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July 2010
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Cleared owner to rebuild his business
Introducing the National Fitness Awards By Emma Spencer WORKOUT is launching its first awards to celebrate excellence throughout the fitness industry. The National Fitness Awards have been created to recognise and pay tribute to clubs and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to fitness. A dozen categories will cover health club of the year, strength training gym of the year, innovation or product of the year, and gym-based personal trainer of the year to name but a few. There will be a lifetime achievement award to recognise an outstanding contribution to the industry and one of the most coveted prizes will be for gym of the year which is being broken down into five regional categories covering Scotland, North, Midlands, South and Wales. A team of judges will draw up a shortlist of five nominations for each category and the winners will be announced at an exclusive awards night and dinner at the National Railway Museum in York on November 25. The awards, which are free to enter, are being sponsored by Servicesport, providers of technical support and maintenance. Colin Marriott, managing director of
Servicesport, said the main reason he was backing the WorkOut awards was because the smaller independent operators often get overlooked by other awards. He added: “They need support and something to work for and what better way than having these awards.” They will be hosted by former Olympic swimmer and tv personality Sharron Davies who has been a fan of WorkOut since it began in 1993. The awards are an excellent way for gyms and clubs to raise their profiles within the industry and motivate and reward staff. The timing of the awards also allows for winning gyms to capitalise on their success in time to make the most of the influx of new members during the new year. The only rules are each club or individual should have been operating for at least a year prior to the awards launch on July 20, must have no ongoing legal action or personal grievances prior to nomination. To enter simply fill in the entry form dispatched with WorkOut and return it to: Liz Allen, Events Manager, Wharncliffe Publishing, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS or enter online at www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk
No 202 £3
Sharron Davies is hosting the first WorkOut National Fitness Awards.
A GYM owner is trying to rebuild his business after being cleared of possessing anabolic steroids with intent to supply. Steve Collins from Monster Gym at Cheshunt was found not guilty by a jury at a court case in May but says the last year and a half has been a nightmare. Hundreds of clients left his gym in the wake of him being arrested in November 2008 and staff followed. He believes his business has only survived because of the strength of the brand but he needs to repair damage done to his profits and reputation. He said: “The stress has been ridiculous. It is only the strength of the brand that has kept us going. Any less and I am sure this would have shut us down. “We have sat waiting for the last year and a half and now can start progressing and pushing forward.” He added that while several clients left plenty kept with Steve and the gym. “Monster is one and above any other gym around here so they have stuck by us.” Full story, Page 3
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Monster owner counts the cost after being cleared of drug offences By Emma Spencer STEVE Collins claims he has been left thousands of pounds out of pocket through legal fees and the loss of clients and his reputation. He had pleaded not guilty to 21 offences of possessing a Class C drug with intent to supply, one offence of possessing a Class B drug with intent to supply and possessing criminal property. But Steve, 37, fears even though he has been cleared it could take years for his business to recover which was on the verge of expansion before the police raid in November 2008. He said: “Everyone’s opinion is there is no smoke without fire because of the views within the industry of strength training facilities.” Hundreds of members left, plans to open up a 65,000 square feet facility fell through and instructors left when clients left because they didn’t want to be associated with Monster Gym. Steve had to close the upstairs dance studio and sell the equipment because women didn’t want to use the gym anymore and martial arts and self defence tutors also moved out because of the stigma attached to Steve and Monster. He has also had to fork out for repairs to the gym which he says
“They didn’t have enough evidence to substantiate what they were saying.” Monster Gym has been open four years and now Steve and his team are looking to get things back on track. He added: “The figures did not look good and we still have not got the money back the police took out of the safe. Hopefully we can get back on to an even keel.”
Steve Collins were caused when police swooped on his premises – computers, reference books and a safe containing money were seized as were hospital prescribed pain killers. He said: “They smashed all the doors, herded everybody upstairs into the boxing ring and then brought them down one at a time to search them and their cars. “There were helicopters, sniffer dogs and cars all over the place. It was massively over the top. I had steroids here that were mine, I hadn’t used them for a long time and they were locked in a sealed cupboard.
A spokesperson from Hertfordshire Police said the warrant was executed following the gathering of significant intelligence and the money had now been returned. They added: “Under the powers of the warrant, officers may force entry to the premises or areas within the premises where they can not get access. “Numerous items, including cash, were seized to ensure a thorough investigation could be carried out, this is routine procedure undertaken in serious investigations of this nature. “The judicial process must run its course and anyone charged with an offence has a right to a fair trial in front of a jury and the jury have made their decision in this case.”
Model Kelly Brook has been voted number one celebrity body in a new survey by Fitness First. The gym chain asked over 2,000 people to name their favourite famous figure – and Kelly came out on top with 32 per cent of the votes, closely followed by Hollywood actress Eva Mendes, pictured above, with 29 per cent. UK national fitness manager Derek Crawford said: “This survey shows the positive movement of fitness ideals from “skinny” to “healthy” which is an excellent result. “Kelly Brook is a great role model for a healthy lifestyle and advocate for doing exercise that you enjoy such as cycling and walking. It helps women to set healthy and achievable goals in their aims for a better body.”
www.workout-uk.co.uk
Boxing proves a knock-out for London women By Louise Cordell A NEW set of boxing programmes for women has been introduced in London to cater for a rise in popularity. Following the news that the sport will be included for the first time in the 2012 Olympic, more women have been looking for classes and Girls in Gloves has come up with a six-week programme developed specifically for busy Londoners.
Naomi Gibson, Girls in Gloves founder and personal trainer, said: “I am not surprised at this trend – boxing is a high energy, highly addictive and fun sport which pushes your physical and mental limits, keeping you coming back for more. “Strength and stamina improve, so other forms of exercise become easier and therefore more fun. “I discovered and fell in love with boxing shortly after I qualified as a personal trainer.
“For me, it was an ideal way to beat stress, maintain my fitness levels and become the trainer I wanted to be.” Girls In Gloves offers six-week boxing courses for women, at three skill levels, as well as one-to-one personal training specifically tailored to meet individual goals. Those taking part are given the choice of using the training just as an intense workout, or taking it to the next level and training up to ABA or professional level.
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Centre’s Quest for success ALFRETON Leisure Centre has been awarded 90 per cent in its first Quest assessment, ranking it fifth in the country and the highest Quest score in DC Leisure. Jackie Goacher, DC Leisure contract manager, said: “Having this centre achieve such a high standard on their first Quest assessment is fantastic. “It was truly a team effort from top to bottom and I am extremely pleased and proud. “For me, the most important thing was the assessor’s feedback and the recognition of the strength of our team at all levels. It is very reassuring to know that everyone working with you has such a high level of commitment to our business.”
New president STAR Trac has announced the appointment of a new president and COO following the resignation of Steven Nero. Steven will be replaced by Mike Leveque, who has previously worked as the company’s managing director for Europe and Africa and has been an employee for 17 years. Jim Doody, Star Trac chairman and CEO, said: “Steven has made a significant contribution to our growth and expansion over the last six years and we wish him continued success in his future endeavours. Mike has a long history of success at Star Trac and I look forward to working closely with him during this transition.”
UK FITNESS SCENE
Stepper boost for gym-goers with health problems By Emma Spencer A GYM in the North East set up for people with health problems is the first in the UK to install a new stepping machine. The Lemington Health Living Centre in Newcastle Upon Tyne is a community gym created to encourage people to work out who might usually find exercise difficult. It opened in 2005 and is led by a volunteer management committee from the Lemington Community Association. Working alongside the local council and health services, many of the gym’s clients are hospital referrals suffering from arthritis, heart disease and stroke victims. When the centre opened it had hardly any members and now has 400 people a month coming through its doors. The most recent addition to the gym is a recumbent stepper with a removable seat to accommodate wheelchairs. It has a low number of revolutions per minute, making it ideal for rehabilitation or not yet fit users. Linsey Charlton, fitness development manager, said SCIFIT equipment was chosen for the centre
because of the benefits for people with disabilities and mobility problems. She added: “We chose SCIFIT equipment for the centre as we were well aware of its benefits for participants with poor mobility and disabled users. “I had seen the RST on the SCIFIT website and was interested in having a stepping action machine as they are popular with our members. To have a stepper with a seat is perfect for our less mobile
clients. “Also, because the seat rotates and can be removed, it is much easier for all our members to use the machine – whatever their level of fitness or mobility restrictions. “We are delighted to be the first centre in the UK to have this piece of equipment as we pride ourselves on making innovative purchases, despite being a small facility and entirely volunteer-led.”
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How Justin is tackling his own personal Everest By Louise Cordell BODYBUILDER and personal trainer Justin House has teamed up with a filmmaker to chart his attempts at a competition comeback after a series of devastating accidents. The documentary ‘Rebuilding the House’ is being produced by documentary maker Tom Reader and is following Justin’s training as he works towards his aim of being ready to compete again in just two years. He was first forced to retire from the competition circuit, and bodybuilding, after becoming the victim of an attack in 2004 which left the ligaments of one knee fully severed and rendered him disabled. Two years later he had managed to learn to walk again, only to be struck down by a tumour located in his lumbar spine, effectively disabling him again. Despite these setbacks, Justin is determined to prove himself again as a competitive bodybuilder, in the UK and internationally. He is working as a personal trainer at elite bodybuilding gym Metro Flex in Sydenham, where fellow trainers have been providing him with essential support. He said: “This project is my own personal Everest. Bodybuilding is a very personal thing and it’s not
Justin House something I can walk away from – it is about completing the journey I started. “The video process and the support that has come from people that have seen it has been a very humbling experience for me. “Metro Flex has also been more than instrumental in my recovery. “If it wasn’t for the club then there is no way I would be where I
am today – I have received support and encouragement that I haven’t got anywhere else. “I feel like I have a second chance now and this is something that I have to prove to myself.” Follow Justin’s progress at www.rebuildingthehouse.co.uk Watch out for an Industry Spotlight on Metro Flex gym next issue
Training provider set to broaden his courses
New You Boot Camp launched a special offer to celebrate the release of new movie Sex and the City 2. The offer includes discounts on the traditional New You bootcamp as well as fitness days and men only camps – inspired by the characters from the film. Participants are encouraged to get stuck in ‘Samantha’ style on a fitness day camp or shape up like Mr Big on the men only camps. Pictured Sarah Jessica Parker who plays Carrie in the film.
AN industry training provider plans to expand his range of courses after opening his first studio within a health club in Swindon. bpm active is owned by Ian Baker, who told Workout that after six years of operation he is ‘delighted’ to have secured the space within the Next Generation Health Club in Kembrey Park. He said: “We are very excited about being able to broaden our courses and help more
people gain more qualifications. “This is the first bpm active training studio and will create a base for students to gain internationally recognised, high quality training within a prestigious and state of the art fitness facility.” An official opening ceremony saw Alex Carr, international fitness director and business development manager from Ian (far right) with students from a fitness Central YMCA Qualifications, instructor training course cut the red ribbon.
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Gym fighting for survival By Emma Spencer STAFF and members of a Yorkshire gym staged a protest against its potential closure. Lifestyles gym, part of a community centre organisation at Grimethorpe near Barnsley, faces being shut down because of funding problems. It opened almost three years ago and was supposed to be part-funded by the town council and other bodies until it became self-sustainable. A board of trustees manage the
building and five members of staff look after the gym. But they were stunned to discover they would lose their jobs at the end of July and the centre will close because the funding they thought was in place wasn’t available. Membership figures have dropped from around 300 to 150 because of the uncertainty, and Lifestyles has tried dropping its prices in a bid to keep people. Since the shortfall emerged, staff have been fighting to keep it open
and have even offered to work for free. At the protest they highlighted their plea to the local council and MP, handed over a 400-signature petition and have done interviews with the local newspaper and radio station. A sponsored walk up Ben Nevis is being arranged with some of the proceeds being used to fund the centre, and gym instructor Alan Radford is drumming up support from local businesses. He said: “It has been a total shock,
nobody put us in the picture. “After a shift four weeks ago at 7pm we got told ‘it is shut, that’s it your job is gone’. “It is a bit hard to swallow and it just didn’t make sense. “We got together and decided to keep it running to honour the membership. “This place brings all the community together. We were going to work for nothing to make sure it was open for the community – we were willing to do that.”
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UK FITNESS SCENE
‘Gymnastics to see turn in fortunes’
Vibrogym has a new UK distributor. Dan Fivey will be dealing with all aspects of the equipment from spare parts to staff training. He had used Vibrogym for ten years and has been the firm’s master trainer in Australia. Dan will also deal with new sales and promotional material as well as servicing and retraining of staff. He said: “I have a lot of new research to communicate to the public and the personal trainers and gyms using Vibro Training.”
EXPERTS are predicting a surge in adults taking up gymnastics following Spelbound’s win on Britain’s Got Talent. SkillsActive have made the claim, despite the fact that the popularity of gymnastics has been steadily declining in recent years. A recent report from Sport England revealed that only 0.12 per cent of adults take part in at least one, half hour session of gymnastics a week. However, it is now thought that the young Spelbound troupe will have the same effect on acrobatics as last year’s winners, Diversity, have had on street dance. Steve Mitchell, SkillsActive’s governing body of sport strategic lead, said: “Simon Cowell’s winners tend to have longevity.
“Diversity has done a tour, a film and many high profile appearances which have kept them and street dancing in the public’s consciousness. “We are confident that Spelbound will have equal if not greater impact and will be around for years to come as impressive ambassadors for a sport that has been in desperate need of revival.” Stephen Studd, Skills Active chief executive, added: “No matter now enjoyable an activity may be, or how beneficial to health and wellbeing, every sport needs its role models to inspire and excite. “From the moment Spelbound took to the stage the gymnastics industry knew its future was set to shift in a very significant way.”
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A South Yorkshire fitness instructor has created a budget boot camp which claims participants will drop a dress size in a month – or get their money back. Christina Eccles found out more.
Nikki helps boot campers drop a dress size on a budget By Christina Eccles NIKKI Swindle launched the Fearless Female boot camps after spotting a gap in the market for an affordable way for women in Barnsley to keep fit. Each camp costs £90 per person which includes three early morning fitness classes per week for four weeks plus diet and nutrition advice, daily email support from Nikki and a dedicated Facebook page where members could keep each other motivated and swap their top tips. 21 women took part in the first camp and feedback and results have been so positive – with the most successful person losing 20 inches – that Nikki has already set up a second camp plus her first evening one for those who can’t make morning sessions. She explained: “I talked to a lot of fitness professionals and a lot of them had been running boot camps. I wanted to do something different to the Zumba classes I was already running where I could work more closely with people and form relationships. "I was a bit unsure when I first started but thought I would give it a shot. I imagined getting that camaraderie and relationships between people and was really pleased when it happened. “There are a few bootcamps running in Yorkshire but I think
we have found a niche in the market. I have seen people complaining about going to gyms and Weightwatchers and Slimming World who haven't lost anything. "People shouldn't be parting with their money and then not feeling better about themselves or being successful.” Nikki felt strongly that the camps should be affordable but admitted it had been a challenge to find the right price point. She added: “Pricing is always difficult. It definitely needed to be cheaper than personal training but it is a more exclusive service than the gym and people can't drop in and out of it. "I looked at the prices I charged for a class. Here people also get a diet plan and guidance and more access to me, so I added a bit more on top of the class price but still kept it affordable.” For the second camp, Nikki has launched a special offer where if anyone who was on the first camp signs up again and refers a friend, they get their place half price. Refer two friends and it’s free. On the last session, she also handed out passes to bring a friend for a week for free so that new people could have the chance to sample a taste of boot camp without having to commit to signing up. "The free week gives them a
chance to see what it’s like and get a bit more information before deciding if they want to join up for the full camp. "I have now also set up the evening camp for people who said they couldn't do morning. As the first bootcamp has generated this buzz, it makes sense to do it now.” After just one camp, Nikki is already making changes and discovering what areas work well and what could be improved. "Next time there will be food diaries, which will help everyone to associate what they are eating with how they are feeling. I may also introduce more videos to help people with their exercises and incorporate more video into the daily emails.” And she offered this advice for anyone thinking of following in her footsteps and setting up their own boot camp. "Make sure you are 100 per cent confident in the product you are trying to deliver. Also plan ahead and be positive and energetic. "People are paying a premium price for these sessions so be prepared for them – their success is resting on your shoulders. "Most fitness instructors could design the programmes but it is about creating an experience for people. I am already looking forward to the next one.”
Before
After
Participants tracked via the internet THE internet proved an invaluable tool for Nikki during bootcamp by allowing her to keep in touch with participants between sessions and track their progress. Every Sunday, email reminders were sent out for everyone to upload their weekly measurements as well as daily motivating emails from Nikki and access to a private, members only Facebook page. She added: “I set up the Facebook group so that members could engage with each other and it has gone from strength to strength. I also named all
the workouts and let people know online the day before what they were going to be doing, which got them excited and pumped up for each session. “The website is essential. I have had lots of people book online and have also been blogging and posting updates on what people are doing and on different topics such as training and nutrition.” She said the feedback she had got from people was that they found it helpful to have online support and the emails acted as good reminders to keep them on track with their diet plans.
Nikki Swindle
Dedicated Dave nominated for prestigious award A SHEFFIELD fitness specialist has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition of his dedication to the health of the local community. Dave Birds is up for a Future of FLAME award after his efforts over the last five years helped more than 700 people regain their fitness after recovering from health conditions. Dave – who works at Concord Sports Centre in Sheffield – has worked on projects including a Silver Circuits fitness class for
the over 50s and the Concord Heart Support Group. His biggest success has been the delivery of the centre's GP Referral Scheme, where doctors prescribe patients with ill health a 12 week course of one-to-one fitness supervision. He will now battle it out with five other finalists to win the award, which is handed out by the FIA as part of its FLAME awards ceremony.
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What does the future hold for low-cost gyms? By Christina Eccles LOW-cost gyms could make up at least a 25 per cent share of the market in the future, according to the findings of a new report. Oxygen Consulting’s Ray Algar has researched the budget gyms sector – interviewing key players in both the UK and Europe to discover their experiences of running a low-cost model and gain an insight into what the future holds for them. According to Ray, low-cost gyms – which includes brands such as The Gym Group and Fitspace in the UK and McFit in Germany – are doing well because they are managing to offer a good service and facilities at a cheaper price. Consumers are also responding to gyms where they are not tied into contracts and have the option to pay for extras – such as showers, lockers and towels – instead of it being automatically included in the membership price. The report shows that the UK market has been steadily growing – from 19 clubs in 2009 to a predicted 75 by the end of the year and 119 at the end of 2011 – presenting serious competition for the rest of the industry. Ray explained: “I see the low-cost sector gaining momentum and build-
ing substantially on its 2009 position, when it represented less than one per cent of all private clubs. “If UK consumers take to low-cost clubs as they have to airlines, groceries and hotels, then it may be realistic to think of at least a 25 per cent market share. This could mean up to 275 lowcost clubs, based on average membership of 4,000 per club.” But executive director of the FIA David Stalker said although some gym goers are switching to a low-cost option, there is still room in the market for competition. He added: “As the health and fitness industry matures and expands, there is obviously a market for low-cost gyms. However, consumers must be very clear what they need from a fitness provider. “Low-cost gyms are ideal for experienced gym users who require little or no advice. However, perhaps they are not the best place for those who are new to the gym environment or require a tailored one-on-one tuition. “Like anything in life, you get what you pay for. Minis and Aston Martins are both cars, but the price one pays for them varies enormously. Consumers must make informed decisions before deciding which option best meets their needs.”
Convenience and price are key factors LEADING the way in the UK is The Gym Group, which opened its first site in Hounslow in 2008, and now has six gyms in locations including Guildford, Leicester and Manchester. As part of his research, Ray spent a day at the Hounslow gym interviewing members to gain an insight into what it was about the low-cost gym model that appealed to them. The two overriding factors which prompted people to join were convenience and price with word of mouth and local advertising cited as the main ways new members heard about the gym. The gym also managed to secure 5,000 members before its official opening with an introductory offer of £9.99 per month compared with the normal £14.99. The club is open 24 hours a day and operated by two salaried staff and seven freelance personal trainers. Members pay a monthly fee but are not tied into a contract. CEO John Treharne explained why the clubs have taken off so well. He said: “Across our clubs about 40 per cent of our members have never used a health club or sports centre, which we put down to price. “I fundamentally disagree with the concept of membership by compulsion; you would not use a restaurant on that basis.
“I also think it creates a lot of public disenchantment with health clubs with the small print etc. “There is no question that price and no conJohn Treharne tract is a big driver in our business.” But Ray warned that any operators who want to follow this model themselves, need to make sure they understand the difference between low cost and cheap. He added: “A fundamental strategic error is made if someone interprets ‘low cost’ as ‘cheap’. “Members paying £15 per month or less expect to feel safe when visiting the club, to have access to equipment that is great to use and a club that is clean as one costing five times more. “During these recent interviews, I heard for myself, that when features are wrong, members leave, even at £15 per month. Put them right, and they return.”
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The new equipment at Pendle Leisure Centre
All change at Colne gym with £100k revamp By Emma Spencer A GYM in Colne has had a £100,000 refurbishment. Equipment at the gym in Pendle Leisure Centre was tired and outdated. Over Christmas everything was removed from the gym, managed by Pendle Leisure Trust, and replaced with Life Fitness Silverline treadmills, Expresso exercise bikes and the power cage and ROC-IT from Hoist. Dance mats and the sports wall have also been updated. John Rawcliffe, health and fitness manager, said: “It was completely refurbished right down to the walls and carpets. All machines were changed, the only bit we didn’t change was the disability gym equipment. Everything else was outdated, coming up to five or six years old and ready for changing.” He says although you can’t please everybody, 95 per cent of leisure centre users love the new equipment and, since the refurb, the gym has been a lot busier.
The warehouse in Colne The equipment came from the Physique arm of PTE, suppliers of refurbished and new Life Fitness gear, which has warehouses in Colne and Blackburn. Graham Bertrand, managing director of the PTE group, said there are over 1,000 pieces of Life Fitness equipment at the Colne warehouse, which are either shipped abroad or sent to a site in Blackburn for a rigorous process of remanufacturing.
He added: “The quality control is exceptional and the end result is a piece of equipment resembling a piece of CV that has just been unpacked out of the box. Physique has elevated itself to the largest supplier of remanufactured Life Fitness and second hand equipment in the UK and possibly worldwide.” He puts the rise in demand down to customers wanting value for money, back up and warranties.
FIBO recognises company milestone IN 1980 two brothers made a set of freeweight equipment for their own use. Thirty years later Pulse has a client base all around the world and was presented with a plaque by the organisers of the FIBO exhibition to mark the milestone. From engineering their own weights, Christopher and David Johnson went on to have 3,000 clients
and now produce cardiovascular, resistance and free weights. At the exhibition in Germany, Pulse launched SmartCentre V4 software, and visitors to the show also got a sneak preview of the iDANCE2 software for the dance machine. Christopher said: “The fitness industry has seen many changes and innovations over the past 30 years. “I feel our success has been our
drive to provide a full spectrum of services, whilst being at the forefront of technology. “This year is very exciting for Pulse for product innovation, new build projects, the launch of our first soccer centre and lots more. “What we showcased at FIBO 2010 was just a tease for greater innovations that will follow during the year.”
Getting the best out of machines THE VibroGym was the world's first commercial whole body vibration training platform and was released in Europe and the USA in 1999. It is designed and built in Europe and has been the subject of numerous research papers around the world. New Vibrogym MD Dan Fivey said: “Using my ten years of experience, I want to help clubs and personal
trainers get the best out of their machines. “It has proved it is not a fad and is now widely accepted in the industry.” According to Dan, new research shows that using the VibroGym helps people with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, ACL Rehab and people with replacement knees. Other studies show it helps increase bone density, decrease cellulite,
increase flexibility, decrease DOMS and increase balance. He added: “I want to use my experience to help trainers take their business to the next level using the VibroGym.” There will be free education workshops to attend for people interested in investing: call Dan on 07709169997 for more details or check out his VibroGym UK Facebook site.
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Flood-hit gym still awaits work go-ahead By Dominic Musgrave
Fitness First is trialling a new piece of equipment which claims to burn calories and give a full body workout in just 30 minutes. ViPR combines the benefits of equipment such as the kettle bell, medicine ball and dumbbell to focus on whole body workouts. It is made of rubber, comes with a range of
weights up to 20kg and can be flipped, carried, thrown and stepped on – providing up to 9,000 different exercises. National fitness manager Derek Crawford said: “We are always looking at new techniques to vary member’s workouts and expect ViPR to be very popular with members and personal trainers using them with clients.”
Licensed to thrill with music ... MUSIC in gyms is an essential part of a work out but legal hurdles can be a problem. PRS for Music and PPL licences allow live or recorded music to be played or performed in gyms and sports centres but copying music from vinyl or CD onto MP3 players, iPods or laptops is not covered by the gym’s general entertainment licence. The ProDub Fitness Licence is proving to be a successful licensing solution for fitness instructors, dance teachers, operators and performers who copy legally-owned music onto a different format for use in their classes. It can be purchased online (www.produb.co.uk) at a basic price
of £100 per 1,000 songs. The site also has a database of every ProDub-licenced fitness instructor, dance teacher or other performer. Marketing manager Darren Haynes said added: “If beats per minute are important to get the heart pumping and if music is used to work out to, ProDub Fitness is an essential part of the instructor’s kit.” For more information: www.prsformusic.com
THE owner of a family-run gym that was devastated by last year’s Cumbrian floods says he has no idea when he will be able to reopen. John Wilson, who runs Lifestyles Fitness in Cockermouth with his daughter Jackie Clarke, says he is still waiting to hear from the insurance company when work can commence – eight months after record amounts of rainfall hit the region. He told Workout that once he gets the green light he expects the work to take between 12 and 13 weeks to complete. “I didn’t realise it was going to be this tough getting things sorted,” John added. “We are perhaps a little bit under insured but I am confident we will be ok. “We have done a bit of work on the building, but the builders cannot do anymore until they get the go ahead from the insurance company, but they seem to be holding everything up so we have our hands tied at the moment.” But there is some good news for John, as the upstairs Shapers ladies’ gym has been able to reopen.
He added: “I am hopeful for the future, but have been told by the insurer that the figure they pay out to us will be based on last year’s income, which was our worst for 20 years due to the recession. “Our accountant was also on the main street in the town and last year’s accounts were in the flood, so we are hoping they may have to go on the previous couple of years, which were good for us. “The ladies’ gym generates between £1,200 and £1,500 a week, which is something at least, but downstairs is our main earner.” Many of John’s 3,000 members have continued to train at the local authority run centre nearby at a reduced rate, while another independent gym has let them train for free. He added: “Our main girls are getting their money every week, but I’m afraid the others had their wages for the first four or five months but we have had to knock that on the head. When we finally get the go-ahead we will have all new equipment. I was also building an extension to start doing spinning classes so we will do that as well.”
Do you own the oldest EFX equipment? SCORES of crosstrainers are vying for the title of oldest EFX in the UK. In order to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the launch of the crosstrainer, Precor is offering Workout readers the chance to win a brand-new EFX 576i, worth more than £7,000. To enter just email the serial number of your EFX crosstrainer to emmas@whpl.net, along with your contact details by August 10 2010. The club boasting the oldest machine will win a new one. Entrant Celso Pinto, duty manager of The Thomas Guy Club, a social club for NHS staff based in London, said: “I’d love to win this competition because our gym really needs an update. Our treadmills and
Celso Pinto crosstrainers have been going for years – in fact I’m sure we have the oldest in the country!” Carolyn Judd, deputy manager of Spirit Health Club in Runcorn in Cheshire added: “We love our crosstrainer, it’s very old but is still really popular!”
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Working out in a night club is one of the latest fitness trends to take off in the UK. Emma Spencer joined in a ‘disco-cise’ class in Derby.
Why hundreds turn to Syn for an intense workout CHEAP car parking, free meals at the Nando’s chain of restaurants and child care. These might not appear to be the usual perks associated with an exercise class, but they are part of the appeal of FunkyClubFitness. Three times a week 100 people descend on Syn nightclub in Derby for an intense hour-long workout in a nightclub setting, with strobe lights and banging dance music played by a live DJ. Half an hour is spent boxing on the punch bags and the other half of the class consists 30-second bursts of ten different exercises such as kettle bell, press ups, burpees and lunges. It is a year since gym instructor and personal trainer Jon Leonard started the sessions which seem to be getting bigger all the time, and sometimes he even has to turn people away. He believes sessions offer something different to the commercial gym and break down some of the barriers people might have when it
comes to joining a class. Jon said: “If you have a boxing bag in a gym people don’t use them if they don’t already know how to because they feel silly. Here it is dark so people don’t notice that. “Music motivation wise is brilliant. When you go to the gym you want banging music because it helps. “I am on the podium with a head microphone on telling people what to do. It is like having a personal trainer helping out rather than being in a gym left to plod on. “I also point out the new people to the instructor on the dance floor and he will look after those, and the other thing I say is just look at the person next to you and follow them.” Jon started the classes when he moved to Derby to live with his girlfriend. He had seen similar things before but there wasn’t anything like it in the area. He checked out other nightclubs but Syn was the only one big enough as well as being the main club in the city. Continued on Page 17
New name badge service launched AN on-line service is now helping gyms design their own name badges. Badgemaster, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of corporate name badges and Britain’s market leader, has launched a new, userfriendly, fully interactive on-line design facility. It means gym owners and chains can design their own badges onscreen. Badgemaster first introduced its specialist services 12 years ago and regularly supports many top designers, corporate clothing suppliers and leading companies across every industry. Now the website makes all the professional skills, experience and resources used by top badge designers available to everyone with inter-
net access by following a user-friendly, step-by-step programme. It means gyms can cut out the costs and delays of employing a designer. On www.badgemaster.co.uk there is a comprehensive range of badge shapes, styles, sizes, colourways, layouts, fonts, letter heights and clothesfriendly fasteners, instantly on screen. When a customer is happy with the design they can send it electronically to Badgemaster to receive a no-obligation quotation by return. In-house designers finalise each design manually to ensure that every detail is perfect and provide a free colour proof for approval to users wishing to order the badges they have designed.
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Emma hits the dance floor ... and the pain barrier
Continued from Page 16 Facebook was the main way of advertising the sessions, as well as flyers and posters, but FunkyClubFitness speaks for itself now. “When new people come I ask them where they heard about it and eight out of ten people say their friend or relative comes. Once you get going word of mouth is the best kind of advertising.” Jon also had to make sure the venue was accessible to people and did a deal with NCP and obtained special tickets providing parking for a pound rather than the usual rates which can sometimes be costly. Another incentive to keep people interested is a draw each class to win
a free platter at Nado’s restaurant and every time someone takes out a monthly membership they get meal offers. People can come to the classes on a pay as you go basis at £4 or £25 a month. There are also special rates to appeal to the city’s student population. Jon said: “Around here most gyms sign you up for a year by direct debit. Here people pay per session or can just come for a month and never come back if they want. There is no commitment which appeals to everybody as well. Some classes have routines set to the music and is the same every week. This is different every time and I think that appeals because it doesn’t get boring.”
BEING in a night club during the day and while sober is a slightly surreal experience. But when the lights go down and the music starts banging about 100 people pile on to the dance floor for a warm up led by Jon Leonard which, quite frankly, is a decent work-out itself. Running a few times a week I thought I had a certain level of fitness, but I am beginning to wonder what the next hour has in store. Half the class is then directed to the punch bags to pair up, while the others stay on the dance floor. A total novice, I take the punch bag first. One person holds it while the other does a variety of punches and jabs under the watchful eye of Jon, who is urging people on via his headset. There are some press-ups and burpees chucked in for good measure, and I feel like I have had a thorough workout already, but it’s only half way through. The class swaps over, and in a group of four I make my way through the course of lunges, squats, star jumps and sit ups. The first set feels ok, but by the third I can barely lift myself off the floor for the press ups and my legs feel very heavy, but there is Rich, one of the instructors, urging us on to do more. Afterwards Jon leads the class through a warm down and I look
Ready to workout: reporter Emma Spencer around glad to see I’m not the only one who looks as though they have been dragged through a hedge backwards. I can tell already how much this is going to hurt the following day, but that just means it is working ... or so they say. But something must be as people keep coming back.
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Many owners have fantastic expertise in the type of equipment they need and the programmes they will run. But when it comes to marketing, they somehow miss the boat. In the second of a two-part article, Dave Wright outlines the key pointers ...
Don’t miss the marketing boat ... Internal Marketing This will be your most cost-effective method of promotion. Some powerful internal marketing methods include prize draws, gift vouchers, membership competitions and follow-ups to expired members. The best people to sell your club for you are your members, and if the level of service, the quality of the equipment, the cleanliness and atmosphere impresses them, they will do all the selling for you. My Tip: Some marketers would say that your database of past and present members is your biggest asset. Make sure that you collect simple information on your members (like email addresses) and keep your database clean and up to date. Guerrilla Marketing This form of marketing can vary from handing out flyers in tube stations or town centres, to organising merchant trade-offs in local business, car flyers or shop window signs. It’s inexpensive and is only limited by your team’s imagination. My Tip: Stimulate and incentivise your staff to come up with weird and wacky ideas all year round by
rewarding them handsomely for the ones that get used. Synergistic marketing Synergistic marketing is simply the process of applying many of your marketing methods at the same time. As each source feeds off the other, this builds momentum and adds to general recognition and awareness. Prospective members may already have your direct mail piece next to the phone, or have pinned your corporate invitation on the staffroom noticeboard. This creates a platform for your call, which should be a friendly invitation to take that next step. My Tip: Be aware that managing the logistics of this approach takes co-ordination, discipline and organisation. Offer a “no commitment” incentive Decrease resistance to the sale by offering some form of “cooling off” period with your membership. This may be something simple as a 7-14 day cooling off certificate. And of course new members can trial the service and if they don’t like it they would receive 100% money back
with no questions asked. My Tip: Make sure that you monitor progress during the cooling off or trial period, so that you are in a position to pick up on and react to any waivering. Prepare the sales process In order to maximise your marketing there must be a watertight procedure in place to deal with all of the phases of the sales process, including the enquiry, the tour, handling objections, the close and following follow up on the service that the members have joined for. My Tip: In the majority of cases the first point of contact is by phone. You may have the best sales system in the world but if your receptionists don’t handle that call properly you’re dead in the water. Teach them well. Measure your results Measuring the results of your campaign will enhance your marketing effectiveness and save time and money. For example, recording areas that have responded well to your external marketing will enable you to focus on the ‘hotspots’,
Dave Wright determine which area provides the most cash per sale, to decide which area produces the most female enquiries and so on. My Tip: If you do the analysis properly, your cost per lead and cost per member may well give you information that will turn your approach to marketing on its head.
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Professional boxer Marianne ‘golden girl’ Marston has launched a series of female boxing classes across a string of gyms in London. She told Workout how operators can cash in on the demand from women.
How boxing classes can be a knockout money-maker ... How can gyms benefit from incorporating boxing into their group exercise programmes? I think boxing as a means of fitness has always appealed to men, and so any gym offering it probably already attracts a good male client base. But, in part thanks to the inclusion of female boxing in the 2012 Olympics, women are now aware that this is a sport open to them. More than that, I think that women are also starting to see that boxing isn’t just about brute force, it is about skill and finesse, so they are also interested in pursuing the sport. Boxing’s appeal is long-term. Once bitten by the bug, it can become a lifetime hobby, so even gym users who come to the classes with one goal – to lose weight – are more likely to continue with the training after their weight loss goal is achieved. How can operators attract women to these types of classes? It is quite simple – there is already a buzz out there interesting women in pursuing boxing training, I know in my case the fact I am a female professional boxer not only attracted many of my clients but also added confidence to those that tentatively enquired about the classes. So I would advise that any gym looking to offer classes of this type should either have a qualified professional, or amateur, boxing coach or an actual boxer leading the classes. How do women benefit from boxing? There are the obvious benefits of weight-loss, improved cardiovascular fitness and muscle tone, but more specifically it improves upper
Marianne Marston body strength, which is not only an area that women struggle to improve, but also one that a lot of exercise classes aimed at women neglect or only target superficially. Other comments from women in my class suggest that boxing has also made them feel more confident and less nervous when out on their own. I wouldn’t suggest boxing is a means of self-defense, but the physical strength it gives without physical bulk certainly seems to empower women. How important is it to get the right instructor and what happens if they are wrong? It is so important that the instructor is either a qualified boxing coach or an experienced boxer as there is a huge difference between actual boxing training and boxing for fitness. I say that for a very good rea-
son. The most important element of any boxing training is footwork. Everything comes from the footwork. If you try most boxing drills and the footwork is wrong there is a possibility of injury. Also, you would not be fully receiving the benefits of the workout if your stance or positioning is wrong. If the instructor has not been trained in the art of boxing themselves, there is no way they could safely instruct clients. Is there anything else that operators need to consider when introducing boxing and boxing for fitness classes? Equipment is the second priority. I’m not talking about buying a boxing ring and all the major equipment, but you do need to have a proper heavybag, preferably a selection of the main types includ-
ing an uppercut bag. If space is limited I would suggest wall mounted combination bags as an alternative. You would also need proper focus pads. Whilst it would be good to have things such as speed and reflex bags they are not essential as a good coach can work without them. What do you love about boxing? For me, it is the ultimate test you can put yourself to. It demands incredible physical fitness but it is just as much of a mental challenge. In the ring it is a chess match, move and counter move – thoughts have to be as fast as your punches. Although you have a team to get you to the fight, when you get in that ring it is all down to you. There is no-one else – in that moment everything depends on you.
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Lee helped athlete Leah make great strides By Emma Spencer A PERSONAL trainer has had to devise a special fitness regime for one of its clients. Lee Sharpe based at Woodhouse Work Out Fitness Centre in Sheffield has had to adapt his usual training plan for client and athlete Leah Flack, who is a dwarf. She takes part in the 100 metres, shot putt and discus and has competed in the British Championships, is at the World Games this month and hopes to be competing at the 2012 Olympics. Leah started going to the gym a year ago, which is now her sponsor, providing the gym facilities and Lee’s services for free and tracksuits. Trevor Robinson is joint owner of the gym as well as running the Great Britain martial arts team. He said he is a believer in giving people a chance and that since Leah started training she has been smashing records and beating her own personal bests. Trevor said his championship client has brought other benefits to his business. He added: “We have had interest from the papers and have had people
Special rack deal from York Fitness YORK FITNESS is having a special offer as gyms try to keep members in during the warm summer months. Investing in new equipment is one way and York is offering a deal on the 1-10kg chrome dumbell set. It is selling the ten pair set and vertical storage rack for £449.00 including VAT and delivery. The York chrome dumbells have a lifetime warranty on head detachment, ergonomically style handles and a durable bright chrome finish. The rack is compact in design and has clean lines to make it fit into any gym environment. Telephone 01327 701852 or visit www.yorkstrength.com for further information.
Leah Flack in action coming down with their children and joining in the martial arts, and we have an autistic child. “Leah is quite well known now in the gym and can still use normal equipment, but at just three feet struggles to get on some of it like the treadmills. “Having short legs is also difficult for her to do things like running, so Lee has been doing floor exercises
instead and adapted the discus throwing technique because when able-bodied people throw they spin around and cross their legs.” Trevor added adapting programmes had encouraged an influx of older gym users. “There are a lot of older people working out in the mornings, which is great.”
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UK FITNESS SCENE A new kettlercise programme is being introduced to gyms around the country. Workout reporter Emma Spencer finds out more.
Nicky loses eight stone with kettlebell workout A FITNESS class based around using kettlebells with dramatic results is being introduced to gyms. Adrian Burton and Guy Noble from Kettlebell Seminars have spent the last year devising a ‘kettlercise’ programme which targets body fat and muscle tone. They used Nicky Slater, a 40-yearold user of Adrian’s gym Body-Wars near Burnley, as a guinea pig and she lost eight stone in 12 months. After spotting a gap in the market Kettlercise, now a registered trademark, went live earlier this year. Adrian and Guy are now delivering the programme in one-day courses to instructors and trainers so it can
Guy Noble
be taught in gyms across the country. Adrian said: “I was the first person to bring kettle bells onto national television in 2004 with “Fat Families”. Since then I have tried to integrate them into mainstream fitness gyms. “It took us 12 months to test it to make sure it was right, we weren’t
‘I was the first person to bring kettlebells onto national television in 2004 with Fat Families’
happy until the product was right and nailed down.” Like boxercise is an adaptation of boxing, Kettlercise is basically a 50minute workout using 37 different kettlebell exercises and the bloodshunting method which increases the metabolic rate. It is an intense session in terms of the volume and repetitions of exercises but uses a lighter kettlebell than a normal session. When Nicky first joined Bodywars she weighed in at 18 stone four pounds and was a dress size 24/26. After initially starting to losing weight through a normal gym routine, she agreed to let Adrian and Guy try out their Kettlercise ideas and is now a trim size 12. They wanted to take away the idea that kettlebells were used for strength training and admit it was a case of trial and error in the early stages. Continued on Page 23
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‘Inspiration that started kettlercise’ Continued from Page 22 Adrian said: “She went on the kettlercise programme for about two months which really dropped her to where she is. “She was the inspiration that started kettlercise. “A lot of women are put off using kettlebells because of how they look and feel and exercises were not tailored for out and out weight loss. “Kettlercise is all about stripping body fat not about muscle size. “In the early stages we got more things wrong than we got right. “We sat down with Nicky worked with it and adjusted it as we went along. “She gained a couple of pounds and we realised we didn’t need to do certain things and tried it that way. “I anticipated I would get results but didn’t expect what we did get, it
“I anticipated I would get results but didn’t expect what we did get, it was a shock” was a shock.” The concept seems to be proving popular. Adrian added: “I have been teaching kettlebell instructors since 2005. “A lot are using traditional methods rather than using a class format and making it run but people are joining the register for the courses every day.”
Growth prompts new appointments AMAZON Leisure has appointed more staff at its Norfolk head office following another busy year. Sarah Robinson has joined the sales team for the firm which supplies new and refurbished fitness equipment. Sarah comes from a varied sales background and has undertaken a health and nutrition course and is a member of the Gym@Amazon which, while having 800 members, also acts as a showroom to demonstrate Amazon’s quality refurbishments. Sarah said: “I find it surprising the range of equipment and difference in quality throughout the industry. I was also very impressed that I was a member of our own gym and did not realise it was all refurbished. There is a lot to take in but I relish challenges.” Also joining the team is a new service co-ordinator Andy Hole who has been primarily employed to bolster the existing team and co-ordinate
current service contracts and seek new opportunities. Neil Whatling, operations manager, said: “Amazon Leisure has experienced significant growth across all areas of its operations, and to expand further means investing in the right staff in the right areas, as well as office based appointments we have also had to increase our service technicians, refurbishment technicians and warehouse staff.” “I believe our growth is due to our commitment to quality, and service. This, alongside the professionalism of our Logistics department, means we will continue this growth into the future. “I am a firm believer that it is when times are challenging the customer will seek true value and an established professional company that provides it, over those that clean it up and put it into the market place cheap.”
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Nicky Slater and, inset, before her weight loss
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Dave Webster with Arnold Schwarznegger
Dave Webster is one of the most influential people in the history of strength competition. Emma Spencer looks back over an illustrious career spanning 60 years.
Powerhouse Dave and an extraordinary career IT WAS during his stint of National Service that Dave Webster took up wrestling and boxing. It was to take over his life and, at the age of 82, he is as involved now as he ever was. At the outbreak of World War Two he was too young to be called up, but joined his local regiment the Gordon Highlanders, where he developed wrestling and boxing clubs. It was at the Spartan Club where he trained alongside a certain fellow Scot, Sean Connery, who was getting in shape for his role in South Pacific. Dave became a PE teacher and one of his pupils was a young Denis Law, who famously went on to play for Manchester United. In 1954 Dave became the World Champion strength puller – a feat no-one had managed before. After retiring from strength training he joined the Scottish Sports Council of Physical Recreation where he introduced new sports such as gliding, canoeing and trampolining - later to become an Olympic sport.
Dave also opened National Centres of Excellence across Scotland and coached many successful weightlifters including Olympic medallist Louis Martin in the 1960’s. He also came across a 19-year-old by the name of Arnold Schwarznegger who went on to become a professional bodybuilder. By this time Dave had also become a film maker, recording world championship events using the videos as training aids for his athletes. He was also a technical official with the International Weightlifting Federation at events in Rome, Mexico and the UK but in 1968 he had become dissatisfied with the politics involved. Involvement with the Olympics was also to come to an abrupt end with the tragedy in Munich 1972, when members of the Israeli team were taken hostage and murdered by militants. Dave turned his attention to the Commonwealth Games, championing home grown weight lifting
talent, and was one of the first people to lead campaigns against the use of drugs in sport. In 1991 he was made chair of the Commonwealth Games council for Scotland, four years later was team manager of the Scotland squad and awarded an OBE for his efforts in 1995. He was 70 when he took part in his last competition before moving into media work. All the time he was running his business Powerhouse Fitness, which he set up in 1980. In the early days it sold products to sports clubs and gyms and the first store opened in Glasgow in 1987. There are now 11 throughout Britain, and Powerhouse has become one of the leading suppliers of fitness equipment including sports nutrition, treadmills, cycles, free-weights and benches, heart rate monitors and clothing. Powerhouse is now run by Dave Webster’s sons David and Nigel. David said: “He has had a very full and colourful life you could say. He is probably the most widely known historian in strength games alive today.”
£2m development for new London club By Louise Cordell
clubs in central London.
A LONDON-based health and fitness club is launching its second club next year with only a limited number of memberships available.
Aimed at local businesses as well as residents there will be a spa and swimming pool as well as the fitness facilities.
The Third Space is undertaking a £2million development of a 15,000 square foot site in the Marylebone Hotel. It is being funded by private equity firm Graphite Capital and is the beginning of a roll out of Third Space
The hotel surroundings have also recently undergone a refurbishment. Eric Dunmore, chief executive, said: “The new site in Marylebone is the start of our roll out in London and we are looking forward to growing our membership base.
“All members will have access to both clubs, and will be able to take advantage of the array of services, from personal training to spa and medical treatments.” “We’re committed to developing The Third Space brand. “Having secured this new site, the company continues to work towards identifying new locations across London, further strengthening our position as London’s premier health and fitness experience.”
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Strike teams up with ZigZag for new scheme By Louise Cordell MARTIAL arts duo Strike are launching a new fun fitness programme for children and young adults.
Trust partnership aims to get youngsters active STOCKPORT Sports Trust has announced a partnership with Shokk to deliver youth-orientated training designed to encourage more young people to get involved in physical activity. Shokk will be delivering three qualifications this summer which will be coordinated at Target Fitness in Avondale. The VRQ level one assistant module will provide staff with the knowledge and skills needed to assist with planning and running a safe and effective activity or gym session. There are also two studio modules of Shokk Kombat, a freestyle combat and box session, and Shokk Urban, an assortment of choreographed
routines, which have been developed to encourage instructors to create their own classes for a fun workout. Many Waller, employee and member relations at Stockport Sports Trust, said: “Enlisting Shokk is the ideal solution to meet our strategy in providing a unique package of learning and development for our instructors. “The workshops will provide a fun and energetic alternative for young people to get involved in physical activity out of the school environment and increase health and fitness levels in the local community.”
The Britain’s Got Talent finalists have teamed up with ZigZag to roll out the scheme across the UK, putting on sessions which combine martial arts, gymnastics and dance, all choreographed to music. Instructors from health clubs and leisure centres will be trained up by the young team, Liam Richards and Danny Ball, then go on to deliver the ten-week programme. The lessons have been specially designed to target total martial arts beginners, as well as complementing the training of more experienced martial arts and dance students and the course offers a belt system to give participants something to work towards. Danny said: “A mini grading session will take place at the end of each term where the children will be tested on their moves and a short routine, and will be awarded with a new coloured belt.” Life skills also form an important part of the programme and each hour-long lesson includes a ‘Strike chat’, where the children are given the
chance to discuss topics such as confidence, respect, courtesy, modesty, perseverance and focus. Liam added: “We believe that teaching life skills is just as important as martial arts. “The programme inspires and motivates students to achieve in other areas of life and the classes give them the confidence and determination to do so. We use the ‘Strike chat’ time to let the children discuss their thoughts and feelings on key issues affecting them.” Liam and Danny are also working with the NHS in Hull to bring their talent to local schools, raising pupils’ aspirations and getting children fitter and healthier. Fergus Ahern, ZigZag MD, said: “The Strike programme is totally unique and fits perfectly with our ethos of providing fun and exciting opportunities to exercise. “However, it’s important that health clubs and leisure centres only put forward instructors that really want to work with children for the training, as their enthusiasm, or lack of it, will come across in their delivery of the programme, and it’s imperative that the kids have fun and go away and tell their friends.”
New gym suitable for sports professionals By Emma Spencer LEEDS City College is working on the design, build and installation of a gym at its brand new £35m campus in Keighley. The college is collaborating with Precor to create the club, which will
feature a cardiovascular centre, a resistance and free weights zone and a relaxation and stretch area. The gym will mainly be used for teaching by the sports department, but will also be open for students and staff to exercise in. Danny Crabtree, programme man-
ager for sport at the college, said: “The building of this campus is a huge investment in the area and in the future of all the young people who will study there, so we wanted every aspect of it to be state of the art – including the gym. “We also wanted our gym to be
suitable for sports professionals as well as those new to working out.” The first intake of students will be arriving at the campus in September with more than 2,500 people expected to study at the new site.
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UK FITNESS SCENE The gym opened by world famous boxer Ricky Hatton has been fitted out with a new range of Cybex cardio and strength training equipment. Hatton Health and Fitness in Hyde now offers the Eagle strength line and the Arc Trainer, which has been shown to provide a superior workout by independent research. The 1,000 square metre club also features a cycling studio, boxing rings, bags and speed balls, a refreshment area and a show selling Ricky Hatton’s clothing line. Nigel Wilkes, club manager, said: “The Arc Trainer is a brilliant piece of machinery, offering a completely different motion pattern than any other cross trainer on the market and the service that we've received from CYBEX has been second to none.”
Views sought by association By Dominic Musgrave GYM owners, managers and staff are encouraged to give their views on the industry by the FIA. The association has launched a consultation period as part of its TwentyTen Commission, which plans to draw up a five-year plan for thehealth and fitness sector. Executive director Dave Stalker told Workout the association is looking for as many people as possible to give their opinions in what is believed to be the first initiative of its kind in any industry. He added: "The main objective of the strategy is very simple. We want to shape the next five years for the industry, but to do so we need as many people as possible to say what is wrong and what is right with it. “There are lots of things happening in the industry at the moment, and we want to bring them all together in this consultation. To know how effective or not we are we need evidence to support this. We are also looking at creating the Chartered Institute of Sport, an organisation that will look after the career pathways of all employees.” The association is particularly interested in hearing the opinions of those who work in fitness on five particular topics. They are: How can gyms get out into the community more and make them more appealing? Upskilling the workforce and attracting people to train to work in the fitness industry. Financial issues. What data is required to impact of the health of the nation? Developing an evidence based culture to reduce/prevent the risk of lifestyle diseases and be involved in remedial care. David added: “Our long term ambition is to double the number of people who visit a gym because 90 per cent of the UK population lives within two miles of a gym, yet alarmingly 50 per cent of the population do not meet the chief medical officer's health guidelines." The Commission will be launched officially to the industry at LIW, and the new strategy will be implemented early next year.
Low-cost gym model forcing rethink across Europe THE rise of the low-cost gym model is forcing all operators to rethink their offering, according to an expert who has witnessed the trend in Europe. Herman Rutgers, executive director of the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA) has seen countries such as Germany and the Netherlands leading the way in this sector, identifying the trend almost a decade before the UK caught on. And he says that the continuing development of these clubs means that rivals are having to think up new ways to compete. He explained: “The development of low-cost forces all operators to rethink their offering. “We believe that they will continue to grow to the levels now reached in Germany. However, there is a certain saturation point and and we will see low-cost gyms offering more services
(e.g. personal training and group exercise classes) for an extra price. “Also the mid and premium operators will find ways to compete on elements other than price. “Staffing will become an important point of differentiation for higher priced clubs.” Germany’s market leader is McFit, which after being founded by Rainer Schaller in 1997, now operates more clubs in the country than Fitness First. Membership currently stands at about 850,000 members across 120 clubs and the company has also expanded into Spain and Austria. The model has spawned numerous imitators – and now over half of all members at Germany’s leading club brands choose low cost models. Low-cost gyms are also booming in the Netherlands and according to Theo Hendriks, CEO of Sport and
New commercial trainer is launched in UK SPORTSARTFITNESS has launched a new commercial trainer in the UK. The S770 Pinnacle Trainer targets muscles not reached with other trainers, burns more calories and offers a full body work out while protecting joints. The combined forward and backward and medial and lateral motion of the SportsArt S770 combines to give a full-body workout engaging large muscle groups whilst also strengthening lateral muscles, small muscle groups and core stabilizers. It also gives a cardio workout in addition to the effective training of the abductors and adductors. A university study into the bio-
mechanics of the equipment focused on the movement range of hip, knee and ankle joints, foot contact force, joint movement and muscle activation. It found the S770 Pinnacle Trainer created less joint impact and was even recommended over elliptical trainers for rehabilitation. This level of work out has previously onle been acheived with power equipment but the S770 doesn’t need external power to operate. SportsArt Fitness UK is now inviting interested parties to try out the new S770 alternative trainer by contacting Mark Turner to make arrangements on 01282 779234.
Leisure Group, which operates nine centres under the Family Fitness and Capital Sports brands, prices in Europe could be set to fall even further. He added: “Prices are already falling below €15 per month. Many clubs are now at €2.95 per week (€13 per month) However, if you look deeper, sometimes you have to pay extra for exercise classes and €1 for a shower.” But not all of Europe has embraced the low-cost model with advancements in Ireland being slow to take off. CEO ILAM Ireland Kilian Fisher added: “Whilst there has been a lot of discussion on this and several organisations have been looking at Ireland, there has been very little development. I believe that the future in Ireland is full service gyms offering increased value, more personal service and innovative programming.”
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Health guru Rosemary Conley has teamed up with a leading charity to give fitness and nutrition advice to diabetics. Rosemary interviewed Diabetes UK’s Zoe Harrison for her website to dispel the myths surrounding diabetes and nutrition and to inform diabetics how exercise and a healthy diet can help to manage the condition.
Chocolate milk could boost post-exercise recovery A Yorkshire-based athlete has revealed how choosing the right supplements has benefited her training and performance. Kizzy Vaines from Barnsley has made a name for herself with routines at national and international fitness shows. And with a demanding and intense schedule to contend with, she turned to CNP Professional for advice and is now using several products from the company’s range.
Kizzy has been using products including Pro Peptide on her morning porridge to boost her protein intake, Pro Omega and Pro Dessert. She explained: “I push myself as hard as I can but it’s no good having a great routine, getting your body in shape and then finding on the day that you just don’t have the stamina to perform at your best. This is where good quality nutrition supplements are essential.”
A STUDY has revealed that one of the best post-exercise recovery drinks could already be in the fridge. At the American College of Sports Medicine conference the results of four studies into the benefits of chocolate milk were revealed. The two-hour window after exercise is an important but often neglected part of the fitness routine. Researchers found chocolate milk has a combination of carbohydrates and high quality
protein which helps the body retain, replenish and rebuild muscles. Tests carried out on eight runners showed after consuming 16 ounces of the fat free drink they had enhanced skeletal muscle protein synthesis and a greater concentration of glycogen in muscles. There was also a decrease in muscle breakdown and a test on a team of cyclists revealed trial times were “significantly” shorter after drinking the milk.
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SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION Most gym users are familiar with creatine supplements, which can boost short-term energy output during intense exercise, thereby helping resistance trainers and sprint athletes. However, a lesser-known supplement called beta-alanine is also proving promising. Andrew Hamilton explains …
What is beta-alanine? By Andrew Hamilton BSc Hons MRSC What is beta-alanine? Beta-alanine is a protein building block (amino acid) found naturally in the body but is something of a curiosity. It’s not that it’s just structurally different (hence the prefix ‘beta’ in its name); unlike nearly all the other amino acids present in foods we eat, it’s not used to make other substances in the body such as proteins, but is instead formed in the body by the degradation of other compounds. Beta-alanine also caused a stir among astronomers back in 1999 – when scientists analysed samples from Martian meteorite known as Nakhla in, they were amazed to find that beta-alanine was one of the most abundant amino acids detected! Why use beta-alanine? Power and sprinting – Research has shown that beta-alanine supplementation can significantly reduce the exercise-induced acidosis in the blood that occurs during intense exercise such as sprinting or strength training. This in turn helps boost peak power and average power output (studies have shown increases of 11.4% and 5.0% respectively). This extra power is very significant; an extra 5% more power in an athlete’s ‘kick’ at the end of the race could easily mean the difference between winning and being out of the medals! Strength training – Strength trainers can also benefit from beta-alanine supplementation. When taken with creatine and combined with a resistance-training programme, a betaalanine/creatine combination has been shown to produce significantly more lean muscle gains,
ICE proves a big chiller A NEW supplement product sold 1,500 drinks over two days when it was launched at the Body Power Expo. ‘ICE’ is a new product exclusively available in the UK from one-stop nutritional supplements company Ultra-Body. It is a unique alternative to traditional supplement drinks which allows powder-based supplements to be mixed with crushed ice creating a chilled drink designed to accentuate taste. Ultra-Body offers a number of products which are compatible with ‘ICE’, including its tasty range of DY Protein & Lean Gain products as well as meal replacement Inch Loss Shakes and the new range of delicious Frappes to help provide customers with a wide range of choice. ‘ICE’ can be enjoyed before, during or after a workout, providing the body with the specific supplementation it needs to support a strength or endurance training session as well as catering for post workout recovery. It is a quick and unique way to attract more revenue as effectively ice is free and all health clubs, gyms and shops need to do is buy the product itself. The Frappe range taps into the current ‘coffee culture’ and drinks are quick and easy for cafe staff to make. It is also possible to have ICE in a stand-alone machine on the gym for enabling members to make their own drinks.
greater gains in actual strength and more body fat loss than creatine alone. Beta-alanine taken alone has also been shown to promote out and out strength development – a US study demonstrated that beta-alanine supplementation resulted in a 22% increase in the total number of repetitions achieved during a strength test and also resulted in a greater mean power output. How should you use beta-alanine? Most studies demonstrating benefits of beta-alanine supplementation have used 3-5 grams of per day for a period of 28 days, although when combined with creatine, less may be required (around 2 grams per day). Two caveats are worth mentioning however. Firstly, beta-alanine doses of around 3-5 grams per day can produce a tingling sensation under the skin (paraesthesia), especially when taken on an empty stomach. For higher doses therefore, it’s recommended that you divide the dose and spread it through the day, always taking it with food. Secondly, in order to reap any potential benefits, you need to ensure you have all the nutritional basics in place first (eg ample carbohydrate intake, proper hydration strategy etc.) otherwise you’ll be literally flushing your hardearned down the loo! Andrew Hamilton BSc Hons, MRSC, ACSM is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the American College of Sports Medicine and a consultant to the fitness industry, specialising in sport and performance nutrition: www.andrewmarkhamilton.com
Andrew Hamilton
Designed to support an athletic lifestyle BRAHAM and Murray have developed a Natural Hemp Protein Powder designed to support an athletic lifestyle. The product is produced at the company’s farm in Devon and is an excellent source of protein as well as being free from herbicides, pesticides, additives and perservatives. Hemp protein is renowned for being the most balanced source of vegetable protein, containing all the essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair. Henry Braham, founder of Braham and Murray, said: “Using our 12 years of experience with the superfood hemp, we have put a lot of effort into developing this completely natural product. “We feel that Hemp Natural Protein Powder is the ideal way to support an active lifestyle, and it is the natural choice – so there are no unwanted side effects.”
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World’s Strongest Man competitor Darren Sadler who is an ambassador for Multipower’s new Whey Protein Iso Complex.
New formula aimed at those with an intensive training regime SUPPLEMENTS firm Multipower has launched a new product aimed at those who have an intensive training regime. Whey Protein Iso Complex is a powder based formula in four different flavours – French Vanilla Cream, double rich chocolate, caramel toffee fudge and strawberry cream. Multipower says it offers unprecedented repair and growth of muscle tissue and the formula has a high concentration of whey for solubility and rapid absorption. Its combination with glutamine
helps regulate the protein synthesis process and supports the immune system. Managing director of Multipower UK, David Hannah said: “For a long time, Multipower’s bars and drinks have been leading the way amongst its muscle products but with this launch of a truly first class product, we plan to give a major boost to our protein range. “The sizing, formulation and pricing have all been developed in line with what our customers are asking us for and we have had a lot of very positive feedback about the result.”
A gym’s secondary income can make all the difference between the failure and success of the business. Jay Chandler at Solo Sports Supplements takes a look at ways to boost revenue.
Why overlooking quality sports supplements can be a costly error “AS a gym owner you will be constantly looking for ways to increase your secondary income by avenues such as personal training, food and drink and maybe health and beauty therapists. However, many gyms are still overlooking the need to supply quality sports supplements to their members. Gym goers nowadays are very clued up on supplementation and look for various brands to meet their needs. Don’t make the mistake of buying in
one brand and hoping that everyone will buy into it. People are stubborn and get stuck in their ways when it comes to their supplements. If you can offer the choice of multiple brands you are on to a winner. Protein bars and ready to drink shakes are always good to have on hand. The New PhD Diet whey Protein bars are appealing to both men and women. The real money maker is in making your own shakes for your customers. From as little as 30p per shake and a retail value of £2 per shake the profit
on a 2.25kg tub of PhD Pharma whey can be up to £150. Selling a few tubs of this a month will not only boost your secondary income but also give your customers the chance to try new products. The New N.O Xplode NT from BSN comes in handy sachets. They are ideal to keep on your counter and sell individually. Most gyms would expect to sell a couple of boxes a week with a profit of around £35 per box. Your customers will keep coming back for this one for sure.”
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SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION Bodybuilder Neale Cranwell has realised his dream and won the NAC World Championships in Spain. He tells WorkOut how he did it.
Neale beats the heat and the opposition to take title in Spain WITH just six weeks before the show it was the shortest time Neale had had to prepare for a competition. The problem he’d had at previous bouts was losing muscle size and fullness on show day as a result of over dieting. So this year he had a six-day a week training programme and a diet backed up by supplements. He started with low intensity weights and cardio exercises three times a day and three-hour stints of power walking or cycling on a stationary bike. Included in his regime were 100 press ups three times a week to boost metabolism and a high protein, low carb, moderate fat diet for the entire six weeks. Meals consisted of white fish, chicken, salmon, steak, broccoli and sweet potatoes. The diet was topped with NRG supplements and UDO vitamins. Neale changed the portion sizes and upped the carbs until the night before the show and then ate turkey breast with asparagus every hour until show time. Just before pumping up on stage he ate a combination of oatcakes, honey, glycerin and diet coke. Out of around 30 other entrants Neale made it into the top six and in the blistering Spanish heat with temperatures topping 35 degrees he had to go through his routine again where he was judged on the symmetry of his physique, muscle definition and overall presentation of routine. He told Workout: “I had a few comments from fans and judges
but didn’t believe I might come first. The worst thing in the world is being second as you are so close. “When they did call out second and it wasn’t me I got really emotional and punched the air. It was a really nice feeling – all the hard work with dieting and training, the hours, the cardio – all that stuff is worth it for that moment but unfortunately it doesn’t last long enough.” Neale’s next big occasion is getting married in September and
next year he will look at competing again but in the meantime is busy running his Essex business Krunch Gym which enjoys the knock on benefits of his recent success in Murcia. He added: “It is quite a strange feeling when you have always dreamed of winning of something and then you reach that goal. A lot of members in the gym like the fact I have been in a competition. They can learn from what they see.”
www.workout-uk.co.uk
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‘Web helping low-cost gyms win war on pricing’ By Christina Eccles LOW-cost gyms are winning the war on pricing by stepping up their web presence, a new report has revealed. The Low Cost Gym Sector report by Oxygen Consulting’s Ray Algar reveals more about the UK’s growing budget gym sector. And it states that one of the main ways in which these clubs choose to interact with members is online – helping them to tap into new markets and lowering their costs by reducing staffing levels and paperwork. CEO of The Gym Group John Treharne said the web has been useful in helping the company to attract and retain members.
He explained: “[The web] is absolutely pivotal; 84 per cent of our members join online. Our website is core; we get between 2,500 - 5,000 hits daily. As we open more sites, this number is growing.” A large web presence has also helped Fitspace as processing memberships online has reduced staffing levels and paperwork, which has helped to keep prices down. CEO Kenny McAndrew added: “With the web we can sign up 100 people a day with only one member of staff on duty. The web has probably improved everything we do by around 20 per cent.” NUYUU Fitness has also been using
social media to interact with members but managing director Ben Silcox warned operators that although it can be useful, it does not reach everyone so should be used alongside other tools. He added: “Social media is not the be all and end all. Like anything, it has its place in a panoply of communication methods. “When you have members ranging from 16-60 like we do, you cannot just focus one thing. We are using social media to engage in conversations, add value and drive acquisition. We find it challenging to be innovative with this strategy as customers do not expect it from our industry.”
Leadership programme aimed at fitness sector A NEW online leadership programme has been launched for aspiring managers in the health and fitness sector. The programme has been designed by Lifetime and enables staff to complete the course entirely online to enhance their skills and understanding in a duty or fitness manager capacity. The learner will gain management expertise and up to date techniques
which can effectively be applied to roles in the leisure industry. Director of training at Lifetime Nigel Wallace explained: “What makes the Leadership and Management Programme so unique is that it gives aspiring managers the opportunity to learn online at their own pace. “The user-friendly technology is ideal for those who want to be able to schedule study time around current
work commitments. Each activity session can be saved throughout the study meaning learners can save and return to their session whenever convenient.” The course also offers tutorials, quizzes, assessments, case studies and supporting text and as well as the skills gained throughout the course, successful completion also allows individuals to use the course to count towards other management qualifications.
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From inactive to proactive THE health and fitness industry grew in the UK in the last 12 months, with more than 120 new facilities opening their doors, it has been claimed. The FIA's State of the UK Fitness Industry report found that 122 gyms began business in the 12-month period ending March 31, 2010, meaning a growth for a 10th consecutive year. Executive director David Stalker told Workout he puts the figure down to helping the government deliver its public health strategy. He added: “We think this is partly because the industry is an attractive proposition to the banks because the fitness and wellbeing the country's population is a huge issue. “Gyms are moving towards being more about health and wellbeing rather then just about fitness. “These are crucial times because the way the country is going the NHS will be bankrupt by 2030, and by 2050, 50 per cent of adults and up to 90 per cent of children will be classed as obese.” The study also found that the value of the fitness industry rose one per cent in the last year and is now estimated to be worth £3.8billion. Membership grew by 0.4 per cent to 7.4million, with the North West of the country seeing the most new facilities opening. David added: “The government must do something, which is why campaigns like Change4Life are so important. It is a shift away from being inactive towards being proactive."
New fitness and PT qualifications launched
A record number of visitors attended this year’s FIBO, organisers have revealed. A total of 53,200 visitors and 560 exhibitors came through the doors of the show in Essen, which was also celebrating its 25th anniversary.
New appointment at Pure Gym PURE Gym has a new group operations manager – Iain Watson. Iain’s role will include overseeing club operations and ensuring the smooth roll out of 24 new sites over the next two years. He was previously the general manager of Total Fitness and JJB Sports Leisure Division and brings with him over 15 years’ experience. Iain said: “I have worked in leisure clubs all my working life and I was excited by the opportunities of joining such a fast growing company. Pure Gym have got their offer spot on for the market and their growth to date is evidence that the public are responding.”
CYQ has launched a major new suite of fitness instructing and personal training qualifications. The updated qualifications are accredited on the new Qualifications and Credit Framework which is replacing the National Qualifications Framework at the end of the year. The new ‘licence to practice’ qualifications are also aligned with the updated REPs structure at Level 2 and Level 3. CYQ has also developed new Level 1 qualifications which provide a foundation for those who are interested in exploring a career within the health and fitness industry and address key issues such as physical activity, healthy weight and lifestyle management. Lori Randall, director of business development at CYQ, said: “Although the implementation of the QCF presents the greatest challenge that we have faced during our 12 years as a specialist health and fitness awarding body, as it has entailed the redevelopment of our full suite of 40 qualifications, it also provides great new opportunities and it will allow us to produce innovative unit based qualifications that continue to meet the needs of our industry.”
Trainer – a top tool for tums CELEBRITIES such as Jenifer Lopez, Mary J Blige and Gisele are using the TRX professional suspension trainer to keep them trim and their careers in shape. Recently voted the top tool for tums by the Times Newspaper and top product by Men’s Health the TRX enables over 300 upper and lower body exercises and can be altered to suit varying fitness levels. It can be used anywhere as it weighs less than a kilogram, sets up in a minute and can be packed away in a
small bag. Users can switch from one exercise to another in less than 15 seconds giving more training time and circuit style workouts. The TRX versatility also stretches to it being the ultimate tool for both one on one and group training even when space is restricted. This means gyms can easily develop training programs which will suit more people helping to increase profits. For more details contact Escape Fitness on 0800 4585558
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