Workout May 2015 by Script Media

May 2015

The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine

Venue and date for NFAs are revealed

Enthusiasm and a desire to help are key, survey finds By Christina Eccles A GENUINE enthusiasm for keeping fit and a desire to help people are among the biggest reasons why employees love working in fitness – a survey has revealed – with half of respondents switching from another sector to turn that passion into their profession. The Working in Fitness Survey – conducted by SkillsActive and the Exercise, Movement and Dance Partnership – surveyed the 35,000 members of the Register of Exercise Professionals about their careers. And results showed 70 per cent of fitness professionals want to work in the industry because they have a passion for fitness. Head of membership at REPs Greg Small said: “It’s great to see that people are coming into the industry because they genuinely love what they do and want to help other people, showing that the fitness industry continues to be a rewarding and appealing sector to work in.” The survey also discovered 44 per cent of respondents said they came into the sector because they wanted to be a help to other people – and it’s the opportunity to really make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing they love the most.

Greg added: “The fact that 40 per cent of respondents have been working in the sector for more than 10 years and have no plans to leave in the next five is testament that fitness professionals truly are a happy workforce.” The survey’s findings were also echoed by Workout’s followers on social media, who revealed their own reasons for working in fitness. The team at Northern Irish strength, fitness and conditioning gym, Rockpit Fitness, explained that the main reasons why they love their jobs are because of the people they meet and the joy of seeing a satisfied customer achieve their goal, while personal trainer Elaine Froggett added that she loves educating women about the benefits of lifting weights. Yorkshire-based personal trainer Adam Copley also joined the conversation; adding that he loves working in fitness because of the “variety of the people involved and the reward of seeing people genuinely proud of any achievement.” Why do you love working in fitness and what are the best parts of your job? Send your comments to ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or contact us on Facebook or Twitter. We’ll print the best responses next issue.

No 260 £3

Olympic champion Nicola Adams has got behind Sheffield’s Olympic Legacy Park – a multi-million pound project to inspire people to improve their health. The park will house a range of world-class sports and exercise facilities and is a joint venture between Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield City Council. Nicola, who trains with the GB Boxing squad at EIS Sheffield, said: “I think it’s a fantastic project. It can only help inspire more people to improve their health and become involved in sport and physical activity which is what the legacy of London 2012 is all about.”

THE 2015 National Fitness Awards will take place on Friday December 4, returning to the glittering Athena in Leicester, Workout can reveal. The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Workout, are now in their sixth year and already entries are flooding in, with initial interest higher than ever before. So far, we’ve received entries from as far afield as Aberdeen and the Isle of Man, with new nominations regularly dropping in and many enquiries from clubs all over the country wanting to find out more. Workout editor Christina Eccles said: “We’re really pleased with the response we’ve seen to this year’s NFAs so far and are looking forward to receiving many more entries over the coming months. “It’s also been great to find out how some of our past winners have benefited since picking up trophies, more of which you can read about in this issue.” For more details and a first look at our judging panel, turn to page three.

68-page BodyPower issue

UK FITNESS SCENE

Show organiser, gym owner and top PT revealed as NFA judges By Christina Eccles THE organiser of prestigious show Miss Galaxy Universe, a top personal trainer and the owner of a multi award winning, independent gym will be among the judging panel for the 2015 National Fitness Awards. Among those tasked with the tough job of picking our worthy winners this year will be powerboat champion Sarah Donohue – who also organises the successful Miss Galaxy Universe contest – current IFS Personal Trainer of the Year Kim Ingleby and Steve Johnson, owner of previous NFA

“We are very grateful to all our judges – they are a vital part of the National Fitness Awards and always take their role very seriously.” National Gym of the Year, Tops Fitness and Rehabilitation in Wakefield. The National Fitness Awards are free to enter and can be a great way for operators to raise the profile of their businesses and gain recognition for the achievements of their gyms. Clubs and individuals can put themselves forward for an award by visiting

the website – www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk – and filling in the online nomination form. Once nominations have closed later in the year, all shortlisted gyms will be visited by a member of the Workout team who will complete a comprehensive report to pass on to the judges, who will then decide on the winners. Steve said: “A big thank you for asking me to be a judge again this year. I don't even have to think about the answer, as it is a big massive yes to receive this honour again. To say I am buzzing is an understatement.” Event director Judith Halkerston added: “We are very grateful to all our judges – they are a vital part of the National Fitness Awards and always take their role very seriously. “Without the time, expertise and knowledge they put into their deliberations, we may not end up with the

Steve Johnson, owner of former winners Tops Fitness and Rehabilitation. exceptional, worthy winners that we do. A big thank you to them all." The trio will be joined by several other well known faces – who will be revealed in the next issue of Workout – to make up the complete judging panel. Advertising Sales and marketing director: Tony Barry

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

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Sales manager: Daniel Lloyd Tel: 01226 734699 dl@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant sales manager: Chris Hartley Tel: 01226 734709 ch@scriptmedia.co.uk

Editorial Group Editor:

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Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Editor: Christina Eccles Tel: 01226 734463 ce@scriptmedia.co.uk Reporter: Olivia Taylor ot@scriptmedia.co.uk Group production editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Personal trainer launches festival with local council By Olivia Taylor

AN ambitious personal trainer has paired with the local council to provide people in Portsmouth with an all day fitness festival. Ex-police officer Luke Newton has always been committed to fitness, moving from London back to his hometown of Portsmouth to pursue his personal training dream. Luke said: “I love my job as a personal trainer, even the early starts – I’ll literally train people from 5am. “It’s just so nice to help people achieve their goals and the fact that people pick you to be a part of their journey is really quite flattering.” The free Southsea Fitness Festival will be taking place on June 13 in Portsmouth’s castle field, near the South Sea Castle and beach. It will include practical demonstrations alongside consumer stalls. There will also be Pilates and bootcamp ses-

sions, along with gait analysis and a healthy food market. Luke added: “We were blown away by the support we received locally. We managed to get several very reputable local companies supporting the event early on. “It gives people loads of chances to take part in a lot of different sports. I’m trying to make it so there’s something for everyone. It’s going to be very family friendly, with stuff for children to do. We just want it to appeal to as many people as possible.” Luke is preparing to open the festival gates to 4,000 people and has already received backing from reputable names such as This Girl Can, the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research’s Race For Life. He added: “It’s been a real learning curve for me but it has been brilliant. The event is a real blend of corporate and community. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Revolutionary treadmill wins ALTER G’s revolutionary Anti-Gravity treadmill was among the winners at this year’s Sports Technology Awards. Taking home the trophy for best equipment, AlterG beat off competition from Bodyflow International, Life Fitness, Partner Ball Rugby, TRUSOX and Wahoo Fitness. European sales director Trevor Donald said: “I am so delighted our

technology that has already benefited thousands of sportspeople and clinicians across a range of disciplines has officially been recognised as the best equipment by such a well-qualified panel of judges.” The judging panel included former vice chairman of the FA David Dein and elite athletes such as Marlon Devenish and Tessa Sanderson.

Total Fitness Wigan is hosting a spinathon and family day in aid of Joseph’s Goal.

People encouraged to take part in charity fundraiser BOTH members and non members have been encouraged to take part in a charity fundraising event organised by the staff at Total Fitness’ Wigan site. For the second year running, the club is hosting a spinathon and family day in aid of Joseph’s Goal; a charity set up by the family of Joseph Kendrick who is suffering from rare genetic disorder NKH. The event takes place on July 4, with the main activity on the day a four hour spinathon, which the club hopes

will attract 50 participants. Other highlights will include a raffle and silent auction, plus supervised kids’ classes which will be running throughout the day. Club manager Paul Twigg said: “This is a charity we are very proud to work with and appreciate all the help from members and non-members on making this a huge success. “The team pull together every year to make this a huge fun day and last year raised around £1700 and this year we look to excel this.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

New sitting volleyball workshop launched VOLLEYBALL England has launched a new course for Sitting Volleyball – the most inclusive version of the game. The course, a four-hour workshop, is aimed at anyone who wants to introduce a sport that is inclusive for all abilities and covers key areas such as technique and fun variations on playing the game. Course participants also receive a resource booklet full of ideas for games and warm-ups and a starter kit, providing them with a net band and five beach balls to get a game going in almost any environment. Chief executive of Volleyball England Lisa Wainwright said: “This new workshop is an exciting development for the sitting game. “It has been designed for a large number of audiences – schools, colleges, school sports makers, multi-sport coaches and nonsport based leaders. “It is ideal for people who work with pan-disability groups and those who are interested in exposing their participants to inclusive activity.”

Pulse is awarded 20-year leisure development contract by Council LEISURE solutions and equipment provider Pulse has been named Suffolk Coastal District Council’s strategic leisure development partner for the next 20 years. The contract, which is worth an estimated £45m – subject to other local authorities participating – will see Pulse work with the council and strategic leisure operations partner; Places for People Leisure, to develop existing and new leisure facilities and services in the district. The partnership and contract value also incorporates the potential redevelopment, equip and operational support of a number of other facilities within four additional local authorities’ portfolios who were named participants on the tender. Suffolk Coastal District Council expects to invest between £10m and £20m in its leisure facilities over the next 20 years and Pulse will use its 35 years’ experience and expertise to assess the existing leisure provision in the area and make recommendations on how to improve them. In addition, Pulse will provide the council with advice, support and proposals on design, funding, strategic planning, marketing, branding and operational best practice, as well as act as the council’s principal supplier for all building works and services. Although the lead contract is with Suffolk Coastal, other local authorities

Aron Nassim (director of projects at Pulse), Councillor Richard Kerry (cabinet member, SCDC) and Mark Taylor (contracts manager at Places for People Leisure). were named parties on this procurement and are likely to release information very soon on their own plans to develop facilities and services. Director of projects at Pulse Aron Nassim said: “This is a landmark contract for Pulse and a testament to our previous work as a strategic leisure development partner and leading leisure solutions provider. “The long term partnership reflects

our shared vision of improving the health and wellbeing of communities through strategic investment and innovative thinking. We are confident that alongside Suffolk Coastal and the leisure operations partner, we will greatly improve existing facilities, create exciting new leisure spaces and ensure important participation, health and environmental targets are not only met but exceeded.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

LFX features two 'streams' at its main events, one for business managers and the other for 'hands on' fitness.

LFX expands and encourages independents to join By Christina Eccles A POPULAR fitness industry group which promotes networking and professional development is looking to expand – and is encouraging independent businesses to join. The LFX network, which first began hosting professional events in 2007, was originally founded to fill a networking gap for northern leisure and fitness operators. LFX features two 'streams' at its main events, one for business managers and the other for ‘hands on’ fitness professionals and each event includes guest speakers, group discussions and for the fitness stream, practical sessions. Now after achieving success in the north, founder Graeme Hinde

believes the time is right to expand the concept into other regions and he is currently planning the first LFX Midlands event, scheduled to take place in Derby on June 11. He said: “Our events are growing in popularity and we now see over 100 professionals attending on a regular basis. “I've seen independent business owners discussing all sorts of problems and issues with CEOs from much larger organisations. “The next thing is that contact details are exchanged, people stay in touch and usually end up building long-term relationships.” After the Midlands event, LFX will move into Wales and Scotland, something which Graeme is also excited about.

He added: “When I started LFX it was to encourage people to come together, share issues and ideas and to listen to the very best industry speakers. “I felt that the North missed out so it seemed to make sense to bring something new to the region. The same now applies in other areas. “One size doesn’t necessarily fit all. The formula for a good event is there but the way it is delivered may change to suit a particular location and audience. “I'd much rather deliver the best type of event than to try and shoehorn people into something that's not quite right.” One of Graeme’s biggest ambitions is to increase the number of independent professionals attending LFX

events, enabling them to benefit from great networking opportunities and the chance to meet others working in the same field. “In my eyes you don't have to own a gym or studio to be a fitness professional, you just need to be employed in fitness in some capacity and have a desire to learn and communicate with others. I don’t own a gym but I regard myself as an independent business owner working in the health and fitness sector and networking has helped me massively throughout my career.” Workout has teamed up with LFX to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to the first LFX Midlands event in Derby on June 11. Head to www.facebook.com/workoutmagazine for details and to enter.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Southampton gym benefits from refurb

DAVID Lloyd Leisure is investing over £550,000 in its Southampton club as part of a major refurbishment programme. As part of the project, the operator is installing a dedicated group cycling studio, accommodating 50 people in a class and featuring new M3i bikes. The gym will also be upgraded to include a new Wattbike and virtual reality screen zone and its locker rooms will be refurbished to provide more comfortable and spacious changing facilities. General manager Ian Edmunds said: “We are very excited to be able to offer the Southampton community these fantastic new facilities, which will support them further in their health and fitness goals as well as providing them with a superb environment in between their activities. “The team cannot wait to welcome both new and existing members to enjoy the enhanced offering along with all of the club’s extensive facilities, services and expertise.” Work on the Southampton club forms part of a wider £50m facilities investment programme.

New programme SPORT and leisure management charity Fusion Lifestyle has launched a new programme to invest in the talent development of its workforce. The 12-month course will lead to a level five certificate in leadership and management from the Institute of Leadership and Management and has also been aligned with the National Occupational Standards. Ten successful applicants from across Fusion have joined the programme, which will include training on a variety of topics such as recruitment, finance and budgeting, marketing and customer relations.

The team from Pink Ladies celebrating their win at the National Fitness Awards.

Ladies’ only gym goes from strength to strength following award success By Olivia Taylor A LADIES only gym in Northampton is going from strength to strength, following its National Fitness Awards’ win last year. Pink Ladies Health and Fitness fought off tough competition at the NFAs last November to scoop the title of Ladies Only Gym of the Year. Since the awards, the club has expanded its class timetable and premises and is adding a new studio with a mirrored wall, sound system and nine new pieces of kit. Gym owner Catherine Barker said: “We had to expand because the membership grew so much. We put that

down to the NFAs. It looks like it’s going to be a busy year.” Pink Ladies now offer energetic Clubbercise classes and Catherine is looking into adding other classes after reading about them in WorkOut. She added: “I really enjoyed the Clubbercise course. It was fun and I met so many nice people.” As well as new classes, the gym has also had its NHS accreditation extended and Catherine, who started out as a gym receptionist, delivers a successful GP referral programme and well established classes to people with disabilities. She added: “It’s very challenging but that’s what fitness and wellbeing is

about. I’ve always loved fitness, it’s always kind of followed me.” The gym is also allowing its members to indulge in a spot of retail therapy after a workout with an in house handbag store and clothing range – and original Pink Ladies’ trainers for members are soon to be added to the club’s clothing collection. Catherine added: “It’s been fantastic. We’re showing people that it doesn’t matter what shape or size you are, fitness can be for you.” Are you a past National Fitness Awards’ winner with a story to tell? Contact us at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk and you could appear in a future issue of Workout.

Title winner’s gym reveals further MYZONE plans BUCKINGHAMSHIRE gym The Marlow Club has revealed plans to introduce MYZONE technology throughout, following success in its group cycling studio. The club is the home gym of 70year-old Tony Linturn, who recently secured the title of MYZONE Mover 2014, after training for an average of

three hours a day for a year to achieve the highest number of MYZONE Effort Points in a global Facebook challenge. Operations manager Kerena Lines said: “MYZONE is used in live mode in the Spin Studio but is promoted as a tool that can be used anywhere in or outside the club.

“It helps with retention and also creates a real social buzz, especially during our spin classes. It can quite competitive at times. “We are always on the lookout for new and innovative products to keep our members engaged and help them with their training, and MYZONE helps with all of that.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Seventy per cent of adults exercise less now, study reveals The demountable 25m above ground swimming pool is set to open in June.

Bury Council to invest in temporary pool solution TEMPORARY pool specialist Total Swimming has revealed a major project in partnership with Bury Council, which will see a UK first – the construction of a demountable 25m above ground swimming pool, in place for at least three years. The construction of the pool follows the closure of Radcliffe Swimming Baths in 2014 due to structural damage. The new facility, due to open early June, is expected to be used by thousands of visitors each year and will be located at Radcliffe Riverside School next to the existing community sports centre. A range of facilities are included in

the construction of the new pool, which will be operated in conjunction with the existing leisure centre. These include male and female changing villages with shower, toilets and lockers, as well as a spectator viewing area. Bury Council spokesman Peter Doherty said: “We decided to provide a temporary facility because of the length of time that Radcliffe could be without a pool. “The new swimming pool will ensure that swimming can continue in the local area and we expect 190,000 visitors per year to utilise the facility.”

SEVEN in 10 young adults are doing less sport and exercise now than they did during their school years, yet nine out of 10 would like to be much fitter, research has revealed. A study of Brits aged 16 to 30 found the average young person will cut their time spent keeping fit and active in half once they finish their GCSEs. They can expect to go from spending more than 12 hours playing sport or being active over the course of a week to just four hours and 26 minutes over a seven day period. The study was commissioned by The Military Preparation College as it launches a new recruitment drive for 16-19 year olds. Head of physical literacy at MPCT Nathan Gibbons said: “This research shows that there’s actually strong desire amongst young people to be fitter, but few are doing enough about it once they leave school. “That’s a great shame as we know that when young people get fit, they become more motivated, more confident and can achieve so much more in all areas of their lives. “Interestingly, the study shows that only one quarter of the time spent

keeping fit at school is from the structured lessons – most is from after school clubs and generally being active with friends outside of school. “It’s only when you leave school that you realise how much you’re in control of your own fitness regime, it’s your choice whether to keep it up or let it slip.” Looking back at their childhood, young Brits said they would be taking part in 12 hours and 17 minutes of sports, exercise and general outdoor activities in an average week. More than two hours of that came from PE and sports lessons and seven hours and 42 minutes of this active time was spent outdoors being generally active with friends or family. But over a third of the respondents described themselves as an ‘inactive’ person now and 86 per cent thought they needed to be more active than they are at the moment. Nathan added: “At The Military Preparation College, our students spend 50 per cent of their time doing physical training, and their thirst for life and learning is incredible. We’re firm believers that ‘active learning’ is the way forward.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Award winner Michael launches new online coaching company By Christina Eccles AWARD winning PT Michael Warren has created a new online coaching company, with plans to expand the concept further to include training for fitness professionals and a series of ebooks. Michael, who owns FSI Gym in Newcastle, has launched Michael Warren Performance Education, following a spike in enquiries from people interested in being trained by him after he won Gym Based Personal Trainer at the 2014 National Fitness Awards and the gym won Functional Training Gym of the Year. He explained: “A lot of the emails were complimentary and seeking my help, however, I had two major problems in that they were usually hundreds of miles away, so I was unable to coach them face to face and also my current bookings schedule was near on impossible to get peak slots unless you booked over a month in advance. “It took a bit of time but I eventually came up with a system and service that would allow me to help more people via online coaching.” The online coaching system has three different tiers, which cater for differing needs and levels of service required. This covers things such as general personalised training plans, a

VIP private insider group, nutrition, e-mail support and consultations via Skype. And he is already looking at developing his business further to pass on his expertise to those just starting out in the industry. He added: “I have been fortunate in my career in my opportunities and development. From starting working in a gym at the age of 15, working in a variety of different roles and organisations from small private health clubs to large national chain gyms to now running my own national award winning gym. “Along the way I have learned so much, worked with some great people and feel I have a lot to pass on to fitness professionals who are new to the industry and keen to develop and progress their skill set in key areas. “On this basis I have started to develop an online mentorship programme for fitness professionals which I hope to launch in summer 2015.” Michael is also offering seminars for gyms or trainers who can book him to deliver sessions in Strength Training Principles, Athletic Performance Enhancement and How to Open Your Own Facility and is also available to deliver seminars for conventions or expos. The final part of his online business

Michael, who owns FSI Gym in Newcastle, has launched Michael Warren Performance Education. is e-books, with the first one launching later this month and another planned for August. He added: “It has taken around eight months to write, something I had not planned, however I just kept adding content and the book became bigger and bigger. “The book is over 30,000 words and

features over 100 pictures showcasing a vast range of exercises to help push big bench press numbers. As a certified Westside Barbell strength coach, the depth of material in this e-book is vast. I believe the book will appeal to a wide range of people from strength coaches and PTs to general gym users.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Sarah’s ‘Hope in Heels’ event to benefit charity By Olivia Taylor

Outdoor fitness enthusiasts can get an introduction to the landscapes of the Lake District by booking an innovative package launched by a local hotel. Guests staying at Brimstone can be met at Windermere station by a host who will drive them to the hotel where they will be kitted out with the latest gear from Berghaus to be used throughout their stay. When ready to venture into the hills, they will be provided with maps and guidance for walking routes with spectacular views and driven to their starting point in style. After a day exploring the Lake District landscapes they’ll be collected by their host and taken back to Brimstone.

Technogym partners with Chelsea TECHNOGYM has partnered with Chelsea Football Club to become official fitness equipment supplier for the first team, development squads and Ladies teams. Under the agreement, Chelsea FC’s training ground in Cobham will be equipped with Technogym equipment including ARTIS cardiovascular and strength equipment and Selection Leg Press MED for rehabilitation and recovery.

Chelsea assistant first team fitness coach and gym manager Carlos Lalin said: “Technogym has a reputation for excellence in the design and manufacture of fitness equipment for elite athletes. “As one of the leading clubs in the world, it is natural that we should work with the best. We are pleased with our choice and hope that this will help us to achieve even more in the coming years.”

A LONDON based personal trainer and Hope for HIV ambassador is lending her full support to the charity by organising a Hope in Heels fundraiser. Sarah O’Neill is an active fundraiser for HIV, raising money for children who have been affected and orphaned by the condition in subSaharan Africa. And in 2012, she managed to raise £150,000 with her year long 12in12 event. Sarah said: “I was so struck by the fact that the charity really does get the money to exactly where it needs to be. “I organised a year long fundraiser for the charity called the 12in12, which raised £150,000 and culminated in running 12 marathons in 12 days.” Now she is preparing a 2.4km walk or run around London’s Battersea Park in heels, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to Hope for HIV. The Hope in Heels event will start with a dance warm up to some of Beyonce’s finest songs and then as participants shuffle down the track

Proceeds from the event at London’s Battersea Park will go to Hope for HIV. they’ll be greeted by butlers in the buff, jelly shots and they'll pass the track’s ‘selfie station.’ When participants reach the finish line they can then cool down with a foot rub, brunch and a glass of fizz. She added: “I was really committed that every penny went to the charity. “It’s been hard – a steep learning curve – but it’s so exciting getting others on board and making it happen. “It’s a fun light hearted event. It’s going to be a really enjoyable day, something that anyone can do and I’m confident that it will go well.” The event is set to take place on Saturday May 30.

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

This month’s top Tweets... @PromotePR: Lovely to see @ChristinaEccles at @WorkOutUK up in Barnsley this afternoon. Lots of exciting opportunities to come!

@FitFortius: Featured in April’s @WorkOutUK mag. I'm the one who wasn’t a legendary footballer! #fitfam #harrogate @LKB_PR: Another awesome issue of @WorkOutUK this month featuring clients @clubbercise @Kettfusion @balletbefit @balanspilates and @FitnessHub_UK @PopdanceWorld: Looking forward to chatting to @WorkOutUK regarding Popdance Fit Training sessions

@thinkfitnessgym: Well done to Keith. Our March MYZONE yellow zone winner. @MYZONEmoves @WorkOutUK @MyproteinUK #myzone #gym @OliviaGTaylor: Nice to speak with @SianToal from @onpoint_pt yesterday, look out for her story in an upcoming issue of @WorkOutUK @DrZaks: @WorkOutUK our April Fools day prank went down a storm. Thermoflour in our bread that keeps toast warm for up to an hour! #LOAFISGOOD @Luke_NewtonPT: Great to speak with @WorkOutUK today regarding @SweatSouthsea and @SouthseaFitFest!

Across social media, the industry got into the spirit of April Fools’ Day by posting lighthearted pranks on Facebook and Twitter. Among our favourites were Virgin Trains who announced they will be replacing seats in some of their carriages with fitness equipment so travellers can work out on the go with advice from Virgin Active personal trainers. The energie Group also claimed they were becoming the first operator to put a gym in space to assist in supporting the health and wellbeing of astronauts on the International Space Station, while the BodyPower team announced the launch of their new ‘protein beer’ and operator Fitness First came up with the idea of a class where gymgoers could bring their pets along to join them in special workouts at selected clubs.

Owner of independent gym MRC Fitness and Leisure, Lorraine Wallace enjoyed a visit to the impressive City Chambers in Glasgow, after being invited to an event there in recognition of the club’s charity work. The gym in Dalry, Ayrshire and its members raised just over £11,000 in 2014 to commemorate their 30th year in business – with 12 members doing a 30-hour workout to raise funds – and donated the proceeds to Erskine Hospital, a facility which cares for Scottish veterans. As a thank you, Lorraine was invited along to Erskine's Annual Presentation Awards where she heard first hand from residents, family members and staff about the important work they do.

Editor’s Comment FOR anyone working in the fitness industry, finding cost effective ways to boost your business is always high on the agenda. Whether you’re an independent operator, multi purpose leisure centre, low cost gym, or personal trainer; networking with like-minded individuals, attending inspirational talks, successfully getting to grips with social media or putting yourself forward for a prestigious industry award can all help with making your business the best it can be and also with spreading the word about exactly what you can offer to potential members or clients. And in this issue of Workout, we’re here to help – covering all of these areas plus much more. In the pages of this month’s magazine, you’ll find details of how joining the LFX network could benefit you, how to enter the National Fitness Awards – the industry’s biggest free to enter awards scheme – and a special feature from our reporter Olivia on how fitness professionals can reap the rewards of social media, including some tops tips on how to get you started. When it comes to inspiration and

motivation, another good place to start is by attending some of the industry’s biggest events. Turn to page 28 to read all the action from the recent FIBO show and to page 30 for a preview of the upcoming BodyPower Expo. Once again, it sounds like it’s shaping up to be a great show and we’re proud to be working with the organisers on that and on the newest addition to their portfolio, Leisure Industry Week. We’ll also be attending BodyPower ourselves and are looking forward to meeting some of our readers and picking up lots of potential stories for future issues of the magazine. So if you’re going, pop over to the Workout Trade Lounge and say hi! As I write this month’s editor’s comment, I’m also in the middle of one of my biggest challenges to date; training for a 5k run. As a complete novice, I thought it was about time I gave it a try, so having enlisted the help of award winning PT Kim Ingleby, I’ve laced up my running shoes, dosed up on hayfever tablets and headed outside to get some practice! You can read the first part of my fea-

Christina Eccles ture on page 24 and I’ll be revealing how I got on on the big day next month. If anyone has any advice or words of wisdom in preparing for your first race, feel free to drop me a line or get in touch via social media – and wish me luck! Have a great month and we’ll look forward to seeing many of you at BodyPower in a few weeks’ time.

This month’s hot topic:

@kimingleby: Super proud of @ChristinaEccles @WorkOutUK first week training with me... good feedback, adaptions and progress :-) #ukrunchat #hotbod x

Group exercise is a consistently popular draw to get people through the doors of a gym, but with so many

@FitnessHub_UK: We’re super stoked to see that our row-a-thon for @ACTcharity made it into the April issue of @WorkOutUK. Thanks @ChristinaEccles and @LKB_PR

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

classes out there, operators can be spoilt for choice. Which classes are standing the test of time in your clubs and what have been the best new ones you’ve recently tried?

UK FITNESS SCENE

Students’ wish becomes a reality as ‘Our Gym’ opens By Christina Eccles

A ladies only independent gym in Dudley has been doing its bit for the local community with a variety of charity events. Since opening in 2010, Unique Fitness 4 Ladies Only has held an annual charity event and this year is choosing to raise money for the lung function respiratory unit at its local hospital. The club, which was shortlisted at last year’s National Fitness Awards, has also been holding smaller charity events throughout the year and recently organised an Easter egg raffle, which raised about £1,000.

STUDENTS at Buckinghamshire University Technical College have used their initiative and opened their own gym, with a little help from The Gateway GYM at Bucks New University and supplier Matrix Fitness. With no outside facilities available for sport and fitness, the students were encouraged to prepare their own business plan outlining how they wanted to tackle the important issue of keeping fit. They were assisted by the team from the Gateway GYM, which has provided a full range of Matrix fitness equipment on long-term loan. Student Felix Turck said: “We formed our own Sports Council and decided we’d really like a functional gym. “Working with Bucks New University and Matrix, one of our partners, we did a competitor analysis and operational modelling to look at the many different options for equipment – what it cost against what we felt we needed. “The results informed our business plan for Our Gym – the name chosen by the students. “Bucks New University kindly

Bev Flanagan, Principal of Bucks UTC, officially opens the new gym. loaned equipment to us which really got things moving. “And then to help things further, Matrix Fitness offered some extra equipment and marketing materials to make Our Gym perfect.” Director of facilities and services at Bucks New University, Liz Hughes, added: “We are delighted to see the gym at Bucks UTC become a reality and extremely proud that Bucks New University has been able to help these

young enterprising students in its creation. Health and fitness is a priority for us at the university and we have thoroughly enjoyed working with Matrix Fitness and the students and Sport Council at the UTC, who displayed so much enthusiasm and vision with their business plans. “We look forward to current and future generations of students benefiting from these fantastic fitness facilities.”

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Tanita joins forces with Technogym for range

Pamela Amour and exercise referral specialist Lucy Annandale

Pamela’s health improves thanks to referral scheme SHEFFIELD mum Pamela Amour has lost weight and improved her health after completing an exercise referral scheme at a local gym. Overweight and unable to carry our everyday tasks like cleaning and shopping without pain, Pamela decided to take action and was referred by her GP to Sheffield City Trust’s exercise referral scheme. She firstly completed a 12-week programme of exercise at Ponds Forge – the first step on a 10-month journey which has seen her shape up and lose weight. She said: “I was putting on more and more weight, which was causing extreme pain on my knee and hip joints. I’d just about given up on myself when I was referred to the exercise referral scheme

“I was very unfit when I started but the instructors created a fantastic, tailor-made programme based on my health problems.” After completing the programme, Pamela got the exercise bug and joined the Fitness Unlimited gym membership scheme and now takes part in at least four classes a week at Ponds Forge. She added: “Just under a year on after my initial referral, I’ve lost a stone and I’m now doing two aerobics classes, a body pump class and a Legs Bums and Tums class every week. “The Exercise Referral Scheme has transformed my life. It’s given me the confidence to step into a gym, build my fitness and take part in a charity race.”

TANITA and Technogym have partnered to offer gyms the latest in membership monitoring and data management. The collaboration will see the integration of the Tanita MC-780MA, a medical grade professional body composition monitor, into the Technogym Ecosystem range of products. Using the latest technology, the Tanita MC-780MA provides a precise and comprehensive segmental body composition reading in just 20 seconds, measuring body fat, muscle mass, hydration levels, metabolic rate and more. Users can accurately monitor their body composition and progress in order to set a baseline for development and improvement. The Technogym Ecosystem range of interconnected products, services, content and programs has been specifically designed to help leisure facilities monitor their members’ performance and progress inside and outside of their clubs. By integrating Tanita into their offering, Technogym will now enable members to measure their performance and track their progress wherever they are, while helping operators improve retention. Chief commercial officer from Tanita Europe BV, Amsterdam, Jan Alderlieste, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Technogym on this innovative fitness offering. “Technogym has set the bar for technologically advanced fitness equipment and their forward thinking

is very much in line with our company vision and values. “We see this collaboration as a real meeting of minds and are proud to be working together to offer users an unrivalled fitness experience.”

Nutrition course successfully delivered at Grays centre By Christina Eccles LIFETIME Training has written a bespoke nutrition course for Impulse Leisure, which was successfully delivered at the operator’s Blackshots Centre in Grays, Essex. The REPs accredited CPD course focused on nutritional theory and the science of weight management, as well as behavioural science for coaching to enable client behaviour change. Paul Waters, freelance tutor and writer for Lifetime Training,

explained: “At Lifetime, we are very conscious about how we help instructors and PTs to work with their clients. “We want fitness professionals to be able to empower their clients so that they can take control of their own lives and make changes. “The skills required to facilitate these changes include how they manage their client consultations as well as setting effective goals. It is very much a culture of ‘coaching, not telling’ so that the instructors and PTs can facilitate permanent change for

their clients.” Impulse Leisure were keen to prioritise many aspects of nutritional training for the twenty Level two and Level three instructors and personal trainers who undertook the course. Group health and fitness manager Garry Tapsell added: “We recognise that in order to fully support our members to achieve their goals, a good fitness programme is not enough. “We wanted our fitness team to fully understand our members’ needs and goals and felt that giving them the

skills to ask the right questions in the right way was important. “Using these new techniques and skills, we also recognised that we could offer more with regards to educating our members on the nutritional element of healthy weight management. The knowledge gained on such a diverse course has meant the fitness team are fully armed with some basic psychology training enabling them to properly understand our members’ needs whilst having the knowledge and skills to implement a good exercise and nutrition plan.”

With the public’s appetite for running showing no sign of slowing down, Workout editor Christina Eccles tapped into the trend by signing up for her first 5k race. In the first of a two-part feature, she reveals how training is going in the lead up to the big race day on May 17.

Workout editor Christina Eccles pounds the streets in the build up to the big race on May 17 (left) and with training partner and friend Laura Raddings.

Tapping into the running trend with a ‘fun’ 5k race FIVE weeks to train for a 5k may sound like a walk (or jog!) in the park for many of you reading this, but for a novice runner like myself it was only ever going to be one thing – a massive challenge. Seeing runners pounding the pavements on my way to work or doing laps in my local park, I’ve always fancied becoming one of a growing number of enthusiasts, but bar a few halfhearted attempts on the treadmill in the gym, I’ve never really taken the thought seriously. The catalyst for change came via Facebook when I saw a post about an upcoming 5k Rainbow Run in Barnsley’s Locke Park. Participants can choose from a 1k or 5k route and during the course will be greeted by five different stations – red, blue, green, yellow and purple – where ‘rainbow warriors’ will be on hand to cover them in paint as they run. The event appealed to me as a fun way to initially get into running, while also raising money for a good cause – Barnsley Hospital Charity – which supports care in the local community. Having given some thought to signing up, I started to worry about the things which had always put me off running before – poor technique, get-

ting injured and not being fit enough to complete the course – and decided the only way I was ever going to get anywhere was by a) setting myself a more definite goal and b) getting some professional help. I already had my goal in mind – to complete the full 5k Rainbow Run route – and after roping my friend Laura in for moral support and as a training partner, we signed up to take part – meaning there was no backing out now and leaving myself with just a few weeks to get race ready. In terms of help, I realised I would benefit most by getting a training plan from a professional and knew I needed a trainer who would motivate and push me to achieve my goal, but in an encouraging and supportive way. I immediately thought of award winning PT and National Fitness Awards’ judge Kim Ingleby and approached her to see if she would provide me with a plan. Thankfully Kim agreed and supplied me with a pre coaching form to establish what my goals, ambitions and lifestyle were like and how much time I could afford to devote to my training. While Kim was putting together a plan for me, based on my responses,

the next step was to get properly kitted out. Being used to taking part in classes for Workout and enjoying going to the gym in my spare time, I’m already well equipped with way too much fitness clothing, but the one thing I was lacking was a proper pair of running shoes. On Kim’s recommendation, I visited my local Sweatshop and after a really interesting, thorough and helpful gait analysis, left with my perfect pair of vibrant, pink, blue and orange Asics trainers. The next step was the hardest, as it involved actually getting going with the training, and that’s when it all started to feel real. Entering the gym for my first session clutching a print out of Kim’s training plan, I felt nervous but also excited to see how I would get on. From earlier studying the plan for my first two weeks’ training, I was pleased to see it involved gradually building up stamina and confidence with running and walking interval training, as well as factoring in activities I already like to do – such as my regular gym classes – strength training and core and flexibility sessions. There was also rest and recovery time and helpful hints, such as advice

on getting a sports massage, healthy eating and important reminders to focus on technique and enjoying the experience. My first session involved walking for five minutes then running for three minutes repeated three times, followed by stretching and using a foam roller and despite my initial nervousness, I actually felt I coped well – and even enjoyed it. This gave me the confidence to progress through the rest of week one, which included upping my game to four minutes walking, then four running and on to week two where I further increased my running to five minutes and so on. Also in that time I took Kim’s advice and got a sports massage – which definitely helped to sort out my aching muscles! At the end of week one and again after week two, I updated her on my progress and after feeling energised and proud of my achievements, was ready to tackle the rest of the plan; feeling confident and focused that I’ll make it over that finish line! Look out for part two of the feature coming next issue, where I’ll be reporting back as to how the rest of my training went and revealing how I got on at the event.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Conor uses latest trends to bring his clients up to date By Olivia Taylor Club Moativation staff with Guide Dogs charity representatives.

Raffle proceeds benefit charity CLUB Moativation in Doncaster has held an Easter raffle to raise funds for the Guide Dogs charity. Over the past two years, the club has raised over £5,000 and has even had the chance to name a puppy as a thank you for their efforts. Prizes up for grabs included a night in the hotel with breakfast, a meal for two in the restaurant and a month’s membership. Health club manager Andrew Elvin said: “We started off selling the tickets with the hope of raising £200 but these tickets were snapped up really quickly, so our next target was £300, which we managed before our cut off date. “Our next charity event for Guide Dogs is on May 31 where we will be holding a car wash and family fun day with all Club Moativation staff on site washing cars, hosting a tug of war vs members and other challenges.”

THE owner of a successful Cork gym is doing his bit to bring clients up to date with the latest industry trends. Conor Cunningham started out as a footballer, but due to injury his career was cut short, so he went on to fulfill his passion with a personal training qualification. Conor worked his way up the ladder from gym instructor to a general manager, before making the ‘hot headed’ decision to buy his own premises – Coach’s Fitness Centre – back in January. He said: “As a trainer, for me the biggest thing is seeing people achieve their goals. Every day is one to one and I like that, it wasn’t like that when I was a manager. “The fact that I can make a living in this business I love is amazing, but the real reward for me is connecting with people and helping them to achieve a goal or milestone in their lives. “I have worked in many industries and have never experienced anything as near as rewarding as it is to help someone achieve something they have personally wanted and chased for years, but have never thought was possible.” Conor tries to make the club as results based as possible, allowing clients to feel as comfortable as they

Coach’s Fitness Centre owner Conor Cunningham. can when focusing on their fitness goals. He added: “There was a demand on the market for private training facilities. It can be very intimidating going to the gym. Here we have people who have never set foot in a gym, to sponsored athletes. “The industry in Ireland is a little bit behind the UK, but in the last few months, I’ve really seen a big push of people who are getting into the health

and fitness scene. “In terms of keeping up with trends, I do a lot of my own online research, but also try to attend expos wherever possible. “In the past I have travelled to to LIW and BodyPower in Birmingham, as well as the Arnold Classic Europe in Madrid. “It’s nice for me to get hold of the latest trends from the UK and bring them to my clients here in Ireland.”

FIBO REVIEW

725 exhibitors from 40 nations presented the latest fitness and health industry trends and innovations at this year’s FIBO.

Visitor numbers break records A RECORD breaking 138,000 visitors attended FIBO over the course of the four-day event, organisers have revealed. Altogether, 725 exhibitors from 40 nations presented the latest fitness and health industry trends and innovations, with the show recording an attendance increase of 22,000 visitors. In the span of only five years, FIBO has managed to almost triple attendance and boost the number of exhibiting companies by nearly 50 per cent. Again this year, the 58,000 tickets allocated to private visitors had

already sold out before the show even started. Hans-Joachim Erbel, CEO of organiser Reed Exhibitions Deutschland, said: “FIBO is among the leading trade fairs with the strongest growth momentum worldwide. The scale of this development is unparalleled in the international trade fair business.” Following the success of this year’s show, organisers are already looking forward to 2016, announcing additional floor space for next year’s event. FIBO director Ralph Scholz added: “The development of the fitness and

health market continues with strong momentum and the industry is still on the up and up, as this year’s FIBO helped to underscore. “In our continued quest to improve FIBO, we’re paying special attention to visitor composition. This includes internationalising the event as well as further enhancing FIBO’s trade visitor profile in its role as the leading trade fair worldwide.” The next FIBO will take place at the Exhibition Centre Cologne from April 7 to 10 2016 and more than 80 per cent of stand space has already been booked.

Ideas recognised

industry and must not have been on the market for more than a year.

shows how a dynamic training zone can be incorporated onto the gym floor.

SOME of the industry’s most creative new ideas were also recognised at the show, earning FIBO Innovation Awards. Products in the four categories – training concepts, interior and design, health promotion and training equipment – were honoured with prizes, presented in cooperation with TÜV Rheinland Group and FIT FOR FUN magazine. The winners were: Training Concepts – Five-Konzept. Interior and design – Slashpipe. Health promotion – Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless. Training Equipment – TrakBar Pro-X. To be eligible for an award, products entered must have made a major contribution to innovation in the

Range showcased Forum opens FIBO PERFORMANCE Health Systems showed off the versatility of Power Plate at FIBO, exhibiting a range of its latest innovations. The company showcased Aevum, the combined bioDensity and Power Plate offering and Power Plate my7 with Care Assist software designed to be the complete strength and balance solution for the active ageing market. Also on display was the Power Plate my7 FitStop, the workplace wellness solution, as well as Power Plate’s popular Integrated Fitness Training Concept, comprising Power Plate with a compass mat and selected functional training equipment, which

A GROUP of 320 leaders from 28 countries attended the second European Health and Fitness Forum, which was organised in partnership with EuropeActive and took place as the opening event of FIBO. The event’s presentations and discussions revolved around the impact of motivation and behaviour change on member retention rates and how the fitness sector should adapt in order to motivate people to get fit and maintain healthy behaviour. The forum also included the official launch of the EuropeActive/Deloitte European Health and Fitness Market Report 2015.

Neil trys out latest trends and products BURNLEY Leisure’s head of operations Neil Hutchinson was among thousands of visitors to this year’s FIBO; using the show as an opportunity to try out the latest trends and products and to find out more about what might work in his facilities. During the trip, he saw lots of interesting concepts – and enjoyed some sessions himself – and told Workout, he came away from the show with lots of new ideas. He explained: “This is the third time I have attended the show and it didn’t disappoint this year. “As I only had a day at the show, I concentrated on the fitness and wellbeing sections, which is more than enough to fill a day up. I had a couple of pre-arranged meetings in the morning and it’s a time efficient way of meeting suppliers all in one room in one day.

“The exciting thing about the show is that you see many new products and protoypes still yet to be seen in the UK, so if you want to stay ahead of the game and see what’s coming, this is the place to see it.” Practical sessions Neil had a go at at FIBO included trialling the Thorax trainer, which simulates cross country skiing and can be combined with other elements such as shooting. He also tried out Life Fitness’ new rowing machine, as well as a Les Mills’ immersive fitness class. He added: “The 35-minute class started off calmly as we warmed up but soon had us dripping in sweat as we followed the on screen futuristic track sprinting and then adding resistance on the hills. I will be interested to see how this develops as a product when it is eventually launched.

Neil Hutchinson takes part in a Les Mills’ immersive fitness class at FIBO. “[The show is] definitely worth considering for next year if you want to see something different and meet companies and experience activities that may not have reached the UK yet.”

BODYPOWER PREVIEW

With online ticket sales soaring to a record high and new halls for the 2015 show, BodyPower Expo is just weeks away from opening its doors to more than 70,000 avid fitness enthusiasts. Workout rounds up what to watch out for at the show this year.

BodyPower, which is the fifth largest event in the UK, attracts more than 300 global brands and fitness stars including bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler (right).

Show to be biggest and best yet PREPARATIONS for BodyPower are now in full swing, with the show now ranked as the fifth largest consumer event in the UK – despite only launching in 2009 – and attracting more than 300 leading global brands to exhibit and occupying more than 600,000 sq ft of floor space. CEO Nick Orton said: “I think people are truly inspired. The spectacle, the athletes who attend, the quality of the stands – I don’t think there’s another fitness event quite like BodyPower anywhere in the world.” Nick is a veteran of the exhibition business, having launched an array of market leading trade and consumer expos in the UK, Ireland and India.

Previous success stories have included The Pharmacy Show, The Dentistry Show, London Vet Show, Fast and Furious, The International Custom Show and Sports Car Show. Much of the buzz around the show can be attributed to a list of more than 450 leading fitness stars, celebrities and athletes. 2015 has seen the bar raised even higher, with organisers confirming the likes of WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling legend, Hulk Hogan; internationally renowned fitness model, Michelle Lewin; bodybuilding legends Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler; TV personality and trainer Jessie Pavelka; 10X IFBB Pro Bikini

Champion, Amanda Latona and current bodybuilding stars, four times’ Mr Olympia Phil Heath and rival Kai Greene. BodyPower director Ollie Upton added: “We work slightly differently to other shows, and that tweak in our approach means that athletes come from all corners of the globe to be at BodyPower. “We’re lucky to work closely with some of the biggest names in fitness and sport, and we go to great lengths to ensure we get the best athletes year on year. “I can honestly say this is looking like the biggest and best BodyPower to date – the buzz we’re seeing across

the BodyPower channels is incredible and I can’t wait for the show to start.” Nick added: “The continued progression of an exhibition brand like BodyPower requires a long term strategy and a constant desire to push the boundaries. “Our aim for BodyPower has always been to grow into the best expo of its kind in the world, accessible to all stakeholders within the health and fitness industry. “The most inspiring element of running BodyPower is the awareness that thousands of people who attend get inspired to train and lead healthier lives, which ultimately shapes the future of the fitness industry.”

Summit to debate misconceptions BodyPower also boasts a fantastic spectacle of fitness and power sports, including popular features like the Super Theatre, housing the biggest names in Q&A sessions; the Academy, dedicated to education and training advice; and British Weightlifting, featuring the likes of Commonwealth gold medallist, Zoe Smith. New for 2015, BodyPower has announced a Back to Basics area, targeting those at the beginning of their fitness journey, as well as tips on correct form to avoid injury. Celebrity chef and former model Lorraine Pascale has also been confirmed as the host of the Lorraine Pascale Healthy Eating Kitchen – providing live cooking demonstrations and tips on healthy nutrition for all fitness goals.

A KEY part of BodyPower will be the EPIC Fitness Summit, where experts will come together to debate misconceptions surrounding the fitness industry and challenge conventional thought with a scientific, evidencebased approach. The Summit is available to the general public and will provide a plat-

form for visitors to see world leading speakers take part in a series of debates, Q&A sessions and seminars. Those taking part will include Gary Taubes – author of Why We Get Fat and What to Do About It, Fredrick Hahn – author of The Slow Burn Fitness Revolution and bodybuilder and powerlifter Dr Layne Norton.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Improvement work starts at Tenbury site FREEDOM Leisure is investing £200,000 into making Tenbury Swimming Pool more environmentally friendly. The main aim of the work is to make the pool greener by reducing its energy emissions, saving electricity and gas and recycling more of the water within the building. Freedom Leisure area manager Darryl Keech said: “We conducted a full audit of Tenbury Swimming Pool and identified these key areas where improvements could be made to make the site more energy efficient. “By updating several areas at once we will be able to maximise energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and reduce our utility costs across the site. Not only will this make Tenbury Swimming Pool more environmentally friendly, it will also improve the financial position of the centre.”

Gold medallist opens gym AWARD winning budget gym operator, Xercise4Less, has opened the doors of its new £1m Edinburgh gym, situated at West Side Plaza Shopping Centre. An opening event saw Commonwealth Games’ gold medallist Libby Clegg running classes throughout the day, holding a Q&A session and taking pictures with the public. The Edinburgh club opening is Xercise4Less' fourth fitness centre to be established in Scotland, bringing the operator’s total investment to £5m.

Speakers on the day included Charlotte Ord, Rachel Holmes, Katie Bulmer-Cooke and Yvonne Radley.

Photo credit: Emma Shamaya

First all-female fitness conference is a success By Christina Eccles

THE first ever conference catering to an audience of all female fitness professionals has successfully taken place, attended by a sell out crowd of over 80 women. The WIFE (Women in Fitness Empowerment) Conference was created by fitness tutor and personal trainer Jacqueline Hooton who has worked in the industry for over 12 years. She explained: “Women working in the industry are outnumbered by men, we often find ourselves in the minority at training events and many industry days are dominated by male speakers. “The aim of the conference was to give women a platform to speak, celebrate the contribution we make to the industry, and raise our profile. “I also wanted a place where professional women could network and support one another as many of us work isolated, freelance, or from our own facilities which can leave us lack-

ing the support of our peers. “Many women working in the industry share similar pressures and concerns, the objectification of women in fitness, and the success of Sport England’s ‘This Girl Can’ campaign were just two current themes that caused much debate and discussion.” Speakers on the day included Katie Bulmer-Cooke, who recently appeared on BBC1’s The Apprentice, Charlotte Ord – former trainer on ITV’s The Biggest Loser and regular contributor on Sky News on health and fitness matters – and Rachel Holmes, one of the best known female presenters in the UK. The agenda also included an opportunity for delegates to debate and discuss issues surrounding mental health, body image and eating disorders led by an expert panel of guests, as well as the chance to network with other likeminded women. Jacqueline, who is now planning the next WIFE event for later in the year, added: “It was important to me that

during the day there were plenty of opportunities for delegates to get to know one another and talk informally in the breaks. “Often industry training days leave attendees eating out of a Tupperware box by themselves. I wanted to provide a relaxed environment that would be conducive to getting to know one another and discuss issues unique to women in the industry. “Our Autumn event WIFE Rising Stars is taking place on Saturday September 19. This event is aimed at giving those women who are up and coming in the industry an opportunity to speak and present and to share their knowledge. “They will be presenting topics to their clients and friends, keen and enthusiastic exercisers, as well as a few fellow fitness professionals. “Over the next few months I am working with my team of WIFE Rising Stars to support them in perfecting their presentation skills, refine their topics and increase their impact on social media via marketing.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Charity launches new Racercise fitness class An artist’s impression of Graves Leisure Centre.

Council chooses Places for People Leisure to run sites PLACES for People Leisure has been appointed by Sheffield City Council to manage and operate two new leisure facilities; the Graves Tennis and Leisure Centre, which is currently under redevelopment, and a new site at Thorncliffe in the High Green area. The two new centres represent the council’s biggest investment into the city’s leisure facilities for 20 years, with Places for People Leisure officially taking over the operations of the existing Graves site on April 1 before managing the new facility, due to open on the same site in 2016. The multi-million pound state-ofthe-art facility will include a 1,000m2 elite performance gymnastics and trampolining facility, swimming pools, health and fitness suite and 18 tennis courts. The facility will also act as the new headquarters for the National Centre

for Sport and Exercise Medicine and will include an NHS outpatient facility. The site in Thorncliffe will include a 25m swimming pool and learner pool, large health and fitness suite and training studio spaces. It will also house NCSEM facilities including treatment and consultation rooms. Places for People Leisure will manage the operations of the centre once opened in early 2016. Business development director at Places for People Leisure, Tim Hewett, said: “We are proud to be the council’s chosen leisure partner to operate these two exciting new facilities for the next 10 years. “The centres at Graves and Thorncliffe will play a key role in increasing sporting participation across the local community, encouraging more active and healthy lifestyles.”

CANCER Research UK has launched Racercise – women only Race for Life fitness classes – and is calling for qualified fitness professionals to become instructors and deliver the sessions. Building on the success of Cancer Research’s Race for Life – which now has 17 times more participants than the Virgin Money London Marathon – Racercise classes will be available year round. Racercise will provide accessible fitness routines, designed around the use of a resistance band, to women of all ages and fitness levels, alongside valuable tools and information about living a healthy and active life. Instructors will have the opportunity to appeal to the millions of women in the UK who have taken part in, and

remain loyal to, Race for Life, and to promote their classes to current Race for Life participants. Brand, marketing and communications director for Cancer Research UK, Anthony Newman, said: “Race for Life is our biggest annual fundraiser, raising over £50m per year. We are confident that Racercise will build on this success by encouraging woman to continue exercise and remain fit throughout the year. “Racercise provides a fantastic opportunity for fitness instructors and trainers to capitalise on the success and enthusiasm for Race for Life, making it available to women all year instead of just the summer months. Race for Life is incredibly successful and we anticipate Racercise to follow this trend.”

David and Debra join line-up FORMER managing director of low cost airline bmibaby, David Bryon, and motivational speaker Debra Searle MBE have joined the speaker line-up for the ukactive Flame Conference 2015 The pair join previously announced headline speaker AP McCoy to address an audience of industry professionals at the event, which is then

followed by the ukactive and Matrix Flame Awards. ukactive CEO David Stalker said: “In increasingly competitive times, agility and innovation are key themes for our sector. Debra and David have a wealth of personal and business experience in those matters and I’m delighted to welcome them both to the Flame line-up.”

David Lloyd Leisure is expanding its high street offering by bringing the Orangetheory Fitness interval group training programme to its Winchester studio. Orangetheory features three components – treadmills, rowing machines and weight training blocks – with sessions set to upbeat music and using heart rate monitors. Business development director Hazel Geary said: “We are very proud to be the only health and fitness operator working with Orangetheory Fitness to roll out this groundbreaking workout to the UK market. It has been hugely successful in our London studios since its debut in 2013, and we are delighted that the Winchester community will be the first outside the capital to be able to take part in this exciting workout.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Advertiser’s announcement

Understanding customer demand for equipment allowed Everyone Active and Valley Leisure to improve customer satisfaction and reduce costs at the same time.

Spend less on gym kit for happier customers and healthier profits

Rory McGown

The results? Our re-study conducted in 2014 showed that customer satisfaction had increased from 33 to 37 as measured by the NPS. Valley Leisure already had a good

List price cost of kit £50,000 Customer Satisfaction Cost per hours used 9%

Valley Leisure – Andover Leisure Centre Our initial study took place in 2013, and like Westminster Lodge, the findings showed the gym at Andover Leisure Centre had more of some types of cardio equipment than it needed. This is a common finding among the gyms we work with. GYMetrix recommended removing some of the cardio equipment, which Valley Leisure did making a net reduction in the list price value of the equipment on the gym floor of £50,000

List price cost of kit £76,000 Increased free weights usage 78% Customer Satisfaction Cost per hours used 43%

free weights section, including a well-used second area with lighter free weights, however there were still not enough of some equipment types, and solving these shortages made customers happier. By removing under-utilised equipment, and buying in kit that solved shortages the cost per hour used had dropped by nine per cent, meaning the gym at Andover Leisure Centre was now more profitable, with a better allocation of capital.

The results? We conducted a re-study of the gym in January 2015. Our results showed that customer usage of equipment had increased by 55 per cent. The use of free weights had increased by a staggering 78 per cent and overall, customer satisfaction as measured by the Net Promoter Score (NPS) had improved. Customer frustration at the lack of equipment being available for use had reduced despite there being less equipment on the gym floor, and there being a growth in memberships, showing that the operator was now offering more of the kit that members wanted. Finally, the cost per hour used had fallen by 43 per cent meaning the

gym was a lot more profitable.

Everyone Active – Westminster Lodge GYMetrix conducted an initial study at Everyone Active’s Westminster Lodge site in October 2013. Our findings showed that even with expected growth projections, the gym had more equipment than needed to service demand, and specifically too much cardio equipment. Despite providing high numbers of equipment on the gym floor overall, the survey highlighted that there was an over demand of dedicated free weights space and equipment for its members, which was causing customer frustration and presenting a bottleneck to growth. As a result of providing excess equipment, the site had a very high cost per hour used for its kit, which meant lower profitability. We ran simulations showing increasing demand at Westminster Lodge and recommended removing a lot of cardio equipment and adding free weight capacity, including a second lighter free weights area that would be female friendly and less intimidating for new gym users.

Following our advice, Everyone Active reduced their cardio equipment provision, expanded the free weights section and added a second lighter free weights area. At list price, the operator made a net reduction in the value of the equipment in the gym of a massive £76,000.

IN THE last two issues, we’ve talked about the direct relationship between customer growth and the amount of equipment on the gym floor, as well as the cost of servicing customers’ equipment needs. The GYMetrix Curve showed that you can’t grow membership beyond a certain amount of equipment, while the Cost per Hour Used metric allowed us to quantify the cost to operators of providing more equipment than they need and how this impacts their profitability. Getting to grips with these two important concepts can have significant implications for business. In this article, we want to show how leading operators Everyone Active and Valley Leisure have improved their operations by understanding customer demand for gym equipment.

Both of these case studies show the benefit of knowing customer demand levels for gym equipment. By giving customers the equipment they want and removing underutilised kit, operators can increase customer satisfaction while eliminating waste from the business. Improving both their service levels and their profitability. www.gymetrix.co.uk

FIBO REVIEW

725 exhibitors from 40 nations presented the latest fitness and health industry trends and innovations at this year’s FIBO.

Ideas recognised

industry and must not have been on the market for more than a year.

shows how a dynamic training zone can be incorporated onto the gym floor.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Speedflex tees up PGA official supplier status SPEEDFLEX is set to ensure the PGA is fit and raring to go after becoming a PGA official supplier. The company, whose headquarters are in the north east, has several centres across the UK with its high intensity, personal trainer led workouts with instant physiological feedback, growing in popularity. England legend Alan Shearer and breakfast TV front man Ben Shephard are both ambassadors and users of the hi tech training programme. Speedflex joins the PGA’s network of suppliers as part of its support sponsorship of the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship which for the first time is being staged at Close House Golf Club, Newcastle on June 11-14. Utilising a combination of cardio and resistance training, centres feature unique Speedflex machines which automatically respond to, and create resistance levels, based

on the force exerted by the individual. This means people of all ages and abilities can train together in small groups, led by personal trainers with little or no impact, burning high numbers of calories whilst linked to a heart rate monitor. Speedflex has also carried out a pilot research project which highlights the benefits Speedflex training can bring to golfers – including being able to hit the ball further. The PGA’s joint chief operating officer and director of property and commercial, Robert Maxfield, said: “Speedflex centres are impressive in terms of the state of the art technology, specialised equipment and physiological feedback provided and also for the benefits it can offer golfers. With more and more golfers realising the benefits to their game of greater fitness and flexibility, The PGA is delighted to welcome Speedflex on board as an official supplier.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Baroness Tanni unveiled as new ukactive chair Satisfying a Primal need WITH the UK’s health and fitness sector booming, new build projects are struggling to keep pace. Increasingly, with specialist help, existing retail and commercial space is proving faster and cheaper to be made fit for purpose. Taking gyms and health clubs to the people is not without its difficulties. Space to create all-new facilities in towns and cities is at a premium and, in any event, the time and sheer cost involved makes many new-build projects prohibitive. But, thanks to new techniques and materials, gyms are increasingly appearing in a variety of existing buildings where members most want them – near to their homes or work. When Primal Gym decided to establish its new enterprise in Leeds, the revitalised New Dock area seemed an ideal location. Primal Gym is the first in the UK to offer members discounts for achieving their fitness targets. But, with retail outlets adjoining their planned ground and first floor gym premises, and residential apartments

above, noise could have posed a major obstacle. Leeds and London-based architects and interior design firm PARKdesigned worked with acoustic consultants Sandy Brown Associates to help resolve the issue. TVS Sports Surfaces was brought on board for the sports flooring while parent company Total Vibration Solutions handled the supply and installation of acoustic floors. TVS used its significant leisure industry experience to specify a variety of acoustic flooring solutions ranging from a spring-supported concrete floating floor system for heavy free-weights areas, to SPORTEC rubber sports flooring with elastic underlays and even synthetic grass for the sprint and sled training track. Its sports flooring sister division then handled installation of the sports flooring and synthetic grass to ensure the gym looked fresh and exciting for its grand opening. For more information visit www.totalvibrationsolutions.com or www.floors4gyms.com

BARONESS Tanni Grey-Thompson has been announced as the new independent chair of ukactive – and has set out a vision for an active Britain for all. Her clear objectives to drive the organisation’s campaign to get Britain more active to the heart of future government policy include: For the government to have created a long-term, cross-department strategy for the establishment of physical activity best practice across all public bodies. For the existing work of the physical activity sector to be recognised by government as a key driver of health and wellbeing for the nation. For physical activity to be a top-tier priority for Public Health England,

and for preventative health, led by activity policy, to be a key priority for the Department of Health. She said: “For too long, physical activity has been – in the government’s eyes – the poor cousin of sport and overshadowed by obesity. “The work of ukactive up until this point has thrown into stark relief the fact that inactivity is a killer, and inaction on this issue is no longer an option. “What we have set out will provide the base for the next five years of campaigning, lobbying and encouraging government and its executives to ensure that we turn good rhetoric into real action in order to turn the tide of inactivity and get every part of our society moving again.” Personal trainer Marina Cornwall has found a useful new addition to her own – and clients’ – workouts after completing a new training course. Marina (pictured left) has recently undertaken a Powerwave Course with Jordan Fitness after reading about the product in Workout and she said she loves training with the kit. She added: “I absolutely love the Powerwave bag myself. As a self employed PT, it is an extra tool that I can use with my clients and encourage them to buy one of their own to train with when they are not with me, as most people's reason for not training is time factor. This is a 20 minute gruelling workout – fantastic!”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Stopping the leaking bucket By Dave Wright LET’S face it, the industry is broken. We are filling up the bucket almost as fast as they are leaking out the bottom. Is it the club’s fault? The staff’s fault? The industry’s fault? Or the member’s fault? There is no doubt that it comes down to some form of member motivation and our industry’s ability to understand that psychology. At the recent IHRSA 2015 convention in Los Angeles, Kelly McGonigal, a health scientist, lecturer at Stanford University and author of the international best seller “The Willpower Instinct” gave an inspiring and intriguing presentation on “The Science of Willpower.” One theme from the presentation was how people tend to make decisions for the future that fly in the face of what they would do today. In an experiment mentioned, university students in America were asked how many hours they would be prepared to volunteer to tutor a peer student during mid-term exam week. The variable being one group was presented with providing the tutoring in the current semester in which they were in the midst of dealing with the stress and lack of time. The second group was presented with providing the same type of tutoring during exam week in the following semester, in the future. The first group dealing with the “present self” could only commit 27

Dave Wright minutes of tutoring during exam week. The second group committing for the future self said they could manage two hours of tutoring for the next semester. Even though their study behaviour, stresses and time constraints would primarily be the same, the experi-

ment proved people are always the optimists in committing to future behaviour, despite not willing to commit the same behaviour in the present. The same concept, Kelly mentioned has been tested with people and exercise where the ever optimistic would be exerciser, expects to act very differently to their current behaviour in terms of how often they intend to exercise. They forever commit to working out more in the future, despite failing to do so in the present. In our gym environments we can use this understanding to significantly improve our sales and retention. During the sales conversation we need to help members be optimistic realists. Asking the right questions to understand members’ current time restraints, stresses, exercise habits and outside commitments before discussing their future exercise plans. Once we have this understanding, we can establish short term and achievable goals based on their current behaviour rather then future unrealistic behaviour. By doing so rather then setting them up for failure in the long term, we can set them up for small but early wins in the short term. To help with this process, you need to work with your member to commit in cycles. Always focusing on their current behaviour. Additionally, to assist with mem-

bers’ motivation and adherence, during these cycles you need multiple methods of providing feedback and rewarding their effort. These methods could include trainer interaction, wearable technology tracking and reporting, having scoreboards of progress around the club or online, promoting involvement in an external activity event, connecting with other members on the same cycle and having prizes to coincide with the achievements along the way. This approach of clubs selling, programming and rewarding for members’ current behaviour, based on scientific research, will be far more effective in creating positive member outcomes then clubs supporting members unrealistic exercise commitments to their ‘future self’. And if we do that… maybe, just maybe we can put the right people in the bucket for the right reasons so that they don’t leak out the other end. Wouldn’t that be great? Dave Wright is the CEO of CFM, a global company with offices in the UK, Australia and North America that has served the international fitness community for over 24 years; focusing on either getting new members and/or keeping existing ones. Dave is also the owner of 11 health clubs across two continents, a board director of UK Active, founder of IOU (Independent Operators Unite) and the creator of the member engagement & retention tool MYZONE®. He may be contacted on Dave@cfm.net

UK FITNESS SCENE

Social media could potentially be the perfect advertising tool for personal trainers and fitness professionals on a budget – when utilised properly. Olivia Taylor caught up with some of the industry’s savviest personal trainers to find out how they use the internet to their advantage.

Barry Stalker

Top tips for PTs looking to build an audience ...

1)Think out side the box and be straight with people, tell them what it really takes to have a six pack. Personal trainer, Stephen Power. @SRPFitness 2)Be yourself on social media, if you don’t people will see straight through you. Personal trainer, Fahad Maniar. @FahadManiar 3)Use social media regularly to keep your business in the forefront of peoples minds. Personal trainer and fitness columnist, Shaun Hallett. @FitFortius 4)Putting pictures up of yourself topless can be a turn off, it’s not going to benefit clients or followers. Personal trainer, Barry Stalker. @BarryProTrainer 5)Engage with your clients, keep it real and make them feel empowered. Fitness entrepreneur and personal trainer, Kathryn Williams. @ZestFitKathryn 6)Be social, not promotional, grow clients by engaging in discussions on health and exercise. Fitness professional, Gemma Quinnell. @GemmaQuinnell 7)Post videos of current clients’ workouts that other people can relate to with words of motivation. Massimo Antinoro, personal trainer. @MassimoFit 8)Be yourself, ask questions, provide a solution to people's problems, use humour, videos and give top tips. Lee Donald, fitness entrepreneur and personal trainer. @LeeDonaldElite 9)Get mini workouts on Instagram - a rich platform that really shows off expertise. Fitness blogger, Eliza Flynn. @HelloFittyLDN 10)Deliver a message to your audience that offers help and motivation, Interact, make videos, be yourself. Personal trainer, Stephen Power. @SRPFitness

Marketing yourself doesn’t have to be a costly business MARKETING your services with advertising and bespoke website design can sometimes be expensive, especially for personal trainers on a budget. However, social media is a free tool that can be easily used to your advantage to gain you exposure. Facebook alone has over 500m monthly users; all that’s left to do is recognise what you're good at and promote this to your selected audience with testimonials, before and after results pictures and special offers. Leicester based personal trainer Fahad Maniar said: “We live in a society where if we’re not on a computer we’re on a mobile phone “This means we can really target and engage our audience with tools like Twitter, Facebook and e-mail lists.” One London based personal trainer, Stephen Power (@srpfitnesslondon) has made his mark on Instagram with 5,020 followers by documenting his daily food intake, showing his followers exercise videos and making videos of his smoothie recipes.

He added: “Once I started posting the videos I got messages from potential clients, social media originally gave me access to a lot of respected fitness professionals.” It could be something as simple as an online competition or a private motivational Facebook group that attracts potential clients to your business. There are so many different internet platforms out there to advertise your services on and most of them are free, meaning they wont break the bank. One personal trainer, Tony Cottenden from Kent, reaped the rewards of using Facebook after creating a private group for his clients, where he would post recipes, home work outs, before and after results pictures and would even offer customers opportunities to take part in Q&A sessions with him. He added: “The closed group meant the ladies were more confident to ask questions, there wasn’t any prying eyes. “Social media really plays a part in helping business, it’s like a fitness community.”

Stephen Power

Experimenting with YouTube videos pays off for blogger

Carly Rowena

SOCIAL media success story Carly Rowena started out on YouTube as a regular gymgoer working in marketing – and now 135,000 subscribers later she's a full time, fully booked personal trainer. Carly began experimenting with online videos two years ago, posting workout routines and healthy meal plans on the site, which led her to question why she was working in an office and wasn’t a personal trainer. She explained: “I was fully booked as a trainer within two months of starting and that was without business cards or posters, so I’d like to think that my channel and blog got my name out there. I also Skype train clients around the world; that is 100 per cent down to YouTube and I adore it.” Carly puts a large amount of her success down to being real, talking about things on YouTube that apply to normal people, showing them she’s the same person – both on and off

camera. She added: “When I first started, my videos were on a range of topics; constipation, food and (shopping) hauls, then my subscriber base grew after I started posting fitness videos. “It was actually my YouTube subscribers who made me realise I wanted to be a PT. I thought I just enjoyed working out, I never thought it could become a career, but it has and I’m so thankful to them all for supporting me.” Carly has also gained support and backing from fitness brands and other fitness professionals, allowing her to better her services, all through the power of social media. And she offered this advice to any aspiring trainers looking to do the same. She added: “Get yourself on social media, it’s a fantastic platform, not only to get yourself seen but to work with other professionals and enhance your knowledge base.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

The Glasgow event included pumping music, state-of-the-art lighting and thousands of like-minded people working out together.

Successful start for global tour By Christina Eccles REEBOK and Les Mills have kickstarted their global One Live tour with a successful event at the SECC in Glasgow. The event saw pumping music, state-of-the-art lighting and thousands of like-minded people working out together to the latest group fitness classes from Les Mills. Featuring iconic workouts such as BODYPUMP and BODYCOMBAT, One Live events also include The One talent search to find the world’s best Les Mills instructor. Qualified instructors will be invited

to submit video examples of themselves leading workouts and the best of these will be invited to compete at their local event. The winners from each will then go on to represent their region in a grand final at the Sweden One Live event in October, with the overall winner flown to Auckland to participate in Les Mills Masterclass filming in 2016. Les Mills UK head trainer Dave Kyle said: “We’re turning up the volume on our group workouts, with the best in sound and lighting to get huge crowds motivated and moving as one. “It is such an amazing feeling when you get thousands of people working

out in unison. The energy is electric and Glasgow certainly set the bar high for One Live. The mission for Les Mills is to create a fitter planet and the world tour is one way of reaching as many people as possible through the power of group exercise.” From Glasgow, the international tour will visit Dubai, Melbourne, Stockholm, Tokyo, Montreal and Chicago before returning to the UK on June 13 for the London event. Dave added: “Absolutely everyone is welcome to join in, so if you are keen to get a great workout in a party atmosphere then you must find your way to a One Live event in 2015.”

New initiative to get Britain’s workforce moving A NEW eight-week initiative has been announced to get Britain’s workforce moving. For eight weeks throughout May and June, thousands of employees from across all sectors of the economy will compete to walk further than anyone else as part of Walk Britain, which was officially launched by chief executive of UK

Athletics David Moorcroft. For £5, participants will each receive a pedometer and a unique online profile where they can track their steps, keep an eye on their calorie burn and check out the distances they are covering. The aim for each employee will be to achieve the 10,000 steps landmark every day, but a real time leader-

board will also show them how their activity level compares to the rest of the country. And they'll be able to take part in fun activity challenges competing against their colleagues and getting their families involved. The initiative – in partnership with corporate wellness provider iGlobalWellness – is open to organisations of all sizes and in all sectors.

Contractor joins forces with Council EVERYONE Active is strengthening its presence in the North of England after entering into a joint venue partnership with Sunderland City Council for nine leisure centres. The arrangement – which will commence on June 1 – will see the formation of a Joint Venture Company comprising Sunderland City Council and Everyone Active representatives. Each organisation will have a 50 per cent stake and the partnership will develop the venues and help encourage participation in physical activity, sport and leisure among people of all ages and abilities. Having already invested £60m into sports and leisure facilities across the city since 2004, Sunderland City Council has invested a further £11.3m into a new facility – Washington Leisure Centre – which is due to open in early summer. A further £4.2m worth of improvements are also being made across the other eight sites to improve the quali-

An artist’s impression of the new Washington Leisure Centre. ty of leisure services and facilities for the local community. Everyone Active managing director David Bibby said: “We are looking forward to working with Sunderland City Council to develop existing facilities, create exciting new leisure spaces and ensure important partici-

pation, health and environmental targets are not only met but exceeded. “The partnership will strengthen our presence in the North of England and we hope to continue expanding into this region further in 2015 and beyond.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Hard work pays off for fireman Leigh By Olivia Taylor

Industry supplier Cybex has installed a range of cardio and strength training equipment at the headquarters of Grenade, one of the fastest growing sports nutrition companies worldwide. The facility, which will be used by Grenade staff and ambassadors, includes selectorised strength equipment from the Eagle NX and VR3 lines, as well as a multi-station Jungle Gym. A range of strength equipment from the Big Iron series has also been installed, alongside a selection of plate loaded and free weight equipment. Cybex UK regional sales manager Paul Steel said: “It was great working with Alan and his team to get their new gym up and running. The range of equipment installed ensured that we made the most of the space available and together we’ve delivered a great training environment for the Grenade team.”

Leisure centre first to offer class SLEAFORD Leisure centre has become the first in the country to offer Underwater Sound Sessions for pregnant women. The classes, which are run by Aqson using an underwater sound system, provide relaxation for mum and baby, can enhance development and build a strong bond between mother and child. The water allows the sound to be heard from within the womb more clearly than it would be through the air.

Contract manager for operator 1Life Matt Stothard said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to offer these classes to soonto-be mums across the community, and to be the only centre currently doing so in the UK. “The classes promote bonding between mother and child and relaxation which provides excellent benefits for pregnant ladies and we expect the sessions to be very popular.” If successful, 1Life will seek to roll out the class for expectant mothers throughout all their swimming pools.

AN Irish fireman and USN fitness ambassador is reaping the rewards of hard work as he makes his mark on Ireland’s fitness industry. For lifelong sports enthusiast Leigh Desmond, commitment and drive is something that has to come naturally when working in such a demanding job. He said: “As a fireman I can be on call 24/7 and I’ve always got to be five minutes away from the station, but without a doubt it’s a very rewarding job, no two days are the same.” Through out Leigh’s life, lifting weights in the gym has been an essential in order to boost his skills in other sports, but it didn't take long for weightlifting to develop into a passion. He added: “The gym has changed me, not just physically by growing muscle, but my confidence has grown too. “If you’d have told me when I was a teenager that I would have ever become a fitness model I would have laughed at you.” Leigh pushes the fact that building your physique doesn’t have to be done with the help of performance enhancing steroids. He added: “I call myself a natural fitness model. I’m in the gym six times a week. It’s hard work, I’m learning every day, but the day that I stop

Leigh Desmond learning is the day I stop progressing.” Leigh is looking to continue building his profile and experience as a fitness model while working hard to bring the fitness scene locally up to date. He added: “Ireland’s industry is always a little bit behind the UK, so I'm just going to keep my head down. “I hope I can keep growing in the industry and continue to represent my village.” Are you a gym in Ireland with a story to tell? Let me know by emailing ot@scriptmedia.co.uk

UK FITNESS SCENE

Wellness hub aims to meet yoga demand A NEW wellness hub is set to open in Chapel Allerton near Leeds to meet a growing demand in the area for yoga, mindfulness and alternative therapies. Yoga Kula is a Scandinavian inspired, dedicated yoga space which comfortably holds 35 students. There is also a dedicated therapy room and chill-out area where students can drink fresh juice, chat and relax. Founder and director Angela Sykes said: “Yoga is an excellent way to get fitter, calmer and healthier. We’ve seen a huge increase in the number and types of people wanting to practice yoga since we first opened Kula’s doors three years ago. “So much so that we’ve decided to relocate to a much bigger studio that allows us to offer more classes, a wider range of yoga styles and new therapies. “We also have an exciting programme of well-known international teachers lined up to teach our students the latest and best yoga techniques. “Ultimately, our new wellness hub offers a place where people can feel inspired and empowered through yoga in a relaxed and supportive environment.”

What can Swedish chefs do for fitness professionals? By Mark Laws, Jordan Fitness MY culinary skills will prove that it's not often I have Masterchef to thank for inspiration, but there is a first for everything and after stumbling across the programme recently, I became engrossed in a particular episode. You may have seen it. The finalists were sent to Stockholm in Sweden to run a service in two very highly regarded restaurants. So far, so good. Nothing untoward to write home about. However, as with most of my articles... there was a catch – a big one. I never switch off, so I was instantly comparing everything to the fitness industry and quickly had my Ulrika moment (pun intended). The programme made me wonder whether the fitness industry is becoming guilty of relying on particular items too much and whether we are losing the ability to think for ourselves at all – let me explain why. The two restaurants looked perfectly normal but both had an incredible twist which tested their chef's skills, creativity and ingenuity beyond anything a modern day chef could expect. Restaurant One has no menu. They have local produce delivered each morning depending what has been caught/picked/harvested and then they make up the menu on the spot.

Mark Laws Restaurant Two has no modern fuel. No gas, no electricity – just fire! Every part of every dish is made using only fire, and smoke of course. Both of these restaurants have access to all the technology and gadgets that money can buy but they deliberately choose to ignore it all. It's so refreshing to see people make these sacrifices to set themselves apart from their competitors. Their reward for being so bold and going against the grain – both have been awarded Michelin Stars and receive visitors from all over the world. It's not unusual these days to find people whose handwriting skills are appalling – most likely because everything we write has been taken over by computers. We all know people that even struggle to communicate properly – most likely because we send more texts/emails than we have actu-

al conversations. As brilliant as technology is, I can’t help thinking that if we aren't careful, we could lose the ability to think for ourselves. Thanks to the Internet, the world is now a very small place. Within seconds I could download thousands of training sessions or workout plans designed by some of the biggest names in the industry. As cool as that may be, what does it do to our ability to be able to think on our feet? What if something changes? What if you don't have access to the equipment required? What if your client has an injury or mobility restrictions? It’s great to get assistance from more experienced/successful trainers but try not to get into the habit of relying on them 100 per cent because it is highly likely that a 'cookie cutter' session may not be appropriate for your clients’ specific needs. How would you cope without a menu? Would you be able to create excellent results on the spot with whatever ingredients were put in front of you? How would you cope cooking a meal with only fire? Would you manage without all the mod cons we have access to? Would you have the skill, creativity and ingenuity to win a Michelin Star with these restrictions? For help with any of this, email mark.laws@jordanfitness.co.uk

SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

New Healthy Nibbles aims to revolutionise gyms’ food offering By Christina Eccles

Rugby star James Haskell.

James challenges Brits to shape up for competition RUGBY star James Haskell has challenged the nation to take part in a six week Hades and Hella transformation trial, with the chance for them to win some big prizes. To enter, competitors visit the JH Bodyfire online store and purchase either Hades or Hella supplements, using the discount code H+HChallenge. They’re then asked to follow the JH Bodyfire Twitter and Instagram accounts and post a selfie with their supplement when it arrives, using the #hadeschallenge or #hellachallenge hashtag. This picture is the day one progress photo and will be the benchmark for all subsequent images. Over six weeks, competitors are then instructed to follow the HIIT workouts and tips that will be regularly posted on the site and social media channels. When the six weeks are up, competi-

tors are invited to post a photo of their ripped new physique and winners will be crowned by James and some of his rugby colleagues. James said: “As a professional rugby player I’m a competitor at heart but I truly believe the thrill of competing extends far beyond the field. “While willpower and self-belief is important, going head to head with others is often the best way to generate results. “The Hades and Hella challenge draws on the intrinsic human drive to compete and puts Brits head to head in a real-life fitness battle to see who can shed fat, gain muscle and be crowned the Hades and Hella champion.” Prizes up for grabs include a oneon-one training session with James himself, tickets to a Wasps game, Be An Athlete Training Gear and a threemonth supply of BodyFire Supplements.

New trade deal to help gyms achieve bigger profit margins INDEPENDENT gyms, trainers and bootcamps can now benefit from a new trade deal designed to help them achieve bigger profit margins when selling Lean Greens to their clients. The company will offer preferential and simplified pricing on its flagship greens product; with a 500g tub retailing at just under £45 and trainers able to buy tubs at £30, starting from a 10 tub order. Trade customers can also enjoy other benefits such as sale or return for any product not sold within 30 days and the extension of the company’s 60-day taste guarantee.

Lean Greens founder Tim Goodwin said: “Having been an independent facility owner and personal trainer for eight years, anything that can help independents earn more money without too much effort is something close to my heart. “Lean Greens is perhaps one of the easiest products to explain to your client base. “Even with the best will in the world, getting your ‘five-a-day’ in every day is very difficult. “Lean Greens makes up for the gap, when consuming vegetables is not possible.”

AN innovative business is aiming to revolutionise the food offering available in gyms with its healthy vending machines. Sara Roberts set up Healthy Nibbles after spotting a gap in the market for something which would allow people on the go to easily grab a nutritious snack. She originally came up with the idea after visiting her father in hospital and struggling to find anything healthy to eat; leading her to consider how the concept of a vending machine selling products other than the typical sweet snacks could work within a range of businesses. She explained: “There were huge bags of chocolate and crisps in the vending machine and next to it, there was a poster about diabetes and obesity. I thought why hasn’t anyone done a healthy vending machine?” There are two parts to the company; SMARTvending – vending machines which can be installed in gyms and fitness facilities or workplaces – and My Healthy Nibbles – a delivery service where people can get boxes of healthy snacks delivered straight to their doors. Following success in the corporate market, Sara is now looking to introduce the vending machines into gyms and is also benefiting from the backing of top TV nutritionist Amanda Hamilton. She has already been in talks with several Cross Fit clubs and with about 250 different listings of healthy products for clients to choose from, she told Workout, this type of vending machine could be a great solution for the fitness industry.

Healthy Nibbles founder Sara Roberts. She added: “If you speak to people in the industry, they carry their food around with them and if you find yourself caught out, you can’t always get access to decent, healthy food. “We have a really strict promise about the brands we stock. We’ve got some really good brands. “We are making sure vending is brought up to the 21st century, as it’s been lagging behind.” How do you help members make good food choices? Would you consider installing a healthy vending machine in your club? Or are you achieving success with your own healthy eating cafe? Let us know by emailing ce@scriptmedia.co.uk and you could appear in a future issue of the magazine.

Vegan powders pack a punch A RANGE of protein powders have been launched to support athletes and fitness enthusiasts with a dairyfree or vegan diet. Glastonbury-based Indigo Herbs’ range of Organic Vegan Protein Powders include ingredients such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, pea, brown rice and hemp seeds, processed to extract the protein from the plant, leaving a product which in some cases contains levels as high as 60 per cent protein. The powders can be blended into a post-workout smoothie or plant milk-

shake – using soya, almond, hemp, coconut or oat milk– and will provide the protein necessary to help with the essential repair and rebuilding of muscle that takes place after exercise. Director Claire Kelly said: “We are launching this special range to cater for a very specific audience, one which is not only conscious of the appearance of their body, but is also very conscious of what they put in it. This new range is derived from only purest natural ingredients and we are very excited about launching it as a key addition to our offering.” A 51-year-old mum of two has used a dietary supplement made from blackcurrants to help her achieve the epic accolade of becoming the first Scot to complete all three polar marathons. Audrey McIntosh has recently completed the third race in the series – the UVU North Pole Marathon – in seven hours and 13 minutes. Audrey used NZ blackcurrant extract CurraNZ, to aid blood circulation, oxygenation and recovery for the extreme event. To date, she has raised almost £16,000 for the charity and is seeking to smash her target of £20,000.

SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION A new natural supplement has been developed for fitness fans suffering from Delayed Onset Muscular Soreness. Tested in conjunction with top Spanish football club Athletic Bilbao and approved for use by FC Barcelona, Ateronon Active contains Curcumin – a powerful antioxidant derived from Turmeric. The anti-inflammatory agent helps to ease away aches and pains caused by strenuous exercise, assisting with muscle and joint recovery. Head of marketing Chris Meaney said: “This scientific breakthrough is revolutionary to the sports world. Muscle pain and stiffness is a serious issue for those who participate in sports. The effects of DOMS can occur within several hours after strenuous exercise. Ateronon Active is the first natural supplement on the market to provide relief.”

Persian style Ostrich and spiralised courgette THIS meal is brimming with flavour and very easy to make. It gives a very Persian / Mediterranean flavour and is perfect as a post workout meal, thanks to the protein content. The end result is a beautifully tasty dish which can be achieved in under 10 minutes. No excuses for not eating healthy nutritious meals. Ingredients: One Gold Standard Nutrition Ostrich Fillet Stea.k A small courgette, spiralised. A handful of pomegranate seeds. One tsps smoked paprika. One tsps fenugreek. One tsps garlic. Method Melt a tablespoon of coconut oil in a wok. Thinly slice a defrosted ostrich steak. Toss into the oil and keep on a low to medium heat. Whilst this is slowly cooking add the paprika, fenugreek and garlic to infuse into the meat and pop your courgette into the spiraliser and create your interesting courgetti style vegetables.

Cook for four to five minutes depending on how crunchy you like your vegetables. When you have cooked the dish to your taste serve into a bowl and sprinkle the pomegranate seeds evenly throughout the dish. If you prefer you can turn the heat off and toss the pomegranate seeds through the meal while in the wok. Serve and enjoy. Meal for one, so if feeding two just double up your quantities. If you feel that the oil is not sufficient, add a little hot water from the kettle to ensure your meal doesn't stick. To view the Gold Standard nutrition range visit www.goldstandardnutrition.co.uk #TeamGSN

Brand celebrates 35 years THIS year, we’re celebrating Tropicana Health and Fitness’ 35th birthday and revelling proudly in how far we’ve come since we first opened our doors for business in 1980. Founded by health and fitness enthusiast and ex-army veteran, David McInerney, the Tropicana brand was formulated owing to Dave’s objective – to make supplements readily available to UK residents. Having travelled to many countries through work, Dave became enthralled by the sheer magnitude of sports nutrition products available globally – and the contrasting lack, thereof – in the UK. The Tropicana Health and Fitness Brand was the outcome of Dave’s liaison with a team of food manufacturers, coupled with his own ideas as to

what constituted a good supplement range. The brand became increasingly popular in local gyms and health clubs; as a result, Dave then enlisted the help of his three sisters, their collective efforts proving fruitful. As news of Tropicana Health and Fitness grew within months, it wasn’t long before enquiries received from all over the country began to proliferate. Progression of the company transpired over the next few years, as the concept of becoming distributors came into effect, giving rise to Tropicana Wholesale. We approached overseas brands, presenting them with an opportunity to export their products to us, and augment the boundaries of their domestic market. For more information visit www.tropicanafitness.com

New Thermo Beast 2.0 features minor tweaks INTRODUCING the new and improved Thermo Beast 2.0. Only a couple of minor tweaks have been made but we’re confident they’ll make a difference. First and foremost we’ve changed the capsule from a gelatine one to a vegi-cap, this higher quality product dissolves quicker allowing Thermo Beast 2.0 to work faster as well as making it now suitable for vegetarians. Second to this, we’ve replaced the now banned 30mg Gugglesterones with 80mg of the very finest cayenne pepper (a potent fat burner in its own right) which has long been used to treat under-active thyroids (the gland that controls the metabolic rate) into increasing thyroid output and therefore metabolic rate. Finally, after listening to our customers, we’ve reduced the amount of niacin from 100mg to 50mg per daily serving, therefore seriously reducing the sometimes uncomfortable ‘prickly heat’ that some can be quite sensitive to.

And that’s it, everything else has remained the same, such is the popularity and potency of the UK’s strongest thermogenic aid. To find out how to stock the Beast range of supplements contact Affordable Supplements on 01977 554455.

PRODUCT NEWS

Katie to speak BEEFORCE available in two delicious flavours at FitPro Live FITPRO LIVE is back, with the UK’s most inspiring educational fitness convention and trade show taking place on July 9-10 at ExCeL London. FitPro is inviting fitness professionals to inform, inspire, challenge and unite the fitness industry through hands-on, innovative workshops and masterclasses by leading educators to develop PTs’ and instructors’ knowledge – and their careers. In 2015, FitPro LIVE is focused on developing the performance, network and differentiation of fitness professionals across the UK and Europe to drive the industry forwards. The two-day educational event covers everything from the very latest in 2015’s top trend bodyweight training to innovative new group exercise programmes from MOSSA, ViPR and recent FitPro partner TRIBE Team Training. Featuring industry luminaries such as Brian St. Pierre, Brian Cochrane, Douglas Heel, James Earls, Katie Bulmer-Cooke and Phil Richards to name but a few, sessions include everything from personal training to nutrition, mind/body, group fitness and business advice. For personal trainers, fitness and group exercise instructors, as well as fitness fanatics, the Live Zone is a

Katie Bulmer-Cooke chance to discover exciting new fitness trends in the industry, as well as be the first to see the latest product and service innovations and vibrant live demonstrations. FitPro LIVE runs from July 9-10 at ExCeL London. Workout Magazine readers can get an exclusive deal offering £20 off the twoday price of £139 (£119 to FitPro members) by booking now via http://www.fitpro.com /FPL15_WM The team from Sheffield based independent gym Fitness Garage will now be able to expand their knowledge with tips from the ‘father of fitness’ after winning Workout’s recent social media competition. The award winning gym was picked out of a prize draw to win copies of industry guru Ken Heathcote’s latest books, which we gave away via Facebook and Twitter, including one on how to market and advertise your gym on a budget.

New KETTFusion training instructor dates added KETTFusion, the dynamic 60-minute fitness class that fuses lightweight kettlebell training with martial arts exercises has added more instructor training dates to its 2015 diary. Current dates include: May 17 at Club Zest in Sunderland. May 31 at Altrincham FC Community Hall, Hall, Manchester. November 6 at The Attic Studio, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle (Project Fit) November 12 at Ribby Hall, Nr Blackpool (Fit Camps) January 29 2016 at Alton Towers Resort (Fit Jam) During the one-day training course, instructors will learn the skills and techniques needed to present the class effectively. Once qualified, instructors will receive: A comprehensive training manual. Business hints and tips on how to turn KETTFusion into a profitable business.

Access to online instructors’ exercise videos on vimeo.com K.F.1 – a specially mixed CD playlist including warm up and cool down tracks. Ongoing support from founder Michael Ross and the KETTFusion team. A KETTFusion instructors training vest with embroidered logo. As an additional incentive to host your own instructor training day, Michael Ross, the founder will travel anywhere in the UK and Europe and will even cover the cost of venue hire. He will also give every fifth instructor a free place on the course. So for every five instructors that sign up, you’ll receive a £250 discount. Demand currently outweighs the number of qualified instructors so KETTFusion definitely needs you. For more information visit www.kettfusion.com

QNT – BEEFORCE Beef Protein delivers only high-quality beef protein that has been through advanced hydrolysis for maximum purity combined with a sufficient dose of creatine to increase gains in size and strength. This protein source provides the body with all the necessary types of amino acids that contribute to a growth in muscle mass. QNT’s BEEFORCE uses a hydrolyzed formula for faster absorption. It enhances strength and recovery and contains 83 per cent of proteins and two per cent of Creatine Monohydrate. It’s available in two delicious flavours (chocolate and vanilla and caramel) in a 1kg packaging. Beef Protein is a staple ingredient in the diet of many bodybuilders. Decades, perhaps even centuries, of historical records from hard training athletes attest to the muscle building superiority of beef protein compared to chicken, milk, eggs, and fish. Hydrolyzed beef protein is enzymatically chopped up (predigested) into peptides that can be rapidly absorbed and utilized by the body. Thus, hydrolyzed beef protein is “fast acting” like whey that contains minimal amounts of fat. Hydrolyzed beef protein contains all nine of the essential amino acids (phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine, methionine, histidine, lysine, and leucine) that are

necessary for growth in humans. Beef protein is also typically rich in two other amino acids that can enhance connective tissue health: proline and glycine. For more information email enquiries@qntuk.com or learn more about our total range on www.qntuk.com

Ben swings into the industry TWO years ago, Ben Sweeney, age 20 from Congleton in Cheshire, started attending his local Kettlercise class in the hope of getting ‘control of his life.’ Fast forward to today, Ben is now at the front of the class inspiring others along the same journey. Ben said: “Once I started losing weight with the combination of Kettlercise classes and healthy eating it ignited a spark within me. “I went on to become a qualified personal trainer and obviously the first thing I wanted to do was teach the Kettlercise programme. “Since qualifying just nine short months ago, I’ve turned my love for fitness in to a full-time job. “I’ve gone from one Kettlercise class a week, and then to six classes a week and now teach a total of 22 fitness classes each week.

“The Kettlercise course is such a fantastic course and the return on investment for me has been incredible. From the feedback I get from my clients and class attendees, it makes me prouder than anything.” To become a Kettlercise instructor or for more information about Kettlercise courses in your area, see the centre pages of this issue of Workout or go to www.kettlercise.com

THE Octagon range of products from Escape Fitness is expanding. The latest addition is the Octagon BOX, a unique and dedicated cross training station for serious lifters and cross training fanatics. The BOX from Escape Fitness is stylish, functional and allows for massive gains to be achieved. Ideal for squats, bench presses, bodyweight exercises and wall balls, this isn’t for the fainthearted. With two options – the basic BOX and the advanced WOD BOX – clubs can choose the solution that suits them. There is also the option to join several WOD BOX rigs together to create an area for several people to work out at once. If your members use a CrossFit style

of training, this is ideal for team based high-intensity training and a daily WOD. Equipment can be stored close at hand. The WOD BOX also features weight training and dipping stations, pull-up bars and the option to attach battle ropes and torso trainers. For more information on the BOX get in touch on 0800 294 2801 or email sales@escapefitness.com

Absolute Performance products raise the bar Octagon range to expand WHETHER creating a training facility from scratch, refurbishing or needing help to source equipment or flooring, the product ranges from strength and conditioning specialist Absolute Performance ensure customers get the best solution for their needs. Absolute Performance’s managing director Tony Buchanan said: “Our projects over the past year have included gyms of all sizes, personal trainers, professional sports clubs, schools and universities. “Our own AP Power Series of strength and conditioning equipment and AP Functional Training Series of equipment have really grown in popularity because of their cost-effectiveness and that they can be custom designed and made to measure for

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each facility. “Our own flooring range has also been successful due to its robustness and ensures that, by zoning a facility with the right flooring, every inch of space is maximised. “Flooring and equipment can also be personalised with branding or colour coded to help create that truly motivational training facility.” Absolute Performance’s range of flooring includes heavy-duty rubber flooring for dropping and lifting, multi-purpose turf for pushing and pulling, rubber flooring for sprints and plyometric work and matting for mobility work. For more information visit www.aperformance.co.uk or call 029 2036 2664.

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