December 2018
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
No 303 £3
Awards judge triumphs at final bodybuilding event By Oliver Dyson
A NATIONAL Fitness Awards judge has retired from bodybuilding triumphant after taking home a world title. Steve Johnson is a busy man: this year, he helped judge the National Fitness Awards for the fifth time. He also co-owns the three-time NFA winning Tops Fitness and Rehabilitation, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The business has been running more than 40 years and features Team Tops Coaching, which coaches bodybuilding athletes to competition level. Alongside all this, Steve himself has been professionally bodybuilding since 1990. In 2016, the 53-year-old received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award at the NFAs. And now he has taken home Masters Mr World after representing Team GB at the IBFA 2018 World Finals in Campiano, Rome. He competed in the mixed pairs competition alongside his fitness manager Haley Midgley. “Myself and my competitive partner Haley Midgley were determined to do something special onstage and it meant putting a heck of a lot of rehearsal time in, much of the time late on a night after work,” Steve said. “We had decided to attempt an entertaining partial dance routine to the well known Michael and Janet Jackson’s song Scream. The reception we received was fantastic from the audience and was as thrilling as winning the title.” It took a strict nutritional regime for four months, daily training in both weights and cardio and mastering complex choreography to take home their win. Steve added: “The fact we are both fitness coaches means we know what we are doing, as we can coach ourselves. “We returned home from Italy as world champions which clearly has become a marketing dream for our Team Tops Coaching business. “We have found that the demand for our services has exploded and hope to benefit business wise
from this.” Steve is now in his fifth year judging the NFAs, making him the longest standing judge. “The awards themselves are another marketing dream to anyone who manages to achieve a top spot, which is why I take judging so seriously,” he said. “Judging the Fitness Awards is something I consider to be a massive honour so I flowed straight into the judging process. “As usual competition was fierce in each category which meant a lot of my spare time had to be taken up making my decisions. “Eventually my decisions were made and I stand by them 100 per cent although the standard of entrants didn’t make it easy for me.” Steve’s experiences both as a recipient and a judge mean he is uniquely qualified to speak on how much winning an NFA can mean. Steve added: “In the past my centre has received three awards and I myself was given a Lifetime Achievement award back in 2016 which is by far the highlight and biggest achievement of my life. “I have been lucky enough to win many bodybuilding titles in my time but nothing has come close to the feeling of being given the Lifetime Achievement award. I also think it was the biggest shock of my life has it came totally out of the blue with no indication or expectation. “To finish off my bodybuilding with world title in the mixed pairs with my working partner and best friend Haley was a great way to finish the competitive part of my career and I will be concentrating far more on the coaching services I offer and my bodybuilding judging too. “My first bodybuilding show was back in 1990 and I was lucky enough to win my first five shows which pretty much set me up for my successes in bodybuilding. “I now have more than 40 athletes that can carry on my success through my Team Tops Coaching system. From being a shy boy when leaving school, bodybuilding has made me a more confident person in all aspects of my life, so I have a lot to thank it for.”
The Rock left no stone unturned in his search for a gym – and found the perfect place in Doncaster. Movie star Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson spent 90 minutes training at Adwick le Street’s World Fitness Gym, meeting members and having photos and a chat with owners Alicia and Craie Carrera. The 46-year-old movie star was filming for action movie Hobbs and Shaw, a spin-off of the hit Fast and Furious franchise, at nearby Eggborough Power Station.
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Dwayne Johnson rocks out at Doncaster gym By Oliver Dyson THE Rock left no stone unturned in his search for a gym – and found the perfect place in Doncaster. Movie star Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson spent 90 minutes training at Adwick le Street’s World Fitness Gym, meeting members and having photos and a chat with owners Alicia and Craie Carrera. The 46-year-old movie star was filming for action movie Hobbs and Shaw, a spin-off of the hit Fast and Furious franchise, at nearby Eggborough Power Station. Starring alongside Jason Statham and Idris Elba, the ex-WWF/ WWE wrestler plays a bounty hunter and international agent who chases after some of the world’s most dangerous criminals - so he needs the right gym to make sure he can keep in shape for the job. Clearly he found that in World Fitness Gym, and a kindred spirit in owner Craie, who was actually competing in Birmingham shortly before his arrival on Remembrance Sunday morning. Alicia said the first they knew of the superstar’s potential arrival was when a personal bodyguard turned up to take photos of the weights and strength training equipment and scope out the layout. “The bodyguard said his client really liked the look of the facility and would like to come along,” Alicia said. “We upgraded to being a 24 hour unmanned facility a year ago so it was really easy for them to access once we provided them with the code and fingerprint recognition on the system. “They called to let us know they were coming and when they were ten
minutes away, revealed their client was Dwayne Johnson. “I thought they were having a laugh. It was absolutely crazy that he was in our gym, but we tried to play it cool. “We worked with (retired American pro bodybuilder) Ronnie Coleman a few years ago so we know life can be hard enough as it is for celebrities who want to train. “We wanted him to enjoy his time with us, especially seeing as he had picked us out from all the other places he could have gone in the area. It felt special that we had stood out, especially after all the time and effort we have put into the place.” Alicia said the Rock took the time to talk to members, sign autographs and have photos after he had finished his workout. “He said he wanted to come back but unfortunately filming issues meant they were going to have to build a set instead, so he wouldn’t be staying in the area,” Alicia said. “He said he would drop us a text when we could use the photos, which
he did, and since then it has been a real explosion of calls and messages. I just wanted to go out and do the shopping and before I know it, I’m on Radio One. But it is really good for the gym, not for the money but to let
people know about the work that has gone into it. “He really was lovely. Craie spent time talking to him and he felt he had a welcoming spot to train in. The Rock has his own gym so has his own particular ideas about what he is after and the environment he wants to work in. “He was a real giant but so softly spoken, asking about Craie’s shows and being really generous with his time and interest. We just left him to it as I know sometimes Craie just wants to spend some alone time in the gym, and we can totally understand that. “If he wants to come back, he would be more than welcome - his bodyguard said other A-Listers would be interested in using us as he had no problems, and in the future, we would absolutely be open to that.”
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Precor launches RunTV on its console screens
Results with Lucy launch live online workouts FITNESS at home has been made even easier for members of female health, fitness and nutrition platform Results with Lucy. Co-founded by The Only Way Is Essex alum Lucy Mecklenburgh, Results with Lucy has launched new live workout classes available exclusively to members via the online platform. Live classes will take place twice a week and will be led by RWL head PT and co-founder Cecilia Harris and special guest trainers with demonstrations by Lucy herself. Every class will be different, with everything from yoga to HIIT, Barre and Pilates set to be featured. When members sign up to a class,
they can add it to their phone’s calendar and receive a text one hour before it begins. For January, there will be three sessions a week. Lucy said: “The live workouts give a touch of reality because it’s as if we are working out at home, with our members. “Because the classes are different every time, our followers are more motivated to give it their best. “We want our members to feel supported and what better way to do that than through live classes, where people know they are taking part in a workout at the exact same time that we and other members are.”
CELEBRATING the 500 millionth workout for Preva networked fitness, Precor leads the way, continuing to improve its offering and provide operators with access to the latest fitness technology with ongoing, automatic software updates free of charge. RunTV, by partner VO2 Media, will be the latest interactive feature to hit the Precor P82 and P62 console screens. A new experience in immersive exercise, RunTV offers exercisers multiple channels, presenting inspiring human-powered short films, training tips and expert coaching from fitness professionals, as well as stunning interactive trails. In short, RunTV has something for everyone. From thrill seeking extreme environments to challenging runs, rides and climbs in some of the world’s most iconic and stunning locations, networked Precor cardio equipment will sync effortlessly with RunTV. Software-driven adjustments for resistance and incline simulates the real-life fitness experience possible in the chosen location, while actual video footage brings races and locations to life giving exercisers added incentive and motivation to accomplish the terrain. The essence of a realistic outdoor hill can be experienced by changes in resistance from the moving ramp on the elliptical crosstrainer, while the height adjuster on the AMT allows for correct leg angle to be obtained. For downhill training, the 800 Experience Series Line treadmill incorporates a decline feature to allow for realistic movement and benefits.
RunTV will entertain and motivate exercisers with endless new ways to enjoy cardio workouts with 25 per cent of the content being updated every four months. Precor principal product manager Jeff Bartee said: “Precor continually strives to improve the exerciser experience, offering choice and personalisation. The RunTV release will be offered free of charge and will bring the exerciser experience on Precor cardio equipment to life.” Kevin Hewitt, President of VO2 Media said: “We wanted people to feel they can escape to the gym. RunTV was born to deliver on this, with a mission to upgrade the gym experience with its vast range of rich, curated and immersive multimedia programming. It will keep exercisers engaged, motivated and coming back for more. We’re thrilled to be releasing RunTV with Precor.” Greg Porcaro, Director of Audio/ Visual, Midtown Athletic Clubs, Chicago added: “As the National Audio/Visual Director for Midtown Athletic Clubs, my focus is to help set our clubs apart from others by creating the best audio and video experience possible, no matter how big or small the club may be. The networked Precor cardio equipment with Preva is a key component. “With Bluetooth, mobile phone sign in, RunTV interactive workouts, and single sign-on that automatically connects exercisers to all their entertainment apps when they sign into Preva, we are able to create a branded member experience they don’t get anywhere else. It puts our Precor cardio equipment in a league of its own.”
Safeguards for young athletes proposed by UK Coaching PROPOSALS for new safeguarding efforts for elite young athletes are being led by UK Coaching. They are part of an industry-wide group, which includes The British Athletes Commission, The British Olympic Association, the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit, a variety of universities and more. It follows the launch of the NSPCC’s sport safeguarding partnership plan. That identified the areas of training and competing away from home, general training and competition, club and training centre challenges and support structure as key additional risks. Proposals for these will be developed in line with recommendations made by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson in her independent review of the Duty of Care in Sport; the EU funded ‘Safeguarding Youth Sport’ report; and other reports, including
the ‘Culture of Sport’ work carried out by UK Sport. The group will also engage with athletes themselves. UK Coaching director of coaching, Emma Atkins, said: “We are proud to be leading this group and are resolute in the matter of protecting talented and elite young athletes, and indeed all children who participate in sport and physical activity, whatever the level. “This is an opportunity to ensure coaches, organisations, parents and athletes can support one another to be safe and successful. “By investing in this group, we remain an industry leader in safeguarding and protecting children, strengthening our ties with the NSPCC and the CPSU. “Collectively, this is our chance to show what can be achieved when organisations come together for a shared goal and vision.”
Staff at fitness facilities up and down the country got into the spirit of the occasion for Hallowe’en this year. Here’s a spooky glimpse at staff from Burnley Leisure and Volair Leisure, Knowsley who donned their spookiest costumes to work out. The Volair team held Spooky Spin, Fright Night Fight, Petrifying Power, Monster Mash Up, Horrifying HIIT and Creepy Core classes, while staff at Burnley carved out an entire week for Hallowe’en fun. They held a pumpkin carving competition in branch which saw a lot of engagement online,and is now planned to be an annual event. Burnley Leisure operations manager Sarah Drinkwater said: “There’s nothing more inspirational than chanting ‘We can do it!’ at a group fitness class while wearing a white ripped bloodstained t shirt, with ripped denim leggings, and zombie accessories. At Burnley we believe you can still crush your strength training workout in any attire, and we had great fun.”
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Operator’s fundraising effort for Poppy Appeal EX-SERVICE personnel received free leisure passes as part of a special partnership between Denbighshire Leisure Services and the Royal British Legion. The passes were given out by Denbighshire Leisure to ex-service personnel in a special draw to raise cash for the Poppy Appeal Ten chosen winners received one month passes, with the lucky 11th person winning a pass valid for 11 months. They can access free activities for the duration of the pass at any of the council’s leisure locations across the county. The 11-month pass winner was Thelma Jakes, with one month passes awarded to Steven Davies, Michael Massey, Gary Fitzgerald, Amanda Gamwell, Roger Twiss, Paul Jaycock, Violet Jones, Jess Maxwell, Paul Pritchard and Jacky Thorpe. A charity master class also took place at Rhyl Leisure Centre on November 1 with 47 people taking
“We were delighted to be working closely with the British Legion on this really important initiative.”
Attendees at the charity master class. part and donating a total of £200 to this year’s Poppy Appeal. Coun Bobby Feeley said: “We were delighted to be working closely with the British Legion on this really important initiative. “The council regularly supports the British Legion through attendance at Remembrance Day events and this year, we wanted to do something different in addition to the parades.
“This is a very practical way for us to say a big ‘thank you’ to the service personnel who have put their lives at risk to protect the country in peacekeeping efforts and conflicts in many parts of the world. “It was also a great opportunity to promote the role that leisure and fitness have in improving people’s health, well-being and independence.”
Xercise4Less announces its new CFO NATIONAL gym operator Xercise4Less has appointed a new chief financial officer. Helen Gauden has replaced Chris Storr in the role, and joins after seven years at high street chain store giant Wilko. She joins the operator after it celebrated its 50th club in June, and announced a £42m growth capital investment from Swedish credit provider Proventus Capital Partners in May. Xercise4Less now has over 300,000 members. Founder Jon Wright said: “A very warm welcome to Helen, who impressed me with her infectious enthusiasm and drive. “I’m fully confident Helen’s skillset will only serve to strengthen and grow the business in the next stage of development.” Helen added: “With health and wellbeing very much a part of people’s mindset now, I’m delighted to be joining a Xercise4Less at such an exciting stage in their journey. “The vision of making fitness accessible to all and helping people to do more than they believed possible is something I feel passionately about. “I look forward to being part of the team to take Xercise4Less to the next level.”
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Advertiser’s announcement
“Two brilliant machines in the space of one” FITNESS Systems is proud to announce an exclusive UK distributor agreement with Energy Fit USA on the brand new SKI-ROW™. This amazing piece of equipment is the first of its kind in the UK. A DUAL-FUNCTIONAL High Intensity Interval Training machine, which due to its space saving design, mobility and flexibility makes it an ideal addition for HIIT studios, PT training studios, functional spaces, corporate gyms, small gyms and
home gyms. How does it work? The SKI-ROW AIR is a professional rowing machine, however with a simple press of the foot lever which enables a super smooth transition from a rower into a functional Ski-Erg. This process takes LESS than five seconds allowing the user to swiftly carry on their workout without any hindrance or delays.
Fitness Systems have promptly sold out of our phase one delivery and are now taking orders on our second phase, these will be offered at huge 30 per cent discount for a limited time or until the shipment is sold out. You can get your hands on this revolutionary piece of equipment or if you have any other enquiries simply by contacting the sales team on 01204 541710 and quoting the promo code SKIROW 1 or by emailing info@fitnesssystems.co.uk
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Wattbike explain how self-powered equipment can help with space and taking workouts up a gear.
Self-powered cardio product potential for operators ... WITH the current trend for clubs to purchase less equipment and create more space, self-powered equipment allows for much more freedom in gym floor layouts as they can be moved around much more easily. Self-powered equipment can quite often be misinterpreted as meaning basic, but this is a misconception and not the case. It often means that key features that users want are thought through in an innovative way that provide a better user experience than powered equipment. “There are hundreds of indoor bikes out there, but Wattbike is the best,” said Richard Baker, Wattbike managing director. “Any gym or studio worth its salt has to have one. If you are serious about giving your members a world class training experience, you have to give them a world class piece of equipment.” The Wattbike is self-powered. The machine doesn’t dictate what the body does, instead it is down to the individual to power the machine and yet, the machines all replicate a natural behaviour; in this case cycling, while providing the most accurate feedback of what your body is generating itself, rather than a powered machine which controls the speed, incline, and ‘feel’. Self-powered cardio machines
give you ‘real’ feel, replicate actual conditions and provide freedom of movement. Also, the fact that the equipment is self-powered and easily moveable allows for it to be more multifunctional, and can be used in performance zones as well as within circuits or in small group training, more so than powered equipment, which can only be functional within its own constraints. Due to the nature of self-powered equipment, manufacturers cannot follow the tendency of using technological features that are expensive to run, and additions that we believe are often not required. This is an advantage to the operator as it keeps the cost down, not only on the product purchase but also on the running cost. It also means that the manufacturers have had to really research what the user needs in order to drive the purchase decision, rather than creating needless functions just as a way to add to the feature list. At FIBO this year, Wattbike announced that they are working on a fully connected, smart integrated bike which will be the most advanced indoor bike on the planet for the commercial market. This will be a commercial evolution of the Wattbike Atom.
SLT CEO Ash Rai and SLT Board chair Lynda Bateman.
Sandwell Leisure’s top award is no accident THE ROYAL Society for the Prevention of Accidents has given Sandwell Leisure Trust its highest possible accolade. Sandwell was awarded the President’s Award at the 2018 Health and Safety Awards, the first leisure trust nationwide to achieve the distinction. The Black Country-based company has landed the award thanks to gaining 12 consecutive gold awards. Sandwell chief executive Ash Rai said: “This is fantastic news and testament to the team’s efforts across all the Trust’s facilities over the past year. Maintaining the highest standards of health and safety continues to be an absolute priority for the Trust. “This achievement again underlines the expertise and hard work of all our
teams to provide a safe environment for staff, customers and visitors across all our sites.” Chair of the Trust’s board Lynda Bateman said: “The RoSPA Award is the most highly-respected health and safety accolade globally, so we’re extremely honoured. “SLT was initially the first leisure trust to achieve the RoSPA gold award – and to retain the award over 12 consecutive years demonstrates the consistent high standard achieved by all staff at all the trust’s facilities.” The RoSPA Awards look at occupational health and safety management systems in addition to accident and ill-health prevention. It’s the longest running industry awards scheme in the UK and receives entries from organisations worldwide.
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HSBC to boost Crossfit is increasingly popular. Workout speaks to one operator’s kit of the gyms benefiting from the rising fitness regimen KISS Gyms are all puckered up with new kit thanks to financial help from HSBC UK. The Cirencester-headquartered chain secured a £100,000 package to buy kit for its studios in Swindon, Milton Keynes and Acton. Established in 2010, the chain has used the funding to purchase 45 high-tech spinning bikes for the three gyms. The state-of-the-art bikes are equipped with ‘live fitness’ features called Coach by Colour and ANT+ communication, which allow users to log-in and track their rides, as well as race other riders. Kiss Gyms owner Rupert Mackenzie-Hill said: “The new funding means we can compete with larger gym chains and give our customers the best possible experience. “HSBC UK helped me set up the business eight years ago and funded our previous expansion, so we are delighted that the team at the bank, led by our relationship manager Craig Pascoe, agreed such a competitive deal for this project.” HSBC UK area director for Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, Mark Self, added: “Having assisted Kiss Gyms previously, it was an easy decision for us to continue supporting the team. The business has gone from strength-to-strength and we look forward to seeing what Rupert has in store for the business over the coming years.”
Gym finds its perfect home By Oliver Dyson
TAKE a drive looking for Liverpool’s Crossfit River Mersey and you might think you have got the wrong address. But hidden in the heart of an industrial estate just up the road from the city’s famous Aintree Racecourse, Crossfit has found the perfect home. The physical fitness regimen is formed from many elements; there’s HIIT, weightlifting and other activities combined together to create the often competitive sport. But one which stands out at River Mersey is gymnastics. The venue is ideal for its members, who can access a generous amount of equipment chosen specifically for the sport. But more than anything else, the thing which comes across the most at River Mersey is the passion owner and coach Kev Hulse has for CrossFit. It is obviously infectious, as the tight knit group of members Workout encountered were just as enthusiastic about their training. “Every day we look at strength or a skill, general fitness with things like pull ups alongside with strength and movement,” Kev said. “We do a WOD (Crossfit slang for Workout Of the Day) which is really high intensity, fast paced and we mix in two different types.”
River Mersey offers two memberships: unlimited CrossFit for £60 a month or eight sessions a month for £40. Courses and drop in sessions are also available. “We have been open four years now and when we first started, there wasn’t really any about. Now it is much more popular,” Kev said. “CrossFit is not just your standard gym. There is a whole gymnastics side to it all and much more that even me as the coach never really stops learning about.” CrossFit River Mersey currently has more than 100 dedicated members, many of whom will attend daily sessions at the gym. Everyone trains together but the activities and exercises can be scaled to suit.
Alongside pro and amateur boxers and footballers, it also attracts everyone from teachers and doctors to police and firemen. And the industrial location brings some unique advantages too. “This really was a space which was just available at the time. But we have a good open space for barbells, loads of space for pull ups, some good running routes and we can have our music on with no restrictions. “For some people they might be here at 5.45am and others might be here until 8pm, so it can cater to everybody. “And we like to push the community side of it. People enjoy it and have fun, and there are ways of motivating one another, pushing one another to do the best while still being really friendly and without having egos.”
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UK FITNESS SCENE Group exercise can excel in a boutique setting. One place which has found success in group training is London’s Sweat by BXR, which has seen a great response after introducing Versaclimber group training classes in 2017. Here, Versaclimber UK’s managing director Neil Kelford takes a look at why.
The rise of group training: Versaclimber UK and BXR
THE rise of social media continues to have a tremendous impact on the world of fitness. Clubs must now realistically consider how they can optimise their spaces and programming to be showcased across online channels. Group training, for example, has made a re-emergence in recent times, with gym-goers looking to be visible on Instagram shouting about their latest fitness ventures with fellow gym friends. One club catering to the demand is London-based Sweat By BXR, a boutique gym which launched Europe’s first Versaclimber group training classes in 2017. Its sessions, which vary in intensity and toughness, not only cater to fitness fanatics, but to anyone wishing to train in a fun and stimulating environment. Since launch, the majority of classes have been fully booked, with the club considering additional format of classes for the future. In 2017, NBC reported on the growing trend of group training
classes, with sources suggesting these motivational workouts are fast becoming the preferred form of exercise for many, with organisations like Parkrun leading the charge. Three of the reasons why this form of training continues to lead on member satisfaction and retention are: Accessibility: Unlike many exclusive gym environments, Versaclimber group training classes provide an inclusive workout built to support anyone, of any ability – from those dipping their toe into fitness, to hardcore athletes. The classes vary in intensity, from its ‘Climb to the Beat’ class, providing
a gentle introduction to the machine, to its ‘HIIT Climb’, where participants are given a heart rate monitor to track results. Lasting 45 minutes and instructed by a trained professional, these sessions are a great way to ease yourself into a training plan, in a unique environment. Whether you’re a climbing novice, or training for a major climb, the Versaclimber is an ideal training tool for achieving a low impact, total-body workout. The machine can also be adapted to tailor the intensity of the climb to each user’s preference, using its resistance gauge, for example. For those looking to maintain an eye on their progress, the machine’s display monitor ensures users can analyse their workout and track progression. Motivational: The positives of group training are immense, and they are not solely limited to physical benefits. The advantages also affect our mental health. Training with a group of friends, or even strangers, can often motivate us to push harder – as they say, strength in numbers.
After a few sessions, there’s a certain camaraderie that builds up between yourself and fellow gym-goers. Having other people endure the same burn can often help keep the body moving. It also plays in a key role in maximising member retention, creating an environment where attendees want to come and train each week, while catching up with new friends in the process. Structure: When training, having a consistent or well-structured plan in place is a must if you’re after results. Allowing the body to acclimatise to a training regime is crucial in order to start hitting those targets, however it’s important that all workout plans introduce some form of variety to avoid boredom and the risk of plateauing. The atmosphere created by Sweat By BXR’s classes, which encompass music and lights, work together to enhance the nature of the climb – to the point where some users sometimes forget they are even in a gym, until they feel the burn!
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Kids’ fitness qualification comes from partnership THE KIDS will be all right with a new fitness training qualification. Future Fit Training and Fit for Sport have teamed up for the new qualification, the first to include a nutritional module as standard. It has been created in response to rising childhood obesity levels across the country, with nearly a third of children aged two to 15 overweight or obese. There are no prequisite qualifications needed to sign up for the course, which gives participants the skills required to plan, prepare and deliver safe and exciting sessions for children aged five to 11. Future Fit Training provide the e-learning modules while Fit for Sport runs the practical elements.
Fit for Sport head of training Eamon Ellis said: “The qualification is an all-inclusive programme of learning, support and resource designed to improve child health and wellbeing across the board. “Fit for Sport is passionate about improving the health of the nation and training all professionals who work with children to a higher standard is key to achieving this goal.” Future Fit Training head of commercial development Ollie Bell said: “With this qualification, we want to supersede anything else that is out in the industry and provide high-quality courses. By upskilling individuals to confidently work with children, we know that we can grow their amount of physical activity.”
Anytime Fitness add new head of product to roster ANYTIME Fitness has added Marvin Burton as a new head of product. Marvin will manage national retention campaigns, help clubs with acquiring new members and increase engagement with the more than 150,000 existing members. He has more than 18 years’ experience in the fitness industry working with suppliers such as TRX and Wattbike developing programs and education. Marvin said: “With more than 150 clubs in the UK and a fantastic platform for growth, Anytime Fitness has a huge amount of potential. “As we know, the fitness industry and the needs of gym members are constantly changing and with a big brand refresh on the horizon for Anytime Fitness, it’s a fantastic time to be involved. “As well as in clubs, we want to enrich the lives of our members outside of our clubs and I’m really excited at the prospect of working on a number of concepts and partnerships to help both Anytime Fitness and our franchisees thrive.” Marvin’s appointment is part of a 2019 brand refresh for Anytime, which will see clubs get a new look, layout and feel. Anytime CEO Stuart Broster said: “We’re delighted to have been able to bring Marvin on board as our new head of product. He is incredibly well-known and respected within
Marvin Burton the fitness industry and with product being such a key part of our future offering, he’s the perfect person to drive this forward. “Engaging members is just as important as recruiting them and with Marvin’s knowledge of the industry, he’s got some great ideas for campaigns and new concepts to engage and incentivise our members.”
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High-end facilities for The Link Centre as changing rooms more than double in size THE LEISURE, design and build specialists at Createability have been developing fitness and leisure environments for 25 years and know a thing or two about creating the ideal customer journey. Their in-house team of technical experts are able to offer a ‘one stop shop’ service, taking initial concepts from the design and planning phases right through to construction and beyond. Changing facilities are just one element of the customer journey, which commercial director Brian Thompson says tie the entire facility together. “It’s easy to walk into a nice gym, but use the bathroom and it feels as though it doesn’t belong there. Customers may tell you they’re leaving because they’re moving away, but the reality is it could be down to your changing rooms. If you update your gym you need to update your changing rooms to match,” he said. “That’s why around 95 per cent of the redevelopment projects we carry out include some level of upgrade to the changing facilities. If it’s not already on their wish list, we absolutely advise them to do it.” A recent Createability redevelopment included a swanky new gym with functional training area and a Technogym’s Teambeats group exercise experience. “We had to convince the operator
to even do a wash and brush up of the changing area and yet we carried out a total overhaul of their outdoor changing rooms, which are used infrequently by comparison,” Brian added. “The indoor changing facilities now look out of place and staff keep asking why they weren’t renewed along with everything else. “Think of it this way, if you go into a hotel the reception blends into the corridor, blends into the bar etc. It’s the same with a health club or leisure centre. “Everything needs to be in sync, have the same feel and branding to tie it all together.” A recent example of Createability’s design principles in action is their work at The Link Centre in West Swindon. “The Link Centre is the perfect
example of what we do best; transform old spaces, maximising underused areas, to provide the community with new, more current facilities,” said Createability’s managing director Ian Cotgrave. “Our design team ensured the space was fully utilised and all the facilities worked cohesively together, including the changing areas.” But don’t forget the practical aspects of any changing room refurbishment, he advises: “It’s all very well looking plush, but if the facilities aren’t robust, you’ll find yourselves shelling out again sooner than expected. “Careful selection of finishes is vital for both the look and feel of the area, as well as the ability to withstand large numbers of members passing through every day. “Drainage to allow for easy wash
down is extremely important, along with tanking of the floors to ensure any damp can’t spread, especially if the changing facilities are on the first floor or above. Efficient ventilation is also a must or your changing rooms will start to smell like an old flannel. “These are just some of the elements operators need to consider when redeveloping any changing areas. It can be a bit of a minefield, but we’re on hand to give advice every step of the way and make sure the facilities are totally fit for purpose.” According to Brian, every project they undertake is bespoke to each client’s needs, but energy efficiency is a common theme that runs across them all. “Environmentally-friendly updates behind the scenes should always be considered. Simple fixes such as more efficient shower heads and LED lighting that saves money and brightens the space to make it more appealing. “But offering private shower cubicles and changing areas where they don’t currently exist, as well as increasing the number of family change areas are also important. Even if it’s only a small area, people want privacy.” But whatever you do, as Brian advises, just ensure the changing experience you create is in sync with the rest of your facility.
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Editor’s comment
Welcome to WorkOut Weigh In – it’s your chance to have your say and share your views on industry issues. You can email us at od@scriptmedia.co.uk or you can message us on Facebook or Twitter.
Talking point: How do you think technology in the fitness industry will grow in 2019? What will be the biggest trends and hottest products to look out for in this area over the next few months? Send your answers to od@scriptmedia.co.uk or contact us via Twitter or Facebook. We’ll print the best responses next issue.
IT’S OFFICIAL: Christmas is upon us, and by the time you read this, the National Fitness Awards 2018 will have taken place. Because of the way magazines work, we unfortunately can’t get you coverage of the event in our December issue. Instead, you will have to keep your eyes peeled for our January one, which should feature a full run down of our winners and pictures from the night. But what I can give you an insight into at this point is just how much work has gone into the ceremony. This has been my Fitness Awards debut and it has been quite the rollercoaster ride. It starts with collecting in nominations from far and wide, before the difficult job must be done of creating the shortlists. Then myself and the rest of the team hit the road, covering the country from the Isle of Man to Aberdeen visiting gyms and facilities. Those are marathon rides, but they are also very rewarding: everyone I met brimmed with passion for what they do, and it was inspiring to see so many places – independent and otherwise – which love the fitness world. I’ve also fallen victim to more than one incident of deja vu as I enter a Premier Inn room, but it is all worth it. We write up our reports, send them off and then the judges have the truly difficult job of deciding who will win in each category. And what contenders we have had this year, incredibly diverse but all worthy of taking home an award. Unfortunately, not everyone can win. But we hope everyone who attended on the night, winner or otherwise, had an evening to remember. Outside of our work on the awards, I had the chance to try out GoFlo UK for our Challenge Workout feature this month. As someone who is pretty scared of heights, this is probably the closest I will come to being attached to a bungee cord. Thankfully, it was a lot of fun, even while it absolutely put my body through the ringer. And on the front we have Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who chose a Doncaster gym as his training spot during some filming nearby for one of his many upcoming blockbusters. I love The Rock – I think you would be hard pressed to find another actor capable of doing everything from fighting giant apes, to scaling skyscrapers, and somehow pulling it off with a level of believability purely because he too, is the size of a giant. He has something of a reputation for being incredibly nice too, and that seems to be reinforced by the experiences of World Fitness Gym owners Alicia and Craie Carrera. Happy Christmas, and see you in the New Year! Oliver
A gigantic Zumbathon raised more than £800 for charity in South Wales. Organised by Zumba instructor and National Fitness Award nominee Sion Ridgeway, the event saw 156 people turn out to raise cash for LATCH, the Welsh children’s cancer charity. Sion, who runs regular Zumba classes in leisure centres and halls around the Swansea area, said: “It was an amazing turnout. We raised a total of £805 for LATCH. The day was hosted and organised by me and I had five guest instructors from all over South Wales. I also had radio presenter Siany from 96.4 fm The Wave, who said a few words to open the event. I can’t wait to start organising the next one.”
Picture of the month Is that a dog I see at the foot of Everyone Active’s Westway Sports & Fitness Centre climbing wall? Well, yes. But not any old dog. This is Juno, a very special therapy dog who was at the centre on Stress Awareness Day – November 7 – to give members some lovely peaceful moments of stroking, petting and chatting. Stroking a dog is known to reduce blood pressure and promote a sense of well-being. Everyone Active hosted Therapy Dogs Nationwide at six of its London centres on Stress Awareness Day and the canine cuddles went down a treat. Complementary yoga sessions, head and shoulder massages and free stress-busting exercise classes were also on offer to members and the general public. And everyone felt better for it.
Look out for updates on the upcoming National Fitness Awards on our social media pages, where we’ll be revealing all the latest news. Make sure you like the Workout Facebook page and follow @ FitnessAwards and @ FitConference to keep up to date.
#social media ... @BAUK_HQ Believe & Achieve UK: Tickets are here. So excited @FitnessAwards @WorkOutUK #believeachieve #ladiesonly #shortlisted #fingerscrossed #sheffieldissuper #sheffield @BurnleyLeisure: We are delighted that we have again been shortlisted for the National Fitness Awards, the team are looking forward to the awards evening this month #TeamWork
#DontWishForItWorkForIt @GarethCFM Gareth Wallen: A great read in @WorkoutUK @ MikeHindFitness @MikeHindFitness: @FitnessAwards @ WorkOutUK winning last year’s best PT has allowed me to help more people. I’ll be forever grateful #NFA2018 @ElevateArena: A very warm welcome to #Elevate19 Media
Partner and exhibitor @ WorkOutUK We’re thrilled to have you on board!
the team, they deserve it! @healthclublwb @ FitnessAwards
@_Andrea_PT Andrea Cooper: So excited to have received my @ FitnessAwards tickets today, not long to go now
@Brett_Jen Brett Jenkins: Feel awesome to be shortlisted in the @ FitnessAwards. Grateful to @Skeaners1 for nominating me for the awards and very thankful to @Anchor_Trust for being an awesome company to work for. Also thankful to my great customers and staff @Hampshire_Lakes @BishopstokePK
@englishlakes: We are incredibly happy to announce that the Health Club at Low Wood Bay are finalists in the national Fitness Awards for the Health Club of the Year award! Best of luck to
UK FITNESS SCENE
énergie Fitness partners with Physical Company to roll out flooring upgrade FOLLOWING a comprehensive tender process and as part of a wider rebrand and refresh project, Fitness franchisor énergie Fitness has partnered with Physical Company to upgrade flooring across its UK clubs. “We wanted to breathe new life into our sites. “Flooring has to serve a practical purpose but the right quality and design can truly transform a space,” said Alan Ellis, group head of procurement at énergie Fitness. “We had very specific requirements: flooring for our free weight areas and artificial turf for our YARD spaces. Physical Company offers flooring solutions that combine functionality and durability with eye catching design, perfect for our high usage, expanding club network.” The franchisor chose two flooring options – the Ecore Performance Rally Line and Custom Grass Solution – both of which are to be specified, designed and installed by Physical Company. The Ecore Performance Rally Line is supplied on a roll for a smooth unbroken surface and comprises a 12mm shock-absorbing under layer bonded to a 2.5mm colour layer, making it the perfect solution for free weight and functional training areas. The flooring is available in a wide range of colours so the, grey green and white colour theme adopted by énergie fitness could be easily
reflected. The Custom Turf Solution has been chosen to be installed in the functional workout zones known as the Yard Club Edition. The beauty of this product is that markings and logos are woven in on a loom, creating a single piece of flooring that can simply be rolled out and installed to give the YARD space a durable, safe, high quality surface. Alan added: “So far, Physical Company has kitted out our HQ in Milton Keynes, which incorporates a franchise club, two new openings
– Derby and Winchester plus a refurbish project in Forest Hill. “The professionalism of the service has been second to none. In addition to the provision of sound advice that ensured we selected the right product for our needs, the fitout was conducted skilfully and quickly meaning minimum disruption to business and a high-quality finish.” The next projects in the pipeline are new openings in Chelmsley Wood and Southend, both scheduled for next month. John Halls, managing director at
Physical Company, added: “This this is a prestigious and extensive account for us with considerable scope for growth. “At point of tender, we worked hard to fulfil the quality required at a competitive price. “Our end-to-end service streamlines the whole process and our national team of expert fitters ensures that we can react quickly to demands across the whole of the UK.” For more information visit physicalcompany.co.uk or call 01494 769 222.
As gym memberships soar and competition increases from low-cost establishments, fitness centres are looking to technology to safeguard their finances through customer retention. Nino Sheikh-Thompkins, from Paragon Customer Communications, outlines the options on the market.
Retain customers without breaking a sweat IN the fitness sector, reaching and retaining clients can be difficult. There is always someone, somewhere, offering a cut-price membership deal in an attempt to lure customers away. However, signing up new members is only the beginning of the journey. A rock bottom membership deal might attract numbers initially but customer retention presents a different challenge entirely. Gyms that build meaningful relationships with their clients, supporting them throughout their fitness programmes, will reap far greater rewards in the long term. One key element of creating excellent client relationships is customer communication. Today’s tech-savvy consumers understand that companies will gather and analyse their data (in full compliance with legislation, of course) and will expect more than a generic email sent to everyone on a comprehensive mailing list. Gym users want information that is relevant to them, at a convenient time and in a preferred format. Sharing information about a new class, for instance, will be of interest to those who already participate in something similar; learning that the changing rooms at a particular site will be closed for a week can only be
Nino Sheikh-Thompkins of interest to members of that branch. Technology plays a vital role in enabling organisations to redefine customer journeys, making communication more relevant, meaningful and personalised, with the goal of retaining clients and, ultimately, enjoying a greater market share. Recent figures show one in seven UK adults now belongs to a gym – that’s around 9.7 million fitness members, a 5.1 per cent rise on previous figures and a 4.6 per cent increase in the number of fitness
facilities. This represents a total market value of around £4.7billion, an increase of 6.3 per cent on 2016. There is little to indicate membership growth rates are slowing down, with the same research anticipating the number of gyms expected to top the 7,000 mark in the near future. Low cost gyms are continuing to muscle in on the market share, with many offering pay-as-you-train deals without joining fees. Amid so much noise in the market place, what can organisations do to retain membership and stand out from the crowd? The key is to provide more than a service. By their very nature, fitness clubs offer a lifestyle choice; interaction with customers can reflect this, through adopting data-driven engagement strategies to increase client motivation. Gamification techniques, for example, can be used to prompt people to attend classes, particularly those who may have signed up but then allowed attendance to lapse. Fitness trackers, smartphone apps or other wearable devices can be used to engage members through offering incentives such as badges, online booking, workout tips and customised nutrition plans.
Individuals’ behaviour can also be analysed through email coding to determine the time messages are most likely to be opened and the format that is most likely to elicit a response. An additional yet important benefit is that such technology can help achieve frictionless, faster payments and bookings – key requirements for the ‘now’ generation of gym-goers. The latest technology does not come cheap; however, personalising the customer communications process can in fact save businesses money as it reduces time spent creating and sending unread, irrelevant messages. What’s more, working with a customer communications expert removes the need for a leisure facility to buy into the technology. Paragon Customer Communications, for example, has invested millions in market-leading innovations that can be used to build up a deeper understanding of customers in order to offer a memorable, personalised experience. n Paragon Customer Communications is one of the UK’s leading providers of digital communications, ranging from developing relevant email campaigns to analysing customer data and weekly campaign reporting.
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UK FITNESS SCENE
Play the functional training game to win engagement and ROI By Matthew Januszek FUNCTIONAL training is a growing trend constantly evolving and increasingly in demand, requiring facilities to dedicate more room to this type of fitness. With space at a premium, operators are challenged to think carefully about equipment choice to find better ways to maximise the return on floor space by supporting more people to workout at the same time in a greater variety of ways. With their large size, most of the rigs and frames clubs think about when considering a functional training space encroach into the workout area, taking up valuable training real estate. Unfortunately, many are built around a monkey bar feature that can only be used effectively by a small number of members for a limited period. Large frames can be designed as anchor points for suspension training — but their design needs consideration. By combining a large frame with a group training programme, facilities can increase the number of members working out in the floor space and increase their ROI. Plus, functional training areas can quickly become messy and
disorganised as members and trainers typically gravitate to small training tools like kettlebells, balls, weights, bags and bands. Instead of looking like a premium part of the facility that members pay extra to use, the functional training area looks like an afterthought reducing its perceived value. The most successful boutiques have recognised this and include solutions that optimise the number of users in the space while maintaining a wellorganised appearance. Everything has its place with easyto-use storage bays to encourage users to re-rack equipment. At Escape, the club owner’s challenges prompt our design innovation, driving us to find solutions that excite members and keep them coming back. And, that’s certainly the case with our newest space efficient framebased, training solution: HIT HUB. It’s the next generation of functional training frame as it takes full advantage of the existing parameters of space. Engineered so clubs can achieve the maximum number of functional workout stations whatever their size, its smart design means minimal transition times between exercises as it provides a range of equipment at each workout station for dynamic,
Matthew Januszek high-impact workouts. We also carefully considered design aesthetics and durability, which is why it’s expertly handcrafted in Great Britain with high-grade European steel. This additionally ensures a safe and solid structure for serious use.
Plus, with a number of multiconfigurable layout options – suitable for small to large spaces as perimeter solutions to double-sided options that can create pods or dividing walls – trainers can create engaging workout options in the right footprint to make the most of the space. From plyometrics to strength training to core work to boxing and more, HIT HUB’s functionality provides numerous possibilities as a single station or expanded modules. And, its intelligent design removes all unnecessary parts in favour of versatility – a heavy duty, high quality, affordable system that engages members and maximises ROI. As French laureate Antoine de SaintExupéry said: “Perfection is achieved when there is nothing left to take away.” n Matthew Januszek is co-founder at Escape Fitness, a leading global equipment manufacturer celebrating its 20th anniversary offering innovative equipment and storage solutions, gym design, flooring and training. Additionally, Matthew is the host of the Escape Your Limits podcast, which delivers insights from the fitness industry’s most influential leaders and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit http://www. escapefitness.com/
UK FITNESS SCENE
“Keeping children active is extremely important” MAX Whitlock is the country’s most decorated gymnast. He is a five-time Olympic medallist, sixtime world medallist, and Britain’s first ever gold medallist in artistic gymnastics. Last year, alongside wife and elite coach Leah, he set up the Max Whitlock Gymnastics as a way to encourage younger children into the sport. And earlier this year, he announced a partnership with leisure operator Everyone Active to introduce a new youth gymnastics programme at their sites. Workout had the chance to speak to Max – in between his training for the recent European Championships in Glasgow – and find out more about his love for the sport. How did your partnership with EA come about? I created the Max Whitlock gymnastics academy in 2017 as it has always been a goal of mine and my wife’s to help young people get into gymnastics. I have been involved with Everyone Active on their Sporting Champions scheme for a while now and I am regularly in conversations with them around keeping children active. It is really a combination of these two things that meant a partnership between the two of us was the perfect option, working together to try and bring gymnastics to children throughout the country. How has being involved in sport helped you? Being involved in gymnastics has taught me so much. I was always a shy child and didn’t have much confidence. The sport helped me to build my confidence levels, as well as teaching me discipline,
coaching plans to help each person learn and enjoy their gymnastics training, showing constant progress.
respect, team work and the ability to perform under pressure. Not only did I develop many great personal skills, but any sport is always amazing from a social point of view too and it helped me to make friends with similar interests. Gymnastics in general is a great way to teach you about your body and being fit and healthy and I can’t thank the sport enough for making me who I am today. How is this a stand out programme? It really is my goal to help people feel comfortable with their training, learning and developing at a rate which suits them. Using a combination of my experience of performing and my wife’s coaching background, we really think we have found an amazing combination which allows us to develop
What do you look for in a training facility? Keeping children active is extremely important and so having a variety of facilities available is vital to ensure everyone has the chance to find something they enjoy and are good at. EA centres are great for this as they offer such a wide range of activities, including swimming pools, rock climbing walls, boxing rings etc. In terms of gymnastics centres, it is all about creating a safe environment with well-kept equipment. Obviously, the more equipment available the better, as this means children have the chance to get a full experience of gymnastics. What does your training involve? Before Rio I was training about 35 hours a week, six days a week. However, since Rio I made the decision to just focus on the Pommel Horse and the Floor event in order to prolong my gymnastics career. Now I do about 25 hours a week, six days a week to make sure I keep everything ticking over, improving the little things that need working on. I make sure to take a lots of recovery time to ensure I can keep my training consistent for years to come. What’s next? The long-term goal is the Olympics, which I am looking forward to and continuing to work hard towards.
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Workout editor Oliver Dyson reports on a fun GoFlo class at TGS Fitness Studios in Calverton that left him absolutely knackered, but the good kind of knackered.
Suspension training – but with a difference BUNGEE cords aren’t something I typically associate with a gym environment. I usually think of them when it comes to jumping off bridges. But it was essentially a bungee cord I was strapped into when myself and my friend Naomi Brown went along to TGS Fitness Studios, in Calverton, to give GoFlo a go. GoFlo is suspension training but with a difference. The spring loaded trainer has various different attachments, from a standard sling to a pair of grip handles, which means it can be used across loads of different exercises and classes. The length of the kit can be tinkered with to suit all shapes and sizes – essential when you are 6ft 2, like me, and want to avoid slamming onto the floor. The bungee bands themselves mean the workouts have much less of an impact on your joints, perfect for people working through rehab programmes. But most of all, they are really fun. It is a bizarre moment, walking forwards with the sling around your waist and letting yourself fall in the faith the GoFlo will catch you. But catch you it does, swinging you around and leaving you dangling just above the floor. The closest thing I can compare it to is Tom Cruise in the first Mission: Impossible movie. Except instead of sweating from fear of being caught, you are sweating from the workout. That’s because the GoFlo is deceptive. You get so preoccupied with bouncing around in it, you don’t notice that you have been racking up the reps in exercises which unassisted, would have taken it out of you a long time ago. This was best demonstrated in the class we took part in, which saw half of our 12 strong attendance exercise in the GoFlo gear while the other half exercised without in mirrored exercises. It gave us a great idea of just what a difference that sling can make. So woefully unprepared am I that my twig arms struggle to complete even your garden variety push up.
But in the GoFlo, which optimises explosive power over everything else, I could push up off the floor, clap my hands, rinse and repeat, as if I’d been doing it for years. Our class was led by Keeley Bowker, director for GoFlo UK, and Matt Knight. They provided great encouragement and insight into exactly what the exercises were working on. And the group itself was very diverse in both age range and ability, with the main thing linking everyone being their skill on the kit itself. It is a relatively daunting looking thing at first, but clearly it is something which is quite easy to adjust to. I was able to throw myself down into a base position quite quickly come the end of our 30-minute workout. I was also absolutely knackered, but the good kind of knackered, where you feel like you’ve really put some effort in and worked some muscles you probably forgot were even there. It exercises your core in particular, as you spend all your time in the GoFlo tensing that part of yourself without even really acknowledging it. Naomi said: “Using the GoFlo equipment was very simple, no stepping in and out of harnesses which made transitions between the exercises really easy. “The technique to using it was extremely straight
forward too. Within two minutes I was able to do clapping press ups which I have never been able to do before without face planting after a couple of reps. “The class was very easy to follow, we were partnered up and one person did an exercise on the floor space while your partner did the same exercise in the GoFlo. The exercises ranged from press ups to lunges, burpees to running, squats to plank jacks and much more. “The transition from doing the exercises on the floor to the GoFlo really showed how the support from the equipment enabled you to do the exercises more effectively. “We did three rounds of 12 exercises, six on the floor and then mirrored on the GoFlo. Each exercise was 45 seconds on then 15 seconds rest in between. After round 11 I was already starting to feel the burn, but the coaches were very encouraging and on hand to adjust your technique and to push you to your limit throughout each set. “The GoFlo class is open to all abilities and I had a great workout even though it was the first time I had ever used the equipment. It was easy to see why this class has become so popular at TGS Fitness Studio and I look forward to going again in the future.” Keeley said the GoFlo helps people who might otherwise be intimidated by or feel they cannot access fitness. She added: “When you find you can do something in the GoFlo it unlocks something and gives that sense of success and happiness. “I found GoFlo about two and a half years ago and when I realised the potential, I approached the US distributor. I went to Portugal to do the master training course and since then, have appeared at trade shows with it. Anybody who wants a demo, we are happy to come and demonstrate it and we run courses at our studio too.” GoFlo classes run throughout the week at TGS. For more information on GoFlo, training and purchases, visit www.tgsfitnessstudios.co.uk or www.goflo-uk.co.uk
UK FITNESS SCENE
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The Batfast cricket simulator in action (left) and co-founders Runish Gudhka and childhood friend Jignesh Patel (right).
Simulator offers secondary spend option CRICKET simulation company Batfast is changing the way that cricket is played with its innovative simulators helping to drive participation in the sport. The simulators, suitable for both entertainment and training purposes, are encompassed within a giant projector screen and allow cricket participation within a small footprint in almost any environment. The simulators are available in different sizes to accommodate a range of needs and available spaces and require a single 13-amp power source to operate. The user sees a virtual bowler, which can be fully customised to display real-life cricketers, running in to bowl a delivery at them before the ball is released. The speed, pitch and direction of
the ball can be tailored ball-by-ball via a phone or tablet. Batfast provides leisure operators with the opportunity to provide an immersive sporting experience within their facilities. Available to both purchase and rent, the smallest simulator is just 10 metres long, five metres wide and four metres high, meaning even a relatively small space can accommodate. Also provided is an enclosed net-like structure to minimise disruption to other club users, bats and soft cricket machine balls and a batting mat to ensure no damage is done to the floor of the facility. The simulators allow for a high turnover of users, with over 100 deliveries able to be bowled in an hour. The product prides itself on its
ability to be used by players of all ages and abilities, meaning operators shouldn’t worry about it just appealing to cricket fans. Demonstrating this, one of Batfast’s simulators recently spent two weeks at Exchange Mall shopping centre in Ilford, Essex, attracting over 1,600 users during the trial. Batfast boasts the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and a number of country cricket teams as its clients, with several hosting the simulators as a part of their fanzones for the NatWest T20 Blast competition to encourage young fans to pick up a bat for the first time. The company was co-founded by former Kenyan international cricketer Runish Gudhka and childhood friend Jignesh Patel. Runish represented his country at the 2011 Cricket World
Cup and Jignesh brings a wealth of technological experience including time working for global automotive giant Nissan. Runish said: “Across the UK and globally, player participation in sports is declining, while interest and the number of fans is increasing. “As a former cricketer, I understand first-hand the frustration that cricketers feel when they struggle to train regularly, as the sport requires a significant time and financial commitment from two or more people of similar abilities to effectively practice. “The solution is to make playing sport simpler and more accessible. We’re aiming to inspire people to play more regularly by providing a fun, competitive and flexible option to play cricket.”
UK FITNESS SCENE
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Advertiser’s announcement
CYC Fitness and the rise of the Phoenix IT IS with great delight that CYC Fitness can announce the completion of phase three of Phoenix Gym’s incredible transformation. Located in the heart of the fine city of Norwich, Phoenix Gym is considered one of the best gyms in Norfolk, having won the prestigious “Three Best Rated” award for “Best Gym in Norwich” for the past two consecutive years. Phoenix owners, Mark Bone, Karl Roberts, and Lorna Taylor bought the gym out of administration back in August 2013, and turned it around using their 40 years’ combined experience within the fitness industry. They aspired to create a unique facility with a special atmosphere that made members feel welcome, relaxed and encouraged. Phoenix Gym not only offers an astounding choice of quality exercise equipment for fun and focused workouts, but also very personal, genuine support from staff who love what they do and who are passionate about the Phoenix “Raise Your Game” ethos. Phoenix trainers are professional, friendly and encouraging, with a focus on results that supports fitness longevity. The variety and quality of training in a relaxed, non-competitive environment are features that Phoenix members value highly and keep them motivated. Members feel part of a real community, where they happily share equipment, and support each other’s individuality
and goals. This is something that most larger gym chains struggle to achieve. Phoenix Gym is made up of multiple workout zones spanning over 10,000 awe-inspiring square feet. Boasting six different training zones, with over 215 workout stations, Phoenix has something for everyone. There are traditional cardio, stretching and general weights zones, a strength, toning and building zone, a dedicated leg section and power lifting area, along with a boxing zone. The latest addition is the formidable, functional fitness training area that has set Phoenix ablaze this autumn. Bootcamp, boxing and functional fitness classes, included within the memberships or on a pay as you go basis, are launching soon and set to be hugely popular. The Phoenix functional training centrepiece is a custom UK manufactured six-metre bridge. This
can accommodate around 16 users at a time and has an integrated Concept 2 SkiErg, high rope climb and parallel bars for calisthenics workouts. The beauty of this rig is that it optimises all available floor space and ceiling height, while still allowing the floor to be used for yoga and body weight training. The green 15-metre sprint track, positioned down the centre of the rig, creates a striking focal point and unlimited opportunities for sprint and sled work. For thrilling functional training experiences, the Phoenix team opted for the most innovative equipment in the industry. The Star Trac BoxMaster will be a great hit with the members, regardless of age and fitness level, and the revolutionary, Abs Company, for which CYC Fitness is the exclusive UK distributor, is the brand of choice for fitness exhilaration. The TireFlip180XL and BattleRope ST
are set to star in dynamic small group workouts, making the Phoenix community even fitter and stronger. Taking core fitness innovation to the next level, are the AbCoaster CS3000 and Target Abs Bench, renowned for their ergonomics, stability and smoothness. Phoenix owners, Mark, Karl and Lorna are thrilled with how their dream fitness space has evolved. Mark praised CYC for its role in the rise of Phoenix: “CYC Fitness has exceeded all our expectations where quality equipment and smooth installations are concerned, which is why we have never needed to look elsewhere. “Craig Young and his team are at the cutting edge of the latest innovations. We trust their advice and feedback, which has never let us down to date. Each installation has brought with it a new influx of members, as well as improved member retention. “Craig Young is very passionate about his service. He endeavours first to understand your vision, then improve on it where possible to create the final plan. Craig and his team stay in constant communication. “They ensure deliveries go smoothly and provide fantastic after care support. Thank you CYC Fitness, we are already looking forward to phase four!” For further information regarding products and services on offer, email craig@craigyoungconsulting.co.uk or call 01978 812829.
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Darlington gym is dedicated to group exercise By Oliver Dyson
Evolution Ride comes to UK INDOOR cycling instructors, enthusiasts and fitness fanatic will meet next month for the ICG Evolution Ride UK 2019. Held at the Burgess Hall in Cambridgeshire, it will be the biggest mass participation indoor cycling fitness event Life Fitness has ever held on British soil. ICG is the world’s largest indoor cycling kit organisation and in 2016, they were acquired by Life Fitness’ parent company, Brunswick Corporation. The annual event started in Germany and has grown massively since it began in 2003. Attendees will experience eight sessions showcasing ICG’s best equipment, accompanied by live entertainment such as an Ibiza
saxophonist and an elite dance troop. They will get to test out ICG’s Coach by Colour system, then a Three Peaks interval programme. ICG business manager and international master trainer Doyle Armstrong said: “Bringing Evolution Ride to the UK in 2019 is a fantastic opportunity to grow the ICG community here in this country. “The event will showcase the complete ICG offering – from equipment to technology and programming – to one of the biggest gatherings of indoor cycling enthusiasts ever in the UK. “Our aim is to inspire attendees and open their eyes to exactly what is possible with indoor cycling. It’s guaranteed to be a fantastic celebration.”
FitLAB offers a dedicated, friendly environment for people to find their feet in group exercise. The fitness space, run by sisters Lesley Ann Barnes and Jaime Raw, is dedicated entirely to daily group exercise classes. Lesley first started the business more than 30 years ago, travelling around public halls and facilities. But around a decade ago she found a permanent home in Darlington’s The Dolphin Centre. Together with a staff of instructors, the sisters run 35 classes a week in everything from Les Mills to Zumba, and choreographed routines they devise themselves. Jaime said they cater to everyone, but have found their primary market to be middle aged women. “Our biggest classes are the ones which cater to the ages of 35-60. Les Mills said they mainly cater for Millennials but that just isn’t our largest market – we are more the for the middle aged woman, someone who maybe isn’t super fit but just wants to enjoy getting fit. “We tend to find the groups meet up before and after classes in the centre bistro so there is definitely a strong social aspect. “We run a Zumba Gold class for ages from 55 up to older than 80 and it is the busiest of the week, with more than 45 people in. We do a lot of day sessions too which helps cater to that market.” Jaime thinks they are reasonably unique in providing classes outside of a regular gym membership. Users can pay as they go or
purchase weekly or monthly passes, but they aren’t tied in to a contract or long term payments. Their staff of instructors also count ages in the 30s and 40s, which Jaime said makes a difference when it comes to connecting with the clientele. “We have nearly all been in the business more than 20 years so we have gone through the phases and know what to teach from that.” FitLAB has recently introduced new limited time themed classes. The first, a Northern Soul and Motown themed class, proved so popular it was extended. “We thought trying different themes every six to eight weeks would attract a different market. “And it has, people who are drawn in by the music, so now it is just a case of keeping up with what people want.” Jaime says they take an old-school approach to choreography, pacing out each song individually rather than working in the regular building a routine style. FitLAB benefits for offering a discount to sister business NailLAB, based along the same floor of the centre. The discount adds value to those who decide to take up a monthly pass. “I don’t think there is anywhere, certainly nearby, offering what we do. “There are people who wouldn’t dream of stepping into an actual gym but have been coming to us for years because of the added social side.”
SYNRGY360™ - the dynamic platform that delivers full-body functional training with limitless ways to train smarter and more effectively
LifeFitness.co.uk/Synrgy
GROUP EXERCISE
Group exercise a priority for New Age Fitness NEW Age Fitness Club has made group exercise the heart of its offering. Gym owner Steven Morley has just opened his second New Age Fitness club in Coatbridge, Scotland and is passionate about offering members a premium experience at an affordable cost, which is why the two gyms, Coatbridge and Hamilton, have more than 200 group exercise classes included in the membership. Steven said: “Group exercise a massive part of the New Age Fitness philosophy. Both our Queenax modular functional training unit and the indoor cycling studio, featuring 20 Precor Spinner Shift bikes, play an important part in our overall offering.” The Queenax modular functional training unit, a show-stopping piece which greets members as they walk through the front door, is used for group circuit training four times a week, used in conjunction with an Assault AirBike Elite and Assault AirRunner, these add to the exercise options. Steven added: “The popularity of HIIT is a big draw for members and functional training is an essential part of our gym. “We wanted to create a boutique feel and the Queenax is a showstopping piece, providing us with a differential. “The versatility of the Queenax helps us build the business by offering diverse group exercise
classes. The variety of attachments, such as the boxing bag and the super functional bars, mean members can try workouts they can’t do in a regular gym. “The classes enable us to get more members interacting with the Queenax on the gym floor and this in turn encourages them to continue to use the equipment during their own workout sessions.” Classes in the indoor cycling studio are also always popular and fill up fast.
To accommodate the different types of members, from those working to Mum’s at home, New Age Fitness offers a variety of indoor cycling classes though out the day so that everyone has a chance to attend. “The bikes are easy to adjust, members love the way the bikes deliver a smooth feel to ride and the consoles showing RPM and calorie expenditure, and our beginner classes encourage members who have not tried indoor cycling before to give it a go,” said Steven.
“The Precor equipment, and in particular the Queenax and the Spinner bikes, enable us to provide members with a superior environment at an affordable cost, while still giving them access to support and guidance that will get results. “We have the best class timetable in the area including the highly regarded Les Mills sessions and they are all included in the low membership rate which a big draw for members.”
Advertiser’s announcement
Engaging members through cycle CYCLE is the workout of the moment. The new Moving Communities: Active Leisure Trends 2018 report from the DataHub and ukactive found that indoor cycling classes lead the way in health clubs, accounting for 13 per cent of total group exercise attendances. Facilities have a real opportunity to capitalise on this growing trend, offering new, innovative cycling solutions to captivate and retain more members. Boutique cycle studios are big business and a third of millennials are interested in indoor cycle. But how can clubs offer a cycling service which will stand out from the crowd and truly engage members? Creating an experience Technology is changing the way we workout. Studios need to offer the latest in adjustable lighting, rock concert sound and clear and crisp microphones to entice members through the door. Les Mills recognises that members want this exciting experience. THE TRIP™ is a fully immersive workout, utilising the best of technology to combine a 40-minute multi-peak cycling workout with a journey through digitally-created worlds. Inspired by cinema, live concert experiences and interactive gaming, THE TRIP™ helps increase motivation and energy output of participants. It is the perfect solution
for curious members looking for an all-round cycle experience. Providing variety Running a diverse cycling programme is a must. Les Mills choreographs a variety of workouts which clubs can offer at timeslots throughout the week, appealing to different members’ preferences. RPM™ is a 45-minute cycle programme, helping members to lift their personal performance and boost cardio fitness. LES MILLS SPRINT, the 30-minute HIIT cycling class, drives bodies to burn calories for hours, getting results fast. THE TRIP™ helps to increase satisfaction and decrease the rate of perceived exertion for new exercisers, meaning they find the intensity of exercise more sustainable and easier, even if it isn’t. By offering these classes at numerous times throughout
the week, clubs can entice more members and encourage them to engage with cycle. Offering an inclusive timetable The best facilities manage their programmes and spaces with the user in mind. Les Mills acknowledges that not all club members are available to train in line with timetables, requiring provisions to work out on their own schedule. Les Mills offers virtual versions of their cycle classes, helping clubs to maximise studio space and provide high-quality services during off-peak periods. Les Mills research found that three in five members state the number of group exercise classes available at their gym, both live and virtual, as influential in their decision to join. When members know there is a class available no matter the time of day,
it can be the difference between them buying a membership and not. Such experiences are not limited to the studio. Les Mills has partnered with leading stationary bike makers, Stages Cycling, to transform the gym cardio floor too. The new LES MILLS VIRTUAL BIKE™ presents a unique opportunity for clubs to bring a whole new element of fun and functionality to their offering. Featuring built-in HD screens, members are able to take part in all three Les Mills cycle classes at their own leisure. “As a company, our overarching mission is to create a fitter planet though life changing fitness experiences. Indoor cycling will play a big part in this goal,” said Erin Myers, marketing director for Les Mills UK. “That’s why we’ve invested in three types of cycle programmes with four different methods of delivery: virtual, live, on-demand and our newest partnership with Stages, offering virtual workouts on the gym floor. “Developments in technology, like immersive classes and impressive HD screen gym floor bikes, presents a wealth of opportunity for getting more people active and enjoying exercise. By offering engaging experiences, there is no better way to draw members in and keep them coming back for more.”
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UK FITNESS SCENE
Top 20 fitness trends for 2019 By Dave Wright EACH year the American College of Sports Medicine survey tens of thousands of international fitness professionals to find out what they predict to be the trends for the fitness industry for the year ahead. But before we dive into it, we need to understand what the difference is between a trend and a fad. According to the Oxford dictionary, a fad is “a fashion that is taken up with great enthusiasm for a brief period of time.” (Think Pokemon Go, a fad that did not change fitness and health behaviours for a sustained period). Whereas a ‘trend’ is “a general development or change in a situation or in the way that people are behaving”. And that’s important to distinguish as the results are based on emerging trends that have been identified by health fitness professionals and not the latest exercise innovation marketed during late-night infomercials on television or the next hottest celebrity Instagram account endorsing a product. So, with that in mind, here are the top 20 trends for 2019: 1. Wearable Technology: (2018 = #3) This includes fitness trackers and smart watches designed to measure the physical activity output of a user. This first came into recognition at the top of the list in 2016 and 2017, but then fell to third place in 2018. Apple and Samsung have made no apologies for aggressively targeting the health and fitness industry, an area that industry supplier Myzone has had strong presence for nearly a decade. 2. Group Training: (2018 = #2) Group exercise instructors teach, lead, and motivate individuals through intentionally designed, larger, in-person group movement classes of five or more people. There are many types of classes and
longer, and remaining healthy and active much longer. 5. Bodyweight Training. (2018 = #4) Bodyweight training often uses minimal equipment, which makes it an inexpensive functional way to exercise effectively and very rarely can you pick up a fitness magazine where there isn’t tips and tricks to get in shape without equipment. Bodyweight training appeared for the first time in the trends survey in 2013 (at #3) and was in the #2 position for 2017 and #4 for 2018.
Dave Wright equipment, from cardio-based classes and indoor cycling to dance-based classes to step classes and, the rise of boutique studios. Although it has been around for years, it only really reached the top 20 in 2017 and rose to number two in 2018. 3. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). (2018 = #1) These exercise programs typically involve short bursts of high-intensity bouts of exercise followed by a short period of rest and was #1 in the survey for 2014 and 2018 and has been in the top five every year since 2014. The notion of accurately and safely measuring the output of HIIT has significantly contributed to why Wearable Technology holds the top spot on this list. 4. Fitness Programmes for Older Adults. (2018 = #9) This is a trend that emphasizes and caters to the fitness needs of the Baby Boom and older generations, who, in general, have more discretionary money than their younger counterparts, and fitness clubs may capitalise on this growing market. People are living longer, working
6. Employing Certified Fitness Professionals. (2018 = #6) The importance of hiring certified health/fitness professionals through educational programmes and certification programmes that are fully accredited for health/fitness professionals is more important than ever. As the need for instructors who can understand programming for older adults, HIIT training and group training, you can see why it fits hand in glove with the other top trends. 7. Yoga. (2018 = #7) The significance of mental health and flexibility has helped propel Yoga into the top 20 for the past 20 years and has had various forms from Power Yoga, Yogilates, yoga in hot environments, and others. 8. Personal Training. (2018 = #8) This trend continues as the profession of personal training becomes more accessible online, in health clubs, in the home, and in worksites that have fitness facilities. It has always been in the top 10 on this list and last year it was also 8th on the spot. 9. Functional Fitness Training. (2018 = #10) Raising one spot up the ladder for 2019, this is a trend toward using strength training and other activities/movements to improve
balance, coordination, strength, and endurance to improve activities of daily living. 10. Exercise is Medicine. (2018 = #12) This is a global health initiative that is focused on encouraging primary care physicians and other health care providers to include physical activity assessment and associated treatment recommendations as part of every patient visit and referring their patients to exercise professionals such as health clubs and gyms. Exercise is Medicine trend reached number seven in 2017, dropped to number 12 last year and has now snuck back in at the 10th spot. Moving beyond the top 10 are the spots 11 to 20 as follows: 11. Health/Wellness Coaching. (2018 = #18) 12. Exercise for Weight Loss. (2018 = #11) 13. Mobile Exercise Apps. (2018 = #26) 14. Mobility/Myofascial Devices. (2018 = #15) 15. Worksite Health Promotion and Workplace Well-being Programmes. (2018 = unranked) 16. Outcome Measurements. (2018 = #21) 17. Outdoor Activities. (2018 = #14) 18. Licensure for Fitness Professionals. (2018 = #16) 19. Small Group Personal Training. (2018 = #13) 20. Post rehabilitation Classes. (2018 = #27) n Dave Wright is the Creator and CEO of MYZONE®, CEO and owner of CFM (Creative Fitness Marketing) and owner of the Feelgood Fitness & Voyage Fitness Club Chains. With offices in Chicago (US), Nottingham (UK) and Melbourne (Oz), Dave’s companies have worked directly with over 5,000 health clubs across 65 different countries, encouraging people to be more and stay more physically active. He may be contacted on Dave@myzone.org
Older populations: get your offer right in 2019 By Chris Phillips WE ASSUME a pretty bleak picture of growing older… most of us are resigned to the fact our later years go hand in hand with a loss of function, increased disease and decreased mobility. But a new report claims we should do anything but slow down and put our feet up in our twilight years. Reimagining Ageing, produced by ukactive with the DataHub and Sheffield Hallam University, argues older people should become more active as they age, not less. The problems we’ve long since ascribed to ageing are in fact often due to preventable disease, negative attitudes and, no surprises here, decreased activity leading to loss of fitness. In 2019, attracting this market and getting older people more active will be a significant focus for leisure centres. By 2030, 20 million of the UK’s population will be 60 or older. Seventy per cent of the nation’s wealth is currently held by this older
age bracket and as a cohort they spent £320 billion in 2017. It’s an opportunity this sector can’t afford to miss out on – and at the moment, we are. While people aged 55 or older account for 36 per cent of the population, only one in five members of public leisure facilities fall within this bracket. Usage rates of those aged over 65 are lower still, accounting for only nine per cent of visits. So how can the physical activity sector begin to meet older adults’ exceptionally varied needs? Using data collected from more than 500 million individual visits to more than 2,000 facilities, the DataHub can offer an unparalleled overview of what our ageing population wants. “We have real-time information on millions of older consumers’ lifestyles, activity habits and buying preferences,” said Utku Toprakseven, director of sports intelligence at 4global, which manages the DataHub. “Rather than basing decisions
Chris Phillips on guesswork and assumptions, operators can now focus on what their data is telling them as well as benchmarking against other operators’ data in order to deliver commercial returns, participation outcomes and social impacts.” Take, for example, programming. DataHub figures show 90 per cent of the visits by people over 65 take
place during the week, with almost half occurring between 9am and 12pm, so numerous facilities could more effectively target this cohort to fill this spare capacity. “The under-utilisation means testing new approaches is a zero or very low-cost opportunity to identify solutions with a potential to scale,” added Utku. “Levels of engagement are currently low, in spite of evidence suggesting there is demand for appropriate services – specialised, age-specific classes tailored for older people are among the most popular reasons to visit a facility among over 55s.” There is much untapped potential to promote active lifestyles among people who are growing older and next year, attracting this market should be every operators’ New Year’s Resolution. To download and read the full Reimagining Ageing report visit https://www.ukactive.com/reports/ reimagining-ageing/ n Chris Phillips is head of sales at the DataHub
NEW FOR 2019
As another year draws to a close, experts in the fitness industry have been predicting their biggest trends to watch out for in 2019. Workout rounds up some of the hottest topics you need to be thinking about next year.
Experts reveal their hottest trends to watch out for ... their customers move on to the next new trend. As the creation of boutique concepts speeds up, we also speed up the customers’ expectations of when we’re going to open something new. It leaves no time to create a loyal community as the customer may simply decide ‘that’s so last week’. We talk about these new clubs and concepts as though they’re really successful businesses, when actually it’s just successful marketing. Sadly they haven’t actually done much business yet. Dr Paul Bedford
Katie Bulmer Cooke
I’M certain that the integration of wearable technology and fitness trackers into group fitness will continue to grow and I predict particular growth for this within kids fitness too. It’s more common than not now to see people wearing a device either daily or for their workouts and as a nation we are becoming increasingly more intrigued by our stats and personal info. With that in mind, it would be crazy for operators, whether large chains or small independents, not to capitalise on this trend. I’ve seen first hand the positive impact the integration of wearables into group fitness has on both client/member results and retention, and in 2019 I’d love to see more operators formulating group fitness concepts around the wearable as opposed to just referencing the wearable within existing formats. Katie Bulmer Cooke
WE live in an age of information with access to so much data. Gym goers are wanting to learn more and more about their own bodies and potential capabilities and 2019 will see a big rise in better educated gym goers. While there is plenty of free and easily accessible credible knowledge, there are also a lot of non-credible sources of information out there and trainers need to be on the lookout for members and clients who may become misinformed. One key area where people are informed and ready to trial is blood and DNA profiling. It has been around for a while but falling prices, rapid turnaround, better results interfaces and education will see these areas really grow in 2019. Another area where fitness enthusiasts will take things into their own hands is digital fitness. Increasing numbers will look to lease home exercise equipment in order to access pre-recorded and live streamed workouts that literally fit into their lifestyle. Fitness professionals will need to explore new ways to be competitive in the face of on demand fitness. James Clack, business development manager for Active IQ
fitness goals and personal bests together will further boost the popularity of community-based experiences such as mud runs and group personal training. Technology is becoming more prominent with the rise of VR and 3D immersive classes. Similarly, online training will form a necessary element to PT either as a separate entity or as part of a complete personal training package as people increasingly want to exercise on their terms. Finally, how PT’s target individuals is changing in line with a nationwide drive towards targeting those who are sedentary as opposed to the already active. The acceptance of ‘gymtimidation’ being a barrier for many has led to the notion that the gym may not be the best starting point for those with a health and fitness goal and instead collaboratively creating an exercise plan. Coaching will also become a core element of personal training and fitness provision with educators and operators placing increased emphasis on it as the essential skill for effecting behaviour change. Paul Swainson, head of personal training – Future Fit Training
Brits. It’s an efficient 20-minute workout that provides scientifically proven results, not just for fat loss and muscle tone, but also athletic performance, rehab and even active ageing. By hooking up to an external EMS machine and performing a series of bodyweight movements, individuals are able to engage muscle fibres they might otherwise struggle to target. This helps to improve muscular definition, strength and power output, cardiovascular efficiency and rehabilitation. The EMS market is already growing dynamically - from mobile personal trainers and additional offers in existing facilities, to pure EMS studios and shop-in-shop models. It’s gaining attention from entrepreneurs and outside-of-industry investors because EMS allows you to reach a wider demographic than just your millennial gym go-er or group exercise lover. You can attract new clientele who might otherwise not have the time or desire to dedicate to training in your facility, as well as high level athletes, older individuals and those seeking rehab. Phil Horton, county director UK, miha bodytec
2019 will see the rise of skillsbased training; working out with the goal of developing a skill as opposed to just building general fitness. Our bodyweight training company, Auster, offers all manner of equipment, from gymnastic rings to parallettes. These help everyone from beginners to experts learn new skills, such as muscle-ups and iconic moves such as ‘skin the cat’. All equipment is modular and can be used indoors and out, as well as being found in London’s premium health clubs, Third Space. Kristoph Thompson, co-founder of CalisthenicsUK and director of Sideways8 Training
BOTH functional fitness and Callisthenics training are set to continue to be a hugely popular in 2019 and these styles of training are going to have a big impact on the way gyms are designed. Going into the next year we are now seeing a huge demand for functional training rigs to become part of their surroundings. Rigs will become part of the structure just like your flooring and walls to blend into a training space itself. Functional Training Rigs will also develop according to the latest training trends, for instance with the rise in Callisthenics the finish and coating on rigs will also change. You’ll also start to see a lot more attachments available to be fitted to rigs and different ways to attach them. Another big trend we are seeing in the world of gym design is the need for everything to be bespoke. Storage, rigs, flooring and modified equipment is all now more common, and this is set to continue in 2019. Ben Steadman, business development director, EXF
Phil Horton Dr Paul Bedford MY money’s on some of the new boutique clubs struggling to survive during 2019. The rise of the boutique sector has been pretty spectacular, and operators such as Barry’s, Soul Cycle and Boom, who were in at the beginning, grew organically and had time to create communities. But with so many new boutiques opening, we’re training the customer to expect something new every month, particularly in metropolitan areas like London. That’s not to say they aren’t good business concepts with beautiful facilities, but with so much marketing hype around each new club, they’re unlikely to have time to establish themselves before
Paul Swainson THE fitness landscape will continue shifting towards ‘fitness experiences’ and an increased emphasis on enjoying the fitness journey as the younger generation choose more and more to drink less and instead invest in their health and wellbeing. The draw of training with likeminded individuals and sharing
WITH almost a fifth of us quoting lack of time for not exercising (Consumer Insights Allegra Project Fitness report 2018), 2019 will see more time efficient workouts rising in popularity. With over 1,000 studios in Germany alone, we can expect to see Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) training capturing the attention of busy
IN the coming year, personal trainers will increasingly be called upon as the UK struggles to get people active. And while a greater knowledge of training older populations, people with mental health issues or clients needing complex rehabilitation will all become increasingly relevant, equally as important is the need to offer more business-focused training for PTs. “We’re teaching PTs increasingly Continued on page 26
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NEW FOR 2019 advanced training methods to engage different populations, but we’re missing something critical; how to run a business and make personal training a successful career,” Megan said. “By neglecting this fundamental skill, we’re losing great PTs, simply because they can’t make a living wage.” fibodo, in partnership with FitPro, has created a CIMSPAaccredited e-learning course ‘Grow Your Coaching Business’, worth three CPD points, which gives PTs and sports coaches the skills to successfully run a business and embrace technology to help them. Megan said: “Our goal is for every training provider and university to offer business and technology skills as part of their courses. “If in 2019 each newly trained PT had the skills they needed to make a go of their business and, in doing so, encouraged 10 new people to exercise regularly, the effect on the nation could be huge.” Online reputation will remain vital in 2019. fibodo is the first booking management platform to integrate Trustpilot ratings and reviews into their software. Megan added: “PTs may be one of hundreds of local trainers, but by enabling clients to regularly rate them on Trustpilot through fibodo, they’ll feature higher in search results and increase their chances of engaging new clients.” Megan Sowney, commercial director at fibodo (Find it. Book it. Do it.) Erin Myers
RANKED third in the ACSM’s top fitness trends report 2019, the popularity of group high intensity interval training (HIIT) shows no signs of slowing down. Offering amazing benefits in only thirty minutes, it is the perfect solution for time poor individuals. By varying between bursts of high intensity, followed by short recovery periods, HIIT elicits much sought-after benefits, such as improved cardiovascular efficiency, weightloss and decreased bodyfat. HIIT also appeals to those who enjoy the thrill of an intense workout but might not have the motivation to complete it alone. HIIT continues to be an excellent provision for fitness facilities to offer, helping them to pack out classes with motivated members and maximise studio time and space. 2019 is set to see a rise in the variety and structure of HIIT classes, moving beyond the normal open plan studio space. Classes such as LES MILLS SPRINT, our HIIT cycling class, is
a great example of this, appealing to a different audience, while still offering the same loved benefits. Such classes lend themselves to both live and virtual formats, utilising space in off-peak periods and offering more services to those who prefer to train in their own time. We expect to see more clubs reaping the benefits of virtual this year too. Erin Myers, marketing director, Les Mills Matt Gleed
NEXT year, fitness enthusiasts will have increasing access and insight to how elite and professional athletes train and this will influence them to recreate their own workout variations at the gym. The ACSM Top 10 Fitness Trends concur the 2019 gym member will be accessing technology like apps while using the equipment and facilities on the gym floor. The ‘perfect’ on-trend member in 2019 will be working out with a heart rate monitor linked to their mobile phone app in a group training HIIT session while working with a PT to perfect their body weight and functional fitness training technique. Their workout will end with some yoga stretches, topped off with some myofascial release. Be ready to help them! Matt Gleed, Matrix master trainer
Mark Talley 2019 will see operators embrace and integrate technology and workout preferences favoured by members to hold their interest and custom. Wearable devices and technology including fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, smart watches and GPS devices are still growing in popularity: operators need to integrate their offer with these devices to provide a holistic overview of someone’s activity and ensure members can link up their favourite devices to the product.
“Big box operators will also integrate specialist partnerships in 2019 – such as we have with More Yoga in our London venues - to fulfil a variety of class types in increasingly popular specialist classes. In addition, larger operators will start hosting guest or in-house boutiquestyle classes to meet consumer demand for these personalised, results-based exercise solutions. Mark Talley, Everyone Active group fitness development manager Dave Wright
2019 for the UK fitness industry is going to be the year of the boutique. The growth of the franchised model will explode as operators who have been developing and mastering the systemised deployment of their `unique’ group training offering that will sell based on the lower cap ex and higher returns versus the conventional franchise model. Large operators will continue to fine tune their own offering as their ‘boutique buster’ within the existing big box clubs and even leisure centres will begin to capitalise on the wasted space that many of the centres have on offer. We will also see the equipment suppliers desperately try to deliver their own version of ‘Peleton’... (a subscription based workout at home model that within seven years has come out of the blue and now seek a valuation of over four billion dollars – a number that traditional equipment operators would only dream of. There will be continued consolidation of the budget operators as their five-year ‘honeymoon’ period runs out and the equipment and facilities get tired, the yields are cut short and the return on capital deployed is certainly not as attractive to investors to that of small box boutique offerings. The Instagrammer will also begin to lose their shine when the public wash over the unauthentic promotion of ‘goods and products’ like they did with advertising in the 80s and there will continue to be a desire and appetite for a fitness centre with experienced and knowledgeable trainers. And finally, the market appetite for good health and fitness clubs will once again rise due to the consumer acceptance that people are willing to place a higher price on their health and fitness rather than the rack them and stack them mentality of cheap, cheap, cheap that the budget operators have driven the market to believe is necessary. So all in all... 2019 is going to be a very exciting year ahead! I can’t wait! Dave Wright, CEO and creator of Myzone, CEO and owner of CFM, owner and investor Feelgood and Voyage Health Clubs.
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MEDICAL RESEARCH AND MONITORING Advertiser’s announcement
Full body analysis in a matter of seconds A NEW piece of kit lets users have a full body composition analysis in a matter of seconds. The Corevue 360, the first piece of kit to be developed by industry stalwarts Health Check Services, can show body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone density and metabolic age all from its relatively compact and easy to use terminal. It marks a milestone form the company, which began life in 1983 as Coin Ops. The Corevue 360 can trace its ancestry all the way back to the classic 20p weighing scales, which formed the bread and butter of Coin Ops business. The business became Health Check Services in 1993. Marketing manager David Peake said: “It can provide a full segmented body fat analysis which shows where the fat is and gives great insight to users. It is very user friendly and can accept coins or contactless. And the best part is we can change features, respond to feedback and tailor it to suit.” Members of the public had the chance to try out the Corevue for themselves at the Great North Run, for free, and it had a great response. “We had excellent feedback from there and have done a lot of exhibitions this past year. It can tell you your metabolic age and some of
the athletes were coming back getting the age of a 12-year-old.” The device rates the fat around your organs on a scale of 1-59 with the general public usually scoring up to 12. Anything above that is an indicator of urgent work needing to be done. “The Corevue can be very useful for PTs and at BodyPower, we had a queue of 30 people wanting to have a go. To do a full segmented reading, it probably takes two minutes from the start to the finish. And it can do everything else in roughly 15 seconds.” The Corevue is easy to use and simply requires users to step on and clutch two handles. It uses a bioelectric current to analyse your physiology. Results are then displayed on screen, on a ticket and available online too. “We are looking forward to launching it properly – hopefully by January, you will be able to access it pretty much everywhere.” The machine has even proven a hit with 54-year-old skiing superstar, Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, who got to have a go at a trade show in Bristol. “He got on and it told him he had the body of a 37-year-old,” David said. “He was ecstatic after that.”
Advertiser’s announcement
Measuring up: Using data to change the way you train WITH technology changing the way we workout, the need for accurate and measurable solutions is on the rise. Recognising the power that fitness and body composition tracking can have on both engagement and retention, operators are looking to incorporate the latest technology into their facilities. FitQuest brings state of the art fitness measurement machines with full bio-mechanical lab technology to the health and fitness facility, allowing everyone to assess their own fitness progress through relatable and understandable measurements with accurate fitness data previously only available to elite athletes. In just four minutes, the machine measures eight parameters: upper body strength, upper body endurance, cardiovascular fitness, lower body strength, lower body endurance, speed ability, explosive power and balance (motor sensory control). The FitQuest machines also provide full body composition analysis, a key measure considering the rise in inactivity levels and obesity across the UK. Users have the chance to quantify their body fat percentage, set targets and monitor changes in line with their training. It provides an excellent measure for personal trainers to highlight the impact their programming is having
on their client, helping them to update and modify workout intensity to support goal achievement. FitQuest technology is an excellent innovation for all operators to keep their members motivated and engaged, especially with many fitness-focused New Year’s resolutions on the horizon. The FitQuest system is designed to be completely user friendly and engages members as soon as they set up their profile, providing access to the platform remotely no matter their location. The technology provides tailored emails after each session is logged, highlighting a user’s best result and sharing ways for them to improve their scores. This encourages individuals to stick to their training plan even when not working out with a dedicated trainer, helping them to reach their goals faster. Brian Firth, FitQuest CEO, said: “We want to provide gym goers and operators with the latest technology to help them monitor their progress in a tangible way. “Our machines are designed with the user, operator and trainer in mind, combining a digital platform with state of the art technology to bring results to life. Fitness is more than what we see in the mirror and we’re confident that FitQuest can give people a more accurate picture of their overall health.”
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Panatta gym equipment and design solutions – creating gyms with innovation for longevity PANATTA | Made in Italy, WE design, YOU experience the perfect joint biomechanics, technology and quality components which are the DNA of Panatta. Boasting over 350 pieces of strength and cardio gym equipment in its portfolio, Panatta provides the widest and most complete range of products on the market that caters for all leisure sectors, client ages and types of training needs. GYM DESIGN | We provide end-to-end gym design consultancy with our equipment so you experience the very best partnership between bespoke finished equipment and concept environments providing you with leading leisure facilities for all. FINANCE SOLUTION | We provide a full range of fitness equipment that caters to all budgets across the spectrum. Panatta can also provide a buy-back of old equipment and finance solutions. DECEMBER INCENTIVES | If you are looking to add to or upgrade your commercial gym equipment then we have the solutions for you. Contact us to discover the benefits of ordering in December. For a copy of our latest brochure, to arrange for us to visit or to discover more innovation contact us now – craig.ingley@panattasport.com | Tel: 07985 084613 | website www.panattasport.com
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Group exercise training: what you should consider WITH group exercise now attracting 4.86 million participants every week, an increase of one million people compared to 2016*, it offers more employment opportunities for instructors than ever before. Group exercise is a very dynamic part of the fitness sector and as trends change and new styles emerge, it is more important than ever for instructors to ensure they have the right training, experience and professional approach to meet the diverse needs of participants and the demands of employers Emma Forward, chief operating officer of EMD UK, the national governing body for group exercise, said: “I have been a group exercise participant and instructor for many years and have experienced the full range of instructor levels of preparation – and ultimately professionalism. “From those who are there in time to set up, chat to class participants, health screen, start and finish on time and arguably most importantly,
deliver a planned class with great choreography and music; to those at the other end of the professional spectrum who rush in late, press play and wing it. “What approach is more likely to meet the needs of the participants and keeps them coming back? What approach helps us best in our quest to be recognised by other sectors as true professionals?” “We have a Chartered Institute in CIMSPA, a professional register in REPs and a national governing body for group exercise in EMD UK. “CIMSPA is breaking new ground with the medical profession and giving fitness professionals the opportunity to be recognised for the valuable contribution we make to the nation’s health. “It was perplexing to read in the recent Mind Body survey that participants rated their instructors being friendly over them being qualified. “We doubt they would say the same for their GP or dentist, and
it shouldn’t be any different when finding a good fitness professional.” Gillian Reeves, head of instructor development at EMD UK, added: “Firstly consider the intention behind what, as a fitness professional, you would like to offer and more importantly, why you want to offer it. “We recognise that everyone is different and that there are many ‘whys’ that motivate people to become an instructor, whether this be a career change or an altruistic motive to benefit others. “We have an experienced team that understands that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach and are able to support people during their journey.” To meet the growing industry demand for a qualification that supports the diversity of group exercise, EMD UK, has launched a new Level Two ‘Group Training’ qualification. Developed in partnership with awarding body Active IQ and group training specialists who have extensive experience delivering
group exercise and educating fitness professionals, the new qualification will provide an update to the original Level Two Exercise to Music qualification. Industry feedback revealed that many employers feel there is a skill gap around overall delivery of group exercise and the old qualification no longer equips instructors with the skills they need to deliver effective and compelling group exercise training. Delivered exclusively by EMD UK for the first six months, the qualification will give instructors a dynamic and flexible learning path, combining teaching units based on the type of group training they want to teach. Instructors can complete the ‘Group Training’ qualification (for classes like HIIT, bootcamp and circuits) or group training (to Music) which adds on the skills needed to plan and teach classes to the beat and phrase of the music (such as Zumba or Les Mills BodyAttack).
TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT SPONSORED BY
Free training now available for new Scottish dancing inspired workout By Ed McCabe I STARTED Ceilidh Club in 1998 with the purpose of providing the best three hours of entertainment in London. Over the years the club has grown from friends and family to something much bigger. We now hold around 40 events a year - mostly at Cecil Sharp House, but also in Baden Powell House, Hammersmith Town Hall and the London Welsh Centre. These fun-filled evenings of traditional Scottish music and dance attract hundreds of people every month. I noticed that lots of people would leave our events sweating and tell us that they were glad they didn’t have to go to the gym this weekend. Then a friend asked me if I could make a cardio workout based on Ceilidh Club. I approached Licence to Ceilidh, one of London’s top ceilidh bands, and asked them if they were interested. They agreed, and with contacts put together a DVD/digital download and recorded a specially arranged score. Once the video was on sale, we wanted to make it into classes. I approached Dance Base in Edinburgh, who put me in touch with Cat Perry from Dance Division. She developed the classes for adults
and children, which we got accredited by REPS and EMD. We called this new workout concept Kelta Fit – a Scottish twist on exercise to music and nutrition. Earlier this month we held an ambassador training event in Edinburgh which allowed more people to experience the Kelta Fit brand. Our ambassadors will be crucial in helping us to develop the company by feeding back ways we can develop it.
During the day’s training, the ambassadors covered a lot of ground. First up was learning the Kelta Fit routines. They had downloaded the video, soundtrack and copious notes before the event so they came ready to learn. Once the dance steps had been mastered we moved from the studio to the boardroom to talk about what it meant to be an ambassador. I explained how Kelta Fit came about, and we all set goals for the
next two weeks and two months. Our instructor, Cat, took the actions for the next two months and will email them to the attenders as a reminder. It was great to have something to aim for. The ambassadors are now looking for ways to move the brand forward by setting up classes, talking with gyms and involving the media. If you are an experienced exercise practitioner with a passion for helping people get fit and healthy, we’d love you to train to become a Kelta Fit Ambassador. We’re looking for ambassadors who can help to spread the word about our brand by setting up classes, training instructors and appearing on TV. Full training is provided free, and we have a toolbox of promotional material for use offline and online. This is a great chance to develop a lucrative new line in business and a fun way to spend time with motivated, positive people. To find out about our next ambassador training event please fill in our form and we’ll be in touch with further details: https://keltafit.com/ stay-in-the-know/ n Ed McCabe is owner of the Ceilidh Club in London and co-creator of Kelta Fit.
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TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT SPONSORED BY Advertiser’s announcement
Putting our nation’s mental health first By Jenny Patrickson
Active IQ introduces level two award in mental health awareness ACTIVE IQ has introduced a new mental health qualification. The Level Two award in Mental Health Awareness is officially recognised as a level two qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework and contains two units, Mental Health Awareness and Mental Health First Aid. There are no specific entry requirements making it accessible to learners from 16 plus. The aim is to provide as many people as possible with the understanding and awareness of common mental health disorders and issues, reducing stigma and discrimination and encouraging people to talk about the subject. The second unit will equip people with the skills to offer mental health first aid to people and spot signs of mental health issues. Active IQ managing director Jenny Patrickson said: “Identifying and managing mental health issues is very much in the spotlight at the moment and rightly so. “Increasingly, individuals and organisations are faced with friends, colleagues, peers and customers who have mental health issues. Our qualification seeks to help people most likely to encounter those with mental health issues to spot the signs, understand, empathise and be skilled in offering support.” Colleges, universities and other training providers are currently in the process of being approved to deliver the programme.
Jenny added: “Mental health affects people of all ages so we hope leisure operators, personal trainers, fitness instructors and community health and well-being professionals will upskill with this qualification to enable them to support clients and communities where such help needed. We are fortunate to have been able to develop this much needed new qualification using the expertise of Active IQ’s qualification development manager, Andy Gilbert, who is a specialist in the area of psychology and mental health.” Approved Active IQ training provider, Ad-Lib Training is one of the first providers to offer this new mental health awareness programme. It was natural fit for Ad-Lib Training as they work extensively within the area of mental health with the likes of the Bromley By Bow Centre in East London, training young people with mental health issues to influence their peers to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle. They also work in partnership with Reinvent Lifestyle, training clinical and support staff in mental health hospitals and community settings to activate their service users in physical activity. Ad-Lib Training co-founder, Robin Gargrave, developed the first ever Exercise and Mental Health CPD course back in 2006 and he has played an important role in reviewing the new qualification based on his extensive knowledge and experience in this area.
WITH one in every four people experiencing a mental health problem at some point in their lives, we must act now to ensure a greater awareness and understanding of mental health issues. Our industry already knows there is a strong link between exercise and improved mental health. This gives our sector both an opportunity and a responsibility to really make a difference. However, in order to effect change, PTs, gym instructors and leisure centre managers must be upskilled to recognise mental health problems and trained to know how best to help. I am proud to say that at Active IQ we have developed a brand new qualification which aims to increase people’s awareness and understanding of mental health, help reduce stigma and discrimination and encourage people to speak out more about their problems. Reception staff, personal trainers and gym instructors are on the front line at leisure centres. Speaking to members every day, they are most likely to see signs and should be trained to know what to do next. Our Level 2 Award in Mental Health Awareness is open at entry level to enable everyone from new learners up to experienced trainers and gym
owners to recognise and tackle this problem. The qualification has no specific entry requirements making it accessible to young learners aged 16+ as well as adult learners, fitness professionals, teachers, college tutors, coaches and gym managers. All these are likely to encounter peers, clients, students and colleagues with mental health issues and with the support of this training will be better-placed to offer advice, guidance and support. The course also provides learners with an understanding of how to manage and improve their own mental health to help safeguard them when their workloads increase or become more challenging when helping others who are suffering. Mental health affects people of all ages and I would urge leisure operators, personal trainers, fitness instructors and community health and wellbeing professionals to upskill with this qualification to enable them to support clients and communities where such help is needed. We all lead busy lives but it’s important to stop for a moment to look around us and see where we can show understanding and offer help when we see the early signs in others. Let’s act now before it’s too late. n Jenny Patrickson is managing director at Active IQ.
Future Fit launches new diploma FUTURE Fit Training has partnered with the Royal Society of Public Health to launch a new diploma. The Level Four Advanced Nutrition and Weight Management diploma encompasses the RSPH Level Four certificate in Nutrition for Physical Activity and Sport. The qualification will equip students with the tools needed to advise a variety of clients on how best to meet their nutritional needs. This includes specific dietary requirements of people with sport and exercise goals, pregnant and breastfeeding women, young children and those following plant based diets. Future Fit is the only exercise and fitness training provider to currently
offer a course accredited by both the Association for Nutrition as well as the RSPH. Elaine Briggs, head of education and innovation at Future Fit, said: “We are really excited to be entering into this partnership with the RSPH and look forward to collaborating on further qualifications which will help to bridge the gap between the fitness, nutrition and health sectors. “We passionately believe that fitness professionals have a role in the promotion of healthy eating, the effect of diet on health and should be equipped with the confidence and skills to cater for a host of demographics and dietary needs, whilst working within the scope of their area of responsibility.’”
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Major installation complete ServiceSport recently completed a major installation of gym equipment at Infinity Fitness UK’s new facility in Margate. Open 24-hours-a-day, seven-daysa-week, the gym is the firm’s largest property to date with 858 square metres of space over two floors. The former Poundland store in Margate’s College Square now features a bright, vibrant and spacious gym area on the ground floor which includes strength equipment, free weights, changing facilities and space for fitness classes. On the first floor there is a dedicated cardio section which has over 35 pieces of equipment, a coffee shop and soft play area. The installation is the latest job to be successfully completed by the UK’s leading fitness equipment service provider for Infinity.
The Chorley-based company offers customers an intensive remanufacturing process that provides an affordable alternative to buying new equipment, whilst retaining the look and feel of brand new apparatus. ServiceSport offers independent technical and maintenance support designed to maximise the life of fitness equipment of any make and model. There are different levels of servicing to suit a customer’s specific needs. From ad hoc, annual scheduled service agreements, all-inclusive contracts, audit servicing to full estate management. ServiceSport also offers planning design, own brand fitness equipment and parts. Visit www.servicesport.co.uk email sales@servicesport.co.uk or telephone 0845 402 2456.
Premium total-body machine is suitable for functional training THE new Octane Fitness Max Trainer® is a premium total-body machine that is ideal for functional training, small group sessions and circuit workouts; able to accommodate all fitness levels; and requires no adjustments. Here’s why this is one of the best functional training tools available: 1. Maximum efficiency and effectiveness – The breakthrough Max Interval HIIT workout delivers total-body benefits in just 14 minutes. With eight cycles of 25 seconds of high-intensity effort, followed by 80 seconds of lowerintensity recovery, the Max Interval workout boosts stamina, burns calories and elevates metabolism. 2. Dual resistance – With resistance from a high-velocity fan and a magnetic brake, the Max Trainer offers 10 levels of progressive resistance to challenge beginners to elite athletes.
3. Zero-impact – This is the ultimate in high-intensity workouts, but without the stressful pounding and jarring on the body. 4. No adjustments – With the Max Trainer, exercisers simply get on and go quickly, for fast transitions and no wasted time in circuits or interval work. 5. Circuit and interval training – Programmes include Manual, Interval and Max Circuit. In Max Circuit, the console individually calculates time and intensity for each user, automatically resetting to zero between exercisers. Octane’s exclusive CROSS CiRCUIT® programme combines cardio intervals with strength training exercises for efficient, effective conditioning. 6. Ease of ownership – Self-powered and with a compact footprint, the Max Trainer delivers exceptional operation and versatility.
New app designed to boost member engagement UK club operators and members can now benefit from a fully integrated app-based member loyalty programme, thanks to ClubWise Software, developers of the market leading ClubWise Club Management System. FitSense Rewards works to improve member engagement by incentivising key in club activity through exciting rewards, evolving the traditional rewards/points system from a basic referral program to a complete engagement and retention tool. Just within the two-month pilot phase for FitSense Rewards, clubs experienced a 12 per cent increase in visits per member. FitSense Rewards is a fully
integrated solution within the FitSense Member App and provides clubs with a cost-effective member loyalty programme, from small boutique studios right through to large multi-site operators, thanks to its simplicity and scalability. As well as providing a member loyalty platform, the unique FitSense Rewards Points System alerts clubs to ‘at risk’ members, based on activity levels and points accrued. These are the members who have developed sporadic habits and are starting to drop off the radar. By identifying these members and taking action before they become inactive, clubs have a much higher chance of retaining them.
All I want for Christmas is… better member solutions than ever before CRINGEWORTHY headline aside, member solutions aren’t the first thing that you’d expect to see at the top of a Christmas list. But as the New Year rolls in, and people’s next priority is shedding the mince pie bloat, leisure operators’ focus will be on driving member acquisition and retention. So in 450 words (with some space to keep current Direct Debit collectors up to date on processing deadlines over the Christmas period) let me explain why improved member solutions should be your first port of call in 2019. We talk about online joining a lot. But that’s because it really is one of the greatest sales aids to gyms and health clubs. Without this radical joining solution, customers must sign up face-to-face or over the phone – an option that doesn’t sit well in today’s faced-paced culture of customer convenience.
Ivan Stevenson
Online joining can take anywhere from three minutes to 20 minutes, depending on the system that you use. A three-minute process is obviously much sleeker, however, and won’t prevent people reaching that end click because of a sluggish system. Once a member is over the threshold, your next job is
keeping them. Everything from the enthusiasm of your staff to the technological advancement of your machines will affect member longevity. As Direct Debit experts, we believe one of the keys lies in making member’s payment instances easier. Online joining is just one example of this, but there are plenty of others that will make a difference to your leisure facility. What I’m trying to say is to not let the needs of your members slip in 2019. Competition is rife, and loyalty is an endangered trait. Just a reminder that Direct Debit processing dates will change over the Christmas and New Year period: n If the payment arrival date is December 24, the processing date is December 21and last submission is December 20. n If the payment arrival date is December 27, the processing date is
December 24 and last submission is December 21. n If the payment arrival date is December 28, the processing date is December 27and last submission is December 24. n If the payment arrival date is December 31, the processing date is December 28 and last submission is December 27. n If the payment arrival date is January 2, the processing date is December 31 and last submission is December 28. n If the payment arrival date is January 3, the processing date is January 2 and last submission is December 31. n If the payment arrival date is January 4, the processing date is January 3 and last submission is January 2. Merry Christmas all, from the team at DFC! Ivan Stevenson, Debit Finance Collections
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Reebok and GymCube team up with REPs for project GLOBAL fitness brand Reebok and online training experts GymCube have teamed up with the Register of Exercise Professionals to help UK fitness professionals earn money online, as well as improve their knowledge and skills. The trio have launched a brand new, innovative app developed by GymCube, that makes it easy to train clients professionally online, anywhere where there is internet signal, and offers high quality educational content along with exclusive discounts. As part of the partnership, GymCube will provide REPs members with exclusive access to the GymCube app, along with high-quality video content and customisable exercise plans, which REPs members can brand as their own. GymCube managing director Kevin FosterWiltshire said: “Becoming an online coach in the past required start-up money and a daunting amount of technical work. We’ve built the GymCube app for instructors who are interested in coaching people online but are unsure where or how to begin. “As a REPs member, they can register on the app for free, it’s simple and easy to use with no technical knowhow required, and payment to the coach is paid for by the client before a session starts.” Supported by Reebok as part of its commitment to its ReebokONE instructor network, the iconic brand will assist in driving customers, who are looking for online coaching, to the app, providing
an instant marketplace for exercise professionals who want to become online coaches. Senior digital manager at Reebok, Mark Allin, added: “It’s great to see the GymCube app come to life. ‘We are all positive this important innovation for the UK fitness industry will help improve the standards of online fitness. Reebok and REPs will help to connect qualified exercise professionals with online clients, and within the app coaches have the chance to join the ReebokONE instructor network for exclusive offers and events. To ensure high professional standards, REPs, which is owned by UK Coaching the lead agency for coaching in the UK, will provide assurance to the public that every coach on this platform is suitably qualified and is committed to continuing professional development. Potential clients will be able to connect with REPs-accredited coaches for online training via the app’s streaming software. Commercial director at UK Coaching, Andy Whiting, said: “Our relationship with GymCube and Reebok is a real game changer for both coaches and the general public. “The innovation from GymCube, market leading brand support and content from Reebok together Kevin Foster-Wiltshire, managing director, GymCube, with with the quality assurance provided by REPs ticks all of the boxes from a consumer point of view and Katie Bulmer-Cooke, master trainer, GymCube and Andy Whiting, commercial director, UK Coaching. we are pleased to play our part going forward.”
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