Workout May 2013

May 2013

The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine

New test could transform gym programmes

By Christina Eccles A DNA test which determines how individuals will respond to aerobic fitness training could shake up the way gyms deliver exercise programmes to members.

XRPredict+ from XRGenomics has been developed by Loughborough University professor Jamie Timmons and his team and shows individuals how they score in terms of their ability to improve aerobic capacity – and how to better tailor their exercise regimes to maximise their results.

The test involves filling out a short questionnaire and taking a DNA swab from inside the cheek. This is then sent back to the lab, the sample analysed and a score determined.

Individuals are classed as falling into specific categories. Low responders, who struggle to improve their aerobic fitness; low to moderate responders; moderate to high responders and high responders, who find it relatively easy to increase aerobic capacity.

A personalised report is then produced, which provides scientifically based advice on how the individual can tailor their exercise regimes and expectations based on this knowledge.

Professor Timmons said: “One of the

major benefits we see in individuals who tailor their exercise regime based on this scientific knowledge, is in their motivation levels. If they stop setting goals that are unachievable and focus on the areas where they are most likely to see results, then they are, of course, much more likely to stick with the programme.”

Currently the test is available for individuals to buy online but the team are in talks with industry professionals about how it could be used by gyms and personal trainers to help them get a clearer idea of their clients’ needs and to help them achieve their goals.

The concept can also be expanded so participants can update their progress online, helping them to see how far they have come and also potentially increasing member motivation levels and retention for the club or PT. He added: “The test suggests different types of exercise options and clients can work with personal trainers and gym owners to take that advice and implement it in a practical way. It’s a nice tool for trainers.

“This kind of personalised approach to health, fitness and exercise is certainly what I want to see more of in the future, and the XRPredict+ service is an important part of that.”

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Members urged to get kit on for charity

Organisers of the BodyPower Expo are gearing up for this year’s show – which promises to be bigger and better than ever. Over 40,000 visitors are expected to flock to the NEC for the event, taking place on May 17-19. Highlights will include Independent Operators Unite – a series of seminars designed to help independent gym owners improve their businesses – and B-FIT, where famous faces including England International rugby star James Haskell (pictured) will be showcasing some of the hottest classes to hit the industry.

GYM members have been urged to ‘get their kit on’ for charity with the launch of a new fundraising event.

Fit in Kit, which will take place in June, involves participants working out in their work wear, uniforms or team kit, with operators able to get involved by holding individual or team fitness challenges in their facilities.

Money raised will be donated to Hounds for Heroes – a charity which provides specially trained assistance dogs for injured and disabled members of the armed forces and emergency services. The concept is the brainchild of Garry Botterill, a serving Police Sergeant for Sussex Police, Hounds For Heroes board member and successful marathon runner.

It was officially launched at this year’s Crufts where Garry joined other representatives from Hounds for Heroes – including founder Allen Parton – to showcase Fit in Kit to visitors at the show.

Clubs interested in getting involved can also visit the Fit in Kit website to find out more information and gain ideas on how their gym can play a part in the event.

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Christina is appointed new editor WORKOUT magazine has appointed a new editor, Christina Eccles.

Christina, who was previously the title’s chief reporter, takes on the role at an exciting time for the magazine, as Workout approaches its 20th anniversary and gears up for the fourth National Fitness Awards, taking place in Manchester on December 6.

Christina said: “I’m really pleased to become the editor of Workout.

“Since its launch almost 20 years ago, the magazine has always strived to bring our readers the most up to date content from all corners of the fitness industry and this is something which will continue as we approach this important milestone.

“As well as delivering the regular content our readers have come to expect from each issue of the magazine, I'm also looking forward to introducing a few changes, including some new features, which will be appearing over the coming months.

“Look out for a monthly industry spotlight starting next issue, which will focus in depth on one successful gym, its history, achievements and future plans, as well as a dedicated letters and social media page where we'll hear what our readers and online followers have to say on a range of issues.

“I'll also be taking on a monthly fitness challenge, where each issue I'll be trying out a different class or workout and reporting back about how I got on – so if you have any ideas of something I can try out,

The Palace Hotel in Manchester is the venue for this year’s ceremony.

Excitement builds for awards EXCITEMENT is building for the 2013 National Fitness Awards, which take place at The Palace Hotel in Manchester on Friday December 6.

Organised by Script Events in partnership with Workout magazine, the awards recognise excellence and achievement throughout the fitness industry, with categories up for grabs which reward gyms of every shape and size, as well as their staff and members.

The awards are free to enter and nominations can be made via the

Christina Eccles please get in touch.

“It's always great to hear from our readers, so if you've got a story for us, would like to invite us to visit your club or want to voice an opinion on something you've read in the magazine, let us know. Email me at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk , send a Tweet to @WorkOutUK or contact us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ workoutmagazine. I'll look forward to hearing from you.”

www.workout-uk.co.uk

dedicated NFA website www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk Once nominations have closed later in the year, the Workout team will hit the road to visit all of the shortlisted clubs, compiling a detailed report, which will then be passed on to an expert judging panel to decide the winners.

Trophies will then be handed out at a spectacular awards ceremony in December, hosted by TV presenter, former Gladiator and fitness expert Caroline Pearce.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Increased priority for exercise could lead to £7b of savings OVER £7b could be saved if everyone in the UK took the government’s recommended daily amount of exercise, research has revealed.

The 12 Minutes More... report by leading healthcare charity Nuffield Health and the London School of Economics claims 70 per cent of adults do not meet the target of 150 minutes of exercise a week.

But, according to the research, by everyone doing just 12 minutes more each day, the UK could save £7b in costs of associated NHS treatments, welfare and loss of earnings.

The report uses data from the annual Health Survey for England and suggests that by moving more, people can lower their cholesterol and risk of high blood pressure, cut the risk of lifestyle related diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while controlling their weight.

Nuffield Health is now calling for every person in the UK to do an extra 12 minutes a day of physical activity

to reach the recommended levels and benefit from improved health and fitness, while helping to boost productivity.

Nuffield Health CEO David Mobbs said: “The health benefits from increased physical activity have long been known, but this research also shows that exercise is a cheap policy option compared with continuing to treat the ill health which results from physical inactivity.

“It doesn’t require expensive structural changes to the public sector or government legislation. We don’t need to nag people into doing activities they hate.

“We simply need a more exercise friendly environment and for each of us to think differently about how to be more active every day.

“We are calling on everyone who cares about the health and wealth of the UK population to join us in coming up with ways we can all move 12 minutes more…”

Zumba launches initiative Model and reality star Amy Childs has launched a new fitness DVD, designed to help women get fit in just 30 days. Amy and her personal trainer, Drew Rush, have created their own system of 100 moves broken down into rounds of 40, 30, 20 and 10 reps to help users tone up and get in shape quickly. The five separate programmes consist of fast paced workouts that target multiple muscle groups and get the heart racing. Programmes can be played consecutively for a long workout or individually for a quick fitness session.

Escape unveils new Dynamax website ESCAPE Fitness has launched a new website dedicated solely to Dynamax Medicine Balls. As the official UK distributor for Dynamax, the website will provide information about why

Dynamax Balls have become the choice for professional sports strength and conditioning coaches around the world and why they are official choice for the Cross-Fit games.

ZUMBA Fitness has launched a new initiative – The Great Calorie Drive – to encourage fitness fans to fight against hunger around the world.

With the motto ‘Don’t just burn calories, donate them’, the campaign is encouraging participants to dance away calories in Zumba classes worldwide, with Zumba donating the equivalent of the average amount of calories burned per class to the United Nations World Food Programme.

During the three-month campaign, Zumba Fitness is challenging

the world to donate 2.6b calories, which will equate to 3.5m meals toward hunger relief efforts.

To get involved Zumba fans need to firstly download the Zumba Fitness Mobile App. They then check into the nearest Zumba class and take part, with the calories automatically donated to WFP by Zumba Fitness.

Enthusiasts will also be able to help by purchasing a limited edition line of Zumba apparel and accessories, with 30 per cent of the sale price also donated to the cause.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Scientist becomes face of group exercise class based on his research

THE Japanese scientist behind a new fitness concept has become the face of a group exercise class based on his research.

A joint venture between global distribution company Universal Pictures International Entertainment and fitness programme producers, Big Shot Productions, Tabata is now a licensed exercise system based on professor Izumi Tabata’s findings, which has recently been launched in the UK. On a recent visit here, Professor Tabata told Workout more about the benefits of exercising using this method and why gyms should consider including Tabata on their timetables.

Where did the concept of Tabata come from?

I developed the Tabata system when working as an advisor to the Japanese Olympic speed skating team. The head coach Irisawa Koichi asked me to analyse the effectiveness of this training regime that involved a rotation of short bursts of maximum effort followed by short periods of rest.

What are the benefits of working out this way?

The tests I have carried out using the Tabata system increased VO2 max – the gold standard test for fitness – by 13 per cent in six weeks.

In contrast a trial using 30 second bursts of intensity, with two minute rest periods was not as effective even though the exercise was more intense and longer lasting. My latest research shows that if this method is followed correctly, using the authentic Tabata Protocol, the body will continue to

Professor Izumi Tabata consume more calories for up to 12 hours after the exercise class.

These are additional calories to those consumed by the body at rest – so over and above the so-called RMB or Resting Metabolic Rate.

Are you excited to be launching the concept in the UK? I am very excited to be supporting the launch in the UK. This is an authentic Tabata method, based faithfully on the correct principles of my results.

Where would you like to see the classes rolled out?

The beauty of Tabata is that it can be rolled out anywhere. As long as instructors and personal trainers have been through our official Tabata instructor training programme it can be done efficiently, effectively and safely though any outlet.

Why do you think Tabata will be a good fit for gyms?

Tabata is a fantastic fit for gyms because it is clinically proven to get

results. I am the only scientist to back an official workout system meaning I am happy to guarantee its credibility.

The classes are taught, not demoed, which reduces instructor burn out and as they are so short (20 minutes in total) it will free up more studio time. The protocol is also ideal for group personal training, which not only boosts the morale of the participants, but will also be more profitable for the gyms themselves.

Finally we also have exclusive Tabata music by well known artists so no PPL fees will be passed onto the gym.

What do you think will make the class stand out from others on a group exercise timetable?

Our team have been working hard to adapt my method and make it appealing to gym members. HIIT workouts can be high on effort but low on excitement. We decided to bring some enjoyment to the world of practical exercise – whilst staying true to my scientific methodology of Tabata.

The programme presents unique choreography for trainers and gym operators to take back to their clients.

Tabata represents a series of routines that include dynamic new bodyweight moves, paired with flowing movement patterns which take inspiration from mixed martial arts, capoeira and t’ai chi.

Any plans for the future – where do you hope to take the idea?

We hope the official Tabata classes will be rolled out through gym chains nationally by the end of the year, followed by the DVD launch next year.

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Apprentice scheme to give people a head start EVERYONE Active has partnered with the Institute of Swimming to develop a new apprenticeship scheme, designed to give 16-24 year olds a head start in the industry.

The leisure operator, which runs over 80 centres across England, identified a shortage of qualified swim teachers, who are not catered for within its wider apprenticeship scheme. To address this issue, the new scheme has been created to improve the skills deficit, nurture young talent joining the industry and actively support its recruitment needs.

The scheme is currently being piloted at Everyone Active centres run on behalf of Bristol City Council and Plymouth City Council, including the Plymouth Life Centre, home of one of the country’s best swimming and diving facilities and where Tom Daley trains.

Apprentices who complete the 12 month programme are qualified as Level two swimming teachers, with opportunities to continue working within Everyone Active.

Group training manager Harvey Gosling said: “As the biggest provider of swimming lessons in the country it’s crucial that we are able to maintain a high quality of swimming instruction.

“We are very confident this scheme with the IOS will benefit the swim teacher recruitment process and bring even more employment opportunities for young people across our council partner areas.”

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Firm offers pay as you go training

By Christina Eccles

Colin Jackson with staff from Gosport Leisure Centre.

Colin celebrates centre launch ATHLETE Colin Jackson joined local councillors and residents to celebrate the launch of a new £7.8m leisure centre.

Colin took a tour of the facilities on offer at Gosport Leisure Centre, as well as taking time out to speak about the importance of an active lifestyle.

The new centre is expected to have over 500,000 users within a year, in contrast to the old centre’s 150,000.

Facilities include a 25m swimming pool and smaller learner pool, sauna and steam room, health and fitness

studio, dance studio and a sports hall.

Outside facilities include eight five a-side football pitch, one seven a-side synthetic football pitch and two grass mini-soccer pitches.

General manager Stuart Urquhart said: “My team is really enjoying welcoming a wide range of people from the area into our brand new facility.

We love spreading the word about all of the fitness benefits that come with an active lifestyle and we are confident that this year our customer base will continue to grow and grow.”

A BOUTIQUE fitness company has identified a trend for pay as you go personal training as fitness fans become more savvy about how they spend their money.

Personal training and group fitness provider, Moose X-Training, offers pre-paid training credits, meaning clients only pay for the sessions they use.

And according to founder and partner, Manya Klempner, clients appreciate the flexibility of a no contract training option.

She said: “Our clients are busy professionals or parents who want to get the most out of their workouts during the time they have, and enjoy the motivation and accountability a personal trainer provides. Having a trainer turn up rain or shine at their house or nearby park means that they quickly run out of excuses not to fit in a workout. The goal is for our clients to maintain a fitness regime over time,

and sometimes they need the extra motivation and variety that a gym membership can’t provide.

“They also appreciate the fact that they’re only paying for the sessions they use. Sessions are prepaid, which keeps it simple, much like a prepaid phone card or a prepaid Starbucks card, so they’re not spending on a membership to a gym they never turn up to.”

Manya added that consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about fitness and what they can achieve through regular exercise – but they also want to be in control of how and when they spend their cash.

She added: “When people stop to think about the money they spend on other things, like food and fashion, and also about the value of being fit and healthy, personal training seems well worth the money.

“Once people have used a personal trainer, they hardly ever go back to wasting time and money on unutilised gym memberships.”

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Exciting times ahead for studio

By Christina Eccles A LONDON studio owned by celebrity personal trainers Sian Toal and Jay Benedetti is going from strength to strength, with the pair gearing up for an exciting few months ahead.

The couple run On Point Training in Shoreditch where they train a mix of clients, ranging from busy city workers to celebrities including interior designer and new star of Dragons’ Den Kelly Hoppen.

Sian and Jay took over the premises at the beginning of the year and have been working hard to build up the business – specialising in body transformations and working with clients who are time poor but still want to get results.

Jay said: “We launched On Point as a duo. We were both freelance personal trainers but wanted to create a service which specialised in body transformations.

“We had been working here for about a year when the opportunity came to buy it out. A few clients invested some money in us and we got started.”

As the studio was already up and running when the pair took over, they didn’t want to disappoint existing clients by closing to undertake refurbishment work. Instead they stayed open and utilised help from family and friends to get things done, launching on February 1.

Jay added: “We had some help to turn it around and we’ve created a place people prefer, so our clients are

Celebrity trainers Jay and Sian at a competition and the studio they opened at the beginning of the year. also happier.”

Both Jay and Sian also compete themselves and have recently returned from the WBFF championships in Denmark where Sian won the bikini class, earning her pro card, and Jay came second in the bodybuilding division.

Entering competitions makes them well placed to advise clients on how to transform their bodies and their success has also been inspiring the people they train, who see what can be achieved with hard work.

Jay added: “We are unique being a couple that compete but it means we

are able to support each other – and set a good example to clients.”

To expand the brand further, the couple are preparing to launch fitness retreats abroad and in the UK, where clients can go to get away from it all and focus on improving their lifestyles, with constant support throughout the trip from Jay and Sian.

Sian added: “People like the idea of a fresh start and getting away from their day to day routine, and being away from the city can be a pivotal part of doing that.”

Sian has also been helping client Kelly Hoppen with her nutrition and

training while she films the new series of TV’s Dragons’ Den – making sure she looks and feels her best while on screen.

She will also be appearing at the upcoming BodyPower Expo and her and Jay are gearing up for the WBFF World Championships in Las Vegas later in the year.

She added: “It’s all happened so quickly. Since January we have moved house, started the business and been prepping for competitions. But it’s still important for us to come to work with a smile on our face and inspire people.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Instructor – client relationship vital for motivation, research finds

By Christina Eccles THE relationship between a fitness instructor and their clients is crucial in motivating people to keep up their exercise regime, research from Northumbria University has revealed.

Researchers asked 100 people at a military-style boot camp and another 130 at a Zumba class to fill out a questionnaire both from their own perspective and through the eyes of their instructor to understand the importance of the relationship between the person taking the class and the instructor.

They found that encouraging feedback from instructors and a sense of “felt commitment” played a key role in keeping people motivated.

Many also reported that the social aspects of working out in a group and feeling competent at exercise were key motivational factors.

The research was carried out by Northumbria academics Dr Paul Davis and Dr Louise Davis with sport development students Gavin Baxter

and Amy Richardson.

Dr Paul Davis said: “Across the two groups we found that instructors who gave the most encouragement and advice on technique were more closely associated with people feeling motivated.

“Conversely, criticism was perceived to be de-motivating feedback.

“Those people who felt they had a good quality relationship with their instructor were also more likely to be doing exercise for social reasons because they enjoyed it and felt they were competent at it.

“Getting fit can be a challenge for many but if you feel your instructor is committed and is on your side, you are far more likely to continue to exercise.

“It's easy to make excuses and let yourself down, but it's tougher to let down your instructor if you really feel they are on your team.”

What do you think to the findings?

Send your comments to our editorial team at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or Tweet us @WorkOutUK.

A Sheffield teenager who lost nearly half his body weight in two years is using his own slimming success to help get others in shape. Since training at Concord Sports Centre, Alan Apolakiatis has dropped from 18st 2lb to just over 11st. After recently completing a level two fitness instructing course he is now saving up to pay for another course in personal training, with the hope of eventually securing a job in the fitness industry.

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Ladies’ only operator Ladyzone has re-branded its flagship Altrincham club to better reflect the different services it can now offer members. Workout caught up with founder Jamie Cartwright who explained more about the changes and revealed why 2013 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the company.

Club re-branded as operator plans to add to its portfolio Why did you decide to re-brand the club?

The gym itself will remain as Ladyzone, but along with our other offerings – LoveLipo and xtravaganza – it will fall under the umbrella of The Wellness Space.

Ladyzone started in 2006, when the first club opened in Sheffield. Six months later a second site in Sheffield was launched, followed by an opening in Orpington and the franchising of a number of sites across the country. January 2011 marked a key turning point, when a new site was opened in Altrincham, Cheshire, along with the relocation and expansion of the head office team.

In February 2012, we took over an existing gym in Chester, bringing the head office owned gym portfolio to five. In April 2012, we created the LoveLipo brand and opened the first ultrasonic lipo suite at the club in Altrincham. Over the next six months we rolled it out across all our other clubs and in January 2013, we opened a suite in Wilmslow, this time within an energie health club.

In October last year, we took on a franchise for xtravaganaza, running it from the site in Altrincham.

So in Altrincham, the building hous-

es three different wellness businesses – as well as a beauty room that is rented from us but under our own brand, Beautyzone – and we decided it was time to create an ‘umbrella’ brand that encompasses everything we do.

Having different offerings under one brand allows us to introduce new clients to all areas of the business.

For example, our LoveLipo clients receive free usage of the gym for the duration of their treatments, and many of them then go on to pay a membership. So all the Wellness Space offerings complement each other and we are able to cross sell.

From day one, Ladyzone has been proud to be an ethical company with ‘proper health and fitness’ at the heart of everything it does. This has not changed.

Over a year of research went into finding the right ultrasonic lipo offering, and many months of hard work went into introducing xtravaganza.

How will the club differ from the other Ladyzone sites – do you eventually hope to re-brand all of them?

Although LoveLipo and xtravaganza appeal mainly to women, we do also

and this will happen throughout the remainder of this year.

Jamie Cartwright open up these services to men.

We are lucky in Altrincham that we occupy a large building on two levels, so the businesses can be kept separate.

Some of our other sites, however, require access via the gym and it is obviously not ideal to have male presence in a ladies only environment.

Therefore, we will be re-branding the sites where it is feasible to do so,

Why is it important to you to offer other services as well as the gym?

Operators face many challenges in today’s fitness industry.

Budget offerings and council operated sites will always compete on a price level, and there is the wider issue of the economy.

Because of Ladyzone’s specialist offering, and because we continue to market heavily, we are lucky that we haven’t yet been stung too badly by any of these factors.

However, as a young and ambitious company, we recognise the future lies not only with ladies only gyms, but in offering a variety of services in the wellness field.

Any other plans for this year?

We are currently sourcing additional sites in the North West to expand our LoveLipo offering, within existing fitness facilities. We will also be concentrating on finding additional wellness offerings to add to our portfolio, and as always, making sure our gym members and service users get results and are happy with their experiences.

SIBEC UK marks 10th anniversary with return to The Belfry SIBEC UK will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, with the event returning to The Belfry resort on May 21 to 22.

More than 50 leisure trusts, univer-

sities and local authorities have already confirmed attendance, as well as key suppliers such as Johnson Health Tech UK and MyZone.

Event director David Zarb Jenkins

said: “Spaces are filling fast but there is still room for some last minute additions. Year on year we are expecting growth in terms of attendance numbers.

“This suggests that, despite challenging economic times, the leisure sector is keen to discuss collaborative opportunities and to develop new working relationships.”

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UK FITNESS SCENE With the aim of providing accessible, affordable fitness, low cost operator Pure Gym has shaken up the market – and business is booming. Christina Eccles met with COO Jacques de Bruin who revealed the key reasons why the concept has been so successful, important lessons learned from the mid-market and why members should always be seen as a club’s biggest asset.

Pure Gym plans to open another 30 sites in the next year.

Budget operator wants to offer a ‘wow’ experience OVER the last few years, budget operators have revolutionised the fitness industry, with Pure Gym at the forefront of the action.

Situated in prime locations around the country, each of the brand’s clubs offers premium standard equipment, the latest developments in technology – key features include online joining and a popular SmartPhone app – plus the convenience of 24 hour opening hours. All at an affordable price.

With monthly membership costing £25.99 in London and £18.99 everywhere else in the country, Pure Gym’s low cost concept has removed the financial and time barriers which traditionally put people off going to the gym and presented consumers with more choice than ever before – as well as forcing other operators to sit up and think about their own offerings.

Jacques explained: “It’s a simple concept, but we do the basics exceptionally well.

“Our goal is to make sure people walk in and have the ‘wow’ experience. We want them to think they are getting exceptional value.

“This comes from things like cleanliness and brand standard – everything is designed to create a sense of belonging.”

For Jacques, this sense of belonging is down to the ‘culture’ of the company and it’s vital both staff and members feel valued.

Pure Gym COO Jacques de Bruin As part of this concept, the Pure Gym business model is shaped like an inverted pyramid, with shareholders at the bottom and members firmly placed at the top.

Sandwiched inbetween are the gym managers and support office workers and all staff are encouraged to submit ideas and get involved in decision making, giving them a sense of ownership and belonging over their workplace.

Jacques added: “We have a support office, not a head office and here we support the gyms, who in turn support the members.

“We always look for opportunities to impress and improve. There are so many competitors in the market – how can we get people to walk past another operator to come to us? The only way is to increase the value of our product.

“About 80 per cent of new members come from referrals. Take care of your members and they will take care of you.”

With 45 Pure Gym clubs already well established, the company’s focus is now firmly on expansion and plans are in place to open another 30 sites in the next year.

But Jacques – who has over 15 years’ fitness industry experience – told Workout although future growth is important, looking after existing sites and current members must not be forgotten.

He added: “When things are going well, don’t cut corners – make sure your existing business is still healthy.

If you stop dealing with things like maintenance and cleanliness, you will start to run into problems.

“Even when people leave us, we want them to be a promoter of the business so we have to make sure they have had a good experience all the way through.”

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Top business accolade for organisation

By Christina Eccles

Numbers on The Training Room courses have risen by almost 50 per cent.

PT course numbers increase THE Training Room personal trainer academy has seen an increase of nearly 50 per cent in participants attending its courses in the first quarter of 2013, compared to the same period in 2012.

Figures show 303 trainees signed up in January, 301 in February and 167 in March, with enquiries increasing for both the company’s Fast Track full time six-week course and blended part time six-month programme.

Head of training Lucy Jackson said: “We are delighted to have had such a strong start to 2013 and there seems to be no sign of it slowing down with weekly enquiries at an all-time high.

“We don’t know for sure what is driv-

ing this increase in numbers but I suspect it’s a combination of the legacy of London 2012 promoting the appeal of active lifestyles coupled with our own promotion of personal training as a viable and desirable career option.

“Consumer research that we commissioned late last year showed that personal trainers enjoy their work and have far less stress in their career than office workers and working in the fitness industry was considered desirable. Our first quarter figures indicate that people are not only thinking that the fitness industry is a good place to carve out a career, they are acting on this, signing up and getting qualified.”

CHARITABLE organisation Impulse Leisure has won an award in recognition for its work within the local community.

The community charity award was presented as part of the Thurrock Business Awards, with the company commended for schemes including a group exercise programme for Stroke survivors via the Thurrock Stroke Network and a project with Thurrock Youth Offending Team.

This provides access to facilities for young offenders and their probation officer.

Impulse Leisure chief executive Mike Baden said: “The Youth Offending Team are provided with heavily subsidised memberships and follow a structured exercise programme.

“The idea is to get the young person interested in a hobby, focusing on something positive whilst letting off steam.

“The scheme has been running for more than 10 years and is just one example of how we’re wholly committed to the areas we serve. Our mission is to create active and healthy communities that are inclusive and accessible to all, without stigma and inequity. We work so hard and we’re thrilled our efforts have been recognised by the Thurrock Business Awards.”

The company runs six leisure centres and a stand alone swimming pool, as well as an 18-hole golf course and a civic hall entertainment venue.

Mike added: “We are a true social enterprise that responds to our community’s needs.

“As a bona fide charity, we are unique in being able to access funding to continually improve our services, and any surpluses made must be reinvested.

“This ultimately means our services are sustainable and intrinsically linked to community involvement and participation.”

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Richard’s motto encourages clients to improve their health and wellbeing

By Christina Eccles ‘HEALTH first, fitness follows’ is the motto of Richard Wood, who is aiming to create the best known personal training business in Barnsley.

Richard owns town centre studio Inner Unit, where he offers one to one personal training, as well as group fitness sessions, such as a ladies only bootcamp and the more advanced spartan classes where the focus is on performance enhancement and athletic conditioning. His philosophy is based on encouraging clients to improve their overall health and wellbeing – believing if they do that, their fitness levels will also increase.

As part of this concept, when someone new comes to the studio, they benefit from a comprehensive assessment including full postural analysis and an in depth health consultation before they start on the workouts.

Richard believes he’s the most expensive personal trainer in the town – charging £40 an hour for PT sessions – as well as the only one who offers a 100 per cent money back guarantee if a client fails to lose a dress size in four weeks. But he told Workout, he is confident in the product he can deliver and his ability to get results – and has never had anyone leave because of the price.

The Inner Unit studio where Richard Wood trains his clients and runs group fitness sessions.

He said: “We want to address the health issues first and create a good foundation to build on. When people come on board, health and lifestyle are the first things we look at and from there we tailor our programmes to meet the client’s needs.

“We are a results based company.

Our programmes aren’t extreme but there are a set of protocols to follow. If you deviate from them, you deviate from the results.”

Richard is also passionate about charity work and giving something back to the community and is cur-

rently organising a fundraising fitness challenge where proceeds will be donated to a local cause.

He added: “I think you have got to do these kind of things – it gives an indication that the brand isn’t cold and that there are personalities behind it. I have built the brand on strong ethics and I’m working hard to install these ethics into my trainers.

At the end of the day, not everybody can afford to come here but that doesn’t mean they are out of our reach. I don’t want the brand to be perceived like that as it’s not exclu-

sively for the wealthy. We charge the prices we do because of the investment we put in.”

His long term aim is to open another studio but for now he is focusing on building the brand up in the town.

He added:“I felt Barnsley needed something like this where personal trainers are based in their own studio rather than a gym. My immediate goal is to be the most recognised personal training brand in Barnsley – when people think of personal trainers, I want them to automatically think Inner Unit.”

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Village’s successful start put down to its class timetable

By Christina Eccles A STRONG class timetable, which includes popular indoor cycling sessions, has helped a gym in Stockport to attract over 2,000 members within just five months of opening.

Stockport Sports Village offers different levels of membership where people can pay for use of the gym only, classes only or a combination.

The class only option has really taken off, with the club holding about 60 sessions a week across its three studios. Consistently popular with members is indoor cycling, which takes place in a dedicated studio using the latest Life Fitness Lifecycle GX group exercise bikes.

Malcolm McPhail, managing director of Life Leisure, the trust which operates the centre explained: “Because we offer a separate studio membership, it’s important our group exercise programme stands up alongside the gym programme.

“We had to make the studio a product that could be sold in its own right, so needed all the highest level of equipment and finish. We also had to get the best bikes on the market.”

Malcolm also told Workout that in the past he had noticed a divide between indoor cyclists and those who choose to cycle outside.

The indoor cycling studio which uses the latest Life Fitness Lifecycle GX group exercise bikes.

But he added that in recent years as kit gets more sophisticated and the experience improves, classes are attracting outdoor cyclists who now see it as a useful part of their training.

He added: “We’ve noticed people want the classes to be more realistic and to feel like they are on an actual bike.

We had a focus group to try a number of bikes and they all came back and said that not only do the Life Fitness bikes look fantastic, they are

also the smoothest and most reactive.

“Now we are finding more cyclists will sign up to do these classes. We are convincing them that it is an effective form of training.”

A strong class timetable has many benefits for the club as it enables them to tap into a market who may not enjoy working out in the gym, while also freeing up space on the gym floor in peak times for those who do – meaning everyone feels like they are getting the best value for money.

And with several other gyms within a 10-minute drive time, including a budget club, its varied offering is helping Stockport Sports Village stand out from the crowd.

Malcolm added: “It’s a great competitive tool to have. The budget clubs are selling the gym but we can sell the gym and group exercise.”

Future plans for the club include utilising its vast outdoor space to hold more classes outside during the summer.

BODYPOWER PREVIEW

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Stamina test in new zone

Organisers of the BodyPower Expo are gearing up for their fifth event, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from May 17-19. Here Workout takes a look at how the show has grown over the years – and previews what to watch out for this year.

FITNESS fans will be able to test their stamina at BodyPower Expo’s new Endurance City zone.

Shaping up to be an exciting area of interactive challenges, Endurance City is accessible to all levels of athletes wanting to test out their endurance capabilities among a crowd of fitness enthusiasts.

Within Endurance City, total body workout machine specialist Versaclimber UK will be running a zone, offering visitors the chance to Climb Nelson’s Column or take on the dizzy heights of the Eiffel Tower for a place on the allimportant leader board.

Endurance City is also set to host an indoor Biathlon which involves a 2.5k run and a 10k cycle.

England star to run class CLASSES have been announced for B-FIT, a fitness focused show which takes place alongside BodyPower.

Over the weekend, a host of high profile fitness instructors will be on hand to put visitors through their paces, with a variety of group exercise classes, training workshops and seminars suitable for both fitness professionals and enthusiasts.

Highlights will include England International rugby star James Haskell’s Body Fire workshop, performance nutritionist Ben Coomber and nutrition coach Lucy Doyle’s workshop focusing on ‘the naked truth about bodybuilding’ and Nicola Jane Hobbs’ Mindmuscle Yoga sessions.

Sessions for gym owners INDEPENDENT Operators Unite will be joining this year’s BodyPower Expo, presenting a series of seminars on the Friday of the show.

Sessions are designed to help independent gym owners improve their businesses and will focus on key areas including sales and marketing and secondary spend.

The show will also feature an IOU trade lounge, which will be sponsored by Workout.

This year’s BodyPower Expo is set to attract more than 40,000 visitors.

Annual show boasts a global following IN its short life, the event has gained a core following from all over the world, with visitors travelling from over 100 countries to attend the show.

Founder and CEO of BodyPower Expo, Nick Orton, is a veteran of the exhibition business, having launched market leading trade and consumer expos, such The Pharmacy Show, The Dentistry Show and London Vet Show and consumer brands Fast and Furious, the International Custom Show and Sports Car Show.

His trade show business was sold in 2008, when he then decided to use his knowledge and contacts to develop his own fitness business, which remains a great passion of his and his core team, Ollie Upton, Phil Mortimer and brother Steve Orton.

Nick explained: “When we launched BodyPower, we had spent months and months researching the market and the sports we wanted to have featured at the expo.

“Whilst my team and I were fitness enthusiasts, we knew little about some of the sports that we wanted to cover and so embarked on learning about them. I am a big believer in product knowledge, it’s essential to be able to understand what the expo vis-

Nick Orton itor wants to see and what the vendors need to achieve to have a successful expo.

“At the first BodyPower expo, in 2009, we set up the event so that we could grow it into the best expo of its kind in the world – so we wanted the very best athletes and the hottest topics. We worked closely with exhibitors so that we all had a common aim – the fitness industry has some of the very best characters of all the industries that I’ve worked in.

“A lot of the key people in the industry are genuinely passionate about fitness and about making a difference, so once we started to talk to them about what we wanted to achieve with BodyPower, we got so much help and support to spread the word.”

This year, over 40,000 actual visitors will attend the show, with tens of thousands more who are unable to attend in person following BodyPower online.

Nick added: “I knew that if we could give visitors an enjoyable experience, they would come back again, and again, with their friends, and each year, we have strived to get the best content – it’s important that we blend the right amount of entertainment with education.

“The best part of running BodyPower is knowing how many thousands of people get inspired to train, get fitter, live healthy lives.

“When I started BodyPower, I wanted to create something special, something everyone could be proud to be associated with. Developing BodyPower has been challenging, rewarding and life changing and I’m excited to see where we will be in another five years.”

Big names to take to the stage in Super Gym area BODYPOWER’S VIP visitors will be able to access a new Super Gym area at the show, which will give them an insight into the gyms of the future and access to high profile names from the world of health and fitness.

Big names such as Ronnie Coleman, Phil Heath, Zydrunas Savickas, Flex Lewis and Greg Plitt will all take to

the Super Gym stage to demonstrate a particular workout or specific technique, which will be exclusive for BodyPower VIP visitors across the Saturday and Sunday of the show.

On Friday’s industry and preview day, the Super Gym will be accessible for all trade visitors including the student audience.

Leading equipment manufacturer and supplier, Exertrain will showcase how gyms are changing for the future, with more space for free weights, functional training, rigs, astro turf for plyometrics and strength and conditioning, along with cable machines and other key pieces of kit found within the best gyms worldwide.

Marketing director Ollie Upton said: “We always strive to make the show bigger and better than the last and take pride in improving the offering for our loyal visitors year on year.

“The Super Gym will be on a whole new level and we want to offer something special for our VIP ticket holders.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Bicester Golf and Health Club has seen an increase in member activity levels since introducing the MYZONE system.

System boosts activity levels at health club

By Christina Eccles A DECISION to invest in the latest technology has paid off for an Oxfordshire health club, which has seen an increase in member activity levels since introducing the MYZONE system.

Bicester Golf and Health Club has about 2,000 members – with an average age between 40 to 45 years old.

The club started working with the company last September and with its studio being a popular draw for members, decided to install two screens to allow participants to monitor their performance during classes.

Health club manager Nigel Tapping explained: “On average, we’ve seen that members wearing the MYZONE activity belts are exercising seven days more a month than members who don’t wear the belts.

“We don’t invest in fads; we wanted to give our members a simple and proven tool that would help them to achieve their goals. I knew the system was good, but I had no idea how quickly it would take off. Our members love it.”

An unofficial club has also formed within the gym and according to

Nigel, members who haven’t yet started using the belts feel they are missing out.

He added: “This is not something we’ve done; it’s been completely driven by the members. They’re so passionate about MYZONE that they talk about it all the time. They constantly check the notice board to see how well they’re doing, they take part in the challenges and they post messages about it on our Facebook page.

“Their enthusiasm is infectious and encourages other members to get involved, so they’re effectively doing our job for us.

“A lot of our members used to only take part in our studio classes, but since we’ve had MYZONE and we’ve been incorporating it into as many activities as we can, these members have started working out in the gym, taking part in our outdoor boot camp classes and even doing bleep tests.

Anything to earn more effort points.

“MYZONE is making our members more accountable for their workouts.

Because they can now see how hard they are working, they are less likely to have lazy days in the club and so they are getting better results. It’s a win-win situation.”

Funding to be spent on training THE énergie Group has secured funding from the Government’s UK Commission for Employment and Skills to invest in its national training programme.

The group has been awarded an Employer Ownership of Skills grant of £400,000 to support training and skills development.

Karrin Simpson, training manager at the énergie Group National Training Centre in Milton Keynes, will lead the project and manage the completion of all milestones and targets set.

She said: “We are delighted that énergie has been recognised and rewarded for its business success, especially during its 10-year anniversary. The funding will enable us to give franchisees and their staff an even greater structure of training as well as develop our own internal team.

“We will create a sustainable model using both internal and external resources to empower our training leaders to ensure longevity for the group.”

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Neuro-linguistic programming is an approach to communication, personal development and psychotherapy, created by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in California in the 1970s. NLP is a method used to help sports coaches, business leaders, behavioural therapists and motivational speakers to help individuals improve their lives through establishing healthy patterns of language usage and thought choices. In a special column for Workout, Miles Grant explains the benefits of NLP for gym owners.

Why NLP will increase profits and reduce advertising THE three letters in the acronym NLP refer to: Neuro relates to our nervous system where our behaviour, thoughts, feelings and the state of our bodies reside (Why we think what we think).

Linguistic implies that it is mainly language that enables us to both internally store our inner experiences as well as share them with the outer world.

It is through language that we create our map of reality (Why we say what we say).

Programming is the ability to change behaviour patterns and feelings in such a way that they become useful and constructive to our personality as a whole, thus fostering our growth and health (Why we behave the way we behave).

Simply put, NLP is a bit like a ‘training manual’ for our brains. At school and college we learned wonderful things like history and geography and algebra but we did not learn much about how to feel good or to have great relationships. That's where NLP comes in.

Imagine our brains operating like the hard drive of a computer. All our thoughts, memories and experiences are stored like the documents on a hard drive.

NLP could be described as a ‘software update’ which increases the processing speed and capability of our hard drives consequently broadening our awareness of ourselves and those around us.

Miles Grant What are the major benefits of NLP? Becoming skilled in NLP will enable you to: Do whatever you already do reasonably well, even better.

Make more profit in less time.

Spend less time working in your health club and more time working on your health club.

Communicate more effectively with prospective members thus closing more sales.

Increased member retention.

Higher quality customer service.

Clarity of where your business is heading.

Reinvigoration of a fresh vision for your health club.

Think better, think more clearly and make better decisions.

A major part of NLP suggests the concept that ‘we get what we focus on’. For instance, if losing members is a problem for us, saying ‘I don’t want to lose anymore members’ will actually translate to losing members because our unconscious mind struggles to process a negative and thus all it hears is ‘lose members’.

Compare that to the old psychology example ‘Don’t think of a pink fluffy elephant’.

(For you to not process the image of a pink fluffy elephant you must first – even if only for a moment –picture a pink elephant.)

A more empowering version of the statement would be ‘I’d like to increase the amount of members we keep with us in the next quarter.’

This is much more likely to empower you to achieve sustainable business growth during the next quarter as it is worded in the positive rather than the focus on ‘losing members’.

Language is very powerful.

Remember, we get what we focus on almost all of the time.

Many US health club chains are implementing NLP training as part of their staff development programmes.

Compare training your team to the time you spend with your members.

You offer personalised programmes, ongoing guidance and support, reassessments, health checks and

personal training to speed up the process in which a member can achieve their goals. When your members apply those principles they do in fact see significant changes to their health and body shape.

Team training results can be difficult to measure however over time you will see your team become more motivated, self sufficient and in possession of a better understanding of your club’s mission and values.

Fact: Apple stores made $4.1b during their last fiscal quarter. Apple then invested $700m on employee training and development. So before spending thousands on your next ad campaign, consider the benefits of reinvesting into your team. After all, they’re an investment in your business too.

Miles has sold over 7,000 memberships spanning an entire decade and has worked with over 40 different health clubs. He is the Founder of ‘Miles More Members’ a NLP results driven training programme tailored for independent health clubs. Miles is the son of a mother who manages her own health club, a certified NLP coach and author of upcoming book ‘Sell without Salespeople’.

On June 7, Miles is running a six hour sales training workshop, which will include intensive teaching on how to get prospects to commit to 12 month memberships easily and effectively. Tickets are available at http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/5 266644676 or email Miles@milesmoremembers.com

Did you know you can also keep up to date with all the latest news by connecting with Workout magazine online? Visit our website www.workout-uk.co.uk follow us on Twitter @WorkOutUK or ‘like’ us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/workout magazine to find out more.

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Dance classes where fans learn the routines made famous by their favourite stars have been going down a storm at three London gyms. Christina Eccles found out more – and learned to boogie like Beyonce.

Classes enable people to dance like the stars BUDDING Britneys, Beyonces and Rihannas have been flocking to studios around the capital to attend classes run by Seen on Screen Fitness.

Taught by professional dancers who themselves have worked with the stars, the classes provide a fun way to work out and bring something different to a club’s timetable.

The company was founded by Bonnie Parsons who trained in Los Angeles and New York before forging a career dancing with some of the music world’s biggest names.

She explained: “I was dancing professionally on shows such as X Factor and thought how can I bring these dances to people at home? I did my research, set up the business and it has just snowballed from there.”

The aim of the classes is to make the top quality level of teaching which the stars benefit from available to the public. But with a friendly, non intimidating atmosphere, the focus is firmly on fitness and having fun rather than perfecting every move.

Bonnie added: “I wanted people to find a form of exercise they love, then

it becomes learning to dance like Beyonce rather than focusing on how many calories they are burning off.

“We use the elite of the dance world.

What makes Seen on Screen instructors special is that they are great teachers. My teachers are everything.”

Past classes have included learning the routines to songs such as Beyonce’s Crazy in Love and the most popular class, the iconic Single Ladies dance, with a Britney Spears’ series kicking off this month.

Sessions currently take place at Central YMCA club, Fitness First Black Label in London Bridge and the Notting Hill Harbour Club and Bonnie is also preparing for a nationwide tour in June where she and her dancers will be hitting the road to bring the classes to studios around the country, including venues in Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester and Leeds.

When it comes to choosing gyms and studios to host the classes, Bonnie is always open to ideas, but she added that to roll the concept out on a bigger scale, it would be vital to

maintain the quality which people have come to expect from the brand.

“It’s a high end, quality brand so it’s important that people always have that experience.

With venues I’m very fussy. It’s all about the whole experience from the studio to the sound system and the lighting.”

Although Bonnie added that she’s really pleased with how the brand has grown over the last two years, she is still ambitious to achieve more, including eventually having her own London based studio.

She is also co-founder of organisation Dancers United, which aims to make sure professional dancers are given a fair deal, and will be working hard to push that message even further.

She added: “I try to treat my teachers really well and want to make sure dancers are always looked after.

“I’m a believer that dance is for everyone.

“When I see people coming out of our studios who have enjoyed the class, it’s really rewarding.”

Bonnie Parsons

Workout’s Christina Eccles joined in fun at the Central YMCA club, taking part in Seen on Screen Fitness’ most popular class. Here’s how she got on.

Unleashing the inner diva to Beyonce ON a rainy Saturday afternoon, I pulled on my trainers and headed for the gym. But this was to be no ordinary workout...

After being lucky enough to be invited to take part in a Seen on Screen class, I had the tough choice of deciding which one to pick.

With themed sessions including everything from Rihanna’s S&M to Britney’s Hit Me Baby One More Time, I was spoilt for choice, but eventually decided to be bold and go for something I thought would be challenging yet lots of fun – Beyonce’s iconic Single Ladies routine.

Now everyone who’s seen the video will know how effortlessly Beyonce masters the moves and I was hoping that in no time I would be shimmying across the dance studio in the style of her on stage alter ego, Sasha Fierce.

But I found that for a beginner, it’s not as easy as she makes it look.

Fortunately, SOS founder Bonnie Parsons and class teacher Elliott were on hand to show how it’s done and help us get the most out of the 90 minute session.

We started with a warm up where Elliott told us that to really enjoy the class we shouldn’t worry about what

Bonnie leading one of Seen on Screen’s classes. we look like, never be afraid of making bold, exaggerated movements and, most importantly, let go and have fun.

Next we got started on learning the

actual routine.

As this was Single Ladies part one, we concentrated on the moves which correspond to the first verse and chorus of the song, with Elliott

breaking down the routine into manageable chunks and the group of about 30 people repeating the steps until we had got to grips with them.

He gradually added more in each time we did a run through and before I knew it we had built up the routine we had seen him and Bonnie make look so easy earlier in the class.

Although I don’t think my efforts quite rivalled Beyonce’s, with the disco lights on and the track turned up, I unleashed my inner diva and the hour and a half flew by.

The class was a real self confidence builder, provided a great workout and, as I had hoped when I signed up, a lot of fun.

And because sessions are aimed at people who want to follow in the footsteps of their idols and have a go at something new rather than professional dancers, perfecting every movement becomes less important.

Instead I decided to focus more on getting into the spirit of things, letting go and keeping moving.

Seen on Screen’s new branded T Shirts say ‘If in doubt, get Sasha out’ and I definitely gave it my best shot.

Now when can I sign up for part two...?!

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Why fitness has just become ‘Strictly’ fun SO, there they were, two of the UK’s most famous ballroom dancers and Britain’s most successful swimmer training like mad for ‘Strictly come Dancing’ when they (Natalie Lowe, Ian Waite and Mark Foster) had a great idea.

They decided to mix together, for the first time, the graceful steps of Ballroom and the up tempo steps of the Latin dances to create a really fun, energetic and effective way to get fit fast that would appeal to everyone, even if they couldn’t dance.

And, at that moment FitSteps was born.

Now, after working closely with a group of hand picked fitness professionals to ensure they deliver great fitness results, the four dances that make up FitSteps Basic; the Waltz, Quickstep, Jive and Cha-Cha (with many more to come) are ready to rock.

Caroline Sandry filmed her DVD when she was 17 weeks’ pregnant.

Expert creates pregnancy DVD PILATES expert Caroline Sandry has created a plan for women to practice while they move through the different stages of pregnancy.

The DVD – Prenatal Pilates: Strengthen and Sculpt – was filmed when Caroline was 17 weeks’ pregnant and has been carefully choreographed to build strength and stamina so women can stay strong and supple and have a healthy pregnancy, labour and post natal recovery.

This DVD includes three 20-minute

workouts: a total body workout, a standing workout and a floor workout.

There is also a warm-up and a solutions section to address problems women may incur while they are pregnant, like swollen ankles or backache.

The DVD is the first in a three part series. The second DVD Prenatal Pilates: Tone and Tighten will be out this summer and the post natal recovery is due later in the year.

The dances have been designed to work for all age groups and all levels of ability and fitness and the feedback from the trial classes has been nothing short of amazing. As one class member put it, “It’s so much fun, you don’t even realise you’re getting fit!”

The FitSteps team is going to be following Natalie and Ian round the country as they tour in Strictly Confidential, recruiting FitSteps Instructors. They start the tour in June.

The training programme, certified

by Skills Active, gives instructors a license to run FitSteps classes, as well as providing them with new choreography, music tracks, sales, marketing and business building advice every month through the FitSteps Academy Network.

For more information visit www.fitsteps.co.uk or call Amy on 0845 6492582.

A member of an Anglesey gym has reached a milestone 1,000 visits, with the club rewarding him with prizes for his loyalty.

Greg Johnston joined Clwb 21 on its second day of opening and is the first member to pass the 1,000 visit mark. Club owner Wil Lovelock said: “Greg is 55 years old and had a complete hip replacement in June 2011. I used to drive to his house to bring him to the gym as he was unable to drive during his recovery but it didn’t stop him exercising! He is the life and soul of our club and is very much liked by all our members.”

Centre to get a new coffee shop WORK has started on a new coffee shop at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.

SOHO Coffee Co. will be for all leisure centre and library users – a first for SOHO Coffee Co. and for Circadian Trust who operates the leisure centre.

Regional manager for Circadian

Trust Dean Barney said: “We’re always looking at ways we can improve our leisure centres and the overall experience. A lot of our customers like to relax after a swim or work out by having something to eat or drink; by bringing such a good quality and established brand we will be able do this.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Rick Astley is among the acts performing at Inverness Leisure Centre.

Leisure centre to branch out with concerts

By Christina Eccles

A SCOTTISH leisure centre is branching out into the events market – hosting a weekend of concerts designed to highlight the venue’s offering and provide a new income stream.

Three nights of concerts are set to take place at Inverness Leisure Centre in November, with the Live in the City event including an eighties themed extravaganza on the Saturday night, featuring the likes of Rick Astley and The Real Thing.

The leisure centre, which last year attracted over 1m people through its doors, will be turning its sports hall into a concert arena to stage the events. The hall, which is equivalent in size to eight badminton courts, will be able to hold about 2,500 people per night.

An overlooking balcony will also provide a VIP area, where those who want to upgrade their concert experience can buy a package to sit there which includes a drinks reception and hot buffet. It will be the first time the leisure centre has hosted this type of event and chief executive of Inverness Leisure Centre, James Martin told Workout why the club has decided to diversify.

He explained “We are a very busy leisure centre and have a very successful membership scheme but through our business plan, we were

looking at alternative ways customers could use our facilities and for other income streams.

“We were approached by LCC Events who were keen on the venue and it fitted in with our objectives.

“We are primarily a sports venue and health and fitness provider but in the current climate you have to think outside the box and look at other things that can attract people through the doors.

“As an industry we have to look at what our venues do and how we can make them more multi use, without overlooking what our primary purpose is.”

To make sure leisure members are not inconvenienced by the weekend closure of the gym, the club has launched a competition, giving them the chance to enter a prize draw to win two VIP tickets on each of the concert nights.

And James added that everyone at the club – both members and staff – were looking forward to the event taking place.

He added: “To be branching into the music scene is an exciting opportunity for Inverness Leisure and one we hope to build on in the future.

Working with LCC Live, another Inverness-based and like-minded company, will ensure we deliver a night to remember for local music fans.”

Free App reaches 1m downloads A NEW iPhone app which allows people to track their physical activity levels for free has been downloaded over 1m times since its launch in January.

Moves tracks activities such as walking, cycling, running and using the stairs and identifies locations users have visited before plotting them on the app’s activity ‘storyline.’

Users are then kept updated with a

daily notification summarising just how active they have been.

Founder Sampo Karjalainen said: “Fitness tracking has become more and more important for people who are fitness enthusiasts but also the type of person who may not go to the gym or run every day. Moves is a must-have download for both types of people.”

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Innovators added to firm’s team

Quality virtual classes make economic sense

VIBROGYM has appointed industry innovators Guus Van der Meer and Jelte Tempelaars to its management team, in their respective roles of managing director and operations director.

The partnership was responsible for the launch of the first vibration training plate, the Power Plate, and Guus and Jelte’s involvement in VibroGym will help build its status as an important player in the whole body vibration industry.

Guus said: “I developed the first Vibration Training Plate with the help of a group of industry specialists, when I was training the Dutch Olympic team back in 1999, and looking for a tool that would help speed up rehabilitation and reduce training time. When production for Power Plate machines was subsequently transferred to China, the initial manufacturer in the Netherlands continued to produce, develop and sell the original design under the name Vibrogym.

I am delighted to be going back to our roots, working again with the original manufacturer, who uses the very best materials, technology and design to deliver a machine that excels in durability, performance and quality.”

By Dave Wright LAST month I wrote about the future of the fitness industry relying on the basics of running a health club being clean, safe and friendly.

This month I would like to talk about the technological future of the industry and in particular that of virtual classes.

As club owners we all know that the most expensive real estate that you will ever buy or rent is that of your class studios when not in use.

So club owners around the world are trying to find ways to best utilise this space – from group PT, rental groups, kids activities etc. Yet I strongly believe that virtual classes are where it is at!

Now although classes on DVD or TV have been around for years, the two missing factors have been content and lack of feedback.

However, with companies such as Les Mills, Zumba and Spinning potentially launching to the virtual world, it is safe to say that the content will be of a higher calibre.

There are also some virtual systems that incorporates the live feedback for participants in the class. So it looks as if both problems have been solved!

Regarding the economic decision, the numbers are very simple. If you

put an extra five classes on a week at £20 per class, then it will cost you over £400 per month, whereas with virtual classes you can deliver over 100 extra classes per week and it will only cost you roughly £200 per month.

I also believe that it will raise the game on existing quality live classes.

Because if instructors have classes that drop below a certain number of attendees, then you can replace them with virtual classes.

So it will be their responsibility to make sure they deliver a fantastic experience to keep their members coming back and it saves their job!

Conversely, if you have a virtual class at an obscure time but then the numbers grow, you can replace the virtual class with a real life instructor!

So the bottom line is that the member will get a better experience, the club owner will offer more services, the clubs will be able to re-distribute their membership flow and more importantly, the clubs will get a better yield out of a dead space.... So everyone wins! It's virtually unbeatable!

Dave Wright is the CEO of CFM/MYZONE, a global company with over 300 staff that have served the international fitness community for over 23 years; focusing on either getting new members and/or keeping

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

UK FITNESS SCENE

The former Gallions Hotel has been transformed by Dave Luck and Alfie Butler to become Lucky’s Gym Gallions

Owners transform ex-hotel into gym

By Christina Eccles AN independent gym with a difference has opened in London’s Docklands – the second club for owners Dave Luck and Alfie Butler.

Lucky’s Gym Gallions opened its doors at the beginning of March and is housed in the former Gallions Hotel, which dates back to the 1800s.

Situated in the middle of several new apartment blocks on the Royal Quays development in Gallions Reach – close to the University of London and London City Airport – the gym has become a focal point of the complex, with its unusual appearance helping it stand out from the crowd in a sea of modern buildings.

The club only opened its doors at the beginning of March but its prime location and key features such as a coffee bar, beauty salon, large outdoor training and BBQ area – plus top equipment from manufacturers including Watson and Jordan Fitness – has helped it get off to a successful start and attract about 90 members in

the first six weeks.

Dave said: “Opening the gym was a natural evolution of the business and the next step up the food chain in the gym industry.

“I took over my first club but I’m very entrepreneurial and wanted the chance to make something successful right from the start.”

The original Lucky’s Gym is situated in Lewisham but Dave, who has 15 years’ experience in the fitness industry, told Workout the two clubs are very different.

While the Lewisham club is more of a ‘spit and sawdust’ training facility, the Gallions Reach club has the facilities and equipment for those who want a hardcore workout, but is geared towards a wider audience.

Typical clients include the many young professionals living a stone’s throw away in the overlooking apartments and those new to a gym environment looking to kickstart a healthier lifestyle.

Dave added: “We give a lot of advice.

The staff are the face of the gym and

we want to deliver that personal touch and service.”

To get the word out about the opening, staff worked with membership marketing specialist Miles Grant who helped them develop their sales skills, and also used social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Dave is also looking to advertise in the future but having the luxury of the club’s high visibility has meant he hasn’t had to yet.

With one eye on the long term future of the brand and potentially opening more sites, for now the focus is on building up this club, with exciting plans already being talked about for the next few months, including holding an official opening party over the summer, hosting educational seminars on topics such as nutrition and expanding the outdoor training area.

Alfie added: “We want to spread the message that exercise is good for you.

This is what we have been doing as part of our own lifestyles so we built a gym around what we know works.”

Lucky’s Gym Gallions features equipment from manufacturers including Watson and Jordan Fitness.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Firm recognised at business awards

By Christina Eccles

The Sports Legacy Zone in Watford.

Legacy project gets community moving AN outdoor fitness project in Watford, designed in partnership with Olympians Steve Backley and Roger Black, has been successfully helping to increase physical activity levels among the local community.

The Sports Legacy Zone, created by outdoor play equipment specialists Proludic, was installed in Watford’s Meriden Estate in April last year, following research which showed the community had activity levels below

the national average, partly due to a lack of local facilities.

A study carried out eight months after the SLZ had been installed found it had made a significant impact on Meriden Park’s Olympic legacy, with the percentage of people exercising at least twice a week rising from 19 per cent to 24 per cent and those exercising between two and four times a month had risen from 23 per cent to 35 per cent.

CHARITABLE organisation Impulse Leisure has won an award in recognition for its work within the local community.

The community charity award was presented as part of the Thurrock Business Awards, with the company commended for schemes including a group exercise programme for Stroke survivors via the Thurrock Stroke Network and a project with Thurrock Youth Offending Team, which provides access to facilities for young offenders and their probation officer.

Impulse Leisure chief executive Mike Baden said: “The Youth Offending Team are provided with heavily subsidised memberships and follow a structured exercise programme. The idea is to get the young person interested in a hobby, focusing on something positive whilst letting off steam.

“The scheme has been running for more than 10 years and is just one example of how we’re wholly committed to the areas we serve. Our mission is to create active and healthy communities that are inclusive and accessible to all, without stigma and inequity. We work so hard and we’re thrilled our efforts have been recognised by the Thurrock Business Awards.”

The company runs six leisure centres and a stand alone swimming pool, as well as an 18-hole golf course and a civic hall entertainment venue.

Mike added: “We are a true social enterprise that responds to our community’s needs. As a bona fide charity, we are unique in being able to access funding to continually improve our services, and any surpluses made must be reinvested. This ultimately means our services are sustainable and intrinsically linked to community involvement and participation.”

Organisers of FIBO are celebrating another successful show, which saw an increase in exhibitors and record visitor numbers. This year’s event saw 10 per cent more exhibitors, 30 per cent more exhibition space and a rise of almost 30 per cent in visitor numbers – with 96,700 people attending the show in Cologne. The next FIBO will take place from April 3 to 6 2014 at the Cologne Exhibition Centre.

Michael Johnson to deliver services PERFORM at St George’s Park has partnered with Michael Johnson Performance to deliver a new range of performance training services to players and athletes of all abilities.

The partnership between Perform, part of Spire Healthcare, and Michael Johnson Performance brings together two teams of worldclass performance coaches and sports and exercise scientists who work daily with elite athletes across the globe.

It will be the first time that young people in Europe will have the chance to perform and train using MJP coaching techniques outside of an academy environment, providing the best testing and training equipment usually reserved for elite professional athletes.

Perform at St. George’s Park will

also open its doors to sharing world-class performance testing, screening and sports science techniques to help young footballers and athletes to fulfil their sporting potential.

Michael Johnson said: “St. George’s Park is an immensely important initiative for English sport and the development of football and athletes far into the future.

I’ve been tracking its progress since I visited in 2011 and been looking for ways to get involved.

“This new venture with Perform is the perfect opportunity and it’s an ideal partnership because we share the same coaching philosophy on human performance development.

Together, I am confident we can have a significant impact on the future of English sport.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Five things to consider for your functional facility ...

By Allan Collins 1 – User demographic?

For any product that a business wants to promote or sell, they have to look at the demographic they are trying to attract with it.

If you are converting an area within your facility to a functional space, then what is the main demographic of your members that you want to “push” to use it? A functional area for an older customer group, would be slightly different than that of a younger group.

This also applies to difficulty as well, as some rigs are set up for challenging Crossfit style workouts, which many average gym users would find impossible, 2 – Changeability?

How easy is it to change the layout of your new facility or functional area?

Everyone gets bored after a while, and if your space looks the same in six months, the users will start to get bored – even if they can’t identify why that is.

We recommend painting a wall a new colour every other month (this shows members you are continuing to invest in your business), new wallpaper designs every six to12 months, and changing the layout of your training area.

3 – Add ons?

Does your functional training rig allow you to “add on” sections as you wish? Or change the arrangement of monkey bars? Do you have the space or budget to buy some new equipment every quarter (even if it’s just a few hundred pounds)? As new products are unveiled at our annual tradeshows, it is better to be able to have new “toys” for your training team and members to play with to offset the boredom factor.

4 – Space?

The main issue that trainers complain of is a lack of space. It is critical to move and perform our nine movement patterns for good functional training (and therefore results), but many club managers just “stuff” equipment into a functional space to fill the area.

It is much better to have equipment stored at the side, on racks, or on the walls, to free up the actual training area to its fullest potential.

Whether it’s a kettlebells session, pad work, plyometrics, strongman or vintage training, or just playing with the ropes, your PTs and members will have the space to do what they want.

5 – What’s this for?

You have to know what equipment is good for, before you buy it! Your sales

Allan Collins team needs to know what it is to sell it to members! Your fitness team needs to know how to use it to get results safely!

And, your members have to be shown and persuaded to try new things to get the results they want!

Building a new functional area or facility is not enough – you have to educate buyers, sales, fitness and members to get the most out of your new functional investment.

Allan Collins is Director of Education at Jordan Fitness (www.jordanfitness.co.uk) and author of the new Complete Guide to Functional Training.

Capsule is buried to celebrate new site

British Olympic swimmer and TV presenter Mark Foster will be presenting awards and giving a keynote speech at the Royal Life Saving Society UK/IQL’s inaugural awards. The charity, and its trading subsidiary IQL, will be hosting the awards to celebrate the achievements of RLSS UK pool lifeguards, pool trainer assessors and approved training centres at Cranage Hall in Cheshire, on June 14. Executive director of IQL Tara Dillon said: “We are thrilled to announce that Mark Foster will be attending our first ever awards ceremony and helping us to recognise exceptional pool lifeguarding and pool safety. We can’t wait to meet him and be inspired by his tremendous achievements.”

YOUNG apprentices, councillors and leisure industry leaders have gathered on the site of the new West Bromwich Leisure Centre to celebrate the range of opportunities that the facility will offer to the local community.

The £12.5m centre is set to open in spring 2014 and as well as offering a range of sports and fitness classes for all ages and abilities, the facility will benefit locally based Future Skills Sandwell students by providing training and employment opportunities.

At the event, a time capsule containing a snapshot of life in 2013 was buried by two apprentices from Future Skills Sandwell, who were joined by Sandwell councillors and representatives from DC Leisure, Pellikaan Construction and Roberts Limbrick Architects.

Facilities in the new centre will include a 25m pool, learner pool, sauna and steam room, four-court sports hall, 100-station fitness suite, two dance studios/activity rooms, indoor children’s adventure play centre and cafe.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Dragons Den star urges operators to train more employees in first aid

By Christina Eccles

Gym manager Angela Anderson launching the promotion with senior outreach support worker at Basildon Women’s Aid Zoe McKee.

Easter egg swap a success A LADIES only independent gym has taken part in a successful Easter charity campaign, encouraging members to swap their Easter eggs for a raffle ticket and a chance to win some prizes.

Oasis Ladies in Benfleet, Essex collected over 60 Easter eggs, which were then donated to local charity Basildon Women’s Aid. Gym manager Angela Anderson

said: “We had a great response from members and non members alike.

“It was our way of getting clients to help themselves by giving up their Easter egg and help a great local charity at the same time!

“We're looking forward to running similar promotions in the future working alongside the charity – our way of giving back to the local community.”

HEALTH club operator Duncan Bannatyne has got behind a campaign by St John Ambulance to encourage workplaces to give more first aid training to employees, after experiencing his own emergency.

Entrepreneur Duncan experienced severe chest pains while working at his head office last September, and credits his speedy recovery to the quick thinking and first aid knowledge of the secretary who found him.

Realising the importance of first aid, he has now arranged training for extra staff in his head office and is appealing to employers to train as many of their staff as possible in essential first aid, giving them the skills they need to save a life in and out of their workplace.

Duncan said: “When I experienced chest pains in my office, I thought I was having a heart attack. I had collapsed on the floor and was finding it difficult to breathe, when luckily my secretary found me.

“Even though she doesn’t have any formal first aid training, she knew what to do in that situation. I was incredibly thankful that she had the skills to help me when I needed it

Duncan Bannatyne most. I want to make sure that I’m not the only lucky one and that there are more people out there who can be the difference between life and death if needed. These are difficult financial times but for those businesses thinking about their corporate responsibility, I’d urge them to consider first aid.

“Last year, through reportable accidents, 170 people died in their workplace and there were thousands more injuries. Employers need to understand that basic first aid doesn’t take long to learn but it can have a profound effect on the safety of employees and also their friends and family.”

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UK FITNESS SCENE

OCL company secretary Louise Mitchell and management committee member Lesley Clegg look on as chief executive Stuart Lockwood signs the new Leisure Estate contract for Oldham with councillor Hugh McDonald, cabinet member for education and safeguarding.

Council agrees deal for its sports and leisure provision

By Christina Eccles OLDHAM Council and Oldham Community Leisure have signed a new 10-year deal, with OCL now officially in charge of the council’s Leisure Estate of facilities until March 2023.

OCL has run local sporting facilities since it was founded back in 2002 and to win the new contract beat off stiff competition from two other parties before being chosen as preferred bidder.

The contract is to run the new-look Leisure Estate, drawn up following an extensive public consultation exercise, which looked at leisure service provision across all sectors, with the aims of transforming what’s on offer to the public and reducing the revenue burden on the council.

The final plans include a new leisure facility at Eagle Street/Manchester Street to replace the existing Oldham Sports Centre, plus a new facility in Royton town centre.

Chief executive of OCL Stuart Lockwood said: “We are absolutely delighted to be renewing our partnership with Oldham Council.

“There are some fantastic commitments from OCL within the new contract, such as free adult swimming lessons, which we believe will make a real difference to raising activity levels and helping people lead a more active lifestyle.

“Oldham Council's commitment to renewing the facilities in Oldham shows real ambition. It will give the Borough some of the best facilities in the country and our team are excited at the prospect of serving the customers and delivering activities within them.

“OCL's own planned investments into Saddleworth and Failsworth this year will mean that all the sites within the new contract will soon be highquality and enjoyable places to visit – that is absolutely essential if we are to encourage more people to be more active, more often.”

Tour chain’s facilities online FREEDOM Leisure has launched a series of virtual tours, allowing web visitors to take a look around its facilities online.

The not for profit trust has already arranged for Google to photograph the facilities at 19 of the 34 centres it operates in partnership with local authorities and 13 more are planned throughout 2013.

The images are then used to create 360 degree virtual tours, which can be accessed by all visitors to Google, or Freedom Leisure’s own website.

Sales and marketing director for Freedom Leisure Karen Burrell said:

“A virtual tour beats a brochure full of still photographs every time bringing a sense of ‘really being there’.

“Website visitors are encouraged to see exactly what our leisure centres have to offer in the way of facilities and they are in complete control of the tour they take.

“The tours also positively support the join and book online options – providing customers with a real insight into the centres before buying online. Search engines like Google rank this type of content highly on their results list, so we are improving our SEO as well.”

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UK FITNESS SCENE

A quarter of women workout in make-up The expanded gym at Ponds Forge.

Gym expansion project complete AN EXPANSION project has been completed at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, which has increased the size of the Fitness Unlimited gym by 25 per cent.

Members will now benefit from 45 new pieces of cardio and resistance equipment including treadmills, rowers, cross trainers and multi-power weight machines.

Fitness Unlimited manager Peter

Clark said: “The Fitness Unlimited gym at Ponds Forge is extremely popular with our members and we are committed to providing them with the best possible experience each time they visit us. The gym expansion aims to build on this success and, with an increased number of the latest fitness equipment now available, they are now able to get more than ever out of their workouts.”

A QUARTER of British women choose to work out while wearing full make up, citing ‘impressing the opposite sex’ and ‘having a bad skin day’ among the reasons for doing so, according to a survey by www.MyVoucherCodes.co.uk The poll asked 1,907 women from across the UK who hold a gym membership how often they used it and whether they wore make up to work out. 55 per cent said they didn’t wear make up to the gym, but 26 per cent

said they did. 11 per cent said they only wore make-up occasionally and eight per cent admitted it depended on the situation.

Of those who said they wore make up at the gym, 38 per cent claimed it was because they never left the house without it. 29 per cent said it boosted confidence and 15 per cent said to hide bad skin problems. 11 per cent admitted they wore make-up to attract or impress members of the opposite sex.

Conference on shortlist THE ukactive (formerly FIA) Flame Conference has been shortlisted for an award at the Conference Awards 2013.

The awards recognise excellence within the conference and events industry and the Flame conference 2012 is one of seven events shortlisted in the best association conference category. ukactive CEO David Stalker said: "We are thrilled to be named as final-

ists in these awards which recognise the organisations and operational teams who deliver high quality events to meet the needs of their members or clients.

“With the fifth annual Flame conference fast approaching, we are honoured to be recognised for the work which has gone into making Flame one of the leading educational and networking events for the health and fitness sector.”

Les Mills has announced three new senior team members, recruited as part of the company’s mission to grow its programmes through increased customer support and engagement. Martin Franklin has been appointed customer experience director, Jean-Ann Marnoch (pictured above) as instructor experience director and Dave Kyle (pictured left) as head trainer. CEO Keith Burnet said: "This is a really exciting time for Les Mills. We’re in the process of building a team of fitness experts whose key purpose will be to help our club customers build better, more profitable businesses. We have great confidence in our new leadership team, and know they will all make a big contribution towards our vision for a fitter planet.”

SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

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Weigh-in club keeps members on track

By Christina Eccles AN award winning ladies’ only gym has told how offering a weekly weigh in club helps members to stay on track with their diet plans.

Independent gym Ladybird Fitness Club for Women in Wigan runs the weigh in every Wednesday, where members can come along to be weighed and measured on a one to one basis with a member of staff – who is also on hand to help with healthy eating and nutritional advice.

Staff member Andrea Cooper said: “We not only do their weight but also body fat, BMI and waist measurements.

“Along with this we offer free diet and nutritional advice along with diets they can try out which can be frequently changed by one of our staff members.”

Offering prizes, such as gift vouchers and branded ladybird towels, also helps with motivation, as does posting before and after pictures and member success stories on the walls of the club to show other members what can be achieved.

Andrea added: “We run monthly competitions which gives the ladies a chance to win a prize. All they need to

The Ladybird Fitness gym team do is get weighed in for four weeks and the lady who loses the most gets a prize.

“I think this helps ladies to really focus on their weight loss knowing they are getting weighed in every week by the same person. All the weigh ins are done privately so the

member feels at ease.

“We have had many success stories and have their before and after pictures posted on our walls to help other ladies’ motivation. Knowing that someone else has achieved such a great weight loss eggs them on to do the same.”

Luke treats members to special tasting session BRITAIN’S youngest head chef Luke Thomas treated David Lloyd Leisure members to a special tasting session when he cooked a dish from the operator’s new DLicious menu – and added a creation of his own.

Luke Thomas hosted a live cooking demonstration at David Lloyd High Wycombe where he prepared an energy refuelling chicken, avocado and pancetta salad, followed by his signature dish – oriental sea bass, broccoli and wholemeal rice.

Luke, who trains at the club, said: “It’s very important to exercise but, equally, a good, balanced diet is key to a healthy lifestyle.

“The DLicious menu is great because of the variety of healthy, nutritionally balanced meals available – from the granola to the superfood salad to the pesto and chicken flatbread.

“Quality ingredients are key to making a dish taste great and DLicious does just that. It’s not over-complicated and really delivers perfectly balanced meals to the customer to a very high standard.”

David Lloyd Leisure’s head of food and beverage Andy Lowe added: “Luke Thomas is a very talented young chef whose culinary skills are impressing some of the best in the business, so his endorsement of

High in protein

Luke Thomas DLicious is a great accolade.

“We’re very proud of our menu, which has been devised as a result of feedback from members suggesting they want to enjoy healthier dishes at their clubs.

“DLicious, which uses more natural, pure and quality ingredients, is underpinned by our mantra, ‘Life. Be Fit for It’ and is our way of making it easier for members to look after themselves. After all, you are what you eat!”

GREAT tasting, all natural, convenient, high protein diet meals for sports and fitness. Performance Meals are based on clinically tested research that clearly indicates high protein meals help to maintain a lean, toned body.

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

These are complete real food meals, containing no additives or preservatives. High in protein, with a minimum of 40g protein per serving, low fat, low salt and ready to eat.

The unique air and watertight sealed pouch ensures the ingredients are kept fresh and keeps the all-important nutrients locked in during cooking.

Performance Meals have a shelf life of 12 months and have no special storage requirements. No fridge needed. Simply display alongside existing sports nutrition products.

Visit www.performancemeals.com for more information.

Trade customers can order direct from www.performancemealstrade.com See us on stand B45 at BodyPower.

SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

54

Fresh protein for the summer Try the ready-to-drink M-Shake at BodyPower SPECIALIST fish supplier Gymfish has recently added training packs for fitness enthusiasts who want value for money when buying their food.

From as little as £1.30 per portion and with 40g of protein per serving, the white fish packs are excellent value.

Gymfish is also pleased to announce the recent move into a larger distribution warehouse.

The company said: “We are now able to process and store a greater volume of stock which enables us to pass the savings on to the customer.”

If you are a gym owner or supplement company who would like to work with Gymfish please contact us on info@gymfish.co.uk or visit www.gymfish.co.uk

REAL Nutrition Co will be heavily sampling and promoting the new MShake at BodyPower this year.

Trade visitors are invited to come along and try the new supercharged, high protein milk drink and take advantage of BodyPower special trade offers. M-Shake is the new fat free milk based RTD that packs 26g of protein, 13 vitamins and minerals and delivers sustained release energy.

Developed as an all-round nutrition shake that can be used anytime to recharge and refuel. It’s a big drink at 469ml and delivers market leading value at £2.75 rrp.

Visit Real Nutrition Co on stand B20.

Man-sized flapjack bars WARRIOR Feast Protein Flapjacks are man-sized protein flapjack bars.

Each bar is a whopping 100g, packed with a huge 21.7g of pure premium protein, low-GI oats and real chocolate chip pieces. These aren't snacks, these are a feast.

Warrior Feast Protein Flapjacks are ideal to snack on one hour before a workout and will fuel your body throughout an intensive training session.

A healthy snack that's convenient on the go and tastes delicious.

Contact Bodybuilding Warehouse for trade prices on 0161 236 1588 or www.BodybuildingWarehouse.co.uk

Predator names its charity PREDATOR Nutrition has announced Bipolar UK as its charity partner for 2013.

Throughout the year, the company will be hosting a series of events, everything from a football tournament to a cricket game to try to raise the profile of the charity itself, as well as reaching out to suppliers and partners to help raise awareness

and funds.

Founder of Predator Nutrition Reggie Johal said: “We’re really looking forward to working with Bipolar UK in 2013.

“They do a lot of great work with individuals and we hope to help raise awareness around this charity as Bipolar is a very serious yet misunderstood condition.”

GSN in good company with the world’s strongest men GOLD Standard Nutrition are not just a business with a great growth record in their debut year, they are now also keeping good company with some of Europe’s strongest men who are proudly sharing their experience of the product at the BodyPower Expo.

The company has had an incredible first year, with positive feedback from end consumers and stockists alike.

Now operating in 75 outlets across the country, with another 80 freezers being manufactured exclusively for them, landing this month.

Gold Standard Nutrition are now in the enviable position of having a waiting list for new stockists so if you feel your business would benefit from stocking this fantastic product, don’t delay.

To become a stockist give Gold Standard Nutrition a call on 01757 211 740 or visit them at the BodyPower Expo on stand B65.

There you will meet some of the world’s strongest men, including

Zadrunas Zavikas and Terry Hollands.

You can also meet Eddy Elwood who is not only five times Mr Universe but also a stockist of Gold Standard Nutrition in his gym, Xtreme Fitness in Hartlepool.

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Versaclimber launches new lease scheme

TOTAL body workout machine specialist Versaclimber UK has introduced a new lease scheme for gyms, trainers and fitness companies to purchase its products without having to commit funds up front.

Managing director of Versaclimber UK, which is exhibiting at BodyPower, Neil Kelford said: “Versaclimbers and Versapulleys will typically be available to lease over two to six years.

“Gyms and trainers have been asking us for some time about leasing and finance options, so it makes sense for us to be able to offer this scheme.”

The typical leasing cost is around eight per cent APR and all finance deals have no deposit, meaning that customers will be able to arrange the lease without any costs up front.

The Versaclimber provides a complete zero-impact workout of all muscle groups, whilst also being one of the most effective cardiovascular exercises available.

Athletes such as rugby player James Haskell and tennis star Andy Murray use it in their training regimes.

For more visit www.versaclimber.co.uk or call 01360 550 325.

Trendy colours AIREX AG, headquartered in Switzerland, presented itself in a completely new look at FIBO 2013.

The manufacturer of professional exercise mats convinced all visitors of the lifestyle, the dynamics and the high quality standards of its products.

Besides the classic portfolio, especially the Fitline mat and the Balance-pad Elite were presented with exciting and trendy changes.

Now you can make your training on the new mats Fitline 180 and Fitline 140 and the new Balance-pad Elite “pretty colourful.” The new colour highlights are kiwi, pink, charcoal and lava. We say: colourful is beautiful!

For more information visit www.airex–mats.com

PRODUCT NEWS

Cyber Coach helps The healthier to maximise space energy drink CYBER Coach aims to help fitness facilities maximise their studio space with their Virtual Instructor – the latest development in virtual class technology.

Cyber Coach, a division of Quick Holdings, is delighted to introduce the Virtual Instructor into the UK fitness market. The Virtual Instructor allows members of any level of coordination and fitness to experience an exercise class on their terms.

The sleek 24" touch screen can be free standing or wall mounted and allows members to choose a class for their needs, when it suits them, to achieve their goals.

Loaded with hundreds of hours of classes, the Virtual Instructor is designed to be used in combination with and alongside live instructors. It has also been found to be a great introduction to group training for members who are apprehensive of

joining established classes.

Classes can be pre-programmed into a class or groups of members can establish their own routines.

Chairman of Quick Holdings Ron Jones said: "Virtual Class technology can now be found in over 2,000 gyms in the US alone and our own Cyber Coach systems are now in over 1,500 schools in the UK. "Our Virtual Instructor is adapted from the technology behind our Cyber Coach dance mat systems, which has been developed over the last six years. It is an ideal concept for fitness facilities looking to the future and offering what their members want.”

Fitness facilities can also personalise their own Virtual Instructor by having their own instructors featured and their own branding introduced into the software, or rely on the world famous instructors featured.

THE healthier option, naturally Little Big Shot is the award-winning new healthy energy drink that is set to be the must have health product of the year.

Unlike competitors, Little Big Shot is: Free from caffeine and taurine.

Preservative and additive free.

Safe for mothers-to-be and children over the age of eight.

The only drink in the world to contain deep ocean minerals.

To be part of Little Big Shot’s unmatched global success, email 4littlebigshot@gmail.com, or call UK and Europe health distributors Stephen Galbraith on 07860 612201 or Eugene Galbraith on 07841 042 503. www.littlebigshot.com

Saracens choose Werksan for training programme CURRENTLY top of the Aviva Premiership, Saracens’ success on the pitch is a result of their attitude to training, which is nothing short of dedication, focus and commitment.

As the club’s preferred supplier of strength and conditioning equipment, Absolute Performance was appointed to ensure their new training facilities met the demands of one of the most successful teams in British rugby union.

Strength training, incorporating Olympic weightlifting, is integral to the Saracens’ fitness programme, so it is essential that they train with the best lifting equipment available – namely Werksan.

Regarded as the most respected and trusted manufacturer of Olympic weight training equipment, Werksan is endorsed by the International Weightlifting Federation for its bars and discs.

As the UK’s sole supplier, Absolute

An ideal tool Performance installed new Werksan training plates and benches into the team’s new gym, as well as a number of bespoke power Olympic platforms, dumbbells and bars. Saracens will continue to benefit from training with Werksan, as the product portfolio develops, and the prestigious brand is applied to an ever broader range of fitness products.

For more information visit www.aperformance.co.uk or see us at BodyPower on stand CC40.

THE Freemotion Dual Cable Cross is an ideal tool for your facility to increase muscle, strength, flexibility etc, as well as part of a training circuit such as Freemotion MC2.

Because Freemotion have worked to make their machines work with the body in terms of movement and sport specific actions, the body will increase its functional strength when using this machine.

Unlike any other piece of equipment, users can perform virtually any movement pattern on the Freemotion Dual Cable Cross due to its articulating and pivoting arms, swiveling pulleys and extensive cable travel.

We think you will agree, it’s the Swiss Army knife for your gym.

For more information call 01204 541 710 or visit www.fitnesssystems.co.uk

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CLASSIFIED AND PRODUCT NEWS

Escape launches Bulgarian Bag site ESCAPE Fitness has launched its second product focused website of 2013 with www.bulgarian-bag.co.uk now opened for business.

The new site will highlight all that is great about Bulgarian Bags, showing you how the bag strengthens and increases the muscular endurance of your grip, wrists, arms, shoulders, back, legs, rotational muscles, core musculature, coordination and overall shoulder and joint mobility.

With the range of exercises unlike anything that is possible with traditional free weights, the Bulgarian Bag offers movements that cannot be duplicated with any other tool and allows an athlete to move in all three planes of motion during a single movement.

The attraction of the bag is plain to see and is a great way to set PT classes apart from the competition.

Available in five different weights, the varied weight range and program-

ming allows users of all levels to benefit from using the bag, meaning it is an awesome tool to use in studio group exercise sessions with the colour coded bags making weight selection easy in a busy club environment. The new website will also have details of the training and education that is available, helping you train to become a fully qualified Bulgarian Bag instructor.

For more information visit www.bulgarian-bag.co.uk

Software to keep your Eye on the ball STADIUM Eye software, now installed at over 20 premier football and rugby stadiums across the UK is being used to manage season ticket holders, hospitality visitors, contractors, stadium visitors and catering staff accreditation, as well as spectator access, via badges and smart cards with the help of the Datacard SD260 plastic ID card printer from DED. The SD260 offers vibrant, clean crisp ID card and badge printing alongside the ability to encode smart cards.

Integrating into the Stadium Eye software system without any issues, the Datacard SD260 was selected thanks to its superior speed, reliability, compact size, simple set up and build quality.

LIGHTS

VENDING

Bravo Energy Burn Series to debut CYBEX will be returning to BodyPower to launch its latest workout programme to the UK industry.

First demonstrated in March at IHRSA, the Bravo Energy Burn Series is five fitness programmes designed to burn calories and build strength through specific strength movement patterns and cardio blasts.

Each programme features circuit-based exercises, combining functional training elements with Cybex equipment which includes the award-winning Bravo Functional Training System, Arc Trainer and Eagle selectorised strength line.

The programme will repeat regularly throughout Friday as part of Cybex’s schedule, which will also include workout demonstrations with Craie and Alicia Carrera, UK bodybuilding champions and owners of World Fitness Gym, taking place throughout the weekend.

This month’s event will be the second year that Cybex, manufacturer of the largest selection of strength

SUPPLEMENTS

The Datacard SD260 card printer puts value right on your desktop and is ideal for many ID card issuance and ID badging applications.

The product offers speeds that are over 33 per cent faster than competitive printers in the same class.

For more information contact 01797 320636, email sales@ded.co.uk or visit www.ded.co.uk

equipment in the industry, has exhibited at BodyPower; positioned front and centre to the main entrance, the Cybex stand will showcase many of the company’s most popular and innovative pieces of equipment including the 770 cardio range with E3 view entertainment solution, 625 cardio series, VR1, VR3 and Eagle selectorised strength lines, the Big Iron lifting platform and Bravo Functional Trainer.

Cybex will be on stand A30.

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MANAGEMENT

FLOORING

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HYGIENE

FINANCE

CLOTHING AND MERCHANDISE

AUDIO / VISUAL

UPHOLSTERY

MIRRORS

LIGHTS

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