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March 2010
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
New chain to target the UK
Fire-hit gym rises from the ashes By Mary Ferguson AN independent gym devastated by fire is back in business and vowing to make the most of 2010. Flames tore through Southport-based Ainsdale Health and Fitness last year, just nine months after it was taken over by a new owner. But Lynne Atkinson told Workout they are now back on their feet after a refurbishment – and are looking forward to better luck this year. The fire began in the male sauna last May and has been blamed on an electrical fault. Ten members who were on the gym floor were evacuated safely and three fire engines spent over two hours tackling the blaze. The changing room was destroyed, all the equipment was ruined and the walls and floors were charred and rancid. Lynne said: “The damage was devastating. I had just started putting my mark on the place, so to see it all ruined was just awful. But the club is now going from strength to strength and because of the refurbishment, we are looking and feeling 100 per cent better. I’m very optimistic that 2010 will be a good year.”
The building was insured by the landlady and Lynne’s contents insurance paid for the ruined equipment to be replaced by Bolton-based Servicesport. The changing rooms were overhauled, a boxing area created and a Rosemary Conley diet club now operates form the facility. Lynne said the place is now buzzing, and a calendar of charity events has been planned to raise money for the Alzheimers Society. Lynne had been studying for a degree in Physical Education, but deferred her final year so she could concentrate on sorting out the gym. She added: “The sauna was ten years old and even though it passed everything ok, I do think it’s a good idea to replace things as they get older. And what happened to me proves how important it is to be up to date with electrical checks and PAT testing. “We were lucky the fire happened during the day so we could take action immediately – if it had been during the night, then I shudder to think how much more damage there could have been.” I For more on how the gym has bounced back from the fire, Page 9
No 198 £3
Personal trainer Stefano Chiriaco is the newest member of staff at exclusive independent gym KX in Chelsea. As well as gaining famous clients he is also making a name for himself in TV and modelling, and specialises in kettlebell training. Full feature on Stefano and KX, Page 21
A NEW crop of mid-market gyms is to arrive in the UK as a world-famous club rolls out its expansion programme. World Gym – based in California – opened with Arnold Schwarzenegger as its poster boy and is aiming to launch more franchises all over the globe. Britain is early on its hit list of locations. The brand was founded in 1976 by Joe Gold, originally of Golds Gym, and currently has 183 franchised locations globally. Its target market is 18-34 year olds and memberships will be priced between £2939 a month. They will compete with other brands through innovative programming, including a ‘cellulite solution’ and a programme to delay the aging process. San Diego based Global Business Systems have been brought on board to roll out the franchises. Director Jim Teatum told Workout: “The ink is literally just drying on the agreement but we are looking for franchisees straight away, and we see a lot of potential for the brand in Britain.” I See Page 7 for full interview with Jim.