December 2017
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Physical activity should be made a ‘national religion’ By Christina Eccles
BARONESS Tanni Grey-Thompson has called on government to help make physical activity a ‘national religion’ and harness its potential to tackle some of the biggest challenges faced by society. ukactive chair Tanni used her keynote address at the organisation’s National Summit to call for urgent action to tackle the UK’s mounting physical inactivity crisis. The Crossbench Peer described physical activity as society’s ‘golden thread’, outlining the significant impact it can have on major issues such as Britain’s ageing population and social care crisis, the future of the NHS, childhood obesity, mental health, crime and economic productivity. She said: “Physical inactivity is one of the biggest crises we face. Every day, parents, grandparents, wives and husbands are dying because they live in a society that doesn’t place enough emphasis on the importance of physical activity. For many, physical activity is becoming a national religion – something we love and cherish. Something that serves as the glue, holding communities together. “And yet, there has been too little policy emphasis, and for too long, on what contributes to the health and happiness of a person, a family, a
community.” Tanni also highlighted the role which leisure facilities play as ‘pillars of society’, with their impact going far beyond offering physical activity. She added: “When communities were rocked this summer by awful tragedies like the Manchester bombing and the fire at Grenfell Tower, it was in leisure centres – like Holmes Chapel, Kensington, Swiss Cottage and Westway – where people gathered to make sense of the atrocities and provide charity to those who needed it most. “Far from being places to simply gym and swim, these centres are pillars of society, steadfastly supporting communities through thick and thin. But many of these pillars are crumbling – in need of urgent repair and renovation to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose, fit for those communities they serve. “For far too long it’s been the case that sport and activity are placed in a box for DCMS to deal with, while for other departments activity is just an afterthought. It’s like Westminster is sitting on the winning lottery ticket, but is too timid to claim the prize. “This agenda must fully break out of its Westminster box, so that all Government departments understand, integrate, and implement programmes that embrace physical activity.”
No 291 £3
Platform to streamline recruitment process
Gym chain 24/7 Fitness has launched a new winter fitness regime, based on hit TV show Game of Thrones, starring Kit Harington (pictured). Game of Zones will see each club offer five themed training areas – free weights, cardio, functional, resistance machines and studio. Marketing director Sarah Francis said: “For months now, the entire country has been glued to their sofas and screens with the latest season of Game of Thrones keeping viewers under a spell. Now that’s over, we’re launching our Game of Zones themed campaign, designed to get fans fired up and back in the gym, immersing them in a fitness plan with a difference.”
A NEW platform has launched to bring fitness professionals and sector employers together – streamlining the recruitment process for both parties. GymCareer allows jobseekers to upload their CV, create profiles and search for vacancies based on criteria such as location, contract type and salary. Profiles are kept secure and viewed only by approved employers. In order to find the perfect job, candidates can also set up job alerts which notify them when vacancies that meet the desired search criteria become available. The private messaging system allows employers and candidates to easily communicate and discuss job specifics and employers also have access to information regarding their adverts, including number of views and new interest. GymCareer’s Sean Coutts said: “We’ve put a lot of effort into simplifying the recruitment process and we’re excited to help enthusiastic professionals find the job of their dreams.”