01
22/11/11
13:11
Page 1
December 2011
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Mixed views on Games’ opportunities By Christina Eccles A DEBATE has broken out as to whether the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will provide an opportunity for the fitness industry to engage with more people. When the Games come to London next summer, the eyes of the world will be on the UK – but when it comes to the possible impact on gyms, industry professionals are divided. Wattbike’s Matt Moran, who has launched a power cycling programme for clubs with British Cycling, believes the event can be great for the industry. He said: “There is a huge opportunity for the industry to take advantage of the increased interest in getting active. Not many people will watch the Olympics and think 'I want to compete in the 2016 Olympic 100m final' but many will want to get off their sofas and get active. “The key is how the industry can lock into what is happening on the track, in the velodrome and on the courts and offer an experience based on what people are seeing and reading about during the Games.” But Wayne Lakin, a fitness manager with Everyone Active, disagrees.
He added gyms are becoming more popular because of the recession, as people look to cut back on other luxuries, but keep their gym membership and the Olympics is having little effect. He added: “What I am seeing is the recession is actually helping gyms retain members, not the Olympics. At a time when the industry should be getting quieter, we are busier now than ever. “People are not going out to places such as the pictures or for meals but to the local gym – where they are already paying for membership and don't have to spend money. “I think that we should help embrace the Olympics by using challenges as retention tools but will it attract members? – I seriously doubt it.” The discussion also continued on Twitter – with Workout’s followers voicing their opinions online. Leisure facilities manager at St Peter’s Health and Leisure Centre in Burnley, Neil Hutchinson said his club was planning Olympic themed events and open days next year, while personal trainer Dean Callis added the Olympics will encourage young people to think more about the importance of taking regular exercise.
No 219 £3
London is Britain’s fittest city
Strictly Come Dancing professional Natalie Lowe has revealed how visiting the gym keeps her in shape for the show. Natalie, who moved from Sydney to the UK to take part in Strictly, also spoke exclusively to Workout about her newest fitness regime and how UK clubs compare to those back home. For full story see pages 22 and 23. Picture: Simon Howard
LONDON is Britain’s fittest hotspot, according to a new survey by Nuffield Health, which also names Glasgow as the UK’s most unfit city. The healthcare charity collected data from 40,000 people, examining the BMI of participants up and down the country. According to the results, four of the top five healthiest locations are in the capital – with Bloomsbury taking the top spot, followed by Wimbledon in second place. Bristol was third, with about two thirds of those living in the city having a BMI of between 18 and 25. Covent Garden and the City of London made up the top five. At the other end of the scale, Glasgow topped the charts for being unfit, with about 40 per cent of Glaswegians taking the health MOT classified as either obese or morbidly obese. The Scottish city also reported the most smokers – 29 per cent – and is the fifth highest location for those getting the least sleep.
02 USN
17/11/11
16:31
Page 1
03
24/11/11
15:46
Page 1
UK FITNESS SCENE
3
Spooky event in aid of charity By Christina Eccles A LADIES only gym in Blackburn has hosted a Halloween themed event to raise money for a local charity. The evening, at Unit Two Fitness for Women, was held in aid of the East Lancashire Hospice and included a champagne reception with nibbles, a lingerie catwalk show and a performance from a local dance troupe. Club owner Leanne Procter organised the event with member Melissa MacFarlane, who owns a lingerie company and supplied outfits for the catwalk show. The event also received support from other local businesses, including Blackburn College who lent some of its students to do the catwalk models’ make up for the evening and the local newspaper who came along to cover it. The club sold about 60 tickets to its members, plus their families and friends, and the event raised over £700, which will be presented to staff at the hospice. Leanne said: “It was a really good event and everyone enjoyed it. “I love doing charity events and they are also a great way of getting the club’s name out there. “We are going to do another themed one next year for Valentine’s Day, which will be aimed at couples.
Unit Two Fitness members get in the spirit of things for a Halloween themed event. “This was the first event we have done here and I am very much looking forward to the next one.” Leanne, who previously owned another club in the town before relocating to new premises three months
ago, added the gym is doing well since the move and already has about 300 members – a mixture of existing ones who moved with them and some new faces. But she told Workout she is looking
Tributes to trainer Angie TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the death of personal trainer Angie Dowds. It is believed the award winning personal trainer, who was 42, jumped to her death from Beachy Head. Angie was best known as a trainer on hit TV show, The Biggest Loser, working alongside fellow PT Richard Callender and host Davina McCall. Friends including gym manager and winner of the first series of The
Biggest Loser, Aaron Howlett, and stars of the last series Wil Graham and Paddy Cunningham, all said what an inspiration Angie was and how much she will be missed. An inquest has been opened and adjourned. Next issue, we will be including your tributes to Angie. If you would like to comment, email Workout at ce@whpl.net or tweet us @WorkOutUK
www.workout-uk.co.uk
Official media partner of the Fitness Industry Association
forward to improving the business even further next year – with new marketing campaigns ready to be rolled out in January and more events in the pipeline. Advertising
Editorial
Sales and marketing director: Tony Barry Sales manager: Daniel Lloyd Tel: 01226 734699 dl@whpl.net Assistant sales manager: Danielle Hornby Tel: 07860 522 230 dlh@whpl.net Field sales executive: Chris Hartley Tel: 01226 734709 ch@whpl.net
Group Editor: Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 ah@whpl.net Chief reporter: Christina Eccles Tel: 01226 734463 ce@whpl.net
Production Group Deputy Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734458 jhalkerston@whpl.net
Script Media 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS
04 Egg Nation
24/11/11
15:36
Page 1
4
Franchise to be rolled out to other sites FREEDOM Leisure has extended its No Strings Badminton franchise programme to nine more centres, following success at flagship venue K2 Crawley. Under the scheme, players can turn up each week knowing the courts and opponents will be there ready for them. It relies on coordinators at each venue subscribing and delivering the sessions according to the programme criteria. Group sports development manager Richard Bagwell said: “The No Strings Badminton model has worked well at K2 Crawley with our coordinator creating a fun and friendly environment for the players to thrive in. “By replicating this approach in nine more Freedom Leisure centres, badminton can enjoy a resurgence of interest across Sussex, just as it did here at K2 Crawley.” The club currently runs one session a week and is starting another in the new year to meet growing demand. Richard added: “Initially, we had just four or six players turn up each week but gradually the numbers built up and by six months we had 16 players. “That number is pretty much what we have each week, which goes to show that despite the seemingly casual approach, people make their own commitment to turn up and play.”
UK FITNESS SCENE
Charlotte aims to raise standards By Christina Eccles TOP personal trainer Charlotte Ord has joined forces with equipment supplier Technogym to raise the standard of fitness training across the UK. Charlotte, who owns Phoenix Pro Fitness in Godalming, will be delivering a series of seminars at major industry events next year, including the FitPro convention and Leisure Industry Week, focusing on how trainers can improve both their training techniques and business skills to give customers a five star service. Charlotte – whose accolades also include being named Personal Trainer of the Year 2010 at the International Fitness Showcase Awards – told Workout, the seminars will fill a gap in the market for trainers who want to improve their offering. She explained: “The sessions will focus on a variety of things from training to programme design to the business side of personal training. “It’s good for trainers to be able to
learn from someone who is doing both and it will hopefully be inspirational. Ultimately we want to increase standards across the board, but in order to do that you have to focus on getting results for clients. We will be looking at how Technogym equipment can help trainers to do that.” Charlotte’s own gym has just celebrated its first birthday with a sports day and picnic for members in a local park. And she added the skills she has learnt herself as a gym owner will also be applied to the sessions to help others improve their businesses. She added: “We are a high end gym with a small membership base where everyone has personal training included. “It is very important for us to generate the feeling that it’s all about customer service. Events outside the club help but also inside the club – from the attitude of the staff to putting cold cloths out for members to wipe their face on. “The importance of customer service is definitely something I
Charlotte Ord will be driving across in the sessions.” More details about how gym owners and personal trainers can book on to the courses will be released at a later date and Charlotte will also be going into clubs which already have Technogym equipment to deliver in house training.
05 Servicesport
17/11/11
16:34
Page 1
06
22/11/11
14:45
Page 1
UK FITNESS SCENE
6
‘Have fun with social media’ By Christina Eccles
Gladiator Saracen joins the competitors at a London gym.
Saracen puts Miss Galaxy finalists through their paces GLADIATOR Saracen joined 14 female competitors for the first Miss Galaxy Universe training camp, which took place at a London gym. The girls visited Hooks to get in some practice ahead of next year’s competition, described by founder Sarah Donohue as ‘Miss World meets GI Jane.’ Sarah, who has competed in similar
competitions in America for over a decade, and Saracen, who is also a professional trainer and fireman, put the girls through their paces with a series of exercises. Following the success of the camp, Sarah has already organised the next one, which will take place on December 18.
GYMS should have more fun with social media as it allows them to engage with members on a more informal level, according to an expert. Matt Shaw is leisure centre operator Everyone Active’s social media guru, responsible for the company’s presence on Twitter and Facebook. His job is to update the main company Facebook fan page and Twitter accounts, as well as individual Facebook profiles for each of the 79 clubs under the Everyone Active brand. He was brought in to enhance the company’s profile online and entice members to engage with the brand, as well as using social networks to complement the main Everyone Active website. And he said that while most corporate websites are quite conventional in their content, social media allows gyms to be more informal with their approach. He explained: “We started off being very formal but if you have more fun with the brand and use a bit of banter and humour, people are more receptive. “You can’t really do that with a company website but you can with social media, within reason.”
Matt added that when it comes to posting updates content is key – and when making a start he looked at other brands to see how they approached social networks. He added: “I looked at a lot of other brands and what they have done to get the balance between being commercial and offering advice. “If you go on to a Facebook page, you can tell if you are constantly getting spammed by offers. On social networking sites, you get just one chance to win people over.” Everyone Active also uses social media to turn negative comments into positives and deal with members’ issues quickly. “You can’t win them all but the success rate is pretty impressive. If you don’t provide this platform, people could talk about you anyway but you couldn’t see it. It’s much better to have it out there. “Social media is a good way of keeping an eye on what people are saying about brands.” Matt’s next job is to help each individual Everyone Active club to take over the running of their own Facebook page, which will make them all more specific and personal to that centre.
07 direct fitness
24/11/11
16:35
Page 1
08
22/11/11
13:21
Page 1
UK FITNESS SCENE
8
Rugby team gives cycle trainer a try
Medical kit gives members peace of mind
THE England rugby league team has been keeping in shape during the Gillette Four Nations tournament by using the latest indoor cycle trainer, Wattbike. The bikes have been used for testing and strength and conditioning work at the team’s training base at Loughborough University and also pitch-side at the England dugout for players to use between substitutions. England’s strength and conditioning coach Mark Bitcon said: “We’re using the Wattbike for both players warming up pitch-side and for our interchanges. “They’ve also been used to provide competition at the training base which is always good for motivation. “We’ve had some good quality data from the sessions which helps us to ensure the players are in the best condition for the Four Nations tournament.”
By Dominic Musgrave A HEALTH club in Essex has installed new equipment to give peace of mind to members who are recovering from medical conditions. The Hockley Health Club has over 500 members – many of them people with long-term physical disabilities or those recovering from heart attack, stroke and other illnesses. With a growing requirement for exercise rehabilitation, owner Mo Robinson has installed a DOC defibrillator from SafeTIC to reassure clients and staff the appropriate equipment is available onsite if an incident occurs. Mo said: “In all my experience of working in health clubs and as a personal trainer, I have only once had to deal with an emergency when a client suf-
If you’ve got a story for WorkOut then ring the news desk on 01226 734463 or email ce@whpl.net
fered a heart attack. “Luckily, in this case the hospital was only a couple of minutes away from the gym and we administered CPR to the patient until the emergency services arrived. There was no defibrillator on site and if we had been further away from the hospital, he may not have survived. I want to reassure all my clients that we have the best facilities to take care of them, should the need arise. “The club already has two members of staff fully qualified to the appointed ‘First Aid at Work’ qualification, and one is always onsite. In addition, all our personal trainers have completed basic First Aid courses but the British Red Cross training that comes with the DOC service is an added bonus and will give extra confidence to my staff.”
Steve creates new training guides England's Sam Tomkins training on a Wattbike
PERSONAL trainer Steve Barrett has created two new guides training with dumbbells and gym balls. The Total Dumbbell
Workout and The Total Gym Ball Workout are designed for both fitness enthusiasts and industry professionals.
09 Vydex
18/11/11
14:21
Page 1
10
22/11/11
13:18
Page 1
UK FITNESS SCENE
10
Functional fitness on a plate at hotel THE owners of a luxury hotel in Aldridge have invested £22,000 in extending their gym facilities to include a new functional training area. Fairlawns Hotel and Spa has created the new area to respond to both industry trends and demand from clients, installing equipment including the latest Power Plate pro5 machines. Club manager Sam Allen said: “As a fitness facility, it is important for us to stay abreast of the latest fitness trends, which is why we invested in this functional training area. Of course, members will still use free weights and weight machines as part of their wider routine, but they also appreciate the opportunity to try the newest techniques and best equipment. “Installing Power Plate machines adds yet another dimension to members’ training regimes. Functional training is one of the industry’s most talked about trends, and the Power Plate machines have already proved popular. Our members say they can already see and feel the benefits, so this has been money well-spent.”
Karen and Dancing on Ice star Dan Whiston demonstrate off-ice skating.
Gyms urged to get their skates on for new class By Christina Eccles ICE skating coach Karen Coombes has teamed up with Dancing on Ice professional Dan Whiston to launch a new exercise class for gyms. Off-Ice Skating uses roller skates with colour coded covers to help participants learn to skate without needing to step foot on the ice. Classes can be held in a gym studio, providing a fitness workout with a difference while enabling members to learn a new skill. The idea came after Karen was putting on an ice skating show with a group of children when the ice rink broke at the last minute. She decided they could do the show with roller skates instead but then
Centre guarantees a white Christmas for visitors A LEISURE centre in Guildford is guaranteeing visitors a white Christmas by installing a snow machine for its Christmas Day skating sessions. Guildford Spectrum, operated by Freedom Leisure, is one of very few leisure centres which opens on December 25 and this year will be welcoming revellers for the 19th year in a row. And to guarantee snowfall in its ice rink, the centre has installed a SNOWboy SNOWball II, which provides a falling snow effect at the
touch of a button. Marketing manager Rob Price said: “Our white Christmas skate and leisure pool session are hugely popular with families who want to get together on Christmas morning and do something active before they have their Christmas lunch. This year we are creating a really special experience in the ice rink where we will have falling snow and Christmas music playing. We’re telling all our customers that this is the perfect way to start their Christmas Day.”
the rink was fixed – leaving her with 40 pairs of skates and a new idea for a business. After appearing on TV hit Dragons Den she attracted Dan’s attention, who took her to meet representatives from a home shopping channel who were interested in selling the skates and accompanying fitness DVD. Now the pair are looking to roll the idea out to gyms and leisure centres and after attracting attention from visitors to Leisure Industry Week, are confident the product will work for clubs looking for the next big thing in fitness. Karen explained: “You can do the class for fitness’ sake or if you put the skills together people can learn to
skate. Everything is done on two feet and the boot covers make the process really easy. “Most people do not skate because they can’t. The reason they can’t do it is because it’s never been shown. We want to simplify it so everyone can try. Lots of people at Leisure Industry Week were interested, especially people who have gyms that do Zumba classes who want to keep that clientele and give them something else to do.” Karen added a typical class size would be 15-20 people and even smaller gyms can get involved because members don’t cover a lot of ground on the skates as they would in a traditional rink.
Becky’s Olympic challenge to get 10,000 people fit A PERSONAL trainer has launched a campaign to help 10,000 people get fit by the start of the London Olympics next year. Becky White, whose personal training business onesixeight fitness specialises in using mini trampolines to boost general fitness, kicked off her ambitious plan with a ‘bounce-athon’ with 350 pupils at the Outwoods Edge Primary School in Loughborough.
She came up with the idea because she believes the workout is one of the most convenient and effective ways to get fit, but that many people are not aware of the benefits. People will be added to the running total to make up the 10,000 once Becky has influenced them to become fitter, either through her classes, personal training, or by giving them advice online.
11 Physique
17/11/11
16:34
Page 1
12
24/11/11
16:48
Page 1
ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT
12
The future’s Fluid for First Degree AUSSIE based First Degree Fitness, pioneers of fluid resistance have added a brand new Fluid Rower to its range of rowers and upper body ergometres. The new E316 is said to offer the most realistic rowing simulation yet. Howard Braband of Gymkit UK, distributors of the Fluid Rowers
said: “What makes the Fluid Rowers unique is the patented 16 resistance levels. “When you pull against water for resistance, you get an immediate catch.” First Degree has also given careful consideration to other aspects to the design of their new E316 rower. The soft gel seat is at office chair
height, for maximum comfort and the four easy glide rollers ensure the smoothest movement possible. The newly designed console has integrated heart rate as standard, and the footplates have been increased to ensure the rower sticks to the floor like glue. In trials at five clubs, 85 per cent of customers preferred the Fluid
Rower to their current rower. Interestingly, 15 per cent of respondents never rowed but said they would row on a Fluid Rower. Howard added: “This is important to operators. Getting more members to use more machines, particularly at peak periods will only enhance the customer experience.”
13
22/11/11
13:19
Page 1
UK FITNESS SCENE
Industry needs ‘to drive up standards’ THE fitness industry needs to drive up standards and champion health improvement, the new chief executive of Oldham Community Leisure has claimed. Stuart Lockwood, operations director for the trust, will take over from current chief executive, Ian Kendall on January 1. And Stuart already has big ideas of how the trust – and the wider industry – can move forward in 2012. He said: “As a result of Ian’s eight years at the helm of OCL we have seen some fantastic results in Oldham. Facilities have significantly improved overall and there is real growth in the numbers of people enjoying regular exercise as a result. Ian is a big personality with big boots to fill, but over the past two years I’ve developed a solid understanding of the organisation and where further changes can be made to allow us to continue to improve. “As an industry overall, I feel that the standards of customer service fall below some of our colleagues in other service sectors such as hotels and retail, and we must strive to catch up if we are to be a credible competitor for the discretionary spend. Allied to that challenge is the need to position ourselves as the number one solution to improving the health of the nation with imaginative and effective health improvement interventions. In simple terms, we need to make ourselves a more attractive option as a visitor
Stuart Lockwood experience, and a more relevant option for improving the health of the nation.” Stuart has more than 20 years’ experience in the fitness and leisure industry, as well as academic qualifications in leisure management, physical education and psychology. He added collaborative working is his vision for the future of OCL and that the trust is working hard to develop relationships with other partners. He added: “We are continuing to develop our partnerships with the NHS and our neighbours at Link4Life in Rochdale. Financial support for the delivery of local leisure services from councils is only likely to be squeezed further in the years ahead, and I see collaboration as the obvious way forward to deliver services effectively and efficiently.”
£100k investment for club AN independent gym in London has invested £100,000 in new equipment to further improve the club. The Reebok Club has replaced its spin bikes with 80 new ones, installed eight cross trainers with free web access and seven adjustable benches all from Technogym. The club has also added another six Cybex arc trainers and has become
the first in the UK to install the new Power Plate Bike. Sales and marketing director Diane Kay said: “The club is always looking to find the best new equipment that will give members different and effective ways to stay fit. This new investment demonstrates our commitment to providing members the very best fitness space in Canary Wharf.”
13
14
22/11/11
16:31
Page 1
UK FITNESS SCENE
14
An independent gym in Huddersfield is keeping fitness fans of all ages happy – with activities ranging from Nintendo Wii workouts to Nordic Walking, followed by coffee and cake. Workout took a look around.
‘If they leave the building happy, we are happy ...’ YOUR Health Club’s philosophy is if the member leaves the gym happy, then the staff are happy. And by offering activity sessions ranging from Your Kidz fitness parties to the PALS referral scheme for older members, there is something for everyone. Junior membership is also available – allowing young people aged between 12 and 16 to join the club for £10 on a pay as you go monthly basis. This gives them access from early morning to early evening Monday to Friday and all weekend and includes use of the gym, classes and the popular Nintendo Wii workouts. The club is also trying to forge links with local schools as it feels it is important to encourage children to stay active as they get older. Club manager Lesley Turner explained: “We have a few areas free in our studio and are in the process of contacting our three local junior schools, offering them the use of our studio with the possible view of them including visits to the gym in their PE curriculum – introducing the benefits of encour-
aging children to continue and progress with their fitness into their early adult years.” Fitness parties for ages five to 16 are also proving popular – with the club sending out flyers to advertise them on one side, which promote the gym’s other services on the reverse. And Lesley added, although there are several other clubs in the Huddersfield area, the wide range of activities on offer and friendly, supportive atmosphere are helping the gym keep up with the competition. Lesley added: “Having been here since 2007, it’s surprising how many people do not know we are here, so we want to make people aware. We like competition as it always keeps us on our toes. “Some people come to us just for the social side, as they feel so comfortable and welcome. If they leave the building happy, we are happy.” Work experience and providing young people with job opportunities is also important and the club has supported members of staff through their qualifications in con-
junction with CMS Vocational Training in Huddersfield. As manager, Lesley also feels it’s vital to keep her skills set up to date, and although she has a lot of experience in the behind the scenes element of running a club, she has recently been working towards a level two fitness instructor course, which will allow her to help out
more on the gym floor. She added: “I’ve never been really involved in the gym side of it but this allows me to see the bigger picture, supports the rest of the team and broadens my knowledge. “The club is a really rewarding place to work. There’s a lot of job satisfaction.”
15 Whey Hey
22/11/11
14:47
Page 1
16
22/11/11
15:09
Page 1
UK FITNESS SCENE
16
Dealing with health and safety can be an unwelcome headache for any gym owner. In a special column for Workout, experts at the FIA reveal how to make sure your club is up to scratch.
How to stay on the right side of the law on health and safety IF THE penalty is unlimited fines and a publicity order – a court order requiring a company or organisation to publicise the fact that it has been convicted of an offence – what is the crime? Which misdemeanour requires the offender to publicise the details of his/her offence, the amount of the fine imposed and the terms of any remedial order made? Wondering what heinous crime could warrant such a draconian response from the authorities ...? Health and safety – usually the least compelling part of any manager’s or entrepreneur’s agenda – but it is a £30bn issue and over 30m working days are lost in the UK as a result of injury and/or ill health in the workplace. That is why the courts now have the power to evoke such potentially crippling penalties. According to the law, the legal responsibilities for health and safety rest with the management team. The law states that every organisation must: Have a policy in place. Assess the risks to employees, customers, partners and any other people who would be affected by their activities. Have the necessary health and safety systems and protocols in place (ie planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review). Consult with employees and ensure they have access to ‘compe-
ice available from the FIA designed to help operators ensure that their customers can exercise and employers can work in a safe environment) include: Health and safety document are not signed. Risk assessments have lapsed. Emergency procedures are inadequate. Employees are not qualified. There is no external review of health and safety systems and protocols.
The FIA’s Dave Stalker addressing delegates on health and safety at this year’s IOU forum. tent’ health and safety advice. If that is the stick, there is also a carrot. According to one independent operator: “A focus on getting the policies and training right had a major impact on our retention rates and it continues to provide a real point of difference against our competitors.” The incidence of operators flirting with the prospect of potential fines and the negative impact of public orders on their business is diminishing, but there are still dinosaurs out there. One recently audited club epitomised a bygone age when the risks of smoking and driving without seatbelts were still not taken seriously. Like an episode of Jackass, one club owner’s health and safety
checklist failures included: Every product in the First Aid box was out of date. The fire extinguishers were out of date. No records of water testing for legionnaires disease were present. No Personal Protection Equipment could be found on site. No COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) safety data sheets were present. The list went on, but perhaps the most compelling illustration of what not to do was the risk assessment advice at reception. It simply read ‘be careful.’ Other frequent health and safety ‘shortcomings’, identified by the FIA’s Code of Practice audit (a serv-
By contrast, well run facilities have at least two health and safety, as well as an operations audit a year, comprehensive induction programmes, employees are encouraged to submit comments on health and safety issues and these are logged, reviewed, analysed and actioned as necessary. The choice is simple. Implement a robust and externally verified health and safety programme, or face unlimited fines (both personal and organisational), adverse publicity which could seriously damage your business and perhaps even a prison sentence if the consequence of neglect is death. Scare mongering or preparedness planning: you decide. Insurance, in the form of the FIA Code of Practice: £390 (for two years) or less than £20 a month. Getting it wrong: priceless.
£1m refurbishment will double gym’s size and extend studio PINGLES Leisure Centre is to benefit from a £1m refurbishment, which will double the size of the gym and extend studio space. The two phase refurbishment project, funded by Nuneaton and
Bedworth Leisure Trust, will involve installing a mezzanine floor over the leisure pool, creating space for around 40 additional exercise stations, along with an extension to the exercise studio to maximise usage of
the space. Business development manager Jason Field said: “The centre is so popular that it couldn’t service the demands of the community adequately and the decision was taken to increase the size of the gym
and redevelop the site. Our ultimate aim is to get everyone in the local community healthy and in order to do this we needed a facility that can accommodate more members and provide the latest equipment”.
17 Kettlercise
22/11/11
13:53
Page 1
18
22/11/11
16:46
Page 1
UK FITNESS SCENE
18
Character key to gym’s success MOTIVATION, personality and enthusiasm are the key things helping an independent gym in St Albans to ride the recession. Body Limit has about 1,500 members and is owned by Abslam Bichri, who has over 20 years’ experience in the fitness industry. But although manager Peter Wilkins admits running the club isn’t always easy, particularly in the current climate, he told Workout, staff have been working hard to position the gym as an integral part of the community.
He explained: “Traditionally, we had a reputation for being a hardcore bodybuilding gym which was never really what we are about. “This year we took the gym outside and did bootcamps to get ourselves out there and show people we have more to offer to different sections of the community. “There is also a cafe across the road so we have been working with them to help promote the gym.” As well as forming partnerships with local businesses, the club has
also been successfully working with local schools to promote fitness and wellbeing among young people. Pupils can pay a discounted fee of £3 each per session to come and use the facilities during their PE lessons and Peter added getting involved with schemes such as this and promoting the club via social networking sites Twitter and Facebook are all helping to get the word out there about what it has to offer. He added: “Motivation, personali-
ty and enthusiasm are all important to helping us run the club. This gym is all about character and we aren’t driven by corporate sales. “You can’t be complacent – if you are not moving forwards, you are moving backwards.” The club is currently preparing to roll out a new campaign in time for Christmas and is looking forward to a full refurbishment next year, which will include restoring some of the original features of the building.
19 Myzone
17/11/11
16:35
Page 1
20
22/11/11
13:23
Page 1
UK FITNESS SCENE
20
Trainer Tom finds model success ... By Dominic Musgrave
Look out for the January issue of Workout where we will be bringing you a full round up of all the action from this year’s National Fitness Awards. The awards – hosted by Coronation Street favourite Katherine Kelly – reward excellence in the fitness industry, with trophies handed out for everything from best regional gym, best health club, best gym based personal trainer and the coveted lifetime achievement award. Next issue will include a special awards feature, announcing our winners, plus all the news and pictures from the night. Picture: Simon Burchell/Featureflash
A CAMBRIDGESHIRE personal trainer is taking the modelling world by storm after winning a prestigious national competition. Tom East, who works at Bourn Health and Fitness Club, had always been interested in the industry, but only entered the Mr Supernational competition at the last minute after plucking up enough courage to ask his sister to take a few pictures. After winning the Cambridge heat of the competition, Tom then went on to take the national crown in Cardiff, beating 23 others from across the country over four rounds. He also scooped the rear of the year title too, winning £500 cash, a one-day modelling workshop, digital camera and photo-shoot. He has also been signed up by several agencies including Sugar Studs, a group of 15 male models who have a reality TV show coming out soon. “I went to Cardiff never thinking I would win the competition, but the longer it went on the more confident I got,” added Tom. “The good thing for me was that I was able to show the judges my personality and cheeky charm, which I think is what probably won it for me.
“I’m really glad I entered because the competition has opened up so many doors for me, but I’m now stuck in two minds about what I want to do next because I have built up a good personal training business for myself. “To do fitness modelling you need to be big so I would have to bulk up a bit, whereas the fashion side suits me because I’ve been told I wear clothes really well. “I’m trying to juggle both the modelling and the personal training at the moment, but my main goal is to get signed by a top London agency or a fragrance such as Hugo Boss.” Tom moved into fitness after failing to make the grade as a footballer with Ipswich Town. Having worked as a trainer at a large gym nearby, he moved to Bourn as a fitness trainer before opting to go freelance. He added: “I run 15 or 20 sessions a week and all of my clients are completely different. I also do outdoor sessions in nearby Newmarket and plan to launch my own fitness DVD and a blog in the near future. “I don’t want to give it up but if something did come up with the modelling then that would have to come first and the training fit around it.”
Spray tan first for local authority leisure trust TONE has become the first local authority leisure trust in the UK to install a VersaSpa spray tanning system after removing sunbeds at all its centre. The unit, which is being trialled at Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Somerset, has been installed in an area previously used for massage therapy. Customers will be able to book and
pay for their sessions at the centre’s reception but there are already plans to add the spray tanning facility to Tone’s existing online booking system. Commercial director Joel Chapman said: “We’re always looking for new services to offer our customers and by working with VersaSpa we can extend our customer offering with minimal disruption to the centre.
“VersaSpa has successfully tanned millions of people worldwide but we’re pleased to be the first local authority leisure trust in the UK to install the system. As a not-for-profit trust we feel there’s a very strong business case for the unit, which we hope will ultimately mean more revenue generated for Tone to invest in other services. Tanning is popular with men and women of all ages, and
using a sunless tanning solution is a fantastic alternative to sunbeds with their potential health risks. “With sessions starting at just £10 we feel it also offers excellent value for money, which is an important consideration for our customers in these times. “If the booth at Wellspring proves successful we hope to roll them out to more of our leisure centres.”
21 BBW
17/11/11
16:36
Page 1
22 & 23 jordans hp dps
22/11/11
14:57
2 22
Page 2
UK FITNESS SCENE
Dancer Natalie Lowe is best known as one of the professionals whipping celebrities into shape on Strictly Come Dancing – most recently partnering champion boxer Audley Harrison. In the first part of her chat with Workout, Natalie reveals why she loves the UK fitness scene and how British gyms compare to those back home.
Strictly dancer Natalie loves all things sporty ... When did you first get into fitness? I'm an Aussie and we generally grow up with an outdoor orientated lifestyle which lends itself to sports and outward bound activities. I grew up enjoying being active and was a champion athlete at school. My fitness kind of happened as a byproduct of that. Then dancing became a big part of my life which took care of ongoing fitness to some degree. But when I turned professional I realised additional fitness work needed to be undertaken if I was going to
be better than the next person and achieve my goals.
keen on swimming, surfing and water skiing too.
Apart from dancing, what other forms of exercise do you enjoy? It might surprise those who only know me from the glitzy world of TV and dance but I love to get as far away as possible from the make-up and sequins and amazing dresses. I go rock climbing, running, hiking, camping and, although it might not be the most exertive activity, I love fishing. In fact I love water and am really
How does working out at the gym help you as a dancer? It is hugely beneficial. Firstly to dance you need to be dance fit and that is something that comes with hours of practise in studio and performance on the floor. But what you do away from that can make you a better, stronger and more versatile dancer without a doubt. We have to have conditioning that allows us to operate at the highest level across all dance disciplines, we need to ward off injury (Artem's back injury in the current series is such a shame but he is in superb shape and that will mean he's back on the floor before most people could be) and we also need to recover well. This is particularly vital during Strictly when there is so little recovery time. I am literally operating on four hours’ sleep a night during the
‘It might surprise those who only know me from the glitzy world of TV and dance but I love to get as far away as possible from the make-up and sequins and amazing dresses’
show so being as fit and healthy as I can be is imperative. This year I am in my best shape ever and have been working with the brilliant Ricardo Macedo who owns R-Fitness in Kensington, London. He has me doing everything from boxing to dumbbell work on balance boards, gymnastic ring and monkey bar exercises and his speciality which is total body suspension training. All four limbs are off the ground so you have to create your own stability by being strong and accurate in your movements. The results have been brilliant. How do UK gyms compare with Australian clubs? I don't think they are too dissimilar. Perhaps there is more of a gym activity culture over here because there is less of the natural inclination for being outside – in the winter months anyway! Continued on Page 23
22 & 23 jordans hp dps
22/11/11
14:57
Page 3
UK FITNESS SCENE Continued from Page 22 The gym industry here is a much bigger operation, as you'd expect with a population that's three times larger than Australia's. There are more brands, variety and competition and it all seems to be very slick and professional here. I'm lucky because we get to train out of various places for Strictly and I see lots of gym environments which generally speaking always impress me with their level of service and facilities. From what I gather, I think maybe there was a time where people were more body conscious over here and felt you almost had to be fit before you started going to the gym whereas in Australia people didn't really care and just went and had a good go. But from what I see gyms here are full people of every age, shape and standard and that has to be a good thing. And from what I see across London whether I'm just training myself or working with the Strictly stuff, gyms all see to be busy and thriving which in these times is good to see. What do you think of the dance based classes available in gyms such as Zumba? I'm all for it. The energy they bring, the sense of fun and the physical workout are all great.
23
Nobody is pretending they're making you a technically great dancer but that's not the point, they are using a dance style to energise and entertain whilst helping people shape up and that is always a fantastic thing. Would you like to see more dance classes in gyms? I think we do pretty well here for dance classes in gym but I admit that I'd always like to see more because they are not just great for the body in many ways but they are so much fun and have a genuine social element too. I know a lot of people, men in particular, show a reluctance to get stuck into anything dance based but I'm yet to meet one who hasn't ended up having a great time when they've given it a go. Strictly is a great example of this. We've had big burly international fast bowlers and rugby players as well as footballers and my lovely partner this time the giant boxer Audley Harrison – there was probably nothing about any of them that said 'dance'. Yet they all took to it brilliantly and had a fantastic time. It is good for you, it is a great skill to learn and it's uplifting and fun. Look out for the second part of our chat with Natalie next issue where she will be sharing her daily diet and healthy eating tips with Workout readers.
‘It is good for you, it is a great skill to learn and it's uplifting and fun’
Natalie Lowe
Picture: Simon Howard
24
22/11/11
24
13:24
Page 1
UK FITNESS SCENE
Gym members asked to share views for survey By Christina Eccles
A 50-year-old personal trainer has completed a challenging strength and endurance test. Mark Shaw, who has been running personal training business Shaw Fitness for over 16 years, completed the British Strength Athletes Guild’s marathon – an event consisting of 84 disciplines which must be done inside four hours. Mark completed the challenge at the first attempt in a time of three hours and 59 minutes.
Teen fitness activities ‘a major trend’ FITNESS activities which appeal to teenagers will be a major trend for gyms in 2012, according to experts from David Lloyd Leisure. The company predicts activities aimed at 11 to 17 year olds – such as swimming, tennis, teen Zumba and boxercise classes – will see significant growth over the next few months. And to capitalise on this, it has launched Fitness Into Teens for members aged 11-plus, focusing on a range of activities which appeal to this age group. Head of family and programming Sarah Hobbs said: “Research has shown that many children abandon regular exercise and sports activities when they reach their teens. Teenage girls are of particular concern, with significant numbers of 13 to 14-yearolds dropping out of regular exercise and a significant proportion never taking up regular exercise again. “Parents are really wising up to the fact that how healthy their children are during childhood will determine their long-term fitness into adulthood, but it is important that teenagers are offered programmes teaching them new skills that they find enjoyable and exciting, as well as allowing them to make new friends.” Other trends to look out for next year, according to David Lloyd Leisure, include group personal training, PT express workouts and dance based classes.
GYM members are being encouraged to share their views in the industry’s biggest customer service survey, carried out by Leisure-net and The Retention People. The survey will use the Net Promoter Score to analyse responses, a tool which is used to measure and improve customer loyalty. A Net Promoter Score is obtained by asking customers a single question on a 0 to 10 rating scale: "How likely is it that you would recommend our company to a friend or colleague?" Based on their responses, customers can be categorised into one of three groups: promoters (nine to 10 rating), passives (seven to eight rating), and detractors (zero to six rating). The percentage of detractors is subtracted from the percentage of promoters to obtain a Net Promoter score – a score of 75 per cent or above is considered quite high. Last year’s inaugural NPS survey revealed that just 38 per cent of the 19,000 fitness industry customers questioned would proactively recommend their current gym or leisure centre and 17 per cent were so
unhappy they were classified as detractors – in other words willing to actively be negative about the service they received. These figures give a Net Promoter Score of 21 per cent. Managing director of Leisure-net Solutions Mike Hill said: “In the current economic climate, customer insight is particularly invaluable. With the cost of obtaining new customers cited as being at least three times the cost of keeping new ones, understanding what keeps customers loyal can impact on an organisation’s bottom line.” Leisure-net Solutions and TRP will host the research and deliver the survey to all members of participating operators free of charge. The results are then collated online and each operator provided with a login to an online portal, so they can see the feedback from their members and benchmark themselves against other operators based on sector and region of the country. Operators can sign up to take part in the survey via The Retention People website at www.theretentionpeople.com/nps
Landmark ruling may lead to tax windfall GYMS could potentially be in line for a tax windfall, following a landmark ruling in favour of fitness chain Esporta. Esporta – like many other fitness clubs – offers new members the opportunity to join for a minimum of 12 months through a monthly subscription – with collection agencies pursuing any outstanding payments on behalf of the company. Originally, HMRC rejected a VAT repayment claim by Esporta that it should treat payments clawed back through a collection agency as nontaxable compensation for breach of contract. However, a tribunal has allowed Esporta’s appeal – meaning the company could be in line for a tax windfall and the door could open for other operators to also make claims. VAT manager at accountants and
business advisers James Cowper Ruth Corkin explained: “The verdict means that sums recovered as compensation after an individual is suspended because they default on a commercial fitness club membership subscription are free of VAT. “I would be surprised if they [HM Revenue and Customs] let it rest but if the judgment stands the big chains will no doubt also submit overpayment claims. “The verdict could also be a precedent for other subscription based service providers such as telephone and broadband companies. “We recommend that any club that thinks it might be affected takes advice from their accountant on whether they can make a retrospective claim for overpayments.” HM Revenue and Customs had until November 23 to appeal the decision.
New software makes a splash with operator LEISURE Connection will be the first operator to use software provider Gladstone Health and Leisure’s Learn2 management tool for swimming lessons. The new software is designed to simplify the swim-school administration process, reduce pressure on staff and improve customer service.
Leisure Connection will launch the system at Worcester Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre with a view to eventually rolling it out across all 41 of its swim-school sites.
as our instructors will be able to spend less time recording attendance and attainment, and more time improving lesson delivery and interacting with their classes.
Head of swimming and children’s activities Tara Stroud said: “Learn2 will take our swimming lesson programme to the next level,
“The management of new bookings, re-enrolments and the movement of pupils within the system is also easier and quicker.”
25 CFM
17/11/11
16:37
Page 1
26
22/11/11
13:25
Page 1
SPECIAL BUDGET GYM REPORT
26
Incredible response to Welsh gym THE énergie Group has marked the opening of its first Welsh gym in Port Talbot with an event attended by ex international footballer John Hartson and champion boxer Nicky Piper. Features at the new Fit4Less by énergie club include a fully air-conditioned cardio theatre and free weights area with the latest Precor equipment. Personal training and fitness classes are also available at an extra cost. Co-owner and general manager James Taylor said: “You cannot argue with the price proposition and high quality of product Fit4less has to offer. “We’re giving customers state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for a fraction of the traditional cost of going to a gym. “The response to us opening has been incredible. “The online joining process is seamless and allowed us to put resources into marketing and promotions to raise our awareness. “We are extremely grateful to John and Nicky for coming down to show their support for us.”
Harlands provides specialised services to many budget gym operators. Here, director Kevin Scott shares his tips for converting an independent club to a low-cost concept ...
Is converting to a low-cost option the way forward? BUDGET, or low-cost, gyms are not only very much in vogue, they’re also here to stay. And don’t believe that because they’re described as ‘budget’ they are inferior. In the main, these clubs offer a vast range of equipment and great service – meaning they could potentially take market share from any operator. For this reason, many existing independent club operators may be wondering if converting to a low-cost concept is the way forward. If you’re one of them, here are a few things to think about first: 1. Going low-cost involves cutting out luxuries such as swimming pools, but most independent clubs don’t have these in the first place. So look carefully at what costs you can really save. 2. Low-cost clubs also tend to have fewer staff – but again this is already the case in most independent clubs. 3. Converting to low-cost means outsourcing key areas of the operation, allowing management to focus on building the business and to fix over-
Kevin Scott heads while still ensuring high-quality service. 4. Low-cost clubs need space to accommodate higher sales. Do you have room to double or triple your current membership base?
5. Going low-cost might mean reducing your fees by half, which means selling double the memberships just to stand still, unless you identify some real savings. Can your club handle the change? 6. Check what the average yield from a member is – it’s probably less than you think due to special offers and discounts, so lowering fees might not be as hard as you imagine. 7. Look carefully at your demographics. If the town’s population is 30,000, you might get 15 per cent take-up. But if there’s good competition, the latent demand might not deliver enough members. If you do go ahead, make sure you keep pricing simple, and get staff and members on board – you don’t want them to see a price reduction as a last-ditch attempt by a failing club! Of course, low-cost clubs also rely on automated sign-up and accesscontrol solutions, plus outsourced direct debit and membership management. Harlands can advise on all this and more.
Over 4,000 commit to new gym a month before it even opens A NEW budget gym in Stockton has got off to a flying start – with over 4,000 locals snapping up the £14.99 a month membership before the doors had even opened. The Xercise4Less club occupies a space equivalent to three Olympic sized swimming pools and can accommodate over 10,000 gym members. Managing director Jon Wright said: “I am delighted that Xercise4less Stockton has launched so well. We base our model on charging as little as possible, not as much as we can get away with, unlike our competitors. We are truly revolutionising the industry. “In these times of austerity, we feel we are providing an excellent facility with impressive customer service, but at a very affordable price. Anyone who comes down to the facility will be surprised at what great value for money that we represent. “We pride ourselves with up-to-date machinery, and plenty of it, meaning our members never have to wait around for equipment. “The gyms are always clean, and there is always a member of staff on hand. “The changing facilities are spacious and there are always secure lockers available.” Other features at the club include the largest free weights facility in the area, a boxing gym with a full-size training ring, dedicated ladies only gym and dance studio and 40 free classes per week.
27
22/11/11
13:26
Page 1
SPECIAL BUDGET GYM REPORT
Low-cost gyms inject ‘excitement and momentum’ By Christina Eccles THE rise of the low-cost gym sector could encourage gyms in the middle market to up their game in order to stay competitive, according to a new report. Ray Algar’s Global Low Cost Gym Sector report looks at the growth of budget gyms around the world, including success stories from countries such as America and Germany. In the report, Ray claims low-cost gyms are ‘injecting excitement and momentum’ into the health club industry, encouraging other clubs to reassess their offering and up their game. Ray said in the report: “The result is that low-cost gyms challenge the entire industry to ‘raise their game’. Existing clubs unable or unwilling to do this will progressively look poor value, out-of-touch and ultimately irrelevant. “A core part of this report was to understand what consumers think about the low-cost gym experience. This research tells me that these low-cost gyms are ‘delivering’ on the brand promise. Members feel safe; they are getting results and they love the price. Recommendation rates were high and the Net Promoter Scores were significantly superior than reported in other UK research.” Ray added the emergence of the low cost sector will leave other operators with questions to answer about what they are actually delivering for customers and if their service model is up to scratch. He added: “There were approximately 13,350,072 clubs worldwide at the end of 2010 and if you asked the owners of these clubs how they see their business evolving only some will be talking of a low-cost future. “For while a part of the industry see a ‘stripped-down’, more leaner, lowcost self-service gym experience, others will be pursuing something more service-oriented and ‘operationally intimate’. “Both have a place, a viable future, and help members to live healthier and more active lives. Ultimately,
Ray Algar club owners will have to answer some tough questions such as: What is the underlying purpose driving this business? What do I want my business to stand for? What type of business am I passionate and excited about developing?
What will be my personal legacy to the health club industry? What difference am I trying to make? “When the ultimate answers arrive, they will provide clarity and the ‘fuel’ that will inspire you and your team to make yours a truly remarkable club.”
Tips for all gym owners The report also offered advice for higher priced clubs which are losing members to low-cost gyms. Top tips included: Evaluate your service metrics – something is going wrong for members who are asking themselves: “Can I get the same or better experience for a lower price?” Investigate the percentage of ‘walk-in’ business the club is converting to sales; this often indicates performance of
reception and sales staff. Consider using the Net Promoter Score to evaluate your business against other service industries. Review what people are saying about the club online. Harness social media and your website to enhance the brand experience via interesting and informative content. Strengthen the perceived quality of the offering by building partnerships with other premium brands.
Global report reveals progress of low-cost sector A NEW report has been released which examines the emergence of low-cost gyms around the world. The Global Low Cost Gym Sector report, compiled by Oxygen Consulting’s Ray Algar and sponsored by Precor, reveals the progress of this market, how successful budget models are working in other countries and what their success means to the
wider health and fitness industry. As well as talking to low-cost gym leaders, Ray also interviewed gym users to help readers understand what consumers think about the budget gym experience. Ray said: “Consumers are enthusiastic about the emergence of lowcost gyms and recognise that this doesn’t mean low quality. It’s now
much more about receiving genuine demonstrable value and less about purchasing status and brands. The low-cost gym offering is relatively easy for consumers to understand, and the sector is gaining momentum.” The report is free to download and can be accessed at http://www.oxygen-consulting.co.uk/think-tank
27
28
22/11/11
14:52
Page 1
UK FITNESS SCENE
28
Movement preparation – why should we do it? by Matthew Januszek YOU’VE heard the phrase you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Every training session is a bit like that. It’s vital that you set the tone straight from the off! I’m amazed at just how little thought seems to go into most warm ups. We’ve all seen it, the coach sending the team off to jog some laps, or the personal trainer sitting the client on a bike for five minutes before the training session. It’s just not good enough. Traditionally warm ups are considered a necessary evil and a bit of a hassle, ‘let’s just get through this so that we can start training properly.’ Most traditional warm ups focus mainly on temperature-related mechanisms and involve basic activities that require movement of the major muscle groups of the body, such as jogging, cycling, or skipping. However, preliminary exercise should prepare the body not only physiologically but also psychologically. So forget about warm ups … from now on I want you to think of movement preparation. The principles of movement preparation are very simple, but it all starts with a key question: Why do we warm up? Most of us know that a good warm-up increases the heart rate, increases blood flow to the working musculature, increases body temperature, and
decreases the viscosity of the muscles. Anything that achieves those results is going to be far superior to doing nothing in terms of improving performance and reducing the likelihood of injury. Science tells us that a dynamic movement routine leads to a higher vertical jump, greater strength and power, and faster sprinting times. If we want to truly complete our "movement preparation" though, we'd better take the time to prepare to move. And it's this latter point – that we prepare our neuromuscular systems to be efficient and best prepared to perform – that requires special attention when composing a movement preparation scheme for an athlete, an amateur … really, for anyone. As I said before, it isn’t just physical response to movement preparation that we need to focus on, it’s also the psychological response. Pedalling on a stationary bike, jogging round a football field, or sitting down performing static stretches are not particularly mentally stimulating activities! However, you still see athletes and gym-goers alike adopting such approaches to their pre-exercise preparations on a regular basis. These activities are relatively ‘easy’ to perform and in most cases don’t require much thought. It would be great to see athletes and clients mentally ‘dialled in’ and ‘switched on’ at the start of their
training sessions. It’s an absolute must in my book to work on elevating the cognitive function of the body, placing value on developing the alertness, acuity, and mental arousal needed to focus the athlete’s mind. Complex tasks used as movement preparation can serve to promote a number of cognitive functions. Neural activity within the brain is elevated, and the higher centres of the brain are stimulated above resting levels. Stimulating the mind through more complex movement preparation tasks often allows for ‘technical reinforcement’ of an activity and/or movement patterns that will be experienced in an ensuing activity. Effective use of the movement preparation time will elevate the psychological focus of an athlete, allowing them to enter into their training session with a mental state that is conducive to optimal performance. Have you heard of Trigger Point Performance Therapy? It’s all about getting you to lengthen, strengthen, and integrate your muscles. Myofascial total body training uses an integrated, inhibitory, strength training process. Each micro cycle is designed to train myofascial lines and the myofascial slings while focusing on specific muscle groups. Movement preparation with purpose, is Trigger Point Performance’s M.O and they’re bringing it to the nation with passion and education via
Matthew Januszek Escape Fitness. Creator and CEO of Trigger Point Performance is a biomechanical specialist concentrating on sports performance, injury prevention, and the muscular structure that supports the efforts of the body in motion, we talked to him about the need and benefits of myofascial release and here’s what he had to say: “Listen, if you only brush your teeth a couple times a week, that’s a personal preference. I’m absolutely meaning, this is a daily process. “If your hydration’s right, if your nutrition’s right, if you get manual massage every day, don’t worry about it. Don’t even think about myofascial release or products. However if you don’t have the time or the money to be able to do that, this is the best hidden secret to be able to take care of your body on an everyday basis.” A great summary from Cassidy, this is an easy and simple way to look after your body for everyday movement but to also prepare your body for more strenuous forms of exercise.
Denise to cut ribbon at £12m leisure club OLYMPIC champion Denise Lewis will open a new David Lloyd Leisure club in Surrey later this month. Denise will cut a ribbon to mark the opening of the £12m club in
Farnham, which features a range of state-of-the art facilities including the group’s largest Amida Spa. General manager Linden Henson said: “It’s an absolute honour to have Denise Lewis open our new club. She
has achieved so much in her sporting field and is a true role model and inspiration for future sporting generations. “We are incredibly excited about becoming part of the Farnham com-
munity and developing strong relationships. “The club is looking stunning and I cannot wait for all of our members to experience the excellent facilities.”
29 Bfit
17/11/11
16:37
Page 1
30
22/11/11
15:30
Page 1
30
UK FITNESS SCENE
The only way your club can make more money! By Dave Wright CATCHY headline isn't it? Not that this month’s article is about marketing and engaging literature, but more importantly, it's about cold hard cash – the stuff that keeps your club rolling irrespective of the external forces that may impact your club. What's handy to know is that the rules are the same irrespective of what industry and what sector you are in. The only way to make more money in your club is by: 1. Increasing the prices. 2. Increasing the amount of members 3. Increasing the yield per member. Let me explain each one ... 1. Increasing the prices The first thing that clubs will do when they read this is that they will think 'no way – we can't do that, we are struggling to make ends meet.’ But it doesn't have to be that way. Clubs can increase their prices by adding more value than before. Maybe increasing a specialist personal training group that members can pay extra for with their membership that was previously given away as
free and then adding dietary advice wrapped up in that bundle. It's almost what you were doing before, however you have packaged it differently and made more money from it. 2. Increasing the amount of members When we look at this we first think of sales. And even though CFM is a company that has specialised in member acquisition for over 21 years, this is only a part of the solution. You need to look at your net member gain. So if you enrol 50 members for the month, but then lose 60 members in cancellation, you are at a 10 member loss for the month. What we need to do is look at the hole in the bucket. Retaining those that are already customers. Customer engagement is the way forward with helping enhance the experience that a member receives (note how I didn't say 'service' that a member receives?). How engaged are you with your members? What relevant discussions are you having with them that you are documenting? Just imagine that if tomorrow you would never get a new member through your doors again? How would you treat your existing members? If your whole team can answer
that and you have a system to do so, then you will naturally ebb the outward flow and increase the referrals on the other end of the coin. Bottom line is that your net member gain will be a positive figure. 3. Increase the yield per member What many club owners don't realise is that many of the budget operators have a relatively higher yield per member than you would think. Yield per member is very important as it increases the amount of money you make out of each 'visit'. So although you may have a member that only trains at your club once in the year, you've not had the ability to sell them a protein shake, a sunbed, a personal training session etc. etc. and secondary spend adds up. Studies have been conducted proving that the more 'extra' non membership money that you can get out of your members, the longer that they will stay. So our role in the industry is to try and encourage them to come back so that they spend more, and notably, achieve more. Things such as rewarding attendance, providing them with MYZONE belts or 'reward' points for the activity they do are some of the ways that this can easily be achieved.
Dave Wright So there it is. The secret sauce for any business in any sector selling almost any product. If you can work out what those three points mean to you, create a plan and then stick to that plan, then it won't matter who your competition are or what the economy is doing, you are on your way to a more profitable business. Good luck!
The launch of a new fitness DVD was celebrated with a fun filled party at glamorous London venue Amika. The DVD from Cheerobics follows on from the success of cheerleading fitness classes, first launched by founder Jessica Rossi in London before being rolled out to over 20 locations around the country. Jessica told Workout the party was a great success and guests – both male and female – enjoyed learning some new cheerleading techniques.
Sheffield gym is giving members what they ask for THE Fitness Unlimited gym at the English Institute of Sport-Sheffield is to undergo a major transformation. The gym will be fully refurbished with the latest Technogym fitness equipment, a new group fitness studio and changing rooms. General manager Paul Hudson said:
“We pride ourselves on a total commitment to customer care and our aim is to provide facilities which exceed our customers’ expectations. “New and improved gym equipment and a group fitness studio is exactly what our members have asked us for so we are delighted to be able to deliver this project.”
31 Bodypower
17/11/11
16:38
Page 1
32
22/11/11
13:28
Page 1
UK FITNESS SCENE
32
Sandbags: the next trend in functional training By Allan Collins EVERY trainer and club is always looking for the next big exercise trend to incorporate within their one-onone sessions or to offer as a new and exciting class format. As long as the piece of equipment is effective in achieving results and provides the clients with a new stimulus to prevent stagnation, I am all for this ‘continued search’ of new and exciting ways to exercise. Sandbags have been used consistently for many years by progressive clubs and trainers as a tool for unconventional training, alongside ropes, tyres and hammers. As these methods and tools have crept into common training practice, the popularity of sandbag training has increased significantly. Sandbags are fantastic for functional training because the contents shift as the bag is lifted or moved to challenge the stabilizers or the body, especially the core. Because of this challenge they are becoming one of
the most popular functional tools, used alongside kettlebells, dumbbells, barbells, medicine balls and suspension training. They can be used for carrying out a variety of the primary movement patterns – lifting, squatting, pressing, pulling, rotation, moving and carrying drills and even slamming. The slam exercise particularly, which involves lifting the bag overhead before slamming it onto the ground, has become very popular as part of extreme metabolic training, such as the Crossfit style of training. It is preferable to perform this exercise with a high-strength sandbag rather than a medicine ball, which could rebound off the floor and cause injury. Whilst some bags are more designed for functional use such as the Powerbag or Core bag, there are a few, such as the Alpha Strong bags, that have been designed for the more hardcore use with exercises like the slam. Sandbags do come in many shapes and sizes, most commonly weighing from 10kg up to 35kg. We are also
seeing somewhat of an emergence of designs with examples like the Sandball – a cross between a sandbag and medicine ball, which allows virtually all of the medicine ball and kettlebell exercises to be performed, but with the instability of a sandbag. Some bags will have a set standard load, meaning you should purchase different bags of varied weight for progression, whilst other bags allow you to adjust the weight yourself, so that you can choose what load is most suitable. When choosing a sandbag, consider whether it will be used for lighter or heavier functional training. You should also choose a product that has multiple handles to vary the grip for different exercises and has a thick external material to prevent damage during use. The final decision is whether you opt for a sandbag or sand ball design. These products are very popular with personal trainers because of their versatility and many clubs are looking at running sandbag classes
Allan Collins because of the huge number of potential exercises available. Sandbags can also be dropped safely in a studio without causing damage to the floor or users that medicine balls or kettlebells potentially could. Allan Collins is director of education at Jordan Fitness and author of ‘The Complete Guide to Kettlebell Training’ and the ‘Complete Guide to Functional Training’.
Olympic hopeful opens new £3m leisure centre
Ruth Eagin
Sauna firm continues to develop chemical sales DALESAUNA are continuing to develop their sales of pool chemicals and essences for the leisure industry, and have appointed Ruth Eagin as telesales operative, based at the company’s head office in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. Dalesauna have supplied a wide range of products including pool chemicals and essences for many years, but have only recently launched an online purchasing facility via their new website. Ruth’s role will be to further develop contact with the primarily independent operators of leisure clubs, gyms and hotels. Ruth said: “I think people like the familiarity of regular contact, and to know when they may expect a phone call. Everyone
leads such a busy life these days that we often forget to order things, and when weekend comes we often receive frantic phone calls asking us to deliver things on overnight carrier, which can do, but this is often an expensive option. A regular call reminds our customers to place orders in plenty of time, thus saving unnecessary delivery costs. “I also like to advise existing customers of what else we offer, as some customers just buy the same things all the time, not knowing what a wide range of products we have on offer. It’s also nice to let people know when we have special offers that can save a few extra pounds, which we all appreciate in these harder economic times.”
OLYMPIC trampolining hopeful Laura Gallagher has opened a new £3m leisure centre in Bridgwater. The opening of Trinity Sports and Leisure Centre, which is managed by sports and leisure trust 1610 on behalf of Futures for Somerset, represents the first phase of a major leisure complex for the town. The new centre includes a sports hall with courts for badminton, football, basketball and volleyball, a 50 station Technogym equipped fitness suite and exercise studio, which will be used for classes such as
Pilates and Zumba. Chief executive of 1610 Tim Nightingale said: “The new centre will make a real difference to the quality of life for local people in Bridgwater. “The facilities are second to none and are available at a very affordable price which is important given the local economic situation. “The centre not only offers a huge range of facilities and classes but we are also proud that it is an important centre for training for the regional leisure industry as it will be the new South West hub for the National Skills Academy.”
33
22/11/11
16:02
Page 1
UK FITNESS SCENE The social media phenomenon shows no sign of slowing down, with many clubs now seeing the benefit of getting online. But with some still yet to take the plunge, expert Matt Bradney explains why gyms should get involved.
Social media can help reap significant rewards IT seems everybody and their dog are on social media these days ... There are lots of reasons for people to be on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ – but one thing is for certain, it isn’t going to go away. Businesses across all sectors have woken up to the power of social media, and are using it right now to engage with current and potential customers, and if they aren’t on it yet, they will be really soon. This stuff is made for our business, as we are a pretty social bunch. We already have a community in our clubs, so it is easy to extend that online, and let it grow from there. You can run regular competitions, events and pass all sorts of information on through the different formats. In fact the ways in which you can use social media for your club are only limited by your imagination. There are some really great examples out there, so go and have a look. By integrating social media into your existing marketing you can reap some significant rewards, and the best thing is, this can all be done with relatively no cost, except some time and thought.
Matt Bradney The usage stats of social media are well known these days, but did you know the average person now spends half an hour longer on Facebook, per day, than they do watching TV? Plus with over 50 per cent of the UK population accessing one of these sites this year, it really starts to look even more important than it was to get a website back in the day. What is even more important is that 99 per cent of under 18’s will access social media this year. Some quick company stats lifted from Mckinsey and Company show:
63 per cent of companies surveyed said Web 2.0 (social media) usage has led to more effective marketing. 50 per cent said customer satisfaction has increased. 45 per cent said marketing costs have been reduced. So in a nutshell, if you aren’t using social media, you should be. But you need to do it right. 1. Start with the big three – Facebook (you need to have a business page), Twitter and LinkedIn. They’re all free to sign up to. 2. We have tons of interesting things happening in our clubs every day, so use your club community and start from there. 3. Use it to ask questions, that’s how you get engagement. 4. Update regularly, there is nothing worse than stale information on social media. It will work against you. 5. You need to ensure it is integrated with everything you do. Your current marketing and customer service activity will complement social media very well, so use it.
Follow the WorkOut team on Twitter @WorkOutUK
‘Likes’ it ... SOCIAL media will completely transform the way small businesses work over the next 12 months, it has been claimed. Jonathan Lyall works at Langley’s Gym in Conwy, North Wales and is responsible for most of the club’s online activity. He contacted Workout on Twitter to reveal how social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook are helping the business to interact with members and drum up interest in what they have to offer. He explained: “It's myself that does most of the social networking for the health club. Mainly Facebook as we found it a better platform for member interaction and for us to interact with them. And for business Facebook offers a weekly report on everything from new ‘likes’ to how many people have viewed certain posts. “Although we are only just starting off with social networking, with the Facebook page not long launching we have seen relative success quickly in terms of people following the page, with 113 ‘likes’ and a handful converting to members. Twitter on the other hand is completely different, although the posting is much easier, personal interaction between members is a lot harder, so for a small health club Facebook works a lot better.” Jonathan offered his advice for other health clubs who are thinking of getting involved. He added: “In terms terms of promoting social media, my advice would be keep it subtle. Don't push it on members as there are still people who can’t stand social networking or don't really understand, so just let it grow naturally.”
33
34 & 35 virtual gym
2
24/11/11
16:28
Page 2
34 & 35 virtual gym
24/11/11
16:29
Page 3
36 sportswise
18/11/11
09:28
Page 1
37
22/11/11
13:29
Page 1
KIDS’ FITNESS
37
Staff trained to better engage with youngsters By Christina Eccles EVERYONE Active has unveiled plans to upskill the workforce in all of its 75 leisure centres to better engage with young people. Currently 197 of its fitness motivators have achieved the Adapting Fitness Instruction for Adolescents level two qualification, which includes an accredited child protection/safe guarding unit and is delivered by Fit For Sport. By the end of the year, all full time fitness motivators employed by the company will have completed the qualification, which will enable them to better deliver leisure, sport and fitness activities to 11-15 year olds. Fit for Sport operations director Craig Jones said: 'We are so pleased to have Everyone Active on board with this initiative.
“They are already doing such great work with families and children’s activities, to have them be the first company to fully invest in the accredited Fit For Sport programme across the board is really encouraging for the UK's young people and for the leisure centre industry. We know 11-15 year olds are a difficult group to engage therefore extra efforts are needed to encourage them and provide a safe environment to do so.” Once accredited the Everyone Active fitness teams, made up of around 250 individuals, will have the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt fitness classes such as circuits, spin and step to meet the needs of young people, with fitness motivators also equipped to provide personal training and fitness programmes that are appropriate for the age group.
Kids’ lunchbox survey leads to call for change FORTY per cent of primary school children’s lunchboxes do not contain any fruit or vegetables, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. The charity believes the large number of parents not including these items in kids’ packed lunches is a missed opportunity for children’s health and is calling for changes similar to those Jamie Oliver championed for school dinners. Head of education Kate Mendoza
said: “It is disappointing that children are going to school with lunchboxes that are not playing their part in helping to encourage the kind of healthy diet that is so important for their future. “This is why we want to get across the message to parents that including a piece of fruit or using a portion of salad as a filling for a sandwich are positive things they can do for their children’s health.
Paul Bolus from Precor with Olympic silver medallist Gail Emms.
Silver medallist Gail opens £1.2m school extension A £1.2m extension has opened at a school in Nantwich, complete with a 100sqm gym. Malbank School and Sixth Form College, home to 1,300 students, is the Olympic School for Cheshire, forming part of the Get Set for 2012 network. The new gym has been kitted out with the latest Precor Experience Series S-line strength range, along with a selection of cardio equipment, including treadmills, crosstrainers,
upright and recumbent bikes. Students will be able to use the gym free of charge during the day and members of the community can gain access from 6am to 8am and 5pm to 10pm in the evening and at weekends. An open day of celebrations was held to mark the occasion, with guests including president of the International Paralympic Committee Sir Philip Craven and a number of Olympians and Paralympians.
British judo team trials new twall as part of training EQ Fitness, part of Sportwise, is showcasing the twall at the University of Wolverhampton (Walsall Campus). The GB Judo team are currently using the twall as part of their training. The principle is really simple. Large, software controlled touch pads light up and have to be deactivated by pressing them slightly. When deactivating the touch pads, the reaction time will be taken and saved in order to evaluate the reaction rate. Furthermore, cognitive tasks can be combined with motor skills using multi-coloured illuminating touch pads. The twall is available in two basic versions and two modifications, a 16 panel and a 64 panel. The twall is suitable for SEN pupils in school up to elite athletes looking to improve reaction and accuracy within their sport. For further information please contact emma@eqfitness.co.uk
38
22/11/11
16:02
Page 1
PRODUCT NEWS
38
Create a winning website By Richard Stevenson, 1&1 Internet CREATING a website can be easy, effective and more beneficial for the long-term future of your business. These days any fitness professional that can use a computer can create their own website for their business. You can create a customised website from your sofa in just 30 minutes with a website package. Today’s packages allow you to build a website using templates, with web hosting companies offering packages with a large number to choose from. You simply customise these templates with your own logo and suitable images and text. As just an example, 1&1 MyWebsite sells sector-specific packages, including one for personal trainers, and enables you to build a site in just four easy steps. The simplest company website can raise the profile of your business, communicate your news online and comprise an easy way for clients to recommend you to others. Even if the majority of your business is from your local area, high home broadband usage means that consumers are now more likely to recommend a trainer who has a web address they can pass on. Your web address creates the first impression for your business, so choosing the right one is vital. A recent study found that one in four Britons have struggled with small business domains that were convoluted or difficult to recall. Do choose a domain that relates to your type of business and remember the less obvious endings such as .biz, .net and the new .co which still have lots of desirable names available. Next, spend some time thinking about the
chance your visitors will return. Remember, a good attention to detail is vital – spelling mistakes on a website will discredit your work, so do spell-check all copy before it is published. It is also vital that you are listed in Internet search engines such as Google. Remember to activate your listings with the submission tool within your website package and regularly check out your website statistics – these show how many visitors you are receiving. Anyone can easily set up a business website themselves for around £100 a year – it may prove to be the most worthwhile half an hour you spend this year. Richard’s top dos and don’ts for website success:
Richard Stevens structure of your website. If you list the top five purposes of the website and then have a direct link to these from the left of your homepage, you can’t go wrong. Place your most important pages at the top of the menu and remember that visitors tend to scan most thoroughly the top and bottom of web pages. Overall, focus on creating a design that reflects the character of your business. Overall, try to provide a useful and enjoyable resource, rather than just sales material. Include useful, inspiring content such as relevant YouTube clips, GoogleMaps, or links to trade body websites or suppliers. This will enhance the credibility of your website, and mean a greater
Escape is getting Smrt with trigger point therapy ESCAPE Fitness has recently discovered the answer to the age old question – how can I give my clients a tough core workout with a portable lightweight tool? It’s easy – Grid. This revolutionary tool is based on a grid system of varying widths and densities, allowing you to take traditional foam rolling to the next level. Invented by Cassidy Philips, a biomechanical specialist concentrating on sports performance, injury prevention, and the muscular structure that supports the efforts of the body in motion. His objective is to recognise the biomechanical challenges of movement and actions of everyday life and marry them with the biomechanical inefficiencies recognised within patterns of movement defined by a sport of choice or through sedentary patterns of movement such as sitting, walking, and running. Phillips believes that addressing the muscles in a synergistic manner allows the body to move freely, without restriction, due to the decrease in tension and the removal of dysfunctional fascia and trigger points. This leads us nicely on to the SmrtCore educational package that accompanies this revolutionary product. This is an innovative system combining self-myofascial release techniques and functional movement
using the Grid to release, lengthen and strengthen while enhancing neuromuscular efficiency. Smrt-Core offers three levels of progression for each self-myofascial release technique and exercise, allowing for easy integration of Smrt-Core programming into a client’s exercise regime. Smrt-Core can also be presented as a multi-level group fitness format appealing to a wide-range of fitness levels. The opportunities are endless both for PTs needing a portable tool that offers a full core workout and myofascial release techniques, plus health clubs and gyms looking to revamp their workouts and group classes. Visit www.escapefitness.com
Top five dos: 1. Reflect the character of your business within your design. 2. Use simple colours and avoid patterned backgrounds. 3. Select a reputable web host with good connectivity speed. 4. Include lots of opportunities to communicate with visitors. 5. Use attractive royalty-free images. Top five don’ts: 1.Worry too much about the ‘wow factor’. 2.Create a maze of endless pages. 3.Don’t forget, less is often more – so use a clean design. 4.Neglect to spell-check all text before you publish. 5.Don’t forget to submit your shiny new site to search engines.
Sandbags suitable for all training NEW to the UK market, Alpha Strong sandbags are one of the most durable sandbags on the market and can be used for all kinds of sandbag training. They have been extensively tested in the US Crossfit arena and are the first sandbags on the market that have function driven handles in multiple places on the bags and balls for easy handling, extreme durability and outstanding versatility. Supplied exclusively to the UK through functional training specialists Jordan Fitness, Allan Collins, Jordan Fitness’ director of education showcased the range to the professional and community rugby clubs that attended Rugby Expo at Twickenham on November 23 – 24.
The range of sandbags includes Thy Beast, Thy Coach and Thy Sandbag. Each bag has six padded handles, reinforced with triple stitch bartacked zigzag stitching. The bags are also made using a high count nylon outer shell, to ensure maximum durability and product life span for the user. Weight can also be easily adjusted via a non-leak inner liner, to provide a full body workout suited to the needs of every user. If you enjoy using kettlebells and ViPR, then the Alpha Bag will complement your functional training programme and provide you with a challenging and exciting work out. Prices start at £60.00 + VAT, please visit www.jordanfitness.co.uk.
Manufacturer expands range G.B. Belting, the UK’s leading manufacturer of treadmill belts and decks, have recently expanded their range of commercial grade lubricated and non-lubricated belts to meet the growing demands of the re-manufactured market. Gerry Byrne, sales and marketing director for the treadmill division of the company, explains the benefits to the customer. “We recognised the demand for a range of products that are competitive in these challenging times, these belts are tailored specifically to suit the most common treadmills currently being re-manufactured. “As you would expect from an ISO 9001 accredited manufacturer, our
new range still offers the attributes of hard wearing top surfaces, low friction back fabrics, excellent tracking characteristics, low noise and antistatic properties at considerable savings.” For more information contact 01642 762686 or visit www.gbbelting.com
39 Christmas Crackers
24/11/11
15:45
Page 1
40
22/11/11
13:30
Page 1
COMBAT
40
Gym to put boxers in a spin A NEW gym in Essex will be helping the Ghana national boxing team get in shape ahead of London 2012, after investing in new equipment. The Pro SW Gym opened in October, with facilities catering for both amateur and professional boxers, and has so far attracted 50 members. Now after investing in 15 Spinner NXT bikes from Star Trac, the club has been adopted by the team from Ghana, who will be using it as a training base during the build up to next year’s Olympics. Owner Michael Amoo-Bediako said: “Boxing is an intensive sport, which requires a lot of cardio and resistance work. “Speed and stamina are vital for elite boxers, but to achieve greatness, time needs to be spent on building up cardio and respiratory fitness levels. “Indoor cycling is one of the best forms of cardio exercise, so I knew I had to offer quality equipment that delivered on every level.”
The new system enables youngsters monitor their progress at boxing.
Kids’ grading system launched By Christina Eccles A COVENTRY gym has launched a new grading system to help young members monitor their progress in boxing. Kids training at Red Corner gym can now be graded at different colour coded levels – similar to gaining a belt in martial arts – and if successful are awarded a T shirt in that colour for their achievements. Owner Glenn Smith said: “Some of the kids were getting disillusioned with boxing so we put in a grading system to bring them on a par with
martial arts. “This gives them something to aim for and work towards. “I am trying to get recognition for people involved in boxing as some have got to a really high standard but have nothing to show for it.” Glenn added the idea has taken off ‘massively’ in his club and a recent grading event attracted about 60 people. He also said the feedback from parents has been great as they are pleased their children now have a goal to work towards in something
they enjoy. As other gyms have also expressed an interest in doing something similar, Glenn has now been in touch with Skills Active in the hope of making it an accredited course. He added: “We have had lots of feedback from Skills Active. I’ve submitted the course and they thought we had a great chance of it passing.” The gym has had a successful year and is also shortlisted for Workout’s National Fitness Awards, where it will battle it out with five other finalists in the community involvement category.
41 MMS
22/11/11
13:30
Page 1
42 Prolab
22/11/11
17:21
Page 1
43
22/11/11
14:48
Page 1
43
SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION
Manager Jason Eaton with a member.
Club in thumb print drinks dispenser first A HEALTH club in North Somerset has become the first in the area to offer a new drinks dispenser, operated by scanning in a thumb print. theclub at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House, has installed the self service Aquarino drinks dispenser, which allows members to drink as much as they like for a flat fee of £1.99 a week. Manager Jason Eaton said: “theclub has a reputation for always being among the first in the country to introduce innovative technology.
“The Aquarino self-service drinks station is no exception and is going to make a big change to the way members top up with liquids. “With reportedly 80 per cent of gymgoers being poorly hydrated, the machine is going to make it a whole lot easier to stay refreshed.” Drink is dispensed in either 750ml bottles or by the cup and the machine is programmed to allow the user to top up again after 30 minutes. Jason added: “The machine is programmed to recognise thumb prints,
which means members can top up whenever they like. “Keeping hydrated when you’re working out is essential. It means increased performance and reduced recovery time. “Aquarino also has fewer calories than the main sports drinks and is said to be the most cost-effective mineral drink you can buy. It’s going to make a huge difference for our members and help them reach their goals far more effectively.”
Nutritional advice tool launched AN online tool which helps gym owners and personal trainers provide clients with meal plans and nutritional advice has been launched in the UK. Nutrition Complete allows members to follow personalised, tailor made meal plans created by some of the world’s most sought after nutritionists. Founder Sonja Falvo said: “It’s about time that the fitness industry and weight loss industry worked together to make a difference. “Diet alone is not the answer, nor is exercise on its own. Successful long-term weight loss is a combination of diet, exercise and behavioral changes.”
TV Gladiator Jenny Pacey has told how she uses supplements to stay healthy during the harsh winter weather. International athlete and personal trainer Jenny, who played Enigma in the hit show, insists the cold nights and threat of illness can be conquered and recommends USN’s MultiPlex as a supplement which keeps her healthy and at the top of her game. She added: “With all the training I do, I have to make sure I take in enough vitamins and minerals to keep me healthy. This daily dose of extra nutrients helps my body perform at its fullest potential.”
44
22/11/11
16:04
Page 1
44
SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION In the second of a two-part series, weight loss guru Pete Cohen reveals how to support members on their weight loss journeys and why self belief is key.
Coaching and support is vital after reaching goals AS Henry Ford said: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re probably right.” Once you have helped clients/ members reach their weight loss goals, it's vital to continue to coach and support them in helping them to make their health, fitness and well being an every day part of their lives. People often put the weight back on as even when the weight comes off, they can still see themselves as an overweight person and go back to thinking and acting like the person they once were. You can help people change their self image by providing a safe and friendly environment and challenging them so that they can feel good about what they are doing and themselves. By doing this, their confidence and self belief will grow and this in turn will help them take total responsibility and accountability for their own health, fitness and well being. Many of the people at the top of their professions strongly believe that they are better than they really are. This belief allows them to be better than they otherwise would be and the more successful they are the more evidence there appears to be to support their belief in their greatness. It is also worth pointing out, that one of the functions performed for us by our mind is the validation of our ways of thinking about the world. We will tend to seek confirmation for what we believe, even if those beliefs are harmful to our well being and better good. If you believe that you are capable and confident, you pay attention to
Pete Cohen those signals from the outside world which reinforces those beliefs. If you believe that you are not as good as others or that you are being judged badly, you seek the confirming evidence just as readily. When this happens, often at the first sign of difficulty in achieving an objective, we are more likely to abandon our plans and shrink back into our comfort zone. This particular element is crucial for the health and fitness professional in understanding basic behavioural tendencies and how to impact positively to the clients’ psyche. “More people more active more often”, FIA mantra, who would not agree? However many of our gym users uses never realise their potential, achieve their goals and feel good
about exercise. They have metaphorically bought in, pay their monthly dues only to frequent our facilities from time to time. Unless we can improve our in-house performance and positively impact on our existing clients how can we expect to engage and meet the needs of those we know will demand an intravenous “drip” of motivation and assurances. The beliefs that you hold about yourself in relationship to your skills and abilities and the environment in which you live will determine how successful you will be. We have been teaching these skills for some time, training health and fitness professionals in how to facilitate change from a behavioural perspective. Changing the body, including losing weight, toning up and building muscle really start from the head down. Understanding the elements that contribute to behavioural change is one thing, however it is implementing the positive strategies that is the key. Five top strategies for weight loss: Meet them where they are at. Understand and act on the meaning of support. Give them variety in their sessions – boredom and complacency destroy progress. Listen to your clients, it’s a compliment of trust. Your clients must believe that you are non-judgemental so that if they slip up they still have your support.
Successes for Cain PERSONAL trainer Cain Leathem has achieved success with his latest clients, figure competitor Rhian Adams-Jones and natural bodybuilder Paul Daley Cain, who is director of GB Fitness, recently took both athletes to the WBFF European Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships in Reykjavik. 50 year old Paul came fourth in an open age category, beating many other competitors who are more than 20 years his junior. Personal trainer Rhian, who is also a Miss Wales beauty pageant winner, toned figure champion and international rugby player, was named European championships runner up.
Bodybuilder Chris Hyde has achieved success in the British Finals, following months of training at a Barnsley independent gym. To prepare him for the competition, Chris (pictured third from the right) was coached by Steve Brookes – a former Mr Britain who now runs Spartan Bodyworks in the town. Following six months of dieting, intense training and triumph in the Midlands heats, Chris took to the stage and was awarded third place in the heavyweight novice class.
45 iso2
17/11/11
16:40
Page 1
46 Script Productions
22/11/11
13:09
Page 1
Classis
22/11/11
13:33
Page 1
CLASSIFIED EQUIPMENT
47
Classis
22/11/11
17:03
Page 2
CLASSIFIED
48 EQUIPMENT
Classis
22/11/11
13:34
Page 3
CLASSIFIED EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
JOB VACANCY
EQUIPMENT
MANAGEMENT
49
Classis
22/11/11
13:35
Page 4
CLASSIFIED
50 LOCKERS
LOCKERS
LOCKERS
UPHOLSTERY
DIRECT DEBIT COLLECTIONS
Classis
22/11/11
13:35
Page 5
CLASSIFIED SOFTWARE
SOFTWARE
INSURANCE
SOFTWARE
SOFTWARE
FOR SALE
INSURANCE
51
Classis
22/11/11
13:36
Page 6
CLASSIFIED
52 SAUNAS
SUNBEDS
SUPPS AND NUTRITION
SUPPS & NUTRITION
SUPPS AND NUTRITION
CLOTHING AND MERCHANDISE
Classis
22/11/11
13:37
Page 7
CLASSIFIED FINANCE
WATER FILTERATION
BADGES
WANTED
WANTED
MARKETING
FLOORING
53
Classis
24/11/11
15:48
Page 8
CLASSIFIED
54
Wolverson the exclusive Who are the sports professionals distributor of sandbag range behind Wellfit-Direct? GARETH Cooper is a former Wales Rugby International being capped 46 times for his country. He made his debut in 2001 against Italy and was on the tour to New Zealand with British and Irish Lions. He had a successful club career playing for Bath, Celtic Warriors, Newport Gwent Dragons, Gloucester and Cardiff Blues. Gareth along with his colleagues,
have used all their professional sports experience to set up Wellfit-Direct. Wellfit-Direct supply cardiovascular equipment, vibration machines, free weights, outdoor training and nutrition to home and commercial users as well as training and fitness advice. For more information on Wellfit-Direct’s range of products please visit us online at www.wellfit-direct.co.uk or email sales@wellfit-direct.co.uk
WOLVERSON Fitness is the exclusive distributor of Josh Henkins Ultimate Sandbag range. The most durable sandbag on the market today – six years in the making with unrivalled load capacity, constructed with proprietary military grade materials, the Ultimate Sandbag is: 30 per cent stronger than any other material on the market today. Waterproof. High resistance to dirt, mildew, oil, salt, chemicals and UV. For more information contact advice@wolverson-fitness.com or 01902 638174.
TRAINING
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO/VISUAL
TRAINING
ID CARD SUPPLIES
TRAINING
55 Predator
17/11/11
16:40
Page 1
56 CSN
23/11/11
11:03
Page 1