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October 2012
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Gyms celebrate as NFA shortlist is revealed By Christina Eccles GYMS from Aberdeen down to Cornwall are celebrating after being chosen as finalists for the 2012 National Fitness Awards. The awards, which are now in their third year, reward excellence and achievement across the fitness industry and are organised by Script Events, in partnership with WorkOut and headline sponsor Servicesport. Almost 100 clubs have been shortlisted this year across 18 categories – ranging from regional gym of the year to best rehabilitation, combat and strength training facilities. Trophies are also up for grabs to reward individual achievements, with dedicated categories for best gym based personal trainer and member achievement, as well as the coveted lifetime achievement award, the winner of which is unveiled on the night. In each category, the finalists will now aim to impress a member of the Workout team, who between them will be visiting all of the clubs on the shortlist. Event director Judith Halkerston said: “We had hundreds of entries this year with the majority being of a very high standard. It was a long, difficult process
choosing the shortlists but we are confident that we have picked the right ones. “The WorkOut team has started visiting clubs and we’ve already been as far north as Inverclyde and as far south as Falmouth. “By the end of October we will have travelled thousands of miles and will be ready to send our detailed reports to our panel of six, independent judges who will have the tough task of picking the winners.” Trophies will be handed out at a glittering ceremony on Friday November 30 at The Athena in Leicester, hosted by personal trainer and TV personality Charlotte Ord – giving the entire industry the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our winners and mark the end of another successful year in business. “This year is the third National Fitness Awards and we are confident that the awards ceremony will be bigger and better than ever. “It’s an impressive venue and we are working hard to ensure that the evening will not only have all the excitement of the winners being announced but will also celebrate excellence and innovation in our industry.” Look out for the full shortlist and all the latest NFA news inside this issue.
No 229 £3
Foundation to honour success of its athletes
A Worcester gym welcomed a special guest when pop star and TV presenter Olly Murs popped in for a chat. Olly visited Worcester Pool and Fitness Centre to interview member – and X Factor contestant – Gathan Cheema, for spin off show, The Xtra Factor. Scenes were filmed in the club for the ITV2 show and during the visit, fitness fan Gathan and Olly were also put through their paces by team coach Vince McCumisky. For full story see page 20.
THE GLL Sport Foundation is honouring the success of its sponsored athletes after they picked up a total of 14 Olympic and Paralympic medals. This year, the scheme, which provides support and fundraising for sporting stars to achieve their dreams, saw over 50 athletes selected for Team GB and Paralympics GB – many of whom train at GLL operated venues across London and the South East. Success stories include champion boxers Anthony Joshua and Nicola Adams – who both picked up golds – and judo silver medallist Gemma Gibbons. GSF patron Sally Gunnell said: "It is fantastic news to have so many GSF athletes selected. It is vital that our athletes receive the support required to achieve their sporting potential and these results prove the point. “I know from personal experience that many young athletes struggle to meet the costs associated with increased training and competition to reach their sporting dreams. It is also vitally important that there are support mechanisms and legacy programmes in place for the next generation of sporting stars and our local communities; we are working hard to achieve this."