August 2016
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Boxing legend in conference key address By Christina Eccles BOXING legend Ricky Hatton will inspire delegates at the 2016 National Fitness Conference, Workout can reveal, closing the event with a keynote speech filled with top tips for success. Four-time world champion Ricky has successfully swapped the boxing ring for running a gym; now owning his own independent club and training the next generation of enthusiasts through his Hatton Academy. During his talk at the event, he will be encouraging delegates to be the best they can be; revealing the most valuable lessons he has learned along the way in both sport and business and how operators can apply them to create their own world class clubs. National Fitness Conference director Judith Halkerston said: “Ricky was a brilliant addition to the awards in 2014 when he co-hosted the ceremony – he loved mingling and meeting our guests as much as they loved chatting with him. And we are delighted that he has agreed to be one of our keynote speakers at this year’s conference – with a lot of hard work and dedication he has made the transition from boxing champion to
successful independent club owner and we are excited to welcome him to the event.” Sponsored by Harlands Group, The National Fitness Conference, which is now in its second year, takes place on Friday December 2 at Leicester Tigers Stadium. Other speakers will include star of The Apprentice and award winning personal trainer Katie Bulmer-Cooke – who will be presenting on all things social media – and popular fitness industry presenter Dean Hodgkin, who will reveal more about the rise of the boutique business model and the lessons to be learned from this type of club. The latest trends in technology will also be discussed by an expert panel representing different parts of the industry and throughout the day, delegates will also get the chance to benefit from valuable networking opportunities, speak to leading suppliers in a dedicated exhibition area and enjoy a healthy lunch. n Tickets for the conference are now on sale at a cost of £30 each or two for £50. Book your place or find out more at www.nationalfitnessconference. co.uk or contact our events team on events@scriptmedia.co.uk
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Latest craze inspires Pokérun
Actor Will Mellor has urged the fitness industry to get behind a new campaign to encourage more disabled people to become more physically active. The Together We Will campaign looks to address the low number of disabled people who regularly take part in sport or exercise, as highlighted in the most recent Sport England Active People Survey, and get them – plus their friends and family – involved. Eight National Disability Sports Organisations are working together with the English Federation of Disability Sport to deliver the three month campaign, with backing from Sport England. Full story, Page 3
FORWARD thinking operator Virgin Active has tapped into the latest craze by launching the world’s first Pokémon GO inspired training run. The 5k Pokérun, which started and finished at Virgin Active, Walbrook, in London was led by a personal trainer and saw participants taken via multiple PokéStops, providing opportunities to capture Pokémon on the go. Master trainer at Virgin Active Walbrook Obi Stanton said: “At Virgin Active we’re always looking for ways to get people into fitness. “With Pokémon GO fever sweeping the nation, we thought we’d create an opportunity for those that love Jigglypuff as much as jogging to work up a sweat whilst boosting their Pokémon numbers! “We hosted a world first 5k where fans of the phenomenon were guided to the best Pokémon hunting spots in the city whilst being put through a gruelling routine of press ups, burpees and planks by a Virgin Active personal trainer.”