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February 2012
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
New TV show sparks outcry from industry By Christina Eccles A NEW TV show filmed in a London gym has sparked outcry from fitness professionals who claim it portrays the industry in a bad light. The Fat Fighters, which has been showing on Channel Four, follows four personal trainers at Gymbox – Matt Miller, Dalia Mikneviciute, Dan Corbett and Tamaya Adams – and the clients they train. But their unconventional workout methods and classes have led to criticism from other trainers who are worried the show may put people off going to the gym. Comments Workout received via social networking site Twitter included: “It’s entertainment but doesn't do PTs any favours”, “(The show is) giving a dreadful impression of the industry and PTs” and “Four self obsessed show off trainers trying to make a name for themselves. Rubbish.” Personal trainer Dean Callis also joined the debate, offering Gymbox members looking for a new PT, a free introductory session. And he told Workout he believes the show could give people an unrealistic
picture of what goes on in gyms. He added: “I felt it has completely portrayed the industry in a bad light. Certain comments made by the trainers could completely make someone fear joining a gym. “I’m not someone who believes fitness shouldn’t be fun. But walking aro und the gym in a catsuit with a whip makes it look like a circus. It’s in really bad taste. A lot of personal trainers I know who have worked really hard feel a bit let down by it. A lot of it’s done for TV but I don’t understand why – maybe to gain more viewers?” But trainer on the show Matt ‘Miller the Pillar’ has hit back at negative comments – saying The Fat Fighters is meant to cause debate, but more importantly inspire. He added: “It’s not the Active Channel, it’s prime time TV. You have got to take a bit of a license to get people interested in fitness at all. If we can, then that’s the real message of the show. “There are a lot of trainers watching the show and they’re not understanding it’s meant to be silly to draw people in. Inadvertently, this draws them into fitness and personal training.” For more see Page 8
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Awards night to be the best yet
Diet and fitness guru Rosemary Conley has taken on a new challenge – starring in the latest series of hit TV show Dancing on Ice. Rosemary – who has been skating with professional partner Mark Hanretty – has over 40 years’ experience working in the industry and is best known for her successful weight loss classes. Picture: ITV Pictures
The day that WorkOut welcomed a Prince ... Full story and pictures, Page 3
LOOK out for the next issue of Workout where we will be unveiling exciting plans about this year’s National Fitness Awards. After two sell-out years, the awards promise to be even bigger and better in 2012 – recognising the very best of the UK fitness industry at the ultimate end-of-year party. Almost 600 people attended the 2011 event, which took place at the ICC in Birmingham, with guests including cage fighter Alex Reid, nutritionist and TV presenter Caroline Pearce and Wil Graham, winner of hit TV show The Biggest Loser. 2011’s winners represented all corners of the UK – with gyms from Anglesey, Greenock, Devon and Essex all scooping trophies – so now is the chance to think about how your club could join this prestigious list. You can also keep up to date with the latest information on the event by visiting the dedicated awards website www.nationalfitnessawards.co .uk or follow us on Twitter @FitnessAwards