Weekly Workout Issue 10

ISSUE 1 I May 2020

WEEKLY

Issue 10

10 July 2020

YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE

New £14.54m leisure centre ready to open

page 4 Training initiative to support sector launched

page 6

First turnkey online coaching solution unveiled

page 7

WORKOUT WEEKLY

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fit4thefight and fibodo partner with specialists PARLIAMENT Hill, an exclusive member benefits platform, has partnered with fit4thefight and fibodo to give its clients and their members access to personal trainer and fitness classes, bolstering its fitness and wellbeing offering. fit4thefight, powered by fibodo, is an initiative created to help fitness professionals offer their classes to their clients, and anyone in their local community, ahead of gyms and studios reopening.

Allowing consumers to maintain their fitness, and PTs to maintain their business, as lockdown measures are eased.

The fitness marketplace, and strategic partner of ukactive, has pledged to donate all proceeds from its bookings to the NHS, as the country recovers from the economic impact of COVID-19.

Parliament Hill’s client base includes more than 90 member organisations, including major institutions and associations such as trade unions, colleges, mutuals, clubs and royal societies.

Its client base has a combined membership of more than four million people.

Each of those members can access bespoke one-to-one and small group training sessions to stay motivated, keep fit and have fun.

This partnership will allow Parliament Hill clients’ members to gain exclusive access to personalised consultations, one to one, or group fitness sessions across the UK with discount codes and offers being made available to members.

Anthony Franklin, founder and CEO of fibodo, said: “Exercise is essential to a healthy body and mind, and access to accurate and tailored advice from a qualified professional, wherever you are, cannot be underestimated. fit4thefight gives Parliament Hill’s four million-plus members access to the types of training they need to stay active, while they

cannot go to the gym, or take part in their usual fitness routines.

“This partnership will enable those in its more than 90 member organisations, across industries, such as healthcare, professional services and construction, to maintain their fitness during lockdown.

“We expect that more than 80 per cent of people exercising during the lockdown, will continue that trend as restrictions begin to ease.”

Kyra Ingrao, associate director, marketing and partnerships at Parliament Active, added: “We’re pleased to add fit4thefight and fibodo to our benefits portfolio, and offer broader access to fitness training to help during lockdown, and as we progress into the next and future phases of lockdown.

“The health and wellbeing of our clients, clients’ members and the Parliament Hill team has never been more important.

“We’re constantly looking for new and innovative ways to improve our offering, and fit4thefight and fibodo do just that despite the testing times and pandemic.

“Users of the platform and app will have even more motivation to keep moving and stay active throughout the year.”

Anytime Fitness first to install Wattbike AtomX INDOOR cycling has been redefined as the anticipated first UK installs of the new Wattbike AtomX have taken place at Anytime Fitness, Leatherhead.

The Wattbike AtomX; the new smart bike for the commercial market, is the pinnacle of indoor cycling excellence and builds on the huge success of Wattbike’s award winning consumer product, the unrivalled Wattbike Atom, the first smart bike in the world.

John Quin, director of Anytime Fitness, Farnham and Leatherhead, said: “We chose to install two of the new Wattbike AtomX bikes as we strive to provide our members with the very best equipment available.

“Wattbike is an official supplier for us, and a well-known, reliable and trusted brand.

“The AtomX has a sleek and modern design that fits in perfectly with our brand image.”

With patented technology and innovative new advancements, the AtomX gives riders a fully connected, immersive cycling experience.

Including in-built, interactive workouts, tests, training plans and climb mode all accessible from the 11” Performance Touchscreen, AtomX automatically changes resistance to follow structured

workouts, simulate gradient changes and mimic real climbs from around the world.

AtomX smart technology enables seamless third-party connectivity so members can train their way.

They can connect to the Wattbike Hub app or via their own smart devices to use apps including Zwift, The Sufferfest, Trainer Road and many more.

Integrated shifters allow riders to change gear or resistance as well as toggle ride modes and screens without lifting their hands from the handlebars.

Marcus Partridge, Wattbike area sales manager, added: “It’s exciting to announce the first UK installs of the Wattbike AtomX. “There is a growing demand for smart training; accurate data and instant feedback which tracks performance and utilises metrics to motivate the member on their health and fitness journey.”

“We have indoor bikes that cover both home and commercial fitness sectors, and user groups from general health and fitness to elite sport.

“With this we offer our customers a virtuous cycle from their home, health club, hotel or work, providing a product offering suited to a particular function and area of the gym floor; a portfolio of bikes suited for every Wattbiker.”

Sales and marketing director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 tb@scriptmedia.co.uk

Challenge raises thousands for charity

Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk

ENERGETIC residents across Stockport have ‘actively’ raised more than £3,800 for charity.

The impressive total is the result of generous donations made in sponsorship of those who took part in Life Leisure’s 10 Day Challenge - a ‘virtual’ fitness event set up to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK. The Stockport based fitness provider came up with the challenge in an effort to support the charity, which has been prevented from hosting its annual Race For Life fundraisers due to lockdown restrictions.

With mass gatherings banned, Life Leisure instead challenged its staff, members and the wider public to jog, walk, run or ride 10km in 10 days, 8km in eight days, 5km in five days or 3km in three days, and post their efforts on

Group production editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Studio manager: Stewart Holt sth@scriptmedia.co.uk

www.workout-uk.co.uk

social media.

Ruth Lynch, head of health, fitness and communities at Life Leisure, headed up the initiative.

She said: “It’s been such an amazing event. So many people got behind the idea, set their own specific activity targets and totally smashed it to bring in much needed sponsorship money.

“We would like to thank everyone who took on our challenge and helped raised such a fantastic sum.

“Lots of charities really depend on sporting events to raise much needed funds, and it’s around now when Cancer Research UK usually holds its Race For Life. ”We hope this money will go some way toward filling that funding gap caused by the current lockdown restrictions.”

Stockport resident Charissa Wrenshall and her eight-year-old son Jenson completed 10 x 5km runs in aid of the cause.

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New £14.54m leisure centre ready to open

THE new Bulmershe Leisure Centre in Woodley, Reading is preparing to welcome the public for the first time.

Following its commission by Wokingham Borough Council, the facility was originally set to open ahead of schedule in April following a £14.54m upgrade after the existing leisure centre was demolished and the new centre built in its place.

The site is operated by Places Leisure (part of Places for People) and features a six-lane 2 5-metre swimming pool, a teaching pool for learner swimmers, a bigger gym, a ‘Live Well’ gym for those

with long term conditions, a four-court sports hall and a studio and café.

The new gym features five stations of FIVE Concept equipment in a dedicated space from exclusive UK distributor Reach Wellness.

“FIVE Concept uniquely provides for movement preparation, mobilisation, recovery, regeneration, flexibility and stretching to supplement and complement conventional strength, cardiovascular and functional training,” said Jeff Davis, managing director of Reach Wellness.

“We are delighted that Places Leisure

has once again included FIVE Concept following the proven success at Loughton Leisure Centre (Epping Forest District Council).”

Sarah Roberts, fitness operations manager at Places Leisure, added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Jeff Davis at Reach Wellness to deliver Bulmershe Leisure Centre’s recent equipment install.

“We feel that our gym offering is improved and enhanced by including the FIVE Concept equipment.

“It’s suitable for a wide range of users and really allows people of all ages

in Ruislip, London, has seen a huge drop in her income during lockdown.

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Naomi was teaching 50 classes a week in studios and client’s homes.

She said: “I knew my salary would take a hit because 70 per cent of my income came from studio-based classes.

“I’ve moved as much of my business online as I can, but only a small proportion of my clients have felt comfortable with moving online.

“The main reason people use a personal trainer is motivation and I think loads of people have struggled for motivation during this period.

“It’s scared them and their financial priorities have subsequently changed.

“I’ve had clients who’ve either been furloughed or taken a big cut to their pay and my income has dried up as a result.

“I think people’s priorities have also changed in terms of their lifestyle.

“They’re cooped up indoors all day, so they want to go out and move, not stay in and move.

“That’s why outdoor fitness classes are growing so much in popularity and why I’ve started hosting more of my sessions in small groups outdoors.

Naomi added: “It feels like the Government has overlooked the fitness

industry. Why can pubs and restaurants open, but certain fitness facilities can’t?

“It’s perfectly feasible to socially distance in a studio, and the boutique studio I use is perfectly ventilated.

“It’s certainly safer than being in a pub or supermarket.

“I appreciate that not every gym or fitness centre is the same, but it would be nice if the Government was clearer on what’s allowed and what’s not in terms of where you can train and how many people you can train, rather than just lumping the entire fitness industry into the same category.”

Despite this uncertainty, however, a key positive outcome from lockdown has been the speed at which personal trainers and fitness instructors have been able to adapt.

More than seven in 10 (74 per cent) of those surveyed said that they have trained clients via online and livestreamed sessions, something that they hadn’t considered previously.

Furthermore, 31 per cent of respondents can see themselves moving more of their business online in future.

One in four even said that lockdown has flipped their business model entirely, so they will now be offering more training online training than in-

and abilities to benefit from a different exercise experience.

“The kit is so intuitive to use it helps to remove barriers for new people and also assist more experienced users to push their limits and achieve greater goals.

“Our members, PTs, health and wellbeing coaches and membership advisor teams love the kit – we look forward to our next project.”

To find out more about how to incorporate FIVE Concept Core-tex, SensoPro and Solid Infinity System into your facility or workplace call 01777 711798, visit www.reach-wellness. com or email jeff@reach-wellness.com

‘Government has overlooked us’ say PTs A NEW survey has revealed the extent to which personal trainers and fitness instructors have struggled to maintain their client base and income during lockdown.

In a survey of 981 PTs and fitness instructors, eight in 10 respondents said they have worked less during lockdown than previously, with three-quarters saying they are training fewer clients now than they did prior to the lockdown being imposed on 23rd March.

The figures also show that the average income of a personal trainer or fitness instructor has more than halved.

For one in 10 respondents, the monthly drop has been more than £3,000.

The research, from specialist sports insurance provider Insure4Sport, comes following industry criticism of a Government announcement that allowed businesses like pubs, restaurants and hairdressers to reopen from July 4.

Gyms and health clubs, meanwhile, are to remain closed.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, 45 per cent of those surveyed said their gym hasn’t been in touch yet about a likely date for re-opening, leading many to call out for more clarity.

Naomi Scriven, a fitness trainer based

person.

The growth in popularity of outdoor training sessions is also clear – 44 per cent of those surveyed said they will continue running sessions outdoors, even when restrictions are lifted.

This is despite six in 10 personal trainers saying that they feel comfortable with returning to a gym within the next month.

John Woosey, founder and managing director of Insure4Sport, said: “These findings will not be a surprise to the tens of thousands of fitness instructors and personal trainers across the UK – the majority of whom are self-employed and therefore in a more financially vulnerable position.

“The fitness industry as a whole is struggling, due in part to a lack of clear guidance from Government on when we can expect indoor gyms to reopen their doors.

“What’s great to see, however, is the initiative being shown by personal trainers and fitness instructors in quickly switching up their business models.

“We’re witnessing a trend whereby online sessions and outdoor sessions are rapidly becoming the norm, so who’s to say these innovative methods of training can’t continue for the foreseeable future?”

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Training initiative to support sector launched

WITH the reopening of indoor gyms and leisure facilities in England expected in the coming weeks, along with the return of grassroots sporting activity, the Chartered Institute for the Management for Sport and Physical Activity has announced a major training initiative for the sector, funded by Sport England.

ReActivate is a new, free, online training platform, designed to equip anyone working or volunteering in the sport, fitness, leisure and physical activity sector in England with the knowledge and skills they need to confidently return to work or restart their coaching activity.

Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA, said: “The sport and physical activity workforce and volunteers are going to play a vital role in keeping the nation fit and healthy as we emerge from this crisis.

“With our recent Return to Work survey indicating that 40 per cent have some

degree of apprehension about returning, it is vital that we give them the support they need to return with confidence and create a safe environment for the public.

“The resources we are providing with support from Sport England and our delivery partners are designed to give all stakeholders the ability to reopen with confidence.”

ReActivate has been funded by Sport England, commissioned by CIMSPA and delivered by a consortium of partners with extensive experience in online training in the physical activity sector, led by Future Active Workforce CIC. It will provide online, customisable training content, covering areas including risk management, social distancing, cleaning and use of equipment; along with refresher training, Covid-specific procedures and health and wellness support for staff still on furlough.

It will also bring government and industry guidance to life in an easily digestible digital format and will generate a CIMSPA ‘Covid-Safe’ training certificate on completion, giving anyone who needs it the ability to return to their sport and physical activity roles with confidence.

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of Sport England, added: “Sport and physical activity play a crucial role in our health and wellbeing and we recognise the vital role of those who work in the leisure sector, as well as the countless volunteers and coaches who keep our communities active.

“It is absolutely vital to give everyone who needs it access to the resources and training they need to confidently return to their roles, and this is why we have invested in this major training initiative.”

ReActivate will be free to use for 12 months for anyone working or

volunteering in the sport and physical activity sector in England; including fitness instructors, trainers and all staff working in leisure facilities, as well as grass roots sports coaches and volunteers.

Elaine Briggs, managing director, Future Active Workforce CIC, said: “Future Active Workforce is proud to be working with CIMSPA to lead on the delivery of this project, working in partnership with a number of highly experienced and well respected organisations.

“This project will provide a hugely valuable and useful training platform for everyone working in sport and physical activity at this crucial time as the sector begins to plan for reopening.”

Employers and facility managers interested in free access to the ReActivate training platform can register at https://cimspa-reactivate.uk/

Communicating with the four types of people PSYCHOSOCIAL applications relates to development and interaction with the social environment.

According to Tony Lewis, director of the sports science company sportsbehaviour, there are four types of people – direction action, happy radiant, conscientious dependable or clear analytical.

By understanding which type your customer is, you can provide a better service and communicate more effectively with them.

Direct action types are generally extrovert with high levels of energy.

They are direct and always on the go.

Communications should be direct, well structured and to the point. Information should be quickly and clearly delivered but in sufficient detail not to allow them to jump to or come to wrong conclusions.

They like facts so these should be included and they’ll turn off if you

Tony Lewis

deliver the messages slowly or ramble.

Happy radiant types are strongly extroverted, positive and friendly.

They are interested in social interaction and are often persuasive and inclusive.

Communications should be delivered in a positive, open and enthusiastic way.

They are happy with a more casual and informal style.

They will respond better when

references are made to their past successes and when they receive praise.

They will benefit from lots of short contact or touching base every now and again.

They will need to know what the expected outcomes are so you will need to be explicit on this.

Conscientious dependable types are inclusive and democratic.

They focus on values and have a desire for understanding. Communications should be clear and logical.

They should be delivered with supporting facts and devoid of too much dressing, flowering and unnecessary detail.

They will deliver on communications so don’t necessarily need you to check it with them too many times.

Clear analytical are generally introverted and want to know more about what’s going on around them.

They like precision and need time to

complete their desired analysis.

Communications should be delivered sincerely and in a more serious than casual manner.

There should be no confrontation and would benefit in receiving the message if they are at ease.

They will need the detail, particularly if there are any changes being made.

They will need time to consider and ask questions and they need people to clearly state what they mean. sportsbehaviour provide personalised sports science reports to help coaches, squads and athletes understand how their mind and body work.

Clients range from Olympians and Word IronMan champions to gym goers who want to enjoy their workout more.

The sportsbehaviour system is being used by the industry as an incentive to increase membership, to engage and reengage customers or as a sale product. hello@sportsbehaviour.com

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First turnkey online coaching solution unveiled

VIRTUAGYM, the software platform for member engagement, coaching and club management for fitness businesses, has launched its innovative program Stronger Together.

By creating the world’s first all-in-one turnkey digital membership solution, gym and studio owners no longer need to actively do all the work to digitally engage with their members via technology such as community building, online challenges or creating workout and nutrition plans.

The new program combines all this and also offers audio coaching and video live streaming sessions, so business owners can spend their time running their gym, club or studio instead.

“We noticed that many of our customers are struggling to get a good digital offering in place, which they can charge their members for during the

current crisis,” said Virtuagym CEO Hugo Braam.

“And that’s not just single location businesses, but chains as well. It just costs a lot of time and resources to do this well.”

“Our customers only need to press a button to go live with a rich digital membership experience, where we do all the heavy lifting.

“We believe that won’t just be relevant during the coronavirus pandemic, but will allow clubs to offer their members a broader experience as part of their membership moving forward.”

A recent survey conducted by Virtuagym showed that the majority of fitness and wellness businesses now offer online solutions to their members.

The pandemic forced the industry to move into the virtual world overnight.

However, most businesses surveyed

admitted they have failed to turn this online coaching solution into a new revenue stream – mostly due to time and resource restrictions.

Hugo added: “An online coaching offering is hard work, it’s like managing an extra business.

“With Stronger Together that’s no longer an issue.”

This innovative offering provides club, gym and studio owners with a complete online fitness and wellness program to offer their clients so they can work out with their gym or studio both at home and in the facility.

The Stronger Together program offers thousands of hours of content, including digital 3D workouts, video classes, audio coaching, nutrition and fitness tracking, an online community updated with content on a daily basis, as well as challenges to stay fit.

But it’s not just fitness; Virtuagym has also added a library of meditation sessions, making it a complete and holistic member wellness experience.

Stronger Together doesn’t just benefit members but also enables them to support their gym or studio through difficult times by paying for this rich digital subscription.

“That’s partly where the name comes from,” said Hugo.

“We are Stronger Together – we help our customers to support their members in their healthy lifestyles at home and in return, their members can support their local club by paying a digital membership fee.

“Members stay active and they help their local gym to survive. Everybody wins.”

Stronger Together is now available for gyms and studios globally.

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