Workout January 2013

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January 2013

The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine

Sell-out awards’ evening proves a real winner

By Christina Eccles THE 2012 National Fitness Awards have been billed as the best yet after the evening was enjoyed by a sell-out crowd of over 600 people.

The awards, held at The Athena in Leicester, saw the fitness industry come together to celebrate excellence and achievement from clubs and individuals up and down the country.

The event, organised by Script Media in partnership with WorkOut and headline sponsor ServiceSport, was hosted by top personal trainer and star of TV’s The Biggest Loser Charlotte Ord and radio presenter Guy Harris, with awards handed out in almost 20 categories.

Big winners on the night included Winners 2000 Ltd in Newton Abbot, named Regional Gym of the Year South and National Gym of the Year.

CKI School of Martial Arts in Leicester also had much to celebrate after being crowned best gym in the Midlands and Wales and Combat Zone Gym of the Year.

Simon de Burgh from Michele White Fitness Centre in Devon successfully retained his title of best gym-based personal trainer, while the awards also welcomed some new faces such as The

Metrodome Leisure Complex – named Local Authority/Leisure Trust Gym of the Year – and best hotel facility, won

by Combe Grove Manor Hotel and Country Club in Bath.

Guests, including famous faces such as top fitness model Carly Thornton and TV presenter and former Gladiator Caroline Pearce, enjoyed an actionpacked evening of entertainment, including a champagne reception, a spectacular aerial display performance, four-course dinner and presentation of the awards.

Among those attending on the night included Ripped Gym in Harlow – named Strength Training Gym of the Year.

Following the awards, the team said: “This was by far the best event to date.

Great venue and entertainment.”

Simon Jeffery from Winners 2000 Fitness Ltd was also thrilled with his club’s double award win.

He added: “Just wanted to say a big thank you for selecting us to represent you as the Gym of the Year for 2012.

“It’s an honour to be chosen and I take that responsibility very seriously.”

For a full list of award winners and a round up of all the action from the National Fitness Awards, see inside this issue.

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Pure Gym reappoints former chief executive

Founder of Gymophobics, Richard Hubbard, scooped the top prize of the night – the lifetime achievement award. Richard, who this year celebrates 50 years in the industry, opened the first Gymophobics in 2003 with wife Donna. The successful model was then franchised, with 38 clubs now open under the brand. His other achievements include opening his own gym chain – Dick Hubbard Fitness Centres – and introducing physiological fitness testing into his clubs, the first time this had been done in the UK. Richard received his trophy from host Charlotte Ord and managing director of award sponsor Harlands Group, Kevin Scott.

PETER Roberts has been reappointed as chief executive of low-cost operator Pure Gym, taking over from Tony Harris.

Peter, who established the company in 2008, moves from the role of deputy chairman, replacing Tony, who is leaving by mutual agreement after six months in the role.

Peter said: “I would like to thank Tony for his time with us. His hard work and corporate discipline have been much appreciated and I wish him well in his next venture.

I am very passionate about this business which continues to go from strength to strength and has a dynamic and exciting future.

“I am very pleased to be stepping back into the role of chief executive to continue to drive the business forward as a market leader in the affordable fitness sector.”

Tony added: “I am very sad to be giving up my position with Pure Gym as I have very much enjoyed working in the business for the past six months which is clearly making progress in making affordable fitness available to all.”

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Improving public health is ‘an absolute high priority’

By Christina Eccles PARTNERSHIP working between the government and health and fitness professionals will be key to achieving that all-important goal of improving public health, according to MP Anna Soubry.

Anna, who is parliamentary under secretary of state for the department of health, was one of the keynote speakers at the ukactive summit, which focused on the theme of achieving more together.

She spoke to delegates at Congress Centre in London about the government’s plans to get more people into exercise and leading healthier lifestyles – and why working with organisations such as ukactive will be vital in ensuring these ideas are a success.

She said: “We welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with ukactive and engage the widest possible range of organisations.

“No matter what size your organisation, there’s a role you can play. 240 partners have already signed up to

the Public Health Responsibility Deal and our ambition is to sign up 1000.”

Other topics discussed included the success of the London Olympics and the importance of ensuring that momentum and enthusiasm continues to achieve the long term aim of getting more people, more active, more often.

She added: “It was an amazing summer of sport but we need now to take up the golden opportunity that the Olympics and Paralympics provided to us. “[During the Games], there was a feelgood factor throughout the nation. But there is a real danger that enthusiasm might tail off – and we will never get another opportunity like it.

“The challenge is now how we turn that surge of enthusiasm into sustained changes in behaviour. We need help in delivering that ambition – the government alone cannot achieve it.”

The minister also spoke of changes coming into force next year, which will see local governments become

MP Anna Soubry and pictured, below left, delegates at the Congress Centre. responsible for dealing with public health in their areas – and she urged delegates to make the most of this opportunity by making contacts with these figures to encourage partnership working.

“From April, local governments will have responsibility for public health and can tailor their services to local

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needs.

“Improving public health is an absolute high priority for this government – I want to see it feature prominently in local election manifestos.

“You have local councils and MPs and where there is a sticking point, I would urge you to contact these people and make your voice heard.”

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PPL agrees to fee reform on fitness music

By Christina Eccles

A month’s facial hair growth in aid of men’s health charity Movember culminated in a get together between Cybex UK and Nuffield Health, as members from each company met to determine who would be crowned the winner of the inter-company Movember competition. Dubbed the Movember ‘Mo Off’, the two teams met having so far raised over £1,900 for the charity. Joint first prize was awarded to Cybex UK’s senior regional manager Richard Purves and Nuffield Health account director Jon Mann, pictured.

New lease scheme introduced VERSACLIMBER UK is introducing a new lease scheme for gyms, personal trainers and fitness companies to purchase its products.

The scheme makes it possible to buy the machines without having to commit funds up front, helping cash flow for smaller businesses.

Managing director Neil Kelford said: “Gyms and trainers have been asking us for some time about leasing and finance options, so it makes sense for us to be able to offer this scheme so that more fitness centres and their customers can benefit from the machines.”

PPL and ukactive have reached an agreement to reform its exercise tariff, which covers the use of PPL recorded music as an accompaniment to fitness classes.

After four years of negotiation, the reform has been introduced due to difficulties in effectively enforcing the current system and the need for PPL to collect a fair fee for the use of its recorded music.

The reform will impact both the way the tariff operates and the charges applied, and will mean that sole responsibility for holding a valid PPL licence for group exercise classes in fitness centres will be on the operators of those facilities.

Fitness instructors will only be required to hold a valid PPL licence for any classes they hold in premises other than fitness facilities, such as hired halls and offices.

The new tariff, Exercise To Music, is due to be brought into effect on May 1 2013.

The tariff fee will start at 95p per class, rising to £1.25 in May 2014, £1.50 in May 2015, £1.75 in May 2016 and £1.88 per class in 2017.

The organisation is also currently in discussions with PPL about the detailed implementation of the tariff, which will see ukactive undertake an active role in its administration and the collection of PPL licence fees.

The organisation’s prominent role in

ukactive CEO David Stalker. the operation of the tariff will enable it to provide a discount on the fees payable to its members.

CEO David Stalker said: “This marks the result of four years of discussions between ukactive, a working group of experts drawn from across the sector and PPL with the full support of the ukactive board of directors. “ukactive is now working closely with PPL to establish the process for collecting the fees due from ukactive members under the new tariff.”

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Instructors use pop-up studio as test

By Christina Eccles TWO savvy instructors have launched a pop-up Spinning studio in St Albans, allowing them to test their business model before committing to more permanent space.

Inspired by the pop-up retail trend, Victoria Robertson and Sian Brice have created Beatbike, which is currently located in a local cricket club to allow them to get the concept right and build up a loyal client base.

Beatbike uses the tagline ‘be brave’, which was adopted from Sian’s experience representing Team GB in the triathlon at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

The theme is designed to keep members on track and remind them everyone has the capacity to explore new fitness boundaries.

Victoria explained: “Sian and I felt the best way to inspire a passion for Spinning was to focus on coaching and helping riders set and achieve goals.

“We keep classes small to create a more intimate atmosphere where we can dedicate time to help each individual progress.

“In a recent survey we conducted with our community, we found that 50 per cent of them had never done a

Spinning class before, so we’re really pleased that we are inspiring people to try a new fitness programme that we know really works and we are so proud that they keep on coming back for more.

“We believe that Beatbike can revolutionise Spinning and the sense of community is what riders are returning for.”

The pair started with one class per day, but are now teaching 11 per week, with more classes and instructors being added all the time.

She added: “We have 200 regular participants, who all heard about us through word of mouth.

“The fact we’ve reached this number in just three months shows that Spinning is growing massively in popularity and demonstrates that combining Spinning’s reputation with a fresh, friendly approach you can really introduce it to a whole new market.”

As both Victoria and Sian are both qualified Spinning instructors they decided to stick with a brand they trusted and chose the Spinner Blade bikes for their studio.

Beatbike operates a pay-as-you-go online booking system with no membership. 45-minute Spinning classes cost £10 and the Beatbody sessions cost £15, including half an hour of resistance floor work.

What have you got planned for your gym in 2013? We would love to hear from you. Email: ce@scriptmedia.co.uk

RoSPA’s David Rushton with Caroline Constantine from Right Directions.

Partnership bids to improve safety in the leisure sector THE Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has partnered with Right Directions in a bid to improve the quality and safety of sport and physical activity across the UK. The agreement will see the two organisations working together to produce improved accident and incident information within the leisure sector for benchmarking and research purposes, as well as collaborating on policy, industry initiatives, training programmes and campaigns.

Managing director of Right Directions Caroline Constantine said: “RoSPA has excellent knowledge and

data around swimming pools, but is less well linked to gyms and wider leisure facilities. Through Right Directions’ clients and the Quest assessments that we carry out on behalf of Sport England, we have access to around 800 public and private leisure facilities.

“By working together we can collate meaningful data on when, where and how accidents are most likely to take place.

“Any patterns can then be used to promote best practice, support new legislation and ultimately improve how we work as a sector.”

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Zumba Fitness has partnered with Universal Music to launch a new album with music from chart topping artists including Ne-Yo, Nicki Minaj, pictured, and Lady Gaga. Zumba Fitness – Dance Party includes a range of songs loved by fitness fans across the globe.

Global consumer products manager at Zumba Fitness Claudia Algaze said: “Zumba Fitness has always been entrenched in music – we take inspiration from a huge range of dance styles from across the world including samba, flamenco, hip-hop, reggaeton and merengue.

We are very proud to produce this album, as we have always maintained that Zumba Fitness is a party in itself. Now we are allowing our fans to keep the party going, wherever they are.”

Ex Fitness First facility taken over by trust CHARITABLE trust Kirklees Active Leisure has taken over a former Fitness First facility in Huddersfield, re-branding it Lockwood Park Health and Fitness Club.

The club was officially handed over to KAL on December 1 2012, before closing for two days while minor repairs and redecoration took place.

Existing members were unaffected by the changeover but KAL now hopes to transfer them across to its Fitness Membership offering, which will give them access to other facilities in the portfolio.

Chief executive Alasdair Brown said: “This is a very exciting development for KAL that I’m confident will prove to be popular with the local community.

“KAL can now provide an even more extensive and value for money health and fitness offer to the people of south Kirklees, complementing the existing excellent provision at the Stadium, Huddersfield Sports Centre

and the Deighton Sports Arena. We hope that the existing customers at Lockwood Park appreciate the changes that we’ve made already, with further investment planned for the months to come.”

General manager Craig Battersby added: “It’s been a difficult period for staff and customers over the past 12 months, however we have managed to get through it and with the new management in place we are all looking forward to a brighter future.

“Already there have been huge improvements for both staff and customers and this will continue over the next few months with further investment planned for the near future.

“Although works are still being carried out our existing customers are really happy with the changes to date and for those customers who have transferred to a KAL Membership they are thrilled to be able to take advantage of the other facilities KAL have to offer.”

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Operator unveils what fitness trends to look out for in 2013

By Christina Eccles INDIVIDUAL goal setting for gym members, technology and tennis will be among this year’s biggest fitness industry trends, experts at Virgin Active have predicted.

The operator has compiled a list of things to watch out for over the coming months and revealed which new features in its clubs will entice members through the doors.

Head of fitness Alan Holl believes bespoke programmes and setting individual goals will become more popular. He explained: “Virgin Active will be helping members set goals and stick to them in 2013.

Prescriptive programmes tailored to the individual will be key to helping people realise their goals and inspirations.

“A stressed city worker may come in to the club and take their frustrations out on the treadmill for 30 minutes at lunch time, but this is incorrect.

“What our fitness coaches will be doing is prescribing the form

of exercise that’s right for them, which in this instance could be a mind and body class to relax, de-stress and lower the heart rate as opposed to increasing it.”

According to experts, technology will also play a big part in fitness next year.

As part of this trend, the Inbody Tracker will launch in Virgin Active health clubs, enabling people to define their shape and fitness requirements.

After taking a full body scan, the tracker will analyse weight, muscle and fat. A report will be emailed to members, providing a breakdown of results and showing how muscle and fat is distributed around the body.

Fitness coaches will then work with the member to recommend a programme.

Swimtag, an interactive tracking device for swimmers, will also roll out across its sites, following a successful launch into flagship club 200 Aldersgate.

National swimming manager Glen Heidke added: “Swimming is now the most practiced sport

in the UK, and we are well equipped to fulfill members’ needs with 114 swimming pools across our clubs. Again, people have been inspired by the summer of 2012’s events and are keen to improve their technique – even if it’s just by adding an extra length to their swim sessions. Swimtag will allow them to track their journey and measure their improvement.”

The operator also predicts that gymgoers – and their families – will turn to tennis.

Head of racquets Gary Stewart added: “We are increasingly seeing more and more members take up tennis.

“In 2013 we will be offering tennis lessons for all the family and introducing Tencap – an online system allowing members to rate their ability and be matched with players of the same level.”

The appetite for group exercise classes is also set to continue, as is the popularity of functional fitness – both in the studio and on the gym floor.

9 International athlete, TV presenter and fitness and nutrition expert Caroline Pearce will be at the 2013 Back Pain Show, helping visitors with a range of back friendly exercise classes. With a first class honours degree in Sports Science and a masters degree in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition, Caroline has used her academic background to educate and motivate thousands of people in the areas of training, nutrition and well-being. Caroline will be demonstrating Flexibak at the show’s therapy and exercise zone on February 22/23 at London’s Olympia.

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‘Bad fitness etiquette putting off exercisers’

By Christina Eccles BAD etiquette in fitness facilities – such as exercisers leaving equipment out or bad hygiene – is putting people off going to the gym, according to a survey by Nuffield Health.

The UK’s largest healthcare charity has revealed almost three quarters of UK adults have experienced or witnessed bad ‘fitness etiquette’, with 72 per cent saying they want gyms to take action to improve members’ behaviour.

And almost a quarter said they were put off going to the gym, pool or exercise classes due to something easily avoidable, like excessive nudity in changing rooms.

The findings, based on a survey of 2,000 people who use exercise facilities at least occasionally highlighted the biggest annoyances people found when going to the gym.

These included: I Unnecessary or excessive nudity in the changing rooms I People hogging machines and swimming lanes I Personal space being invaded by other exercisers I Having to move to a different part of the gym or class due to the overwhelming body odour of another exerciser.

Professional head of fitness and wellbeing at Nuffield Health Sarah Marsh said: “The success of this summer’s Olympics has inspired people to get fitter and healthier. We don’t want them to be put off doing exer-

cise just because some people are unsure what is and isn’t the right, safe way to behave when exercising. We’ve compiled this guide in response to gym goers’ feedback to help build their confidence in what they’re doing when exercising and to help make exercise environments as supportive and enjoyable as possible. We want to encourage everyone in the UK to take control of their own wellbeing by helping tackle the barriers that can prevent people getting fitter and healthier.”

In response to the findings, Nuffield Health has worked with experts to compile a free guide to fitness etiquette.

Sarah added: “We want to encourage people to think about the health implications of their exercise behaviour.

“Yes, it’s unpleasant when the person before you hasn’t wiped their sweat off the machine they’ve been using, but the health implications of this and the other hygiene issues our study revealed may be more wide ranging than this.”

The charity also surveyed 60 fitness professionals about their observations and their own experiences when exercising and two in five reported having to speak to members about bad etiquette at least once a week.

Gym staff’s biggest gripes were people treating the gym like a hotel or their own home, having to move to a different part of the gym due to someone else’s body odour and having their personal space invaded.

Crow Wood Leisure in Burnley has held a charity event in aid of BBC Children in Need – raising £400 for the cause. The club, which was named health club of the year at the 2011 National Fitness Awards, organised a big step and aerobics workout for members. BBC Northwest’s Tony Livesey was among those who showed their support on the day.

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Premier announces new location PREMIER Training International is to open a new venue at David Lloyd Cheshire Oaks later this month.

The partnership will see Premier offer a range of courses at the facility and reflects the company’s commitment to increasing its outreach and support for aspiring fitness professionals.

Regional manager Kayley Tobias said: “Following in the footsteps of our many recent new venue openings Cheshire promises to be a fantastic new location for Premier.

“The demand for careers in the health and fitness industry is developing rapidly so we want to make sure that people in the region are able to take advantage of our fully accredited and recognised courses.”

Work starts on £1.7m revamp WORK has begun on a £1.7m redevelopment programme at Woking Leisure Centre, due to be completed in April.

Improvements will include a new gym with views over Woking Park, a new reception and cafe and an updated and improved class timetable.

The centre is operated by Freedom Leisure in partnership with Woking Borough Council.

Zac opens new Worcester club OLYMPIC medallist and triple World champion rower Zac Purchase joined schoolchildren in a get active session after officially opening the new David Lloyd Leisure club in Worcester.

Zac, who won silver at the London Games and gold at Beijing in 2008, encouraged youngsters from two junior Worcester schools

to be fit and active by taking part in the PE lesson with a difference, featuring games and races.

About 40 children were given the chance to meet their sporting hero, who cut a ribbon to mark the club’s launch.

General manager Wayne Isaac said: “After several months of very hard work, it is wonderful to see

the club finally open, and I can honestly say that David Lloyd Worcester’s facilities are second to none.

“It is a real honour that in this incredible year of sport, Zac Purchase, who has achieved so much in his field, should come back to Worcester to open these spectacular facilities.”

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New system can help trainers boost their businesses

By Christina Eccles PT Greg Mikolap has launched a new online training system – designed to appeal to people who want to get fitter, as well as professional trainers looking to boost their businesses.

Greg, together with a team of trainers, has created PTFolder.com – the first website to streamline industry expertise, exercises and professionals to create a one-stop-shop for personal training programmes.

Users can gain access to training information – that was previously difficult and time-consuming to find online – all in one place, as well as 100 free exercises, enabling them to create personal programmes by searching for desired workouts and dragging them into an allocated training programme area.

For a fee, users can upgrade to full membership and have access to more than 1,000 exercises, the ability to write multiple workouts and assign them to specific dates on a workout calendar, write training logs to

track progress and formulate fitness goals, as well as interact with professional personal trainers.

Greg said: “Being in the industry for so many years I saw the need to create an information hub for everyone interested in getting fit.

“It had to be somewhere where they could access information quickly, easily and, most importantly, in a way that was easy to understand.

“We know that in the current economic climate not everyone can afford a weekly personal trainer. However people know the benefits of this type of knowledge and how it can benefit their own fitness regimes. PT Folder steps in to solve this problem and give an innovative, cost-effective training solution to everyone.”

Professional personal trainers can also subscribe to PT Folder, allowing them access to extra features including a personalised webpage where they can post online workouts for clients and communicate with them between fitness sessions.

Greg Mikolap

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Call for ‘cross party ambition’ to improve health of the nation

By Christina Eccles SHADOW secretary of state for health Andy Burnham MP has appealed for politicians to come together and focus on a ‘cross party national ambition’ to improve the health of the nation.

Andy addressed delegates at the recent ukactive summit in London, urging all parties to create a common goal in the same spirit of the Olympics to make people more physically active.

He said: “London 2012 showed that when we work together with a clear goal, we can achieve more than we thought possible.

“Are we able to apply this cross party working to an even bigger challenge – improving the health of the nation?”

Andy also said to make any progress there had to be a culture change in all areas – from communities through to schools, the media and in Whitehall.

His suggestions included: I Pedestrians and cyclists taking priority on the streets over motorists.

I Putting school sport at the centre

of the education system.

I Giving pupils a proper introduction to activities they enjoy.

I More focus on women’s sport in the media and sportswomen as role models.

I Urging the Department of Health to put a greater emphasis on physical activity and its benefits.

He added: “Almost a quarter of kids are overweight or obese when they start school. Unless we break

the cycle of physical inactivity, the cost to the NHS will rise rapidly.”

He added that the fitness industry has made a ‘massive contribution’ to the cause and now called for a national drive to focus on improving the nation’s health.

I What role do you think gyms can play in these ambitions? Send your thoughts to ce@scriptmedia.co.uk and we will print the best in the next issue of Workout.

Lord Coe opens £6.1m sports centre LORD Coe has officially opened Stamford Endowed Schools’ new multi-million pounds sports facility. Before presiding over the opening ceremony of the £6.1m centre, Lord Coe toured the facilities, which include a 25m swimming pool

and fitness suite, fully equipped by Life Fitness.

He was greeted by a showcase of sport as students from across the three schools participated in displays of hockey, tennis, netball, squash, cricket, swimming, fencing, gymnas-

tics, rugby and football.

After the sports display, staff, parents and 1,400 students were positioned on the rugby pitches before Lord Coe delivered a speech from the sports centre balcony above.

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The industry’s big three ...

By Dave Wright AS we come to the end of another year, many clubs are going to be either celebrating or cursing the business that they are in – so now is a great time to reflect on the year past and look at setting the right plan of attack for 2013.

Before you make your new year’s resolutions, consider the three big aspects that will continue to affect your business.

Expert people The one powerful unique selling point that the industry has left is that of its knowledge.

Of course the consumer will always try and find ways to exercise with as little financial outlay as possible, but the one thing that our industry has is the knowledge of exercise and diet.

So invest in your people, make sure that they not only have the knowledge, but are also able to have the skills to communicate and connect with customers by ultimately understanding their needs and helping them achieve those results.

Understand motivation If every single person in the world had the motivation to exercise then not only would we not have an obesity problem, but you would struggle to find a successful gym.

People would be motivated to run outside, exercise in the park and do their own training by their own will. But they don’t, so we as an industry need to identify what keeps our members more motivated. And the easy way to find out is to ask them why they do what they do.

If you can solve the problem of keeping people more engaged for a longer period of time, then they will be more likely to get the results that they want.

The pain in the butt factor. I can not think of a more elegant way to term this point. But people are looking for convenience. They want everything at their finger tips and they want it now. So if you can work your club around their times, if you can offer group training (such as cardio classes on the equipment), if you can make your club convenient to access the equipment and to book their class-

es (such as online booking), then you are going to give them less choices to cancel.

If you think about the services that you stick with (be it your gas, electrics or broadband provider), it’s sometimes less ‘hassle’ to stay with your existing provider and complain, than to invest the time to move on.

So bear that in mind if you want to take members from other clubs, or other environments and make your training, quick, effective and efficient.

Business Business, like our members’ results, is not always easy to be successful at. But those that seem to put the effort in and stick to their game plan get the best results. And so should you.

I wish you a fantastic Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

I Dave Wright is the CEO of CFM/MYZONE, a company with over 300 staff that have served the international fitness industry for over 21 years in 10 different countries; focussing on either getting new members and/or keeping

Dave Wright existing ones. Dave is also the owner of 11 health clubs across two continents, a board director of ukactive, founder of IOU (Independent Operators Unite), an IHRSA presenter and the creator and global distributor of a new monitoring device used by clubs around the world called MYZONE. He may be contacted on Dave.Wright@cfm.net

Aiming to raise awareness of organ donation A 76-year-old Sheffield athlete has set his sights on medal number 85 when he competes in the Westfield Health British Transplant Games.

Liver transplant patient Derek Johnson is in training for the 2013 Games, which are taking place at sporting venues across the city next August.

Derek, who trains weekly at Don Valley Stadium, has won more than 80 medals at British and World Transplant Games over the years, including 37 golds.

Derek Johnson in training at Don Valley Stadium.

The aim of the event is to raise awareness of organ donation and boost numbers on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

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Association is seeking expert help on pensions SPORTA members have joined forces to buy in expert advice ahead of the automatic enrolment into workplace pensions, which is being rolled out between now and 2018 depending on employer size.

The Pensions Act 2008 means that all employers are required to automatically enrol eligible employees into a qualifying pension scheme and make contributions to that scheme. sporta’s collaborative pensions advice project, which has been underway since the beginning of the year, has seen more than a third of its members pay into a fund to access pensions advisors, Punter Southall.

The project is managed by a panel of seven trusts, which includes Lynn Murray, director of corporate services at Scottish-based leisure trust Active Stirling, who championed the setting up of the scheme.

She said: “Being able to afford to appoint top pension advisers has been a big advantage.

“Taking advice may have been cost prohibitive for smaller trusts leaving them potentially exposed, but working collectively has enabled us to gain access to high quality advice.”

The 36 trusts within the scheme

represent more than 10,000 members of staff, making the contract far more attractive to well known pension providers, and Punter Southall is approaching suitable providers to find the best deal for sporta members.

Punter Southall principal Neil Latham said: “As a leading pension consultancy, we were keen to help sporta develop this unusual collaborative approach, led by some forward thinking people, who are faced with a difficult situation.

“It has allowed us to provide technical guidance to a large number of member trusts, many of whom would not normally have approached an employee benefit consultancy.

“Not only have they enjoyed economies of scale on the costs, but we have been able to consider a broad range of issues that are relevant across all the member trusts involved.

By combining their resources they will also benefit from a tailored scheme from a leading pension provider, that offers better value for money than trusts could obtain individually.”

Members of the scheme will now decide the terms under which other sporta members can join the project.

Spanish fitness celebrity and FIBO ambassador Jessica Exposito (in the red top) and colleagues look forward to FIBO 2013.

Cologne return for FIBO THE fitness industry is gearing up for one of the biggest events in its calendar – FIBO – which takes place in Cologne from April 11 to 14.

The 2013 show is returning to the city where it was founded in 1985, but according to organisers, it is a very different show coming back to Cologne to the one that left for Essen in 1991.

Event director Olaf Tomscheit explained: “We left Cologne as a glittering offbeat fitness and bodybuilding event, today we return as the leading international trade show for fitness, wellness and health."

These days, every fifth trade visitor at FIBO is working in the health pro-

fession and represents a physiotherapist, medical practice, health or rehab centre – a course which FIBO will further pursue and expand in Cologne with its own FIBOmed Congress.

And already 80 per cent of available space has been booked for the 2013 show.

Olaf added: “We are happy that, following the move to Cologne, we are now able to offer our exhibitors topquality, state-of-the-art exhibition halls throughout.

“We always regretted not to be able to meet all the exhibitors’ wishes to be accommodated in a hall of equal quality – that's now a thing of the past.”

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Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club in East Sussex is offering members and guests the latest in environmentally friendly equipment in its gym.

The club has installed the new Fusion Series two range from Pulse Fitness including a step machine, an r-cycle and an i-train, which offers a full 360-degree workout.

All machines, except for the treadmills, are self-powered, meaning the kit has no infrastructure costs or ongoing utility costs.

Centre to be transformed WAVELENGTHS Leisure Centre in Lewisham is set for a major redevelopment to transform the site.

Customers will see improvements begin in a phased process, including the construction of a new fitness suite, group exercise studios and café, due to open in this month.

Following this work, construction on a brand new health suite with sauna and steam room, additional group exercise studio, soft play zone and essential enhancement to the leisure pool and flume will begin for launch in March.

The centre is operated by Fusion Lifestyle in partnership with

Lewisham Council.

Fusion’s business development director Tim Mills said: “Having recently been voted the health club of the year in South London, this plan represents a commitment to redevelop the centre to ensure it caters for the increasing demands of our customers.

“We are delighted that the scheme has been approved and look forward to work getting underway. We have been planning this project for some time and the investment we are making shows our commitment to the provision of modern leisure facilities for Lewisham residents.”

When it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle, the focus should be on being fit not thin, according to top fitness model Carly Thornton. Here she reveals her top tips for your members on how to make fitness fun.

Focus on being FIT not THIN FOR many people being skinny has become the ideal image of female beauty.

While being thin is probably good for us in terms of overweight being unhealthy, the main issue is that the fashion ideal often promotes a too-skinny look – so thin that it becomes unattainable for most women and if we try to attain that look, we risk developing eating disorders.

I believe that our main focus should not be our weight, or being skinny, or fitting into size two (or zero!) jeans.

Rather, our goal should be being fit and healthy. Know being fit and healthy is more than what you look like on the outside, we have to take care of our overall well being too.

If you are not visually progressing then you maybe within. So how can we do this? Well antioxidants can help flush out bad toxins in the body, a massage helps reduces stiffness/soreness of muscles and unwanted injuries and eating a good balanced diet of nutritious foods with give your body the nutrients it needs to work more productively.

When the focus shifts from the number on the scale to our health, we tend to obsess less about weight and instead we focus on a better, healthier lifestyle. And this is what we should all be striving for.

Simple changes, such as moving more – using the stairs instead of the lift – reducing sugar and switching to healthy fats such as coconut oil, Udos Oil and fresh

nuts, being more active and exercising more.

This does not have to involve a gym. Walking outdoors and making the most of nature, which in turn can increase your endorphins through exercise as well as because it’s a time where we can let ourselves free of stress and enjoying the beauties of nature.

It’s all about little steps which make a real change in lifestyle, and overtime, this will reflect in our body weight too.

Don’t get me wrong, skinny can be natural for some, but if it’s not, trying to get there could be unhealthy – even dangerous.

Instead, focus on being more active and making better food choices.

It’s always better to focus on being fit and healthy instead of on some unattainable (for most) fashion goal of extreme thinness.

For athletes, fitness and nutrition can be very strict but for the general person who wants a fitter, more healthier version of their former self, then it can just be about making far better food choices and exercising three times a week.

Being fit is not supposed to feel like a chore, so keep it fun. There are so many different activities to experiment with, such as boxing, cross fit, weight training, walking/jogging, swimming, circuit based training, yoga, Pilates, zumba. The activity that works the best is the one you enjoy and will stick to.

You are what you eat and you deserve to be fit, happy and healthy.

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Property group in DC Leisure acquisition

By Christina Eccles PROPERTY management and development group Places for People has acquired DC Leisure, which manages about 100 leisure facilities on behalf of 28 local authorities.

The deal will see both companies grow their leisure and facilities management services, alongside other housing and development activity in communities across the UK. Places for People is one of the UK’s largest property groups and works in 230 local authorities, owning or managing 82,000 properties.

Under the ownership of Places for People, DC Leisure will bid for the increasing number of outsourced leisure management contracts coming to the market and utilise its experience in driving leisure participation, building new centres and contributing to improving existing and creating new places.

Chief executive of DC Leisure Steve Philpott said: “This will be a pioneering partnership – the first time a housing provider has joined forces with a leisure provider. It’s going to be an exciting and unique adventure for us all which will create many new opportunities to improve the communities we serve.

“We are proud of our partnerships with local authorities and believe by being a part of Places for People we can bring even more added value to these partnerships. We attract 25m visits each year, have built 10 new leisure centres over the last six years and most importantly we are improving the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve by getting them physically active.“ As part of the acquisition, DC Leisure will keep its existing identity, board, and governance structures, but operate as a subsidiary of Places for People.

New website will connect practitioners to clients THE founder of a successful weight management centre is launching a new website to connect those with eating, weight and body issues to specialists in these areas.

James Lamper, pictured above, founded the WeightMatters Practice in 2005 and has since successfully treated hundreds of clients including Take That star Gary Barlow.

His website www.careforyourweight.com is the only site offering the public access to experts specialising in the treatment of weight issues from the combined fields of mind,

body, nutrition and medicine.

Clients and practitioners will be connected to each other via regional locality and a diagnostic questionnaire, which helps clients understand their needs in each of the four treatment areas.

James said: “Statistics published last year by the NHS suggest nearly 3m people in the UK have some kind of disordered eating issue. And around a third of British adults are obese, of which 300,000 will die each year.

That’s a lot of people urgently needing our professional help.”

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The Training Room personal trainer academy has appointed Lucy Jackson as head of training. Lucy joins from a similar role at Premier and brings 15 years of experience to her role. She will be responsible for overseeing the 34 course tutors and four regional tutors, reviewing their programmes, refreshing course content and identifying new training opportunities and venues.

Capital move from budget operator BUDGET operator Fit4Less is expanding its presence in London with the opening of two new sites.

The Kilburn club opened at the end of 2012, with one in Enfield due to open later this month.

Operations manager Rangel Sehalic said: “As the low-cost gym evolution expands in the UK, investors are rightly looking at the many options available to them.

As the most established low-cost gym brand in the UK, and with a comprehensive franchisee mod-

ule, Fit4less is in an incredibly strong position to roll and support new openings quickly.

“London is an important area for us as the size of the gyms and the need for a concentrated population matches the Fit4less concept.

“The established gyms are trading above expectation, which present real-time evidence that Fit4less is providing customers with an attractive fitness solution while offering franchisees a sound investment.”

Leisure trust makes staff changes NOT-for-profit leisure trust Freedom Leisure has recruited and reorganised several key management roles to support the next phase of its development.

The changes involve three existing senior staff members assuming different management roles and two new managers being recruited.

Gill Fowles, pictured above, takes on the role of business development manager to focus full time on the business expansion strategy of Freedom Leisure.

Previously Wealden area manager, Gill has spent the last 18 months giving an increasing amount of time to the Freedom Leisure bidding activity, successfully bringing in six new venues in Guildford, Woking and Kent as well as the successful re-tender of the Wealden contract.

Neil Roberts becomes the new Wealden area manager, moving from his previous role as Brighton area manager.

Chris Lovelock becomes the new Brighton area manager and is moving

from his previous role as general manager at K2Crawley. He will head a team of four general managers that cover the six sites in Brighton, including Withdean Sports Complex which is embarking on a major development programme worth £2.6m.

Managing director Jeff Hart said: “I am delighted to see Gill, Neil and Chris accept challenging new roles at Freedom Leisure as it is our company policy to develop our senior team members and motivate them through assuming new responsibilities.

“All three have shown great leadership and brought fresh ideas and boundless energy to their roles: they will be an asset in their new jobs and I wish them well as they continue to progress with Freedom Leisure.”

Two new roles have also been created. Graham Watson, pictured above, has taken on the new position of group facilities manager, while Simon Davey has been appointed as environmental and health and safety manager.

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The new competitive advantage ...

By Allan Collins EVERY club manager is always looking for a new competitive advantage over other clubs.

Many of the organisations such as IHRSA, ACE and the ACSM are highlighting qualified, highly educated and knowledgeable trainers as a key trend within our industry for 2012-2013.

So why are ‘educated trainers’ receiving attention as being a key area?

Well, in my mind, it boils down to two key areas – results and community; both for attracting clients and (more importantly) retention.

Rather than selling membership based on price, many clubs are focusing on selling the results that the client is seeking (and then having the educated staff to deliver these results). These clubs believe that if a member is achieving and keeping their desired results, why would they leave to go to another club? One of the other key aspects for retention by these clubs is having members feel like they belong (the same reason why social media is so popular). Staff that knows your name, your goals, and other members that interact with you means

your facility becomes more than just a place to exercise, it becomes a social community. Pulling you away from a community, in which you are an integral part, will be much more difficult than a gym where no-one cares if you come or not. So retention again will be improved greatly by having educated and motivated fitness staff that are focused on a service that includes unparalleled customer interaction.

To give an example, I had a customer ask me the other day “after I have installed our new functional area from Jordan’s, what is stopping a competitor copying everything I’ve done – equipment, flooring, colours, wallpaper designs – and then undercutting me.”

Well put simply, nothing – nothing would stop a competitor copying everything you do. So, how do you differentiate the service or product you provide to your customers? The simple answer is your staff, in particular the staff that delivers your fitness service. Having highly motivated, well qualified, hugely knowledgeable (yes, it is different from being qualified…) is something that no competitor can replicate. It also

is the key factor for member/client retention since it is these people that will ensure that your members are achieving their goals, as well making them feel part of your ‘community’.

Traditionally, the focus on having top class fitness staff has not been a key priority for certain clubs (I know many, for example, that pay

the unqualified receptionists more that the highly qualified fitness trainers), but it seems that hopefully the tide is turning in this area.

I Allan Collins is director of educat ion for Jordan Fitness and the author of three books and 80 courses.

Unikurve proves so versatile ...

£2.6m expansion for Brighton complex

UNIKURVE is growing in popularity, according to its founders, with a new model available later this month and backing from celebrity personal trainers Jenny Pacey and Wayne Gordon.

Inventor Mike Curry said: “Wayne and Jenny really liked working with Unikurve and they are so enthusiastic. They see big things in the future with several different DVDs for different types of workout.

“I personally thought I knew Unikurve inside out but at the shoot Jenny and Wayne, who have been using Unikurve for several weeks, showed me things I had never thought of, which just goes to show how functional and versatile Unikurve is and imagination really is

WITHDEAN Sports Complex in Brighton is to benefit from a £2.6m development and expansion, with work due to be completed in early 2014.

Leisure provider Freedom Leisure has embarked on the improvement scheme in partnership with Brighton and Hove City Council.

Changes will include extending the tennis centre, fitting a glazed facade to the gym, new ‘fast track’ reception and café areas to allow great views across the countryside, more than doubling the gym stations and fitness suite capacity and extending and refurbishing the changing rooms.

Managing director Jeff Hart said:

Jenny Pacey and Wayne Gordon Picture: Helen Roscoe photography your only limit.”

Mike also said there has been lots of interest in the product from America as the product gets more well known.

Unikurve will also be featured on The Fit Gear Show on Fitness TV from January to March.

For more information, visit www.unikurve.co.uk – personal trainers which use the password pro10discount online are also eligible for a 10 per cent discount.

“Withdean is one of five capital improvement schemes we are undertaking in 2013 which shows our strength and development in the leisure industry.

“Despite the tough economic climate, people deserve access to top class, affordable leisure facilities where they can enjoy sport, improve their fitness and enjoy both social and family time together.

“We have pledged to drive up standards and keep down costs so that Freedom Leisure centres remain viable in their local communities.”

Withdean Sports Complex will remain operational throughout, with works planned to minimise disruption to customers.

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Technology first for city venue AN interactive fitness monitoring device has been introduced at one of Sheffield’s top leisure venues to help exercisers track their progress.

Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, which is managed by SIV, has introduced MYZONE technology, which wirelessly streams and uploads an individual’s exercise data.

The equipment was put to the test by World Para-triathlon champion, Steve Judge, who went up against Sheffield Eagles’ Adam Hughes and SIV exercise referral manager Dave Birds at a product launch event at the club – the only venue in the city to offer the equipment.

Steve, Adam and Dave, along with 73-year-old Fitness Unlimited member Jack Colwishaw, were challenged to test the equipment – a belt worn by users during exercise which allows them to set fitness goals and track their progress, including effort scores.

The challenge saw Dave and Jack come out on top and beat the trained athletes with their scores, achieving 84 and 83 per cent effort respectively, and Steve and Adam reaching 71 and 74 per cent.

Dave said: “It’s great that Ponds Forge is the first venue in the city to offer this exciting new fitness technology.

“The equipment is a fantastic way of allowing people to track their fitness progress and give a real sense of how they are improving or what they need to do to improve further. It really does have a huge impact on your exercise regime.

“I will also be using the system to work with groups suffering with long term medical conditions through SIV’s GP exercise referral scheme, and linking and enhancing the great work the NHS already does in this field.”

Adam Hughes, Steve Judge and Dave Birds test out the MYZONE technology.

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Retention solution helps identify ‘at risk’ members FITNESS equipment manufacturer and supplier Precor has joined forces with The Retention People to provide interactive solutions to operators, as part of its Preva fitness offering.

Preva Retention builds on the success of Preva – a cloud-based platform incorporating a suite of tools to help both operators and exercisers achieve their goals.

The retention tools help opera-

Elevation Series: introducing the next generation LIFE Fitness has launched the next generation of its Elevation Series of equipment – complete with personalised technology for tech savvy gymgoers.

The Discover SE and Discover SI Tablet Consoles are the first to sync with the Android operating system and feature touch screen technology.

The products also integrate with the company’s new LFconnect technology, a cloud-based solution that allows clubs to customise available content to exercisers.

With LFconnect, exercisers will be able to access personal online content and navigate the web directly from the equipment as well as create their own workout programs and set content preferences.

Vice president of global marketing and product development Dan Wille said: “Our research shows more than 95 per cent of exercisers desire access to online content on equipment.

“This new line of Discover open platform products gives exercisers unprecedented access to not just online content like YouTube and Facebook, but the latest fitness applications and custom entertainment.”

tors identify members who are at risk of dropping out, facilitate interactions with ‘at risk’ members, report on the quantity of interactions and measure and track their Net Promoter Score.

Operations director at The Retention People Mike Hills said: “TRP are world renowned in understanding member behaviour and we use our extensive research to drive product development into

solutions, processes and training packages to improve the customer experience and ultimately increase customer loyalty.

“Linking with Precor to provide Preva Retention seemed like a natural step to take, as both companies have a common objective to help operators improve their retention rates by delivering a better member experience through meaningful interactions.”

Company invests in new video technology

By Christina Eccles FIT4LESS clubs have invested in new video technology to engage on a more interactive level with both potential and existing members.

The company, operated by the énergie brand, has launched series two of its online video content, following a successful pilot series.

The videos again star award winning Mcneil and Pamphilon comedians and are designed to make fitness and gyms appeal to all audiences – not just elite athletes.

Brand and marketing director at énergie David Beattie said: “Fit4less

is geared towards the online market – it’s how people join our gyms and interact with our teams.

“We are already highly visible on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter and have utilised the video through QR codes on conventional club marketing channels.

“Our decision to produce professional short videos is based on our need to grow and push new boundaries in the online community.

“Fit4less is about offering a smart affordable gym, the videos are another way for us to promote our light-hearted view of the gym.”

WorkOut will be highlighting interactive membership solutions in special features during 2013. If you have a story for us email ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or if you would like to advertise please contact Dan Lloyd on 01226 734699

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Trust uses latest technology to encourage online sign-ups KIRKLEES Active Leisure is utilising the latest developments in technology by successfully encouraging online membership sign-ups for its low cost gym offering, SMART Fitness.

Join@Home, an interactive membership solution from Gladstone Health and Leisure, was installed as part of a pre-sale campaign for the 110-station fitness suite at Huddersfield Sports Centre, which opened last May.

Innovative system helps stop bottlenecks AN innovative software system is helping gyms to analyse which pieces of equipment are most popular with members – allowing operators to identify and deal with potential bottlenecks.

GYMetrix attaches sensors to gym equipment to measure its usage, as well as undertaking customer surveys and analysing the responses with its bespoke software, with the results helping gyms to spot where equipment shortages are causing customers frustration.

According to a recent results collated by the company, which analysed about 15,000 gym floor surveys, men generally get more frustrated than women when there is not enough equipment in the gym.

This then translates to lower Net Promoter scores, as males are less satisfied with their gyms overall.

The results also showed treadmills are the top piece of kit for both men and women, with the second most popular being cable machines for men and cross trainers for women.

In the first two months the system saw 28 per cent of new members sign up online, and now, with more than 2,200 members on board, 22 per cent of all members have opted for the ease of joining the gym online.

Information systems and technology manager at Kirklees Active Leisure Richard Marshall said: “We have been encouraging members to use Join@Home via a registration link from the SMART Fitness web page,

and also have a large sales area with two computers in Huddersfield Sports Centre that customers can use to register online. We have already had customers comment to us on the application’s ease of use.”

The leisure trust manages 11 major sports centres and swimming pools on behalf of Kirklees Council and Join@Home will be rolled out to KAL’s 10 other centres throughout this year.

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Expert tips for fitness professionals PREMIER Training International has held its first successful underground equipment training workshop.

As part of the event, expert trainer Ben McDonald led fitness professionals through a high energy exploration of functional training ideas and alternative fitness equipment.

Attendees experienced an extensive range of equipment – including battling ropes, bungee harnesses, Bulgarian bags, Sand bags and tornado balls – with Ben providing expert tips and tuition on correct technique and usage.

The company plans to hold more of the workshops throughout the year.

St Johnstone players Peter Pawlett and Jamie Adams.

Scottish club delighted with new kit FUNCTIONAL fitness specialist Jordan Fitness has signed a year long sponsorship deal with St Johnstone Football Club in Perth.

The club has opted for a range of Jordan Fitness strength and conditioning equipment including dumbbells,

Powerbags, Plyometric Platforms and Tornado balls to assist them with their training.

The equipment has been acquired as part of the club’s strength and conditioning programme to help players build core strength and assist in

injury prevention.

Manager Steve Lomas said: “We are delighted with the new kit from Jordan Fitness.

“The players are certainly putting it to very good use on a daily basis to reach and maintain their high levels of fitness.”

Advertiser’s announcement

Delivering accredited training to fitness professionals KBT Education delivers British Weightlifting and REPS accredited continual professional development courses to exercise scientists, sport coaches and personal trainers throughout the UK. Our coach educators are all active coaches and personal trainers who work with athletes on a daily basis.

This also includes our founder and developer of KBT’s educational programme Sam Dovey.

Sam has been a strength and conditioning and weightlifting coach for 17 years, working with athletes from county to elite level and in that time has developed many nationally ranked athletes.

He has also developed many British and European champions and in 2011 achieved his first World Record with a team he was coaching. Sam’s main time is divided between delivering sessions for elite athletes and delivering educational courses and workshops and he has recently been appointed as the director of strength and conditioning for the Great Britain Combined Services, Rugby League World Cup in 2013.

Sam’s educational vision is to deliver the latest practice and researched based methods and techniques to coaches and personal trainers, so they can be the best they can be and pass on the latest techniques to their athletes and clients.

KBT Education’s current course portfolio includes strength and conditioning courses, weightlifting and nutrition courses. KBT are also one of the original Kettlebell course providers in the UK. For 2013, KBT will be releasing Ultimate Kettlebells – the most advanced two-day Kettlebell course in the UK. We are also releasing a series of advanced weightlifting courses, aimed at existing coaches and a functional training course. We will also be launching a course aimed at the military and combat athletes called Strategic Strength. This is based on the six years of work we have done with the military and our 17 years’ experience of working with combat athletes.

For more information visit www.kbteducation.co.uk or contact 0333 2020 949

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Antonine Sports Centre has gained 50 new members in four weeks through its new MMA and functional training area. Pictures: Scott Moore

Gym’s new functional training area provides membership boost A GYM in Clydebank is celebrating the success of its latest addition – an MMA and functional training area which gained the club 50 new members in just four weeks.

Antonine Sports Centre introduced the new area about three months ago to make better use of an underused sports hall and to expand its class offering to help the gym stand out in a crowded marketplace.

The area focuses on functional training – with an MMA influence – and includes equipment such as kettlebells and power bags.

Classes on offer include an MMA bootcamp style session – something which is appealing both equally to male and female members – beginners’ boxing and circuit training.

Centre manager Kevin Carlin said introducing the area has proved to be a great draw for new members, as well as a successful retention tool.

He said: “This came about because we were reaching capacity for our gym areas and had an old hall area, which we used as a makeshift studio.

“We also have lots of competition in the local area from people running classes in church halls and community centres who can do that at much cheaper prices than us.

“We noticed people were looking for MMA training and as we were already running classes in things such as judo and Thai boxing, we thought it would be a fantastic way of introducing our members to a new type of class.”

Kevin said having the area has offered the club a massive opportunity to teach different classes and to

introduce members who had been there a while to alternative workouts.

Previously, most of the gym’s classes were female dominated, while its weights area traditionally attracted a lot of men.

Since functional training was introduced, both female and male members have been keen to have a go, mixing up the classes and keeping workouts fresh.

Kevin also got in touch with UFC fighter Dan Hardy who did a seminar for members to inspire and motivate them and has also been working hard to dispel pre-conceived myths about MMA by making most of the classes non combat and focusing on the fitness rather than fight elements.

The club – a not for profit sports centre which has been open for over 30 years – is now gearing up for a busy start to 2013 and is hoping the initial success they have seen since the revamp will continue into the new year.

Kevin added: “It was really important we got this done in time for the new year as we wanted people in and using it before the January boom.

“Being a charity we don’t have a massive marketing budget and rely heavily on word of mouth.

“We joined up about 50 members in four weeks of opening it which has given us a great kick start into the New Year.

“This seemed to be the right thing to do at the right time and we are over the moon it has worked. It’s been phenomenal for both staff and members.”

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Beginning with the basics is key to long-term success A SUCCESSFUL personal trainer has told why focusing on functional movement has enhanced the level of service he can offer his clients.

Paul Boston works at Saturn Fitness and Wellness, an independent gym in Abingdon-on-Thames, which he runs with his family.

Paul believes that when working with a new client, getting the basics right at the beginning is the key to long-term success, so has introduced a number of functional tests into his training.

The most comprehensive of these is Functional Movement Screening, a series of exercises to see how their body moves and identify any areas of weakness or injuries which need working on early on.

He explained: “Functional to me is making sure you can move without pain through any movement.

“The Functional Movement Screening shows you how well your body moves and from that you can test how strong the body is.

“I also have a very strong Pilates background – my mum is a Pilates teacher – so if someone can’t do one of those exercises, I can pick out why they can’t do it and address it.

“It’s about building up their capacity. If

someone can’t do a full squat, every time they then do a squat with a weight they are going to be re-enforcing a bad movement. My passion is to get people moving properly – and enjoy moving without pain.”

Facilities at the club include Pilates and Power Plate studios as well as an area exclusively for personal training – something which Paul feels is important.

He added: “We have a dedicated room for personal training. I have never liked having to do personal training in an area with other people. I think to justify the price, it should be completely private.”

The gym has been open for about 15 months and has got off to a flying start. It made the final shortlist in the newcomer of the year category at the 2012 National Fitness Awards and Paul added that the team is on track with the targets they have set themselves for the coming months.

“We had an expectation of where we would like to be at the two year mark and that’s where we will be.

“For me, working with family has been nothing but positive. We have got a good relationship and enjoy working together.

And we all have different strengths to bring to the club.”

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Functional training for all at new gym A NEW independent gym has opened in the Midlands, which aims to encourage everyone from elite athletes to beginners to enjoy the benefits of functional training.

Rigs Fitness, situated in Kings Heath near Birmingham, was opened about five months ago by 23-year-old Sam Smith.

Sam, who has a degree in Sports Science and Physiology, is also a level three personal trainer, sports nutritionist and amateur boxer, with vast experience in training professional athletes.

He opened the club after spotting a gap in the market for what he calls a ‘functional fitness centre’ and is now aiming to introduce functional training, widely used by professional sports people, to a bigger audience.

He explained: “It’s something I’m really passionate about and the way I train myself. I knew there was nothing like it in the Midlands and genuinely believe it is a better way to train.”

Functional fitness sessions run every night. A typical class focuses on big movements which use the whole body, such as squatting, jumping and twisting, and Sam revealed his aim is to get everyone training that way. He added: “The classes involve exercises which use your whole body as one unit rather than isolating single muscles. They are movements which can be translated into every day life. Not just things you can do in the gym, but things

that are going to help you outside.”

Features at the club include an indoor sprint track, full-sized pro boxing ring, gymnastics training facilities, a cross fit functional rig and kit such as kettlebells, battle ropes and fitness tyres.

Sam added: “We are deliberately different. We are getting people coming in who have got a real performance goal and we try and make sure their training is always varied.

“My worry was how people would cope with the change from what they would find in other gyms but it’s been received really well.

“The main thing people are enjoying is the fact that it is so different. We think it’s a much more enjoyable way to train – and functional fitness classes are our most popular.”

Although the gym has only been open a few months, Sam already has big plans for the future. In the coming months, he aims to target more local sports clubs to come down and use the gym, as well as introducing a reward scheme for members who generate referrals.

He added: “I’m really pleased with how it’s going. We have got a good membership base and it’s a really nice place to train.

There’s a great atmosphere here and no egos. I also know every member. You can’t create that personal feel when you have thousands of members – it’s unique to independent gyms.”

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Are you a convenient workout?

By Matthew Januszek, Escape Fitness TAKE a drive into any town or city and the chances are you’ll pass a business park, a retail park and, somewhere in there too, a leading ‘super-sized’ supermarket store.

At the other end of the spectrum, take a walk down any high street in any town or city, or village for that matter, and you’ll also notice that your local convenience store has also not been immune from the corporate machine and is, most likely, now a well known brand of supermarket.

However, while the morals of such an aggressive purchasing programme by the supermarkets is open to debate, is the principle of what they are doing – taking their product to a more “local” level – worthy of comparison with the fitness industry? Are we missing a trick?

This “mini” supermarket, with identical quality products, albeit a smaller range, has made their brands more accessible to people, capturing a market that would have previously been lost. What the supermarkets have done is take their product to the people, they’ve been flexible in producing a High Street module of their brand to appeal to a wider consumer base.

So, how can we learn from this?

David Lloyd Putney has recently opened a smaller, downsized studio that is smack bang amongst houses and offices on Putney High Street.

The convenience of the studio means there is a real sense of community and, with no member fees, the flexibility of not being tied into a membership contract is a huge attraction.

In a year that has seen the nation swept along with both the Olympics and Paralympics, there has never been a more fitness aware public, yet our industry remains largely inflexible, relying on people to come to us, rather than the other way round. The David Lloyd Putney example is testament to a new way of thinking – taking your product to the people. There are potentially hundreds of thousands of people out there, wanting to get involved in joining a club, or simply wanting to do a class or workout once a week. A massive untapped market!

Therefore, thinking where to open a new club has never been more important. Many local town centres are struggling, owing to the economic climate, shops are closing and relocating, many to out of town retail parks. Is this an opportunity to be seized? Retail units are left standing empty in areas where a consumer base and infrastructure already exists.

The car parks are there, the bus and train station already exists and, importantly, the shopping centre, often the heartbeat of a town or city,

Matthew Januszek is surrounded by houses, within walking distant of a huge number of potential members and clients.

People love convenience, it’s what modern society is all about. We’re used to getting what we want, when we want it. Understanding and responding to this is vital. Smaller studios, a downsized product range BUT located on people’s doorsteps.

The concept that has worked for the supermarkets can be applied to the fitness industry too.

What about those people who, regardless of a gym’s location, still can’t visit? Well how about a training “road show”? Visiting a local village hall and community centre, putting on a weekly class with a carefully selected array of equipment; some kettlebells, Bulgarian Bags and corebags, an agility grid and Easy Tone Step? A portable functional playground, what a great idea! Educating and capturing those enthusiastic participants on their terms.

A person’s spare time is precious to them and so it’s important that any time they choose to spend with your business is maximised to the full. By engaging with them by creating smaller, more suitable areas they’ll feel more wanted, not just another membership number on a spreadsheet. Group training through interactive functional training areas is perfect for doing just that. Capturing a member’s imagination means they’ll feel part of something and notice real results from their training, which means they’ll keep coming back for more, building a sense of community in the process. Working out is always much more fun when you’re doing it with friends, and even family.

Don’t wait for them to come to you, take your business to the masses, there’s never been a better time!

It’s always interesting to know what the industry is thinking and the ideas you have so please, my door is always open, drop me a line at marketing@escapefitness.com

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Company continues to build on its LIW success TKO proved to be a real knockout at LIW in September and has continued this success with an agreement in place in Ireland with McSport and contracts to supply several new clubs in Scotland, including the new Fit4less in East Kilbride.

Exclusively distributed by Concept Fitness International, TKO was launched in the UK in 2010 with a range of quality free weights, studio equipment, functional training equipment and of course, a full range of boxing equipment and accessories.

With extremely reasonable prices and the highest quality equipment, they offer a real alternative to the companies that have dominated the functional training and free weights market.

In particular, the four-in-one boxing station is proving to be a real hit with clubs with several orders taken already.

Oli Thompson Picture credit: Combat Ready Training (http://www. combatreadytraining.co.uk) and Cheetahs Gym, Hove.

Oli opts for Jordan as official supplier TOP UK MMA heavyweight, Oli Thompson, has signed functional fitness specialists Jordan Fitness to assist with his strength and conditioning training.

Jordan Fitness is the official supplier for Combat Ready Training, run by strength and conditioning coach, Christian Vila who is preparing Oli for forthcoming fights.

The company is supplying the Combat Ready Training camps with functional fitness equipment including sandbags, balance trainers, sonic chute and speed/agility ladder.

Oli, Britain’s Strongest Man in 2006, is a former UCMMA

heavyweight champion and current CSMMA heavyweight champion and is keen to get back on the UFC roster.

Sales director at Jordan Fitness Zak Pitt said: “We are proud that Oli Thompson and Combat Ready Training have chosen Jordan Fitness as their Official Supplier.

“We wish Oli all the very best with his training ahead of his fights in 2013.”

To keep track of Oli’s training progress with Combat Ready Training visit www.combatreadytraining.co. uk and for more information on Jordan Fitness equipment www.jordanfitness.co.uk.

The commercial build quality, the spring mechanisms and the heavy duty 22oz bags make this a fantastic buy at under £1000 all in. In addition, leasing can be arranged at competitive rates.

For further information on TKO, visit www.tkofitness.co.uk or call 0845 3636 9969.

Functional training: developments on a theme DESCRIPTIONS for functional training are numerous, however, each are developments on the same theme.

An appropriate example can be taken from Michael Boyle’s book ‘Functional Training for Sport’ (2004): “The key is to design a training program that truly prepares athletes for their sports. This can be done only by using exercises that train the muscles the same way they are used in sport, in other words – functional training.”

Obviously, this example uses sport as its reference for training; however it is still vitally important for all persons to be physically prepared for a multitude of environments and everyday tasks.

All activities require some form of physical exertion through a wide variety of

movements and exercises. Therefore it makes sense to be prepared for a wide range of scenarios.

It has been suggested that functional training is the most effective at doing so as the training is constantly varied, incorporates a wide variety of movements and exercises, is easily scalable for persons of all abilities and produces results.

As a company of crossfit personnel, we are in the right position to judge what works and what doesn’t with functional training rigs and are very fortunate to be able to manufacture and design all our products in house. This enables the maximum amount of versatility with our products getting results quicker and safer.

For more information email info@beaverfit.com or call 01694 352100

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New modular system added to range ‘Funk it up’ FREEDOM Climber, the makers of the revolutionary indoor rotating climbing system, are embracing their success within health clubs and leisure centres, gained on the back of the increased demand by clubs looking to add the latest and most exciting new functional training equipment, by adding a brand new modular functional training wall system to their range.

The new system offers strategically placed attachment points for elastic stretch and TRX style suspension bands to the wall mounted panels, designed to allow personal trainers and group exercise classes to maximise on the Freedom Climber’s excellent functional training exercise.

Now being installed into leading health clubs across the UK, the system is being enthusiastically used by members and personal trainers alike, looking to add vari-

ety and a fun element to group and individual training sessions.

The climbing movement required to rotate the variable resistance climbing surface means the member must use their balance, flexibility, hand-eye co-ordination and strength, which offers a harder than expected upper body and core workout in a short session.

The climber is now being used in

A ‘FUNKED up’ functional playground has helped an Impulse Leisure site attract a new audience, with the site seeing a 30 per cent increase in membership since it was installed.

The company wanted to change the emphasis at its Corringham site from a traditional style gym and increase the amount of functional training equipment on offer.

The aim was to ‘funk it up’ so that the rejuvenated club would encourage more of the local community to join in and use the facilities.

The Corringham site is on two levels, with a traditional-style cardio area on the upper floor, group circuit classes as a workout and Impulse Leisure wanted to create a funcstation and can be incorporated tional playground on the lower level. into club challenges and competiWith that in mind, they chose Escape Fitness, tions. The Freedom Climber’s who got to work with creative agency, ESC unique design enables the system Creative, to redesign the walls, creating some to be wall mounted to save floor motivational graphics to inspire members durspace and will fit under most ing their workouts. They also chose some of clubs’ standard ceiling height.

Escape’s best functional equipment including For more information contact Olympic Bars, kettlebells, ViPRs, TRX Freedom Climber at info@freeSuspension Trainers and frame, the Reebok domclimber.co.uk Punch Bag, medicine balls and rep sets.

The monster rig: a focal point in any gym THE Exigo monster rig is the ultimate in compact design, giving you more options than ever and becoming a focal point in any gym.

Saving you space and money, the Exigo monster rig is a complete cost effective solution to all your exercise and functional training needs.

Being available in both a free standing modular design and a wall mounted design, transforming lost corners, empty spaces and blank walls into the back bone of your gym.

The Exigo monster rig is designed and manufactured in our UK factory and is constructed from an incredibly strong and sturdy oval tube to reduce any flex and support multiple users simultaneously. This rig is built to withstand any abuse it may receive throughout its life and is finished in a tough durable powder coat available in a range of colours and RAL numbers. We offer the rig to you in almost any variation and can manufacture to suit any gym, wall, corner or even cor-

ners, depending on your size and shape requirements.

The Exigo monster rig gives unlimited exercise possibilities, is compatible with all Exigo interchangeable attachments such as wings, monkey bars, TRX attachments and can include anything in its build from power racks to equipment storage using our own unique column design. The Exigo Monster wall rig is an essential in any gym. For more information call 0870 850 1822 or visit www.exigosport.com

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Josef opens new facilities PARALYMPIC gold medallist and BBC young sports personality of the year Josef Craig has officially opened the new facilities at Jesmond Swimming Pool in Newcastleupon-Tyne.

The pool has recently benefited from a £250,000 extension featuring a state-of-theart fitness suite and treatment rooms.

Built alongside the pool hall and utilising a garden area, the new extension provides an additional 45sqm of space, in addition to the original 250sqm fitness suite.

The site is also the first in the north of England to showcase Precor’s AMT with Open Stride, along with elliptical crosstrainers and other cardiovascular pieces.

The gym also has a functional training zone which will be used to encourage a variety of user groups from the community, as well as being available to drive personal training revenue.

The centre is managed and operated by charitable trust Jesmond Community Leisure.

People power in action THE new gym at the Spectrum Leisure Centre in Willington, County Durham, held an open day to enable SportsArt Fitness to demonstrate its Green System, which includes a range of cardio fitness equipment that harnesses human energy into useable power.

Attending were interested parties from other fitness centres, educational establishments, local authorities and prison and fire services.

Managing director Mark Turner said: “SportsArt Fitness has designed and built the Green System with Spectrum being the first British gym to install the new power-generating gym equipment and use its members’ exertions to produce power.”

Boost your membership referrals SOCIAL Referral Online allows your newest member/customer to spread the word about your business to as many of their friends as they want in two easy steps, harnessing the true power of the Internet and social marketing.

Club manager at Westside Health and Fitness Club Duncan McSporran explained: “We are a 1,400 member health club in Stamford Centre; the club has been going for 16 years. We introduced SRO to increase guest traffic through the club, within the first six-month period of using

the system we had 300 10-day guest passes of which 90 members have joined. With our average gym membership price being £35 a month (12 month terms) we have generated £3,150.00 on our monthly Direct Debit.

“In my opinion Social Referral Online is the best marketing spend that we have invested in out of all the marketing tools we have used throughout the 16 years.”

Request a free demo today by calling 0845 838 052 or email hello@talktwenty1.com

At Spectrum, a ‘pod’ of 10 SportsArt elliptical trainers and cycles attached to an inverter uses power from exercisers, harnessing this and feeding it back into the power grid as useable energy.

“This energy can then be used to save facilities thousands of pounds in energy costs.

Mark added: “We are at a point now where the machines are viable.

“The new pieces of equipment include recumbent bikes, upright bikes and elliptical trainers all capable of producing up to 2,000 watts an hour and these cost the same as other SportsArt machines.”

For more information contact Mark Turner on 01282 779234 or email.mark.turner@sportsartfitness.co.uk

Specialist sport and fitness PR agency, Promote PR, has a new recruit – GB women’s hockey captain Kate Walsh.

Having achieved a dream of winning an Olympic medal in London 2012, Kate is using a relatively quiet international hockey period to start her career in PR. She joins a team of 11 PR professionals who are all passionate about sport, fitness and active leisure and as well as assisting them, Kate will also be looking to fulfil public speaking commitments and personal appearances.

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Regional Gym of the Year: North and Scotland: Chorley Fitness Centre, Lancashire Judge’s Comments: “To open and run a club that delivers a 24-hour service in a small market town needs guts, and to recently spend an additional £25,000 on toilets, air conditioning and equipment after an overall investment of £250,000 only three years ago demands a great

respect and shows they are willing to go that extra mile. The investment shows courage and a belief, a belief in their ability and a belief in the future.

The photos demonstrate cleanliness, order and attitude.

“This spirit elevates the small independent gym philosophy to the status of the big clubs – a true professional mentality.”

Regional Gym of the Year: South: Winners 2000 Fitness Ltd, Newton Abbot Judge’s Comments: “This is without a doubt the winner. The reviewer comments were fully backed up with evidence and the high standard Simon sets himself has rubbed off on all his staff.

“The club has a great philosophy and work ethic with attention to detail.

“The cleanliness of the gyms was high and there is also a good self development programme in place for the staff.”

Budget Gym of the Year: Xercise4Less, Doncaster Judge’s Comments: “The Xercise4less gym concept is simple, but the extra touches make it stand out from other operators in the budget gym category.

“The large facility is kitted out with masses of equipment, the weights area is separated from the other parts of the gym and again boasts loads of kit.

Upstairs on the mezzanine floor is a large studio which can hold approximately 70 people in classes and a separate small ladies’ only gym for those members who don't want to workout in the large open area.

“Fantastic equipment and classes.

A budget gym that caters for every goal.”

Regional Gym of the Year: Midlands and Wales: CKI School of Martial Arts, Leicester Judge’s Comments: “This was a hard decision to make – I think this club was hard pushed by last year’s winner. My choice was based on the sheer success of its members – award after award. What impressed me most was the service to the community and the ability of the owners to utilise

volunteers to train and run the club. This is perhaps not a “club” in the true sense of the word, but certainly a gym producing so many high achievers. In other words, this is a gym that delivers results and does not follow the “chains” philosophy of going with the trends or fads. It is a gym with a sense of purpose in sticking with its true values.”

Local Authority/Leisure Trust Gym of the Year: The Metrodome Leisure Complex, Barnsley Judge’s Comments: “The Metrodome Leisure Complex is the perfect venue for a great day out for the whole family.

“Barnsley Premier Leisure Trust took over the site in 1999 with just 400 gym members and over the years the trust

has invested in the gym and expanded both its size and membership numbers tenfold. This year saw more than £1m investment in the very popular Calypso Cove Water Park, all part of the impressive ongoing investment in facilities, staff training and customer care.”

Ladies Only Gym of the Year: GO30, Romford Judge’s Comments: “I got a great feel for this gym through their application and I particularly like their four-stage GO30 programme to provide structure and progression for each individual’s fitness journey.

“They have a great balance of motivation and education with

everything covered from training structure, diet and most importantly results. Their rebranding has been very impressive. It is clear that women’s needs are at the heart of all they do – they understand women, even the consideration of time and a place to shop after a workout! As a female judge this facility excited me the most.”

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Health Club of the Year: The Laboratory Spa and Health Club, Muswell Hill Judge’s Comments: “Surrounded by five branded gyms, one independent and two local authority sites, The Laboratory remains true to its original aims of providing a high quality facility with matching service to

its loyal customer base.

“Over the years it has grown and improved with ongoing investment in the facilities and customer care. The personal service levels are noticeably higher and obviously appreciated by the members.”

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Strength Training Gym of the Year: Ripped Gym, Harlow Judge’s Comments: “This gym stands out as a leader in strength. Their equipment is extensive and primarily strength orientated.

The clients they attract, retain and help are successful and show impressive results in their individual fields.

“I like their recognition of women in

the strength arena as well as their recognition of nutrition support through education and the cafe.

“The fact they host major competitive strength events shows the calibre of their facility and the fact they are continuing to expand shows their drive to continue to be the best.”

Best Rehabilitation Facilities: Tops Fitness and Rehabilitation, Wakefield Judge’s Comments:

Combat Zone Gym of the Year: CKI School of Martial Arts, Leicester Judge’s Comments: “The owner Ismail sounds like an incredible man who has dedicated time, energy and passion as a volunteer to make a difference in his area through combat training.

“The success of his members at elite

level, as well as the effect on the community at grass roots, stood out to me. The number of heartfelt testimonials provided speak volumes for the worthiness of this gym as a winner. It has a pure fight focus which I felt important for a combat gym winner.”

Newcomer of The Year: The Warehouse Gym, Leicester Judge’s Comments: “The Warehouse Gym built its reputation as a strongman gym but is now in the process of developing as broad a membership as possible.

The club is female friendly – it hosts female only bootcamps – and the

atmosphere is one of a family; people help each other in trying to hit new personal records for each session.

“An upcoming gym that has had a lot of clients achieve many competition goals.

With the future improvements and new equipment, it can have even more success.”

“I chose Tops Fitness and Rehabilitation as they are specialists in spinal cord and head and sports injuries and there is no other centre in the north of England which offers the same facilities. They treat spinal cord injuries, strokes, acquired brain injuries, Gullain Barre, and Multiple Sclerosis and provide the highest standards of physiotherapy together with a holistic approach to rehabilitation. They employ four physios, specialising in brain

injuries and spinal cord injuries, a physio assistant, four fitness instructors, one of whom specialises in neuro pilates and cardio rehabilitation, an acupuncturist and a massage therapist.

“All of their therapists are highly skilled and have a vast amount of experience.

All are registered with professional bodies and each complements the others in enabling them to provide a complete service for the gym's clients – an excellent facility, providing rehabilitation at the highest level.”

Best Hotel Facility: Combe Grove Manor Hotel and Country Club, Bath Judge’s Comments: “A truly committed team, from the receptionist and pool attendant right up to the more senior staff.

“The team is very committed to customer service and the overall

experience that the club offers. They had taken time to research and find out exactly want the members and the hotel guests both want and expect from the club and had some great rewards for members who trained on a regular basis.”

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Customer Service Award: Gymophobics, Rugby Judge’s Comments: “From having a small membership of just 160, the present owners have transformed the gym into a thriving business which now has 525 members, and future plans has them aiming for 600 members and a second gym in 2014.

“None of this could have been possible without the sheer hard work and dedication of the present owners. As they say ‘Customer care is at the heart of everything we do.’

“An excellent gym, which concentrates on the care of their members to an extremely high standard.”

Community Involvement: HMP Hatfield, Doncaster Judge’s Comments: “I have had prisoners working at my gym, preparing them for release and have some great success stories myself.

“I can relate to this at length – it is a thankless, difficult job motivating prisoners – so they get my vote all day long.”

Member Achievement: Terry Broom, The Exercise Clinic, Bourne End Judge’s Comments: “Terry’s success story is inspiring. When he joined the gym, he was overweight, lacking in confidence and finding it hard to juggle family life with a stressful job, which left little time for himself.

“But with help from The Exercise Clinic, he’s turned his life around. He’s lost weight, has a different job he enjoys, has made many friends in the gym and

his confidence levels are so high he has taken on and completed many charity challenges, including a gruelling climb up Mount Kilimanjaro.

“The club has been there every step of the way – from helping him with his training regime to holding events to raise sponsorship money. A genuine friendship has grown between Terry and club owner Jason Croucher, which really came across in the nomination.”

Gym Team of the Year: Ladybird Fitness Club for Women, Wigan Judge’s Comments: “Sandra McGugan opened Ladybird Fitness Club for Women in November 2006 after five months of complete restoration. Having over 20 years’ experience in the fitness industry, she knew how hard it can be to find the

right staff – and was determined to get it right at Ladybird.

“Everything is done in house by the team of five – from cleaning, working on reception, signing up new members and teaching a class – and the club has such a strong team ethic that no-one has left since it opened six years ago.”

Gym Based Personal Trainer: Simon de Burgh, Michele White Fitness Centre, Devon Judge’s Comments: “Simon de Burgh lives and breathes personal training.

“After winning this award last year he didn't just sit back and bask in the glory – just the opposite.

“He is tough as his three strikes and your out rule proves, but he claims to

be a better listener after taking a long hard look at what he does to prove that he was and is worthy of winning this award.

“Simon has studied extremely hard, achieved a lot of qualifications and has helped raise money for charities. He not only shares his interests but shows passion.”

National Gym of the Year: Winners 2000 Fitness Ltd, Newton Abbot Judge’s Comments: “The club has a great philosophy and

work ethic with attention to detail. The high standard Simon sets himself has rubbed off on all his staff.”

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Preferred bidder chosen for ten-year contract OLDHAM Council has chosen its preferred bidder for a new ten-year contract to run the borough’s sports and leisure facilities.

A Cabinet meeting has appointed Oldham Community Leisure as its preferred bidder with Sport and Leisure Management named as reserve bidder.

OCL currently runs the leisure

estate across the Borough on behalf of Oldham Council in a contract that is set to end in March 2013.

The new leisure management contract would run from April 2013 until March 2023 with the potential to extend for a further five years.

The contract aims to deliver increased efficiency and savings

and to significantly improve the leisure offer available to all residents.

Chief executive of Oldham Community Leisure Stuart Lockwood said: “Our team are delighted to have been selected as preferred bidder and we are committed to working with Oldham Council to finalise the process.”

David Beattie

Director David moving on

Gym celebrates with pop-up workout classes easyGym is celebrating the launch of its new £1.5m gym in Birmingham’s Kings Heath with a series of pop-up community workout classes.

The first of the classes was held in Kings Heath Town Square and saw local residents aged between two and 82 joining in the fitness fun.

Classes will also be popping up in the area throughout the New Year and will involve a number of fun fitness activities including group dance Leisure operator Sheffield International Venues has been chosen to host one of the largest multi-sports events in the UK. British Universities and Colleges Sport organisers will bring their annual student sports championship event to SIV’s venues from February 22-24.

The event was launched by athlete Iwan Thomas and Team GB swimmer Joanne Jackson at SIV’s Ponds Forge International Sports Centre.

workouts.

Personal trainer at the club Gavin Edinborough said: “easyGym’s pop up community work outs are a great way for local residents to meet new friends, have fun and get fit.

“We want the whole of Kings Heath to don their trainers and help us raise awareness of the importance of keeping active and healthy, whilst having a great time and celebrating the launch of our new easyGym site.”

THE énergie Group’s brand and marketing director David Beattie is to leave the company to pursue other opportunities.

David was a founding member of the directing team when énergie was launched almost a decade ago.

Chairman and chief executive Jan Spaticchia said “We have seen énergie develop a revered and admired portfolio of franchise brands under David’s direction.

“David’s contribution to the success that we achieved to date has been considerable and he has developed brands that I am confident are destined to become internationally recognised as the business grows.

“David will, of course, continue to take a keen interest in énergie’s development as a significant shareholder.

We wish David the very best in everything he goes on to do; he is an outstanding executive who will be successful in whatever he turns his hand to.”

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Nutrition drink boosts secondary revenue A LONDON based independent gym has seen a big increase in secondary revenue since it started stocking a new type of sports nutrition drink.

MiTONICS applies the principles used by professional sports nutritionists to create a drink completely personalised to the individual.

Members enter their weight, training goal and body fat percentage and the machine, similar to a traditional walk up coffee machine, will dispense exactly the right ingredients in the right quantities to help them reach their goals.

The idea has been proving popular with members at The Third Space in SOHO, where over the past 12 months, sales of the drinks have increased by 47 per cent.

General manager Matt Julian said:

“We were the first club in the UK to install a Biosauce (now MiTONICS) machine and it was a fantastic decision.

“Not only are our members impressed by the ability to vend a post-workout drink which has been personalised to their exact needs, we’ve also seen a dramatic increase in our sports nutrition revenue.”

CEO and founder Tom Bulgin believes that the increase in sales is down to positive customer experience and increased consumer knowledge.

He added: “MiTONICS makes advanced sports nutrition principles available to the average gym-goer.

This means our customers start to see results much more quickly and so we create an ongoing relationship.”

MiTonics CEO and founder Tom Bulgin

Welsh Cycling signs three-year deal WELSH Cycling has formed a threeyear partnership with sports nutrition brand USN. The agreement, which runs until 2015, will see the company secure naming rights to the Welsh Cycling managed UCI Track Cycling World Cup team, as well as becoming offi-

cial supplier of nutritional products to the national governing body.

Karl Bickley, events manager and athlete liaison at USN, said: “USN – Ultimate Sports Nutrition are proud to become the principle partner of Welsh Cycling’s elite track team.

“We have a great passion for per-

formance sport and are massively excited at the prospect of working closely with the team to help fuel on-track performance as well as preparation and recovery in the lead up to and during the Commonwealth Games in 2014.”

Healthy cafe on menu at Trinity A NEW healthy eating cafe will form an integral part of Trinity Sports and Leisure’s redeveloped offering, Sedgemoor District Council and leisure trust 1610 have revealed.

The inspiration for the café is a welcoming, family-friendly and affordable facility where visitors can choose from a range of healthy food and drink options including wraps, smoothies and fruit.

General manager Kenny Brown said: "Trinity Sports and Leisure has already proved to be a big hit in Bridgwater since it opened and with the extended fitness area opening, followed by the pool and cafe it will help to make it a real social hub for the local community.”

The improvements also include a new swimming pool and revamped fitness facilities.

Performance Meals – a world’s first GREAT tasting, all natural, convenient, high protein diet meals for sports and fitness.

Performance Meals are based on clinically tested research that clearly indicates high protein meals help to maintain a lean, toned body.

High protein meals are also suitable for building muscle mass and strength and are especially useful in the repair of muscle after exercise.

These are complete real food meals, containing no additives or preservatives.

High in protein, with a minimum of

40g protein per serving, low fat, low salt and ready to eat.

The unique air and watertight sealed pouch ensures the ingredients are kept fresh and keeps the all-important nutrients locked in during cooking. Performance Meals have a shelf life of 12 months and have no special storage requirements. No fridge needed. Simply display alongside existing sports nutrition products.

Visit www.performancemeals.com for more information.

Trade customers can order direct from www.performancemealstrade.com

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Confusion over what foods are healthy and difficulty with changing existing habits can all hinder a member’s weight loss journey. Personal trainer Alex Pascoe shares his thoughts on how the industry can tackle the nation’s growing obesity crisis.

Once you’ve made a decision to change, the next step is take action ...

SO it appears that if nothing changes by the time we reach 2050, over half the population of the UK will be obese.

It seems to me that the rise in obesity is strangely mirrored in the rise of health-related knowledge, awareness and even new gym memberships.

You heard me right, more people are joining gyms each year and more people are getting fatter. How can that be?

Well in my opinion, just as the rich get richer and poor get poorer it seems that a similar thing is happening on our very own doorstep – the fat get fatter and the fit get fitter.

Sure, I am aware that overweight people are contributing to the growing statistic of new gym users but what separates the people who succeed with weight loss and those that fail with it?

I see there are new guidelines set to grace the packaging of food in the supermarket, offering a traffic light system to identify healthier food choices.

Although this appears to be a proactive step forward, I have to question the depth of this strategy.

For me, the success or failure of an individual’s goal lies not within a colour coded label on their favourite beef lasagne but more in their mindset.

If a person has spent their life pursuing short term pleasure, I doubt they will have the mindset required to commit to the type of lifestyle change required to see the results they seek long term.

Unless we can change this person’s behavioural pattern you can put whatever colour coded system you like on a packet of sausages, people are still destined to pick

them up and eat them.

A person who constantly falls off the wagon, will continue to fall off the wagon.

Giving them a colour guide to healthy and non-healthy food simply gives them another route to follow that will inevitably lead to a dead end.

If we can continually find ways to motivate the majority into being active then surely that can’t be a bad thing.

Like I mentioned, my only worry is that inevitably these people will quit and go back to their old ways of life in search of that instant gratification inertly programmed in their mind.

In order to create long term happiness, we need to create short term pain and unfortunately I don’t feel that this message is being reciprocated or even if it is, it’s not being understood.

In order to fix this crisis, we first need to turn our attention to the root cause of the issue, the focus of the individual.

If we mask this by offering the next revolutionary fitness product or eating plan we will continue to give people strategies to fail at time and time again.

We need to empower these people to understand exactly what it takes to be successful with health in the short term and the long term.

The finger needs to first be firmly pointed at the food industry. We need to create a congruent environment where each aspect of health is pushing forwards not pulling us back.

When I watch advertisements for popular cereal brands and so called healthy food items, I often find myself appalled at the creative choice of wording used to palm off high sugar foods as healthy.

Supplements firm hosts seminar

I have to take my hat off, however, to the fitness industry. As a whole, we are motivating and inspiring individuals to create change in lifestyle and mindset, but we unfortunately are no match for the creative marketing of large food companies whose loyalties lie with their shareholders and profit margins – not our health.

It is my fear that until these food companies are better regulated, people will continue to make the wrong food choices and the fat cats behind so called health food brands will continue to cash in on this crisis.

If it’s highly refined and high in sugar, it’s not going to be a health food choice, despite the fact that it may be fortified with iron and have added vitamin D. Eat some spinach and take a 20 minute walk during the day instead – bingo you’ve got your nutrients and some exercise without the waist expanding sugars.

People spend their lives and base their decisions on one basic principle, moving away from pain and towards pleasure. Does this ring any bells?

I I’m tired so I’ll not wake up early and instead have an extra hour in bed.

I I’m feeling a little tired after lunch – I’ll go grab a coffee.

I It’s the end of the day and the sofa with a glass of wine is a much more pleasurable experience than hitting the gym.

Or: I I’m so sick of being overweight, I’m going to start exercising and clean up my diet.

Which of these statements do think people have most trouble sticking to?

All are based on moving away from pain and towards pleasure but

SUPPLEMENTS manufacturer Metabolics has hosted a seminar featuring a range of experts in the field of nutrition and diet supplements.

The seminar took place at the

Alex Pascoe only one will create long term pleasure. The rest create a short term pleasure but will inevitably create long term pain.

Once you’ve made a decision to change, the next step is take action.

Many people reach this step but this is the toughest part of the journey and often the most confusing.

I always say the easiest thing in the world to stick to is a habit, so at first it’s going to be hard but once you get into the swing of things it becomes not only easier but pleasurable.

Keep going and you’ll start to receive compliments, this perpetuates your pleasure and finally you’ll start to inspire others because of your dedication and commitment to your goal – and this feeling is pure bliss.

I Alex Pascoe has worked in the fitness industry for 10 years. He is a qualified advanced personal trainer and currently works as a programme manager for Nuffield Health’s corporate division.

Royal College of Physicians in London, with speakers including Dr William Davey and Dr Michael Holick.

Presentations explored topics such as the concept of a ‘gene

lifestyle’ and the roles played by diet, stress management, exercise and supplementation, as well as recommendations on the Mediterranean diet.

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Actress Patsy Kensit has been revealed as the new celebrity ambassador for Weight Watchers.

Patsy, who has lost a stone since August thanks to the plan, revealed her new body in a TV advert which premiered on Boxing Day. She joins food critic Gregg Wallace and news presenter Penny Haslam as the celebrity weight loss ambassadors who have successfully lost weight on the ProPoints plan and are fronting the Weight Watchers TV campaign.

Staying in shape with Alex PERSONAL trainer Alex Cullen has created a new e-book designed to help people stay in shape over the festive season.

Rudolph’s Christmas Cook Book includes healthy recipes and exercise tips to help beat the bulge over Christmas, while still being able to eat delicious food and attend parties and social gatherings.

Top award for Rachael The British Dietetic Association has revealed its top five worst celebrity diets to avoid in the new year. Among those making the list are the IV Drip Diet and Dukan Diet, with the number one plan to avoid named as The Six Weeks to OMG Diet, devised by Venice A Fulton.

Pop star Rihanna is reportedly a fan of the IV drip diet.

SHEFFIELD natural bodybuilder Rachael Hayes has scooped another top award.

Rachael won the first ever DFAC World Professional Athletic title at the world championships in Miami, following on from her success at winning a Pro Universe Athletic title earlier this year.

Rachael was accompanied on the trip by her husband Jon Clark who made his

professional debut at the DFAC World Championships in the over 40s class – finishing fourth.

The pair are also successful gym owners, running Evolution Gym in the city.

They achieved further recognition at the National Fitness Awards, where the club made the final six in the strength training gym of the year category.

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New equipment = new members IN these tough economic times, it’s important for every gym business to continue investing in its equipment and offering and, according to Servicesport Finance, equipment rental is proving to be the perfect solution to balance costs and revenue.

The business was established to provide ‘tailor made’ solutions specific to each customer’s needs. This includes customers that may have been refused lease finance and new start ups.

All types of products are available to rent including CV, strength and free weights.

The key advantages of rental are that through monthly payments, gym owners can match their costs against

New location for Premier diploma PREMIER Training International is to launch a new venue in Nottingham at the end of January.

monthly membership income.

Rental payments are inclusive of service and repair, meaning an end to large, lumpy repair costs, giving operational peace of mind.

Rental makes investing in additional revenue streams affordable – typically an 11 bike studio cycling class will generate £8,000 of net profit per year.

New and improved equipment helps gym owners attract and retain members, particularly important in the post-Christmas peak.

Treadmill rentals start from as little as £90 + vat per month.

For further information call 08442642473 or email rental@servicesport.co.uk

The Gym4all venue will offer Premier Training’s full time Diploma in Fitness Instructing and Personal Training, providing graduates with the knowledge and ability to instruct and supervise safe exercise with both groups and one-on-one clients.

Area development manager Karl Musgrove said: “Nottingham promises to be a fantastic new location for Premier.

“Demand for high quality fitness training programmes is increasing month on month, and the new venue will help meet the needs of fitness and training professionals across the Nottingham area.”

Don’t be floored by all the choice Out with the old, in with the new IT’S that time of year once again when the majority of the British public will be making their New Year’s resolutions and hitting the gym.

Is your equipment going to be up to the influx of new members? Is the “out of order” sign a frequent visitor to your facility? Well the guys at FFITTECH are again offering another amazing deal to kick start your New Year!

They are offering a massive minimum trade in value for your old

treadmill – no matter what the condition – of £500 and if it’s still in good nick you could get up to £1000.

This means a brand new FFITTECH treadmill with full warranty could cost as little as £1,495 + VAT. This is a WorkOut magazine exclusive, so what are you waiting for – call FFITTECH today for a quote.

Visit the website for the full product range and to view the promotional video – www.ffittech.co.uk – or call 0115 7529548.

BUYING flooring or matting for your club can be a stressful process, faced with dozens of samples and brochures it’s tricky to know where to turn.

Escape Fitness offer a dedicated bespoke flooring service with expert knowledge to ensure you make the right decision for your business.

Supporting you from design through to installation.

Regardless of your type of facility, there’s a solution for you. From sprint tracks to functional training floor markings, from traditional indoor setups to outdoor spaces, their customised service means you’ll be heading in the right direction for your gym, your members and your brand.

It’s not just about looking good, your flooring needs to perform to the exercise needs of your members and their expert knowledge means they can advise on the functionality of each of their flooring options for each area of your gym. Then, once the decision has been made, professional flooring experts will install your flooring, ensuring it is fitted efficiently and to the highest standard.

Any investment in flooring should not be taken lightly, and neither should the installation process.

Fortunately, Escape Fitness are on hand to take care of both.

For more information visit www.escapefitness.com/bsw-flooring or call 01733 313535.

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