourth year, these annual awards recognise, reward and celebrate the personal successes and resulting career development of individuals who have completed an apprenticeship qualification with Lifetime Training. At just 24 years old, Ellie leads a team of 10 fitness instructors and personal trainers, 18 group exercise instructors and manages a group-ex timetable of 55 classes per week at Gosport Leisure Centre. She said: “There really are no words, I’m so excited to have won this award. Being a part of the fitness industry means so much to me, I love everything about it and have had some incredible experiences so far. I can’t wait to see what the next few years hold.” The other finalists were Christine Logan from Elite Gym Limited and Robert Pritchard from Energie, Leighton Buzzard.
Fitness instructor Ray Thomson and his clients have enjoyed their annual festive fancy dress class. This is the 26th consecutive year Ray has held the themed session, where everyone dresses up to take part in the class, before enjoying a Christmas party and prize draw with three prizes of £50 up for grabs. Ray explained: “This is just a way of having fun at the end of the year and giving something back to the class after they have supported me year after year. Post exercise we celebrate with champagne, cakes, chocolates and when the participants return the following week they all receive a free glossy A4 photo of the group.”
New look and venues for FitPro Live By Christina Eccles
FITPRO LIVE will have a refreshed look for 2016, including new venues and a revised format, after the organisation responded to feedback from its latest survey of fitness professionals. Following the results of the FitPro educational survey, which revealed respondents would like to have access to high quality face to face education at a venue near them, FitPro has created the FitPro LIVE Workshop Series – a series of interactive single-theme workshops – to complement FitPro LIVE 2016 – two two-day multi-theme events. Each workshop in the FitPro LIVE
Workshop Series is dedicated to comprehensive coverage of a subject that fitness professionals have highlighted as essential learning. The series kicks off in February with Adapting Modern Functional Fitness Tools for the Pregnant and Postnatal Client by Jenny Burrell, the UK’s leading pre and postnatal expert. Subsequent workshop themes include stress and nutrition, guiding your clients’ behaviour change, Mind and Body and a MOSSA group fitness session. To make it easier for fitness professionals from all over the country to attend, FitPro LIVE 2016 will take place in two venues on two separate
dates. The London event will be on April 89 at the Novotel London West, with dates and venue for the Midlands event released shortly. Both FitPro LIVE events will focus entirely on learning, with seminars, workshops and lectures designed to provide enough CPD points in one event to cover fitness professionals for an entire year. Key topics will include a greater focus on business development, with industry-specific advice and evidence-based sessions on topics such as nutrition, health and well-being, biomechanics, mobility and functional training.
The Club Company acquires Golf Club THE Club Company has acquired Wharton Park Golf and Country Club in Worcestershire, as part of a programme of growth and investment. The acquisition follows a recent significant investment program within The Club Company, which includes a £2m investment at Castle Royle in Berkshire. Additional facilities are being built including a children’s training pool and toddler pool, adult wet spa, adult-only bar and various golf course
improvements. Another £5m investment started in mid-November 2015 at The Warwickshire, where the company is building a four star 56 bedroom hotel, as well as improvements to the members’ facilities, including gym and bar refurbishments and a studio extension. Chief executive of The Club Company Thierry Delsol said: “We are delighted with the purchase of Wharton Park, having been attracted
by its high quality facilities and excellent location. “In time and with additional investment, Wharton Park will fit the Club Company model, offering golf and extensive health and fitness facilities to suit the all family. “Lone Star, our financial backers, have been very supportive. The recent acquisition and investment programs at Castle Royle and The Warwickshire demonstrate our desire to grow the company.”
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INTERACTIVE MEMBERSHIP SOLUTIONS
Fettle Active Rewards proving popular with CrossFit members By Christina Eccles OVER 1300 CrossFit members are now actively engaged with the Fettle Active Rewards programme, enabling them to earn credits for keeping fit. CrossFit Clitheroe was the first to register and within four weeks of offering Fettle, over one third of its members had signed up, who are now successfully tracking their activity and enjoying the rewards. Director at CrossFit Clitheroe Chris Templeman said: “When I first heard about Fettle I did wonder where the catch was and it sounded too good to be true. “With 15 years’ experience in the fitness industry and eight with CrossFit I’ve seen some gimmicky incentives and initially I wondered if Fettle was another one. “This is a great programme that rewards people for being active and healthy. “It’s proving very successful so far here at CrossFit Clitheroe with members fully engaged in the programme and focused on getting the most out of it.” Fettle gives fitness providers a great combination of incentives and tools that help them motivate their customers and, more importantly, reward them for their effort in two
ways. Firstly, it pays Active Credits to members who meet the minimum goal of 12,500 steps for just one day per month. Most active people will cover between 8,000 and 10,000 steps a day: those who do a cardio class, go for a half hour run or walk rather than take the bus will easily hit the target. Secondly it gives Active Rewards including treats such as free Starbucks coffee, free cinema tickets
and discounts on gym memberships, fitness gear, spa days and even holidays: the more you do, the more treats you earn. Fettle CEO Brent Kelly added: “The Fettle Active Rewards gives people in the leisure industry a great talking point and immediate ‘added value’ to potential members. “It’s great for people to be able to say to new members that not only will they encourage and support their fitness goals, but they will also sign
them up to a scheme that will give them a free tracker to monitor and reward them for their efforts too. What’s not to like? “Our programme also helps clubs encourage their members to take an active interest in their own exercise – check in with their heart rate, be conscious of what they’re doing between exercise sessions and generally being more aware of the positive impact their activity is having on their health.”
Advertiser’s announcement
INTERACTIVE MEMBERSHIP SOLUTIONS
Operator partners with bounts to reward its active members EVERYONE Active has partnered with bounts to reward its members for being active. Members across all 117 Everyone Active venues will be able to earn points whenever they attend their local venue, simply by swiping their membership card. During the Christmas period, members could also get the bounts experience through the Everyone Active member dashboard, where they could connect their preferred apps and devices, view their activity history and points and even visit the rewards shop, simply by signing in; encouraging them to keep active throughout the festive break. bounts founder John Stuart said:
“We thought it was the perfect time of year to bring a little bit of Christmas spirit and our partnership with Everyone Active is a great way to reward their members for getting active. “The importance was to create a seamless and user friendly experience for the member, combining the best features of bounts with the Everyone Active dashboard that the members were already used to. “Winter is a notoriously difficult time of the year to stay motivated to exercise, however we hope that, if we can inspire more members to stay active during the festive period, then it will be extremely beneficial moving forwards into the New Year.”
MINDBODY launches new app MINDBODY has launched a new mobile app, available free on the App Store, Google Play and Amazon. The app expands on the company's previous MINDBODY Connect app, using location and past activities to
help people find, book and pay for personalised wellness experiences – from yoga, Pilates and personal training, to Spinning, acupuncture, massage and more – in their community or on the road.
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INTERACTIVE MEMBERSHIP SOLUTIONS
Virgin Active teams up with Cap2 to take children’s programming online By Christina Eccles VIRGIN Active has teamed up with Cap2 Solutions to take its children’s programming online. The health club chain will be managing all its 4,500 weekly swimming classes and 700 Active Aces weekly tennis lessons via the CoursePro course management software. Endorsed by the ASA, CoursePro removes paperwork processes from teachers and coaches, who can take registers and assess pupils, as well as log notes and achievements in realtime using an iPod. It simplifies the administration process, reduces pressure on staff, improves customer service and aids retention. Virgin Active, which has more than 23,000 juniors on its swimming programme and 4,200 children on its Active Ace tennis scheme, started working with Cap2 in September 2014 to bring the programming online. The software is now running at 15 sites and will be active in all 71 health clubs with junior programming by July 2016. Head of junior programming at Virgin Active Glen Heidke said: “CoursePro has brought us into the modern age.
Virgin Active will manage its swimming classes and tennis lessons via CoursePro. “The software enables fast and accurate administration, course coordination, up to date reporting and parental interaction via a HomePortal, where customers can view teacher feedback, re-enrol and pay for future lessons.” The roll out to all clubs with children’s programming is set to coincide
with CoursePro being fully integrated with Virgin Active’s membership management software so that all membership aspects can be managed with just one log in. Sales development manager at Cap2 Solutions Alex Davison said: “CoursePro will take Virgin Active’s children’s programmes to the next
level, as their instructors will be able to spend less time recording attendance and attainment, and more time improving lesson delivery and interacting with their classes. “The management of new bookings, re-enrolments and the movement of pupils within the system will also be much quicker and easier.”
NATIONAL FITNESS AWARD WINNERS
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Best Gym Based Personal Trainer sponsored by Physique Sports: Scott McGarry, Scott McGarry Health and Fitness, Ballymena Judge’s Comments: “Scott has had amazing success and has structured his business plan so he can look after far more clients without losing his own control of clients’ results. “He has a large array of qualifications and attends many educational camps from some of the biggest names in the business, giving him credibility to all levels of athlete searching for a PT. “ He has created an original branding using
his own name at his centre and the use of orange as his main colour is very eye catching. “He is still very much results driven and expects to make positive change to all his clients. He hasn’t lost sight of the reason he originally became a PT regardless of his success. “His centre looks very professional inside and out and just oozes professionalism to the hilt.Very impressed!”
Member Achievement sponsored by Clubbercise: Zoey Wright, Penryn Campus Fitness Centre, Cornwall Judge’s Comments: “The first thing that struck me when reading through her profile is that despite having to suffer a number of life changing situations, Zoey continued to fight back in her own way and seemingly faced each obstacle head on. “Zoey would have had numerous dark days during the period while she was constantly in and out of hospital, but the fact that she
kept her gym visits as one of the few constants both shows her determination and also the quality of the service the gym provided. “She is a fighter and instantly becomes a role model to young women, patients suffering from debilitating conditions, people making excuses about working out, anyone who has faced dark depressing times and everyone in-between.“
Group Exercise Gym of the Year sponsored by Les Mills: St Peter’s Leisure Centre, Burnley
Combat Zone Gym of the Year sponsored by Fight Klub: Ripped Gym, Basildon
Judge’s Comments:
Judge’s Comments:
“St Peter’s Leisure Centre captured my imagination from the start with an excellent presentation pack that highlighted their obvious passion for what they do and an attention to detail that seemed customer focused. “They have a good knowledge of their figures, attrition rates and competition in their local area and have made massive leaps in using their group fitness product as another means to increasing their member reten-
tion numbers and gaining new members. “One of the biggest pluses, for me, was that they have a strong sense of ‘self’ and have driven all parts of their fitness product towards ensuring both staff and members are part of the ongoing development of their brand. “Being original is definitely one of their key attributes and by creating innovative classes that follow trends, they have placed themselves in a comfortable position where they can cater to almost every group fitness need.”
“The presentation pack for Ripped Gym gave me an immediate impression of their business and expansion into the combat arena. “This gym gets my nod because it ticks a considerable amount of boxes that I feel are essential when judging the impact a combat zone has on both the gym, the members and the community. “They have created a combat area that looks professional, was designed with the intention of incorporating many different
types of martial art in one place and is flexible enough to be able to increase the range over time.The equipment inventory alone helps them stand apart from many other combat zoned gyms by having both boxing rings and MMA cage, matted areas and fully functioning heavy bags. “Ripped is known for being a well equipped bodybuilding and strength gym, but with the development of such a high class combat offering they are setting a new benchmark for other gyms and the provisions that they can also offer.“
Functional Training Gym of the Year sponsored by Jordan: The Strength and Conditioning Institute, Kent Judge’s Comments: “What I enjoyed most about their presentation was that they are consistent with their message throughout the submitted material and it shows in everything they do and with the fact they retained 100 per cent of their members when they changed location. “The staff are highly qualified, have created some inspiring workouts to cater for both mixed groups and women and they have
shown an amazing range of member success stories and testimonials that cannot fail to inspire you. “All in all, SCI has used an intelligent approach to creating a gym experience that feels traditional in many aspects but their attention to detail, member focused campaigns and determined team point towards a club that deserves recognition on a national scale because of having a clear and concise objective that they work towards daily.”
Budget Gym of the Year sponsored by Fitness Systems: JD Gyms, Hull Judge’s Comments: “JD have presented their gym in the best possible way, showing photos of a beautiful and clean changing room area right down to a perfectly compiled package which leaves me in no doubt of the equipment and space they have, the gains and losses their members achieve, information from
social media and cycling around town for raising awareness and ‘inspiring new members’. “You can tell by their entry and submitted forms that they want to win and they have shown that throughout. I am highly impressed by this gym. I would love to train there.”
NATIONAL FITNESS AWARD WINNERS
Strength Training Gym of the Year sponsored by CYBEX: Elite Gym, Orpington Judge’s Comments: “Elite Gym have shown above and beyond why they should indeed be the winner. “The size of the gym and quality of equipment goes without saying.They dominate. “This is also a Hammer Strength Training centre and looking at their equipment, there is nothing this gym doesn’t do. “What’s more important, it does it for
everyone no matter who you are. “Many of their athletes also differ from the other gyms’‘standard’, and strength isn’t just about lifting a heavy weight for muscle growth and standing on stage. Strength in my eyes is about performance in every aspect. And this gym has many athletes from bodybuilders and strongmen and women, to track and field athletes.This mixture of talent is inspirational to many.”
Ladies Only Gym of the Year sponsored by WorkOut magazine: Club Zest, Sunderland Judge’s Comments: “Club Zest looks to have great gym equipment which isn’t always present in women only gyms.This is impressive. “I love that in their members’ zone they have a ‘cardio V weights’ which shows women that lifting weights will not make you look like a man but is in fact more ben-
eficial than cardio. So few gyms promote this.Their members’ zone also has so many recipes that are incredibly healthy and tasty. “This gym has really excelled in a niche area and I know how difficult it is to do anything that is all female.They really work on promoting all angles of health and fitness. A big pat on the back for Club Zest.”
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Best Rehabilitation Facility of the Year sponsored by Script Marketing Solutions: Hailsham Leisure Centre (Freedom Leisure), Hailsham
Judge’s Comments:
“Hailsham Leisure Centre stood out from the rest with the amount of information given and the clear passion of wanting to make a difference and for other people to realise that.They have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and I love their membership retention starts at point of sale. “That shows how vital they see each and every client’s attendance record as part of their effective rehabilitation.The centre
appeals to all age groups and is relevant and up to date in all areas along with the classes being run aimed at all age groups. As far as rehabilitation goes, mainly from doctors referrals, nearly every main ailment is covered as part of different specialised sessions. “You get the general feeling these guys really care and have a passion for what they do. I felt that jump out of the pages as I was reading their portfolio and they became an instant hit with me.”
Customer Service Award sponsored by Physique Sports: Underground Fitness, Sheffield Judge’s Comments: “It is obvious from the passion of the owner she is living her dream. “The consensus of feedback was that each person felt they belonged and were well cared for. An interest was shown in them as a person rather than just client/instructor chit chat. “The fact that Underground Fitness has
become so important to the people within it deserves recognition and although the gym is much smaller than the other finalists there was a homely feel about it that made me feel members who joined there join for life. “I feel this award will really make a difference to this centre and it’s well deserved in my opinion.“
Health Club of the Year sponsored by Matrix: Old Hall Country Club and Spa, Chester Judge’s Comments: “Every positive attribute the other clubs have, so does this but Old Hall just pips everyone to the post. It boasts beauty and splendour inside and out. “Old Hall has everything you would ever need, from four all-weather tennis courts, a fully equipped high tech gym, a dance studio and an incredible spa centre with plethora of amazing treatments. Staff retention is the best I have heard of with a huge amount of staff having been there for 15 years.This speaks volumes about the
management and the venue. “The venue has an active role in the community, and also within the gym, the owners are very personable and arrange getaways and events for members and staff. They also look after their older members above and beyond by visiting them over the Christmas period. “The tip of the iceberg is that many of the vegetables used by the kitchen which produces wonderful food by what I see on the website, is home grown. It doesn’t get better than this.”
Community Involvement sponsored by Pulse: Vision Health and Fitness, Stocksbridge Judge’s Comments: “An amazing application which completely embodies the community spirit and involvement. “The diversity of involvement in the community from free physical and mental health checks, women’s boxing and athlete support, to talks, homeless support and
winning a Pride of Britain Award for raising over £28,000 for Huntingdons Disease. “Collectively they have raised £38k and individually take part in many charity events, including attempting to climb to Everest Base Camp. “Without a doubt, they add great value, support and advice to the community – exceptionally well done.“
NATIONAL FITNESS AWARD WINNERS
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Gym Team of the Year sponsored by BodyPower Expo: All About You, Highgate Judge’s Comments: “What a great application, exceptionally comprehensive range of services and evidently a strong gym team worthy of winning the award. “I felt I really knew who everyone was and their role within the gym.There are clear
training progressions for clients, levels of service and progression for the trainer within the club. “What made their application really stand out though was the team strength and how each individual has a specialism, yet they all worked together for the good of the team.“
Best Hotel Facility sponsored by Instyle: Foxhills, Surrey Judge’s Comments: “Their application makes you want to go and stay there, as a professional athlete or for a more leisurely spa and treatment weekend. “The hotel seemed to offer everything that
you could want to meet your goals, be that a hard core training focused weekend or relaxation. “With retention figures high, offers, incentives and courses varied combined with the high quality facilities, it definitely warrants winning the Best Hotel Facility.”
Local Authority/Leisure Trust Gym of the Year sponsored by ServiceSport: St Peter’s Leisure Centre, Burnley Judge’s Comments: “Despite huge budget constraints and a challenging year, St Peter’s application shows the depth of commitment, knowledge, creativity and passion to make their centre work. “Numerous testimonials from a diverse range of clients support their application
and have clearly benefited from being a member of the centre. “Despite big competition from surrounding clubs they have been pro active in being involved in National Fitness Day and the local community races and Health Weeks, a key area to encourage awareness and new members.”
Best Newcomer sponsored by CFM MYZONE: Healthaus, Jersey Judge’s Comments: “From the original concept every detail has been covered and every target been achieved or over achieved. “The fact that each client got a mentor appealed to me greatly as the customer would immediately have someone to approach with whatever questions they needed answering.
“The membership cost is very high but is only expensive if you don’t get value for money or results. “The initial outlay and investment is not available to most so obviously their facilities and branding was going to be something special which it is. “Given the disposable income it would be the type of centre I would recommend for results and motivation.”
Regional Gym of the Year North sponsored by emprise: Crow Wood Leisure, Burnley Judge’s Comments: “The statistics all matched up to the written word, therefore, justifying the 100 full time and 70 part time staff to the 4000 members. Crow Wood’s 100 acre site has a multitude of leisure facilities catering for families and all age groups. “What decided it for me was the interview
with Janine Philp. Janine impressed me with her statement of remembering the customers’ names. “She also said they include the local press as part of their marketing campaigns.The word ‘atmosphere’ reflected her use of the words ‘remembering customers’ names’ and the whole entry also endorsed the people first policy.This is a really great entry.”
Regional Gym of the Year South sponsored by ClubManager: Winners 2000 Fitness Ltd, Newton Abbot Judge’s Comments: “Once again they have submitted a first class entry. “This year manager Simon Jeffery highlights the importance of goal setting for both staff and members. His submission concentrates on how his customers have benefited from expert advice. “I liked his objective of setting standards at
the start of every year and fulfilling the goal for both. It is always easy to set goals but more difficult to achieve them. “What impresses me is how the customers’ achievements, the retention figures and the goal setting meet the conclusion. “The philosophy, the results and the systems means that none of what Winners 2000 does is either guesswork or luck. It is a formula for success.”
NATIONAL FITNESS AWARD WINNERS
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Lifetime Achievement sponsored by Harlands Group: Jean Ann Marnoch, instructor experience director at Les Mills Judge’s Comments:
Regional Gym of the Year Scotland sponsored by TVS Sports Surfaces: Gym 64, Dunfermline Judge’s Comments: “This does exactly what it says on the tin! I was immediately warmed by this entry. “Staff selection – open 24 hours (and busy) – and being equipped for all ages.
“The whole mixture means it is working not by accident, but by design. “What defines fitness has become more and more complex over recent years. Gym 64 has nailed it down perfectly.”
“It was back in the 1980s when lycra and leg warmers were all the rage when our winner started their career. “This person was a fitness instructor and personal trainer for over 25 years and a tutor on a variety of health and fitness instructor programmes for 14 years. During that time she choreographed and presented on many YMCA and celebrity fitness videos. “In 2000 this person moved to CYQ and led the growth of this organisation to become the leading AO in the health and fitness sector. CYQ, under her leadership carried out the judging of the FLAME awards and
the evaluation of the FIA’s Code of Practice for clubs and centres. “She was also instrumental in the creation of the European Health and Fitness Association pan European Standards for gym instructors and personal trainers and in 2008 took up the post of registrar for the UK Register of Exercise Professionals. “In 2013 she moved to Les Mills where she took the reigns as the instructor experience director. “Jean-Ann Marnoch is awarded the Lifetime Achievement award for her tireless, relentless and visionary approach to the growth, development and professionalisation of the industry we all work in today.“
Regional Gym of the Year Midlands and Wales sponsored by staffsfitness: Strength Asylum Gym, Stoke Judge’s Comments: “This is a unique product and has a much focused approach to its core business.This club looks to have nailed its ‘niche.’The no nonsense approach is another example of ‘doing’ exactly what it says on the tin. “Cleanliness, providing a product that meets the buyer, expectations, setting out
the gym so as not to be intimidating to newcomers, all suggests that the success is due to a lot of thought and a very specific target market. “Anyone can fill a space with equipment, not everyone can recognise what works and what fails. Strength Asylum and Andrew Parker should be highly commended.”
If you would like to sponsor an award at next year’s National Fitness Awards or exhibit at the National Fitness Conference, call Tony Barry on 01226 734605 or Dan Lloyd on 01226 734699.
Congratulations to our runners up ...
National Gym of the Year sponsored by DFC: St Peter’s Leisure Centre, Burnley Judge’s Comments: “St Peter’s Leisure Centre, Burnley All in all, St Peter’s is an excellently run and well thought out venue, which clearly knows the power of group fitness and is
using it (alongside their other obvious strengths) to meet the needs of the members and staff. “A local authority centre which you can just feel is making a difference.Very well done to the management and team.”
Congratulations to the following clubs: Strength Training Gym of the Year: Ripped Gym, Harlow Health Club of the Year: Ribby Hall Village Health Club, Preston Ladies Only Gym of the Year: Unique Fitness 4 Ladies Only, Dudley Budget Gym of the Year: i-Motion Gym, Rotherham Community Involvement: Hatfield Prison Gym, Doncaster Gym Team of the Year: Penryn Campus Fitness Centre, Penryn Best Hotel Facility: Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa, Cheshire Local Authority/Leisure Trust Gym of the Year: Life Leisure Houldsworth Village, Stockport Group Exercise Gym of the Year: Ribby Hall Village Health Club, Preston Functional Training Gym of the Year: FSI Gym, North Shields
Member Achievement: Curtis Marshall, Fit 4 It Hybrid Gym, Tankersley Combat Zone Gym of the Year: The Muscle Machine Gym, Leicester Customer Service Award: Club Kingswood, Basildon Newcomer: Be-Fitter Gym, Leicester Best Gym Based Personal Trainer: Mike Hind, MAS Body Gym, Middlesborough Best Rehabilitation Gym of the Year: Life Leisure Avondale – Health Hub, Stockport Regional Gym of the Year North: Ribby Hall Village Health Club, Preston Regional Gym of the Year South: Absolutely Fitness, Bracknell Regional Gym of the Year Scotland: DMC Fitness, Glasgow Regional Gym of the Year Midlands and Wales: Wrexham Waterworld, Wrexham
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SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION
Operator adds a nutritional element to its activity hub
Innovative diet scale set to be launched A NEW weighing scale is launching in the UK, which allows athletes, dieters and anyone who needs to monitor their nutritional intake to weigh every meal and get a full breakdown of its calorie, protein, fat and sugar content. The Smart Diet Scale also connects to a smartphone or tablet app where daily intake can be tracked, goals set and meals planned. Marsden Group will be the sole UK distributor of the scale, which was launched in the US in November and has already attracted interest from the
“2016 is an exciting year for Everyone Active’s digital developments. “It’s important for us to offer a holistic approach to health and fitness for our members and the local community. “Encouraging them both inside and outside of our centres to lead active and healthy lifestyles and providing support both in activity and nutrition will mean they remain engaged and get the best results possible. “In addition to new digitally connected equipment being installed in our gyms, our digital developments will also allow us also to reward our customers based on how active they are in and out of the centre.”
English Institute of Sport. Managing director at Marsden Group, Richard Black, said: “The Smart Diet Scale is a new way to stay healthy and monitor your nutrition intake. “As far as we’re aware, there’s nothing like it available anywhere else. “We’re very excited about launching it in the UK. We’re expecting it to be a popular solution for weight loss, weight management, diabetes management and those who want to build muscle and lose fat.”
NUTRAFX unveils new supplement NUTRAFX is launching a new supplement, catering for the everyday athlete who wants to take their performance to the next level. All NutraFX supplements are developed in the US in a GMP certified and FDA registered facility, ensuring that each product holds the highest standard of quality and safety available on the market.
FORWARD thinking operator Everyone Active is expanding its online offering by adding a nutritional element to its health and activity hub, where members can see all their data in one place. On behalf of Nutrition Complete, personalised meal plans will enable members to achieve a healthy, balanced diet and enhance goal achievement. Users will also be able to generate a shopping list from their meal plan, which they can print out or even have the ingredients delivered straight to their door. Everyone Active group digital marketing manager Steph Hibbert said:
NutraFX team athlete Anna Bielkheden said: “Anyone can diet and exercise for a few months in order to get a six-pack. That doesn’t impress me. “What impresses me are the everyday athletes; the blood, the sweat and the tears that come with stumbling, falling and rising again – a non-negotiable attitude toward life.”
Creator of The Rainbow Diet, Chris Woollams has collaborated with leading nutritionist Barbara Cox (pictured above) to create a new recipe book promoting long-term health. Rainbow Recipes highlights the importance of consuming meals high in disease-fighting, immune-boosting, pigment-rich ingredients. Barbara wrote over 70 recipes for the book, which details how to make delicious, nutritious meals and snacks that can help in the promotion of long-term health. Barbara said: “Whereas The Rainbow Diet was aimed specifically at helping people beat cancer, Rainbow Recipes goes further by explaining the various health benefits of a featured ingredient within each recipe. For example, its role in maintaining a healthy heart, blood vessels, muscles, nerves and bones. As for the significance of colour, the pigments that give fruit and vegetables their characteristic shade are antioxidants – incredibly important biochemicals that neutralise disease-causing ‘free radicals' inside us every day.”
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PRODUCT NEWS
Life Fitness fits out Leicester facility with innovative kit
Engage your members and challenge your clients ... WHAT does 2016 mean to you? Well, for 25,000 people it means becoming a Total Warrior. Why not join them and hundreds of gym owners, fitness instructors and PTs in accepting the ultimate test of stamina, strength and determination? Now in its sixth year, Total Warrior crams 30 world class obstacles into its muddy 10km-10mile courses, set in the finest venues the UK has to offer. There are now three locations to choose from in Leeds (June), The Lake District (August) and Scotland (September). Total Warrior events are a fantastic way to engage gym members in a
LEICESTER based independent health club, Fields Fitness has partnered with Life Fitness to fit out its gym with innovative equipment, beneficial for broad range of exercisers. The club, owned by Mike Taylor and partner Denise Evans, was purposebuilt in November 1993 and has continued to expand over the years. The latest installation marks a move by Fields Fitness to diversify its equipment. 26 Life Fitness cardio stations were installed, 14 of which included treadmills, upright bikes, recumbent bikes and cross trainers from the Elevation Series with Discover SE Tablet Consoles. As a centrepiece, Fields Fitness selected a bespoke SYNRGY360XM to showcase small group training – the full-service training nerve centre has enabled Fields Fitness to deliver the classes members want. It consists of one dual adjustable pulley, one rebounder for medicine balls and two
versa spaces for bodyweight training. Mike said: “We followed a clear vision when upgrading equipment in our club and wanted to offer a broad product portfolio to members. “Operating a club in the heart of the community, it was important to create different experiences for a variety of member groups and I’m extremely happy we’ve been able to achieve this.” For more information visit www.lifefitness.co.uk
team challenge that promises gasps, grimaces, and laughs in equal measure. Ben Jones, of B-Smart Fitness in Keswick, said: “Total Warrior is a fixture in our gym calendar now – everyone gets a real buzz from the whole event experience and it has definitely helped create long-lasting bonds between me and my customers.” Experience it for yourself through an exclusive offer for WorkOut readers (see poster for more details). Sign up, recruit your team and get training! For more information, please see www.totalwarrior.co.uk or join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Report helps you start a successful bootcamp IF you’re looking at setting up your own bootcamp, train people in large groups and earn more money doing so then I can help. You see I've put together a free report showing you a step by step blueprint to starting and running your own successful bootcamp business. The blueprint will show you how to build your bootcamp, how to market yourself, earn more money whilst working less hours and how to set up a bootcamp on a budget. So who am I and how can I help you? My name is Richard Morris and I've been in the fitness industry for over 15 years and have been running my own highly profitable bootcamps for the past six years. I also teach fitness professionals to run their own bootcamps through my REPS endorsed Bootcamp Instructor training courses. So if you’re looking at setting up a bootcamp or are looking for new ideas to add to your existing bootcamps then download your free "six steps to building a successful bootcamp that will make you more money, give you freedom and give you the power to change even more peoples lives."
Sound Dynamics go from strength to strength ...
Visit www.bootcamp-instructor.uk to claim your free report or to find out more about our bootcamp instructor training courses please visit www.bootcamp-fitness.co.uk
AS you know, the fitness industry is constantly on the move and as it’s changed over the years, so have Sound Dynamics. This has been key for our growth and development. As a company we have a genuine interest in fitness and both our business and database of customers reflect this. We’ve been supplying the industry for over 27 years and the experience we’ve built up really is exceptional. That along with our friendly team who all work hard to help every single customer we deal with, puts Sound Dynamics in a great position for the future. Every health club should have… The QX8PAV Portable PA system with Bluetooth, CD/DVD Player, two
Handhelds + Headset Mic Ultra portable with two speakers to help spread the sound, plus inbuilt mic system and CD player! Lighting Effect Packages… Lighting effects have become a major player in the fitness industry with brands such as Clubbercise becoming so popular across the UK. Lighting plays a huge part in creating the atmosphere for classes of this nature and we have excellent value lighting packages on offer, making it really easy for private instructors and health clubs alike to create that all important party atmosphere! Get in touch today! For more information call 01773 828486, email support@sound-dynamics.co.uk or visit www.sound-dynamics.co.uk
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