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June 2011
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Gyms must embrace new media By Christina Eccles INDEPENDENT gyms which don’t embrace new media are in danger of getting left behind by more tech savvy rivals, according to an operator. Mike O’Hagan owns Gym Xtreme in Worthing and uses the latest technology to ensure his club stays ahead of the game. As well as regularly updating the gym website, he has also set up a Facebook group and YouTube channel to promote facilities and classes. His latest venture is developing mobile phone apps, which show users the techniques needed for the club’s fight and kick classes. The apps have generated interest from all over the world and Mike said they have been a really useful way of getting the word out about the club. He explained: “It’s important to keep up to date with new trends in the industry. More people are moving away from the traditional phone to ‘mini computers’ so it’s a great way to get involved with people. “Any gym doing an app will be seen by the world. This technology allows
you to reach out to members and if you keep them informed about what’s going on and give them tips and ideas, it keeps them motivated.” Mike also offered advice for other gym owners wanting to embrace technology at their clubs. He added the key is to be able to find someone who can write and code the app – but luckily for him his business partner is able to help with that. He also said much of the technology available is free and can easily be updated – meaning clubs can keep members informed while at the same time promoting their offering to non members. But he warned gyms which don’t diversify and look for new ways to attract more members and additional revenue could struggle in future to keep up with those that do. He added: “It’s something more gyms should do. There are a lot of forms of media available and many of them are free so gyms need to realise that. “Small gyms have got to look at other ways to raise revenue. If not, they will be left behind or even go under.”
No 213 £ 3
New fitness concept comes to capital
Olympic swimmer Chris Cook was among the guests at the opening of a new Essex sporting facility. The launch party at Everyone Active Basildon Sporting Village was attended by professional athletes including Chris, 400m swimming world record holder Jo Jackson and former GB diver Leon Taylor, as well as members of the local community. For full story see page 27.
A NEW gym concept which helps users to get fitter while saving money and helping the environment has been launched in London. The idea behind H2 is to find a solution for commuters who care about health, fitness, the environment or commuting costs, allowing them to get to work as conveniently as possible on foot or by bike. To help with this, the club has extensive changing areas with over 1,000 lockers, showers and a 240-space bike park. Founder Piers Slater said: “The Department of Transport ‘Cycle to Work Guarantee’ encourages the provision of proper bike storage, changing facilities and safe cycle routes – and H2 provides exactly that. Cycling to work beats public transport, which may be overcrowded, there’s no congestion charge to pay and it’s more sustainable than other forms of transport. We believe commuters can save between £40 and £120 a month by using H2 in comparison to their existing travel, health and fitness arrangements such as travel cards, congestion charges, fuel, parking and gym membership.”