Workout June 2013

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June 2013

The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine

Independents in unique position to shape future

By Christina Eccles INDEPENDENT operators have the power to shape the future of the industry, according to top American fitness consultant Thomas Plummer.

Thomas spoke to an audience of club owners at the IOU event at this year’s BodyPower Expo, telling them they are now in a unique position.

He said change within the industry is inevitable, but instead of having to react to what the big chains are doing, independent gyms are now in a position to drive these changes forward themselves – if they get their business models right.

He explained: “Change in the industry is not coming from where it used to be.

“Change used to come from the big chains down. But now it’s not working that way, it’s coming from you – independent gyms and trainers.”

During the talk, Thomas urged independent clubs who want to improve their business models to move away from the idea of constantly having to sell more memberships.

Instead he recommended they look at how to get more revenue from the members they already have, by offering different levels of membership and personalised training packages, helping

members to achieve results – and generating more money for a club.

He added: “Think about not the number of clients you have but how much each client generates for you. Training revenue is where the growth is.

“Most of you are in business for the right reasons but are trapped by your own business model.”

Something he believes could work for independent clubs is a three tier membership system, which provides different options to suit members’ needs.

The bottom tier costs the least per month and provides basic access to the gym but with few extras.

The next tier costs more and gives members access to lower tier benefits plus small group training, large group team training sessions or a combination of both.

The top tier comes with the most expensively monthly fee and includes all of that plus a number of monthly one on one training sessions.

Thomas also recommended encouraging clients to train for a minimum of eight times per month – believing this is the number of visits someone needs to make to be encouraged to stay – and pay – longer.

I For more on this year’s BodyPower Expo, see inside.

No 237 £3

Help us to celebrate our 20th birthday

Taurus is the fittest sign of the zodiac, according to research from payasUgym.com, which claims Taureans are more likely to keep fit than those born under any other star sign. Based on research from over 20,000 users, the site discovered people were nearly twice as likely to participate in a fitness activity if they were a Taurean – like famous sporting stars David Beckham and Andy Murray – than any other sign. According to the figures, Geminis came in in second place, with Virgos named as the least fittest star sign.

WORKOUT readers are being encouraged to get involved and help the magazine celebrate a milestone birthday.

Later this year, Workout turns 20 years old and our team are planning a special feature to mark the occasion, which we would love our readers to contribute to.

As part of our birthday celebrations, we are looking to hear from any gyms or personal trainers which have been getting the magazine since its launch in 1993, or from anyone who appeared in one of our earliest issues to find out how you’re getting on 20 years later.

We’d also love to hear from any other clubs who are celebrating important anniversaries in 2013 and what you’re doing to mark the event.

Send us a few details about your gym to ce@scriptmedia.co.uk; contact us via Facebook at www.facebook.com/workoutmagazine or Tweet us @WorkOutUK We’ll choose the best ones to appear in our special 20th anniversary issue, which will be published later in the year.

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Nominations flood in for National Fitness Awards CLUBS around the country are looking forward to this year’s National Fitness Awards, with nominations flooding in from operators keen to be involved.

Gym owners from all corners of the UK – including Somerset, Sunderland and Sussex – have already put their clubs in with the chance of scooping a trophy and could be among our lucky winners come awards’ night in December.

The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Workout and headline sponsor ServiceSport, are free to enter and recognise excellence and achievement in the fitness industry from gyms of all shapes and sizes.

And for those of you who haven’t sent in your nominations already, there’s still time to enter your club.

Just visit the dedicated website – www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk – choose a category and fill in the online nomination form.

Event director Judith Halkerston said: “We have had some very strong

nominations already and we are delighted that so many gyms which haven’t entered in previous years have already put themselves forward for awards this time.

“And it’s looking as though we will have entrants from the length and breadth of the country like last year.

Keep the nominations coming.”

Once nominations are closed later in the year, the Workout team will draw up this year’s shortlist.

All of our shortlisted clubs will then be visited by a representative from the magazine, who will compile a comprehensive report to be passed on to our expert panel of judges to pick the winners. Trophies will then be handed out to the winning clubs at a spectacular awards evening, taking place on Friday December 6 at the Palace Hotel in Manchester.

This year’s event will be hosted by television presenter, former TV Gladiator and fitness expert Caroline Pearce and promises to provide the perfect end of year party for the fitness industry.

The reception area at the Palace Hotel in Manchester.

www.workout-uk.co.uk

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Editorial

Sales and marketing director: Tony Barry

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

Sales manager: Daniel Lloyd Tel: 01226 734699 dl@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant sales manager: Chris Hartley Tel: 01226 734709 ch@scriptmedia.co.uk

Winners 2000 was named national gym of the year at last year’s ceremony.

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Editor: Christina Eccles Tel: 01226 734463 ce@scriptmedia.co.uk Reporter: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

Script Media 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS

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Customers given the power to shape future of leisure operator

By Christina Eccles

Olympian Louis Smith and singer Jade Ewen (pictured above) joined International Zumba presenter Vicky Zagarra to launch Zumba Fitness’ new initiative The Great Calorie Drive. As part of the scheme, the public has been urged to shake off calories in Zumba classes and donate what they have burned via the Zumba app to the United Nations World Food Programme. Zumba will then donate the equivalent of the average amount of calories burned per class to WFP to help combat hunger around the world.

OPERATOR Stevenage Leisure is rolling out the latest in technology after a successful trial saw customer feedback comments soar by 500 per cent.

The leisure charity, which works in partnership with five local authorities to manage a wide range of health and fitness facilities, is placing Customer First Solutions’ touchscreen Smartboxes in 13 of its sites across nine towns, after seeing customer responses increase from an average of 10 to 50 comments a month.

In just seven months of using the device, one of the clubs – Knights Templar Sports Centre – has already implemented several customers’ suggestions, including extending its off peak usage to weekends, purchasing mixed martial arts kit and asking gymgoers to help redesign its new layout before a refit.

Centre manager Tom Galvin said: “It’s fantastic the increase in respons-

es we’ve seen since moving from paper feedback. Previously just the people who wanted to make a complaint who would go out of their way to pick up a comment card in reception. With the new technology we are now also hearing from the generally happy customers whose views are just as important.”

Operations director at Stevenage Leisure Kieron Vango added: “In terms of quality it definitely gives us the edge.

“By improving service and quality and listening to our customers we hope to build our customer base and continue to provide the very highest of standards.

“The comment card system we used previously was just messy and confusing. CFS has streamlined the entire process meaning less man power is needed and we get regular clear and detailed reports that we can quickly act upon. The trial has been a huge success and we look forward to rolling it out.”

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Team GB beach volleyball players Shauna Mullin and Zara Dampney.

Operator launches Olympic inspired Volleybody class DAVID Lloyd Leisure has become the first major UK health and fitness operator to bring Volleybody to its members – a new high-intensity fitness programme inspired by the regimes of the world’s best volleyball players.

Founded on the scientific training principles of professional beach volleyball athletes, Volleybody is aimed at people with good levels of fitness, with the programme devised by the British Beach Volleyball strength and conditioning coach, Kate Eddy and London 2012 Olympic team Zara Dampney and Shauna Mullin.

The workout is an hour-long, sportsbased fitness class which takes inspiration from three core moves during a beach volleyball game – defending, hitting and blocking a ball. Performed to music, the class uses a number of pieces of simple equipment, such as

medicine balls and resistance tubes that are used with a partner throughout the class.

Volleybody founder and managing director Katie Taylor said: “We realised there must be a way of taking the top volleyball players’ training programme and creating a version for the average woman and Volleybody does just that.

"We are thrilled to be launching Volleybody exclusively to David Lloyd Leisure members. This is a completely unique class which will help everybody achieve a volley body in time for summer."

Volleybody classes will soon be available to members at David Lloyd Leisure clubs in Kensington, Farnham, Milton Keynes, Raynes Park, Fulham and Chigwell, with a wider roll-out planned later in the year.

Freedom Leisure has become the first UK operator to offer Rock Box – a new indoor climbing experience from High Sports. The concept, which has launched at Freedom’s flagship site Guildford Spectrum, combines the key elements of indoor climbing with brightly coloured structures, sound and lighting effects and interactive elements, all housed in a self contained area. Freedom Leisure area manager Steve May said: “Rock Box has great potential to add value to our leisure offering at Guildford Spectrum. I have no doubt this eye-catching activity will gather momentum quickly. I like the versatility of the set up: we can cater for individuals and team events, fitness classes and parties with the one installation.”

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Warrington Wolves’ Richie Myler tests out the BOC Mobile Cryotherapy Chamber

Successful trial for first Mobile Cryotherapy Chamber

By Christina Eccles

THE world’s first Mobile Cryotherapy Chamber has launched, billed as a revolutionary new way to treat sports injuries and reduce recovery times, while also helping gyms to attract serious athletes to their facilities.

Developed by BOC, the UK’s biggest industrial gases company, the treatment involves exposing athletes to temperatures of -135ºC for short bursts in a nitrogen-cooled Cryochamber.

Based on the same principles as ice baths, Whole Body Cryotherapy does not subject the user to the shock and discomfort of being submerged in ice cold water. Instead users of the Cryochamber – up to two at a time – move freely about in a dry atmosphere for three minutes – less than a third of the time required with a conventional ice bath treatment.

The product was unveiled at rugby league side Warrington Wolves, where players have been trialling the idea – with successful results.

Chris Baron, head of strength and conditioning at Warrington Wolves and strength and conditioning coach at England Rugby League said: “Cryotherapy is a great tool in the enhancement of recovery for elite athletes whether from competition or an exhaustive training session.

“Having access to the treatment wherever we are playing or training is a major boost for us at Warrington Wolves.

“We have been trialling it for the past few weeks and it simply repre-

sents a far more time efficient, convenient and more comfortable alternative to other cold treatments – and the players prefer it. After treatment, players reported a greater feeling of wellbeing and a better night’s sleep post competition and training sessions.

“Cryotherapy has increased our recovery rate which in turn has allowed us to return to training earlier. At this elite sport level, the extra training at higher intensity can make a significant difference to performance and we are looking forward to building it into our training routines for the rest of the season.”

Cryotherapy manager at BOC Stuart Askew added: “BOC’s Mobile Cryochamber is a step change in improving recovery times and supports more intense training regimes for athletes up and down the country.

“The chamber represents great value for money, allowing the treatment of an entire squad for just one day’s hire, whilst hotels, leisure clubs and gyms can attract serious athletes through adding it to their facilities.

“As the UK’s most experienced handler of cryogenic gases, BOC is uniquely placed to bring the benefits of this revolutionary treatment in the safest and most convenient way for customers across the UK sport, leisure and health industries.”

The Cryochamber can travel with teams to ensure they can receive treatment quickly after a match or competition. It is operated by a dedicated specialist from BOC who is fully trained in cryogenic gas handling.

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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.

Editor’s Comment IT’S been a busy month in the Workout office as we’ve been preparing for one of the biggest events in the fitness calendar – BodyPower Expo.

The team was down at the NEC recently for the show and as always it was a busy and productive weekend, also providing a great chance to catch up with many of our readers.

For those of you who couldn’t make it, this issue we have included a round up of news from BodyPower, as well as some handy tips to help independent operators improve their businesses, taken from the IOU seminars held during the show.

After hearing him speak at LIW a couple of years ago, I was looking forward to seeing the return of American fitness guru Thomas Plummer who was among the IOU speakers.

And drawing on his many years of industry experience, I was pleased to see he provided some great news for independent clubs, which you may have seen on the front cover – claiming those who get their business models right, can be the future of the fitness industry.

But, while it’s always nice to catch up with regular IOU attendees, it would also be great to see some new faces at future events.

In a difficult climate, it’s more important than ever for independent clubs to support each other and share ideas and free events like IOU are a great way to do this.

Also this month, I try out my first Powerhoop class as part of our new Challenge Christina feature – find out how I got on on Page 32 We also explore the latest developments in the world of technology – and what they mean for gyms – and I meet independent gym owners Sean and Helen O’Reilly who kindly showed me around their club, Panthers Gym in Uxbridge for our dedicated industry spotlight feature.

As always, we’d love to know what you think of this month’s Workout.

Contact us by email or via our social media sites if you would like to comment on a story you’ve seen in the magazine or tell us more about how things are going at your gym.

Hope you enjoy the issue!

Christina Eccles

Outdoor group workouts are proving popular with many gyms and trainers.

This month’s big questions put to our followers on Facebook and Twitter ...

‘Independent gyms: the future of the fitness industry ...’

American fitness guru Thomas Plummer told delegates at Bodypower’s IOU seminars that independent gyms will be the future of the fitness industry. What do you think?

way forward!”

Scott James Hodson: “Only if they learn to reach out and connect with more people and not just sell to the fitness tribe.”

Brett Sanders: “In my opinion this is definitely the direction the industry is heading. Very much agree.”

Wayne Heath: “Without doubt. Independent gyms are more passionate.”

Coming up next month, we have a group exercise feature ... what are the most popular classes at your club?

Saturn Fitness and Wellness: “Who are we to disagree with a guru?

“However, he is right, independents are more committed, more motivated, have higher standards and haven't got a big management overhead to cope with. We can make decisions faster and treat our clients as individuals.”

Panthers Gym: “Support your independent gym ... absolutely the

Victoria Hudson: “Kettlebells! And outdoor exercises ... our ‘Barno Bootcamp’ in the park is really popular!”

Fit In: “We have a WOW class of the month and at the moment it looks like it's going to be Group Kick. Hot Yoga is also pretty hot at the moment ...”

American fitness guru Thomas Plummer

Christie Miller: “High intensity classes are a massive success – circuits and fatblasters packed weekly.”

This month’s question: Almost 12 months on from London 2012, do you feel that the Olympic legacy has had an impact on your business?

Did you notice an increase in new members post Games or do you think the opportunity to get the nation more active off the back of the Olympic buzz has passed?

Email your views to ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or message us on Facebook or Twitter

Follow us on Twitter @WorkOutUK or contact us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/workoutmagazine

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Surrey Sports Park will host its first fitness festival in July.

First ever fitness festival to showcase venue’s facilities

By Christina Eccles STAFF and members at Surrey Sports Park are gearing up for the club’s first ever fitness festival, created to showcase the wide range of facilities on offer at the venue.

The one day event takes place on Saturday July 6 and will give fitness fans the chance to take part in a series of large group classes led by some of the country’s top instructors, as well as the opportunity to look around a retail village displaying the latest products to hit the market.

Health and fitness manager at Surrey Sports Park Joanne Wade said: “We hold a lot of sporting events here but have never really celebrated what we do with the fitness and gym side of things.

“We started off quite small – we were looking to showcase the classes we do in the main arena – but it has grown to turn into a one day fitness festival.”

To stage the event, the club is working with partners including Escape Fitness, MyZone and Reflex Nutrition and has managed to secure sessions from master trainers representing the likes of Les Mills, Just Jhoom and Zumba who will be leading the classes.

And with a range of sessions on offer throughout the day, Joanne added she hopes the festival will provide something for everyone.

She added: “The event is open to everyone. From anyone who is interested in taking part in a class, to those who teach classes and personal

trainers.

“When we hold any event here, it provides an opportunity for people to sign up for membership, but that’s not the reason why we are holding this event.

“We wanted to collaborate everything we do and showcase exactly what Surrey Sports Park is capable of.”

As well as Surrey Sports Park’s fitness facilities, which are used by members of the public and students from the University of Surrey, the site also provides a training ground for elite athletes including the Harlequins rugby team.

It is hoped about 1,000 people will attend the festival and if it proves successful, staff are hoping to make it an annual event.

Players from the Exeter Chiefs rugby team with David Lloyd members.

Rugby team shows its support for charity ride PLAYERS from the Exeter Chiefs rugby team visited David Lloyd Exeter to lend their support to members gearing up for the first Devon Classic Bike Ride later this year.

The race will start and end at the club in Sandy Park on July 21 and will offer participants three different

routes of 110 miles, 55 miles and 26 miles, taking in the beautiful Devon countryside.

The event will raise money for David Lloyd Leisure’s national charity partner of the year, Together for Short Lives, with a proportion of the entry fee donated to the cause.

Event director Barry Clayton said: “This new and exciting bike ride is designed for all cycling enthusiasts, sportsmen and women who want to take on a challenge through the beautiful Devon countryside while raising some much needed funds for a very good cause.”

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Adam Stansbury and Dean Turner, who ran the first Lose an Inch days at Winners 2000 last year, which included members from Winners 2000’s Paignton site.

Award-winning gym urges others to get behind weight-loss event THE National Fitness Awards’ best gym in the country is urging other clubs to get involved in the first National Lose An Inch Day, following its own success with the idea.

Winners 2000 in Newton Abbot, Devon, was named national gym of the year at the 2012 awards, beating off competition from hundreds of other clubs around the country.

During the judging process, the gym was recognised for its commitment to supporting the local community through various events, with one of its most successful projects a Lose An Inch In A Day workshop, which also ran at sister clubs in Torquay and Paignton, For the event, staff recruited about 90 members from the three clubs and worked with them over a day, covering lectures on nutrition, providing individual plans and explaining more

about the science behind the training programmes which were recommended for them.

They then delivered an all day workout, running for about 30 minutes every hour for about six hours over the course of the day. Members either gained sponsorship or paid to enter and the money collected was passed to a nominated charity, a local school for children with disabilities.

Now after achieving success with the idea themselves, the club is aiming to roll it out on a bigger scale and is appealing to other operators to run similar events on a dedicated day – Saturday July 26.

Manager at the Newton Abbot club Dean Turner explained: “Rather than trying to protect this approach and keep it a secret, we want to share it with everyone.

“Our mission statement is about

improving the quality of people’s lives and also being active in the community. We see this event, being run all over the UK on the same day, as us really being able to reach out and meet those goals on a much wider scale.”

For anyone interested in getting involved, the team at Winners 2000 will be on hand to offer advice on how to set the scheme up in other gyms.

Dean added: “We will provide you with all the paperwork you need, the dietary plans, the workout, all the science and backup information so your members can understand the approach and why it works. Plus the sponsor forms for those taking part.

They can either be set a minimum limit per person to raise, say £50, or they can pay an entrance fee to take part, say £30.

“I’ll talk to trainers and gyms or you can even come to see me so I can explain how the day runs. All we ask of those who take part, is that they choose a great local charity and let us know who it was, and how much they raised.

“Our aim is to build the number of people taking part every year. There are so many people all over the UK for whom weight gain is a real problem, making them really unhappy and affecting every area of their life. It shouldn’t be that way and it doesn’t have to, and we see that as our job, our mission, to help people overcome that. Hopefully they then go on to have a long term relationship with their trainer or gym, and maintain these gains for the rest of their lives.”

Any gyms interested in taking part can contact Dean on dean@winners2000.co.uk or 01626 331224.

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Run by former TV Gladiator Helen O’Reilly and husband Sean, Panthers Gym has been keeping its loyal members – plus the elite of the bodybuilding world – in shape for almost 20 years. Christina Eccles took a look around.

Panthers Gym in Uxbridge, Middlesex, has become a well known fixture in the local area and regularly attracts visits from fitness professionals.

Panthers provides a personal touch and delivers results BACK in the nineties, the gym’s coowner Helen was better known as her alter ego Panther – one of the original Gladiators on the cult TV show – and the inspiration for the name of the club.

A former Miss Britain, Miss Europe and Miss Universe, Helen had always had a keen interest in fitness, running her own club – Workout World – in her native North East before meeting Sean, himself a successful bodybuilder, and relocating further south.

Fast forward to the present day and Panthers Gym in Uxbridge, Middlesex, has become a well known fixture in the local area.

Over the years, the couple have built up a strong reputation, with the club known as somewhere which is able to deliver results, as well as providing that all important personal touch which independent operators can do so well.

Sean said: “For many people, the gym is a place to make friends and that’s how we have always had it. It’s

Helen O’Reilly and husband Sean. always been a very friendly club.”

Retention is good – with some members having been there right from the club’s early beginnings – and referrals have always been key to attracting new business.

Existing members are encouraged to tell their family and friends about the gym and regular events such as quiz

nights and group trips to bodybuilding competitions around the country, where members are often competing and Helen and Sean regularly judge, help to create a strong sense of community.

Helen added: “We have always really worked on our referrals. Some members have been here for 16 years and

tell their friends about us.

“We have a referral scheme and an end of year raffle. This year the prize is a 50” TV.” Members at the club range from competitors looking to get in shape for their next show to older members in their seventies who use the facilities, not only for the health benefits of exercising, but also as a place to socialise and meet new people.

Fitness professionals are also attracted to the gym, with the pair regularly training existing personal trainers who are looking to compete or want to gain extra knowledge which they can then pass on to their clients.

Helen added: “We have found we can mix everyone together. As long as you have created a good environment, you can have anyone from any walk of life in the same fitness facility.

“Running the gym isn’t easy. It’s been a lot of hard work. But over the years, we’ve always evolved – as the world changes, you have to.”

Panthers Gym in short ...

One of the keys to the gym’s long lasting success has been Helen and Sean’s ability to keep up with the times and tap into new trends.

Recently they have noticed a shift in secondary spend patterns, with members buying less of some types of supplements, which they now have to pay VAT on.

To deal with this, the pair have expanded their offering, now stocking more items such as bars, flapjacks and ready meals, which have been flying off the shelves.

Over the years, many famous faces have popped in to train at Panthers, ranging from professional athletes, to bodybuilding champions and

actors working at nearby Pinewood and Shepperton studios.

Past clients include athletes John Regis and Derek Redmond, swimmer Sharron Davies, actor Shane Ritchie and several of Helen’s former Gladiators colleagues – with signed pictures of many of them adorning the walls of the club.

Panthers gym is also known for holding regular education seminars and is an IFBB/UKBFF centre of excellence.

The next round of courses take place later this month, focusing on topics including nutrition, weight training and promotions and marketing.

At the events, delegates will be able to hear from the likes of UKBFF president William Tierney, bodybuilding champion Kerry Kayes and gym owner Sean, who is also the UKBFF education manager.

The club’s panther logo has appeared in several guises over the years – ranging from the cute, cartoon panther seen working out on the exterior of the club, to the tattoo style logo used on branded clothing worn by staff.

A challenging economic climate has led to a change in how members choose to pay for their sessions and Helen and Sean said that over the last 18 months they have noticed a

lot more people are either choosing to pay for longer term membership upfront or pay month to month without being tied into a contract.

The couple have owned a gym together for the past 18 years, with this club having been open for almost 17.

Their previous gym was situated about a mile up the road but when the chance came to move to bigger and better premises, they took the opportunity to relocate.

The gym has almost 900 members of all ages, with a core group of older members aged between 65-75 who can regularly be found using the club on weekday mornings.

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Successful start for new gym A HUSBAND and wife team who spotted a gap in the market for a ladies only gym have opened their second site in Coventry.

Sukhi and Maya Sandhu opened Bodyworx Gym for Women in early April, with the club getting off to a successful start – signing up over 100 members in the first week.

Maya explained: “Before going into business with my husband I worked in a ladies-only gym and when it closed down, I saw the opportunity of tapping into a ready-made audience by opening my own ladies only club.

“With the help of the local residents, news of the club began to spread before we even opened and this excitement spurred us on to create the best facilities for our clients.”

The couple spent over £140,000 overhauling a former police station, with facilities at Bodyworx including a custom built sauna, a fully equipped gym kitted out with Star Trac Cardio and strength equipment and a Power Plate pro7 machine.

Maya added: “The feedback from members has been amazing; the women love the extras like the sauna and beauty facilities.”

New website enables gyms to share inspirational stories

By Christina Eccles AN ONLINE platform has been created to enable gyms around the world to share inspirational stories about their successful community projects.

Gymtopia is the brainchild of Oxygen Consulting’s managing director, Ray Algar, who came up with the idea after a conversation with the president of Brazilian gym chain, Companhia Athletica.

Richard Bilton told him about a project going on in his clubs where members bring in their old, unwanted gym shoes, which are then cleaned up and donated to a local charity helping under privileged kids to get into sport.

Speaking to Richard made Ray think about how much the project could grow further if other gyms knew about it, so he set up the site – Gymtopia.org – so clubs worldwide could share ideas and examples of their community work.

He explained: “I believe Gymtopia can help clubs to connect, engage and strengthen communities.

Connected, more engaged and stronger communities matter because they can achieve amazing things and it helps to bring clubs and communities closer.

“Companies spend considerable

sums of money trying to buy their way into a community, but it is a pointless exercise because genuine closeness has to be earned, not bought. Gymtopia will provide the ‘social proof’ that clubs really do care about their communities.”

Clubs interested in getting involved can visit the Gymtopia website and complete a free registration. Once registered, they can then submit details of their community project and photos.

Examples of UK based ideas include one by low cost operator The Gym Group, where new members have the option upon joining a club to make a one off donation to the company’s charity of the month.

Members decide how much to donate, which is added to their first month’s gym payment, and the operator now collects £5,000 - £7,000 every month for its chosen charities.

Ray added: “Health clubs are inherently good businesses that are in the ‘transformation’ business so doing wider ‘social good’ fits perfectly with their higher purpose.

“Members will enthusiastically support projects, staff will be proud of their club and external stakeholders such as the community, charities, the press and media see a club using its influence to enrich more lives,

Ray Algar beyond those of its members. The club’s reputation is raised and triggers a ripple-effect that extends far beyond the club walls.”

How does your club support the local community? Let us know by sending details to ce@scriptmedia.co.uk and you could appear in a future issue of Workout.

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UK FITNESS SCENE As the world’s biggest free running organisation, Parkour Generations has seen an increasing demand for Parkour as a fitness workout. Here director Dan Edwardes explains more about the company, the training available to fitness professionals and why gyms should consider adding Parkour to their timetables.

Training the body the natural way ...

What is your background?

I started training in martial arts when I was eight. I was always looking to make myself faster, stronger, tougher, more skilled and more capable in general.

As I grew up I began to add other elements to that training and also threw myself into academic study, particularly of history, philosophy, literature and, eventually, Oriental studies at Cambridge University.

After I finished my degrees, I moved to Japan to study an ancient fighting art and it was while living there I first saw Parkour in the movie Yamakasi by Luc Besson which starred the French founders. I began training pretty much immediately with two friends in Japan, when there were very few people in the world practising and it was still a truly underground movement. I was hooked from day one because it was like I had discovered a huge gap in my own personal training history, and this required a whole new level of functionality and capability and tested me to my limits – and beyond. I loved that, and still do.

Soon after I met the French practitioners and began training properly with them, and the rest is history...

Where did the idea for the company come from?

Parkour Generations arose out of the combined thoughts and efforts of myself, Francois 'Forrest' Mahop and Stephane Vigroux. At the time, Parkour was highly inaccessible, terribly misunderstood and poorly portrayed. We wanted to create a vehicle that could correct those problems while spreading and maintaining the original spirit and uniqueness of the art. We decided to focus our efforts and PKGen was born.

Can you tell us more about how the Parkour Fitness classes work?

Parkour is based on the basis of human fitness and uses your body as it is meant to be used – fully and completely. So the body responds very well to the natural method of training we use.

Classes involve a wide variety of fitness and strength training that looks at the body from a holistic and functional point of view. And the mind is not left out either, as our physical and mental fitness are closely interlinked.

We require people to put their entire self into the training and that focus and attention to detail brings about enormous benefits.

How does the training programme work?

The Parkour Fitness Specialist Programme is a certification programme for people who are professional PTs already or wish to become so. It is centred around explaining

Parkour Generations’ director Dan Edwardes. true functional training and giving the strength and fitness training elements of Parkour to those who wish to include it in their coaching paradigm.

There are different levels in the programme with a series of CPD bolt-on courses to do as well which provide further specialisation in a specific aspect of the training methodology.

How popular has it been so far?

Very. PFS was launched at the Asian Fitness Convention in 2012 where it literally stole the show. The hundreds of fitness professionals there immediately saw the benefits and unique challenge of this training method, as well as the accessibility and adaptability of the knowledge to any situation. Functional training like this doesn't require huge amounts of expensive equipment or gadgets or gimmicks – it's just you, your body and your environment – and constantly varying challenge.

Why do you think gyms or personal trainers should look at delivering this type of session to clients?

Because it works. Because it's how we can access our true natural potential, which is so much higher than most people believe. It's an engaging, challenging, unique way to develop amazing physical and mental strengths, and it's also incredibly good fun – you will rediscover the innate love of movement and discovery you possessed as a child and learn to benefit from that as you were meant to.

If gyms or trainers want to set up a class, what do they need to consider?

PFS is incredibly flexible in how and where it's applied, that's the point and the beauty of it. It doesn't require

any specific equipment and is perhaps best applied in the outside environment where there is endless varsity of terrain to adapt the body to in training.

However it also works very well in an indoor/gym setting and benefits best from having a variety of pieces of equipment that can be used as obstacles and provide challenges. Many gyms already have equipment and internal architecture that can be used for the training methods, which is part of the knowledge conveyed in the PFS courses. Of course, the more space and equipment available for movement-based training, the better.

If the room is totally bare there are still many things that can be done; but to get the maximum benefit for clients it's best to have some obstacles to provide extra challenge. For this we have created a range of indoor, modular equipment that can be varied in its configuration each session to provide new challenges and drills each time. This equipment is unprecedented and unique in its design and fits the PFS course requirements perfectly.

What are your future plans?

PFS is now launching in the United States and Central/South America and rolls out in the UK this summer.

The demand is high and tutors are still quite thin on the ground, so we're looking to expand the delivery pool to meet the international demand. We have no doubt it will go on to initiate some really positive changes in the fitness industry and get people back to simple, natural, functional training and moving as their body was designed to move – and unlocking their true potential.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

The new coaching team, from the left: Joe Rees (assistant padel coach – Chigwell), Ryan Wyatt (assistant padel coach – Bushey), Jose Maria Landeta (padel coordinator) and Tom Murray (padel manager).

Operator boosts its padel tennis coaching team OPERATOR David Lloyd Leisure has appointed a top coaching team to further promote its padel tennis offering.

Tom Murray, Britain’s number two ranked padel player, has been appointed padel manager to oversee the programme for the group, which

has invested £350,000 in six courts at its clubs in Chigwell and Bushey.

Product development director Hazel Geary said: “Padel is a fast, sociable and fun sport for the whole family, which has proved incredibly popular at our Chigwell and Bushey clubs.

“We recognise the huge potential for padel here in the UK and our continued investment in facilities, programmes and a top coaching team demonstrates our commitment to being at the forefront of its development.”

Online facility helps facilities interact CUSTOMER experience training programme Bee has launched a new online learning facility, which aims to help fitness facilities improve the way they interact with members.

Bee Learning, created in conjunction with Active IQ, features six, 15minute online training modules, focusing on everything from non-verbal communication and body language to managing your own communication style and creating positive attitudes in the workplace.

The modules are interactive, with

participants taking part in activities to help get the message across to all learning styles. Staff will be able to complete each module in their own time throughout the course of a year.

Programme director and master trainer Dave Monkhouse said: “Without doubt, getting customer service right is still the biggest challenge facing the leisure sector.

“Launching BEE Learning means more companies will be able to gain access to this unique and highly effective approach to customer expe-

rience training, which will help us to make a real difference to service levels within the sector.”

Modules will be specifically tailored to each organisation and includes their mission, vision, values and service standards.

The system also features an admin tool, so employers can see the percentage of staff that have completed each module at any given time and view the scores they have achieved in the online test, which features at the end of each session.

Challenge launches

Liverpool Football Club is giving fans the opportunity to go behind the scenes at its first team training ground Melwood for the first time – visiting areas including a state of the art gym. Fans will get to see where the players train and work out, as well as having the chance to be photographed with the European Cup, which the team won for the fifth time in 2005. After the tour, the experience finishes with a return trip to Anfield on the official Liverpool team bus.

THE UK’s first National Club Fitness challenge is launching next month, helping clubs to better interact with members while uniting for a good cause.

The concept, which organisers hope will raise over £10,000 for Help for Heroes, provides members with an opportunity to compete in a series of fitness challenges against both fellow members in their club and with those in other clubs around the country.

The event runs throughout July, with participants able to take part in four different challenges – Step up Snowdon, Row Dorney Lake, Hold Tower Bridge and Lucky Dips. Results and rankings can then be displayed online or in the gyms, helping members to see how well they have done and how their club compares to others taking part. The National Club Fitness Challenge is run by Fusing Fitness, which has developed a userfriendly PC, Tablet or iPad interface to allow members to enter and compete easily. Clubs interested in taking part can email info@fusingfitness.org to receive further instructions and posters.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Activate your RAS and stay ahead of the game

By Dave Wright DEATH by a thousand cuts is usually the best way to describe the failing of a health club.

It’s not necessarily a ‘sudden’ failure like crashing a car, but one that deteriorates over time and then one day a club realises that there is not enough money to pay wages and has no money to inject back into the business. It’s a harsh reality to many clubs around the world today.

The ironic thing about failure in our industry is that it seems always the obvious path to everyone else apart from the person who it affects the most – the owner. So what do you do?

It’s simple... step up and take action.

You see for years I’ve said that if you want to improve your business by 10 per cent then you follow the best in your industry – but if you want to improve your business by 110 per cent then you follow the best in someone else’s industry. But you need to ‘open your eyes’. You need to acti-

vate your RAS – your Reticular Activating System. You see your RAS is like a laser beam focus or filter in your neurology. The fact that you are exposed to thousands of bits of information every second, the brain elects to ignore those bits of information that are deemed irrelevant to you so that your head does not explode! So if you are ever looking for a red car, then all of a sudden you notice red cars everywhere... you have just activated your RAS to ‘look out for’ red cars. The same goes with improving your health club. If you ‘take notice’ of all the marketing ideas, the customer engagement tricks, the retention strategies that big organisations are using to try and keep your custom then you can learn and then hopefully adapt and apply to your club. I assure you, you will survive.

So with that in mind I’ll ask/ mention a few questions/ comments: How do budget airlines make their money?

Why are so many budget airlines

going bust?

What are the big successful airlines doing to compete?

Who is ‘winning’ the war between Google/ Apple and Windows?

How are they using technology to engage with you?

Why if there is a recession going are people prepared to pay a lot of money for coffee?

What are the food companies doing to make you buy their bad food?

These are the types of questions that you need to be asking yourself every day. If you think that as of tomorrow no other member will join your club, what would you do to survive?

And if you take action as if that is going to be the case, maybe, just maybe, you will activate the RAS that is in us all and there will be no ‘surprises’ if you realise that your business success is under threat and that you can stay ahead of the game.

Dave Wright is the CEO of CFM/MYZONE, a global company with over 300 staff that have served

Dave Wright the international fitness community for over 23 years; focusing on either getting new members and/or keeping existing ones. Dave is also the owner of 11 health clubs across two continents, a board director of ukactive, founder of IOU (Independent Operators Unite), an IHRSA presenter and the creator of MYZONE. He may be contacted on Dave.Wright@cfm.net

Project chosen as one of Waitrose’s three causes CHARITABLE trust Aquaterra’s Saturday Night Project has been chosen as one of three causes to benefit from Waitrose’s in-store Community Matters scheme.

The project was established to create more activities in the London borough of Islington for 13-19 year olds and takes place on the last Saturday of each month at the Sobell Leisure Centre.

Those attending sessions can take part in a range of activities on offer – President of Life Fitness Chris Clawson has been named as a finalist in the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013 programme in the Midwest. The award recognises outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and success in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Chris said: “This recognition is a reflection of our company’s resurgence in not only executive leadership, but also industry leadership.“ Awards will be handed out at an event on June 27 at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago.

both sporting and non-sporting.

Chief executive of Aquaterra Antony Kildare said: “I am delighted that the success of the Saturday Night Project has been recognised and selected as a worthy contender by Waitrose to benefit from its innovative and high profile Waitrose Community Matters scheme. The funds raised will help us to continue to support and deliver this innovative project, thereby positively engaging with young people living in and around Islington.”

If you’ve got a story for Workout email Christina Eccles at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk

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BODYPOWER REVIEW

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Thousands of visitors flocked to the NEC for this year’s Bodypower Expo, where they could meet the elite of the fitness world and pick up tips on how to keep their businesses in great shape. Workout takes a look at the show in pictures...

Simple steps can boost your business, operators told

By Christina Eccles FOLLOWING simple steps such as getting to know your target market, taking pride in your brand and promoting members’ achievements can all help independent clubs to boost their businesses, according to a marketing expert.

Managing director of CFM, Dave Wright, spoke to a room of independent operators at the IOU event at BodyPower Expo, presenting them with a series of top tips from around the world on how to make their clubs more successful.

He explained to delegates that operators should always ensure they are providing a facility which is clean, safe and friendly and instead of thinking about increasing prices to create more revenue, should instead focus on encouraging existing members to spend more – and spread the word about their clubs.

He said: “There are three ways a club can make more money; increase your prices, increase the number of members or increase yield per member. Clubs should be looking at how they can maximise yield per member.”

Dave’s tips included researching what market leaders in other indus-

CFM/Myzone’s Jonathan Monks and Dave Wright at BodyPower. tries do to stay ahead of the game and seeing how their actions could be applied to your business.

He added: “If you want to improve your business by 10 per cent, follow the best in your industry. If you want to improve your business by 110 per cent, follow the best in another industry.

“Your competitors are not just the clubs in your market. It’s anyone who can take that discretionary income. There are so many people vying for members, you have to work with staff to establish what sets you apart. Dazzle your mem-

bers – try and do something which is over and above. Our value proposition to the public is not our bricks and mortar or our equipment – it’s our expertise.”

Dave’s other top tips included: Know your market. Most members will typically come from a 10 to 12 minute commute range, so remember this when considering where to market your club.

Get to know your members and let them get to know you. Log useful information about members which helps staff to strike up relevant conversations and deliver helpful train-

ing advice. Wear name tags so they know who’s who in the club.

Sell extra services – look at stocking products such as own brand protein, which members can’t buy from anywhere else.

Celebrate your club’s success.

Contact local media with member success stories or to let them know about any events or competitions you are holding in your gym.

Collect good testimonials – and use them. Potential members will be encouraged by success stories and positive experiences from your existing members.

Become the expert in your market. Offer expert comment to your local newspaper or radio station.

Reward referrals and customer loyalty. Give out prizes for the most member referrals – and don’t forget to say thank you to members for staying with you.

Give out guest passes and connect with other local businesses to cross promote. One idea is to leave some passes in a local estate agent to be given out to people new to the area so they can try your facility.

Use social media. Engage with existing and potential members via sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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Right Directions wants industry staff to join its Quest team

By Christina Eccles

Fitness expert, National Fitness Awards’ host and former TV Gladiator Caroline Pearce has launched a new fitness DVD. Total Cardio Burn: Three Body Blasting Circuit Training Workouts is made up of three 20 minute sections. Each circuit involves rotating strength exercises for lower body, upper body and abdominals (twice through) followed by Caroline’s secret ingredient to get heart rates racing and metabolism fired up.

RIGHT Directions is looking for experienced leisure industry staff to join its team of Quest assessors and mystery shoppers.

Industry professionals working at contract manager level on site or senior manager level at HQ can apply to be assessors, while centre managers with at least five years’ management experience can put themselves forward to become mystery shoppers.

Right Directions’ managing director and Quest operations director Caroline Constantine said: “We are looking for individuals with passion and commitment to both the industry and Quest.

“Quest is no longer just an audit so candidates need to be knowledgeable enough to offer practical, achievable guidance to the centres they visit, helping to encourage best practice and drive up standards.

“If your site has scored ‘excellent’ in Quest you could be an ideal person to offer advice to others as a Quest assessor. You learn so much when you are out visiting leisure centres – where else can you get CPD and get paid for it at the same time?”

CEO Of Abbeycroft Leisure Warren Smyth is a serving Quest assessor and mystery shopper.

He added: “I have been involved in Quest since its inception in the 1990s, as a client and more recently as a mystery visitor and assessor, and have witnessed first hand how its development has assisted with improving standards in the leisure industry and now enables organisations to truly demonstrate continuous improvement.

“My role as a mystery visitor and assessor, seeing a wide range of best practice that develops my own ideas and thinking, has enabled me add value to my own organisations, and the learning development I have undergone personally has assisted me with my own career development by understanding how the principles can be applied to shape change and achieve results.”

Successful candidates will undergo full training for the role along with ongoing CPD training days each year.

Assessors and mystery visitors are then sent an allocation list of upcoming assessments allowing them to pick and choose the sites most suitable for them to visit.

The new coffee shop at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

New coffee shop opens at refurbished leisure centre A NEW coffee shop has opened at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, as part of the club’s refurbishment programme.

The shop is the result of a partnership between operator Circadian Trust and SOHO Coffee Co, which is making its first entry into the leisure centre market.

Director of commercial development for Circadian Trust Ben Beasley said: “We are always seeking ways we

can improve our leisure centres and the overall customer experience and offering.

“Developing a partnership with SOHO Coffee means we are now able to offer our customers a recognised regional brand offering high quality, ethical catering.

“As a registered charity our commercial activities are key in generating surplus which is then re-invested for public benefit.”

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The Radisson Blu Manchester Airport team which completed the charity triathlon.

Duo complete triathlon in aid of kids’ charity TWO staff members at a Manchester gym have raised funds for Cash for Kids Day by completing a charity triathlon.

Jon Doherty and Rob Schofield, who work at PACE Health Club at Radisson Blu Manchester Airport, took part in the triathlon as part of a challenge to raise £100,000 for the Starlight Children’s Outpatients Department at Wythenshawe Hospital.

The challenge, held in partnership with KEY 103 radio, the founders of

the Cash for Kids charity, saw Rob and Jon swim 1.5km, followed by a 40km cycle ride and a 10km race.

Club manager Craig Ramage said: “We take an active interest in the community and look to support local initiatives wherever possible, be it raising money for a local charity or helping local residents to get more active and achieve their health and fitness goals. We’re proud to have supported Cash for Kids Day and think Jon and Rob did a fantastic job.”

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TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

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Trust brings sales and membership in-house OLDHAM Community Leisure has brought its sales and membership team in house to help push forward the trust’s commitment to getting the local community more active.

According to head of customer relations, Peter Howson, outsourcing sales does have its benefits, such as access to expertise with less risk attached.

But he claims that the upsides of having an internal sales team meant the switch was always on Oldham Community Leisure’s agenda.

He added: “Many leisure trusts use external sales teams as they don’t have the expertise in-house.

“I was brought in to head up customer relations and also use my sales

and membership experience to establish and drive a new OCL sales team.

Bringing it in-house means we can react quickly and effectively to every new opportunity and broaden the team’s remit to focus on much more than simply selling memberships.”

The trust’s new membership manager, who previously worked for the external sales company used by OCL, is now in post, and the rest of the four-strong team will start later this month.

As well as the core business of selling memberships, the team will also promote a range of non-gym activities on offer across OCL’s centres, including the football skills programme, Striker 9.

Right Directions Management is expanding its team to meet the demand of new business.

Four new members of staff have started work for the company, which assists operators in creating environmental and health and safety management systems, as well as managing Sport England’s quality scheme Quest and ukactive’s Code of Practice.

The new roles include two new quality and health and safety managers, with new starters including Sue Popham (pictured).

Four managers appointed YMCAfit has recently appointed four new regional managers as it expands its programme into three new regions in the UK: Sheffield, Bristol and the North East.

Robert Hall has been selected as the Midlands regional manager, Christine Minchella will be responsible for the north and Roy Scott and Lesley Smith will manage the south east and south west respectively.

The regional managers will be responsible for ensuring the programme delivered in their region

meets the specific needs of the individuals within it.

Head of YMCAfit Denise Page said: “Moving into new regions marks an exciting new era for YMCAfit. Over the past three decades we have grown and developed our courses to meet the changing needs of the fitness industry.

“We are delighted to be in a position where we can expand our programme and deliver the same excellent level of service to more fitness professionals in the UK.”

Company introduces latest Firm promotes two members training advancements Jason Worthy

LIFE Fitness has promoted two members of staff – Jason Worthy and Kyle Millroy.

Jason will take on the role of managing director for Life Fitness UK and Kyle, operating out of the Life Fitness Benelux office, will become managing director for the distributor business.

Vice president of international business Frank van de Ven said: “Life Fitness has an exceptional talent base that drives us internationally. These changes reflect the hard work of both and signal a renewed commitment to the growing strength of the industry in both regions and globally.”

Full endorsement for course LEISURE Connection’s sales foundation course has received full endorsement from the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management.

Leisure Connection is the only leisure management company to receive such an endorsement and the only sports, leisure and health club operator in the industry to offer the course free to employees Training and development manager

Claire Owen said: “We are delighted to obtain full endorsement from the ISMM and look forward to developing industry-leading membership sales teams.

“Our industry has for many years recognised and demanded formal qualifications from fitness team, lifeguards and catering teams, so it is only right that we extend that professionalism to our sales colleagues.”

THE latest advancements in personal training and exercise correction are coming from Intelligent Training Systems and their Intrinsic Biomechanical exercise correction programmes.

Used by professional sports people, recreational athletes and the nation’s workforces, the programmes are cosponsored by the ACSM, endorsed by ACE and REPs – enabling the distribution of the education internationally to the US, Sweden and Saudi Arabia.

Intrinsic Biomechanics is a science focusing on the musculoskeletal system and its capacity to perform movement.

Unlike extrinsic biomechanics, which focuses on the movement itself, intrinsic biomechanics is the joint-by-joint, segment-by-segment assessment, identification and correction of biomechanical flaws, asymmetries and dysfunction within an individual’s musculoskeletal structure.

The model utilises a three phase process that objectively identifies biomechanical flaws and assigns corrective exercise techniques: normalise, stabilise and functionalise. Once an individual has successfully moved through each phase along the ‘health continuum’, he or she will have the capacity to deliver efficient movement with less pain and risk of injury.

The model is taught through a series of education courses. There is also a software platform that enables people to screen themselves and apply corrective exercise techniques.

For more information visit www.iMoveFreely.com

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TECHNOLOGY

When it comes to booking restaurants, hotels and holidays, searching the internet for the best deals and reviews has become a must do for savvy consumers. Now with similar websites hitting the fitness industry, the public has more choice – and power – than ever before. Christina Eccles investigates the latest developments in web technology – and what they mean for operators.

Online review sites give gyms a wider audience

Sites are giving customers more choice than ever.

© Scanrail – Fotolia.com

ONLINE review and comparison sites have been commonplace in many markets for years – and now the fitness industry is starting to tap into the trend.

Trailblazers such as PayasUgym.com – where consumers book day passes for gyms listed on the site without having to commit to full membership – are going from strength to strength, and hot on their heels, are a new generation of fitness related sites.

These sites, which allow consumers to do everything from book their place in a fitness class to uploading a review of their latest gym visit, are giving consumers more choice than ever, while potentially opening up the services of gyms and PTs to a much wider audience.

One individual achieving success in this market is Essex-based personal trainer Brett Sanders, who is on a mission to drive up standards in the fitness industry.

When Brett found himself between jobs, a conversation about where to take his career next led to the creation of his latest venture – fitness industry review site GymBuzz, which launched earlier this year.

He explained: “The place I was working at closed down and I was discussing with my family how great it would be if there was a website where I could put my details on and people could find me.

“I had designed websites in the past and thought it was something the fitness industry needed.”

By visiting the site, gym users and PT clients can leave comments about their experiences and a star rating of that business, with GymBuzz also acting as a useful directory in the first instance for those looking to find a local club or trainer.

Brett added: “Maintaining high standards in the fitness industry is hugely important to me and that is our overarching mission for the site – as well as helping people to find gyms and personal trainers that meet their needs.”

In today’s fast moving world, the ability to find and book classes online is also proving popular with busy fitness fans and new concept Fitness Freak is bridging that gap between consumer and club.

Launching initially in London, users type in their postcode, details of when they want to work out and what type of class they wish to try and the site does the rest – matching them with something suitable from its database of listed classes and booking a session.

Another new site to hit the market is mi fitness directory, which is aiming to provide a one-stop shop for everything fitness related and a platform

Brett Sanders for independent businesses to promote their services.

The site includes details of anything from local gyms to equipment providers and supplements companies, with businesses paying an annual fee to create an online profile.

Users are able to search for an activity or club, as well as being able to leave feedback once they have visited the establishment.

Founder Nicholas Kyriacou added: “After receiving constant leaflets through the post and seeing small newspaper ads regarding new fitness centres or services, we decided that comparing the cost and time of thousands of leaflet drops or small limited space adverts in the local newspapers, a platform for all independent fitness operators for £49.99, which provides local exposure all year round, was needed.

“Registering will expose businesses to a wealth of potential clients both in their local area and around the country at a minimum cost. The added benefit of a radius filter enables users to scale down their search to the nearest mile. As a result, new clients will be able to find business members at the click of a button, in a way they’ve never done before.”

However, although Brett added that the vast majority of feedback he’d had from operators about Gymbuzz was exceptionally positive, a few gym owners did raise concerns that increased exposure online would leave them more open to the impact of negative reviews about their clubs or services.

But Brett told Workout he has reassured operators that the site is closely monitored to ensure the reliability of posts – and once registered, gym owners get the right to reply to comments people post about their facility.

He added: “Our desire is not only to build a good website but to improve the service across an entire industry.

“I have been in the fitness industry for the past 12 years and am passionate that our site can hold gyms and personal trainers more accountable to the services they offer.”

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TECHNOLOGY

The gym at Hillsborough Leisure Centre.

Machines help gym members reach a fitness milestone

Technogym’s new range ARTIS has been officially launched at London’s historic Hogarth Health Club, giving members access to the latest in interactive technology. The range includes cardio, strength and functional equipment and has been created with experts in the field, including a collaboration with Loughborough University. It is also fully integrated with the Technogym Ecosystem: a platform of interconnected products, services, content and programmes that allow operators to manage their members’ Wellness lifestyles wherever they are, in and out of the club. Thanks to this open platform, clubs will be able to offer their members Wellness on the Go by connecting with them anywhere in world via the mywellness key, mobile phones, tablets, smart TV, or PCs.

THE latest in exercise technology has helped gymgoers in Sheffield reach a major fitness milestone.

More than 200 members of Fitness Unlimited at Hillsborough Leisure Centre burnt a total of 129,000 calories in one week by taking part in a special exercise challenge using Technogym VISIOWEB cardio machines.

As part of its refurbishment earlier this year, the venue installed the internet enabled machines to provide an integrated, interactive, and personalised training experience for members.

Members can also benefit from the Challenge app which collects

individual results and information from the equipment and helps people keep track of their workouts through an online cloud storage system at home or on a smartphone.

Fitness Unlimited corporate health and fitness manager Peter Clark said: “Improving the health and wellbeing of people in Sheffield is a key priority for SIV, so it’s great that our investment in equipment is achieving such fantastic results for members.

“The Technogym equipment has added value to the customer experience allowing members to personalise their training sessions.”

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TECHNOLOGY

Use our FREE software to manage your memberships TO run your club successfully, you need good recruitment and retention data.

But what you don’t need is to be poring over spreadsheets when you could be engaging with your customers out on reception or on the floor of your club.

Ashbourne has designed all its membership management software to be quick and easy to install and use.

Even better, all our software is free – there are no monthly fees or upfront charges.

The Membership Validation System provides just the right amount of useful info about each member, with no need to update it manually.

Via a broadband link you can view Ashbourne’s exact payment status of each of your members 24/7. Members enter your premises using a swipecard (we’ll even give you the first 500 personalised cards…) linked to these records. If their payment is not up to date, this is immediately

flagged up and you can then take appropriate action.

As part of MVS comes some sensible retention info, such as recent nonattendance and an alert of memberships expiring in the next 30 days.

As well as the MVS package, Ashbourne can also provide other useful free software to help you recruit members and run your club efficiently: To find out more call 0871 271 2088 or visit www.ashbournemanagement.co.uk

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ClubManager can create new members for you CLUBMANAGER has recently launched a brand new add-on to their award winning software solution.

Managing director Wayne Heath explained: “We pride ourselves on providing industry-leading, affordable solutions that allow gym owners to grow their businesses.”

So what is the new product all about?

During the sales process the new member can automatically spread the word about your business to all of their friends through the power of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.

This simple and easy approach as part of the joining process within ClubManager now allows your club to instantly gain referrals via all forms of social media at the most important time: when a new member is the most enthusiastic about your club.

Can it work for existing members?

Without doubt it’s a great tool for

member retention as well, by allowing the team to get out on the gym floor and talk with members and spread the word through Facebook and Twitter at the click of a button.

What about results?

Well if you look at 100 new referrals generated with a current close rate of 35 per cent based on £30 per month price membership on Direct Debit, that’s an increase of £1,050 per month. That really speaks for itself for the club's bottom-line.

To find out more contact Wayne on 01245 807 360, visit www.clubmanagercentral.com or email wayne@clubmanagercentral.com

boditrax: everybody – track your journey …

BODITRAX is a cloud hosted body composition and motion tracking technology solution that helps clubs engage with new and existing members to support their fitness journey and prove the efficacy of personal training by setting goals and tracking progress.

Using advanced bioelectrical

impedance technology and secure cloud hosting, boditrax helps fitness professionals create and manage confidential personal profiles and is ideal for GP referral and short term fitness programmes, marketing and retention. Boditrax is used by Government, NHS, F1 teams and public and private health and fitness clubs.

Boditrax is delivered via a monthly licence connecting simple web based software to a range of body composi-

tion monitors, motion trackers and your clients, with price plans to suit organisations of every size. Boditrax develops your client offer and generates revenue through charging for scans and motion trackers.

To see how boditrax will add value to your organisation visit www.boditrax.com or call 0115 721 0760.

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Women in Barnsley have been twisting their way to fitness, thanks to a hot new class taking place in the town.

Christina Eccles joined in the Powerhoop fun.

Sarah hopes to spread the Powerhoop word WHEN Sarah Winfield was looking for a new class to teach, she initially thought of Zumba.

But after realising there were already many instructors taking sessions in the local area, she widened her search for something different – and discovered Powerhoop.

Billed as a revolutionary fitness product, 200,000 Powerhoops have been sold in Scandinavia since 2007, with the craze now spreading all over Europe.

Although the concept is reminiscent of the hula hoop sessions many people enjoyed as children, Powerhoops are designed to provide more of an intense workout and are larger, weighted – available in 3lb, 4lb and 5lb sizes – and more padded than their lighter, plastic counterparts.

With over 400 certified instructors, the concept is certainly catching on in the UK fitness market, and thanks to Sarah, many women in Barnsley

are enjoying the benefits – from stronger core muscles to slimmer waists – that regular sessions can bring.

She said: “I’m also a dance teacher and professional dancer and what appealed to me about Powerhoop was that you can choreograph your own routines.

“Once people come, they get the Powerhoop bug. It’s such a nifty piece of equipment – so simple, yet so effective.”

Sarah teaches three classes a week and also sells Powerhoops for those who want to practice in between.

Each class costs £5.50, including hoop hire, or £4.50 if you bring your own, with many of her customers choosing to purchase one – meaning they get the class cheaper and can keep on hooping at home.

Class sizes are also relatively small, so everyone who comes can get the best experience possible and Sarah

has time to give them tips on how to improve.

She added: “Each class usually contains about 15 people, which means we can concentrate on the technique.

“I was going to split into two classes – beginners and intermediate – but it’s nice to keep people together and shows people who’ve just started how they can progress.”

Sarah has been qualified for about a year now and as the only Powerhoop instructor in Barnsley, is carving out a successful niche for herself.

Her sessions currently take place in dance studios and church halls, but she told Workout she would also like to hear from any local gyms looking to add Powerhoop to their timetables.

She added: “I’m now interested in teaching more classes and spreading the word about Powerhoop even further. I really enjoy teaching it – and love seeing people when they’ve got the hang of it.”

Christina (third from the right) gives Powerhoop a try at a class at a local church hall.

Sarah Winfield

Christina put to the test...

Class takes you back to your childhood AS a child, one of my favourite activities was hula hooping, so I couldn’t wait to give the grown up version a try...

And with the benefits of a Powerhoop class including toning core muscles, reducing lower back pain and stiffness and burning up to 360 calories per hour, it sounded like the perfect workout to gain results, while also having a great time. When I arrived at the venue – a local church hall – I found I was the first member of the class there, which gave me a good chance to chat with instructor Sarah about what the session would involve.

After filling me in on what I could expect, she helped me to pick the right Powerhoop, with us agreeing on the 4lb version to start with, with the option to go down to 3lb if I felt

like I needed something lighter.

By now, everyone else had arrived and it was time to begin the hour long class with a warm up, which included moves such as jogging on the spot and grapevines while rolling the hoop from side to side.

Next we got to grips with the hoop by using it for some weight based exercises, before progressing to hula hooping with it around our waists.

Many members of the class had been coming for several months so already knew how to do this and much of the room could confidently keep their hoops moving for the entire duration of a song.

As a beginner, I couldn’t manage more than a few seconds before I dropped it and had to start again but as I carried on, I could see glim-

mers of progress as each time I held it up for slightly longer than the last.

For me the showstopping part of the class was the finale, which saw everyone ‘hoop’ their way through Whigfield’s ‘Saturday Night’ while also including the actual dance moves to the song – a great insight for a beginner as to what practice and perseverance can achieve!

We finished the class with a cool down and some stretches and at that point, I was already hooked on the Powerhoop experience – planning to attend the following week to try and improve my technique.

Having never taken part in a class like this before, I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

Sarah was a helpful and motivating instructor and gave me plenty of

tips on how to get the best out of the class.

And while the group of 10 people was small enough to mean everyone could benefit from one to one attention, it was also big enough to create a great atmosphere – with all the ladies friendly and encouraging to us ‘newbies’.

Afterwards I felt I’d had a really good workout without even realising – and my aching muscles the next day proved that point!

But despite the minor aches and pains, I really enjoyed the class. So much so, I’ve already signed up for next week’s session.

Hopefully I’ll only get better with more practice and I’m determined to perfect that ‘Saturday Night’ routine as well as the rest of the group.

So watch this space...!

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UK FITNESS SCENE Balancing triathlon training with a full time job is all in a day’s work for fitness manager Claire Bloom. She spoke to Workout about how she combines her two passions, her recent competition successes and why support from the club she works in, its members and her sponsor has been so vital.

Triathlete Claire juggles her fitness manager job with punishing schedule CLAIRE, who works at David Lloyd Leisure in Chigwell, trains to be triathlon fit six days a week, with sessions lasting anything from one to three hours.

Add to this the classes she teaches to members at the club and the result is a hectic and punishing schedule, which needs to be carefully planned out.

She explained: “Balancing my training with my job is extremely difficult.

I am a fitness instructor and teach nine classes a week from Monday to Friday which means by the time I start my triathlon training in the evening I've already done at least two hours’ exercise.

“It’s a constant battle to avoid complete burnout and means I am always training on fatigue. I think my coach struggles with it more than I do!”

Claire’s training includes three run sessions, three swim sessions, two bike sessions and three conditioning/GRAVITY sessions.

She has been a big fan of GRAVITY since discovering the kit at an event four years ago and has since built up a great relationship with the brand, which also now sponsors her.

She added: “I attended a fitness convention and tried a workout – I loved

Claire Bloom it from the first time I went on it. Each year I have attended the convention since, the first session I book into is GRAVITY, even though I am now a trained instructor on it.

“I begged the head of group exercise for David Lloyd, Rob Beale, every year for us to get it. The club where I work was the first club to get it – we were the trial club for the company and it’s been a resounding success.”

Since taking up the sport, Claire has achieved great success with triathlon, with her achievements including finishing sixth in her age group in the 2011 World Triathlon Championships and eighth in her age group in last year’s European Championships.

She is now gearing up for her next competition – the 2013 European Championships in Turkey – which takes place later this month and told Workout so far her training is going well, with support from her gym and sponsor helping her along the way.

She added: “My club and the members are fantastic. My achievements in triathlon came so quickly (and were such a surprise to me) that it has inspired many of our members to take up triathlon. We also run a triathlon event at our club now which is well supported.

“GRAVITY has paid for my tri suit – triathlon is an expensive sport so I’m grateful for the help – and I’ll be proud to display the logo when I compete in Turkey.”

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Best ever sales for website

WEBSITE payasUgym.com has announced record quarterly sales for the first three months of 2013 – exceeding £100,000 of gym pass sales per month for the first time.

The rapid growth of the service follows a partnership the company secured at the end of 2012 with Tesco Clubcard to offer gym passes to the 16m people that use the retailer’s loyalty scheme.

Co-founder Neil Harmsworth said: “We have proven that there is a significant lead generation opportunity for operators willing to offer a broader range of gym passes in order to increase their footfall. In 2012 we found that 92 per cent of people using the service were new to the gym they used which demonstrates our ability to provide our partners with a valuable source of genuinely new customers that they can go on to convert into full members where appropriate.”

Neil new MD NEIL King has been appointed MD of Leisure Connection.

Neil brings 22 years experience to the role gained from Fitness First and more recently Sport and Leisure Management’s brand Everyone Active where he held the position of commercial director.

Neil said: “I have been impressed with the progress which I have seen at Leisure Connection in recent months and I am delighted to be joining the business at such a pivotal moment.

“Leisure Connection has an impressive team and a wide ranging and diverse client portfolio which forms an excellent foundation on which to continue to build the business.”

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Nikki wants to help others after passing instructor exams

By Christina Eccles A MEMBER who turned her life around with the help of a local club is looking forward to a new career in the fitness industry, after passing her NVQ two gym fitness instructor exams.

After years of bullying left her with a weight problem and very low self esteem, Nikki Bailey turned to trainers at The Triangle Freedom Leisure Centre, who helped her to lose the weight and boosted her confidence.

Since making her own transformation, Nikki has raised over £6,000 for beatbullying.org and the local children’s hospice by running sponsored 10ks and half marathons.

And after gaining a love for fitness, she decided she would like to train with Freedom Leisure to become an instructor at The Triangle to help others achieve their goals.

Nikki said: “Everyone at The Triangle

was so encouraging and their belief in me gave me the confidence to study and sit the exams.

“The Freedom Leisure team has given me so much more than a certificate and a qualification: they have confirmed that in the end you can come through adversity. I know what it feels to lack confidence and look in the mirror and not like what is looking back. I have been on that journey and am living proof that weight can be lost, bullies can be beaten and things can change for the better.”

Centre manager at The Triangle Stuart Smith added: “Nikki has shown herself to be a great ambassador for weight loss, exercising and turning negatives in your life into positives.

“She is naturally very personable and generously encourages others in the gym: I’m sure a very rewarding career in fitness lies ahead for her and we were only too pleased to support her progression.”

Nikki Bailey

Town’s leisure operator launches 10k race OLDHAM Community Leisure is launching a 10k race later this month, following on from the success of last year’s Oldham Half Marathon.

The race will take place on Saturday June 23, starting on the High Street in Oldham town centre.

The route will take the runners

through the Shaw area of Oldham and back to the town centre.

Senior health and physical activity development officer at OCL and race director Alan Keane said: “We had such a fantastic response to our half marathon, the next logical step was to add a shorter race to the calendar to give more people the

chance to get involved.

“It is also a good opportunity for runners to raise money for charity if they want to be sponsored to complete the race.

“The new 10k will also be the ideal training event for people planning to run the half marathon in October.”

Anytime Fitness is set to open its newest club in Crawley town centre later this month. The 3,200 sqft gym will feature Precor equipment and showcase the brand’s latest innovation, the AMT with Open Stride. Franchisee James Ussher said: “I love sport and fitness and wanted to start a business in this arena. Anytime Fitness is a fantastic brand and the company are extremely proactive. There is a great sense of support and community coupled with the ability to expand in the future with further clubs. The Crawley site is the first of a cluster group of clubs that I am seeking to open over the next five years.”

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Owner finds out more about legend’s range

By Christina Eccles INDEPENDENT operator Sam Smith has met with Ronnie Coleman to discuss stocking the bodybuilding legend’s supplement range in his club.

Sam, who owns Rigs Fitness near Birmingham, met Ronnie during his recent visit to local supplements warehouse, BodyShocker in Solihull, to find out more about his Signature Series range and how it could work in his gym.

Sam said: “I stock some of the major brands, USN/Reflex/Kinetica, but I also like to champion smaller independent brands that I really see making an effort to ensure their ingredients are top notch.

“I went to see Ronnie Coleman and his new brand Signature Series as I was interested in stocking the brand.

“I've seen, read and heard good things about the brand and like the fact that Ronnie has a vested interested in Signature Series doing well and is not just an athlete endorsing the product.”

Sam, who is also a qualified sports nutritionist, also explained why offering diet and supplementation advice is an important part of the service he provides to members – and why choosing the right products is key to this.

He added: “I think tailored nutrition plans are a much needed addition for

Ronnie Coleman with Rigs Fitness owner Sam Smith. anybody looking to reach a fitness goal.

“Although most members will know what is good and what is bad to eat, having their nutritional needs outlined in one easy to use plan acts as a constant reminder and prevents any 'mini relapses' or setbacks.

“We also offer supplements through the gym and have access to over 200 top products. I don't always advocate the use of sports supplements with a training programme, and think all too often they are used when not neces-

sarily needed.

“However there are a lot of occasions when I'll recommend certain products, normally if a member is suffering with their muscle soreness and needs a recovery supplement, or if they don't receive enough vitamins and minerals through their diet and need a nutrient rich supplement.

“As we don't rely on supplements as a main source of income at Rigs, I'm able to recommend them only when they are needed, and not just because I'm interested in selling.”

Dr Tom to speak at free seminar AN independent gym in Hertfordshire is holding a special free talk for health conscious members of the public, featuring gluten and coeliac expert Dr Tom O’Bryan.

The seminar, which will focus on gluten sensitivity with or without coeliac disease, takes place at Odyssey Health Club in Stevenage on Sunday June 23.

Goprotein celebrates its second birthday GOPROTEIN – the company that brought you the Go-Pro-Station and the recently launched Goprotein 25g protein porridge – has recently celebrated the brand’s second birthday.

Head of UK sales Nick Mills said: “I can’t believe it’s been two years since we installed our first Go-Pro-Station and we now have over 200 installed in the UK, Ireland and Holland.

“I have to say a big thank you to the Goprotein team, all the gyms that have supported us, from quality independents like Roko, NMA Performance and Interim to name a few and national chains like Nuffield and Harpers (Leisure Connection).”

Nick puts the success down to a number of factors.

He added: “We listened to what the gym operators had to say and also what their customers wanted.

“Operators wanted increased secondary spend and better margins, while their customers were telling us

they wanted the convenience of a fresh shake of the highest quality that tasted great but had less sugar than bottled drinks. We have a great in house product development team behind us and a special thank you has to go to my colleague, managing director Dr Kees de Nijs, who has formulated simply the best tasting products in the market today…at least that’s what our customers tell us.”

Goprotein is part of the Be-Well Nutritional Group who have been manufacturing and developing sports and food supplements for over 28 years for many world champions and Olympic athletes.

For more information contact Goprotein on 01778 560868, email: trade@goprotein.com or via www.goprotein.com

Successful show for Performance PERFORMANCE Meals enjoyed a successful BodyPower Expo – giving out over 1,500 samples and selling over 4,000 Performance Meals.

Performance Meals are high protein diet meals for sports and fitness. They are sold in vacuum sealed pouches, require no refrigeration – simply store at room temperature for up to one year.

Performance Meals contain all natural ingredients and no preservatives.

Every meal has a minimum of 40g protein and are low in fat.

If you are interested in stocking contact info@performancemeals.com for a trade information pack. This is a real food product and not a supplement.

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So what does the future of fitness look like?

By Allan Collins IT is always interesting to try and guess which direction an industry will take, and predict what trends will be popular. As Steve Jobs said, “you can give customers what they want, but our approach is to figure out what they’re going to want before they do.”

So here are some thoughts on what is on the horizon for the fitness industry: 1. Integration There are lots of ways of engaging in freeweight and functional training (olympic weightlifting, kettlebells, rigs, strongman training etc), but the key for trainers is to elevate your understanding above what everybody else is doing to see how to integrate these different forms together. Listen and learn from different experts.

Rather than simply copying them, integrate the exercise and methods into your own system and with trial, error and experience, use what works and ditch what doesn’t.

2. The mind Unfortunately in relation to getting results with clients, the mind and a client’s emotions is the last thing many trainers consider. As our knowl-

edge of fascia increases (such as the importance of self-myofascial release), more and more trainers are learning about the link between the fascia and visceral (internal organs), and emotional connections. Are certain muscles, long and weak or short and tight because of emotional issues, or are certain postural deviations due to stress? Understanding and helping clients to address emotional barriers will help trainers to see much quicker and more effective results with both dietary and exercise programmes that they are implementing.

3. New technology New technology is a big potential area for any industry at the moment. New applications and online platforms will continue to fall into three main categories – information, communication and automation.

Clients have access to information on how to use equipment (with new technology like augmented reality apps), or platforms that allow the sharing of information – from trainerto-client, or from trainer-to-trainer.

There is also the aspect of how to communicate with your clients, members, employees or other trainers – and hopefully social media will start

Allan Collins to be used for more communication between people, rather than just shouting into the web about how great you are, or what you ate for breakfast! Automation of processes is still a huge potential area for many fitness businesses – from selfemployed trainers to the larger clubs – and tools like MyZone are fantastic for showing how technology can be used for both increased results and profit.

4. New research Unfortunately the research into the effectiveness of many types of functional training (sandbags, ropes etc) is limited to non-existent. Even kettlebell research is scarce at best, and that has been around for many years now. Hopefully as more higher education facilities invest in functional training areas and equipment, the associated research undertaken at these facilities will justify what practical experts already know – that these tools are great for getting results.

Sometimes new research precedes practical application though, and a good example of this is the research into BAT (Brown Adipose Tissue) and its stimulation by cold therapy. Only new technology showed us how applying cold to the upper back, neck and chest has the potential for facilitating fat loss without the use of physical activity, dietary intervention or drugs. This is a great tool for athletes, bodybuilders or anyone else looking to decrease body fat stores.

Good luck in the future and we will see if these predictions come true....

Allan Collins is director of education at Jordan Fitness (www.jordanfitness.co.uk) and author of the new Complete Guide to Functional Training.

What do your members want from you?

By Matthew Januszek, Escape Fitness ASK yourself the question; what is it that you want from your club and members?

You want to attract more members, right? Then you want them to renew?

You want them to spread the word and tell their friends? You want them to stay longer, take part in more classes and visit more often? You want your club to be high up their list of priorities so, instead of the gym being an afterthought, they make time to visit? Ultimately you want your club to have the X-Factor, the “Apple, or Amazon, of the fitness world.”

These are currently unstable times.

At one end of the market we have well run, wonderfully efficient clubs who are driving down costs, and passing the savings on to members, and giving individuals lean, mean club machines.

At the other end of the spectrum we have the niche, boutique clubs whose expertise is specialisation – think Boom! Cycle, for example. The “boutique-ification” of the industry is flexing its muscles. While all of this is happening, the number of health clubs is also increasing.

The combination of market diversification, innovation and falling prices mean times are tough. As it stands, mid-market gyms are in danger of falling between two stools, too expensive to be cheap and too broad to be specialist.

stimulating environment, a social experience and motivating health education are three of the main motivators that keep members coming back for more. They want to have fun, make friends and get in shape.

With the rapid expansion at both ends of the industry the time to act is now. As I’ve said, these are unique times, big names that have dominated the market are no longer around while we’re all getting accustomed to new players that, six months ago, none of us had heard of. The danger of simply being reactive, rather than proactive, could have serious repercussions.

Matthew Januszek So how do you react?

The key is not to fight the fight on the grounds of price. The facts are that no one is leaving a club because they are having too much fun, making too many friends or getting in too good a shape! When was the last time a member of yours failed to renew their membership because they were looking too good?! They’re leaving because they feel they can get what they’re currently experiencing for less money or, they are prepared to dig deeper for something more specialist.

The demand is out there, it’s just a case of reaching out, creating a buzz and supplying what people want.

Members want results and motivation, so let’s concentrate on giving them that. Research tells us that a

So how do you go about creating that unique experience to differentiate you from your potentially business threatening competition?

Creating a sense of community, where members have fun and socialise is an important factor, so too is your team of staff.

Group exercise with a variety of classes and equipment plays a huge part in determining whether a potential member will join a club as the vast majority of people prefer to work out in a group, rather than individually. If you can harness the power of small group training then membership becomes about friendship and having fun, rather than just exercising, which is so often associated with hard work. Members then feel a commitment to one another, instead of just to themselves. Building this sense

of loyalty between members can only have a positive impact on retention figures.

An IHRSA Member Survey from a few years back found that the number one factor influencing a member’s decision to join a club was “Professional staff and knowledgeable trainers”. We know that members want results and so a team of trainers that are educated and trained on the equipment is vital to ensuring you are providing the best level of service.

It’s also vital that you communicate this message effectively too. Design is an important part of communication – just think of Apple – to ensure that a facility captivates the audience and imparts that feeling of brand loyalty.

We must also be informing members, and future members, what it is we do and believe in, how we do it, why we do it and offer a compelling case as to why we’re the best choice for them.

By targeting customers in this way you start to dominate your market as prices are justified due to equipment excellency, supported by high class training in an environment that inspires.

The beauty of a changing industry is that opportunity awaits and getting ahead of the crowd can be a richly rewarding experience, but only if you act today!

If you have any thoughts on the changing nature of our industry then drop me a line at marketing@escapefitness.com and let me know what you think.

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PRODUCT NEWS

Product review – Battle Ropes Best product award IF you are looking for a piece of equipment that people of all ages and abilities can benefit from then your search is over. Escape Fitness battle ropes are fun and dynamic and appeal to all.

An effective tool to train for endurance, power and core stability and excellent for anaerobic workouts, they are the perfect universal training tool because of the simplicity of the exercises that can be completed.

Available in two grip widths, the design means they are extremely durable and suitable for use in a health club or outside as an addition to a group circuit or in boot camp style workouts.

They are ideal for any club looking for something a little bit different to challenge their members or to introduce into small group workouts.

They are hugely popular with both professional athletes and fitness beginners looking to develop explosive power and endurance; for example, boxers, mixed martial artists and

for wipe station

rugby players.

They are great when combined with kettlebells, Bulgarian Bags and Steel or Sand Bell to make the ultimate functional training zone.

For more information visit www.escapefitness.com/battleropes

PATRONS will take notice of this bright free standing dispenser when they enter a gym or fitness club.

Solid, rotationally molded plastic makes this a perfect receptacle for high-traffic areas and can be moved easily to anywhere in the gym.

Designed for heavy use and handling but light enough to carry, it is also very easy to load and empty.

The Wet Wipe Dispenser holds rolls of up to 1,000 anti bacterial wipes.

The Hand and Handle wipes clean and disinfect common gym surfaces but are also sensitive enough to use on hands.

The Hand and Handle can be branded with a gym’s name and logo.

The station won best new hygiene product at the 2013 Cleaning Show.

For more information visit www.addgards.com

ViSalus becomes America’s number one platform

Gold Standard Nutrition enjoyed a successful debut at this year’s BodyPower Expo – sharing their stand with some of Europe’s strongest men who shared their experience of using the product. The company is celebrating an incredible first year – with positive feedback from both end consumers and stockists – and is now in the enviable position of having a waiting list for new stockists. If you feel your business would benefit from stocking this fantastic product, don’t delay.

To become a stockist give Gold Standard Nutrition a call on 01757 211 740.

Life Fitness launches search for the world’s best PTs LIFE Fitness has announced its search for the world’s best personal trainers to watch, in partnership with the International Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals.

Now in its third year, the program recognises and rewards trainers around the world that embody the same passion and commitment to healthy lifestyles on which Life Fitness prides itself. Nominations will be collected throughout this month and the top 10 finalists will compete during a live global competition later this year to determine the winner.

Life Fitness president Chris Clawson said: “Worldwide, the personal training profession is booming as new

audiences recognise that professional fitness expertise will help people maintain motivation and achieve their goals.

“The first ever Personal Trainers to Watch workshop event will bring the world’s top trainers together on a global stage to learn new tips and techniques from each other as we celebrate their accomplishments.”

Prizes for the winning trainer include $5,000 USD toward his or her personal training business and a personalised award plaque.

Exercisers, personal trainers and gym owners can visit www.LifeFitness.com/PersonalTrainers to nominate a trainer for the award.

VISALUS is now America’s number one health management platform.

In the last four years, ViSalus has grown to have over $1b dollars in sales and over 2m people take the 90 day challenge, becoming bigger than established brands like Slim-Fast and Weight Watchers.

ViSalus have a patented meal replacement formula that uses a TriSorb protein blend that means you lose weight while building lean muscle mass.

Customers taking the Vi-shakes report they never feel hungry and actually have an increase in energy.

This is because more of the protein and nutrients are absorbed into the body without all the calories and salts

associated with normal foods.

ViSalus have a unique proposition both in the product and the business model so you can choose to join as a customer or promoter.

As a promoter you can earn repeat monthly money with no expensive up front fees, no minimum order quantity, no ongoing fees and no need to carry stock.

For more information visit www.vi- biz.com

Boxing Cleverly with Jordan Fitness FUNCTIONAL fitness specialists, Jordan Fitness, are assisting professional boxer and current WBO light heavyweight world champion, Nathan Cleverly, in his training to step his career up a level to become an elite fighter.

Retaining his title for the fifth time, he recently demolished opponent Robin Krasniqi at Wembley Arena in defence of his WBO title.

Nathan now has a unification bout with IBF champion, Bernard Hopkins, set firmly in his sights in a fight planned for the end of the year.

Jordan Fitness is assisting with supplying a range of training equipment to help him reach elite status.

Sales director Zak Pitt said: “We are extremely proud to be assisting Nathan with his strength and conditioning training and delighted that he chose us in his quest to step his, already glittering, career up even further.

“That choice is testament to the great reputation our equipment has

for delivering results.

“We wish Nathan all the very best with his forthcoming bouts and the planned unification fight at the end of the year.”

For more information visit www.jordanfitness.co.uk

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Liz creates foundation for Afghan hospital

Liz Gaspari

VICE President of Gaspari Nutrition, Liz Gaspari, has created a non-profit organisation, with a mission to fund a hospital in Kabul to provide medical care for Afghan land mine victims.

As part of the Liz Gaspari Foundation, she will also be supporting BRAVE – a campaign which provides educators with tools and knowledge and supports pro-active efforts in confronting bullying.

Liz said: “As a first-generation Afghan-American, this foundation is important to me including the BRAVE campaign.

“Kids in schools need us to do our part, making sure children have support, knowing their worth which helps them achieve their goals.”

Protein Bites: a crisp new way to eat protein Carly wows the crowds Carly Thornton and Nathan Harman

AN innovative new snack product has launched on the fitness market.

Initially showcased at the recent BodyPower Expo, Protein Bites is a high protein crisp which delivers a nutritious and convenient high energy snack that is easy to eat pre or post workout or at any time of the day.

The impressive nutritional benefits of the product: 20g protein, 9g carbs and 3g fat makes it a serious proposition in the protein market; currently dominated by nutrition bars and shakes and with an RRP of £1.75, it represents a competitive price point.

Available in a choice of two savoury flavours: Sweet Thai Chilli and Sour Cream and Onion with no more than 142 calories per pack, it’s a tasty, filling and guilt-free option.

Developed and manufactured in the UK, Protein Bites is aimed at a wide audience from health conscious adults to the many of us balancing work, family life and activities who need a healthy and great tasting snack on the go.

VENDING

at BodyPower Expo LEADING fitness model Carly Thornton wowed the crowds when she appeared at this year’s BodyPower Expo.

USN ambassador Carly appeared on the company’s stand during the show at the NEC, enjoying chatting to visitors and posing for photos with fans.

She said: “BodyPower was epic. I was on the USN stands where we had our own stage and gym kitted with all Cybex equipment.

We will be announcing stockists shortly and welcome enquiries from those interested in stocking the product.

For trade enquiries contact Andrew Coulson on Andrew@proteinthruinnovation.com

“Throughout the day we had photos taken, had one to one interviews to give people advice on nutrition and training and generally have a great time with the public.

“I am so proud to be part of such an industry where people who are passionate about health and fitness all come together in the same room and feed off each other, it's so motivating and inspiring. Cannot wait till next year!”

Keiser UK wins service award KEISER UK has been recognised with a top award, which celebrates outstanding customer service support among Keiser distributors.

The Number One Top Distributor

Award for 2012 was presented to managing director Tim Colston by Keiser Inc. founder and engineer, Dennis Keiser.

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