Workout June 2015

June 2015

The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine

TV celebrity and ‘father of fitness’ join judges

Personal trainers urged to be ‘real, raw and relevant’

By Christina Eccles PERSONAL trainers should be real, raw and relevant, according to an expert, who believes that as a professional, sharing your struggles and appearing more ‘human’ can equal success.

Personal trainer and marketing expert Paul Mort was among the speakers at this year’s BodyPower Expo, where he revealed why social media isn’t always effective for PTs – and the reasons email marketing can be more successful.

Paul, who is renowned for his marketing and business emails, which are sent out daily to subscribers, describes Facebook as being like a ‘nightclub’ where every business is trying to be heard above the music. However, email, he believes is much quieter; allowing businesses to connect one to one with potential customers.

He said: “The problem with social media is that it is crowded and noisy.

Everybody is saying something.”

When it comes to their online presence, Paul also claims some trainers are guilty of showing their “highlight reels” on social media, rather than being honest about any struggles or bad days, which could actually endear them to potential clients who would find this kind of thing easier to relate to.

He added: “Be human. Not a super-

hero or terrifying. If we are trying to attract the people who really need our help, something has to change. It’s simple – tell the truth.”

Paul’s ‘code’ for personal trainers to follow is to be real, raw and relevant, encouraging fitness professionals to take a client’s story and relate it back to their own struggles in life.

He believes empathy is important, as even if trainers haven’t battled issues such as weight problems which may be affecting clients, they will probably have gone through another situation in life which may have stirred up similar emotions to what their clients are feeling.

He added: “To get into someone’s head, you have to meet them where they are at. The thoughts and feelings they deal with on a daily basis.

“Most personal trainers protect their training and diet plans, but most people know how to get in shape. What we sell is accountability.

“Keep things simple. What we do in the fitness industry is try to make things complex. When things are simple it becomes a simple choice; to do it or not.”

Do you agree with Paul’s comments?

Let Workout know by emailing editor Christina Eccles at ce@scrioptmedia .co.uk or calling her on 01226 734463.

Alternatively, tweet @WorkOutUK

No 261 £3

Award winning personal trainer Katie Bulmer-Cooke will be among the high profile presenters addressing delegates at this year’s FitPro Live. The event takes place in London next month; aiming to provide education and inspiration for operators, PTs and group exercise instructors who want to improve their businesses. Katie said: “FitPro Live is a great opportunity to gain inspiration and ideas that you can inject into your business. I’m certain if you want to continue taking your fitness business to new heights then you have to take yourself to educational events.”

For more on FitPro Live turn to page 22.

TV personality and celebrity personal trainer Richard Callender and the ‘father of fitness’ Ken Heathcote will also be among the judges for the 2015 National Fitness Awards, Workout can reveal.

Richard – whose achievements include whipping contestants into shape on The Biggest Loser – and past NFA lifetime achievement winner Ken, will join previously announced industry experts Sarah Donohue, Steve Johnson and Kim Ingleby on the panel and will be tasked with the tough job of picking the worthy winners who will walk away with trophies this year.

Entries are still flooding in for the awards, with clubs all over the country putting themselves forward in over 20 hotly contested categories and nominations dropping in from as far afield as Aberdeen, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland.

There’s still time to enter and clubs can put themselves forward for an award or find out more at www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk Trophies will be handed out at a ceremony at The Athena in Leicester on December 4.

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Personal trainer Shaun appeals for sponsors for epic challenge

By Christina Eccles SCOTTISH personal trainer Shaun Gray has set himself the epic task of completing the Marathon des Sables – and is now appealing for sponsors and donations to help him get there.

Shaun, who up to now has never run further than a 10k, hopes to take part in the 2017 race – a mammoth 156 mile trek through the Sahara Desert – to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. But with a race entry fee of £3,500 – and a predicted overall cost to take part of £6,000 – Shaun is facing an initial fundraising battle to even get him to the starting line.

He explained: “It started out as a search for a life changing challenge, a personal adventure. Then in October last year my mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“My mum passed away in a Marie Curie hospice on January 1 2015.

Although her time in the hospice hadn't been overly long, the treatment she received from the staff was nothing short of fantastic.

“I had been planning on re-doing the 10km mud run I had completed the year before for Marie Curie Cancer Care, but then I heard Sir Ranulph Fiennes was doing the 2015 MdS raising funds for Marie Curie.

“That gave me the idea to take on the challenge, as not only a personal life achievement but as a way to try and raise a substantial amount of money for a great cause.”

“It is one hell of a challenge for even the fittest of runners.”

To raise the money needed, Shaun has set up a Crowd Funder page – www.CrowdFunder.co.uk/Marathondes-Sables – and is also looking for sponsors who can support him either with financial donations or with some of the kit he needs.

He’s also planning on organising some local charity events to boost his efforts, as well as spreading the word via social media to drum up interest and donations.

If he does raise enough to take part, he’ll be blogging about – and hopefully filming – the experience, potentially providing valuable coverage for companies who do come on board and lend their support.

He added: “156 miles, six days through the Sahara Desert, carrying all your own equipment and food, in temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius. It is one hell of a challenge for even the fittest of runners.

“Places for the event go really quickly and 2016 is already fully booked. I have to begin the campaign now.

There’s very little time.”

At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: ce@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk

Steve Johnson, owner of former winners Tops Fitness and Rehabilitation.

www.workout-uk.co.uk

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Annette is shortlisted for prestigious award

Lucie Harrison and Ben Chun with rescue dog Roscoe.

Duo in the dog house A PAIR of animal lovers from Combe Grove Manor Country Club are taking on a charity challenge with a difference, by swapping places with the four legged residents from nearby Bath Cats and Dogs Home.

Leisure and beauty manager Lucie Harrison and assistant leisure club manager Ben Chun are taking part in the charity’s Kennel Break corporate challenge on June 12 where professionals from the local business community spend time behind bars with only their mobile phones and laptops to help them negotiate the minimum £1,000 needed to secure their release.

Ben said: “Bath Cats and Dogs Home is our nominated Charity of the Year 2015, and as a team we want to give as much support as we can.

“As well as being a dog-friendly hotel, our team is made up of many animal lovers too, and so this cause is very close to our hearts.”

This year's target for the Kennel Break inmates is to raise a recordbreaking total of £20,000; money that will go towards the £1.4m needed annually to keep the home open.

The individual raising the most money will be crowned Bath Cats and Dog's Home's 'Top Dog' for 2015.

A STAFF member who has worked in the industry for over 20 years has revealed her surprise – and excitement – at being shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Annette Stansfield, who is a GP referral coordinator at Everyone Active, has been named among the finalists in the Spirit of Flame category at this year’s ukactive Flame Awards, in recognition for her many achievements over the years.

Her work within the company has included giving patients recovering from health problems such as heart attacks or strokes the confidence to lead more active lifestyles, as well as mentoring younger members of staff – many of whom have moved up the ranks of Everyone Active to management positions – and forging partnerships with key organisations to deliver healthy lifestyle and referral programmes.

She said: “I feel very excited and thrilled but a little surprised having worked in the industry for 22 years without expecting any recognition. “[To win] would be a great thing to help publicise the work I do locally as I have been anxious for a long time now to create greater awareness for the GP referral schemes.

“I'm passionate about the GP Referral scheme and feel strongly that people can make huge changes to their health and longevity by doing

GP referral coordinator Annette Stansfield. regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.

“I get great satisfaction from customers coming up to me years after I have helped them on the referral scheme and thanking me and telling me they are still exercising and not taking blood pressure tablets or statins.

“Being shortlisted for the award will hopefully heighten awareness of the referral schemes available at our Everyone Active sites.”

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Fitness clothing brand aims to help women feel good

By Christina Eccles A NEW fitness clothing brand is aiming to help the women wearing their designs feel good during exercise, while also raising funds to support a female focused education programme in India.

Bella Kinesis was officially launched last December by best friends and business partners Roshni Assomull and Shaleena Chanrai who wanted to work out together but struggled to find stylish gear which flattered and supported their different body shapes.

To combat this, the pair launched their own range, with a view to also use the collection as a platform to support a cause close to their hearts – the Mann Deshi foundation.

For each item sold, they donate $5 to the foundation, which uses the money to fund one month of business school classes to help women in rural India to become more self sufficient and expand their knowledge.

Roshni explained: “Me and my business partner never used to be fit. We hated working out and didn’t think it was for us.

“I was really underweight and needed to find something to build strength and she had the opposite issue, so we made the decision to get active

Bella Kinesis founders Roshni Assomull and Shaleena Chanrai. together. We thought a lot of what was out there was designed by fit people for people who are already fit.

“We wanted to create something more friendly and approachable that more women can identify with.

“We hope if they have the right clothing, it can also engage them with getting active.”

Their first range has been heavily promoted through social media, with Roshni and Shaleena also taking a stand at the recent women’s fitness festival, Be:Fit London, to further spread the word to potential customers.

Appointing brand ambassadors and holding pop up stores at London fit-

ness studios such as Frame and BARREtoned have also helped to further raise the Bella Kinesis profile and Roshni told Workout, over the coming months, they would love to link up with more clubs who would be interested in stocking their products or showcasing them to members.

She added: “We have had some good sales but are still a small start up so want to keep getting our name out there.

“Fitness can be really friendly.

People want to work together and there are so many collaborations we could have. We’re now trying to boost the business with more pop ups, as well as working on new styles.”

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Send your funnies in for book

FITNESS industry professionals have been invited to submit their funny stories, with the chance to appear in a new charity book.

‘It could only happen in a leisure centre’ has been launched by Right Directions Quality Management and Big Fish Public Relations to celebrate the companies’ 10th anniversaries.

From the entries submitted, each month one story will be crowned funniest and awards will presented when the final book is published.

Award categories will include the one that ‘made us laugh most’ and the tale ‘we couldn’t quite believe’.

Managing director of Big Fish Public Relations, Abigail Harris, said: “Some of the things I have heard over the years would make your toes curl. Generally of course, the sector has an exceptional reputation, but there are some stories from the dim and distant past of ‘The Brittas Empire’ style goofs that we can’t wait to share with the industry.”

Funnies can be submitted via email, social media or post and the final book will be available to download for a nominal fee, with contributions going to the charity Aspire.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Impact of women’s sport recognised at ceremony

By Christina Eccles

Joe Wicks

Ambassador’s role for Joe

FITNESS expert Joe Wicks has become a new ambassador for the Bjorn Borg sports collection.

Since January 2014, more than 20,000 people have signed up to Joe's 90 day plan, offering 15 minute meals and workouts.

Known as The Body Coach, he has now got more than 270,000 followers on Instagram and 40,000 followers on Twitter.

Björn Borg UK managing director Callum Sneddon said: “We think Joe will be an excellent ambassador for Bjorn Borg sports collection.

“We love Joe’s positive attitude and fun way of promoting a healthy lifestyle – that makes him a perfect fit for Bjorn Borg.”

THE spotlight was on women’s sport and the importance of female sporting role models at the first #BeAGameChanger Awards, held in London and organised by the Women’s Sport Trust.

Recognising individuals and organisations doing the most to progress women’s sport, the awards, sponsored

by Microsoft, saw winners crowned across a broad range of categories following a huge public vote.

Distinguished sporting attendees included Dame Mary Peters, Will Greenwood, Christine Ohuruogo and Chrissie Wellington, along with WST Patrons Kate Richardson-Walsh, Anna Watkins, Maggie Alphonsi and Sophie Christiansen.

Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams MBE received the Sporting Role Model Award, with Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson awarded Ambassador of Women’s Sport.

Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign received the Inspiring Participation award, with Newton Investment Management and the Women’s Boat Race recognised as Sponsorship of the Year.

Other winners on the night included veteran sports journalist Sue Mott, who was presented with a special award – Outstanding Contribution to

Women’s Sport.

Women’s Sport Trust co-founder, Jo Bostock said: “Organisations perform better and society works better when women are able to fully play their part. We want to inspire the next generation of women to think “I can”, rather than “girls don’t do that.”

“We know that sport is one of the most important public arenas that we have – it’s everywhere. This means that sport has the potential to drive social change. By increasing the number and quality of stories in the media, showcasing strong female role models and achieving equality in funding, sport can tell a story about what’s possible if you have a level playing field. But it can only do this effectively if it has more visibility and investment.”

As part of the event, broadcaster Alice Arnold chaired a panel of elite sportswomen past and present, who shared their thoughts on the changing attitudes to women’s sport and their hopes for the future and Clare Balding closed the event with a rousing keynote speech – acknowledging the positive movement taking place for funding and profile of women’s sport, but calling on everyone to play their part and consider what they can do to bring about more change.

She added: “If your bank doesn’t support any women’s sport, but con-

Nicola Adams and CEO of The Gym Group John Treharne. tinues to fund men’s, then write to them to ask why? Do the same for your energy suppliers, retailers and phone companies… It’s the job of all of us to make it happen and create the change.”

Clare also called for governing bodies of sport to be more creative in getting crowds for female sport by better publicising events and pricing tickets more affordably.

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ukactive add new Board members

By Christina Eccles

Attendees of the recent Popdance Fit instructor training day.

Popdance Fit launched POP music fans can now slip on their dancing shoes and work out to their favourite tunes, thanks to the launch of the latest group exercise craze to hit the industry.

Popdance Fit combines easy to follow routines set to pop classics from the eighties right up to the present day and is suitable for anyone from experienced gymgoers to those just starting out.

The first wave of instructors have recently completed their training course and founder Sue Wybrow told

Workout she is looking forward to spreading the word further over the coming months with more instructor training days, which will hopefully lead to classes being added to gym timetables around the country.

She added: “We had a great time and enjoyed meeting new instructors.

“It's great to see what amazing talent is out there and the fact that Popdance can help teachers to do what they love to do – dance – whilst we market, support and help them to run both successfully and profitably.”

UKACTIVE has announced three new additions to its board, following a member vote.

The new board, which will be chaired by crossbench Peer Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, has been built following a 12 month consultation with ukactive members and partners designed to ensure a governance structure that is fit for purpose and in line with best practice recommended by key agencies such as Sport England.

The new board members are Virgin Active European chief operating officer Matt Merrick, who will fill the commercial fitness seat; managing director of GLL Mark Sesnan who will represent local authority delivery and Dr. Ewan Hamnett, who will represent wider activity promotion. ukactive board chair Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson said: “I am very

pleased to have three leading professionals join me on the board to drive the physical activity vision forward in the UK. “With the earlier than expected formation of a new Government, and the cabinet being fully announced, we have a great opportunity to get on the front foot to make physical activity a top tier priority for the new Government.

“With Matt and Mark joining the board, we will have two of the most forward-thinking leaders within the sector, who will be able to be leading voices for both commercial and local authority fitness.

“Dr. Ewan will provide a different, but much-needed focus, on the role that the medical profession can play in turning the tide of inactivity in this country and it shows how far that ukactive have come to have a general practitioner elected as a representative of the membership base.”

FitPro celebrates 25 successful years FITPRO is celebrating 25 successful years, with projects to mark the milestone including launching a Lifetime Achievement award; the winner of which will be announced at FitPro Live.

During its quarter of a century, FitPro has become renowned for its creativity. This includes the introduc-

tion of now staple products, such as ViPR, collaborations with group exercise programming developer MOSSA and most recently small group training pioneer TRIBE Team Training.

The Lifetime Achievement award will formally recognise one individual who has shown exemplary support and commitment to the industry.

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Members test their strength for Daniel

Members of the twice weekly Circuit Training classes.

Class marks 25 years A LONG running exercise class, which is proving continuity is sometimes more successful than the latest fitness fads, is celebrating 25 years of keeping the people of Harrogate fit and healthy.

The twice weekly Circuit Training classes originated at Bodyworks Gymnasium – now Gambaru Fitness – and after two years moved on to Tangerine Health Club for another two years. They then occupied a number of schools in town before settling in at Harrogate Grammar School 20 years ago.

Class participants range from 16-72, with some longstanding fans having been attending for over 20 years, and sessions are led by Ray Thomson who has been in the fitness industry for

the last 40 years.

He said: “The ironic thing about this class is that the sequences and routine never change and the music only changes once a year which seems to go against the grain with everything every teaching organisation teaches.

“The class has the highest number of participants in town averaging between 35-50 participants per class.

It would seem there is a market out there for continuity and keeping the same exercise routine as well as having a fantastic community spirit within the group.

“The music only changes after consultation with the class, if they do not like some of the proposed new tracks they are removed and replaced with something more to their liking.”

A DETERMINED group from a gym in Stoke have put their strength and endurance to the test in memory of a fellow member, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

True Grit gym collected £5 from each member who wanted to take part in the event, held to commemorate 28 year old postman Daniel Hughes who was a regular in the club, training there three times a week.

32 members took part in the successful charity event, with categories for men and women and a range of weighted exercises to challenge them.

Their efforts raised over £350 for charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

Gym owner Tom Lloyd said: “We were going to do a charity event anyway and we thought it would be brilliant to do it in memory of Dan.

“He used to come in a lot – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – it’s really sad that he’s gone.”

Because the competition went down so well with members and locals, the gym owners have already said that they would definitely be interested in doing another in the future.

The gym, which has been open a year, utilises a collection of different functional training equipment such as battle ropes and prowlers, with bespoke personal training and three HIIT classes a day.

Has your gym organised anything for charity or do you have an event coming up later in the year? Let us know by emailing ot@scriptmedia .co.uk or contact us on Facebook or Twitter and you could appear in a future issue.

USW launches new online product THE University of South Wales has produced a health and safety course specifically for the leisure sector.

The module can be taken when new employees start at an organisation or as part of refresher training, to ensure they have the knowledge to deal with all issues relating to safety in the workplace.

It deals with the main areas of concern for leisure businesses, giving specific examples and interactive learning that workers in the sector

will relate to.

Manager at Crown Fitness in Llantwit Fardre, Paul Conway, said: “The great thing about this module is that it covers all health and safety issues that you would find in a leisure business, it is totally specific to the sector and can be undertaken during quieter times by the staff.”

There is also full funding available in Wales, where the course is totally free for employers to access for their workforce.

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Welcome to WorkOut Weigh In – it’s your chance to have your say and share your views on industry issues. You can email us at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or you can message us on Facebook or Twitter.

Picture of the month

This month’s top Tweets... @FitnessAwards: Are you a past NFA winner who'd like to shout about your success? Contact the @WorkOutUK team with your stories at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk @michaelwarrenpe: COMING SOON!! Just finalising the final edit and filming bonus videos to accompany the e-book! @TRAINmag @WorkOutUK @EliteFitFuel: Great phone chat with @ChristinaEccles from @WorkOutUK about my @crowdfunderuk appeal.

Congratulations to two lucky Workout fans who each picked up a great prize in our recent social media competition, held in conjunction with USN. Neil Hutchinson and John Key both won prize bundles worth over £90 each after entering our Facebook prize draw. Look out for more competitions coming soon on our social media sites – or if you’re a brand who would like to work with us on a giveaway, we’d love to hear from you.

It was great to meet Tony and Daniel from @WorkOutUK @BodyPowerExpo with @InaSuperCool @guyholland69 @alexmadej @srpfitness: Check out @WorkOutUK for great fitness tips and news #fitfam #health #exercise #londonfitness @kimingleby: Super excited and proud to be part of the #NFA15 Judging Panel, amazing applications always @FitnessAwards @TheGalaxyGirls_ @Stetops #empower @Stetops: How lucky am I to be a judge for the National @FitnessAwards again?! Absolutely buzzing! #PROUD

Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre encouraged members and staff to participate in a Nuclear Rush obstacle race, raising £1,000 for the Humanitas charity. Fitness manager at the centre – operated by Everyone Active in partnership with St Albans City and District Council – Will Brentnall, rounded up 10 staff members and 10 members to put their fitness, determination and endurance to the test; completing a gruelling 12km race consisting of 86 obstacles. The club’s assistant manager James Tovey said: “I’ve never been so cold, wet or muddy before, but the overall experience was an absolute blast. We came in just under four hours but most importantly we crossed the finish line altogether as a team and raised money for a good cause.”

Editor’s Comment IT’S been another interesting month in the world of Workout, which has seen us out and about spreading the word about the magazine and our National Fitness Awards.

One of the highlights was our annual visit to BodyPower where we spoke to many club owners in our Workout trade lounge; sampled some new products to the market; attended some really interesting seminar sessions and even mixed with a few famous faces.

Look out for our round up on pages 30 and 31 – and if you spotted anything interesting at the show or launched a product or concept we could cover in the magazine, we’d love to hear from you.

Following last issue’s training feature, I also tackled my first 5k race head on.

A big thanks to personal trainer Kim Ingleby for all her help with my preparation and to everyone who sponsored me. Turn to page 24 to read how I got on – and whether I’ll be retiring my running shoes or carrying on!

Also this month, we’re thrilled to

announce further details of our National Fitness Awards’ judging panel for 2015.

We’re really pleased to see the return of industry guru Ken Heathcote who has done a great job over the last few years as one of our judges and we’d also like to give a very warm welcome to top personal trainer, Richard Callender – a new face for this year who we’re looking forward to working with.

Speaking of the NFAs, we’ve received some great nominations over the past few weeks; both from returning clubs and new ones looking to make their mark.

If you haven’t already, there’s still time to enter and it’s free to nominate, meaning you really haven’t got anything to lose by giving it a go.

Head to the awards’ website for all the information on categories and criteria or get in touch if you have any questions or want to know more.

As always, if you’re a past winner or finalist, we’d be delighted to hear about how getting involved in the awards has boosted your business.

Let us know by sending details to

Christina Eccles ce@scriptmedia.co.uk and you could appear in a future issue.

We’re also currently on the lookout for new classes to try for our challenge feature, so if you have something out of the ordinary or fun for us to have a go out, why not tell us more about it and put us to the test?

Have a great month!

This month’s hot topic:

From supplements and shakes to branded clothing, healthy food and drinks, secondary spend can be big business for gyms. What are your bestselling products? And how do you market them to members?

Send your answers to ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or contact us via Twitter or Facebook. We’ll print the best responses next issue.

@bigfish_pr: Look who we bumped into @BodyPowerExpo @ChristinaEccles @WorkoutUK @calumbest

Follow us on Twitter @WorkOutUK or contact us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/workoutmagazine

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With an overwhelming amount of advice out there, even women who are regular exercisers can be baffled as to how to continue keeping fit during their pregnancies. In the first of a two-part feature, Cheryl Hersey shares her own experience.

Overcoming the barriers of exercise during pregnancy LAST year, I learned something new about the fitness industry; it is shockingly bad at supporting pregnant women.

I don’t deny there are many highly qualified and talented pre and post natal experts out there, but on the whole – for the average person – there’s a huge void of support, information and resources.

I found out I was pregnant in November 2013. I’ve been a regular exerciser all my life so I was keen to continue to be active, but of course I also wanted to exercise safely and I set out to learn more.

Speaking to my doctor, midwife, PT, local gym instructors, yoga teacher and Pilates specialist, it quickly became clear that everyone has a different view point. I received conflicting advice on training with weights, doing core exercise, exercising lying on my back and everything in between. Specific pre natal exercise sessions in my local area were practically non-existent which made it very difficult to know where to start.

The internet was equally vague with all advice advocating the gentlest of exercise. The general feeling amongst friends, family, colleagues – and in my case even the staff in my gym – was also that I should take it easy.

I had so many questions; how long can I carry on with sports? Is it ok to run? To get out of breath? But getting a clear answer out of anyone was like pulling teeth. When it comes to giving exercise advice to a pregnant woman, everybody massively errs on the side

Cheryl and daughter Xanthe of caution – and pregnant women are actually encouraged to do LESS than we are often capable of.

It’s like being handed a free pass to put your feet up and do nothing, which simply isn’t the best thing for mum-to-be, or baby. I think it stems from fear borne from lack of knowledge. I lost count of the amount of times I was asked if “I was ok” and told to “take it easy” by the fitness instructors in my gym, when what I really wanted was support and advice about how I could modify my existing programme, and encouragement to keep going as my pregnancy progressed. Discussions over the water

cooler with another pregnant mamma revealed that she had been wearing increasingly baggier t-shirts and taking a bike in the back row so she could continue her spin class.

She was fit and healthy and perfectly able to complete the class safely, yet she was made to feel she shouldn’t be attending in her pregnant state. As there was no pre-natal session of any kind on the timetable she had no alternative. Surely we shouldn’t be making pregnant gym-goers feel they are doing something wrong by continuing to workout?

There are so many pregnant women that previously exercised regularly and are capable of – and will benefit from – so much more than what they are made to feel is ok to do. Through listening to my body I started to realise I could safely complete workouts that were still moderately intense but I also found myself having to justify what I was doing to anyone who saw me swinging a kettlebell.

For me it was about taking things down a gear. That didn’t mean giving up kettlebells, but switching a 16kg for a 12kg and reducing the reps.

Luckily for me I also had a PT who knew me well enough to guide me through regular sessions at exactly the right level and a Pilates and movement specialist who kept my body aligned and moving as it should.

If, like most women, you don’t have access to specialists how on earth do you know what to do? Inactivity during pregnancy inevitably leads to

aches and pains. I followed a simple programme of Pilates exercises prescribed by an expert, which kept me completely pain free.

We need this kind of information to be available in high street fitness facilities and accessible to all.

When I was pregnant I felt like there were more barriers to exercising than there was support. I believe that if it wasn’t for my sheer determination, I – like many women – would have significantly reduced my activity levels. I exercised six days a week, continuing to train with kettlebells until seven months’ pregnant and completing 1km swims every few days, including the day before I went into labour. I’m convinced I had a healthier pregnancy because of it, and a nice by-product was that I was back to my pre baby weight just a few weeks after the birth.

A few pregnant women who saw me training in the gym have since come up to me to ask for advice. Whilst it’s flattering it’s really not the way it should be.

They should be able to ask the fitness team and it’s simply not right that I now know more than many of them do.

Cheryl Hersey is a founding partner of Action PR, a specialist agency supporting the health and fitness industry. For more information visit www.actionpr.co.uk – and look out for part two of Cheryl’s feature next month where she reveals what industry experts have to say on pre and post natal exercise.

Cybex International UK appointed British Weight Lifting’s new equipment supplier

By Christina Eccles BRITISH Weight Lifting has signed a new long term agreement with Cybex International UK, who will become their official equipment supplier; catering to the needs of athletes including current Commonwealth Games champion Zoe Smith.

Cybex equipment will also be used

by British para-powerlifting athletes such as IPC World Champion Ali Jawad, Invictus Games gold medallist Micky Yule and four-time Olympian Natalie Blake.

As part of the agreement, all British Weight Lifting athletes and coaches will also have full access to Cybex UK’s HQ gym in Leicestershire and Cybex will support in the promotion of British Weightlifting accredited courses and qualifications to its

wide network of gyms and training facilities.

In addition, British Weight Lifting will support Cybex in the delivery of its education programme and the company will have access to international coaches and athletes to deliver weightlifting courses to Cybex clients nationwide.

British Weight Lifting CEO Ashley Metcalfe said: “Cybex is a fantastic fit for British Weight Lifting; with the company’s heritage in sports science and extensive experience in professional sport, we know that we are providing our athletes with access to the very best in strength training equipment to enhance their training and performances.

“As one of only a few suppliers of IFI accredited equipment, Cybex’s dedication to supporting the delivery of inclusive training facilities and

Natalie Blake, Sarah Davies, Ali Jawad, Rob Thurston and Zoe Smith. accessibility for disabled athletes is highly commendable and something that we are also very passionate about. It’s important that we form relationships with suppliers who

believe in and support our aims as an NGB as we focus on growing the sport and in working with Cybex, we know that we have found a partner that will do just that.”

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Meetings, millennials and mindfulness at active-net

By Christina Eccles

Operator Fitness First has teamed up with Swimming Nature and its ambassador, Olympian Mark Foster, to offer members lessons in selected clubs. Swimming Nature is an award-winning company that creates bespoke classes tailored to its pupils.

Offering a highly structured method of teaching in very small groups, the company ensures that beginners of all ages learn correct swimming techniques from the start, focusing on water support, breathing and balance. UK head of fitness at Fitness First Lee Matthews said: “We’re truly delighted to offer this programme to our members.

We understand that learning to swim is incredibly challenging – particularly as an adult. The partnership with Swimming Nature has been created in order to provide a safe and encouraging learning environment for adults to learn to swim at their own pace with expert instructors.”

MINDFULNESS, wearable technology and leadership in the sector were among the topics discussed at activenet 2015, which returned for a second successful year.

The event welcomed 65 buyer and 71 supplier delegates to imago Burleigh Court and Holywell Park, Loughborough, for one-to-one meetings, networking and educational sessions. active-net kicked off with a standing mindfulness session from guru Deniz Paradot. He challenged his audience to remember the last time they did absolutely nothing before explaining how the art of mindfulness – learning to watch your thoughts come and go, without judgment – can give a greater understanding of the present moment and, in doing so, help reduce stress and improve memory, decision making, attention and concentration.

The educational sessions which followed included a panel debate about leadership in the activity sector, chaired by Lisa Dodds-Mayne from CLOA and the return of the supplier workshop, in which operators covered the latest trends and challenges the public sector is facing and how suppliers can help overcome them, led by Paddy Corcoran.

David Minton from the Leisure Database Company talked about

active-net welcomed 65 buyer and 71 supplier delegates. wearable technology and how far the industry has to go before it is using social media and technology to its full potential.

An evening dinner gave delegates more time to do business and network, with highlights including a talk from former Zimbabwean cricketer Henry Olonga.

Mike Hill, active-net organiser and managing director of Leisure-net Solutions, said: “We’ve learnt from

last year’s event, listened to feedback and implemented changes that have gone down really well.

“The educational element really differentiates active-net and I’m pleased our attention to detail in arranging one-to-one meetings has been so positively received.”

Next year’s active-net has already been confirmed for April 27 and 28 at imago Burleigh Court and Holywell Park, Loughborough.

16

UKFITNESS SCENE

Physical Company appoints new MD

Organisers of Sure Run to the Beat have unveiled big plans for this year’s 10k course, including a new music experience with four zones and a partnership with music streaming service, Deezer. Keeping runners pumped as they make their way around the course, each of the four high intensity music zones will feature its own unique theme and Live DJ, with music tailored to key segments of the run. Managing director of event organisers IMG Challenger World, James Robinson, said: “We’ve listened carefully to the feedback of our runners and as a result are upping our own tempo and putting a huge amount of energy in to creating an even better Sure Run to the Beat in 2015. The event will become a fully immersive music experience like nothing our runners have experienced before so we’re really excited to be unveiling these first details.”

PHYSICAL Company’s new managing director John Halls has told why a continued focus on product quality and maintaining high customer service levels will remain important as the business grows.

John, whose mum Penny started Physical Company 26 years ago, has been a part of the business for most of his life, with him and his two brothers Nick and Jason originally helping to put together the orders and pack up products in the family home.

Since then, he’s seen the business expand and prosper, rising through the ranks from sales and marketing manager to sales and marketing director.

He has recently taken over as managing director, revealing to Workout why he’s excited to start a new chapter in the company’s history – and why he’s the “youngest MD with 25 years’ experience.”

He said: “Physical Company has been part of my life as long as I can recall and I have thoroughly enjoyed my role in sales and marketing to help steer its course and support its growth.

“My role now is to continue my drive to improve product quality and ensure our customer service levels remain high as our business grows.”

The company has recently expanded to become a total solutions provider, with successful projects including a partnership with LA Fitness to develop, install and train staff to deliver the Primal Series gym-based classes.

And John added he’s looking forward to working on more of these types of projects in the future, providing a full service for operators from choosing kit to installation to helping instructors – and members – get the best from the new additions to their clubs with staff training and marketing support.

As part of a commitment to ensure clients get the best value for money, he’s also looking at expanding the company’s range of premium PU products.

He added: “This is definitely an exciting time to be leading Physical Company and I am actively seeking further expansion and growth as our reputation as a total solutions provider builds.”

What’s stopping you from offering a ‘third generation’ gym experience?

By Matthew Januszek, Escape Fitness WHAT do clubs need to do in order to thrive? This is such a timely question because the industry is now entering its ‘third generation’ in terms of what members want – and some clubs are responding better than others.

I think of the bodybuilding boom starting in the late 1970s as the time of ‘first generation’ gyms. There was a strong sense of community for those involved, but the general public didn’t want to be a part of the gym culture.

The ‘second generation’ club grew from health and fitness becoming more mainstream. New big box gyms opened, stacked with machines and equipment that members largely use unsupervised and on their own.

Now we are moving into the ‘third generation’ where clubs are looking for ways to respond to people’s hunger for a better experience and noticeable, lasting results.

So what are the common challenges that might get in the way of your clubs moving towards the third generation? What are the mistakes that operators and managers need to address in order to take that step forward?

I like to break things down into seven main themes when talking to clubs about where they can improve to make the most of the opportunities: 1 – No clear vision for the club: Many clubs find themselves servicing lots of different people and run the risk of offering something that is sim-

ilar to the other clubs in their area.

That can open up a temptation to reduce membership fees in order to compete.

Unless you understand and clearly define the characteristics and goals of the people you want to attract to your club, you will find it very difficult to offer a personalised experience.

results – and that means the results that matter to them – is unlikely to have the positive impact on the member retention that every club needs.

6 – Failing to create a buzz: If your club is a great place to be, are you telling the world about it? Clubs are often guilty of underutilising the marketing tools available to them.

Email, SMS, social media, images, video, posters, leaflets, events…the marketing toolkit is there to be used, ideally with a clear strategy and plan to bring it all together.

2 – Equipment that isn’t tailored to your members’ specific needs: Members are on a journey from the first time they step into a club. But many never complete that journey – or even get very far into it – because they find the tools available limited or, even worse, unsuitable for their needs. You can avoid that by equipping to provide members with carefully targeted training options.

3 – A sub-standard training experience: Do the exercise spaces in your club make people feel good and help to get the heart racing? A club that hasn’t got its environment right – in terms of colour, lighting, music and the overall layout – will struggle to stand out from the competition and be a place that people love visiting.

4 – Insufficient skills in the training team: If you don’t have trainers who can engage with members and help them achieve their fitness goals your club is nothing more than an equipment rental company. That’s all you are doing, renting out your equipment to people who simply arrive, use the gear and go home.

That’s the most basic level of rela-

Matthew Januszek tionship a business can have with customers. How can that be a successful relationship model for an industry that relies on customer retention?

5 – Programming that fails to excite members: There are some amazing workout programmes being delivered around the world, but many more are failing to truly engage members. A sense of community can develop within a club when there are lots of classes going on, with people getting to know each other and motivating each other.

But most of all, any programme that is not empowering people to achieve

7 – Doing the same thing, month after month: Even if the experience you offer today is outstanding, it will soon become stale for members who have been involved in it for a while. Regular reviews of what your club is offering and what it’s achieving are essential if you are to stay relevant and compelling.

Sharing more inspiration on reaching the third generation For some years now, at Escape we have been talking to customers about these problems and working with them to address them. Based on that experience, we have put together a briefing paper that goes into more detail than space here allows, with some insights and suggestions on how to tackle them.

Drop me an email at solutions@escapefitness.com and I will be happy to send you a copy of the paper.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

First ‘Mudder Maker’ class helps you take on any obstacle

The event was held in conjunction with the finale of a 12-week transformation challenge.

Gym hosts first stage ready seminar to educate people BODYLIMIT Gym in St Albans has hosted its first stage ready seminar, designed to educate people with an interest in competing.

Held in conjunction with the finale of the gym’s 12-week transformation challenge, personal trainers Leonard St Cyr and Charlie Clairmonte hosted the event alongside gym owner Abs Bichri. Both Lenny and Charlie work as personal trainers in St Albans and between them hold a host of titles in the world of bodybuilding.

As well as posing advice and feedback, Charlie and Lenny, along with

seasoned competitor and personal trainer Val Cech, took part in a question and answer session and offered their experience in matters such as diet, training and what judges look for from different categories.

The evening finished with the big reveal of those who had taken part in the 12-week transformation challenge, with prizes handed out to everyone who had taken part.

Katie Jones was crowned the winner, receiving a six-month membership and a food and supplement bundle for her efforts.

VIRGIN Active and Tough Mudder have combined to create Mudder Maker; a class designed using their combined expertise to create the ideal way to train for a Tough Mudder event.

Mudder Maker has been created for participants of all fitness levels and re-defines obstacle training, putting participants through a circuit of 11 obstacles, designed to mimic the challenges of Tough Mudder events and improve fitness, stability, agility and strength.

Participants will work in groups of three or four, and choose an intensity level; advance (eight laps), intermediate (six laps) or beginner (four laps).

They will take on nine obstacles before facing The Eliminator which consists of the Centurion – participants are challenged to do as many reps as possible on a designated body weight exercise such as a press up or burpee, and the Gauntlet – pushing the tackle shield-wearing instructor

across the studio. All team members must cross the gauntlet for Mudder Maker to be complete.

All class participants will be given a reward card, stamped after each session plus an additional stamp for any personal bests achieved during The Eliminator.

These stamps can then be redeemed for rewards such as Tough Mudder tshirts.

Virgin Active’s national product innovation manager James Trevorrow said: “At Virgin Active we are always looking to discover a new challenge and conquer new obstacles. Our partnership with Tough Mudder to create Mudder Maker takes this to the next level.

“The class will not only test you physically and mentally, but will make you work as a team in order to complete it, making it perfect for those training for Tough Mudder, or simply for those wanting to discover something new and test their limits.”

Day to be year’s most active NATIONAL Fitness Day 2015 is set to be bigger and better than ever after ukactive pledged to make it the most active day of the year.

This year, ukactive will be working with members, charities, schools, businesses, non-members and Members of Parliament to get as many people participating in activity on September 9 as possible.

The organisation will send an information pack out to its members to help them prepare and engage with the day at a local level.

This will be followed up with a free ukactive National Fitness Day promotional toolkit for all operators taking part

ukactive executive director Steve Ward said: “There is nothing more important to the sector than celebrating the fun of fitness and engaging the public.

“This year’s National Fitness Day will be bigger and better than ever; we’re going to work with more groups, make another splash in the headlines and across social media, all in the name of shouting about what our sector does every day – supporting people to get active and enjoy fitness.

“That is why we are reaching out to everyone in our industry to get involved in whatever way they can to help us make it the most active day of the year.”

A Kent based independent gym has been named as a finalist in the Start Up Business of the Year category at the Kent Excellence in Business Awards. The Strength and Conditioning Institute in Tonbridge opened its doors in late 2012 and is run by coaches Martin Shyvers and Alex Shoebridge. Last year they were runner-up in the awards and aim to go one better this year when the winners are announced at the finals on June 25. Alex said: “We pride ourselves on the quality of information we provide, our tailored approach and our track record. Transforming people’s health could not be a more valuable thing to do. We are incredibly proud to have been listed as one of the top three new businesses in Kent for the last two years and look forward to the finals.”

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Club takes a holistic approach to fitness

Jenny Whiteley and her son Charlie.

Fitness coach launches classes aimed at new and expectant mums

By Christina Eccles FITNESS and nutrition coach Jenny Whiteley has launched a series of classes with a charitable heart, aimed at new and expectant mums.

The MummyFIT exercise and advice groups are designed to help mums achieve fitness and nutritional goals, promote well-being and also provide a place where mother and baby can socialise.

MummyFIT classes are available at Prime Mover in Sheffield city centre, Prime Mover in Meadowhall and Born2Move in Bakewell.

For every mum and baby that attends the class, MummyFIT will also give a donation to Jessops Hospital, where more than 7,000 babies are born each year.

Jenny said: “Being pregnant and looking after a new born is very tiring on both your body and emotions, I learnt that first hand. However, I found so many benefits to exercising and eating the right food and taking

on-board the right advice. It’s also a great way of bonding with other mums at a time when you need support and to feel good about yourself.

“We wanted to set up MummyFIT to help support new and expectant mums and to really promote wellbeing and community spirit. Being a mum is amazing but it isn’t without its challenges and that’s why we are here to help you get to where you want to be. You can even bring your baby who can socialise and play in the same room while you work out.

“Exercising during your pregnancy has proven to help control your weight, helps with posture, increases strength, improves your mindset, and you will get back to your ideal weight quicker following the birth of your baby.

“It’s an honour to launch the business in Sheffield, where I have lived for three years, and we hope to expand the brand into surrounding areas and beyond over the next 12-24 months.”

AN independent club which specialises in taking a holistic, all round approach to clients’ health has expanded its offering with the addition of a new fitness suite. aUK in Grantham has installed a range of kit from Life Fitness and Hammer Strength to offer clients strength training, functional fitness, CV equipment and indoor cycling.

The club, which offers treatments and training in health, hair, beauty and cosmetics, was founded in 2009 by local entrepreneurs Sally Todd, son Michael Todd and friend Chris Wade, with the intention of offering a bespoke holistic health service to members.

The facility strongly advocates the tracking of members’ health on a continual basis to ensure an individual’s success.

Every member is offered regular ses-

sions with a health coach to progress through their all-round fitness goals including blood health analysis, body composition analysis and testing pH levels as well as one-to-one personal training.

Michael said: “Our mission is to educate one million people to better health by 2020 so that they look good and feel amazing, inside and out.

“We recognised that every member has different needs so our health coaches and personal trainers work together to tailor specific programmes.

“We pride ourselves on being innovative within our sector so installing Hammer Strength and Life Fitness equipment gives us the assurance that we’re providing industry-leading equipment for our clientele, with unsurpassed reliability and durability.”

Take the #Walk500 charity challenge WALKING holiday provider HF Holidays is encouraging the public to take part in its #Walk500 miles challenge to help raise money for The British Heart Foundation.

Armed with cameras or smartphones to record their attempt, participants are asked to walk one mile each towards the 500 mile target and share their highlights on HF

Holidays’ Facebook or Twitter pages, using #Walk500.

They’re also asked to tag friends to spread the word and make a donation to The British Heart Foundation via Just Giving or text.

In addition to public donations, HF Holidays has also committed to donating £5 for every mile walked up to the 500-mile target.

The people of Glasgow were treated to a Zumba class with a difference when award-winning budget gym operator, Xercise4Less, marked the opening of its new £1m Glasgow gym, in the heart of the city centre. Characters from Disney's Frozen and a minion from Despicable Me took to Sauchiehall Street to show Glasgow shoppers how to move to the Zumba beat. The Glasgow Xercise4less club brings the budget gym operator's total investment in Scotland to £6m. The group already operates four clubs in Scotland in Edinburgh, Falkirk, East Kilbride and Renfrew.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Redefine your limits at FitPro Live event

By Christina Eccles

Personal trainers Richard Callender (pictured above) and Katie Bulmer-Cooke are the latest recruits to join online fitness hub GymCube.com The health and fitness website offers access to workout videos, exercise programmes, PT advice and nutritional plans. Managing director Kevin FosterWiltshire said: “We’re delighted to have Richard and Katie on board. Their appointment helps cement GymCube’s position as the home of personal training experts and high quality online fitness content. One of our main goals for GymCube is to create a wide range of video options to cater for different audiences, from pump to HIIT, yoga and Pilates – we want to offer something to fit everyone’s fitness goals and our trainers will help us achieve this.”

INDUSTRY professionals have been urged to exceed their potential, achieve their goals and redefine their limits by attending FitPro Live 2015.

At FitPro Live, which takes place in London next month, delegates have access to REPs’ accredited hands-on workshops and masterclasses presented by leading industry educators; designed to help PTs, group exercise instructors and operators develop their knowledge – and their careers.

Popular personal trainer Katie Bulmer-Cooke and leading fitness media and branding expert, Jon Lipsey are among the presenters this year, alongside founder of Smash the Fat, Sam Feltham and Stephen Hughes Landers, the UK’s number one ranked calisthenics athlete.

Sessions taking place throughout the event will include ways to deliver bespoke treatment to clients: from working with mid-life female clients and other special populations, to dealing with the pressing issue of clients’ chronic pain and understanding nutrient timing.

Further sessions include iconic calisthenics moves, Olympic lifting and mind/body fusion masterclasses, plus business workshops on topics such as

Visitors will be the first to see new group exercise programmes from MOSSA, ViPR and TRIBE Team Training. monetising social media with killer content, running an online business and building empathy skills.

In addition, visitors can also be the first to see new show-stopping group exercise programmes from MOSSA, ViPR and new FitPro partner, TRIBE Team Training.

FitPro co-founder and director, Jane Waller said: “FitPro LIVE is continuing its heritage of providing instructors and personal trainers with the latest knowledge and access to world-class

educators within the fitness industry.

“In 2015 we are also capitalising on the success of last year’s larger event, which saw 2,500 individuals attend to ‘break the rules’, by focusing squarely on education.

“As a solutions’ provider for clubs, centres and fitness professionals, we are keen to provide a rich vein of educational information that PTs and instructors can tap into.”

Fitpro Live takes place at ExCeL London on July 9 and 10.

24

Last issue, Workout reported on editor Christina Eccles’ progress in the run up to her first 5k race. In the second part of the feature, she reveals how it went – plus some useful advice for trainers and operators wanting to help their clients get race ready.

Workout editor Christina Eccles at the start and covered in paint with her medal at the finish line (left). A group from Barno Bootcamp also took part in the run (right).

‘Paint splattered and tired but with a great sense of achievement’ SINCE taking up running a few weeks ago with the aim of completing this challenge, the questions I’ve been asked the most – even before I’d taken on my first race – were will you be carrying on and is it a 10k next?!

But to be honest, throughout the process I had struggled to visualise what I’d be thinking after the race and whether I’d ever want to lace up those running shoes again.

Some training days were hard and during preparation my motivation came in waves. In some sessions I felt like I was ready to tackle the race head on, but then in others it was a struggle to get out of bed for those early morning runs or resist the

temptation to skip a session after a long day at work. But overall, I felt as prepared as I could have been come race day and although I thought I’d feel nervous, my overriding feeling on the day was excitement.

I was eager to give it a go, enjoy the day with my friend Laura who was also taking part and make it over the finish line as a thank you to all of those who had got behind my efforts.

I was also pleased to see it wasn’t raining, as I was worried about the combination of bad weather and the Rainbow Run paint!

After making our way to Locke Park where the race was taking place, we started with a group warm up led by a

local instructor to get us in the race spirit. The 5k race involved three laps around the park course where at various stations along the way, we’d be covered in coloured paint – and thanks to the volunteers who were keen to make the runners as colourful as possible, there was no avoiding getting messy!

Gritting our teeth to make it on the uphill parts and completing the course in 40 minutes, we finished as true ‘rainbow warriors’; paint splattered and tired but with a great sense of achievement.

And in answer to those questions of will you be carrying on, the answer is a resounding yes.

Setting myself a goal and the feeling of completing it has been great. As has the support I’ve received from people both before and after the race who wished me luck and donated to Barnsley Hospital Charity to aid my fundraising. I set myself a fundraising target of £50 and have already doubled that, with donations still coming in, which I’m thrilled about.

I’ll maybe give it a few months before I start thinking about my next race, but watch this space as you may see a 10k challenge coming soon in Workout. Although after leaving the park with green hair and multicoloured clothing, perhaps I’ll choose a less messy one next time!

Kim’s support and plan were invaluable I WOULD not have been able to complete the challenge without the support of personal trainer Kim Ingleby whose training plan and encouragement was invaluable in helping me get over that finish line.

We caught up with Kim post race who revealed why she chose to get involved – and what other trainers and operators can do to support members’ running ambitions.

She added: “I was approached

by Christina to see if I would like to help her train for her first

5km. My answer, was, of course, yes!

“Why? Because as a trainer I get really excited about helping beginners into running believe they can complete their first race. That with consistent, little sessions, gradually building up mileage, combined with strength and core, adapted to fit with their lifestyle, anything is possible.

“I think I get more nervous than my clients before their races though, as I just want them to believe in themselves,

be proud of themselves and enjoy the experience.

“I will only let them start the race if I believe and know they can cross the finish line, even if they don't believe it. Helping them with nutrition, pacing, hydration, confidence and mental strength strategies all helps with their first event too.

“I really believe more gyms could offer beginners’ programmes to get people working towards a mini goal, be that a Park Run, a charity cycle or mini triathlon. These goals give peo-

ple focus, increase their confidence and motivation and add value to a gym membership.

“They help to build a community spirit and support system within the members, celebrating and supporting the highs, challenges and overall experience. So many of my clients have inspired me by what they have achieved. Most recently these clients have shown huge courage and commitment and placed huge trust in my training plans to help them get to the finish line.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

26

Everyone Health to drive county’s lifestyle services Niall Hobbert with Irish professional boxer Willie ‘Big Bang’ Casey.

Gym owner offers his expertise to aspiring trainers

By Olivia Taylor A CELEBRITY trainer from Ireland is passing on his expertise to a selection of promising personal trainers with his academy.

Niall Hobbert – owner of BTS fitness – runs the successful Academy of Health and Fitness, offering a unique programme to aspiring personal trainers, which gives them the opportunity to gain a range of qualifications from level two fitness instructor to level three personal training with sports massage.

As a gym owner, Niall believes that experience can often outshine qualifications, so he makes sure that all people taking his courses can be offered work experience at his personal training studio, and often his students are employed at his gym once qualified.

He said: “When a gym is busy I don’t have time to be holding people’s hands. I need them to have experience, so I offer people on my courses 20 to 30 hours’ experience and a reference.”

Niall likes to take a practical

approach to the running of his gym, getting involved in training and other gym floor duties as much as his employees.

He commented: “I’m a firm believer of monkey see, monkey do, that’s why I’m very hands on. I don’t hide in an office.”

As a personal trainer, Niall has trained members of the Royal Family and Hollywood celebrities such as Kevin Spacey.

“When I’m training celebrities they have very specific goals and very specific time limits, I have to hit those goals to get paid, and in the 12 years I’ve been doing it I can’t say I haven't been paid.”

His gym is located in the South West of Ireland in County Kerry and Niall likes to bring members together to make them feel comfortable and that they are part of something special.

He added: “The fitness industry has become too commercial. It’s about family values, I don’t want my members to be just a number, it doesn't cost anything to know someone's name.”

EVERYONE Health – Sports and Leisure Management’s public health division – has been appointed as the driving force behind Cambridgeshire County Council’s lifestyle services, in a contract valued at £4.5m.

The partnership will see Everyone Health, which specialises in helping to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities through dynamic and integrated solutions, work alongside the council over the next three years to help families across Cambridgeshire lead healthier lifestyles.

The new services will offer personalised care for adults, children and families across Cambridgeshire through preventative and lifestyle management interventions.

This approach will combine services, which include the National Child Measurement Programme, the Health Trainer Service, targeted NHS Health

Check Programme, a Behavioural Change Training Programme and Integrated Weight Management Services for children, families and adults. Services will be delivered through a range of one-to-one and group delivery options, providing opportunities for people to manage their own healthy lifestyle behaviour either independently or with support.

Head of public health at Everyone Health Annie Holden said: “This is a landmark contract for Everyone Health.

“We’re thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with Cambridgeshire County Council to deliver dedicated care for families and individuals across the county.

“Our aim is to provide more people in Cambridgeshire with the on-going support and education they need to make improved, healthier lifestyle choices.”

A new course record and a marriage proposal were among the highlights as thousands of runners took part in the 34th annual Chester Half Marathon. The main event attracted a sell-out 7,000 entries from runners of all ages and abilities and was won by Vincent Boit from Kenya, who completed the 13.1 mile course in a record time of one hour, two minutes and 21 seconds. A one-mile Fun Run around Chester Racecourse also took place for children and toddlers involving more than 600 people and raising money for the race’s charity partner, the Countess of Chester Hospital’s Babygrow Appeal.

BODYPOWER ROUND-UP

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Almost 80,000 people from around the world attended this year’s BodyPower Expo, which featured a diverse programme of events.

Seventh BodyPower Expo most successful yet, say organisers

By Christina Eccles THOUSANDS of international visitors filled the NEC for the seventh BodyPower Expo, billed by organisers as the most successful event yet.

Fitness fans from across the globe made their way to Birmingham for the show, in what has become an annual pilgrimage to pay homage to their fitness idols.

Almost 80,000 people flocked to this year’s BodyPower, with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Steve Cook, Phil Heath, Lorraine Pascale, Brian Shaw, Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler all topping the bill and a diverse programme of events to attract visitors whatever their interest.

With a live cooking kitchen, fitness model competition, kickboxing, Parkour, bodybuilding and strongman on offer amongst 600,000 sqft of occupied floor space, organisers aimed to cover the whole of the fitness spectrum under one roof.

Founder and CEO BodyPower Nick

Orton said: “There was such a buzz around the venue this year at BodyPower Expo, an amazing electric atmosphere.

“Our very excited VIP ticket holders were queueing before 8am to get into the event. This is the biggest fitness convention on the industry calendar, we have a following of thousands who attend every year.

“But we also welcomed new visitors to The NEC across the weekend, and we hope they’ll be back for another action-packed expo next time around.”

The Workout team was also at the show; exhibiting in the Workout Trade Lounge and showcasing the magazine and National Fitness Awards to visitors.

Other highlights included a packed seminar programme, with talks from the likes of industry experts Paul Mort, Mark Coles and Phil Learney, and a range of exhibitor stands showcasing the latest trends and products to hit the industry.

Workout’s Daniel Lloyd and Jennifer Ward meet Ronnie Coleman.

Hulk Hogan addresses the crowds at this year’s BodyPower Expo.

UK FITNESS SCENE

31

Show provides public with a huge spectacle of everything fitness SINCE the first BodyPower Expo in 2009, more than a quarter of a million people have experienced the atmosphere of the event, providing the public with a huge spectacle of everything fitness.

In addition to the interactive theatres which held talks and Q&A sessions with athletes, BodyPower Expo also welcomed over 350 exhibitors to the event – many of which brought along their sponsored athletes.

From fitness apparel brands to nutritional supplements suppliers, much of the floorspace was covered with businesses offering free samples, running demos and running competitions for visitors to get involved in.

Over the weekend, hundreds of professional athletes descended on BodyPower Expo including Flex Lewis, Steve Cook, Zoe Smith, Calum Van Moger, Shaun Stafford, Dana Linn Bailey, Kai Green and many more.

Calum Best was meeting and greeting fans all weekend at his Best Life booth and Lorraine Pascale fronted the Healthy Eating Kitchen, showing visitors the secret to healthy recipe success.

One of the show highlights came on the Saturday, when Hulk Hogan appeared in the Super Theatre and spent time in the VIP signing booth meeting fans who had queued for hours.

Daniel Lloyd meets WBC world super middleweight champion Carl Froch.

IDASS supplies flooring for Year of development for organisers BodyPower Beach stand BODYPOWER has become the largest consumer event in the UK for fitness enthusiasts and the demands of the show continue to grow.

Supplying the biggest demonstration areas requires reliable brands and quality products.

This year IDASS was proud to be the suppliers of 240 metres of functional flooring for the BodyPower Beach stand.

The Power lifting and warm up area had the “big boys” lifting, so the toughest mats available were required. IDASS supplied their solid rubber interlocking mats. These 20mm deep mats are £38.50 per meter and link together to provide a seamless weight lifting area.

New to BodyPower 2015 from IDASS was the interactive CardioFloor. This was a great opportunity for visitors to have a challenge and test a new product. Hundreds tried the two-minute

2015 has so far been another year of great development for BodyPower Ltd, with the acquisition of Leisure Industry Week; the announcement of a BodyPower Expo in Ireland and the second instalment of BodyPower India.

And organisers are already looking forward to even bigger plans for 2016.

challenge, some with more success than others.

Two minutes was just enough for most, nearly too much for some but everyone filled in their users review saying it was a great idea and they would love to have it in their club.

Marketing director Ollie Upton added: “The event is just growing year after year – after all the fitness industry is one of the fastest growing markets in the world.

“BodyPower Expo is the place to be for anyone interested in fitness, nutrition and sport. We can’t wait to be back in 2016 with an even better line-up.”

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Apps impress gyms’ clients FITNESS industry businesses which use mobile apps are finding they improve both the way their companies are perceived and that all important client engagement, research has claimed.

The research comes from buildyour-own app provider Appsme.com, whose customer base includes gyms, fitness clubs and sports teams across the UK. Nearly 1,000 businesses were surveyed, with improved perception the most popular outcome with 79 per cent of businesses in the health and fitness sector.

47 per cent of those investing in a mobile app said having an app has helped them improve how they communicate with their clients, through push notifications and in-app email.

CEO at Appsme.com Nick Barnett said: “According to the latest research from Ofcom 93 per cent of UK adults own a mobile phone and 61 per cent own a smartphone.

“Add to that the fact that the same research shows adults spend more time on their smartphone than reading print, listening to the radio or even using a desktop or laptop computer, it should be clear that it’s important for businesses to have a presence on their customer’s mobile.

“It’s not just about having a great app – businesses need to use them effectively, making use of powerful marketing tools like geo-messaging and push notifications.”

TECHNOLOGY

Catching up on the technology curve

By Leon Rudge, UK technology solutions manager, Life Fitness YOU’LL have had your head in the sand if the latest evolution of the internet is passing you by.

For those of you that are missing it, the internet is evolving, it’s becoming a new beast and we’re entering a new era where we are connecting the physical world to the internet.

There was once a time when we only connected computers to the internet but now with advancements in technology we connect everything.

There isn’t a product management team in the world that doesn’t consider internet connectivity when designing new products.

It’s labelled the Internet of Things and pioneering connectivity companies like Cisco call it the Internet of Everything. Whether you like it or not, it’s right here now.

But where is the fitness industry?

Where are we in relation to the technology curve? When you compare us to industries like automotive, healthcare and retail, I’d suggest we are fairly late to the party but that’s not always a bad thing as we can learn from them. By no means do I think it’s too late to start out on your jour-

ney, but you need to start now or you’ll be left behind. If you leave it too long you’ll have significant challenges catching up and the prospect of significant capital outlay.

When you look at the biggest players in the digital fitness including MyFitnessPal, Fitbit, Jawbone UP, Lose It, Google, Apple, Microsoft, none of these companies are in the fitness industry. They are all consumer products and they are huge; they are doing a great job of interacting with your members and providing experiences inside and outside the gym without your involvement.

So how do we catch up on the technology curve?

Start now! Don’t waste another second, create a team and put technology in your strategy and start executing it. Google are branding this new internet era as the Fourth Industrial Revolution but unlike the previous 80 year plus revolutions, this one is happening in under a decade.

Work with your members. There is no point creating something your customers don’t want. Just because our industry has been told what exercisers want for decades, it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what they want. Be ready to disrupt and be dif-

ferent and also embrace failure, as you won’t always get it right.

Don’t try and jump in at the deep end as it will encourage costly mistakes.

Start small, learn, develop and react fast.

With everything connectLeon Rudge ed to the internet, data is becoming a new currency that will help you make risk-free decisions now and in the future.

Collaboration is vital and consider how you can integrate and embrace some or all of these consumer giants into your service offering. It’s also time to start looking at other industries – see what works well and understand what technology experiences could be implemented into your own business.

So start now. The longer you leave it the further the curve shifts.

Remember, we are moving faster now than ever before but slower than we ever will.

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TECHNOLOGY

Online platforms merge to create one-stop tool

Get a mobile app for your club for just £40 a month IT is now really easy to get an app for your club.

Ashbourne has partnered with mobile app specialists Appsme to offer the App+ service at an amazing deal.

For just £40 a month (normally £80), Appsme will build an app for your gym, get it in app stores and manage it going forward.

The app is packed with great features that your members will want to use: In-app deals and coupons – add new deals at any time then alert customers instantly.

Run a digital loyalty scheme to drive repeat business and customer retention ie attend six personal trainer sessions and get the seventh one free.

Create and send real-time deals and alerts Define a geographic area (say,100 metres around your club) and trigger an offer or message to be sent to app users when they are nearby.

Loads of other features: image gallery, videos, social media links, location map and a price list.

To get an app for your club, go to http://bit.ly/ashbourneapp

LEISURE-NET Solutions and Right Directions are merging their online platforms to create a one-stop online tool for the leisure industry.

Leisure-net Solutions currently provides insight services to more than 250 sites through its e-Focus Customer Insight Platform, which includes mystery shops and phone calls, The Net Promoter Score, Closed Loop surveys, feedback-Focus – an online comments and complaints system that enables operators to easily keep on top of all forms of customer feedback – and staff-Recog, which allows customers to select a staff member they feel has gone above and beyond their role.

Right Directions delivers STITCH, the sector’s leading online accident reporting software, backed by both CIMSPA and RoSPA, to over 150 health and fitness sites.

The benchmarking platform captures, collates and aggregates accident and ‘near miss’ data, providing a live snapshot of KPIs that allow management to monitor accident trends locally and nationally, and club and centre managers to review site trends and avoidable incidents.

When merged, the combined platforms will be providing customer insight and accident reporting services to more than 350 leisure sites throughout the UK, including 10 of the industry’s leading operators.

Managing director of Right Directions Caroline Constantine said: “We are really excited to combine these great services into one package for operators. The ability to access these services anytime, anywhere is a plus for managers, and savings of economies of scale will allow us to deliver them in a cost effective way.”

Gymbox to offer Bodyscan’s DEXA service to its members INNOVATIVE operator Gymbox has become the UK’s first big fitness brand to offer Bodyscan’s DEXA technology to its entire membership base.

More than 17,000 members across seven London clubs can now accurately track changes in their fat and muscle by utilising the service.

Gymbox’s general manager Liz

Barker said: “Gymbox believes that working out should be at least as much fun as going out but we still take our workouts very seriously.

“That’s why we’ve teamed up with Bodyscan, so our members can see that their hard work and our Very Personal Trainers are making a real difference. DEXA will help keep our members energised and excited.”

Vending machines are ideal for busy gyms LUCOZADE Ribena Suntory Ltd offers the health and fitness industry innovative vending machines with interactive touchscreens, a shopping cart functionality and cashless payment option.

The vending machines are ideal for busy gyms and health clubs – holding a large capacity of between 220 to 340 bottles and allowing consumers to purchase multiple products. Having last year won a vending contract with national fitness chain Bannatyne Health & Fitness, the Lucozade vending machines have rolled out across 61 of the clubs and offer a great sales opportunity.

Cashless payment delivers a 23 per cent sales uplift, providing a solution when consumers don’t have change with them.

The availability and visibility of the machines is key to maximising sales – 15 per cent of people will not buy if they can’t find the product they want and Lucozade vending machines offer the UK’s biggest sport brand.

The touchscreen also offers consumers the chance to read nutritional information about the products, helping them to choose the correct drink for their needs.

Lucozade Sport provides carbohydrates and electrolytes to enhance hydration and help maintain performance during prolonged endurance exercise; while Lucozade

Sport Lite is ideal for use when participating in exercise for under an hour.

In addition to stocking the core Lucozade Sport flavours such as Orange and Raspberry, the Lucozade vending machines offer gyms and health clubs the chance to provide their customers with a choice of the latest flavours.

Lucozade Sport recently launched a new addition to its range with exotic flavour – Mango and Passion Fruit.

TECHNOLOGY

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Software that fits Firms join to launch software into your business THERE is never enough time it seems to get everything done in one day. Well, that’s how it felt in my gym years ago which is what lead me to create ClubManager.

Each day seemed to start with a couple of items that did not get done from the previous day’s to do list, meaning I had a longer list every day.

What was needed was a solution that just fits into the business, but meant I had to do nothing more than my normal daily tasks.

So quite simply just do what you do every day in the club: Sell memberships.

Sell products.

Register attendance.

Then let ClubManager take care of the rest for you, giving back time to spend with your members growing the business, but also doing what you enjoy the most.

We're also very pleased to announce that due to our continued and relentless focus on our customers, our products and the industry we're finalists of the Flame Awards for 'supplier of the year' 2015.

As you're probably aware I'm very excited to be telling you this as, like you, it's difficult to see the impact of your business from the outside when you're hard at work on the

THE Retention People and Les Mills International have teamed up to create a new offering in group fitness management software.

Together, the companies have created CLUBCOUNT powered by Les Mills, which aims to arm facilities with all they need to effectively plan, manage and report on daily group exercise schedules and maximise occupancy and participation.

The new web-based software is an

improved version of existing CLUBCOUNT software, which is being used

by Les Mills licensees worldwide.

Managing director of TRP Richard Clancy said: “We know that our software will help Les Mills and their customers to not only provide exceptional group exercise experiences, but to manage day-to-day scheduling needs, and interpret the data required to increase participation and engagement.”

Protect your investment

Club Manager founder Wayne Heath. inside every day.

So fingers crossed for the big night at Flame in June.

ClubManager can answer all of these questions and a whole lot more and we are looking forward to having a chat with you soon.

To find out more contact Wayne at ClubManager on 01245 807 360, visit www.clubmanagercentral.com or email wayne@clubmanagercentral.com

WITH hundreds of members per day coming through your doors, you and your paying members want to be sure that the guy whose been using the treadmill for the last two hours is within his rights to do so.

The new ievo fingerprint recognition system makes certain that everyone coming into the club is permitted.

SportSoft has recently installed such a system for a client to control their car parking and entrance barriers, indoor and outdoor pool areas and their fitness and members’ dining clubs.

With a total of 17 fingerprint scanners at strategic locations throughout the leisure park, their members are now happier in the knowledge that the family taking up the deck chairs by the pool have also paid their membership fees.

It takes just minutes to register a fingerprint and then the system can be configured to control just who goes where. No unaccompanied under eights near the outdoor pool, no free

car parking – safe and secure for management and members.

For more information visit www.sportsoft.co.uk

UK FITNESS SCENE

Mr Strong, Mr Bump and Little Miss Naughty are set to become sporting stars, as Scimitar Sports launches the first Mr Men and Little Miss gym clothing range. Inspired by the classic children’s series, the trio of fun, functional exercise vests are crafted from breathable Aerolite wicking fabric. Scimitar Sports’ marketing manager Cat Ford said: “Following the success of our SpongeBob and Swizzels lines, we’re really pleased to be able to announce the launch of our new Mr Men and Little Miss sports range.”

Physical Company completed the installation at Northwood within two weeks.

Country Club kitted out in double quick time A £20,000 gym installation with a quick turnaround time has been successfully completed, thanks to a partnership between the club and supplier Physical Company.

Northwood Country Club was originally established in 1964 and new owners Darwin Wellness wanted to retain the country club environment while introducing new training concepts.

It chose Physical Company to advise on the best combination of equipment and requested the complete installation within two weeks, with the company recommending a wide range of kit including dumbbell and kettlebell stacks and racks, stability balls, medicine balls, the new BOSU Balance Elite and a TRX Rig.

Darwin Wellness fitness director Steve Plunkett said: “We were delighted to take over the Northwood Country Club and my aim was to restore its country club feel to ensure the longstanding membership feels at ease here, while introducing some of the fantastic new equipment and training systems available to encourage younger members.

“I like the fact Physical Company is a total solutions provider and not just a supplier of kit. In addition to advising on the optimum combination of equipment to suit our space and membership, they advised on the layout and ran master workshops to train our trainers to ensure everyone knew how to use everything to best effect before the doors opened.”

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UK FITNESS SCENE

38

Advertiser’s announcement

Without collecting data on equipment, operators don’t know what the trends really are. It’s time to let customers dictate the fitness trends, not operators and suppliers.

© markos86 – Fotolia.com

Bang on trend?

LIKE any sector, the fitness industry is subject to trends. In most industries, customers decide which products and services they want and drive a trend by demanding more of them.

Operators respond by creating more products and services to meet that demand and so the trend continues. However, in the fitness industry, it is the operator, not the consumer, who determines the trend, which is why they so often they get it wrong – investing in equipment that just doesn’t get used.

Why does this happen? It’s simple – operators don’t know what their customers want because they don’t measure it. So, instead of basing their purchasing decisions on customer demand, operators make this critical judgement based on what they see at trade shows and what they read in the industry media.

They look at what other operators are buying and follow suit.

Essentially, trends in the fitness industry are determined by what suppliers are selling.

A good example of this is the current craze for functional equipment.

Operators feel they have to offer a functional area in their gym because everyone else has one. This year’s FIBO was full of functional equipment. Any operators visiting the show without a functional equipment offer would understandably come away feeling they are missing out a key trend, but the statistics say otherwise.

When I speak to gym managers, they all tell me that functional kit is popular among their members and is very well used, but the data tells a very different story. In fact, in the majority of cases, usage of functional equipment is very low.

One operator we worked with had invested £20,000 in a functional rig with all the accessories including a TRX, cables, punch bag etc. We measured everything on the rig, including the classes, and found that

it was only being used for 70 hours a week. To put that into context, a single bench in a busy gym will be used for 70 hours a week. And half of the usage on this rig came from two cables and the punch bag.

If I was an operator, I’d expect a lot more customer usage for £20,000. As it currently stands, the rig represents a very low return on investment for the operator.

As well as measuring equipment usage, we count the number of people using equipment and we consistently find that outside of classes, functional areas are underutilised.

On top of this, customer demand for functional equipment is not growing. Many of our re-studies show that usage of functional kit is actually falling.

Yet operators continue to buy more functional equipment, despite low and in some cases, reducing demand for it.

It’s the classic example of a push trend. Operators are pushing functional equipment onto their cus-

tomers, because in the absence of any data, they believe this is what their members want. So, we have a disconnect between what suppliers are selling/operators are buying and what customers are actually using.

And this ultimately means that many operators are wasting money investing in functional equipment that their members don’t want or use.

Without measuring equipment usage, operators have no baseline to gauge customer demand. They don’t know how a trend is moving. They are sitting in the middle of nowhere, not knowing anything – and that can be expensive.

What they should be doing is allowing their customers to dictate trends – a pull trend. They should invest in the products their customers want, not the products suppliers want to sell more of.

Many of the operators we are working with are doing just that.

Using data collected by GYMetrix and following our recommenda-

tions, they are responding to customers’ demands and doubling, even tripling the size of their free weights areas resulting in rising customer satisfaction and membership numbers.

By responding to a pull trend, they are seeing a high return on investment compared to those operators who continue to push trends – currently, functional equipment – on to their customers.

Time and time again, our studies show that it’s free weights that customers want, not functional equipment.

And a lot of that demand is coming from women who not only want more free weights, but also want female-friendly free weight areas.

Such is the demand, that I believe usage of free weights among females in the next three years will be greater than the total usage of functional equipment among both male and females. And I’m basing that call on data and nothing else! www.gymetrix.co.uk

© lunamarina – Fotolia.com

Rory McGown

UK FITNESS SCENE

The wave of opportunity – miss it at your peril

By Dave Wright THERE’S a great joke about a religious man who is stranded on top of a roof during a great flood.

A rescuer comes by in a boat and says "get in, get in!" The religious man replies, “no I have faith in God, he will grant me a miracle."

Later, the water is up to his waist and another boat comes by and the guy tells him to get in again. He responds that he has faith in God and God will give him a miracle.

With the water at chin high, a helicopter throws down a ladder and they tell him to get in, mumbling with the water in his mouth, he again turns down the request for help for the faith of God. He arrives at the gates of heaven with broken faith and says to Peter, “I thought God would grant me a miracle and I have been let down." St. Peter chuckles and responds, "I don't know what you're complaining about, we sent you two boats and a helicopter.”

I love that joke because it’s a perfect example of opportunity presenting itself but the recipient couldn’t see the wood through the trees. Could this be the same with the fitness industry and the rising tide of wearable technology? Are you missing the wave of opportunity?

In my opinion, the one defendable position of our industry is not the bricks and mortar of our facilities or the shiny new treadmills etc. it’s our knowledge, expertise and prescription to exercise once the information is presented to us. The more information that we gather the more we can rely on our knowledge and expertise to prescribe the appropriate exercise.

So then along comes technolo-

Dave Wright gy and it astounds me when trainers and coaches don’t embrace it.

Technology that can present how much effort a client is putting in, how much they have eaten that day, what and when they last trained, how much body fat they are carrying, how many calories they burn etc. is all relevant data for the purpose of safe, effective and results based training.

Imagine driving your car with no dashboard but just based on the ‘feel’ of the car… whether the wheels need replacing, whether you are low on petrol, how many revs the car is running at, the speed that it travels at. The same goes for the fitness industry.

Trying to run High intensity activity (driving a car at high revs) but not using the available technology to determine that intensity is edging on reckless.

Yet clubs do that every single day.

The world has changed… and the new world of wearable technology– the ultimate in information gathering should make the industry stronger for it. Wearable fitness technology is a rapidly growing market sector that is forecast to grow significantly from 14 million shipped devices

in 2012 to 171 million by 2017. So not only is there a need in the market, but our potential members and existing members are hungry for their personal information that they provide.

So we have a perfect storm of problems with the advance in wearable technology. Not only do wearable devices provide the motivation for potential members, the feedback outcomes of potential members, but there will come a time that it can provide the programming for members to execute the activities too. So then all a facility will have left to do is to ‘rent’ out the use of its equipment – if that.

However, if that information could be extracted for the trainer, then this would give the coach vital information on the exercise habits and nutrition behaviour particularly from activities away from the facility that could provide a level of information that (if acted upon) could be critical to the members’ success. And with more members achieving results, the industry has no choice but to grow with its success.

The questions remain… Is technology the ‘life line’ to our industry? Then more importantly… is the industry ready to accept it?

Dave Wright is the CEO of CFM (Creative Fitness Marketing), owner of the Feelgood Fitness & Voyage Fitness Club Chains, A former Board Director of UK Active and the creator of the wearable technology tool MYZONE®. With offices in Chicago (US), Nottingham (UK) and Melbourne (Oz), Dave’s companies have worked directly with over 5,000 health clubs across 30 different countries, encouraging people to be more and stay more physically active. He may be contacted on Dave.Wright@cfm.net

Chief executive launches UK Heart Safe Awards CHARITY Hand on Heart has launched this year’s UK Heart Safe Awards, which recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations in their efforts to become heart safe.

Categories include sport and fitness establishment of the year

and fundraiser of the year, with the awards taking place at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

Chief executive Victoria Burrows said: “This will be my first awards evening as chief executive of Hand on Heart.

“Previous evenings have been

a huge success, and I am looking forward to this year’s events being even better. I would encourage everyone to consider nominating and joining us on the evening to celebrate the UK’s leading Heart Safe individuals and organisations.”

Challenge your members this summer WHAT does summer mean to you? Flip flops, beer gardens, burnt burgers and burnt noses?

Well, for 20,000 people it also means becoming a Total Warrior.

Why not join them and hundreds of gym-owners, fitness instructors and PTs in accepting the ultimate test of stamina, strength and determination?

Now in its fifth year, Total Warrior crams 30 punishing obstacles into its muddy 10km10-mile courses, set in the finest venues the UK has to offer.

And there are now three cracking locations to choose from as Total Warrior heads to Scotland for the first time, adding a new Edinburgh event this September to its two existing courses in Leeds (June) and the Lake District (August).

Total Warrior events are a fantastic way to engage gym members in a team challenge that promises gasps, grimaces and laughs in equal measure.

Ben Jones, of B-Smart Fitness in Keswick, said: “Total Warrior is a

fixture in our gym calendar now – everyone gets a real buzz from the whole event experience and it has definitely helped create long-lasting bonds between me and my customers.”

Experience it for yourself through an exclusive offer for WorkOut readers (see advert in this edition for more details).

Sign up, recruit your team and get training!

For more information, please see www.totalwarrior.co.uk or join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

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TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Calisthenics instructor course launched in UK THE UK’s number one ranked calisthenics athlete has developed an instructor course for fitness instructors and PTs, looking to incorporate this popular method of bodyweight training into sessions with their clients.

The course, launched in partnership with training provider Sideways8 training, has been designed to give PTs a toolkit that suits all ages and abilities, as well as the knowledge to run calisthenics classes.

The eight-hour course will be led by Stephen Hughes-Landers himself, giving PTs a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the business.

Stephen said: “Calisthenics is the perfect tool for every PT to have in their arsenal.

“It can be performed anywhere so it’s perfect for mobile personal training or group sessions when equipment is limited.

“Every client will be impressed by the progressions of the exercises; explosive pull ups, superman push ups and muscle ups for example, yet there is also an entry level exercise for all of these moves. It’s an aspirational sport but it’s also highly achievable when you put in the training.”

Sideways8 course director Kristoph Thompson added: “The personal training market is becoming ever more competitive so keeping up with the latest training methods is crucial to set you apart from the crowd.

Kristoph Thompson and Stephen HughesLanders.

“Bodyweight training and functional movement – which calisthenics embodies – has been at the forefront of the fitness world for the last few years.

“It’s highly attractive to fitness enthusiasts yet equally accessible to those new to exercise so it makes sense that PTs upskill in this area as much as they can.”

The course will officially launch at Fitpro Live where Stephen is running two sessions for delegates.

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TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Everyone Active invests in course Personal training diploma now available online ...

LIFETIME Training’s personal training diploma is now available online, enabling any learner to access the course, whatever their schedule or location.

The online diploma includes all the modules currently available in the Level Two Fitness Instructor certificate and the Level Three Personal Training diploma, such as anatomy and physiology, planning and instructing gym sessions, as well as nutrition and business planning.

Within each course there are multiple ways of learning: resources to read, videos with tutors to highlight teaching points, webinars with slides to illustrate underpinning theories and learner videos which provide course participants with the opportunity to analyse and correct via peer assessment.

Commercial director at Lifetime Training Mike Jones said: “By providing our PT diploma online, we can make this qualification accessible to different markets of learners, including professional athletes, who simply cannot attend course days due to training and competition commitments, and people whose busy working lives don’t afford them the flexibility to attend the tutor led sessions which form a key part of our intensive and part-time PT diplomas.

“By using this interactive learning method, we are not merely telling our trainees what to do but encouraging them to think and assess for themselves.

“In this way, we can assure both the participants and the industry that the high standards of learning we adhere to at Lifetime are being maintained.”

EVERYONE Active has become the first leisure operator to invest in a new training course designed to overcome the psychological barriers to increasing physical activity.

Delivered by Lifetime Training, the Lifestyle Activity Coaching course was developed in consultation with the Academy for Health Coaching and led by physician Dr Tim Anstiss who specialises in applying the science of positive psychology to health and care settings. The course addresses the increasing evidence that the success of physical activity interventions relies heavily on changing emotional and psychological attitudes towards exercise and active lifestyles.

The training is being delivered over 12 weeks to Everyone Active Fitness Motivators who look after exercise referrals. They will develop their skills to engage less active people in person-centred, motivating and supportive conversations about becoming

and staying more active.

National exercise referral manager at Everyone Active Tiffeny Gould said: “Research within physical activity promotion has identified that motivational interviewing is one of the strongest predictors of long term behaviours.

“With 50 exercise referral schemes delivered across the company, an opportunity to improve the quality of delivery and impact on our local communities could not be missed.”

Commercial director at Lifetime Training Mike Jones added: “Lifetime is delighted to be working in partnership with Everyone Active to help build a stronger bridge for the fitness industry to link ever closer with the public health agenda.

“Equipping Fitness Motivators with the skills to positively engage less active people is absolutely essential in creating a pathway in support of a more active nation.”

Sandra appointed ukactive’s new treasurer ukactive has announced Places for People Leisure chief executive Sandra Dodd as its new treasurer.

Sandra has 20 years’ experience in the leisure management sector having joined Places for People Leisure in 1995.

She is a chartered management accountant and was appointed chief

executive in January, where she will lead the company in the next phase of its development. ukactive executive director Steven Ward said: “Sandra has a huge wealth of financial and strategic experience, which is going to be a real benefit to ukactive and the sector as a whole. I look forward to working with her.”

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TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Kettlercise launches major change to training system Active IQ partners with Nordic Walking UK NORDIC Walking UK has transferred its Circuits, Fitness Instructing, Education and Training and Exercise Referral provision across to Active IQ awarded qualifications, following the announcement of a new partnership between the two organisations.

Nordic Walking UK has over 3,000 trained instructors and 500 new learners complete their qualifications each year – with many of them new to the fitness industry.

Master trainer and founder of Nordic Walking in the UK, Martin Christie, said: “Active IQ recognises the importance of providing accessible education for all learners; those

with differing academic backgrounds and learning needs. Partnering with a flexible awarding organisation that could offer tailored qualifications catering for our learners’ needs was very important to us.

“89 per cent of our learners who are new to the fitness industry are 44 years or older, nearly 50 per cent are 54 years plus, with some of our oldest learners in their 70s. Therefore, it’s essential to us that the training we provide be flexible to their needs and lifestyles.

“That’s why the e-Learning modules and the blended learning options are such a great fit for us.”

Refer-all expands technical team REFER-all has appointed a new member of staff to its technical team.

The company, which specialises in software solutions for exercise referral, has appointed Lorcan O’Connor, an experienced graphic designer and

with class timetable options.

The Genesis Program has been developed specifically to do just that: give new and existing instructors even greater flexibility to deliver both 50 minute and 30 minute express class options.

The new Kettlercise system has also been broken down into eight modules and includes: tempo training, complexes and core, which means that as a Kettlercise instructor providing classes, you can now remove certain modules to fit your time constraints.

To book on to a Kettlercise Instructor Course see pages 28 and 29 or call 01282 698698.

3D artist. His role will be to mastermind the user interface and user experience in Refer-all’s software, further enhancing its efficiency for GPs, public health commissioners, leisure centres and instructors.

Staff training can improve member retention figures IN an increasingly competitive market, member retention continues to be high on the agenda for club managers.

While there is no holy grail to follow in order to deliver high member retention figures there are many ways in which leisure club managers can improve these figures. One area of focus is staff training.

Fitness First has found their apprenticeship programmes, delivered with support from Lifetime Training, aids retention of both staff and members.

Fitness First Clapham enjoys some of the highest member retention rates, and the club has the highest staff satisfaction rates globally.

General manager Christian Fourie said: “Customer acquisition is important but retaining them is the hard part. Having engaged and motivated staff really helps. If my staff are happy then my clients are happy. If the clients feel they are being coached by a knowledgeable, passionate team then they feel confident in what they do in the gym and they’re more likely to return.

“Guest experience is paramount,

KETTLERCISE has recently launched what the company claims is ‘its biggest change to its training system’ since its initial launch in 2009.

We spoke to Adrian Burton, managing director of Kettlebell Seminars Ltd and co-founder of the Kettlercise system to find out more about the new Genesis Program.

Adrian said: “When we started to put the new Kettlercise Genesis Program together we had to look at three vital elements. The clients had to be able to achieve results from the new system and that was no easy task to further improve on what the initial Kettlercise program did in the area of body composition changes.

The gyms and fitness professionals needed to deliver a class that’s fresh, fun and exciting in a safe, effective environment to both new members, as well as keeping its excellent retention rates to existing members and class attendees. Thirdly, the fitness market has changed a lot in the last five years with its competitiveness for group fitness and we felt that with Kettlercise being market leader in the kettlebell training sector, there was an even bigger opportunity to deliver greater class options, giving even more choice and greater flexibility

taking clients on a new fitness journey and helping them adopt lifestyle changes is a big part of my team’s roles. I believe it’s much easier to train my staff than replace with new ones; our company philosophy is helping both clients and staff to achieve.

“I have one apprentice who has nearly finished, one who has recently started and 12 who have completed.

The majority of my staff have completed all the way up to Level Three in personal training, others have completed reception and front of house qualifications as well as fitness consultants, studio courses and advanced functional training.

“Members can see the staff are serious and engaged as well as highly ambitious. The staff love their jobs, and everyone is hungry for progression. The team is always motivating and encouraging each other and they are determined to provide great customer service. This is reflected in their attitudes and this makes our clients feel valued. Apprenticeship training courses help them to understand the importance of enthusiasm and high customer service standards.”

The énergie Group has appointed two former senior professionals from Domino’s UK and IRL plc as its new group finance director and group acquisitions manager. Rob Lane will take on the role of group finance director, heading up the financial and commercial team at the group’s head office in Milton Keynes, while Tom Poulton will become group acquisitions manager and will oversee all aspects of acquisitions for énergie, from finding target territories, negotiating contracts and driving multiple club rollout.

KETTFusion still needs you DEMAND for KETTFusion instructors is at an all-time high with consumers all over the country asking for classes in their area.

Take advantage of this unique class by becoming one of the first facilities in your area to offer such a fun yet challenging fitness class that will see members continually coming back for more.

The next instructor training course is taking place on November 6 in Newcastle at Project Fit, so why not host your own instructor training day in the meantime and save £££s in the process.

KETTFusion founder, Michael Ross will travel anywhere in the UK and deliver the one-day training course at a venue of your choice. Get five instructors to sign up and the fifth will go free. That’s a saving of over £250.

During the one-day training course,

instructors will learn the skills and techniques needed to present the class effectively. Once qualified, they will receive: A comprehensive training manual.

Business hints and tips on how to turn KETTFusion into a profitable business.

Access to online instructors’ exercise videos on vimeo.com.

K.F.1 – a specially mixed CD playlist including warm up and cool down tracks.

Ongoing support from founder Michael Ross and the KETTFusion team.

A KETTFusion instructors’ training vest with embroidered logo.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up to become a KETTFusion instructor and start reaping the benefits of this awesome class.

For more information visit www.kettfusion.com

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PRODUCT NEWS

Speedflex triumphs in Kettlercise catapults endurance challenge Clare’s gym business HEALTH and fitness company Speedflex has proved the proof is in the pudding when it comes to preparing for an endurance challenge.

The business entered three teams into Walking with the Wounded’s Cumbrian Challenge and topped the league table for the second year running. Three teams of four employees were entered into the challenge, two to compete for the title, and the third for a more personal challenge.

Speedflex chairman Graham Wylie explained: “We were delighted when the two competitive teams finished in first and second place; it goes to show that Speedflex is a great endurance training tool.

“I was in the third team alongside Speedflex managing director Paul Ferris who had a heart attack in September 2013, so for him it was a great feat that Speedflex training has allowed him to build up the level of fitness and endurance to be able to complete the course – and we still managed to finish in the top half of the leader board.”

The Cumbrian Challenge is held in Grasmere every year and is organised by charity Walking With The Wounded. The challenge itself involves a 20k hike up into the moun-

Speedflex chairman Graham Wylie, managing director Paul Ferris, operations manager Joanne Lee and marketing assistant Vikki Wilkinson. tains in the Lake District with 1,300m of altitude gain.

The Speedflex teams completed the course in three hours 56 minutes, four hours one minute and seven hours four minutes respectively.

Graham added: “It was great to be involved with the event again this year and taking first and second place shows how the specific training taught and undertaken by Speedflex helped with everyone’s stamina and cardio on the day.”

British Cycling and Sky have marked a successful year in partnership with Barnsley Council, which saw increased levels of participation in cycling from local people. After a year which saw the Tour de France come through the town, the council’s programmes saw hundreds of people get out on their bikes and take up the sport. To recognise the success of the partnership, British Cycling recreation manager Steve Peters presented a framed GB Cycling Team jersey to Barnsley Council. Steve said: “The first Sky Ride Locals saw lots of people take to their bikes and we’re looking to build on that this year.”

Row GX™ trainer is a perfect fit for all types of settings LIFE Fitness has launched the Life Fitness Row GX Trainer, a rowing machine that gives exercisers the feeling of a natural rowing motion for a challenging full-body workout.

As gym owners look for creative ways to provide new programs for their members and incorporate rowers to address the machine’s spike in popularity, the Row GX Trainer offers a wide range of applications, including small group training, and is an effective workout for a multitude of users and experience levels.

President of Life Fitness Chris Clawson said: “The Life Fitness Row GX Trainer is for facilities that want to add a whole-body cardio option for exercisers, enhance small group training or create dynamic high-intensity interval training spaces.

“Its water resistance feature provides the natural feel that Life Fitness products are known for, and its adjustable resistance settings make it accessible for all fitness levels.”

Designed with a state-of-the-art, patented Fluid Technology Resistance system, the Row GX Trainer creates a

smooth and natural motion that challenges the entire body and delivers one of the most effective workouts available.

Its unique design allows each user to feel, hear and see water churn in the tank, creating an engaging rowing experience, and its adjustable resistance design lets the machine adapt to their individual fitness level.

For more information visit www.LifeFitness.com

CLARE Rushby co-owns and runs Rushby Dance and Fitness Centre based in Lincolnshire with her family and now has over 16 members of staff.

She has a dance background in all styles and both Clare and her pupils have won many titles and accolades including dancing at the Royal Albert Hall.

Clare was keen to get into the fitness industry and after researching what courses were available and what would create additional value to her existing business over four years ago, she made the decision to become a Kettlercise instructor.

Clare said: “After attending the initial Kettlercise Instructor Course in 2011 and seeing how the classes perfectly complemented our existing business, I made the decision to progress to becoming a Kettlercise H.Core Advanced Instructor the following year.

“Kettlercise was one of the first fitness styles we brought into the existing business, and we were the very first in the area to run them. Dance and fitness working together under one roof really works. I now run six Kettlercise classes per week, every week with over 100 people attending Kettlercise classes alone week in week out.”

Clare has since progressed through multi-level Kettlebell Training and has gone on to complete both Kettlebell Specialist Levels one and two with Kettlebell Seminars.

She added: “I completely believe in the Kettlercise brand and knew it was the company to go with. My proudest moment to date is being selected to become a Kettlercise Faculty Regional Instructor for the company.

“Kettlercise has completely broadened our clientele and has catapulted the business into a completely different league.”

Group exercise instructor Louie Fecou has created a new class, which is going down a storm with fitness fans in Ayrshire.

Retro-bics is a fun session that takes its inspiration from the golden age of fitness classes. Using classic moves and choreography, including grapevines and box-steps, the class is a fun energetic cardio workout, set to a 70s and 80s soundtrack and suitable for exercisers of all levels.

Louie said: "We are having great success with people flocking to take part in our class. The reason for its success, is the Retro feel of the session. Everyone can do a grapevine and an easy walk, but Retro-bics spices things up with moves such as "Cowboy" and "The Adam Ant!”

Partnership provides a one-stop shop for your maintenance needs GYM Upholstery UK and Service Sport for many years have independently provided a superior service to the UK fitness industry.

The partnership of these two companies seems only a natural progression in this ever expanding market.

Gym Upholstery UK specialises in fitness equipment upholstery manufacture and repair throughout the UK and have been successfully supplying the fitness industry since 2001.

They run a well established company, providing excellent quality fitness equipment upholstery to several manufactures across the UK. Gym Upholstery UK provides a unique Mobile Upholstery Service that is a quick, efficient and cost effective way of keeping your equipment looking good for your customers. Their fully equipped upholstery service vehicles enable them to carry out the work on-site at independent and large chain fitness clubs with minimal disruption and impressive results.

Service Sport have fully trained and employed engineers providing national coverage for your fitness equipment service and repair needs.

Our levels of service are tailored to each customer from one off breakdown and service to all-inclusive service and repair packages. We run a bespoke management system and employ expert staff allowing us to manage your entire fitness equipment estate.

We know that gym equipment correctly serviced and managed will last longer and offers our customers more for their capital investment. We also sell fitness equipment spare parts for when you don’t need an engineer.

ServiceSport have a unique range of Life Fitness re-manufactured cardiovascular equipment, superior to any reconditioned gym equipment. The Classic ReNew CPO (certified preowned) range is made under license with Life Fitness.

Working to their exacting standards, the remanufacturing process has been approved by Life Fitness and carry CE Marking; the products are supplied with a full two year warranty.

Quality is 'as new' and there are up to 40 per cent savings on the equivalent new pieces of equipment.

Visit www.gymupholstery.com or www.servicesport.co.uk

48

SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

New product puts favourite puddings back on the menu

Kath Evans, head of patient experience, maternity, newborn, children and young people, NHS England with Nichola Whitehead and Dinh Tu, social media consultant, Bupa UK.

Nichola’s blog wins award DIETITIAN Nichola Whitehead has scooped an award for her blog, which promotes healthy eating in an accessible way.

Nic’s Nutrition was awarded the Best Individual Health Blog of the Year trophy at the UK Blog Awards after impressing industry experts Dinh Tu, social media consultant at Bupa UK, and Kath Evans, head of patient experience, maternity, newborn, children

and young people at NHS England.

Nichola said: “Winning this award means I will hopefully be able to reach more people who want nutrition advice that they can trust.

“My blog is my passion and hobby and although it takes up a considerable amount of my free time, I love hearing from people letting me know how their lives have changed because of my recipes and tips.”

THE experts at Deluxe Nutrition have created two new flavours of whey protein concentrate to provide customers with the taste of their favourite desserts – without the guilt.

The company has launched Rhubarb and Custard and Lemon Cheesecake flavours, with each 30g serving providing 23g of protein, and has enlisted the help of ambassador Kim Wallis to devise ways to use the powder to create versions of the desserts they are named after.

Matt Hickman, who runs Deluxe Nutrition with partner Nikki Edwards, said: “Whey protein concentrate benefits muscle growth, maintenance and repair and our supplements are designed to get into your system quickly.

“But we know that the way a product tastes is just as important as what it does. That’s why we picked rhubarb and custard and lemon cheesecake

Matt Hickman and Nikki Edwards. for our flavours.

“They are puddings we love – and just because someone wants to manage their diet does not mean they should be deprived of life’s little joys.”

Olympic boxing champion Anthony Joshua has become an ambassador for O.R.S Hydration Tablets. Anthony (pictured left) has been using O.R.S Hydration Tablets for the last few months at the recommendation of his coach, Tony Simms. CEO of manufacturers Clinova, Charles Ebubedike said: “We are really excited and proud that O.R.S Hydration Tablets are now the official hydration partner for such a big name in UK boxing.”

Pulsin’ has won Best New Food Product for its Mint Choc Chip bar at the NOPE Show in London, building on a successful period for the company, which has made over 2.8m protein bars since 2007. The Pulsin’ version of the protein bar has been proving popular with customers, both with recovery post exercise and as a general healthy snack. Commercial director Simon Ashburner said: “Our protein bars are a hybrid of three different types of bar. They are high in protein as befits a protein bar, tasty like a confectionery bar and suitable for special dietary requirements such as a snack bar you might find in the free from section (aka super healthy section) of a health food store.”

USN introduces a new product to its range

Snacks made from prime beef STRIPT steak snacks are made from 100 per cent prime Irish beef, which is marinated in natural herbs and spices and then air-dried and sliced.

Our paleo-friendly snacks are high in protein, low in fat and gluten-free.

We don't add sugar or preservatives, and our top quality grass-fed beef is packed with iron, zinc and B vitamins.

Portable and perfect for long gym sessions, events and outdoor adventures, we've made it easy to buy wholesale online via our store

www.striptsnacks.com/pages/wholesale.

Delivery is included in the price and free taster packs will also be included to help drive sales.

Stript snacks are currently available in 25g portion sizes (50g coming soon) and in two delicious flavours, Red Chilli and Cracked Black Pepper.

For information on buying or stocking Stript snacks, contact Niall Mahon at niall@striptsnacks.com or call 00353833155294.

WITH summer approaching USN, the market leaders in sports nutrition supplementation is introducing a great new products to their Body Makeover Series.

For all of those wanting to look good and feel great they bring to you the new Collagen & CLA drink.

With collagen being one of the most plentiful protein in our bodies and part of the connective tissue for bones, muscles, blood cells, cartilage, arteries and organs, it makes sense to supplement this.

Collagen comprises long chain proteins, and when you consume collagen, your digestive system breaks down the proteins into amino acids.

The amino acids are then absorbed and used to aid collagen production throughout the body and help repair the body from within.

Collagen supplements are a particularly rich source of the amino acid glycine, which supports metabolic functions and detoxification.

USN’s Collagen & CLA contains

Peptan™ which is a branded prime hydrolysed collagen source.

Along with this there is the added benefit of it also containing Tonalin™ CLA which is also known to assist in the metabolism of stored body fat. So with a healthy diet and exercise regime provides a welcome support.

USN’s Collagen & CLA drink is available in tangerine orange flavour at usn.co.uk

51

The Elephant in the room

By Mark Laws, Jordan Fitness Definition: “a metaphorical idiom for an obvious truth that is either being ignored or going unaddressed. The idiomatic expression also applies to an obvious problem or risk no one wants to discuss”.

IT IS a very English trait to be polite and attempt to not rock the boat too much. For this reason it is often said that you should not talk about two potentially sensitive subjects at a dinner party...religion and politics.

There is very good reason for this.

These two topics are almost certain to divide opinions and discussions between large groups will rarely end harmoniously.

Now there is a third subject we might need to avoid at all costs...fitness!

Why would someone who writes and talks about fitness for a living be saying that we might need to stop talking about fitness?

Well let's look at why we shouldn't talk about religion and/or politics first. They both have several similarities...

Both have hundreds, if not thousands, of different ideologies.

Both have a small number of extremists that take things too far.

Both have a large number of groups,

all with very different opinions, each of which thinks that their specific thoughts are correct – and all opposing groups are therefore wrong.

Both have a large number of groups, all with very different opinions, each of which thinks that their specific thoughts are best suited to every single person.

Starting to ring any bells? Well for me this is starting to ring alarm bells, because this sounds all too familiar for the majority of behaviour within the fitness industry.

Here are a few news flashes – if you are of a nervous disposition then you may need to sit down before reading any further.

JUST BECAUSE YOU ENJOY/SPECIALISE IN A CERTAIN ASPECT OF FITNESS IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT EVERYONE SHOULD DO IT. JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE GOT RESULTS ONE WAY DOESN’T MEAN THAT METHOD SUITS EVERYONE. JUST BECAUSE PEOPLE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY TO YOU IT DOESNT MEAN EITHER OF YOU ARE WRONG! Sorry for shouting, but I really needed to get that off my chest.

I love the fitness industry. It really is the greatest industry we could ever wish to work in. But it's becoming so confusing for members of the public and even for most trainers to know

Mark Laws what they should be listening to.

CrossFit. Body Pump. Insanity.

Zumba. Kettlebells. Olympic Lifting.

Bodybuilding. Step aerobics.

Spinning. HIIT. Metafit...the list goes on, and on, and on. Each of them are fantastic in their own way because they get people moving.

But each of them are guilty of having their own group of preachers who tell anyone who will listen that their method is the best, all of the others are wrong and every single person should train their way.

(I should point out that this doesn't come from the organisations themselves, but seems to be the view of a growing number of trainers on social media sites).

Well I have a simple solution to this growing problem - every single person should do whatever it is that makes them happy!!!

As long as it is safe and you enjoy it then why should it matter what other people think?

If someone partakes in step aerobics because they think it will help their chances of being selected for the England Rugby team then maybe you could diplomatically point out where their programme may be able to improve....but if they enjoy it then who cares?

There is not a 'one size fits all' approach that ever has, or ever will work within the fitness industry.

There are so many variables that to find such an approach would be impossible. It would make me a very happy man if we could all just let people get on with whatever makes them happy.

After all, if you are standing in a field of manure complaining about the smell – MOVE! If you have any questions or require any information on Jordan Fitness courses then please email mark.laws@jordanfitness.co.uk.

If you’ve got a story for a forthcoming issue of Workout email it to editor Christina Eccles at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk AUDIO / VISUAL

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