Workout UK - January 2022

ISSUE 333 January 2022 £3

LOCKDOWN LAUNCHED OPERATOR SET TO EXPAND TO SHAKE-UP WOMEN’S HEALTH

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EMERGING FITNESS AND WELLNESS TRENDS PAGE 5 NATIONAL FITNESS AWARDS ARE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER PAGE 23

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Lockdown launched operator set to expand to shake-up women’s health BBM Fitness founder Becky Barrett has expanded her first fitness management agency one year after launch to cover London and Manchester (December 2021).

Becky, 42, offers a roster of qualified trainers across personal training, HIIT, yoga, pilates and strength training sessions at-home, outdoors and online, with a focus on boosting women’s confidence and engagement with fitness as a lifestyle choice.

Pushed by her own experiences in health and fitness plus recent client focus, the founder believes that the impact on women’s mental health since the pandemic means there is an inadvertent risk of isolation from existing fitness industry cultures that aren’t inclusive to women’s needs.

A recent YouGov poll found that women, alongside young people, have taken the hardest psychological hit from the pandemic – but few people anywhere are considering changing their lives as a result of it.

Becky thinks this calls for ‘clear leadership in the fitness industry and an opportunity to innovate, develop new products that meet the needs of

changing lives’.

As part of her expansion into the North West, she is conducting a survey of women’s experiences with health and fitness since the pandemic, with a view to looking at the long-term impact in attitudes towards integrating fitness into life and new challenges faced.

Becky said: “When I had the opportunity to expand BBM Fitness into

the North West I wanted to seize the opportunity to do things differently.

“Since the pandemic, women’s physical and mental health has deteriorated significantly, and I’ve seen this present increased barriers for women engaging with traditional fitness infrastructures like general gyms, plus Zoom fatigue for impersonal classes.

“There is an inherent issue that presents itself when women lose confidence through experiences such as increased stress, managing home and work, home-schooling, being time poor, working from home at the dining room table and going through the menopause.

“It compounds feelings of lack of control and feeling empowered to make choices that best serve an individual woman’s needs, and fitness falls off the priority list.

“I’m determined to use my own experience of the perimenopause plus my knowledge of managing the fitness of women throughout my fitness career to create bespoke and tailored sessions that don’t just increase physical wellbeing but builds confidence and self esteem.”

Becky’s top tips for prioritising women’s health needs during a fitness session: n Ask your client about how they feel.

Be prepared to change your plans if there has been a particularly stressful week or demands. n Be flexible. Offering flexible timings, workouts and bookings will save your client time and allow for more opportunities to engage regularly with exercise. n Educate yourself on the symptoms that women experience during their monthly cycle, perimenopause or menopause, plus further physical pain or changes women may experience such as endometriosis to get to know your client and break taboos around women’s health. n If you do sessions in a gym, consider how you can make the space feel welcoming to women, allow an opportunity to meet like-minded people and even build a community and support groups. n Don’t be afraid to ask questions about mental health. n Consider age specific factors to maximise impact and performance.

Great Britain Top Team joins forces with Sweeney Dodge GREAT Britain Top Team has partnered with Sweeney Dodge Fightwear to create an exclusive co-branded fightwear range for aspiring and professional MMA athletes.

The premium kit, which includes boxing gloves and pads, sparring and pro gloves, kick shields, shinpads and headguards, will be available to buy from the GBTT Web Shop later this month, and from the GBTT Academy retail store when the gym opens in Morden, south London, in January.

GBTT co-founder and head coach Brad Pickett commented, “The quality and

design of the Sweeney Dodge Fightwear products is exactly what we want to offer our GBTT fighters and Academy members.

“Daryl’s background plus his network means he knows what fighters want and need, and we can see this in the new GBTT range.

“We can’t wait to get the gym open and see our members using the kit.”

Manufactured from the finest leather and to the highest spec, Sweeney Dodge Fightwear is serious about becoming a household name in the combat sports industry in the same

manner that Great Britain Top Team has its sights set on being the premier professional Mixed Martial Arts team in the UK. A barber by trade and an avid MMA fan, Sweeney Dodge Fightwear founder Daryl Dodge first launched the brand in 2020, before the pandemic forced him to put his plans on hold.

As well as regularly training in MMA, Daryl sponsors GBTT fighter Rob Earls, and supplies gloves to Cage Warriors Academy South East, one of a network of academies invested in by Europe’s leading and longest-running MMA

promotion, Cage Warriors.

Daryl’s products are also trialled by and fed back on from those who know the sport best, ensuring the highest quality design and product development.

Commenting on the new partnership, Sweeney Dodge founder Daryl Dodge said: “I am very excited to be working with GBTT and collaborating in designing products to create something unique.

“I love the ambition of Brad (Pickett) and the GBTT brand and I am very proud to support it.”

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Chain strengthens coaching offer with new partnership ANYTIME Fitness UK has partnered with Premier Global NASM to enhance the brand’s support to its members and franchisees and provide further learning and development opportunities for its club teams.

With more than 180 clubs across the UK and Ireland, Anytime Fitness franchisees will benefit from access to Premier Global NASM’s portfolio of world renowned fitness and nutrition education.

This will give its club teams the opportunity to advance their own learning and development, as well as supporting franchisees who are employing their own in-club coaches.

Anytime Fitness and its franchisees can access additional recruitment support and utilisation of Premier Global NASM’s internal careers platform, providing a direct line to freshly qualified and motivated graduates who are eager to start their career in the fitness industry.

“Our clubs pride themselves on the coaching and support they provide our members and this partnership will allow us to further enhance that,” said Neil Randall, CEO of Anytime Fitness UK. “Our franchisees are eager to develop the coaching, personal training and group training provisions within their

clubs and working with Premier Global NASM will give them the necessary support to do that.

“Whether it’s creating a development pathway for its current team or looking to recruit additional coaching resource, it will have a significant effect on the experience we provide to our members.

“We believe that by adding further qualifications and specialisms to our club teams’ skillsets, we can successfully help shape the future and success of our network and make healthy happen for our members.”

As well as the provision of fitness qualifications, Premier Global NASM offers specialist nutrition qualifications to Anytime Fitness coaches, equipping them with the knowledge to coach theirs members beyond just exercise.

“Premier Global NASM is focused on creating long term career pathways for our graduates and network of fitness professionals,” added Dan Rees, managing director of Premier Global NASM. “This new partnership with Anytime Fitness not only provides a credible route

into the sector, creating opportunities for our graduates to work with one of the industry’s largest and most reputable employers, it also enables us to provide ongoing professional development to those already on their career journey with Anytime Fitness.”

“CPD is absolutely vital in a world that is constantly changing, especially now as we transition into the digital age.

“Working with Anytime Fitness, we will be able to help ensure the skills and experience of individuals, working within the organisation, evolve with the needs of the consumer.”

The new partnership forms part of Anytime Fitness’ commitment to supporting the overall health and wellbeing of its members, even when they’re unable to be within one of its clubs.

This is reflected by its ‘Hand of Wellbeing’, which is how it works with its members to help their overall health across six key areas; rest/sleep, work-life balance, family and social environment, mental wellbeing, exercise and nutrition.

Anytime Fitness is enjoying a successful end to the year, with 10 new clubs opening their doors in the final two months of 2021 and the operator is set to exceed the 200-club landmark in 2022.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Operators show less than one Covid-19 case per 100,000 visits since April GYMS, leisure centres and swimming pools continue to report extremely low rates of Covid-19 among people who have visited their facilities since the sector reopened, according to new figures published by ukactive.

As the fitness and leisure sector approaches the January period, confidence in safety standards remains very high, thanks to ongoing measures, reporting and professionalism from operators.

The latest results show an overall rate of 0.83 cases per 100,000 visits, measured from April 12 2021 to November 21 2021 – indicating that rates of Covid-19 among people using fitness and leisure facilities remain low.

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “The fitness and leisure sector has gone above and beyond in its dedication to customer and staff safety, with laser focused attention to high standards of cleanliness, and this is seen once again in the safety data we are publishing, which shows tens of millions of people using these facilities each week, confident in their safety.

“Furthermore, the nation’s gyms,

pools, leisure centres and studios are essential for helping people to recover from the pandemic both mentally and physically, and the Government will require our sector’s support more than ever in the coming months as we look to turn around the decline in our activity levels that worsened as a result of the pandemic.”

The UK continues to set a benchmark for Covid-19 reporting, thanks to the largest sector safety data monitoring

operation in Europe.

Since restrictions were eased from April, the ukactive Research Institute has continued to collect data on a weekly basis from more than 1,500 facilities across the UK, representing more than 125 million visits from April to November 2021.

Supported by ukactive’s ‘Fit Together’ campaign, operators have shown their commitment to maintaining high safety standards after Government restrictions were relaxed, helping to reassure employees and the public that their gym, leisure centre or fitness class, is a safe place to work in and a safe place to work out.

The results, which will feature in a new Europe-wide report to be released by EuropeActive, show that while the case rate for the UK’s general population has fluctuated over the time period, the prevalence of the virus has remained extremely low in the UK fitness and leisure sector.

In terms of the overall rate measured across the whole period since the sector’s first reopening in 2020, data from July 25 2020 to November 21 2021

TRX® has partnered up with fashion brand ZARA, as a training tool partner – in a global deal.

As part of the collaboration, the fullbody TRX Suspension Trainer TM will be stocked online through the ZARA website.

TRX products will be available online in 24 markets around the world, and stocked in 11 major city ZARA stores.

The partnership runs alongside ZARA’s Athleticz sportswear collection.

ZARA customers will be able to subscribe to TRX’s proprietary digital fitness platform, the TRX Training Club®, with exclusive access to six months’ worth of unlimited ondemand workouts.

The one-stop shop enables users

to access a dynamic, multi-faceted training experience with unlimited ondemand workouts and live classes.

The TRX Training Club’s latest REPLAY function also provides users with the opportunity to repeat and/or catch up on their favourite workouts.

The partnership with ZARA marks a breakthrough moment for TRX. Brent Leffel, CEO of TRX, said: “We are thrilled to partner up with one of the most well-renowned brands in the world and be part of ZARA’s new Athleticz range.

“Home workouts are clearly here to stay, and we have joined forces with ZARA to equip people with everything they need to exercise around their schedule.

“I believe we can convert even more fitness enthusiasts, and together

with ZARA, can provide customers with the ultimate comfort, alongside access to train by any means possible - either at home or on the go.”

The partnership has seen TRX Training Club’s Director of Trainer Branding, Niko Algieri, go to New York to shoot exclusive workout content in ZARA’s filming studio.

He added: “When we created the TRX Training Club during a global pandemic, our goal was always to help people become more active all over the world.

“This partnership with ZARA enables us to level up what we are doing in this space and reach brand new audiences - the potential here is massive and we can’t wait to explore that.”

Huw Edwards

shows that facilities in the UK have seen more than 160 million visits, with an overall rate of 1.6 cases per 100,000 visits.

Using a methodology and framework distinct to the UK, the data collected by the ukactive Research Institute since facilities reopened from late-July 2020 has risen from 1,087 sites to a maximum of 1,998 in any one week, as momentum has grown and the power of building a sizeable sector-wide data set has been realised.

The sites include a mixture of facility types, including gyms, leisure centres and boutiques, as well as different operating models, including private multi-site chains, public leisure trusts and independent operators and studios.

Gym and leisure centre operators are well positioned to capture real-time data effectively, based on membership details held within their databases, as well as recording details for all users, in line with relevant data protection requirements.

This allows for quick and relevant contact tracing if there is a case reported by someone who has visited a facility and then gone on to test positive.

TRX Training Club® announces ZARA partnership

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Origin Fitness teams up with Excelsior ORIGIN Fitness has joined forces with Excelsior Development Technologies so that customers can develop the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver advanced fitness training to members.

Excelsior provides memorable and motivating learning and development experiences and has a wealth of expertise from the health and fitness industry globally.

Providing consistent, safe and secure learning environments both face to face and digitally, Excelsior works with leisure trusts, health club operators, and fitness equipment manufacturers.

As one of the UK’s leading fitness solution providers, Origin is delighted to be able to provide its customers with a wide range of educational training opportunities and events.

Chris Rock, co-founder at Excelsior, said: ““For businesses looking to advance and up-skill their teams, it is key to deliver learner centric education and training.

“Excelsior is therefore delighted to be a part of Origin’s all-inclusive customer experience, delivering both face to face workshops and digital courses as

required.”

Through the partnership, Origin and Excelsior will be able to offer face-toface training as well as digital tools across a variety of topics including class training, wearable technology integration, brand development, leadership and culture.

Founder and MD of Origin Fitness, Paul Bodger, added: “This is a significant opportunity for Origin to enhance our level of support and ensure that all of our customers have the right resources available to succeed in their goals; from a PT Studio designed for 1-2-1 sessions to those looking to expand nationally.”

Training will be offered to all existing and new customers going forward as part of Origin’s ongoing commitment to helping customers grow their businesses sustainably through 2022.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Emerging fitness and wellness trends SPECIALIST health and fitness PR agency Action Group rounds ups the emerging fitness trends to look out for in 2022: Personalised pocket PTs Fitness apps must produce results By 2023, 900 million people are expected to be using a fitness app.

Fitness Apps that want to succeed in this space will need to stand out from the crowd.

“They will need a strong community and a clear purpose,” said Steve Clarke, CEO of WithU, the audio-led fitness app which removes the visual stimulus to help create personal connection and keep users focused.

“Studies have shown that most fitness apps fail to produce results, leading to user drop-off, so apps that want to be successful in 2022 and beyond must find a way to ensure their users achieve what they set out too.”

Golden era Digital fitness perfect for octogenarians Digital fitness products are still by and large, aimed at the under 40s, but there is a huge interest in this market from people well into their 50s, 60s and beyond.

Testament to this is Monique Eastwood’s hugely successful Eastwood Movement Method.

Celebrity trainer to Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, Monique, 54, offers online workouts specifically designed for all age groups but with a particular focus on what’s important to remain injury free and strong as we age.

Far from the chair-based workouts of old, Monique’s sessions focus on rediscovering the power of movement at a level of intensity designed to push everyone to work hard.

“I believe in multi-directional movement to keep the body challenged and strong,” she said.

“My method is tried and tested across all the age groups, without having to suffer through stationary moves.”

Move better Mobility is king “2022 will be the year of movement,” said Adam Ridler, Master Trainer from

via digital platforms too.”

MoreYoga’s model means affordable fitness has reached a higher standard, with more choice and support, without it costing the earth.

Ten Health and Fitness.

Consumers are beginning to recognise the benefits that just moving your body through its intend range of motion can bring.

“Our bodies were never designed to sit, slouch or hunch for extended periods, yet that’s exactly what modern life does.

“At Ten we’ve seen a big increase in our Pilates classes and anecdotally a much greater interest in sessions which focus on increasing range of motion.”

platform, said: “Wellbeing initiative are no longer a tick-box service, the best employers are recognising the huge and essential benefits that the right programme can bring from a more contented and productive workforce, to a more efficient and profitable business overall.”

Revival of live The class experience you just can’t get enough of Once just the preserve of mums after the school run, group fitness is now transcending the age categories and proving as popular with everyone from teenagers to octogenarians.

With its latest data, showing fitness class attendance is at 120 per cent of pre-Covid levels in markets where restrictions have lifted, global group exercise brand Les Mills proves that there has been a worldwide renewed appetite for group fitness.

“Much like bars, restaurants and sports events, fitness is experiencing a real ‘live revival’, as people make up for lost time with a renewed appreciation for realworld social settings,” said Phillip Mills, Les Mills founder and executive director.

“Many people have missed the thrill of a busy class and the extra motivation you get from working out with others while being led by a rockstar Instructor.”

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Power to employees Corporate wellness steps up Five years ago, corporate wellness meant a free fruit bowl in the office kitchen.

Today, employees are actively questioning employers about their corporate wellness policies; Gympass’ research shows that 77 per cent of employees believe it’s ‘important that their employer provides affordable wellness options’, and the answer to that is affecting their decision to join a company or not.

Corporate wellness offerings have become increasingly important to businesses of all shapes and sizes with whole departments created to head up the initiatives.

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Affordable flows for all Making yoga an accessible tool for all The popularity of yoga has reached its pinnacle.

Over the course of the pandemic, many revelled in the nurturing principles of the practice and have continued to work it into their lives to find physical and mental equilibrium.

Although yoga was previously perceived as something only the elite could afford, MoreYoga is a brand determined to shake up the market and make high quality practice accessible to the masses, in studio and only.

“More than ever, we want to ensure every person has access to high quality but affordable fitness and wellbeing tools,” said CEO and co-founder Shamir Sidhu.

“That’s why we will continue to roll out more studios with the lowest possible membership prices, and why we’ll prioritise making online yoga and mental health support available virtually

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Trust expands its senior leadership team FREEDOM Leisure, a not-for-profit charitable leisure trust, has strengthened its senior leadership team in Wales following a period of positive performance coupled with an impressive business reactivation post Covid-19.

With three local authority partnerships in Wales, the community focussed charitable organisation is now looking to build on this success and make an even greater impact within the communities it serves.

In partnership with the local authorities of Powys, Swansea and Wrexham – Freedom Leisure has invested more than £13m in facilities, activities and services to date.

This includes investment in energy efficiency measures, resulting in a cumulative saving of almost 2,000 tonnes (CO2) across the three contracts between 2015 and 2020.

The facilities operated by the not-forprofit trust across Wales recorded 4.4 million visits during 2019-20, including 30,000 visits from participants of the National Exercise Referral Scheme.

The organisation is also at the forefront of swimming in Wales with 11,000 children and adults learning to swim across Powys, Swansea and Wrexham on a weekly basis.

This had led to numerous accolades, including Swim Wales Learn to Swim provider of the year, and more recently –

Andy Harris, the newly appointed regional manager (Wales) for Freedom Leisure. partner of the year.

Andy said: “Since transferring to In a bid to spearhead its operations and Freedom Leisure in 2016, the investment enhance its delivery in the region, the into facilities and the growth in not-for-profit trust has introduced a new participation across the Wrexham regional manager (Wales) role. contract has been significant.

Andy Harris, who started his leisure “This investment and improvement has career in 1985, joined Freedom Leisure in also been evident within our two other 2016 as part of a transfer from Wrexham operating contracts in Wales.

County Borough Council as the leisure “A key objective for Freedom Leisure trust embarked on a new contract to is to work in collaboration with our operate the leisure services in Wrexham. local authority partners to ensure that

bespoke programmes and outcomes are delivered within the different areas of Wales. I am extremely excited to continue the progress and strengthen the support network across Wales in my new role of regional manager.”

Andy will be supported in his new role by Jeremy Rowe, who was recently promoted to operations director – with responsibility for Freedom Leisure operations across the UK. Jeremy has a wealth of leisure experience from working with both local authorities and trusts; and is proud of the success, impact and investment that has been made in Wales.

He added: “Having joined the business in 2015, I am very proud of the impact we have made on the communities and partners we work with in Wales.

“As a passionate Welshman, I am keen to extend our footprint in Wales and as a not-for-profit trust – seek out and work with new partners across the leisure, health and education sectors.

“By working together in Wales we can achieve more and I very much look forward to playing a key part in the well-being of future generations and improving lives through leisure.”

Freedom Leisure operate 108 leisure, cultural and entertainment venues across England and Wales working on behalf of 25 local authority partners to deliver their services.

Advice for including people with sight loss FITNESS professionals have a new opportunity to explore the most effective ways to include people with sight loss in their physical activity sessions thanks to free expert advice from Rashmi Becker MBE, founder of inclusive dance company Step Change Studios.

Following a series of free webinars and training to upskill fitpros, Rashmi has created a sheet of advice and tips to encourage instructors to invite visually impaired people to join their classes.

The advice covers how to reach out to visually impaired people and tips on making them feel welcome and ready to take part.

It also covers guidance on managing front-of-house, familiarising people with the studio/ space, key considerations around the use of voice and music and the importance of visual and contrasting language.

This advice and free training is in direct response to research that Step Change Studios undertook among 128 fitpros as part of its Dance Dosti

programme in partnership with Metro Blind Sport.

The responses revealed a clear lack of inclusive training and very low confidence in being able to support people with sight loss in physical

activities.

The research also showed a desire among fitpros for training and written advice, in order to be able to work with this demographic, and recognition that it is currently not well

catered-for within the leisure sector.

Key findings from the research showed: n Only 12.5 per cent of fitpros felt ‘very confident’ teaching someone with sight loss. n 77.3 per cent cited their lack of specialist training in supporting people with sight loss as a barrier to them being fully inclusive. n 72 per cent said hearing from someone with sight loss would be most helpful to them in supporting people with sight loss.

Furthermore: n 73.4 per cent rated the dance/ fitness sector as ‘poor’ in terms of access and inclusion of people with sight loss. n The top three factors that fitpros believe are barriers for people with sight loss to take part in physical activity are: Accessibility of venue and equipment – 85.9 per cent.

Finding information about opportunities – 85.2 per cent.

Low confidence in the activity provider – 80.5 per cent.

ACTIVE IQ has won the Exporter of the Year Award at the sixth annual FAB 2021 Awards, organised by the Federation of Awarding Bodies.

The ‘Exporter of the Year’ award recognises the success of an organisation’s exports and international business.

The FAB 2021 Awards recognise the contributions made by awarding organisations and their employees to education and skills in the UK over the past year.

The winners were announced at the FAB 2021 Awards dinner, sponsored by Creatio, at the end of the first day of the FAB Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Leicester.

“We are absolutely delighted to win the Exporter of the Year Award and to have our international work recognised by this prestigious judging panel,” said Jenny Patrickson, Active IQ managing director.

“I would like to thank and congratulate my international team for their

exemplary work overseas.

“In particular, I’m very proud of their success in Saudi Arabia breaking new ground by training and recruiting Saudi women instructors in partnership with Spectrum® Wellness for Women.

“Alongside this, they completed the translation of our course materials and supporting resources into Arabic and Egyptian which is helping to cement our presence in the Middle East.”

Tom Bewick, FAB Chief Executive, added: “This year we received an

abundance of excellent nominations for the FAB Awards, all of which were of a very high standard and demonstrated the commitment of our members to learners and the sector.

“I am immensely proud of how our industry has risen to the challenges of the last two years and I have heard and seen so many examples of excellence demonstrated by individuals and teams pulling together to support one another as well as centres, employers and, of course, learners.”

Active IQ wins prestigious Exporter of the Year accolade

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UK FITNESS SCENE

ReferAll and EXi collaborate to offer customers online exercise solution ReferAll, Britain’s leading specialist data management platform for health and wellbeing services, has announced a new partnership with NHS approved, certified medical device (UKCA, CE) and app EXi. This latest ReferAll integration means ReferAll customers will be able to invite their clients to create an EXi membership from within the platform, connecting to EXi’s personalised, digital exercise programmes.

The collaboration will enable ReferAll customers to offer an online, digital exercise delivery solution for their exercise on referral and wellbeing schemes for the first time.

The EXi app has been developed by physiotherapists and is based on the latest medical guidelines.

ReferAll customers can now seamlessly invite their EOR and wellbeing scheme participants to EXi membership within the platform.

Operators will also be able to record patient consent and access streamlined data via ReferAll. Based on health information entered by the participant, EXi then sets the duration and intensity of the exercise.

The app can be used to manage up to 23 long-term health conditions and help those at risk of developing them to

or remote sessions (delivered via phone or video conferencing) will be a game changer in the fight to tackle rising referral rates and capacity concerns.”

Together with ReferAll, EXi aims to reduce inequality, increase access to physical activity and ensure cost of care isn’t a barrier.

become more active.

“In the last 18 months we have seen online exercise provision go from a ‘nice to have’ to an essential part of every provider’s offer,” said ReferAll managing director Stuart Stokes.

“The new partnership will enable our customers to make use of EXi’s Premium features and link their ReferAll

schemes to EXi, providing a mixed delivery approach to overcome barriers to scheme uptake, and offering greater choice for patients who, for whatever reason, cannot attend in person.

“The effect of Covid-19 means exercise referral capacity will continue to be a real issue in the coming months. Being able to offer EXi alongside face-to-face

Exclusive offer for ReferAll customers As a result of this partnership integration, our customers can take advantage of an exclusive offer for access to EXi Premium features.

ReferAll customers and new customers who register their interest before January 14 are eligible for this promotion.

“We’re excited to offer EXi through ReferAll and believe this is a brilliant opportunity to change how we deliver support with prescribed exercise, allowing professionals to easily provide tailored support to their EOR participants through EXi’s personalised exercise prescription,” added Grace McNamara, CEO of EXi. The ReferAll and EXi partnership is set to be a game-changer in the exercise referral space, revolutionising how digital tech and healthcare work together and leading the way for wellbeing schemes of the future.

PerformX Live to bring together the best of the fitness industry PerformX Live…. a progressive event, with education and thought leadership at its core, that will bring together the best from the UK fitness industry, on March 18 and 19 at Tobacco Dock in London PerformX Live will bring together more than 5,000 health club chain directors, gym owners, PTs, coaches, fitness brand directors and everyday athletes for two days of the ultimate industry networking, insightful education sessions, thought leadership talks

and practical workshops, all delivered by world class speakers, coaches and athletes.

The leading brands in the fitness industry will be present, showcasing the latest products and services that are driving the industry forward, and there will also be a full two-day programme of performance-led workouts delivered by the best coaches and gyms the UK has to offer.

“This is the one to watch. The coaching community needs stronger representation

in our industry and events like PerformX Live are another step closer to achieving that.”

Mel Spooner, managing director, CAWS ”The focus of PerformX Live is to create a modern industry event with education and performance at its core. The fitness industry needs a curated event of this sort.”

Phil Learney, founder, ACA Event sponsors and partners include; n Indigo Fitness n TRX n Hyperice

n miha bodytec n My PT Hub n Marchon n ukactive n CIMSPA n Workout magazine n Towergate Insurance n ACA n IFBA n PFCA n NFG Visit www.performxlive.com and join the PerformX Live mailing list.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

14

1LIFE appoints TMD to supply custom-branded merchandise

Can operators afford to do what they’ve always done and still expect results?

THE pandemic has brought about a significant increase in consumer interest in wellness.

Can gym operators afford to ignore this increased trend, or should they diversify their memberships and offer a more holistic health proposition?

Health and wellness company thriveologie™ believes that, if they want to keep ahead of the curve, a holistic health offering is essential.

McKinsey reported in April 2021, after surveying roughly 7,500 consumers in six countries, an estimated increase in the prioritisation of wellness from 27 per cent to 65 per cent.

The report stated that consumers are now looking at wellness ‘through a much broader and more sophisticated lens’ and are prepared to pay for more than just fitness and nutrition but also overall physical and mental health.

As a sector, fitness operators can play an important part in supporting local communities by delivering additional health and wellbeing services, as well as traditional fitness and group exercise.

This will position them as a local

wellbeing hub, and by collaborating with other health coaches to deliver holistic wellbeing services, they bring further value to their members, helping to boost their communities’ overall physical and mental health. thriveologie™ supports gym operators in creating new dialogue with existing and prospective members.

Putting the member’s wellbeing at the centre of their messaging, thriveologie™ delivers bespoke and off-the-shelf content packages across a wide spectrum of health and wellness, including nutrition, personal and social wellbeing, recovery and mental health, that gym operators can easily implement into their communications strategy.

By complementing traditional fitness with wellbeing messaging and holistic wellness services, operators place themselves at the heart of their local community and become the ‘go to’ for health and wellbeing, outside of the GP surgery.

Visit www.thriveologie.co.uk/ whitelabelwellness or email hello@thriveologie.co.uk

IN ADDITION to supplying uniforms to gyms for more than 27 years, Taylor Made Designs also manufactures and supplies a wide array of fully customisable merchandise, ranging from small ticket items such as padlocks, water bottles, travel mugs and towels to larger items such as kit bags and welcome packs.

Managing director James Taylor said: “Merchandise makes up about 25 per cent of our business. We are constantly reviewing and evolving our offer, responding to consumer trends and member preferences to ensure we continue to answer the needs of the sector.

“In addition to carrying a huge selection of off-the-shelf products that can be custom branded, through the engagement of our global supply network we and can also answer requests to design and manufacture highly bespoke items creating, unique products.”

Steve Bambury, operations director at 1Life, recently approached TMD with a request for 50 custom-branded bags that would house a number of ‘goodies’ to be presented to all senior management attending the company Christmas conference.

“The Christmas conference is a chance for our management team to come together, share ideas and collectively get

ready for the year ahead,” he added.

“As an appreciation of their continued commitment and contribution we like to provide all attendees with a quality goodie bag, housing products from our supplier partners.

“TMD has been our trusted uniform supply partner for many years so we knew that they would supply the quality and spec that we needed. We were not disappointed. The bags were delivered well ahead of the event and absolutely nailed our design brief.”

To find out more about TMD’s merchandise visit taylormadedesigns.co.uk or if you would like to discuss your requirements call 01202 473311.

Leave for your bike trip, just ride and switch off your mind, return positively changed.

Star Bike Evolution is the Panatta solution for indoor cycling. Simple, space-saving and easy to move, it meets every kind of space need with the possibility to be placed everywhere in the gym as a single piece or to create an iconic dedicated area to group activities of indoor cycling and HIIT (High Intensity Training) with the maximum value-formoney. The bike is equipped with the latest generation magnetic resistance and great handlebar support to ensure stability of the core and right posture position when doing the exercise.

Offering owners a complete peace of mind solution GYM Equipment Medics continue to maintain existing contracts to service commercial gym equipment throughout the North West while gaining new business based on our reputation for quality and fair priced service plans.

Using the strap line ‘health care for your gym equipment’, gym owners often overlook their own equipment as focus is largely placed on their customers which is where we fit in.

We offer a complete peace of mind solution to all gym owners with low call out charges and low hourly fees coupled with a fast response time makes us leaders in our field.

Working with both public and private sector clients, Gym Equipment Medics is fast becoming the number one gym equipment service and repair company in the region.

Managing director Tony Dyke said sales of reconditioned gym equipment are a growing area of the business.

He added: “With our in-house technicians we are able to offer a total refurbishment of leading brand gym equipment, the overhaul and inspections consist of the framework and paint, mechanical components, electrical circuits and displays and also the upholstery either standard or bespoke to suit the user.

“The process makes pre used equipment as good as new and offers an affordable option for many gym owners.

“We welcome new enquiries and will guarantee to offer a competitive quote to service and repair all commercial gym equipment throughout the North West during 2022.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

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Everlast to open its first gym in Manchester EVERLAST is set to open its new concept club, combining the best of fitness studios, strength training and functional gym floor space.

The gym in Denton, Manchester showcases strength, HiiT and boot camp style classes for all fitness levels – as well as a free weights area with no shortage of top of the range equipment from the brands within the Core Health and Fitness equipment portfolio; Star Trac® cardio equipment, StairMaster® HIIT products including the Gauntlet,

Nautilus® strength including Inspiration, Impact and Leverage ranges, AC Sport Schwinn® bikes in the group cycling studio, plus Throwdown rigs and accessories for functional fitness.

Denton will also see the creation of new jobs in the area, for gym staff, personal trainers and class instructors.

The gym will open on December 27 to the public and the first month will be just £5 for the first 500 who join.

Daniel Summerson, head of Everlast Gyms for Frasers Group, said: “I’m really

proud to be a part of this new project for Frasers Group.

“Designing the new branding and concept for Everlast Gyms has been exciting and we are absolutely delighted to open our first elevated Everlast Gym in Denton.

“The new site will combine the design and product of a boutique studio and the space and equipment of a luxury gym, creating a hybrid feel.

“This new concept will provide the people of Denton with an affordable yet

luxury hybrid gym experience “This is a huge moment for the Everlast brand, and with at least 38 further clubs to be transformed over the next two years, this is just the beginning. We can’t wait to get started.”

All clubs will feature the latest MyZone heart rate technology, giving gym-goers the opportunity to track exactly how hard they are working whilst in the gym.

Future openings have also been announced, starting with Preston in early 2022.

Looking for new workwear or gymwear?

HAVING a smart, branded uniform is essential if you are wanting your staff to appear professional while strengthening company identity.

One of the biggest ways to identify your brand is by branded workwear. Think about it, you identify a football team by their crest or colour, so why not do the same for your business?

When employees wear a uniform, it becomes a walking advertisement for your company.

Whether it’s nipping to the shop on your dinner or going to an appointment after work, uniforms are a way of pushing your brand out into the world.

Brand identity is crucial as we know that keeping a professional impression is everything! Instyle clothing offer a huge range of colour and clothing options to fit your brand perfectly, while also offering the option for embroidery text or logo personalisation.

Some uniforms may not be the most fashionable but that is because they are made to follow health and safety standards.

Complying with health and safety regulations doesn’t have to be dull because at Instyle Clothing we offer a wide choice clothing such as hi-vis jackets and face masks which promotes health and safety while also still being part of the brand identity.

Not only do uniforms look professional, but they also provide a sense of loyalty and unity in the workplace. Uniforms allow people to feel equal without the worry of being overly or under dressed.

The worry of not being dressed appropriately for their role will be eliminated and make your staff feel much more relaxed and comfortable and therefore completing work to a higher standard.

Any type of clothing can be customised into a work uniform so matter what industry you are from, there are clothing options for you.

T-shirts and polos are a popular option as they can be branded fairly cheap and quickly with different printing techniques.

Or if you are from an office based team, formal wear such as customised shirts or blouses can be stylishly embroidered to add business class.

Instyle clothing fix the problem of deciding what to wear for work every single morning, while also saving you money on new outfits for every day of the week.

For many people the struggle of trying to piece together a smart and professional outfit can be very time consuming and a stressful situation.

An unnecessary amount of pressure may be

placed on staff and they may be uncomfortable for the rest of the day and instead of focusing on work, they are focusing on how they look – having a negative impact on their mindset all day.

Whether you are looking to increase productivity in your company or trying to create a brand identity, get in touch with our Instyle clothing team to discuss your customised uniform and business wear.

Call 01257 447338 or email info@instyleclothing.co.uk

UK FITNESS SCENE

Community coffee morning relieves lockdown inactivity A VOLUNTEER has set up a community coffee morning to help encourage people in Brinnington get socially active after lockdown.

Jim Glindon, 54, said joining the walking football project, delivered in partnership by Age UK Stockport and Life Leisure, has worked wonders for his physical and mental health after the restrictions of the pandemic.

Now he is hoping to inspire others by hosting a weekly community coffee morning at Brinnington Leisure centre, which will focus on providing people with a place to socialise as well as open up opportunities to get moving.

Dad-of-one Jim, from Brinnington, said: “Joining the walking football has given me a much needed pick-meup, both mentally and physically. I’ve noticed a real difference.

“I’ve had to move a few notches in my belt and I no longer ache for days after each session, but I also feel so much brighter and happier day to day.

“I think a lot of people have struggled during lockdown and perhaps don’t know where to start, so I thought a community coffee morning could be a good way of

Dominic Bell, Jimmy Glindon and Gareth Ball at Jim’s coffee morning. encouraging people to get out and about to socialise and get a little more active.

“It’s a free coffee morning where you can just come a chat, if you’re interested in taking part in some of the community events that’s great, but there’s no obligation at all.

“For some people just walking down each week will be enough to get moving a little more.”

Jim, who volunteers with Age UK Stockport, added: “Being active has really changed my mental health and sense of wellbeing, so I hope that this coffee morning can do the same

19

for some others who maybe don’t know where to start or feel a little overwhelmed to commit to a new class or sports session.”

Jim runs the weekly coffee morning with support from Age UK Stockport’s ageing well lead Dominic Bell and Life Leisure, which provides the space in the Community Room.

Dominic said: “It is amazing to see what Jimmy has achieved so far and we look forward to seeing how the café evolves to improving the health and wellbeing of the community”.

Gareth Ball, active communities officer for Life Leisure, said: “We are really happy to support Jim’s weekly coffee morning.

“Being active isn’t always about taking part in an exercise class, it’s about being motivated to try something new which can get you moving a little more. We think the coffee morning is a brilliant idea and we are more than happy to support it.”

The coffee morning, which is open to all residents, takes place in the community room at Life Leisure in Brinnington every Thursday from 10.30am to 12pm and visitors are welcome to drop in.

100 95 75

25 5 0

FITNESS COMPARED ADVERT 2 13 December 2021 13:29:22

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MEMBERSHIP SOLUTIONS

Four crucial member retention strategies to consider in 2022 Advertiser’s announcement

with wearable device technology (like how ClubRight is integrated with MyZone), then your members will only need to complete the signup process once.

When done correctly, it’s easy to set up and a super convenient process for your customers and offers instant gratification for new signups.

You can combine gamification with the awards strategy by offering prizes when members hit their targets.

By Wayne Heath

WHAT a tough year 2021 has been for the fitness industry. After spending the first four months of the year closed due to government lockdowns, gyms and clubs across the UK will be beginning to plan for 2022 and strategising ways to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One area that must not be overlooked is member retention. The longer you can retain your members, the higher their lifetime value and the more revenue you’ll generate as a result.

With that being said, here are the four retention strategies that we predict will be hugely popular in 2022.

Employee retention Before we start talking about member retention, let’s discuss employee retention.

If you operate a larger organisation with staff, you must be tuned into your employees. Make sure you’re

Wayne Heath

checking in with them and making sure they’re happy. If your employees feel looked after, they’ll be far less likely to leave.

After all, happy employees that feel like their opinion is valued and feel like they’re making a difference to the business, they’ll be much more likely to go above and beyond for your customers. Plus, staff that are aligned with the mission and vision of your business tend to perform better.

This strategy still applies even if you work alone. You are your most valuable employee, so be sure to check in with yourself and make sure you’re happy with the way you’re running things.

Taking a step back can help you identify where you might need some extra help or spot opportunities where technology can reduce your workload.

Loyalty programmes go digital Rewarding loyal members is a great way to retain them and keep them coming back for longer.

But with the increased amount of technology creeping into the fitness experience, there should be a digital touchpoint of some kind.

For example, offer long-standing members a promo code that they can redeem online to claim a free protein shake on their next visit.

Rewarding loyalty digitally makes the experience far more convenient for your members and it’s simple for you to set up too.

ClubRight users can even use the dedicated Member Awards feature to assign specific rewards to specific members or groups, which is especially useful to congratulate members on important milestones.

Doing so will help your customers feel valued and contribute to better member retention.

Gamification and wearable tech Gamification is the strategy of adding games or game-like elements to something to increase participation.

In simple terms, create a bit of friendly competition amongst your members to keep them engaged and give them something to work towards beyond their own fitness goals.

Leaderboards are an excellent way to get everyone motivated and boost the member experience, as are wearable devices such as MyZone.

If your CRM system is integrated

Communication doesn’t end when your member leaves the gym The final retention strategy is all about communicating effectively with your customers because their experience doesn’t end when they finish their workout and go home for the day.

Use email and push notifications to reach them on their rest days to see how they’re doing.

You can also reach members that might be at risk of leaving if you notice they haven’t attended in a while to reengage them.

You can also publish On-Demand content that your customers can benefit from when they’re not at your premises is also an effective way to make sure you’re still on their radar.

These are the most crucial retention strategies of 2022, the common theme being using technology to improve the member experience and keep your customers paying you for longer.

A seamless member experience is key and this can be achieved by making things as convenient as possible for your customers, whether it’s claiming a reward or renewing a membership. n Wayne Heath is the founder and CEO of ClubRight.

Email enquiries@clubright.co.uk or call 0203 884 9777

Marketing calendar dates to give your gym a boost

By Katie Landers FAIL to plan and plan to fail.

With this in mind we’ve pulled together a list of dates to add into your marketing calendar and leverage your marketing activities off.

We’ve even given a few ideas of different sales and events you could run in your club. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a great start to help build your yearly plan!

January 1 – New Year: New Year, fresh Start – Join for £1 February 14– Valentine’s Day: Be My Valentine three-month gift voucher February 17 – Random Acts Of Kindness Day: Free PT session when you join today March 8 – International Women’s Day:Spa voucher for every new joiner March 27 – Mother’s Day: Bring your Mother for free April 1 – April Fools Day: User

generated content – best April Fools prank April 15 to 18 – Easter four-day sale –

15 per cent off all memberships June 19 – Fathers Day: Fathers train free

September 28 – National Fitness Day: Member achievement spotlight stories October 10 – World Mental Health Day: Free open day October 31 – Halloween: Freaky Flash Sale November 1 to 30 – Movember: Movember members – Social posts supporting fundraisers November 19 – International Men’s Day: Membership giveaway – nominate someone deserving November 25 – Black Friday: Black Friday Sale – get your first month free December 11 – Christmas Jumper Day: Christmas themed classes – jumpers optional n Kate Landers is the advertising accounts manager at Creative Fitness Marketing, an agency specialising in membership drives for health clubs in the UK. For more visit https://uk.cfm.net

UK FITNESS SCENE

Operator wins top franchise award FITNESS organisation, Anytime Fitness, has taken home the Gold Business Resilience award at the bfa HSBC British Franchise Awards 2021.

2021 marks the 32nd year of this leading bfa hsbc franchising award, a flagship event for the UK franchising industry.

The glittering event took place at The Vox in Birmingham, where the UK’s best franchisors and franchisees were celebrated.

Commenting on the win, Tom Bowers Anytime Fitness franchisor, said: “The past year and a half has been particularly challenging for us.

“We were only able to trade for a little over 80 days between March 2020 and March 2021 and during that time, our franchisees certainly felt the pressure. As a result, we knew we had to do all we could to support our franchisees through this difficult period.

“This award win is such a special one for us as it’s such an honour to see our efforts so well recognised. I’m incredibly proud of the whole team.”

Anytime Fitness is the UK’s largest fitness franchise.

It has more than 180 health clubs across the UK and Ireland, providing its members with convenient club locations and opening hours to suit all lifestyles.

The Business Resilience category celebrates businesses that show creativity and resilience in the face of exceptional challenges.

Anytime Fitness battled it out against a record number of entries for this category to secure the accolade for its ‘Together We Rise’ campaign.

This included offering virtual classes to its members as well as providing a strategy for franchisees to get through lockdown.

Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association, added: “The UK fitness world was one of the hardest hit industries by the pandemic, with many left with no choice but to close their doors.

Sales = success, but people = progress WHAT does success look like to you?

Sales alone are important, but doing the same thing over and over is a shorttermist approach.

Remaining static in how you work, what you sell or what you say will ensure that the competition waves at you on its way past. At best, it means that there’s no organic growth, evolution or expansion across an industry with so much potential.

Progress is all about people. We learn and get better by talking to each other and sharing ideas.

To grow, this has to be the focus, and this is what we’ve continued to promote at Myzone through product development, feedback loops and education sessions such as Myzone U. Amid all the recent chaos, one thing that we’ve all nailed through necessity is improving our lines of communication.

Whether from an office, bedroom, gym, or coffee shop, chances are you’ve managed to work effectively, away from colleagues, in a way you’d never have expected, pre-lockdown.

Everyone’s faced Zoom fatigue, but you can argue the value brought by listening and discussing important matters, especially when you may not have previously considered the result prior to any particular webinar.

We should all be open to talking, all the time; not just at trade shows.

We have to continually raise standards,

“However, the team showed exceptional determination and a real dedication to supporting their franchisees through the difficult times they faced.

“To be awarded the Gold Business Resilience accolade is a huge achievement and serves as a badge of honour for any franchise, highlighting excellent levels of franchisee care.

“Massive congratulations to the whole Anytime Fitness team.”

Andrew Brattesani, head of

franchising at HSBC, said: “All businesses will face their fair share of challenges over the years, but it’s how a business deals with those challenges that will set them apart.

“Anytime Fitness’ persistence and hard work has really paid off and they are a true example of how a franchise can support and help franchisees weather any storm.

“It’s no surprise then, that they have won this very well deserved Business Resilience award and we congratulate them for all their hard work.”

TVS Group gives flagship development the hush factor

share best practice and educate each other through our own experiences.

Pushing in the same direction together – not in parallel – is by far the most effective way of not only growing the fitness business, but improving the lives of more people around the world.

Incredible successes have come from communication during these really tough times. Imagine what we can do when restrictions ease for good and more people are ready to embrace healthy lifestyle changes that stick.

Keep those lines of feedback and forward-thinking open and active for good.

A NEW build to rent development in Manchester is assured of staying ultracalm despite its vibrant state-of-the-art fitness facilities thanks to TVS Group.

Like all its build to rent developments, the company behind the scheme has incorporated the latest fitness amenities within the city’s Chapel Wharf complex.

Earlier this year TVS Group, a marketleading specialist in high performance shock pad underlay systems and highly durable surfacing, was approached to source, supply and install a range of floor finishes and acoustic solutions for the new development.

In the area designated for weightlifting, TVS installed its heavyduty impact-resistant SPORTEC Style Tiles, offering protection to the concrete sub-base and a reduction in potential structure-borne noise often associated with weightlifting activities.

Meanwhile, in the stylish cycling studio, TVS supplied a polished,

concrete-effect vinyl floor with a high resistance to static and rolling loads.

The surface is ideal for environments where fitness equipment is regularly relocated and repositioned before and after use. Elsewhere, comfort and user safety were prioritised in the stretching area, where TVS fitted a P2 category sports floor with a high level of shock absorbency and anti-bacterial properties.

To further reduce structure-borne and footfall noise on the first-floor level, it also installed a high-performance acoustic underlay beneath a decorative wood-effect vinyl floor covering.

Finally, at ground floor level, SPORTEC Color-15 sheet rubber was selected and installed and line markings applied to match up with the various training zones and equipment. A sled track was also integrated within the gym space.

For more information call 01706 260 220, email Sales@TVS-Group.co.uk or visit www.TVS-Group.co.uk

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22

INDOOR ROWING AND CYCLING Advertiser’s announcement

Concept2 – 45 years young Concept2 recently celebrated 45 years in business.

In November 1976, the company started making racing oars.

These have been the oars of choice for rowers around the world ever since.

At the Tokyo Olympics, crews using Concept2 oars won 41 of the 42 available medals.

Then in 1981 the Concept2 RowErg was born, and the product line has expanded over the years to now include the SkiErg and BikeErg. Like many companies in the fitness industry, Concept2 has been on something of a rollercoaster ride over the last two years.

Lockdowns at the start of the pandemic coincided with huge increases in demand all around the world for RowErgs, SkiErgs and BikeErgs.

Interest was so great that a waiting list system ran for more than a year to deal with the backlogs.

“Thankfully, we’ve been out of backlog since the summer,” said Concept2 UK managing director Alex Dunne.

“And as more and more people gained access to our machines, we saw usage skyrocket. More than 45 billion metres were logged by Concept2 enthusiasts in our online logbook last year.”

There have also been a number of technological advances during this period, Alex added.

“We’ve had an open platform for many years now, allowing developers to hook into the data from our performance monitors.

“Since the start of the pandemic we’ve seen a multitude of new apps hit the market.”

These apps offer a range of additional features and functions, including live and on-demand classes, virtual racing, training programs, technique analysis and more.

Competitions like the British and World Rowing Indoor Championships were able to be staged

virtually, with competitors racing online in real time from their gyms.

“We love that it’s possible for the community to connect in this way and that there’s always something new to try out,” he said.

“And we’re excited to play our part in the upcoming Virtual World Rowing Indoor Championships in February.”

The Concept2 philosophy of creating high-quality,

affordable products, backed-up by great customer service has been consistent throughout the 45 years.

“Our products and our service are designed to take care of all our customers as we would our friends. That’s how we started out in 1976. That’s how we are now.

“We’re excited to see what the next 45 years holds,” Alex concluded.

2021

FRIDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2021 ATHENA, LEICESTER

NATIONAL FITNESS AWARDS

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Newcomer of the Year sponsored by MYZONE Luxe Fitness, Bristol Our product is unique in that it offers a premium fitness offering set in a boutique style grade 2 listed building, for an affordable price (under £20 per month).

We have tapped into a market of members who want more for less.

We believe that experience goes beyond the fitness product; our overall approach is customer focused and goes way beyond any other club offering budget prices.

The look and feel of the club also allows members to feel like they are in a club that feels more exclusive than even the premium clubs.

Our aim was to ensure that we maintained the original structure in full, using the old characteristic charm combined with new and modern features, equipment and lighting to enhance the whole look, feel and experience.

When members walk into Luxe Fitness they straight away realise why we are different, why we are unique and why we stand out from our competitors in the city.

For a lot of members, gyms are places they feel they have to go.

Luxe Fitness is a place that people want to be, which makes attending and staying so much easier.

Boutique Facility of the Year sponsored by TRUE Vision Fitness, Henham Vision Fitness is a bespoke ‘state of the art’ gym located on a farm overlooking the picturesque countryside of Henham, North West Essex.

The gym was formerly an old derelict barley barn and has been transformed into stunning premises designed to cater to all fitness types and goals in the local community.

The interiors inside the facility are second

to none. From its colour scheme to small details such as custom branded dumbbells to matching the equipment upholstery and two sprint tracks with the same colour as the gym’s logo.

Not only does Vision Fitness, Henham look great inside and outside, its vision for how health and fitness should be is engraved in the layout and ethos it has.

Vision Fitness has a fully equipped gym that appeals to all fitness types and goals.

Ladies Only Gym of the Year sponsored by Stop Hate

Health Club of the Year sponsored by Matrix Foxhills, Ottershaw Foxhills is home to an Olympic array of fitness and leisure facilities.

As well as our health spa with treatment rooms, sauna and steam room, fullyequipped gym and brand-new family building; The Pavilion – which features four studios, two pools, a crèche, soft play and a ‘grab-and-go’ style restaurant – Foxhills boats two championship golf courses, which are regularly featured in UK top 100 rankings, and one par-three course.

Foxhills also has a driving range, Practice Den, golf shop, 11 tennis courts with three different surfaces, 70 bedrooms, as well as conference and event facilities.

Our timetable currently consists of 130 classes per week across our four studios and our outdoor spaces.

The team has worked hard to put together an attractive timetable of classes that are suitable to all ages and abilities, with individual adult and junior timetables offering a range of activities.

Best Hotel and Spa Facility sponsored by ServiceSport Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa, Nantwich Rookery Hall provides a high quality health and wellness experience, utilising state-of-the-art fitness equipment and facilities, in a stunning 38 acre countryside location, including an AA 4 Red Star Award hotel and restaurant.

During lockdown we took the opportunity to enhance our facilities.

Our poolside and glass roof were redecorated.

We completed a full refurbishment of our heat experiences giving us an amazing steam room and sauna as well as new

poolside showers.

We also fully renovated our bar and lounge areas. We have created ‘In safe hands’ which is our campaign for our members and guests to return to the Health Club & Spa post Covid lockdown.

We focus on the guest/member and every team member knows what core values make people feel at home and feel appreciated as a person and not just a membership figure and stream of revenue.

We know our members, we great them by their name, understand them and their journey with us.

Club Zest, Sunderland We believe we offer so much to the world of ladies only fitness.

We love to provide an environment where women of all shapes, sizes and all ages can feel comfortable and know they can achieve any goal..

We want to empower and build their self-confidence so they can realise their potential both physically and mentally.

We love to provide community to give them friendship, support and an ear to listen.

We want to offer as many services as possible to them so they realise they can

fit anything into busy schedules, deal with everyday life and have a positive outlook on fitness and wellbeing.

We make it a priority to see each woman as an individual and make personalised programmes for each and everyone of them.

We really are with them every step of the way and celebrate their achievements.

While we love to do this in the gym, we also have a strong social media connection to them so we can motivate and support when they are not at the club.

We believe this is one of the reasons why we have such a high retention rate.

Strength Training Gym of the Year sponsored by Core

Health and Fitness

Fit24 ‘Hessle Road’, Hull This is a 1,700 sq ft city centre facility in the heart of Hull that is open to the public 24/7 all year round.

It is staffed across all hours and additionally offers a substantially sized car park for the security of all customer vehicles (Maximum capacity of 80 vehicles).

Fit 24 ‘Hessle Road’ is a fully commercial Technogym facility including: 20 cable machines, eight seated row, eight Lat pulldown, full Technogym selection-line

with up to three pieces of each product, six racks, four complete dumbbell sets with the maximum 75kg.

Additional equipment includes full TRUE cardio, a one of a kind bespoke calisthenics rig, specialist nautilus strength and much more catering for all customer needs limiting the waiting time for product availability.

The facility has created a hub for the community of Hull, becoming a vital centre point where it is a home for most.

NATIONAL FITNESS AWARDS

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Community Involvement sponsored by InBody Functional Training Gym of the Year sponsored by Jordan Elite Fitness, Stoke-on-Trent Around six years ago, Adrian Powner, founder of Elite Fitness and Personal Training, had a vision.

After his marriage broke down and going through a very tough transition in his life, he refused to bow down to what could have easily broke a man and he took all his energy and put it into creating what is now one of the best gym facilities in the area.

Elite Fitness started its journey as a small

group training class with as little as five regular members, no facility to call its own, one trainer and very little equipment.

It was at this time that Adrian asked David Beech and Dean Wilson to join him in this venture and together they have transformed Elite Fitness into a 600+ members facility complete with circuit room, spin room, separate gym filled with state of the art kit, cardio area, sports massage room and supplement shop.

Group Exercise Gym of the Year sponsored by Force Fitness and Leisure

YourGym, Lytham We offer a full class timetable that is now also virtual through a private members Facebook group due to shifting online when we closed, which kept people engaged with the gym during lockdown.

This includes a full wellness timetable including different types of yoga (recently added morning wake up to yoga classes), pilates and barre also Tai Chi and have upped our Forever Fit classes ensuring the

older generation of our membership base can partake in engaging and challenging but motivating physical activity.

We have our very own FiitLab timetable, which we designed the timetable for and the classes and we run them all ourselves.

These include barbell unique classes (Barbells and Burn), lower body specific classes (Thunder) and our very own Push, Press, Pull as well as outsourced classes such as HIIT Step and HIIT the Beat.

J7 Health Centre, Manchester J7 Community Health Centre’s main aim is to target the entire community and give them a unique exercise experience.

We are 100 per cent dedicated to giving all residents from young to old as many opportunities as possible to better their health. Our aim is to get you captivated and mesmerised by all the wonders and benefits of leading a healthy active lifestyle.

We believe your health should never be taken for granted and we aim to educate and develop all aspects of your health, fitness and wellbeing.

We strive to be reliable, trustworthy and

want to appeal to every single resident in our local community.

We will never stop working to make a difference and improve the state of our community’s health and social happiness.

Creating a healthier and happier community is priority to us because this will lead to healthier and happier future generations who treat health and fitness as priority as well; thus empowering our community for years to come.

Nobody in my city is doing or has done what my facility has done successfully.

We have the most successful classes and charity events in the city.

Education facility of the Year sponsored by Indigo Fitness Forces Fitness, Bridgend Forces Fitness was set up in October 2007 and started trading the following January, originally conducting just outdoor bootcamp type sessions.

But like all good businesses we have pivoted, changed direction and have now grown especially since the pandemic.

We have now positioned ourselves as the lead organisation in Wales to deliver health, wellbeing and building resilience programmes, with sessions also being delivered in England.

Our services include health and well-

being workshops, outdoor bootcamp sessions,team building days, residential military bootcamps, one-day military style bootcamps, employability retreats, sports team sessions, diet and nutrition advice and accredited training. Our aim is to break the 500 schools/colleges mark and 40,000 learners by July and we are on course to do this. We have now linked our programme to the New Welsh Curriculum and this in-turn will see more growth and turnover for our organisation. We have also designed a Level 3 Fitness Training and Testing techniques course.

Customer Service Award sponsored by PerformX

Member Achievement Award sponsored by Resamania The Knight family The Knight family signed up to XCELERATE GYM Edgware prior to the gym opening, with the aim of getting the family fitter and healthier and to support Dad Dave and Mum Christina with recovery and management of serious illnesses.

Dad Dave was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2020 and underwent major

surgery. As a result, Dave lost all muscle strength in one arm and suffered from chronic fatigue.

Mum Christina suffers from multiple health conditions including fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and chronic pain. She has also struggled to lose weight in the past.

The Knight family’s four children are also members.

AKR Fitness, Aberdeen AKR Fitness is an independently-owned gym based in Aberdeen.

We specialise in small-group personal training delivered by professional coaches in a supportive environment.

We have recently celebrated our sixth anniversary since opening and believe we should be shortlisted due to our strong track record of customer service, including several instances of going the “extra mile”.

Many people find gyms daunting.

At AKR we make fitness fun and achievable so you can feel fitter, healthier and happier. We have a strong focus on customer service and retention.

During lockdown we launched AKR TV – a mix of online workouts, education and entertainment to keep our members feeling supported and connected.

Upon welcoming members back to the gym, everyone received a special t-shirt, hand-written card, sweatbands and Covid response booklet.

NATIONAL FITNESS AWARDS

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Gym Based Personal Trainer of the Year sponsored by Health Check Services

Leanne Bierton, Winners 2000, Paignton Leanne has become the most successful Personal Trainer in the South West with both 1-1 PT and group training.

She has the biggest selling eight-week programme in the South West and is currently changing a massive number of lives.

Leanne has created the Transformation Training Programme which is a group training program specifically for women

who suffer with mental health issues.

It is designed to help build confidence in a gym environment and learn safely how to use gym equipment.

The programme has empowered hundreds of women and has an impressive selection of transformations of clients behind her.

She also raises a huge amount of money for Charity including Step One mental health, Rowcroft Hospice and local schools.

Regional Gym of the Year Scotland sponsored by Workout magazine

Pro Life Fitness Centre, Paisley As a small independent charity gym, we are delighted to have survived and excelled in the toughest conditions.

Over 400 items were loaned to members over three lockdowns.

Members who lost jobs were invited to “Train-For-Free” to maintain positive mental health.

Over 120 members have benefited.

Winter lockdowns took a toll on members’ mental health.

In response we developed a free outdoor class programme, delivering this throughout the winter months. We regularly defrosted equipment, cleared the pitch of snow and taught classes in -8 degrees.

Regional Gym of the Year North sponsored by Gym Gear

Local Authority/ Leisure Trust Gym of the Year sponsored by ServiceSport

St Peter’s Leisure Centre, Burnley St Peter’s went over and above during the Covid- pandemic.

They want to give the highest standard of a fitness experience to their members and constantly strive to do better.

Like some facilities they have been engaging with their customers as much as they can during lockdown to keep them motivated and active during the times facilities have been closed.

They have initiated high quality online video streaming of their classes, with correct programming and variety.

When possible outdoor classes resumed which were highly attended.

They constantly ask for feedback from their members and action this promptly added to this that they are always investing in their facility to bring the best fitness facility to the people of Burnley. Every staff member participates in all fitness offerings.

Gym Team of the Year sponsored by ClubWise Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, Canvey Island The Waterside Farm team is diverse and have several different backgrounds that complement each other well.

We all have clear set job descriptions and are all very clear in our roles and responsibilities. We all understand each others strengths and utilise these strengths extremely well.

We have completed many projects over the past few years including refurbishing the fitness suite in December 2018 which transformed the usage of the centre and

was designed to increase the amount of memberships which we achieved all of the targets.

We further improved the fitness suite in 2021 by extending by almost 50 per cent and included an extended free weights area and new functional zone designed to increase memberships in younger age groups which was identified to improve upon.

The target has been met just five months after opening which is an incredible achievement. Waterside Farm currently has 2,050 members.

YourGym, Lytham We have continued to grow and find unique ways of encouraging people to start or re-start a health and fitness journey through a challenging time, but making the most of it through seeing opportunities and overcoming adversity with engagement.

We continue to pride ourselves on being the gym that evolves and grows around member feedback with four unique studios, offering a large class timetable which has increased by demand and feedback to make sure we are catering for all needs, as well as offering innovative new classes

ahead of the fitness trend, making us the go to gym in the area if people want to improve any aspect of their training, at whatever stage of their fitness journey.

Because of this consistent research we have found and developed training innovations that keep our trainers’ knowledge up to date, so they can in turn educate and inspire our members in their classes.

We have teamed up with UKSCA trainers to offer education-based learning to any trainers who wish to further their knowledge, and this means that our PTs have access to up to date training.

Regional Gym of the Year Midlands and Wales sponsored by Staffs Fitness

The PIT, Birmingham The PIT Gym is focused on group exercising which involves weights, cardio and boxing training to get our members the absolute best results possible. Each member has a custom-created diet for them, which outlines food down to the last gram that they should be eating to achieve their goals.

Our decor is unique; our back wall has a spiritual graffiti design painted by a local legend; our equipment has ivy woven

around it in addition to custom paintwork designed by a set design artist who has worked on programmes for Channel 4.

Our marketing is second to none and our videos are funny and welcoming for those wishing to gain insight on how we operate.

We have an in-house videographer and photographer who custom designs all external messaging, including PDFs, videos and photos. We usually find we have to fill between 10 and 20 per cent of our spaces at the end of our 12-week cycles.

NATIONAL FITNESS AWARDS

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Congratulations to our runners up Newcomer of the Year – Fierce Gym, Milton Keynes Health Club of the Year – Cambridge Country Club

Regional Gym of the Year South sponsored by ClubRight Vision Fitness, Henham Not only does Vision Fitness Henham look great inside and outside, it’s vision for how health and fitness should be is engraved in the layout and ethos it has.

Vision Fitness has a fully equipped gym appealing to all fitness types and goals, a unique outdoor training area with a galvanised training rig, a specialist studio for the likes of Pilates and Yoga and a second studio specialising in Spin classes and ((BOUNCE)) with fantastic atmospheric

lighting. In a very short space of time Vision Fitness Henham has achieved so much. They have attracted local celebrities, Olympic and Paralympic athletes and members that need that extra level of support for eg rehabilitation after strokes, major surgery, type II diabetes and partially sighted members.

Not only can members enjoy a fantastic workout or class but they can also be running on a treadmill or doing a yoga class and look out into a field of 30 cows.

Best Hotel and Spa Facility – The Spa at St Michaels, Falmouth Boutique Facility of the Year – BLOK, London Ladies Only Gym of the Year – Claire Adams Total Health, Edinburgh Strength Training Gym of the Year – Live Health and Fitness, Chorley Functional Training Gym of the Year – Colne Valley Fitness, Huddersfield Group Exercise Gym of the Year – Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, Canvey Island Member Achievement Award – Cairen Bedward, The PIT Gym, Birmingham Community Involvement – Boostfit, Surrey

National Gym of the Year sponsored by Technogym YourGym, Lytham We always move forward and go to market as the gym who offers more.

We know every single member who comes through the door and what their goal is, and what journey they are on.

We continue to be feedback led, have the latest kit and technology within the club that will help anyone at any stage of their fitness journey. We have four unique studios in the gym, and two in our new

Studio Collection, and can cater for anyone who wants to train and improve their health and fitness.

We not only offer the fitness, but the mental health side of things, offer an extensive wellbeing timetable as well as in-house life coach, in-house nutrition coach and services that will encourage people to get fitter mentally and physically.

Not only this but we embody the community spirit.

Education Facility of the Year – Fitter Stronger, Kent Customer Service Award – Pro Life Fitness Centre, Paisley Gym Based Personal Trainer of the Year – Daniel Harrod, Harrow Leisure, Harrow Local Authority/ Leisure Trust Gym of the Year – Two Riversmeet, Christchurch Gym Team of the Year – YourGym, Lytham Regional Gym of the Year Scotland – Synergy Group Fitness, Edinburgh Regional Gym of the Year North – St Peter’s Leisure Centre, Burnley

Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored by Gym Flooring

Matt Gleed, Winchester Matt Gleed is a leading fitness expert in the UK, and a renowned Master Trainer from his 20+ year career so far.

Committed, focused and driven to help fitness professionals be the best versions of themselves, and to be educated, professional and support healthy lives, which in turn will be passed to clients.

Matt has dominated the health and

fitness space with award winning work, which includes writing articles, expert comment, TV shows, podcasts, conference speaking engagements, online education delivery and social media workouts.

In 2020, Matt launched an online Master Trainer Academy. This came at a time when the industry had to digitalise due to Covid-19, and was aimed to help fitness professionals survive and thrive.

Regional Gym of the Year Midlands and Wales – Elite Fitness, Fenton Regional Gym of the Year South – Luxe Fitness, Bristol National Gym of the Year – Vision Fitness, Henham Outstanding Achievement – Sir Ismael Saleh, CKI Martial Arts, Leicester

NATIONAL FITNESS AWARDS

NFA 2021 PHOTO GALLERY

Watch out for details of the 2022 NFAs coming soon!

www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk

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NATIONAL FITNESS AWARDS

NFA 2021 PHOTO GALLERY

Watch out for details of the 2022 NFAs coming soon!

www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk

“Thank you so much for a fantastic evening at the National Fitness Awards. Me and my team really enjoyed it and thought it was beautifully decorated and very well organised so thank you!”

- Ollie Emsden, Vision Fitness “Really enjoyed the NFAs. It was fantastic to see the industry come together and thank you for the opportunity to sponsor an award.”

- Colin Neale, Business Development Manager, Resamania by Xplor “Incredible night at the @FitnessAwards We met other passionate fitness professionals. We danced and got merry! Thanks for a great time.”

- @BOOSTfit on Twitter “Thank you @FitnessAwards for a great night. Sadly, we didn’t win this year. Another thank you has to go to all Serco Leisure colleagues who attended and made sure our customer, Wendy Ince and her husband David felt like the stars of the show.”

- @sercolesiure on Twitter “J7 started 14 years ago as a vision on a blank pi4ce of paper in my mum’s kitchen.

From 7,000 gyms NATIONALLY down to the last six… then we WON! To win such a huge national award for community involvement is so so overwhelming @ FitnessAwards” - @J7healthJaveno on Twitter “Bridgend based company winner of the #Education Award at the Prestigious #Nationalfitnessawards. @FitnessAwards Thanks to all the team, #schools #colleges, Uni’s & partners who work with us to make this happen, Lovely to be flying the flag for our organisations in #Wales #Awards” - @ForcesFitness on Twitter “Back to winning. What a night @FitnessAwards Congratulations to @Elite Fitness on winning our Functional Training Gym of the Year Award. A big congrats to everyone who reached the finals – you’ve all been absolute legends these past 18 months. #NationalFitnessAwards” - @jordanfitnessuk on Twitter

UK FITNESS SCENE

Club demonstrates to its members that it’s safe to return to the gym BASED in Tunbridge Wells, énergie Fitness is a club dedicated to helping clients meet their fitness goals within a fun and empowering environment.

After being closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, énergie Fitness wanted to take additional precautions to ensure the safe return of their gym members and staff.

BonaCaeli’s AirRISK assessment and AirVSAFE2000 has given énergie Fitness members the peace of mind to exercise indoors safely and allow pre-pandemic class sizes in the studio.

Taking on the challenge When énergie Fitness re-opened after lockdown, many members expressed anxiety around returning to the gym.

They were particularly concerned that the risk from airborne viruses would be heightened by people exercising and breathing heavily in an enclosed space and without a mask.

For many gyms, indoor classes have been running at less than 50 per cent capacity compared to pre-Covid-19 times, with some gym members not renewing their memberships. énergie Fitness therefore wanted to find a way to assess the risk, reduce it as far as possible, and demonstrate to members that it was safe to return.

wellbeing within our gym environment.”

Working out a solution BonaCaeli began by providing énergie Fitness with a full venue-specific AirRISK assessment, looking at what would happen if a person with Covid-19 walked in and did a full workout, using all the gym equipment.

Following the assessment, BonaCaeli recommended a series of measures, including occupancy limits, air exchange rates and installation of an air purifier. énergie Fitness installed an AirVSAFE2000 in the studio where group classes are held to minimise the viral load present in the air and provide reassurance to customers.

The BonaCaeli AirVSAFE2000 runs quietly in the background, using a combination of powerful UV light, antiseptic bio-wash, and a high-throughput fan to inactivate virus pathogens in the air.

Charles Foulkes, owner of énergie Fitness Tunbridge Wells, said: “The reason for buying the AirVSAFE 2000 is simple, to protect our gym members whilst allowing larger class sizes in our main group exercise studio.

“We have taken an ethical attitude towards airborne viruses and the addition of this advanced air purifier furthers our reputation for safety and

Rewards Thanks to the AirRISK assessment, énergie Fitness was able to identify all risk areas and implement measures to mitigate them.

The installation of BonaCaeli’s AirVSAFE 2000 has been essential for the safe return of énergie Fitness gym members, giving them the reassurance to enjoy exercising indoors again safely.

The air purifier’s presence has allowed classes to return with the same capacity as before Covid-19. énergie Fitness displays a ‘green’ AirRISK certificate showing that it has been independently assessed and reached the highest level of safety – giving members confidence to return to the gym.

The AirVSAFE2000 comes with a poster explaining its benefits – further adding to staff and members’ peace of mind.

Because the AirVSAFE2000 runs constantly, it reduces the viral load by 99.999 per cent in the studio.

Additional safety precautions have permitted larger gym classes in the studio, enhanced the members’ experience and reduced staff sickness and commercial loss for the gym owner. www.bonacaeli.com

priority.

Breakdowns result in potential safety hazards, frustration and customer dissatisfaction. Breakdowns are a key cause of complaints.

Gyms rely on word-of-mouth promotion.

So, having constant broken equipment means your members won’t recommend it to friends and family, ultimately losing you business and potential customers.

Your members are paying for a service

and they expect everything to be in working order. First impressions count in this industry.

ServiceSport provide specialist gym equipment servicing along with replacement parts to reduce downtime and fix machines before the problems get worse.

We specialise in gym upholstery repair so we can keep your equipment in top quality condition.

We have a dedicated service and repair team who can diagnose and fix issues on many different makes and models of commercial gym equipment including Technogym, Life Fitness and Matrix.

You will be allowing your equipment to last throughout the new year without having the worry of machines breaking and members leaving to join another gym.

As well as exact colour matching upholstery fabric, ServiceSport offer embroidery and personalised text or logos to enhance your image and create unique branding for your gym.

Prepare for the rest of the year by regularly servicing your gym equipment and acting on broken machines.

Book in with the ServiceSport team today.

Call 01257 264738 or email info@servicesport.co.uk

Is your equipment suffering from the New Year’s rush?

THE New Year has arrived and that means one thing for fitness operators – the January gym rush.

It’s the most exciting time of the year for gym owners. Every year, new resolutions are made and broken in this pivotal month which all revolve around one intent – to lose weight.

So, now the festive period is over, many people feel like they’re ready to make a change for the better. And that’s where the popular saying ‘New year, New me’ comes in.

Thousands of people kick start their fitness journey, get in shape, exercise more and become healthier.

They sign up for new gym memberships or head back to the gym with a long-forgotten membership.

You’ll inevitably have a new wave of eager gym newbies queuing at your door.

Whether you’re a class-based studio, fitness franchise or independent gym, it’s vital to make sure you can ‘wow’ your new or returning members throughout the whole year.

To prepare and maintain your new influx of members, you need to stay on top of equipment maintenance.

You want to avoid new and returning members entering and having ‘out of order’ signs hanging from treadmills

and weight machines or having torn equipment upholstery.

Not only do they limit capacity but are also a source of disappointment.

Maintenance signs also suggest more than just a fault, it shows there is a fault which hasn’t been fixed right away.

With so many people using your gym in January, it’s inevitable that equipment is going to tear or break.

Getting your equipment serviced regularly should be your number one

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UK FITNESS SCENE

The Viking Press and Calf Advertiser’s announcement

The Viking Press and Calf Panatta is a multifunctional machine designed to train the shoulder muscles, while relaxing the standing arm, which is also suitable for performing the ankle extension exercise and train the calf muscles.

The Viking Press, mainly used for the shoulders, reproduces the famous Military-press with a barbell, also known as slow extension of the arms above the head, performed standing with the lower limbs extended.

However, unlike the execution with free weights, this machine has a series of technical devices that improve the exercise for effective workout overall the involved muscles chain: deltoid, trapezius and triceps.

The uniqueness of the new Viking Press and Calf Panatta compared to competing products lies in the two retractable shoulder pads, which, together with the two raised platforms, also allow the calf press exercise to be performed in an upright position.

n SHOULDER TRAINING: The overhead arm extension exercise can be performed bilaterally (with the two levers independent or locked) or unilaterally (with independent levers and single or alternating execution); the machine is equipped with multiple handles that allow a prone, semi-prone and neutral grip and a fixed central handle that can be adjusted in depth for solid support during the unilateral execution. The height-adjustable thrust levers provide a physiological and increasing resistance curve throughout the entire ROM, optimising muscle contraction and preserving joint structures at the most critical point of the exercise. n CALF TRAINING (TRICEPS SURAE): The calf press exercise, performed with the connected levers and the pads in pushing position; it allows complete work on the rear leg muscles, with maximum activation of the two portions of the gastrocnemius muscle (medial and lateral)

DISCOVER MORE Panatta Srl – Via Madonna della Fonte 3/c , Apiro (MC) Italy +39 0733611824 infouk@panattasport.it @panattasport @panattaofficial

UK FITNESS SCENE

Partnership leads to massive spike in people interacting with gyms THE collaboration between McDonald’s and Hussle this summer led to a massive rise in the number of people looking at gyms via the platform. In addition, nearly all of these were people that had never visited gyms through Hussle before.

The MONOPOLY promotion, which put Hussle’s 2,000 gym partners in front of more than seven million McDonald’s customers, created a 71 per cent increase in visits to gyms listed on its platform.

In addition, 87 per cent of customers were new to the marketplace, having never visited Hussle’s gym partners before.

Jamie Owens, director of fitness partnerships at Hussle, said: “This is the first time a gym offering has been included in the annual McDonald’s giveaway and it has created unprecedented exposure for the fitness industry.

“These are people viewing the details of a specific gym on our platform and reading about what they have to offer.

“It represents a significant increase in brand awareness for the gyms listed, proving that thinking outside the box when it comes to marketing

can be hugely positive for the industry.”

The McDonald’s campaign also had a big impact in diversifying the location of customers.

Typically, London and the South East get the most customers through Hussle.

During the promotion, gyms in the North West of England were the biggest winners – the percentage

of customers using the Hussle marketplace through McDonald’s doubled from seven per cent to 14 per cent, while the West Midlands and North East of England saw comparable gains.

Interestingly, the average age of customers was lower through McDonald’s – dropping from a 2021 average of 33.5 years old to 28.7 years old.

This has opened up a whole new joiner channel in a notoriously tricky age group.

There were slightly more females than males, which marks a shift from typical customers that usually use the Hussle platform – an average gender split is 64 per cent male to 36 per cent female.

Through McDonald’s the split was 48 per cent male and 52 per cent female.

Jamie added: “MONOPOLY at McDonald’s is one of the UK’s largest consumer marketing campaigns and partnering with such a colossal brand presented a unique opportunity for our industry to reach a lot of people quickly, people we may never have reached otherwise.

“McDonald’s might not be the first brand fitness would think of connecting with but having the confidence to partner with a less obvious brand has, in this instance, led to positive results and valuable exposure for our gym partners.”

To find out more about how Hussle could provide you with a low-cost, new member joining channel, click here https://www.hussle.com/listmy-gym

2022 is going to be epic – are you set up for success?

By Daniel Jones NO two gyms are the same, but there’s more than one route to success.

Here’s how to get your business ahead in 2022.

Running fitness facilities at the busiest time of the year is a juggling act for operations, sales and retention.

It’s easy to lose customers when you take your eye off the ball.

But what keeps customers coming back? Staff who care and take time to interact with them. Give your team the time to do this by ensuring your facility is running smoothly.

Members don’t care how you make it all happen, as long as it’s done.

Small operational factors like managing fitness assets can take the focus away from members at critical times.

Easy digital solutions like Orbit4 can help streamline and automate asset management and procurement so owners, managers and fitness staff can fully focus on giving members the best possible experience.

But what is Orbit4 and how can they help you? Gym equipment and technology is at the heart of Orbit4.

They take care of each stage of the asset journey; procurement, finance, servicing and disposal.

Put all these elements into one platform, add smart automation, amazing partners and you have Orbit4!

Data collated in Orbit4 allows gym operators to make informed purchasing decisions so that the right choice and quantity of equipment can be selected to avoid overcrowding and queues for equipment.

Alternative classes like a walking club outside at peak times to get people out

of the gym.

Offer 20 minute “HIIT and Run” small group training sessions so treadmills aren’t hogged by just one person.

Avoid those high drop-out rates for new members (who probably won’t ever be regular gym users) by helping them find an activity that they do enjoy.

Try to understand what’s prevented them from regular exercise in the past.

Digital workouts are so popular now,

they should definitely be part of your product offering range so customers can work-out anywhere, not just at the gym.

Customers want to do their own workouts in your gym.

Facilitate and encourage it by providing space and exciting, freely available equipment like mats, kettlebells, med balls, ropes and great Wi-Fi connectivity.

If you own or manage a gym and aren’t using Orbit4 by now, we’re confident you will want to before long because the great thing about our model is that you can have as much or as little control of operations as you like.

Our teams are happy to talk through all of it at any time.

Since Covid, gym operators have been ultra-innovative and adapted to the new digital fitness environment. Consumers have more choice due to new digital offerings that encourage healthy lifestyles inside and outside of the gym space.

We’re proud at Orbit4 to offer something highly beneficial to gym operators to enhance efficient procurement and asset management practices so that fiscal savings can be achieved and more time allocated to supporting the end customer. n Daniel Jones is CEO of Orbit4.

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CLASSIFIED

Gym chain scoops award for putting well-being first

Ann-Marie Murphy

THE Gym Group has won national acclaim for its innovative response to supporting its employees’ health and well-being through the weight of the challenges felt by the fitness industry caused by the pandemic.

The 24/7 gym brand which manages 196 gyms across the country and has its headquarters located in Croydon was named the winner for the Most Innovative Response to Covid-19 in the Engagement Excellence Awards 2021.

The annual awards ceremony honours companies across all sectors and industries which are leading the way in improving standards of excellence, creating positive working cultures and environments for its teams to thrive.

The independent judging panel were impressed by The Gym Group’s holistic approach in rolling out an effective programme of people-first activity during a period of major uncertainty and enforced gym closures.

With up to 95 per cent of its workforce furloughed including its network of self-employed fitness trainers, The Gym Group focused on understanding the challenges and impact the demands of the pandemic were having on its individual employees.

Investment and dedicated resources from tailored learning and development activity, home schooling and rent support as well as individual communication and recognition programmes helped the team to remain

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healthy and engaged ready to aid the nation back to better health within the fitness sector once gyms were allowed to open.

Ann-Marie Murphy, chief people officer at The Gym Group, said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition for the continued support everyone at The Gym Group demonstrated during what was a challenging 24 months.

“We pride ourselves on being a people first business. This has been key to our continued success and what drove our business decisions throughout the pandemic. What is most pleasing is that by delivering a programme of activity to support people’s individual needs and well-being, a recent staff survey has shown that the team feel proud and are committed to helping The Gym Group recover as a business.”

The Most Innovative Response to Covid-19 Award recognised those who delivered the most innovative approach to reacting to the unique challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic threw at the organisation.

The competition was tough, and judges were looking for organisations who innovated how they work, connect, recognise, and support their people, delivering results that were most meaningful for their company.

Winners of the Employment Engagement Awards were selected from hundreds of applicants by an independent judging panel.

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CLASSIFIED WANTED

BUY BACK

CLOTHING & MERCHANDISE

BUY BACK

CLOTHING & MERCHANDISE

UPHOLSTERY

WEIGHING & BODY COMPOSITION MACHINES

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CLASSIFIED

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INSTALLATION AND LOGISTICS

FITNESS EQUIPMENT

LOCKERS

SERVICING

LOGISTICS

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UPHOLSTERY 95 75

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we service 108x50 advert 18 June 2021 09:35:37

Embroidery A bespoke service offering the highest quality finish for long lasting work and active wear.

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Clothing and design Bring your brand to life with our large clothing and accessories and our design team will create the visuals before production.

Christmas is over!

It’s now time to get your work uniforms into shape for 2022!

Custom embroidery and printing services to get your brand noticed.

We stock the latest trends both value and branded so you can make it your own. Styles to suit all with colours to match your branding. Giving you flexible uniforms, work/active wear and accessories.

Request your 2022 Catalogue Call: 01257 447338 or email: info@instyleclothing.co.uk @instyleclothinguk Our logo has been used for illustrative purposes on photo examples.