Workout February 2015 by Script Media

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February 2015

The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine

Daily walk ‘may reduce the risk of early death’ By Christina Eccles TWICE as many deaths may be attributed to a lack of physical activity than obesity – but a modest increase in physical activity could greatly impact on results – new research has claimed. A study of over 334,000 European men and women – conducted by researchers at The University of Cambridge – found a brisk 20 minute walk each day could be enough to reduce an individual’s risk of early death – indicating just a small amount of daily physical activity could have substantial health benefits for the physically inactive. To measure the link between physical inactivity and premature death and its interaction with obesity, researchers analysed data from participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Study. Researchers found the greatest reduction in risk of premature death occurred in the comparison between inactive and moderately inactive groups, judged by combining activity at work with recreational activity. Just under a quarter of participants were categorised as inactive, reporting no recreational activity in combination with a sedentary occupation. The authors estimate doing exercise

equivalent to a 20 minute brisk walk each day would take an individual from the inactive to moderately inactive group and reduce their risk of premature death by 16 to 30 per cent. Researchers estimate 337,000 of the 9.2m deaths among European men and women were attributable to obesity, however, double this number may be blamed on physical inactivity. Professor Ulf Ekelund from the university’s Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, who led the study, said: “This is a simple message: just a small amount of physical activity each day could have substantial health benefits for people who are physically inactive. “Although we found that just 20 minutes would make a difference, we should really be looking to do more than this – physical activity has many proven health benefits and should be an important part of our daily life.” ukactive CEO David Stalker added: “This study cuts to the heart of the work that ukactive have been doing for years to underpin the fight against inactivity with a firm evidence base. “We know there is cross party support for turning the tide of inactivity; now it's time to move beyond talking and into action.”

No 257 £3

LIW sold to BodyPower, who plan to grow show BODYPOWER Holdings has acquired Leisure Industry Week from UBM. LIW, which showcases over 300 exhibitors and occupies three halls at the NEC, has been running for 25 years; offering professionals in the health, wellbeing and physical activity markets a platform to expand, network, promote and develop. BodyPower founder and CEO Nick Orton said: "LIW has a huge potential and is a great strategic fit with our current business activities.

A 70-year-old gym member has cycled past some of fittest people in the world to win gold in a global fitness competition. Tony Linturn, who trains at The Marlow Club, took part in MYZONE’s global Movers of 2014 competition and worked out he would need to hit the gym for a minimum three hours a day, 365 days of the year to take the top spot. Indoor cycling and spin coordinator at The Marlow Club, Steven Smith, said: “Tony is a real asset to our club and everyone here would like to congratulate him on such a fantastic personal achievement.”

“My team have the ability, knowledge and experience to take this prestigious expo to the next level. We have a rich history of developing trade shows, and a more recent history of success in the fitness and leisure markets. “We are excited, motivated and passionate about taking on LIW – exhibitors, sponsors, partners and visitors can expect to see some interesting developments, all geared to growing an already fantastic event, which has been superbly handled by the professionalism of the outgoing UBM team.”

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Gym owner expands team and launches ‘Fat Strippers Club’ By Olivia Taylor SUCCESSFUL independent operator Andy Peacock is broadening his gym’s offering with the launch of a ‘Fat Strippers Club’ and the expansion of his gym team. The club, which takes place weekly at the Warehouse Gym in Honley, West Yorkshire is on offer to both members and non members, giving them access to two group personal training sessions a week and nutrition plans, advice and support. Andy said: “Everybody would like a six pack but it is harder for some people. “It is difficult with a family. When there are other people like you working out, you do not need to be screamed at to get the work done. “One member eats more calories than she did before, and she lost 10lbs of fat in four weeks.” Once a person joins the gym they are weighed and given a progress card and work out plan that is reviewed every eight to 12 weeks. Andy added: “We are trying to teach people a way that they can change their lives, rather than just getting a quick fix.” Not only has Andy added Fat Strippers to the gym, he has also appointed a new member of staff, personal trainer Josie Rowbotham, who approached Andy and asked to work with him after reading about his National Fitness Awards’ shortlisting for Gym Based Personal Trainer of the Year in the local newspaper. Josie added: “It is a really good opportunity to get some background on the industry from someone like

Warehouse Gym owner Andy Peacock with his new member of staff, personal trainer Josie Rowbotham. Andy who has been in it for years.” The 26-year-old is widening the gym’s offering to local people, giving them the opportunity to take part in functional training and outdoor bootcamps in the summer; believing it is important to give members access to knowledge and expertise as well as equipment. She added: “Me and Andy are trying to help members, to show them that we are here for them. We care more about the members rather than their money.”

A former primary school teaching assistant turned personal trainer has revealed how a freak gym accident led him to a change of career. After suffering a slipped disc in his back, Andrew Noutch underwent 16 operations, strenuous physiotherapy and intense personal training sessions over six years to correct his sciatica and resume his active lifestyle. Andrew’s personal trainer played an instrumental role in his recovery process and provided the inspiration for Andrew to become a PT himself. He is now a partner at a private studio, Hale Personal Training after completing his Level Three Diploma with Premier Training International. Andrew said: “After working as a teaching assistant in a primary school I knew I wanted to continue to educate and support people, but in a health and fitness environment. Coming from a sporting background and having experienced the benefits of personal training first-hand, becoming a PT seemed a natural career path to take.” Advertising Sales and marketing director: Tony Barry

www.workout-uk.co.uk

Sales manager: Daniel Lloyd Tel: 01226 734699 dl@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant sales manager: Chris Hartley Tel: 01226 734709 ch@scriptmedia.co.uk

Editorial Group Editor:

Official media partner of ukactive

Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Editor: Christina Eccles Tel: 01226 734463 ce@scriptmedia.co.uk Reporter: Olivia Taylor ot@scriptmedia.co.uk Group production editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

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Gym staff successes inspire members to a healthier lifestyle By Olivia Taylor A HOTEL gym in Hampshire is doing its bit to kick start members into a healthy lifestyle this new year. Members at Club Life Health and Fitness @ The Langstone Hotel, Hayling Island expressed an interest in creating their own success stories after seeing the results that gym manager Lee Adams and personal trainer Lauren Allen achieved in bodybuilding competitions last year. Lee took on the role of coach after employee Lauren became interested in competing off the back of his own success. He said: “I carefully planned everything focusing on her diet and training routine. “She managed to get her body fat from 26 per cent the previous year to below 15 per cent on her competitive debut. When she saw the change in her body it motivated her.” Lauren went on to achieve a top five finish in the Pure Elite Championships in Kent and Lee achieved his second successive top five finish at the annual UKDFBA UK Championships in Leamington Spa. He added: “My body changed. I learnt so much about myself and how much I can achieve.”

Manager Lee Adams competing at the annual UKDFBA UK Championships in Leamington Spa. The club has now launched a ‘Biggest Loser’ style competition for members that are looking to lose weight this year, providing them with useful information when it comes to the correct food and exercise choices and giving them the tools they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Lee added: “Everyone aspires to want to have a go but it really is a lifestyle and people always come out with excuses. It’s pretty soul destroying when your family are eating a roast dinner and you’re digging into turkey and vegetables that you prepared yesterday.”

David Lloyd Leisure has installed Trixter XdreamV2 bikes into 12 of its UK clubs, as well as one in Barcelona. The latest version of the bike includes a 23” HD Dell touch screen, impressive graphics and intuitive user interface. Group programming and fitness development manager Michelle Dand said: “We aim to provide our members with the best equipment. We’ve incorporated Trixter bikes into our facilities for years and they’re widely enjoyed by our members so choosing to install the latest XdreamV2 was an easy decision. We’re really impressed with the changes in the new version and the extra features are great.”

Les Mills UK strengthens team LES Mills UK has added a further 13 trainers to its international trainer team, based in South Africa. This is the first time South Africa has had a trainer team and this team will be responsible for training and developing new instructors in Les Mills programmes and ensuring continuing professional development and instructor progression. The trainer team was chosen from more than 30 instructors who attend-

ed a week long boot-camp in Johannesburg, led by head trainer Dave Kyle. He said: “It’s amazing to see the formation of an amazing trainer team in South Africa. “The appointment process was incredibly emotional and it was a very moving journey. “The team will be responsible for ensuring the journey of our growing tribe of instructors.”

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Michael Warren (left) plans to open an outside training area at FSI Gym this year, as well as launching a new online coaching programme and franchising his thriving business model.

Busy year ahead for double award winner Michael By Christina Eccles DOUBLE National Fitness Award winner Michael Warren is gearing up for a busy year, with the addition of an outdoor training area to his own gym, a new online coaching programme and plans to franchise his thriving business model all in the pipeline. Michael, who runs FSI Gym in Newcastle alongside business partner Andrew Douglas, was named Best Gym Based Personal Trainer at the 2014 NFAs. The club also scooped the Functional Training Gym of the Year trophy at the event and was shortlisted in two more categories, rounding off a successful 2014 for the team. Now following his NFA success,

Michael has revealed ambitious plans to boost the brand even further, launching an FSI franchise to give other people the opportunity to buy into the concept and open their own clubs around the country. He explained: “I had a personal training business before the gym, but when you are dealing with your own premises, it’s a whole new market. “We have showcased that we have a brand that works. “Franchising is a way of building the brand and offering people that opportunity to be involved and get support. “As the brand develops it can become bigger but still keep that independence in specific clubs.” Michael also told Workout that the

timing of the club’s NFA success was also helpful in boosting business throughout the Christmas period, which can traditionally be a quieter time for clubs. He added: “The awards for me felt like a great surprise. It took a while for it to sink in. The biggest thing was the impact it had in December. It’s been nothing but positive for us.” The team is now also looking to develop the offering in the Newcastle gym, with the addition of an outdoor area focusing on strength training. And specialising in functional training, plus offering that all important personal level of service, is helping the business stand out and compete against other local clubs. Michael added: “Our cheapest

membership is £32 per month which is three times the price of the budget gyms. Yet we have people who train here and stay.” In future, Michael is also looking at developing an online training programme so he can widen his reach to help people in other areas of the country, as well as a coaching and mentoring programme aimed at other fitness professionals and launching his own e-books. He added: “Off the back of the awards, I thought it was a sign that I had got to do it now. “Now I’m training people in the North East but can’t train people in London or other parts of the UK. Online coaching enables me to help more people.”

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‘Active Crew’ to help kids form healthy habits By Christina Eccles

Iconic department store Harrods became the ultimate healthy lifestyle destination throughout January, with leading beauty brands taking over its window displays and a range of in store beauty, fitness and food demonstrations. As part of the Happy New You campaign, a range of sportswear or fitness brands hosted an exercise class on the Fifth Floor, with experts on hand to offer tips and advice for getting fit for the new year. Brands taking part included Glofaster, who kickstarted the week of activity with a spin class, Technogym who demonstrated how to use resistance bands, dumbbells and weights and Sweaty Betty who hosted yoga classes.

Gym does its bit for less fortunate AN award winning Barnsley gym did its bit for charity by helping out a local business looking for donations to feed less fortunate people at Christmas. Lifestyle Fitness donated 25 Christmas dinners at a cost of £9.95 each to a campaign launched by Sara’s Flowers and Teas to support people in need of hot meals and drinks. Regional manager Shane Williams

said: “This is not a large amount for such a great cause but it will make such a big difference to people who maybe would have not received a dinner. I would personally like to thank Sara's Flowers and Teas for putting the event on for people less fortunate. What a lovely thing to do at such a difficult time for many.” The club recently won Budget Gym of the Year at The National Fitness Awards in Leicester.

VIRGIN Active has launched a new fitness programme, which empowers kids through activity and helps them form lifelong healthy habits. Created with leaders in children’s development and movement, Active Crew is for kids aged eight to 16 and is launching nationwide. During the term-long course of sessions, kids will receive equal focus from the Active Crew coaches on their physical and psychological development. They’ll be helped to develop their teamwork and self-confidence, alongside developing basic skills like running, catching and throwing, strength, ability and core fitness. Sessions will contain several components including ZUU Chimps, where kids are encouraged to embrace primal movement and move like a frog, bear, gorilla or iguana, alongside equipment such as ViPR, anTRX, and Fitlights. Another element of Active Crew is SAQ (Speed, Agility and Quickness) training, a programme that has been used by a variety of sport stars from

Andy Murray to the Manchester United football team. This special programme for kids teaches them skills for life – how to run, catch, throw and jump, helping them to develop coordination, balance and confidence in movement. Head of junior programming at Virgin Active Glen Heidke said: “Our mission has always been to inspire higher levels of activeness across the country and there’s no better place to start than with the younger generation. “By using the latest gym equipment and coaching techniques we’re giving kids a real insight into how much choice there now is when it comes to keeping fit and healthy. “But with Active Crew we’re thinking about the long term and giving kids the skills to live an active and healthy lifestyle with confidence. By doing that, we hope to inspire future generations to lead active and healthy lifestyles.” Virgin Active has committed to encouraging activeness across the country, and Active Crew is part of a series of programmes aimed specifically at young people.

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Fitness Systems helps operator open high-tech gyms SPORTS Direct Fitness has opened two new hi-tech gyms in Aintree and Keighley with the help of equipment provider Fitness Systems. The newly-opened facilities are offering unlimited access for £5 per month and gym access with a full Les Mills class programme for an extra £3 per month. The Aintree gym, which officially opened on December 15, is already close to hitting the maximum amount of members, with the other club following in its footsteps. Sports Direct Fitness’ head of sales Mel Crossland said: “The second club

in Keighley was a bit slower to follow at first, but now the same thing is happening. “There’s definitely a trend.” Fitness Systems helped Sports Direct Fitness with all aspects of opening the new gyms, providing them with equipment and their expertise. The Free Motion range that has been installed in Sports Direct Fitness’ gyms allow users to watch the television that is integrated into the console of the equipment whilst working out. The Aintree gym boasts a range of

equipment including incline machines, dual-cross cable machines, a fully equipped indoor cycling studio, a bespoke functional rig, a fully equipped free weights area and a large functional training section. As well as helping with equipment, Fitness Systems also did all the planning and designed the layout of the clubs. Mel added: “The functional area that Fitness Systems provided is outstanding and we’re working with personal trainers to make sure that the members utilise the equipment. “They’ve really helped us, and so far

it’s going extremely well. The feedback we’ve had has been brilliant.” The second club in Keighley has a mix of new and refurbished free motion equipment on its gym floor. Fitness Systems is a family-run company from Bolton that has been highly involved in the distribution of leading equipment since 1982. Fitness Systems sales director Rick Fowler added: “It’s not just a case of providing the kit, we’re actually helping improve fitness clubs. “The kit we refurbish comes out as new, it’s completely re-manufactured.”

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Interactive site offers users virtual personal training experience By Olivia Taylor

A Scottish independent gym has announced the winner of its festive fitness challenge to win a Christmas dinner. Think Fitness 4 Less in Hawick gave members 51 days to clock up as many points as possible using MYZONE belts to monitor and record their activity. Members gained one entry into the grand Christmas Holiday Huff and Puff draw for every 1000 MEPs they earned. Winner Lisa Brydon won a package including a 10lb turkey, a 3lb gammon joint and a Christmas cake donated by local business Denholm Meat Supplies. Lisa Brydon is pictured receiving her prize from staff member Murray Gracie.

A NEW interactive fitness website has taken the industry by storm, giving users a virtual personal training experience without the need for a gym or equipment. The Workout In concept puts customers in charge of where and when they exercise, offering them 70 live classes per week – ranging from HIIT to yoga – all with level three personal trainers; the only thing needed is an internet connection. The programme is tailored towards busy single mums and on the go businessmen and women who want the opportunity to train at home or work. Andy Johnson from Workout In said: “We offer the interaction of getting the live coach on screen to show you the correct technique. “Gyms can be quite intimidating places, so we’re offering a fully qualified personal trainer to anyone with an internet connection.” Once someone signs up to the online programme on the Workout In website, they receive a free class and a fitness test, allowing the team to recommend what classes would be best for them. The classes are purely pay

Andy Johnson as you go and users book sessions in groups of three (£24 or £8 each), six (£45 or £7.50 each) or 15 (£90 or £6 each). Andy added: “We see ourselves as the next level up from home fitness DVDs.” In the future, Workout In is looking to develop a workshop in online personal training for future employees, as well as adding a nutrition element to the website.

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PT Success seminars launched LIFETIME Training is launching a series of seminars specifically designed to highlight the benefits of becoming and building a business as a personal trainer. Hosted by fitness industry and business development expert and author, Dave Fletcher, alongside members of the Lifetime coaching team, the PT Success Seminars explore the whole ‘journey’ from qualification to the creation of a thriving business. The seminars include themes such as choosing appropriate qualifications, maximising income potential, the pros and cons of employment versus selfemployment, identifying what makes a great personal trainer, generating new clients, building a business efficiently and effectively, as well as exploring long term opportunities within the industry. Dave said: “The seminars represent an excellent opportunity to meet and engage with people before they begin their careers and then set them up with the skills and tools that they need so that they have the best possible platform for success.” The first seminar will take place on March 14 at Regent’s Place Health Club in London.

‘Insource’ and learn what you don’t know, says Katie By Christina Eccles STAR of The Apprentice and top personal trainer Katie Bulmer-Cooke has urged fitness professionals to ‘insource’ and learn the things they don’t know how to do, instead of outsourcing areas such as website design and PR to others. Speaking at the recent LFX conference at the Metrodome in Barnsley, Katie advised delegates on how to create a successful fitness business from scratch. She revealed her story so far, from starting out on work experience in the cafe at her local gym in Sunderland to teaching classes herself as a fitness instructor, becoming a personal trainer and launching two thriving businesses, The Little Black Dress Club and The Fit Mummy Manual – created in partnership with fellow PT Kelly Rennie. And she revealed that when it comes to areas such as website building, PR and marketing, rather than pay someone else to do it for her, she would rather learn the skills herself to maintain creative control over her brand. She explained: “If I don’t know how to do something, I learn. In my business, I want to be in the driving seat.

I want to be in control. In business, we are told to outsource things. But I would say insource.” Katie, who received worldwide PR coverage when she sent a copy of the Fit Mummy Manual DVD to Kate Middleton and got a thank you letter back from her team – which she promoted via social media – also said that when it comes to getting the word out there about your business, tools such as Twitter can prove invaluable – and again are something you can learn to do for yourself. She added: “Twitter has made it so easy for us to connect with celebrities. I would encourage anybody who is looking for endorsement to find a celebrity on Twitter and send them something. “Because I manage my own social media, I was able to get it out there quickly. I didn’t want to have to wait for someone else to determine how successful this piece of PR would be.” According to Katie, much of her success with teaching classes over the years has been down to retaining loyal customers who have kept coming back to her sessions thanks to great levels of customer service – something she learned from her mum, who was also a class instructor in the local area when she was grow-

Katie and Fit Mummy Manual co-creator Kelly Rennie. ing up. She added: “My success has been with retention. Give them amazing customer service. “Assess the competition but then do something different. Something that will make you and your business stand out.”

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Ladies’ magazine launches fitness TV programme By Christina Eccles

The new starters at Lifetime Training.

Lifetime Training adds new faces to commercial team LIFETIME Training has expanded its commercial team, appointing new members of staff in both sales and customer service roles. Four new commercial course advisors have been appointed to the sales team – Stephen McCraith, Alastair O’Connor, Lawrence Townsend and Tobias Whitmarsh. The customer services department has also added four new members; customer services team leader, Leanne Appleton, customer services administrators, Tom Knowles and Charlotte Rysdale, and customer service apprentice Jaime Williams.

Commercial director Mike Jones said: “The new appointments reflect the continuing success of Lifetime Training and our need to expand both our sales and customer services departments to support the demand for quality, flexible training from the commercial sector. “By recruiting individuals who are passionate about the health, fitness and leisure industries and building on their qualifications and skills we can foster this new talent, creating a strong support base for the commercial side of the business as we continue to grow.”

THE team behind leading women’s magazine Cosmopolitan have launched a new health and fitness TV programme. The creation of The Cosmo Body Show, which is airing on Sky's FAB TV, follows the success of Cosmopolitan Body, Cosmopolitan's health and fitness magazine and online offering. The show covers everything women need to know to feel inspired to lead healthier and happier lives; speaking to experts and body confidence champions from athletes to women who have overcome eating disorders and models who have made a career out of not being size zero. The show includes: Workouts that work – celebrity personal trainers such as Svava Sigbertsdotti, Jess Schuring, Joe Wicks and Alchemist Life, who train the likes of Nicole Scherzinger and Kate Hudson, share their top tips for getting into shape. Every episode will also feature a fitness segment with TV star and fitness entrepreneur Lucy Mecklenburgh. Healthy eating how-tos – worldrenowned nutritionists and healthy

chefs Madeleine Shaw, Natasha Corrett and Danielle Copperman explain how to create meals that are delicious and nutritious. Chic fitness fashion – advice on choosing the right gym kit, swimwear and trainers for your shape and size. Beauty tips and tricks – Cosmopolitan's beauty team chat all things beauty, from the natural beauty products lurking in the kitchen cupboard to the must-have gym bag beauty essentials. The content will also be split into relevant videos for online streaming on the Cosmopolitan website. Presenter on The Cosmo Body Show and editor of Cosmopolitan Body, Taylor Anderson, said: “The Cosmo Body Show is the ultimate confidence-creating TV series empowering women with the best fitness, nutrition and health advice from around the globe. “Cosmopolitan is all about inspiring women to be the best they can be, but on their terms. “The Cosmo Body Show follows exactly the same ethos and captures the unique voice of the Cosmopolitan brand – it's health and fitness, but it's fun.”

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Renowned retention experts to speak at one-off convention By Christina Eccles

A GROUP of world renowned retention experts will come together for a one off convention, taking place in Birmingham in May. The event is being led by international speaker and author of the world’s largest retention study, Dr Paul Bedford, who will explain how to develop a strategy to improve member retention. Other speakers will include: Dr Melvyn Hillsdon, author of a 10,000 member study on what members look for in a club, who will review industry data and its impact on member retention. Jan Middelkamp, former COO for European-wide health club chain HealthCity International, current development director at HDD Group and EuropeActive board member. He will talk about the situation in Europe and what operators have done to positively impact their retention rates. Guy Griffiths, who specialises in fitness and exercise-focused data mining and business intelligence, who will explain what’s already being done in clubs from a UK perspective. Rob Gregory, former global director of member experience at Fitness First, directly responsible for the group’s retention levels, who will look at what can be learned from big picture data on the fitness industry. The event will be hosted by respected industry veteran Robin Gargrave,

Dr Paul Bedford director of Ad-Lib Training, who has more than 30 years’ senior management experience in the health and fitness industry. Paul said: “The purpose of the day will be to explore how retention can impact on business behaviour. “The emergence of the low cost sector has created challenges for all operators, including themselves, and clubs need to look at improving their retention in order to retain a profitable business. “Operations directors, senior managers and anyone who who has a role in keeping members happy should not miss this event.” The Retention Convention, which is open to just 120 people, will take place on May 14 in central Birmingham.

Halfords launches campaign HALFORDS encouraged the public to kickstart their healthy 2015 resolutions with a #31FitterDays campaign on Facebook to get more active throughout January. Halfords #31FitterDays exercise plan was developed by qualified personal trainer and certified

nutritionist Mo Jabbar who also shared his top fitness tips every week at Facebook/ HalfordsUK. Each day also featured a choice of exercises for participants to complete including anything from a walk, a bike ride or a set of stretches.

An independent gym ended the year on a high note by holding a popular Christmas party for both members and non members. Titans Gym in Birkenhead organised the event, which included a four course Christmas dinner available in three sittings and two live bands. Tickets were priced at £15 per head and sold out. Gym owner Martin Mckane added: “As an independent gym in a fiercely competitive market, it's important to keep customers coming in during the quiet December period. This year our December sales topped the whole year due to our much anticipated Christmas party.”

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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 ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or you can message us on Facebook or Twitter. Picture of the month

This month’s top Tweets...

@fitnessgarageuk: New members joining from seeing our @FitnessAwards #Winners signs! @WorkOutUK The #Yellow splashes get everywhere! @GarethCFM: @thinkfitnessgym nice job with the @WorkOutUK guys! @PKGenerations: @WorkOutUK Happy New Year guys! We're launching a raft of new initiatives and events this year to get more people active via parkour.

Pre-Christmas gym challenge helps charities OVER on Facebook, we’ve been finding out more about a gym which took on a pre Christmas charity challenge. Millennium Fitness Centre in Fife held a 15-day Metafit challenge where people paid £5 per week to take part. 50 members and non members got involved, taking a fitness test at the beginning and the end to measure their progress. Gym manager Pam Weeks said: “It was an idea to keep our members motivated with the lead up to Christmas, as it is a quieter period. “We raised a total of £750 and this was split between two local companies, Homestart and Aberlour Children Trust. We had a suggestions box at reception and these were the two charities that had the most votes.”

Iconic children’s character Paddington Bear dropped into a gym in the Forest of Dean to celebrate its re-opening following refurbishment. As part of Visit Britain’s #paddingtonsbritain campaign, Paddington visited Forest Leisure Cinderford to see the new facilities for himself, including a new fully accessible entrance, reception area, improved swimming pool and changing room facilities. The club also held a successful community open day to mark the re-opening, which included a guest appearance from local rugby star Ceri Large, who was part of the England ladies world cup winning team.

Editor’s Comment @msffitness: Great way to start the day @wattbike class with my mom and friends @WorkOutUK 14 participants #cycling #lifestyle FitnessFirstMG: @WorkOutUK its #RedMonday at all @FitnessFirstUK clubs tomorrow! Free use of the club for all the community. @FitnessAwards: Great sponsorship opportunities available for categories at the 2015 NFAs. Watch out for details or contact the team at @WorkOutUK!

WE may only be a few weeks into the new year, but in the Workout office we’ve started 2015 with a bang and have all sorts of ideas about how we are going to make this year a happy and healthy one! So with this theme in mind, I was happy to hear more about the 365 Challenge, which we have reported on this issue – a project which encourages people to set themselves a fitness challenge and follow it through for a year. Talking to the project’s founder Steven Marsh got me thinking about my own pledge and with my 30th birthday quickly approaching, I decided that my challenge will be to try out 30 different fitness classes over the next 365 days. I already have a few ideas in the pipeline and I’m sure some of them will make good Challenge Christina features for upcoming issues. But I’m also open to ideas, so if anyone knows of any great classes, or wants to tell us

about the pledges they are doing, get in touch. Workout reporters Dominic and Olivia are also on a fitness mission and have been taking part in sessions at a local gym with personal trainers Katie Ford and Adam Copley. I’ll be handing over the challenge feature to them in a future issue, so watch out for news of how they got on coming soon! The team is also currently hard at work discussing plans for the 2015 National Fitness Awards and how we can make the event even bigger and better this year. It’s never too early to start thinking about your nominations; remember the stronger and more detailed your entry, the greater your chance of being shortlisted. If you need any inspiration, check out our feature on personal trainers Victoria Hudson and Tara Hammett whose businesses have gone from strength to strength since being

shortlisted for an NFA. Double NFA winner Michael Warren also shares the secrets of his club – FSI Gym – on page six and reveals why franchising is now the next natural step Christina Eccles for his business model. As always, we’re keen to hear from our readers, so if you have a story for us or any suggestions as to what you would like to see at the NFAs this year, let us know. You can contact our editorial team via email or come and say hello on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Have a great month!

This month’s hot topic:

We’ve recently had a query from a Workout reader who is looking to implement a loyalty/discount card scheme into her gyms. Has anyone else done something similar? How does it work and what advice would you give to anyone looking to do the same? Send your answers to ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or contact us via Twitter or Facebook. We’ll print the best responses next issue. @clubbercise: BIG SHOUT OUT to our new #dancefitness instructors who trained in #Scotland yesterday #fitfam @WorkOutUK @REPsUK

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Change Gear launched by leisure firm LEISURE management company Parkwood Leisure has launched cycling venture; Change Gear. The new division offers a range of cycling-related activities including the national Bikeability proficiency programme, dedicated cycle hire centres, family fun rides and longer-distance road events known as Sportives. Head of sales and marketing Graeme MacLennan said: “Creating our own cycle product is a natural progression for us as we seek to diversify the range of activities we offer. “As well as being hugely popular, cycling is environmentallyfriendly, healthy and fun and our existing network of leisure facilities puts us in an advantageous position to deliver the various elements of the brand. Change Gear has got off to a successful start and we envisage it developing very quickly. “During the next three years our aim is to become the main Bikeability operator with Change Gear becoming recognised as a leading UK cycle brand.” Successful schemes have already been launched at Parkwood sites in Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Sisters combine skills to offer training package By Olivia Taylor FIT sisters Kelly-Louise and Stephanie-Jane Rowden are combining their different skill sets to offer clients a unique training package. Combining younger sister Stephanie-Jane’s background in nutrition and older sister Kelly-Louise’s skills in personal training, the duo came up with the FITTSISTERS brand. The pair train people of all abilities from beginners to competitors, providing them with personal training, nutrition information, recipes and posing workshops in their studio Fittstudios. Kelly-Louise said: “I love it, it doesn’t feel like a job, I’m always in my gym kit and it’s made it so much easier to compete.” They also offer clients an online training programme. Kelly-Louise added: “We originally started training 35 women online. The coaching involves a questionnaire at the start to find out everything specific to the individual. “I then write a bespoke training and nutritional plan to get them to their goals. “They check in weekly with me and I update things as needed and they also get full e-mail and group support.”

Kelly-Louise and Stephanie-Jane Rowden. Kelly-Louise, 31, and StephanieJane, 27, are also both WBBF pro atheltes and fitness models sponsored by TRG Fitness Centre. Their passion for competing sparked after they attended BodyPower 2013 and they have competed in both UKBFF and WBFF competitions. Kelly-Louise added: “Through the

competitions we’ve always had each other to lean on. We’ve always worked together, there isn’t any competitiveness. “I'm honestly not sure we'd have achieved everything we have doing it alone. We push and support each other and it's also just more fun. We complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

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Operator appointed to drive county’s weight management services EVERYONE Health – Sports and Leisure Management’s public health division – has been appointed as the driving force behind Nottinghamshire County Council’s new Obesity Prevention and Weight Management services. The contract is valued at over £5m and will see Everyone Health work alongside the council over the next four years to help families across Nottinghamshire manage their weight and lead healthier lifestyles. Starting in April, adults, children and families in Nottinghamshire at high risk of obesity will be offered a personalised care package, including psychological support and help with increasing physical activity and maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. Everyone Health will also operate within work places and alongside key health professionals in the county – Sheffield health and fitness scheme Fitness Unlimited has appointed a new personal training manager. Adam White (pictured above), who has over 10 years’ experience in the industry, will be working to grow personal training in the city across a number of venues including Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Hillsborough Leisure Centre, The English Institute of Sport Sheffield and Concord Sports Centre. Adam said: “I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to work for Fitness Unlimited. The role is an exciting and challenging position, and I’m looking forward to the fantastic opportunities this project will bring to our members’ health and wellbeing.”

such as midwives and health visitors – to provide weight management support for women with a BMI above 30 before, during and after pregnancy. Head of public health at Everyone Health Annie Holden said: “This is a landmark contract for Everyone Health. We’re thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with Nottinghamshire County Council to deliver these dedicated services for families and individuals across the county. “Everyone Active already operates six sports and leisure centres in Nottinghamshire so the partnership will strengthen our presence in the Midlands further. “Our aim is to provide more people in Nottinghamshire with the on-going support and education they need to make improved, healthier lifestyle choices.”

Mirrors donated to charity MIRRORS for Training has donated four of its mirrors to Help for Heroes, which will be used in the gym at one of the charity’s recovery centres to help with rehabilitation and recovery. The company, best known for supplying and installing floor to ceiling mirrors in gyms, has donated the products to Phoenix House at Catterick in North Yorkshire, one of Help for Heroes’ four recovery centres, and the only one in the North. Managing director Andrea Miles said: “Help for Heroes approached

me asking if they could purchase four gym mirrors. “My immediate thought was that I could give them the mirrors, so that’s what I did. “The mirrors supplied are fully portable, so can be moved around to different rooms or next to different pieces of equipment as needed. “It’s nice to feel that I’ve been able to help in a small way, and that the charity can put the money that they would have used for gym mirrors towards other equipment.”

Exercise cards aim to get more people swimming EXPERTS at the ASA are aiming to get more people into regular swimming with the launch of new Swimfit Gym cards; high impact, high calorie-burning, circuit style exercises for the pool. Designed to complement existing Swimfit Activate+ sessions, these distinctive blue cards combine lane swimming with in-pool gym exercises for the ultimate water workout. The gym inspired movements, led by a Swimfit activator are simple yet effective, with a clear description on the front of the card and a supporting visual sketch on the reverse. ASA head of health and wellbeing Lara Lill said: “Swimfit Gym is an exciting new addition to the Swimfit Activate+ programme. “This gives operators a great opportunity to deliver a series of varied pool workout sessions, which will give the customer a motivating fitness experience in the water. “These resources have been tested extensively with our Swimfit experts to ensure that they are exactly what the fantastic Activator workforce need to deliver new, innovative Swimfit classes. We highly recommend adding

An example of one of the cards. Swimfit Gym into your pool timetable to gain new swimmers and support existing members.” Over 500 facilities are currently running the Swimfit programmes across the UK.

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Performance and style are the key components of Helly Hansen apparel, with the brand making waves in the fitness industry thanks to its range of functional – yet fashionable – training footwear and clothing. Christina Eccles attended the launch of the latest collection at BARREtoned – and tried out a taster session of one of the studio’s popular ballet inspired workouts.

Helly Hansen’s This is My Style event was held at the BARREtoned studio, and featured a discussion by design and development director Mija Nideborn.

Well equipped to try a class that was unlike anything I had done before ... CONFIDENT When It Matters is Helly Hansen’s motto – a theme reflected in its training garments – which I experienced first hand when I was lucky enough to be invited to the brand’s This is My Style event. Providing the perfect backdrop for the launch of the collection was the BARREtoned studio, which was founded by trained lawyer Esther Kufrin, who swapped one bar for another when she moved from the USA to London and saw an opportunity to bring the barre exercises she enjoyed doing in America to a new market in the UK. The result of her business venture is a stylish studio in London’s trendy Notting Hill where fitness enthusiasts are flocking to try out a new type of workout – and learn for themselves how to gain an enviable dancer’s physique. At the event, design and development director Mija Nideborn gave us a preview of Helly Hansen’s latest products, including insight into the company’s use of technology such as Lifa Flow – which pulls excess heat away from the skin to keep the wearer cool and dry – and X-Cool quick dry fabric, before Esther led a group of journalists and bloggers in a mini BARREtoned workout, designed to showcase the benefits of a ballet inspired class – and put the kit through its paces in a workout environment. Mija explained: “Helly Hansen doesn’t compromise between style and performance. These two things are equally important and it believes each and every product can have a flavour of both. “It makes the training range appealing to both professional athletes and

Christina ready to give a BARREtoned class a try in her new Helly Hansen training top and leggings. the wider base of consumers where factors as style, price or just general comfort might be the reason to buy.” The BARREtoned class was unlike any workout I have ever tried before, but well equipped in my Helly Hansen training top and leggings I was ready to give it a go. According to Esther, BARREtoned participants will typically start to see results in about eight sessions, with benefits including sculpted arms, improved posture and reduced body fat. I was also impressed by the fact that regular barre sessions can lead to the development of a much more graceful physique – and as someone well known for having little coordination when it comes to following

choreographed workouts, this is definitely an area I could do with some help in! During the taster session, Esther took us through some of the movements seen in a full length 60 minute class including mat work to focus on the abs and exercises on the barre, which I definitely felt in my thighs the next day. Providing a challenging, yet fun workout, I really enjoyed the class and would love to take part in enough regular sessions to start seeing results. As a bit of a fitness fashion obsessive who is always on the lookout for new gym clothes, I was also pleased to see that my training gear was up to the challenge of being functional,

well fitting and keeping me cool during the class, while also looking attractive thanks to the bright colours and prints used in individual pieces. With Esther describing a BARREtoned workout as “in a timecrunched and result-focused society this is as close to ideal as it gets”, it’s easy to see why the concept has taken off in the capital and it would be great to see more studios springing up around the country or more gyms adding this type of class to their timetable. Who knows, with a few more sessions I may even become a budding ballet dancer in the making. Now if only tutus were classed as acceptable gym wear...

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A determined personal trainer turned bodybuilder is doing her bit to give disabled women a gateway into bodybuilding. Workout reporter Olivia Taylor found out more – and discovered other success stories in this area.

Samantha turns her life around to become first Bryony to disabled bodybuilder go deeper into rehab

THE InstructAbility programme is continuing to make a difference, getting more disabled people working in gyms. Bryony Jones found the programme when she was left with titanium plates in her forehead following a serious accident, which left her in need of cranioplasty surgery to reconstruct her skull. Bryony’s rehabilitation trainer at YMCA Watford pointed her in the direction of the InstructAbility course when she started going to the gym to try and help speed up her recovery. Bryony said: “My recovery was so much easier thanks to exercise. It made such a positive impact and continues to do so today.” Bryony started the programme in October and now has a level two gym instructor qualification under her belt. She is continuing to work towards her level three exercise and disability qualification with a placement at YMCA St Albans. It’s her goal to go deeper into the rehabilitation side of exercise to help people who she can relate to; pushing the message that disability should never be a barrier stopping you from getting what you want. She added: “When it’s something that you’re passionate about you become more determined. It’s been so worthwhile, I have come such a long way after what has happened. “I would like everyone to be aware that rehab is available to anyone that needs it.”

INSPIRATIONAL Samantha Watson broke both of her legs severely seven years ago in a car crash, but has since turned her life around and is now competing as the first disabled female bodybuilder in the UK. She said: “After the accident I had no direction in my life, I needed something to do. It was a case of making my legs stronger to make myself happier ” Before the accident, she was working at Phones 4 U and wasn’t really familiar with the gym and exercise, however, she is now a qualified personal trainer, working 32 hours a week and coaching clients for competitions at Fitness Factory in Market Deeping, Peterborough. She added: “I never used to believe in fate but they say things happen for a reason and now I believe that. “Everyone at the gym is so supportive, they call me Woody because I have one leg shorter than the other, so I need to put a piece of wood under one of my legs to use the machines.” Samantha, who now has two titani-

um rods in her legs, was told by surgeons it would take her a year to learn how to walk again after her accident, but after five weeks she was out of hospital and walking with crutches. She added: “Being 25 at the time and having someone take you to the toilet spurred me on.” She now travels 17 miles to work every day on her moped and has recently been promoted to gym manager. In 2014 alone, with support from gym members and colleagues, Samantha has competed in Hercules Olympia, IBFA Hampshire and Pure Elite, with a hope of raising awareness for disabled bodybuilders, particularly those that are female. In future, she is hoping to progress her career further and take an exercise referral course and believes she is living proof that anything can be achieved. She added: “I want to take the course so that I can show people, look, there is life after illness. The only thing stopping you is the demons in your head.”

Samantha Watson now works as a personal trainer at Fitness Factory in Market Deeping, Peterborough.

Josh aims to promote disabled inclusion PERSONAL trainer Josh Goodfellow is doing all he can to promote the inclusion of disabled people in bodybuilding. 22-year-old Josh, who has Cerebral Palsy and is a bodybuilder himself, is using his brand JGFitness to offer disabled bodybuilders and those interested in fitness a place to go for advice and support. Alongside running his brand, Josh also works as a personal trainer at the Workhouse gymnasium in Boston. Josh said: “JGFitness is unique in its ethics and values. We’re one in very

few brands that strive to support people with disabilities. It’s all about providing a service and support.” Josh told Workout he does feel like he’s getting somewhere and the industry is listening to him and his quest to make bodybuilding more accessible to disabled people, with 2015 providing disabled bodybuilders with four federations running disabled classes on their show cards and other federations considering the possibility, compared to last year when there were only two shows that ran disabled competitions.

Josh commented: “It’s great to see that the industry is finally listening and looking to accommodate disabled people. “The ideal situation for me would be a professional structure for disabled bodybuilding, having our own stand alone shows.” Josh is also looking to become more heavily involved in bodybuilding and in the next few years host his own disabled bodybuilding competitions. He added: “Bodybuilding is a diverse sport and after all the only disability in life is a bad attitude.”

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High profile speakers lined up for female fitness conference

Tone Leisure has been awarded £22,108 for the Forever Active scheme.

Lottery money to fund project TONE Leisure, which manages leisure facilities on behalf of Taunton Deane Borough Council, has been awarded £22,108 of Sport England lottery money to fund a new project. The Forever Active project is a supportive approach to new participants currently not achieving the government’s recommended levels of physical activity per week and who would prefer to exercise in a beginner’s group session in the gym. The target groups are adults aged 50 plus with a BMI over 25 and adults aged 65 plus with long-term health conditions.

There will be six, 45-minute sessions per week – divided evenly between Blackbrook Pavilion and Wellington Sports Centre. Contract manager for Tone Leisure Mark Washington said: “The funding that we have received from Sport England via Sporta’s ‘Make Your Move’ campaign is essential to increasing participation in physical activity in our local community. “It will allow us to offer enhanced services to local people, further developing participation in physical activity and improving health in this region.”

HIGH profile personal trainers Charlotte Ord and Katie BulmerCooke will be among the speakers at the industry’s first all-female fitness conference, which takes place next month. Bringing together women who are passionate about health and fitness, the organisers of WIFE (Women in Fitness Empowerment) Conference are promising to make women’s voices heard in a male dominated industry. A wide range of topics will be covered throughout the day including marketing and social media, understanding eating disorders, business development, female health concerns, brand development and a look at the latest fitness trends. An expert panel will also be on hand, ready to debate, discuss and answer questions from the all-female audience on topics and issues that affect women’s health, fitness and well-being. WIFE Conference host and founder Jacqueline Hooton said: “Female fitness professionals are at the forefront of delivering fitness classes, personal training and nutrition coaching and understand the unique challenges other women face when trying to improve their health and fitness. “WIFE Conference aims to provide

Charlotte Ord training, support and networking opportunities for like-minded women who play a critical role in fitness. “It’s important that we come together to tackle and raise issues that affect women in their pursuit of health as well as reflect on good practices and learn from successful role models like Katie and Charlotte.” The conference has been endorsed by SkillsActive and REPs and carries three CPD points for members. It takes place on March 7 at the Holiday Inn in Guildford.

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Gyms urged to back year-long challenge By Christina Eccles

Two members from a Scottish gym were rewarded for their achievements at the club’s annual Christmas party. Every year, MRC Fitness in Ayrshire choose a male and female award winner and celebrate their successes, presenting them with awards at the gym’s festive event. The 2014 winners were Jordan Robertson, who in eight months has lost six stone with the help of the club, and Hazel Caughie, who had previously been a member and left due to family commitments but within a few months was missing the benefits she had been seeing and was back training hard.

GYMS have been urged to get behind a year-long challenge designed to raise money for charity and promote healthier lifestyles. The 365 Challenge concept aims to get people into regular exercise by encouraging them to set a personal challenge to achieve over the course of 365 days. Participants can start on any day of the year to suit them – as it’s a 365 day challenge rather than a calendar year one – and can also incorporate fundraising for charities into their efforts. Founder Steven Marsh said: “We wanted to use The 365 Challenge to help those that would benefit from exercise to get them mentally and physically healthier, by giving them something to be involved in that gives them something to focus on, a sense of pride, purpose and achievement and the ability to be part of a community of like minded people with a common goal.” Those signing up can get support via a dedicated website and Facebook group, with examples of challenges including: To get up and leave the house and go for a walk once a week for 52 weeks. To walk, run, swim or cycle a cer-

tain number of miles in 365 days – Steven’s challenge is to personally run 1,600 miles in 365 days. To do a certain number of press ups a year. One member is doing a press up for every numerical day of the year, starting on one a day all the way up to 365 a day. The challenge also provides a good opportunity for gyms to get involved, according to Steven, as it gives members something to aim for, which may help to keep them focused on attending their workouts and classes. He added: “Gyms are a key part of how this could work whether it’s completing a distance challenge on various pieces of equipment or X amount of classes. “There’s a really wide range of things people can do in the gym environment and it also encourages people to utilise their gym memberships.” There is also an important social element to getting involved, with Steven looking to organise different fitness events around the country where participants will be able to take part and meet like minded people who live in their area. He added: “The core message is to get people out exercising and having fun. doing something that’s their own personal challenge that can also help other people.”

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