Issue 141 - 16 June 2023
YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE
Sport England publishes latest Active Lives Adults survey – page 3
Rower who suffered rib fractures creates gym equipment to support others – page 4
TOTAL Fitness has introduced a new body composition device at its flagship site in Wilmslow.
Since January, the gym’s personal trainers have been using the 570 InBody device with members as they embark on their fitness journey, and in just three months more than 1,000 scans have been completed.
The gym has also reported that 60 per cent of those 1,000 were in fact repeat scans from customers wanting to see how their results compared to their initial scan.
The InBody 570 device is the advanced body composition analyser and goes beyond traditional analysis by measuring fat, muscle and total body water. In just 45 seconds, a user receives a report detailing their overall health which is an incredibly valuable resource for fitness settings. While the device is fantastic for providing the full picture of a person’s overall health, how the results are explained and understood is a fundamental part of the user’s experience.
“The results of the scans need to be properly communicated to truly appreciate the results and what they mean, so all of our PTs at Wilmslow
completed comprehensive training with the InBody team,” said Richard Wilson, head of personal training at Total Fitness.
“We want to deliver the best service to our customers so we’ve made sure our PTs can successfully analyse the results of each scan to make a significant difference to our members.”
Ever since Total Fitness started offering
scans to its members, the team has noticed people are more engaged both at the gym and with their PT. In fact, 90 per cent of members who recently completed a scan said they found the device to be massively beneficial to their programme and fitness journey.
Richard added: “While there are many great benefits to exercise, you can’t
always immediately see the results. From our experience, the InBody scans have helped users to understand it’s more than what’s on the scales or what you see in the mirror.
“They’re given a true picture of their overall health so they can see the real progress that they’ve made in real time.”
Francesca Cooper-Boden, InBody UK co director, said: “Traditionally health is prescribed by BMI and weight but with a device like InBody, users are shown a detailed report on everything from their muscle mass, fat percentage and total body water.
“It’s the perfect device to use in a fitness setting like Total Fitness because users can immediately know where they are in terms of their health, identify what changes they need to make and continuously track their progress.
“It’s fantastic to have the Total Fitness team on board and it’s great to see that the whole team are behind the InBody training to make sure their members get the most out of the device.
“Completing 1,000 scans in the first few months is an amazing result and no doubt as they start to promote the device more widely to their users this number will continue to rise.”
BETWEEN November 2021 and November 2022, 63.1 per cent (29.1 million) of the population met the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines of doing 150 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity a week – an increase of 1.7 per cent year on year.
This means that, compared to the first Active Lives survey between November 2015 and November 2016, there are 1.5m more active adults.
The number of people classed as inactive – averaging fewer than 30 minutes a week – has fallen over the last year by 1.4 per cent to 25.8 per cent of the population (11.9m).
This remains slightly above prepandemic levels – but is in line with where they were in 2015-16.
Sport England chief executive Tim Hollingsworth said: “The pandemic
Director of Operations: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Studio manager: Paul Hopkinson ph@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Assistant studio manager: Scott Firth sf@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
was an unprecedented challenge to community sport and activity in England, so it’s great news that the overall number of people being physically active has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.
“Alongside our investment, the monumental effort of those working across sport and physical activity, both professionals and volunteers, has played a huge part here.
“Clearly there is still much to do. The recovery has not been universal, with the report providing further evidence that some groups face more barriers to being active than others, namely women, those living in the most deprived places and Black and Asian people.
“That’s why our Uniting the Movement strategy continues to see us work with our partners to focus resources towards
the people and places that need the most support to be active.”
Team sports, which were severely hit by the impact of Covid-19, have overall recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Football (up 561,000 year on year), cricket (up 124,000), netball (up 139,000) and basketball (up 57,000) have seen an increase in participation numbers.
The gender activity gap has widened. Men’s activity levels have returned to the highs seen in November 2018-19, but women’s activity levels remain slightly below this.
Affluence and activity levels are closely linked; people living in the most deprived areas are the least likely to be active, and people in wealthier areas more likely to be active. This means inequalities that existed before the pandemic are widening.
PLANS to build a new, state-of-the-art leisure and wellbeing hub in the heart of Caerphilly are taking shape.
Activity has commenced on the site as contractors have begun to clear parts of the land to allow survey works to progress.
One of the key surveys to be completed includes site investigation works, which will help to establish the type of soil/ rock underlying the site, so that the foundations and drainage can be designed.
www.workoutuk.co.uk
Prior to these works starting, the site will be cleared of vegetation in discrete areas where the survey equipment needs to access.
An ecologist will be present to ensure no harm comes to any wildlife during the clearance works.
Following the site clearance, specialist equipment will be used to take samples
A BRITISH rower who has hopes of becoming an Olympian has designed new gym equipment to support other athletes who may be prone to rib stress fractures.
Max Parker, 23, created the GymMax to support other sportspeople, like him, who endure such high training loads that they can fracture their own ribs.
The Nottingham Trent University student is a competitive rower with ambitions to represent Great Britain in the Olympics, and is currently training for the World University Games.
Max, who is studying BA Product Design, has fractured his own ribs twice, but says there’s no specific equipment available which focusses on strengthening the serratus anterior muscles which support the rib cage. His design went on public exhibition for the 2023 art and design Student Showcase at NTU, which is one of the UK’s largest displays of graduating art and design talent.
Max said: “I’ve been rowing at a high level for six years and I’ve had rib stress fractures twice now.
“It’s not an uncommon injury in competitive rowing, but from my perspective there’s not a lot of work that’s been done on how to prevent it
occurring.
“The injury comes from the repetitive motion that puts a strain on the ribs. It normally affects the third or fourth rib down from the collar bone, usually on the front of the rib cage. It’s usually a very small fracture, often only a hairline crack, but is quite painful.
“During racing season, many people train through it and push through the pain, but a physio would probably recommend a couple of months out.
“The first time I had it was during racing season and I just pushed through the pain. Luckily it did gradually heal. The second time wasn’t as bad as I was able to have
break.”
Made from a plywood base with two layers of sustainable natural rubber for grip, GymMax allows athletes to easily train with resistance bands by hooking them onto the stainless steel bars, while short yellow ropes limit the load.
It allows people to easily practice a range of exercises against resistance including side planks, press ups, scapula press ups and more.
“I would be keen to take it to market, as I think there’s definitely potential in it,” added Max, who aims to train fulltime after finishing his degree.
“I’ve had lots of people try it and have received great feedback from them all.”
Paul Kennea, senior lecturer in product design at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Max has taken his own personal experience of a competitive sports injury and used it to design something which will help other athletes, like him, to cope with the amount of training which is required to compete at the top level.
“His product is a sustainable and affordable way to improve the training experience for athletes who need to strengthen themselves in specific muscle areas to prevent seasonending injuries.”
A YEAR-long focus on improving the outdoor environment for the Tenby community and learners at Ysgol Greenhill culminated with the launch of a new outdoor gym.
Coordinated by a committee of school governors, the Greenhill Outdoor Improvement plan included the planting of 6,000 spring bulbs and the creation of a vegetable growing area with several raised beds, fruit trees, habitat boxes, wildflower areas and greenhouse outside the Learning Resource Centre.
Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant funding enabled the project, led by Friends of Greenhill, and supported by Tenby Town Council, to make a real difference to the outdoor offer.
The outdoor gym is free to use, inclusive to all ages and abilities and is positioned with a view over Caldey Island. It is accessible throughout the school day for pupils and during evenings and school holidays for the local community.
There are a variety of multi-purpose pieces of equipment which provide a range of physical and health benefits.
From building strength in all the major muscle groups and developing cardiovascular fitness, to improving flexibility, balance and coordination.
Most importantly of all it is great fun, and the pupils in school are making the most of it at every opportunity.
Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor David Simpson, said: “It is a glowing testament as to how the Council and Communities can work together to provide a scheme that will not only be used by the school pupils but the community at large. Enhancing Pembrokeshire is an excellent fund and this is an excellent scheme with an excellent outcome for Tenby.”
Headteacher David Haynes added: “I would like to thank The Friends of Greenhill for providing our fantastic
outdoor gym for the pupils of Ysgol Greenhill and the wider community.
“We are immensely grateful to everyone involved, including Pembrokeshire County Council through the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant and Tenby Town Council.
“The gym has proved to be very popular with pupils of all ages before, during and after school and has already had a significant impact upon their health and wellbeing.
“We very much look forward to
enhancing the school site further to ensure our school and community have the best facilities available for all to enjoy.”
Tenby Mayor Councillor Dai Morgan added: “As a Council we believe it’s vital to have a working relationship with Greenhill. The pupils will only benefit from this.
“It was a privilege to be one of the parties to bring the gym to Greenhill which has so many positives for not just the pupils but also the local community.”
ClubRight has announced the launch of its brand-new product, ClubRight Pay: a BACScompliant, FCA-regulated Direct Debit payments service which is fully integrated with the ClubRight platform.
Powered by London and Zurich, ClubRight Pay gives independent businesses in the fitness industry the power to collect Direct Debits with no fuss and honest, transparent pricing. Collections are safe, secure and compliant.
Born from a desire to help fitness businesses thrive in the current economic climate, ClubRight Pay boasts low transaction fees while offering some of the most advanced functionality in the Direct Debit collections space.
Plus, users benefit from money paid into their bank account just three working days after it’s been collected from customers.
Simply put, ClubRight believes that your hardearned money should be yours - not lining the pockets of collection agencies.
Perhaps the most impressive perk is that you’ll never have to chase debt again, helping to avoid those awkward conversations at the front desk. ClubRight Pay enables you to automatically retry failed payments and receive an immediate notification of a Direct Debit cancellation so that you can address any at-risk members before the collection date.
In addition to great features, you’ll also get access to a fully-managed concierge migration service if you’re switching from another collections agency, complete with a dedicated migration specialist.
If you’re paying extortionate transaction fees, it’s
easier than ever to migrate existing Direct Debit mandates to ClubRight Pay.
It’s the perfect option for fitness businesses of all shapes and sizes, whether you’re new to Direct Debits or looking for a more cost-effective solution.
There’s no setup fee, no hidden costs and no gimmicks.
Just honest, transparent pricing from 40p per successful transaction.
You pay the same flat fee regardless of the amount being collected, you’re only charged for
successful transactions there are no nasty hidden charges.
On average, businesses that collect 350 Direct Debits per month could save more than £1,000 on their transaction fees every year by switching to ClubRight Pay.
Whether you’re new to direct debits or searching for a more competitive collections service, ClubRight can help.
Get in contact with their experts at 0203 884 9777 or visit www.clubright.co.uk/clubright-pay for more info
DEVELOPMENT works has begun at the Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex following Places Leisure’s £6m investment in facilities.
At the beginning of April, Elmbridge Borough Council awarded Places Leisure the new leisure management operator contract until 2033.
The new contract will allow the council and Places Leisure to build on their already well-established partnership which dates back more than 30 years.
The new contract includes the running of the Xcel Leisure Centre, Hurst Pool and Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub on behalf of the Council.
Councillor Simon Waugh, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: “The enhancement to the facilities will bring substantial benefits to residents and we will be following the development works closely to inform you about their progress.
“It is important to us to be able to offer high quality, affordable and sustainable facilities for residents to enjoy. Our partnership with Places Leisure will play an important part in the delivery of our Elmbridge Vision 30 as we are working towards a thriving Elmbridge.
“We cannot wait to see these new facilities being used and enjoyed by the community.”
As part of the new contract, Places Leisure has pledged to deliver more energy efficient, affordable facilities and committed to a £6m investment package into further improving the Xcel leisure complex.
This investment includes a new dedicated luxury health suite, immersive cycling studio, new climbing wall, an
extension to the existing fitness suite, a Costa Coffee store and a new soft play area. The new development works commence later in the year. The extended and new facilities will be an exciting addition to the Xcel leisure complex, already a popular venue with one million customers visiting every year for a wide range of activities.
This includes exercise classes, junior sports and sessions, a health referral scheme for rehabilitation, in addition to the gym and pool.
Following Places Leisure’s extensive investment programme, visitors will also have access to a wider choice of exercise and leisure opportunities.
The enhanced facilities will remain accessible to all our residents, including those in receipt of benefits, as Places Leisure will continue to provide a comprehensive concessionary pricing policy.
Dan Walker, business development director for Places Leisure, added: “We are delighted to soon be kicking off our development programme at the Xcel leisure complex.
“We have based our improvement plans on our experience operating 100 leisure facilities across the UK, and we look forward to opening the improved and extended facilities to Elmbridge residents in the coming months. Works will also be phased to minimise disruption for customers.
“The enhanced facilities will give customers further opportunities to try new forms of exercise, and encourage more residents to visit facilities and feel the full benefits on their health and wellbeing.”
RESIDENTS have been taking part in discussions around plans to build a new leisure centre in the west of Brighton to replace the ageing King Alfred Leisure Centre.
In April, more than 200 local people attended an all-day ‘drop-in’ event at the centre to share their thoughts and find out more.
The drop-in was hosted by staff from Planning for Real, Brighton and Hove City Council’s external engagement partner, along with council officers, who shared information about the project and captured residents’ aspirations and views.
Almost 500 comments were received, ranging from thoughts on the location and design of the new building, to the facilities that could be included.
Alan Robins, chair of the council’s Culture, Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Economic Regeneration Committee said: “Brighton & Hove residents are passionate about sports and leisure and we’re focussed on delivering a facility that our city deserves.
“Getting views from residents is vital if we are to achieve our aim of creating a modern new hub that meets local needs and attracts visitors both now and in the future.
“We are delighted that so many people have already taken the time to attend consultation events and share their thoughts.
“But if you missed them – don’t
worry. There will be many more opportunities to have your say over the coming months.”
Many people were keen to see a competition size pool for swimmers of all ages and abilities and a fun pool for children. There were also requests for badminton, martial arts, dance and a range of fun activities for children and young people.
A bigger updated gym, a wider range of classes and targeted sports for the over 60s and women were also on residents’ wish lists.
Ensuring that the centre meets the needs of those with disabilities was highlighted by many residents, with
suggestions including more adaptive equipment, cubicle showers, audio points and coloured wayfinding routes around the centre. Residents also felt energy efficiency should be a priority and that options for using green energy, recyclable materials and an energy efficient design for the building should be encouraged.
While many residents said they used active travel or public transport to access the current leisure centre, others called for adequate car parking facilities and blue badge parking for those who need to drive or travel from further afield.
Following the drop-in event, the council hosted a ‘visioning workshop’ to get further input about plans.
The workshop was attended by 40 people representing residents, community groups and sports clubs who regularly use the centre.
The aim of the workshop was to create an overall vision for the new facility and consider the practical and financial constraints of delivering it.
From calls to build on the existing site, to a plea to ‘be bold and do something amazing’ attendees were keen to add their comments and explore options.
While some residents clearly favoured a seafront location, others suggested sites to the north of Hove and nearer to schools, with good walking routes and public transport links.
Over the summer and early autumn, site options will be explored in more detail and a timeline for the project developed. Work will include some initial outline designs and feasibility studies for the current and alternative sites.
This work will be influenced by feedback from the informal sessions that have taken place.
Work will continue throughout the summer and into the autumn when the council will share a shortlist of three sites (including the current site) and more detailed consultation on those options.
LEISURE centres in Shropshire are collecting book donations in support of the Children’s Book Project.
Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, which manages Shrewsbury Sports Village, the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre in Shrewsbury, Oswestry Leisure Centre and Market
Drayton Swimming and Fitness Centre, on behalf of Shropshire Council, has announced a second link up with the Children’s Book Project, following a successful collection in 2022 which saw over 1,000 books collected at its centres.
Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and digital, said: “Health and wellbeing is not just about physical fitness and activity but about healthy minds too.
“Having access to a good book and being able to take a few minutes out of our busy lives to read for ourselves, or to read a story to young children, adds to our mental wellbeing.
“This is an excellent opportunity to have a clear out of old books knowing they are going to a really good cause.”
The Children’s Book Project is looking to tackle ‘book poverty’,
providing good quality, used books for children under 12 who may not be able to afford a book of their own. This month, the charity will celebrate gifting a million books to children via their Discovery Programme.
Visitors to the leisure centres are being encouraged to drop off donations in special collection boxes at each of the four leisure sites.
Jamie Bryant, partnership manager for Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, added: “The book drive was such a success in 2022, giving us an easy decision to make this year when the Children’s Book Project asked for further support.
“It’s such a worthwhile charity and we are very proud to be partnering with them again in 2023 at our centres.
“Last year’s total is going to be tough to beat, but I’m banking on the generosity of our customers. They delivered in 2022, and I’m confident they’ll do so again.
“If you’re someone with unwanted, good quality children’s books for the under 12s in your home, please pop along to one of our centres, and give the gift of reading.”
MATRIX Fitness has been a proud partner of the Wigan Warriors rugby league team for more than five years, providing fitness equipment for the club’s world-class training facility, which is proving essential both for performance and rehabilitation purposes.
Never has the Matrix Fitness equipment become more indispensable than in the recent rehabilitation of star player Liam Farrell, who suffered a Grade 2 MCL tear during a game at the end of last season.
Ian Bentley, head of performance at
Wigan Warriors, said: “Injuries are a stressful time for players.
“They feel isolated when unable to contribute to the team. Often an injured player can be encouraged to avoid the gym altogether.
“But not here, thanks to our varied equipment set up from Matrix, the gym is a place where our injured players are still able to train around the rest of the squad.”
The gym now includes an increased variety of fitness equipment from Matrix Fitness, allowing the coaches more flexibility and versatility when planning
sessions.
For strength and conditioning work, there are four Magnum series mega racks, two Magnum half racks with cables and several Magnum posterior chain machines.
There are also isolated Aura stack machines, free weights, treadmills and bikes from the 7xi range, S-drive, S-force and Matrix rowers.
On his recovery, Liam added: “Having the best quality equipment in the Matrix gym makes rehabilitation so much easier and has given me the confidence to come back strong.
“Being able to still train around the rest of the team gives you motivation to become part of the playing group again.”
Ian added: “Not only did the Matrix gym equipment help speed up Liam’s recovery process, but it also allowed us to build strength, control, and resilience to ensure that he returned to fitness as robust as possible.
“Not only to reduce the risk of re-injury to his knee, but also to reduce the risk of sustaining secondary injuries that could be attributed to de-loading or undertraining during his period of time out.”
