Flooring solutions to suit any sporting and fitness space, including:
Impact-resistant rubber tiles for weight lifting areas.
Sheet rubber and elastic underlays for functional training spaces.
Customised sled tracks.
Synthetic turfs for multi-functional spaces.
Timber flooring for dance and yoga studios.
Seamless polyurethane and vinyl floor finishes.
DENBIGHSHIRE Leisure Ltd is bringing the first Future Studios immersive fitness experience to Wales as part of its ongoing investment in health and fitness facilities.
The new Studio 360 will be the only immersive fitness space of its kind in the country when it opens next month.
Delivered via the UK Leisure Framework, which is managed by DLL and Alliance Leisure, the innovative health and wellness space will offer immersive, all-inclusive experiences to engage and inspire existing group exercise participants and attract new audiences.
“Our aim is to deliver one of the most innovative and exciting fitness clubs in Wales. Using the Future
Studios technology, we can create any immersive environment that people want to exercise in,” said Jamie Groves, managing director of DLL.
“It means users can enjoy a different experience every time they visit a class, our instructors can deliver even more engaging workouts and we can offer something for everyone.
“As the first immersive group exercise experience of its kind in Wales, Studio 360 will take the DLL class programme to another level.”
DLL has worked with creative agency Flareform to repurpose an existing exercise studio at Club Rhyl in Denbighshire to produce a one-of-akind exercise environment that uses 360-degree projection onto all walls of
IN A drive to help operators play their part in creating a more sustainable future, Blu Leisure has launched Eco Blu, a new range of swimwear manufactured from recycled plastic recovered from the ocean.
“Plastic waste is having a profound effect on marine life,” said Vicki Peck, MD of Blu Leisure.
“Every year an estimated 33 billion pounds of plastic is entering our oceans and causing the unnecessary deaths of millions of seabirds and hundreds of thousands of marine animals.
“By repurposing plastic bottles and other plastic waste recovered from the ocean into high quality products, in this case swimwear, we are creating a value for a material that otherwise threatens to cause irreversible damage to the marine ecosystem.
“We take our environmental responsibility very seriously. The launch of Eco Blu is part of our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and achieving net zero by 2030.”
Eco Blu is available now to any leisure operator keen to improve the sustainability of their swim retail offer. Garments are available for men and women, in a range of sizes and pricing is competitive to encourage leisure operators to switch to this sustainable retail option.
Vicki added: “Our strategy is to start the collection small, growing it slowly and responsibly to ensure we never over produce, thus safeguarding against the
creation of excessive, avoidable waste, a huge problem in the global clothing industry.”
“In addition to the sustainability credentials, each garment is produced to the highest possible standard and has chlorine resistant properties which guards against wear and tear and improves the product’s lifespan. “This creates a product that not only looks great and supports the removal of plastic water from our oceans but also lasts longer, making it a great investment for many reasons.”
The lifespan of a fabric is not only determined by the way it is designed and manufactured but also by the way it is worn, washed and dried. Every Eco Blu item is accompanied by labelling that gives instructions on product care that supports longevity, again helping to reduce the amount of waste.
For more information about Eco Blu visit bluleisure.co.uk/products-and-services/eco-blu/ or you can contact the Blu Leisure team on 01908 582525 for more details.
the room to create seamless animated scenes that transform with each class.
The technology allows the operator to create unique settings tailored to specific workouts complete with soundscapes and visuals that react to sound.
For example, DLL can run mindfulness sessions in woodlands and yoga on mountain tops, or Zumba around dancing flames on a beach and HIIT classes in a nightclub.
The investment will not only enhance the health and fitness offer at Club Rhyl, but will allow DLL to provide experiences that appeal to people of all ages and demographics to help encourage more members of the community to take part in exercise.
Joe Robinson, co-founder of Future Studios and creative director at Flareform, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to collaborate with DLL as we embark on this journey to deliver brand new experiences for the members.
“From the very first interaction, it’s been evident that we are working with a client who shares our passion for innovation and excellence.
“Their enthusiasm for this project is infectious and inspiring, and it aligns perfectly with our creative vision for the product.
“We genuinely feel privileged to be a part of this partnership and can’t wait to see the incredible results we will achieve together.”
THERE are a number of benefits to investing in a gym management software, but the biggest change you’ll notice is being able to keep on top of your memberships more effectively.
You’ll be able to see exactly how many members you have at any given time, review which memberships are due to expire and fill class spaces with little extra work.
Here are some other ways that gym management software can help you stay on top of your memberships.
Empower members to manage their bookings
Gym management software allows your members to manage their bookings
online themselves, meaning you don’t have to manually book in when members want to go to a specific class.
This is the sort of task that doesn’t seem like it will cost a lot of time in the beginning when you only have a few members, but manually booking people into classes can quickly become a barrier to growing the business.
Manage your membership database
As your gym grows over time you’ll soon realise you’ve got a long list of members to keep track of.
Without a secure management system in place, it’s hard to manage an evergrowing list of names, contact details and memberships.
You can use your gym management software to stay on top of your member information and even give your members the tools to update their details themselves, alleviating some of the admin load.
Personalise the member experience
Use gym management software to gain a deeper understanding of your members and their habits so that you can provide them with a more personalised service. Given that 80 per cent of consumers say they are more likely to purchase brands that offer personalised experiences, it’s a strategy worth implementing.
A good gym CRM software will allow you to send automated communications based on your customer’s actions so that your club is always appearing on their screen at the perfect time.
To summarise, there are a number of ways you can use gym management software to stay on top of your memberships.
The one thing that will save you the most time is reviewing what tasks you can push back to your members; think class bookings, entering payment information, personal details and so on. In doing so, you’ll be giving them more control over their fitness experience and
lessening the amount of membership admin for you and your team.
ClubRight is an end-to-end solution created by people with first-hand experience in running a gym. It takes care of everything, from automation and access control to class bookings and selling online – plus a whole lot more. When you work with us, you’ll be speaking to the people that understand the day-to-day challenges of owning a business in the health and fitness industry.
Give us a call today on 0203 884 977 or book a free online demo with one of our product experts.
MENTAL health has become a stronger motivation for Brits to exercise than staying in shape, but three-quarters vastly underestimate how much activity they need, according to a new poll released on National Fitness Day.
In a survey of 2,271 people, commissioned by ukactive and conducted by Savanta, more than half of UK adults (54 per cent) reported that their main motivation for keeping physically active was to help their mental health, while 49 per cent said it was getting in shape.
National guidelines from the Chief Medical Officers state that adults should undertake 150 minutes or more of ‘moderate-intensity activity’ each week, but three-quarters (75 per cent) of respondents thought it was much less – with 38 per cent thinking that less than 90 minutes is sufficient.
More positively, the findings show people are increasingly aware of the physical and mental benefits of being active, with 86 per cent agreeing that keeping physically active can help prevent various illnesses and injuries from occurring.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “More people are recognising the incredible mental benefits of being active in their daily lives, not just the physical rewards.
“These findings show the huge opportunity to ease our nation’s mental and physical health crisis if we can raise awareness of the importance of physical activity, alongside better nutrition, and ensure
everyone has the chance to be active.
“We’re on a mission with other leading organisations in the sector to make the UK the most active nation in Europe.”
The theme for National Fitness Day 2023 was ‘Your Health is for Life’, highlighting the importance of staying active throughout our lives.
The UK is facing a growing health crisis, with rising NHS waiting lists and recent research revealing that two in five inpatients in England report significant health decline while awaiting treatment on the NHS.
National Fitness Day celebrated the role of physical activity in our lives but getting more people active also has a crucial role to play in improving
national health outcomes, wellbeing, and economic productivity.
Of those polled, one in four people (23 per cent) said they were currently awaiting treatment on the NHS.
Of those on waiting lists, only seven per cent have a current gym membership.
In fact, those on an NHS waitlist are almost three times less likely to have a gym membership, so there is a major opportunity to increase participation in physical activity to reduce pressure on the health system.
According to statistics from the Office for Health Improvements and Disparities, regular exercise improves health outcomes and reduces the
risk of long-term health conditions and illnesses, including a 40 per cent reduced risk of type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (by 35 per cent), dementia (by 30 per cent) and some cancers (by 20 per cent).
Thousands of free activities took place across the UK to celebrate National Fitness Day, with the kickoff held at Salford Sports Village in Greater Manchester, showcasing a powerful example of physical activity reducing pressure on the NHS.
GM Active’s Prehab4Cancer programme uses group exercise classes to support those diagnosed with cancer to manage their recovery and treatment in the community.
The programme has been proven to cut patient contact time within hospitals by up to 36 hours and these shorter hospital stays ‘released’ 550 ward bed days and 146 critical care bed days, showing the potential to support the NHS if it is scaled nationwide.
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew added: “Sport and physical activity are hugely beneficial to our mental and physical health which is why we are aiming to get 3.5 million more people active by 2030.
“We’re determined to drive up participation and that starts with 150 minutes of exercise a week for adults and 60 minutes a day for young people.
“Whether that’s at school, in a gym, on the pitch or court, you can make a huge difference to your health and the health of the nation by getting active.”
Unleash efficiency, visibility, and member satisfaction
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of gym management, staying ahead of the curve is essential for success.
As a gym owner, you understand the importance of efficiency, clear communication, and providing topnotch service to your members.
To support you, ServiceSport UK has invested, and continues to develop, simPRO – a powerful software solution that revolutionises gym operations across the UK.
Forget paying a subscription fee to access a platform where your needs are passed around a number of third-party providers in the battle to offer the lowest price for your business.
simPRO is available to all customers at no additional cost and is real added value to your business. Explore why below…
Streamlined operations for optimal efficiency
Running a gym involves a myriad of tasks – from selling memberships and coaching your team to scheduling equipment maintenance visits.
We offer simPRO to help streamline the management of your gym equipment with its user-friendly platform.
By automating routine tasks, such as scheduling preventative maintenance services, arranging engineer visits, reporting defective equipment or requesting a quote, simPRO saves you precious time and resources.
One of simPRO’s standout features is its ability to centralise your entire range of gym equipment, quotes, scheduled work, completed jobs and asset history.
With all essential data at your fingertips, you gain a comprehensive view of what the status of your gym equipment is. This makes it easier to plan, strategise, and make informed decisions
Enhanced visibility and communication
In the gym industry, effective communication is the key to success. simPRO provides an innovative solution for improved communication between yourself and our team.
The software provides you with remote access to a web portal where you and your team can log in for real time updates. This ensures that we are all on the same page, reducing misunderstandings and miscommunication.
simPRO’s real-time updates mean
that everyone involved in your gym operations can access critical information whenever they need it.
Elevating member satisfaction
At ServiceSport UK, we understand that happy members are the lifeblood of your gym. With simPRO, we can help you take your customer service to the next level. By streamlining your operations and improving communication, we can give you prompt and efficient responses. Additionally, we offer an online quote calculator that allows you to instantly get a price estimate for the preventative maintenance service of your gym equipment.
This feature is a game-changer for gym owners, as it saves time and provides
transparency in pricing. No more waiting around for a price or relying on a platform to eventually provide you with a price from a pool of service and repair providers.
By using this nifty tool, you can set yourself apart from the competition and demonstrate your commitment to member satisfaction, after all instant quotes mean quicker repairs.
The fitness industry is constantly evolving, and to stay competitive, your gym must adapt. Which is why we have invested in simPRO. We know how important it is to get your gym equipment serviced and repaired in a timely manner.
Choosing ServiceSport UK to service and repair your gym equipment ensures you transform the way you manage your gym business for the better.
Everything you need will be at your fingertips; streamline operations, enhanced communication, and improved member satisfaction, all of which are invaluable in today’s competitive fitness market.
Get in touch with us today to revolutionise your gym operations and elevate your member satisfaction to new heights.
Adam (Everybody's Gym)
Google review:
5.0 Google reviews
“I have worked with CFM many times and I am always blown away by the work ethic and ability of the team to fit right in with staff. Conan and Georgia had some great ideas, which they executed really well and made the campaign a success.”
360° member management
Prospecting, digital joining, & onboarding
Integrated full-service payments
Coaching & member app
Class management & bookings
Email & SMS marketing automation
Retention tools
Reporting & analytics
Access control
THE Harrogate Hydro has reopened its doors having been transformed into the Harrogate Leisure and Wellbeing Centre, thanks to a £13.5million major refurbishment by North Yorkshire Council. Works, delivered by Alliance Leisure, have included extending the building’s footprint and substantial reimagining throughout to create a bright, modern offering more in keeping with the needs of today’s vibrant and diverse community.
New facilities include a new 400sqm fitness suite, a Les Mills immersive cycle studio, a sauna and steam suite, an Innerva wellness suite plus a reconfigured reception and café.
Existing pool and leisure facilities have also been completely overhauled. In the pool, a new diving structure has been installed so the centre can continue to support up and coming diving talent in the way that it has done for Olympians, such as Jack Laugher MBE and Oliver Dingley.
Outside, the building has been remodelled to complement the surrounding environment with landscaping, a reconfigured car park, bicycle storage and electric vehicle charging points.
James Foley, commercial director and strategic project lead at Alliance Leisure, said: “Investment in the old Hydro has transformed the facility and future proofed leisure provision for years to come.
“In addition to the visible improvements, there is so much that has gone on behind the scenes to make this centre more energy efficient. Air source heat pumps have replaced existing gas boilers and 250 solar panels have been installed along with new energy monitoring and control systems.
“These measures are expected to half the carbon footprint of the leisure centre. This is great news
for the council’s net zero targets, great news for residents and ultimately, great news for the planet.”
The project has been delivered by Alliance Leisure, working with ISG Construction and GT3 architects through the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Limited.
North Yorkshire’s Council’s executive member for culture, arts and housing, Councillor Simon Myers, added: “We are committed to ensuring that North Yorkshire has a healthy and more active population that is living longer and more independently.
“The re-opening of the new and improved Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre will ensure that continues to be the case. It is also pleasing that energy-efficiency has been at the heart of the project, in line with our climate pledges, and this will serve as an example for other facilities across the county.”
The redevelopment will be followed later in the year with the completion of the new-build Knaresborough Leisure Centre, as part of a generational and regenerative approach to leisure and wellbeing provision in the community.
E: Onlinesales@eddisons.com
T: +44(0)1724 334411
Instructed by a retained client Online Auction of Commercial Gym Equipment from a Hotel Auction closes from 1pm Tuesday 17th October 2023
Including:
• Precor 956i Experience Line Treadmills, Precor EFX Cross-Trainers, Precor Spinner Chrono Power Spinning Bikes, Concept 2 Rowers
• Various Pulse Fitness Resistance machines inc Lat Pull Down, Chip Lift/Dip, Lower Back Extension, Shoulder Press, Peck Deck, Arm Curl
• Large Selection of Dumbbells, Kettlebells, Weight Training Equipment
Location: Ibis Styles, 999 Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury, Birmingham, B69 4RJ
W: www.eddisons.com Catalogues,
Viewing: Monday 16th October 2023, 10am-4.30pm by appointment with the auctioneer - 01724 334411
A SERIES of new research projects have shed light on the significant challenges faced by leisure operators and group exercise instructors in finding shortnotice cover for classes, as well as its impact on members.
One study, conducted by Leisure-net Solutions on behalf of on-demand group exercise cover app, CoverMe, finds that sourcing high-quality freelance cover when instructors fall sick or are absent is one of the most significant challenges faced by club managers.
The task not only consumes hours each week but often results in class disruption and cancellations, which are detrimental to both operators and their customers. Another survey conducted by EMD UK found that group exercise instructors avoid taking time off due to the stress of finding cover, with almost a quarter of instructors (24 per cent) juggling up to seven different WhatsApp and social groups for the different classes they teach.
According to Leisure-net’s Operator Report, 63 per cent of leisure operators offering group exercise programmes reported spending valuable time each week trying to source replacement instructors to cover classes and prevent cancellations that would disappoint their
customers. Nearly one-fifth of operators (17 per cent) said they have to allocate time every single day to find class cover.
Despite their best efforts, operators often face difficulties in securing adequate replacement instructors, leading to unavoidable class cancellations or changes.
In fact, 41 per cent of operators are forced to cancel or change their group exercise classes every week due to their inability to find suitable cover.
The impact of disrupted and cancelled classes are far reaching. Researchers also surveyed individuals who had participated in group exercise classes within the last six months and found that a third (33 per cent) regularly or quite often experienced disruptions or cancellations to their classes.
As a result, 36 per cent of participants stated they would not recommend a club to a friend if they encountered frequent disruptions to the group exercise timetable, while 16 per cent said they would cancel their club membership altogether.
Very often, finding class cover falls to the instructor themselves in the event of illness or holidays.
This means calling in favours from their instructor colleagues or posting
messages in WhatsApp and other social groups, all of which is very timeconsuming.
As a result, more than half (54 per cent) of instructors say they simply avoid taking time off, while half (49 per cent) say they find the process stressful.
Failing to find cover has significant implications for instructors. In most cases, classes are simply cancelled causing instructors to lose income.
Beyond this, many instructors worry that failing to find class cover risks letting participants down, losing customers and damaging their reputation.
Sue Wilkie, head of instructor support at EMD UK, said: “It’s hardly surprising that group exercise instructors feel so stressed about finding cover for their classes when they are sick or go on holiday.
“Research shows that half of instructors regularly view one to three different social groups when trying to source cover, while seven per cent keep track of eight to 14 social groups.
And almost a quarter of instructors (23 per cent) say they don’t know where to source cover, which increases the risk of class cancellations and is clearly bad news for instructors, clubs and clients.”
Today’s operators benefit from
advances in technology in almost all areas of club management, yet when it comes to sourcing freelance instructors, managers still rely largely on substitute instructor lists and seeking help from other instructors through messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
Very often, club managers are forced to accept whatever cover is available, rather than the ideal cover that would ensure a great member experience.
The CoverMe App’s algorithm matches inspirational, qualified and insured freelance instructors, vetted by CoverMe’s own in-house team, with gyms and studios, factoring in skills, proximity and availability – all in real time – so managers can source and book class cover in less than 30 seconds.
“Sourcing high quality group exercise cover is one of the most time-consuming and challenging aspects of club management, “ added Rosanna Tucker, CEO of CoverMe.
“That’s why we are delighted to be working with an increasing number of club operators, including Nuffield Health, Serco and BXR, to solve this problem, improve efficiency, enhance member satisfaction and eliminate the frustration and operational time consuming activity of class changes.”
SPORT For Confidence has joined forces with specialist education provider Writtle University College in a drive to strengthen education around the provision of inclusive physical activity
According to Sport England’s most recent Active Lives Survey, people with a disability and/or long-term health condition are twice as likely (46 per cent) to be inactive as the general population (23 per cent).
This disparity is largely due to the many barriers to participation that exist for this demographic group. In 2022, the Activity Alliance also reported that, post pandemic, disabled people are less likely than non-disabled people to have a positive return-to-activity experience (52 per cent versus 70 per cent).
Megan Potts, occupational therapist at Sport For Confidence, said: “Sport
and physical activity have the potential to deliver a diverse array of therapeutic benefits that enhance lives and positively impact the quality of life of those involved.
‘Via this partnership with Writtle University College, and specifically The Centre of Sport and Health, we will work with all academic departments to provide coaches with the knowledge and tools they need to practice more holistically.
“Through enhanced course content, guest lecturers and the provision of opportunities for students to gain offsite practical experience working with a variety of demographics, we will advise on several topics including adaptive practice, public health, common disabilities, barriers to participation and sensory processing considerations.
“We will also provide guidance to the University on general accessibility and inclusion to ensure everybody utilising the facilities and services has the best possible experience.”
The partnership, made possible through an introduction by the Office of Students Knowledge Exchange, is one of mutual benefit.
Historically, Sport For Confidence has struggled to recruit coaches with experience and education around the use of physical activity as a therapeutic tool.
This skills gap has required additional post -appointment education. The new partnership with Writtle University College will deliver fit for purpose coaches to the workforce, meaning they can hit the ground running, having an immediate impact
on the delivery of effective, safe and progressive inclusive physical activity.
Mark Williams, head of department and senior lecturer at Writtle University College, added: “Our aim is always to provide students with the best possible prospects for success in the job market through the delivery of market-relevant education and training.
“This partnership with Sport For Confidence provides our student coaches and health and exercise practitioners, with access to specialist, high quality information and experience that plugs a skills gap and gives them a competitive advantage.
“This enhancement in skills will, in turn, provide more opportunities for disabled people to engage in meaningful physical activity, therefore diminishing health inequalities and occupational injustices.”
EVERYBODY’S is a gym for everybody. They are an independent family-owned gym and for more than 25 years have been proudly supporting their local community with their fitness and nutrition goals.
They pride themselves on providing a community where everybody feels welcome. Adam and Kate Jones are the proud owners who took over the business in 2018.
They have many fantastic member testimonials on their website and social media which speaks volumes. Their main focus is on their members, and ensuring they feel comfortable, and welcome and get results which is an important factor in their high rate of retention.
Like many small business owners, Adam wears many hats including manager, personal trainer, social media manager, bookkeeper and more.
Adam runs various marketing activities throughout the year including corporate outreach and social media marketing, however, he finds great value in outsourcing some of these functions so he can focus on other aspects of his business.
Everybody’s engaged CFM for the first time back in 2003 when they signed up 257 new members to the club. Since then, they have completed a further 11 campaigns with more than 2,400 members enrolled.
He finds the combination of his own regular marketing efforts and the highimpact six-week campaigns from CFM allows him to achieve the necessary growth in his business.
Over the years the campaigns have produced steady results, however the
most recent CFM campaign has been a standout.
During the six-week campaign, CFM signed up 236 long-term members to Everybody’s, over and above their regular monthly targets.
CFM’s business development manager Harry Ainslie said: “Despite the increased competition in the market, at CFM we have implemented innovative marketing methods to produce results that are better than ever.
“Many of the repeat campaigns we are managing are breaking records in terms of member numbers. With a combination of traditional, digital, and even AI technology we have been able to maximise results for our clients in 2023.”
Adam from Everybody’s added: “I have worked with CFM many times and I am always blown away by the work ethic and ability of the team to fit right in with staff. Conan and Georgia had some great ideas, which they executed really well and made the campaign a success.”
CFM provides its services to any location in the UK and Ireland.
To find out more about CFM and what they offer, check out their website www.cfm.net, or call Jonny or Harry on 0115 777 3333.
THE new RecoPad© App has been created and brought to fruition by the hard work and dedication of CEO Dean Boyle.
He has more than 25 years’ experience of running a successful upholstery business under his belt and knows there is clearly a need in the market for an App like RecoPad©. Working alongside Dean to help make the App a success is former WorkOut magazine manager Dan Lloyd,. Dan has years of knowledge in the industry and joins RecoPad© after more than four years of working as national sales at membership management software provider ClubRight. He said: “The App has been designed with fitness facility owners and managers in mind. It makes getting a quote or ordering replacement pads so much easier to do than ever before.
“We are really looking forward to making a start with getting the App out into the industry and hopefully
changing the way people currently order their replacement parts for the better.”
Some of the features of the App include:
n Being able to upload an image whilst you are within the club or take a shot and upload later from your camera roll.
n The ability to select multiple suppliers for a quote, these can be selected from the sponsored suppliers list in your local area or add your own and store them in the App for future use.
n Quick access to personalised history tracking with re-submit options to alternative suppliers.
n Having a personalised interface for you to store the user’s information, location and preferred suppliers for future use.
And the great thing about this App is, that it is completely FREE to download and is available on both Apple and Android devices now.
ALLIANCE Leisure has completed decarbonisation works at four leisure venues on behalf of three councils over the past few weeks.
Works, with a combined investment level of £5.3million, are anticipated to deliver a total annual energy cost saving of £23,401 and an annual C02 reduction of 586 tonnes.
Teignmouth Lido and Broadmeadow Sports Centre, both owned by Teignbridge District Council along with Dronfield Leisure Centre, owned by North East Derbyshire District Council and Darlaston Swimming and Fitness
Centre, owned by Walsall Council have all undergone works to improve energy efficiencies. Across the four sites, works have included replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps, installing LED lighting and adding solar panels.
Julia Goddard, senior business development manager at Alliance Leisure, said: “All three phases of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has been over-subscribed, highlighting the huge need for modernisation of ageing assets, such as energy intensive leisure centres.
“Including these four completed
projects, Alliance Leisure is involved in 23 PSDS leisure projects with a total investment value of more than £30million.”
Works at these four sites have been managed by Alliance Leisure and delivered in conjunction with Leisure Energy, through the UK Leisure Framework.
Mike Worsnop, strategic director at Leisure Energy, added: “We were delighted that Leisure Energy was appointed as Alliance Leisure’s partner to design and install renewable energy technologies and solutions at a number
of public leisure facilities. Lowering carbon emissions and reducing energy usage is an important priority and commitment for local authorities and we are pleased to have been able to provide our expertise and support Teignbridge, North East Derbyshire and Walsall Councils’ in their transition to net zero carbon leisure facilities.”
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme supports the aim of reducing emissions from public sector buildings by 75 per cent by 2037 and has, so far, invested more than £3billion across three funding phases.
EARLY this year, Everyone Active launched a trial of Fisikal’s custombuilt digital PT management app across 12 sites in a move to create an experience driven, efficient process that linked members to trainers.
Ben Beevers, Everyone Active’s group development director, said: “This trial has been a huge success. Since launching the Fisikal PT app, we have increased PT bookings by over 60 per cent at the trial sites.”
“These results have driven positive financial figures, with income increasing on average by 30 per cent at participating sites.
“We’ve also received great feedback from our PTs, who have highlighted the greater flexibility and reduced admin time that the app has allowed.”
By digitising the PT model, Everyone Active has provided its trainers with an environment in which they can thrive, digitising the management system to support their build of a financially sustainable
career whilst making it seamless for members to engage their PT services.
From a trainer standpoint, Maria Giordmaina, Everyone Active’s
personal trainer at Stratford Leisure Centre added: “The Fisikal app is really user-friendly and helps manage the entire PT booking process at just
the touch of a button.
“In return, this save me valuable time, which I can now spend supporting my clients.”
Due to the success of the app, a custom-build which took Fiskal just eight weeks to create from concept to launch, Everyone Active plans to integrate it across a further 117 sites by the end of 2023.
“The app provides real-time insight at an individual, and enterprise level.” Ben added.
“By 2024, we’ll have oversight on how our whole PT business is operating, allowing us to make more informed decisions, continually adapting for the benefit of both members and PTs.”
Rob Lander, Fisikal’s CEO, said: “Digitalising PT and adopting a more centralised model has provided tangible results, an enhanced understanding of the business and we’re looking forward to supporting Everyone Active on the future rollout.”
OLDHAM Active (Oldham Community Leisure) has employed a new group health and fitness brand manager, responsible for improving the Trust’s leisure offer, including its gym provision, group exercise programmes, health referrals and services based out in the local community.
Lauren Connis has been appointed to this new role, which will see her working with the senior team to facilitate key local community projects. She will work to ensure Oldham Active maintains its standing as the key health and wellbeing provider in the local community.
Lauren has extensive experience in
the leisure and fitness industry, having spent many years working for Pure Gym, GLL, David Lloyd and Blackburn Borough Council in a variety of positions including activities manager and leisure centre manager.
She began her journey in the industry as a semi-professional dancer, fitness instructor and personal trainer.
“I’m passionate about creating opportunities for everyone to move a little more every day,” Lauren said.
“Part of my commitment with Oldham Active is to identify health inequalities and deliver programmes that redress this imbalance.
“I am delighted to have the chance
to work with Oldham Active. The opportunity to work in a role that focuses on improving the health of the
Oldham community through exercise provision is perfect for me.
“There are countless physical and mental health issues that can be reduced or resolved through physical activity.
“I am excited for the different challenges that await me; Oldham Active is a fantastic operator that’s not afraid to try new things and push boundaries. It has a great portfolio of facilities too, which is something I’m excited to work in.”
She is particularly excited about exploring ways to give everyone access to the same opportunities for health.
The Super Horizontal Bench Press Panatta is a machine specifically for training the anterior muscles of the chest, replicating the pushing movement of the upper limbs in a lying position on a flat bench. Compared to execution with free weights, the exercise performed at the Super Horizontal Bench Press has the dual advantages of a convergent guided trajectory and a physiological load curve, in line with the force curve developed by the muscles active in the movement; in this way, joints and muscles are safeguarded, maintaining optimal contraction throughout the ROM without overloading them in the position where they are most vulnerable. Again with the aim of safeguarding the joints and making the execution as physiological and safe as possible, the Super Horizontal Bench Press is equipped with a facilitated movement start lever and a system for adjusting the exercise arms, which allows the ROM to be modified by varying the minimum starting height of the handles, guaranteeing safe use even for individuals with reduced mobility. Finally, the dual handles with which the machine is equipped allow the exercise to be performed with a prone or neutral grip.
PRONE GRIP:
The movement is close to an adduction of the shoulder in the horizontal plane (always maintaining an angle between the torso and humerus of less than 90° to avoid shoulder problems), this is the one that allows the thrust to be exerted with maximum muscle strength and maximum activation of the sternal bundles of the pectoralis major.
NEUTRAL GRIP:
By changing the set-up of the arms, with the elbows being more closed toward the pelvis, the movement shifts toward the sagittal plane, with greater involvement of the humerus flexors (clavicular bundles of the grand pectoralis and anterior deltoid); conversely, the liftable loads are lower.
Functional Training Gym of the Year
CaveFit, Edinburgh
Fit Club, Northwood
FiT365, Coventry
My Functional Fitness Ltd, Canvey Island
Synergy Group Fitness, Edinburgh
The Functional Fitness Studio, High Wycombe
Unique U Sport & Fitness, Birmingham
Scotland & Northern Ireland
Banks O’ Dee Sports and Fitness, Aberdeen
Claire Adams Total Health Ltd, Edinburgh
HUSH Private Gym, Aberdeen
Synergy Group Fitness, Edinburgh
Wishaw Sports Centre
Midlands and Wales
Black Country Barbell, Stourbridge,
Elements Fitness and Wellbeing, Stafford
Fitter Body Ladies, Daventry
NRG Gym, Walsall
The PIT, Birmingham
The Workhouse Gym, Castle Donington
Ware-house Gym, Swansea
South
Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre, Hornchurch
Horizon Waterlooville
NRG Gym, Lewisham
Oliver Joseph Fitness, Sidmouth
One21 Fitness, Southampton
Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, Canvey Island
Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, St Albans
Strength
Fierce Gym, Milton Keynes
Fit Club, Northwood
HMP/YOI Peterborough Male and Female Gym
P1 Fitness Studio, Manchester
Red Beard Barbell Club, Maidenhead
Pure Grit Performance, Devizes
Unit 29 Fitness, Washington
North
Fitness Plus Gym, Longridge
Instinct Gym and Wellbeing, Tarporley
J7 Health, Manchester
MyGym Hazel Grove, Stockport
Namix Performance Centre, Northwich
NRG Gym, Manchester
The Pride Gym, Bradford
Outstanding Achievement
Dean Guerriero, Dean G Fitness, Weekley
Altesse Kyezu and Darren Gray, FitFunActive, London
Kimberley Ridgeway, SavageDanzFit, Swansea
David Rowe, My Functional Fitness Ltd, Canvey Island
Kyle Lewis, Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, Morecambe
Customer Service
Anytime Fitness Welwyn Garden City
B! Health & Fitness, Honiton
Energie Fitness, Warrington
MH Studio, Rothley
Rockliffe Hall, Darlington
Rookery Hall, Nantwich
Runnymede Leisure Centre, Benfleet
Boutique
Barry’s, London
CPASE Health Club, Knutsford
FRESH Studios, Ely
Ignite, Cuffley
MADE Wellness Centre, Stone
Orangetheory Fitness, Fulham
Retra Fitness, London
Education
BFit Lincs Gym, Market Rasen
Forces Fitness Ltd, Bridgend
HMP/YOI Peterborough Male and Female Gym
The Fitness Education Academy, Penicuik
The Edge, University of Leeds
National Gym of the Year
The winners of the gym categories will automatically be entered for the National Gym of the Year Award.
Best Outdoor Facility
Active Tameside, Tameside Wellness Centre, Denton
Bootcamp and Fitness Revolution, Rayne
Farm Fitness, Great Dunmow
Fitness Rush, Old Hurst
SobeyFitness – Urban Gym, Plymouth
Who Dares Gyms, Bournemouth
Personal Trainer
Amy Toolis Personal Training, Edinburgh
Andy Coulson, Unit 29 Fitness, Washington
Carmen Rudman, Transform Wellness, Epsom
Emily Keen, Emily Keen Personal Training, Plymouth
Emma Watts, Bootcamp and Fitness Revolution, Rayne
Marina Cornwall, Winchester Sport and Leisure Park, Winchester
Sarah Nightingale, Hellofit, Lytham St Annes
Group Exercise
Amy Pounder Personal Training Ltd, Middlesbrough
Central YMCA Club, London
Farm Fitness, Great Dunmow
Harriet McGuffie Fitness, Liverpool
RISE, Macclesfield
The PIT, Birmingham
Transform Wellness, Epsom
Ladies Only
Claire Adams Total Health, Edinburgh
EK Fitness, Cheadle
Fitter Body Ladies, Llanelli
Listers Health, Bradford
StrongHer, London
The Curve Fitness, Bradford
W Fitness, Leeds
Member Achievement
Callum Harrison, Horwich Leisure Centre, Bolton
David Wynne, Kettering Park Hotel and Spa
Kirsty Wiscombe, B! Health & Fitness, Honiton
Martin Griffiths, Savagedanzfit, Swansea
Nikki Kent, Ware-house Gym, Swansea
Paul Barraclough, Tameside Wellness Centre, Denton
Wendy Wilson, Hello Fit, Lytham Saint Annes
Local Authority / Leisure Trust
Active Tameside (Medlock)
Formby Pool Trust
Horizon Havant
The Sir Jason Kenny Centre, Bolton
Thames Valley Athletics Centre, Eton
Two Riversmeet, Christchurch
Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, Canvey Island
Community Involvement
BFit Lincs Gym, Market Rasen
Fitness Blueprint Ltd, Aylesbury
Fitness Plus Gym, Longridge
Fitness Rush, Old Hurst
Instinct Gym and Wellbeing, Tarporley
Ladywood Leisure Centre, Birmingham
Siôn-lee’s SavageDanzfit, Swansea
The River Bourne Club, Chertsey
Health Club
Barnes Health and Fitness, London
CPASE Health Club, Knutsford
Foxhills Club and Resort, Chertsey
Hale Country Club and Spa, Altrincham
Ribby Hall Village Health Club, Wrea Green
Y Club, Manchester
Newcomer
BLOCK Gym, Plymouth
Fuse, Stafford
Luxe Fitness, Bristol City Centre
Muscle Bound Gym, Bradford
Vision Fitness, Bishop’s Stortford
Waterfront Leisure, Gillingham
Your Fitness Needs, Leyburn
Hotel and Spa
Foxhills Club and Resort, Chertsey
MADE Wellness Centre, Stone
Rockliffe Hall, Darlington
Rookery Hall, Nantwich
The Spa at Fawsley Hall, Daventry
The Spa at Turnberry Fitness Centre
Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa, Leeds
Gym Team
Anytime Fitness, Welwyn Garden City
Bannatynes, Peterborough
CaveFit, Edinburgh
Jodie Anne Fitness, Poole
Redcar Leisure Centre
Ribby Hall Health Club, Wrea Green
SPPT, Crawley
Best Membership Campaign
The Edge Gym, University of Leeds
Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex, Christchurch
SCOTLAND’S largest leisure trust, Edinburgh Leisure, has partnered with ReferAll to manage all its health and wellbeing referral projects.
Edinburgh Leisure, which operates more than 50 venues across the city, is now using ReferAll’s data management platform to administer its Active Communities schemes.
Active Communities operates 18 different projects city wide, which aim to break down barriers to physical activity and help people to lead healthier, happier and more active lives.
Edinburgh Leisure currently supports more than 10,000 people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities and poverty to get active and stay active every year, with projects such as Healthy Active Minds – which uses physical activity to support adults living with mental health conditions –and Steady Steps, supporting adults who have had or may be at risk of a fall.
ReferAll’s easy-to-view dashboard offers Edinburgh Leisure a real-time overview of all its Active Communities projects and their status, including details such as referrals received, uptake and completion rates.
The Reporting Solution enables the Active Communities teams to analyse service performance and patient outcomes. Ultimately, this means Edinburgh Leisure can clearly demonstrate to commissioners and stakeholders the positive impact they’re having on participants’ physical and mental health.
Ryan Martin, wellbeing referral manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “We
been working with ReferAll since July 2023 and already have 2,500 referrals on the system. With the ongoing challenges of securing funding from different partners, we needed a much more robust and seamless data platform. “We were searching for an accurate way to measure our participants’ outcomes and record the positive impact we’re having on people’s health thanks to their involvement in our Active Communities
projects; ReferAll does just that.
“Having the ability to clearly see the number of non-starters and record reasons for non-participation has been especially helpful. Our Active Communities team has a big role to play, working with partners and focusing on individuals and communities who need extra support and ReferAll helps them to do that easily.”
Jerry Saddington, sales and account Manager at ReferAll, added: “During Edinburgh Leisure’s onboarding we’ve been thrilled to help their teams map out key points in their pathways using ReferAll’s automated features.
“This will save their team so much time in managing referral-based health and wellbeing schemes, as well as prioritising GDPR security. Our data management platform was designed and built by industry experts to reduce workloads for service managers and their teams.
“It simplifies and standardises service delivery, as well as the ability to report on specific Key Performance Indicators and outcomes, offering real-time visibility of programme performance providing confidence to commissioners and stakeholders.”
FOR gyms, boutique studios, and wellbeing centres aiming to stand out, integrating elements such as accountability, connection, healthy habits, positive intent, and enjoyment is essential.
The amalgamation of these elements not only enhances the overall experience but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among members. It keeps your people coming back.
Accountability is the cornerstone of any successful fitness journey.
Through the implementation of heart rate monitors, in-gym screens, and the Myzone app, members can track their progress in real-time, setting and achieving personalised goals.
This technology empowers individuals to take ownership of their fitness journey from the start, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment, leading to positive habits for life.
Connection plays a pivotal role in building that support network.
The integration of bespoke software and hardware solutions facilitates seamless interaction between members
and trainers.
This interconnectedness allows for personalised guidance, better relationships, and it ensures that every individual feels seen and heard.
Healthy habits are the building blocks
of a balanced lifestyle. By utilising advanced tech, members can gain insights into their fitness routines, enabling them to establish and maintain habits that contribute to their overall wellbeing.
Tag teaming with the all the good stuff you do in the gym, the Myzone app ensures that culture of continuous improvement.
Positive intent and enjoyment are intertwined, contributing to a fulfilling fitness experience.
The incorporation of social features encourages community engagement, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere.
Members can share their achievements, participate in challenges, and connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual encouragement.
The integration of heart rate monitors, the Myzone app, bespoke software and hardware solutions, and social features is a game-changer for businesses in the fitness sector.
These tools not only promote accountability, connection, healthy habits, positive intent, and enjoyment but also cultivate an inclusive wellbeing culture that sets the foundation for a thriving and vibrant community.
For more information visit www.myzone.org
SPORT for Confidence CIC has been shortlisted for a Public Health Champion Award, part of the annual, national Chief Allied Health Professions Officer Awards.
The awards programme, now in its seventh year, promotes the adoption and dissemination of good practice whilst celebrating the dedication, innovation, leadership and success of individuals and teams.
The awards are open to all members of the allied health professions community and nominations are made by peers or individuals themselves.
Lyndsey Barrett, founder of Sport for Confidence (pictured), said:
“Even just being shortlisted for this prestigious award is an amazing achievement for the team.
“Our application was focused on the work we delivered as part of a ground-breaking Prevention and Enablement model that embedded physical activity into a whole system approach to adult health and social care.
“The project was a test and learn Local Delivery Pilot in Essex and delivered by us in partnership with Adult Social Care at Essex County Council, Active Essex.
The project outcomes, independently evaluated by the University of Essex and State of Life,
evidenced a £58.72 return in social value for every £1 invested.
We are extremely proud to have made the shortlist for this prestigious award.
Doing so not only helps us promote the success of PEM, it also recognises and rewards the dedication and hard work of every coach, occupational therapist, participant, volunteer, supporting partner and leisure centre team member involved in the project delivery.”
Award winners will be announced at a virtual awards evening on October 12.
LIFE Leisure celebrated the arrival of the Tour of Britain in Stockport with an exclusive cycling party at its Hazel Grove centre.
The Jackson Road centre, which was located along the ‘sprint’ leg of the route, also displayed an impressive piece of ‘land art’ created as part of the community art scheme to celebrate the race.
Ross McGuigan, active communities manager at Life Leisure, said: “We’ve had a fantastic day. Everyone has had a lot of fun trying out the different bikes we have here at Life Leisure,
and there was a real buzz when the cyclists came whizzing past.
“It’s been an amazing opportunity for Stockport to host such an exciting sporting event as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture, so we were thrilled to be part of it and show our support for all the competitors on the day.
“The art looks fantastic and I’m sure it was a welcome sight for the racers as they turned the corner.”
Councillor Frankie Singleton, Cabinet member for Communities, Culture and Sport, also joined in the
fun.
She added: “We were thrilled to see the Tour of Britain pass through Stockport, particularly along the sprint section outside Life Leisure Hazel Grove.
“It brought together hundreds of residents to see international cyclists go through our streets so to see the buzz was fantastic. It was great to be able to celebrate Stockport Moves as part of our Town of Culture award.”
The race passed Hazel Grove Centre on Sunday, crossing through Bramhall, Hazel Grove and Marple.
As well as having a go on specially adapted bikes and taking part in fun games and activities, spectators could also see the land art created by Stockport artist Helen Middleton in partnership with Stockport Council, including community group R Time Stockport.
Crafted entirely out of cardboard boxes donated by Tesco Stockport and designed to be viewed from above, it was created in honour of Stockport cyclist Alan Newton who won a Bronze medal in the 1952 Olympics.
A WOMAN who used Innerva’s powerassisted exercise equipment to treat her long-term health conditions has become the exclusive distributor of the brand in Ireland.
Martina Calvey, a businesswoman and former teacher and guidance counsellor, is the driving force behind Hello GoodLife Wellbeing, a new company dedicated to rolling out Innerva’s cutting-edge equipment across Ireland.
Martina is committed to making exercise more inclusive and accessible following her own health challenges which excluded her from mainstream health and fitness facilities.
The previously active 56-year-old from the West of Ireland was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1991, which threatened to confine her to a wheelchair. Unwilling to accept
such a fate, she explored alternative therapies and treatments and eventually discovered Innerva’s power-assisted exercise equipment.
The unique power-assisted nature of Innerva’s equipment had a profound impact on Martina’s health.
With regular use of the equipment her symptoms improved and the condition went into remission for two decades.
She has lived with a return of the disease since 2011 – following a brush with cancer, the arthritis returned and confined her to bed for months, left her unable to walk independently for almost two years and resulted in her 14th surgery followed by life in a wheelchair for six months.
Remembering the positive impact of power-assisted exercise years before, Martina contacted Innerva to bring the
solution to Ireland.
With the support of her partner, Seamus Davitt, she established Hello GoodLife Wellbeing.
As the exclusive distributor for Innerva’s power-assisted exercise equipment in Ireland, the pair are committed to making exercise accessible to all, regardless of their physical limitations.
Martina understands first-hand the challenges faced by individuals who are unable to access traditional gyms and aims to provide a solution through Innerva’s innovative equipment.
“There are lots of people like me who can’t access standard gyms, not because we are lazy or disinterested, but because health and fitness clubs aren’t set up to cater for our needs,” she said.
“As a former gym user, I felt so
excluded when I couldn’t find anywhere to exercise.
“Discovering Innerva’s power-assisted exercise equipment was life-changing for me, and I want to bring the solution to Ireland to make exercise accessible for everyone.”
Hello GoodLife Wellbeing is not just about supplying equipment; it’s about creating a movement. Martina wants to establish hubs across Ireland, where people can engage in inclusive and uplifting exercise experiences that prioritise their physical, social and mental wellbeing.
With Ireland’s ageing population, there is a growing need for specialised fitness solutions and Hello GoodLife Wellbeing is set to support various sectors including leisure, rehabilitation, therapy and care.
iFIT has strengthened the leadership team of its commercial equipment arm, Freemotion Fitness, with the appointment of industry veteran Chuck Fedorka (pictured right) as the new vice president of operations.
In addition, Tom Sweigart, who joined iFIT in 2020, has been promoted to the role of director of member care. Both appointments underpin Freemotion’s focus on providing bestin-class product and service offerings as the brand expands its global reach in the commercial industry.
With extensive experience in the fitness industry, and over 30 years in sales and operations management, Chuck will be a critical addition to the Freemotion business, focusing on building world-class products, and customer experiences.
Chuck’s ability to cultivate strong
relationships and foster enduring customer connections has driven repeat business and revenue growth throughout his career.
Tom brings to Freemotion experience building world-class service and
operations teams, having worked with iFIT for more than three years prior focused on carrier alignment and logistics and owning a consulting firm for over 25 years, focused on servicing Fortune 500 companies as they create
successful operations processes and high-performing teams.
Tom will focus largely on engaging with stakeholders and driving results, providing best-in-class product and service experiences for our partners.
Mark Watterson, CEO of iFIT Commercial, said: “I could not be more excited to build iFIT’s commercial division alongside Chuck and Tom.
“With our focus on greater market penetration and global growth, their collective commitment to our company’s vision aligns perfectly with our own. Both have a proven track record in building high-functioning service and operations teams. Alongside our world-class commercial products, I’m confident our service, operations and support will differentiate us in the industry with these two new leadership appointments leading the charge.”
VIRGIN Active UK has partnered with Wattbike to upgrade its indoor cycling provision with both the Wattbike Nucleus and Wattbike AtomX in order to meet the growing demand for areas of strength and performancebased training on the gym floor.
Gareth Turner, cycle lead at Virgin Active UK, said: “Wattbike will be a key partner for us in order to meet this growing trend towards performance training.
“People want to see and analyse data in real-time, not just postworkout.
“We believe that the capabilities of the Wattbike will allow our members to reach their performance goals more efficiently and effectively and we’re excited to see the new Wattbikes rolled out in our clubs over
the coming months.”
As part of the partnership, Virgin Active UK has opted to upgrade its existing Wattbikes with a mix of the latest commercial options; the Wattbike Nucleus and the Wattbike AtomX.
Gareth added: “We have chosen to partner with Wattbike, and install both the Nucleus and AtomX, as both bikes offer differing strengths and applications for our members.
“The Nucleus is an upgrade to our existing Wattbike Pro/Trainers, introducing the high-definition Performance Touchscreen but still with the precise fan/magnetic resistance that our members know and love, especially for sprint training.
“We wanted the AtomX because of its erg-mode which changes
automatically to simulate hill climbs, allowing members to ride famous climbs from around the world. It’s fantastic for Zwift racing and we are confident our members will enjoy this feature.”
The aim is that the training versatility that the Wattbike offers will be maximised by all members, no matter their goal or ability.
“We believe that the Wattbikes will be utilised in a variety of ways depending on the member, ranging from those with general fitness goals through to those seeking sporting peak performance,” Gareth added.
“Our cyclists and triathletes use the Wattbikes for accurate real-time data, to analyse pedal effectiveness and improve power-based training, whilst our other sporting athletes focus
on off-feet conditioning and thanks to the inbuilt Health Assessment tests and introductory workout programmes.
“The Wattbike is also ideal for beginners or those with general fitness goals who can benefit from the individualised workouts and plans available.”
On the gym floor, personal trainers will also be able to use the Wattbikes to deliver specific, targeted training for their clients. Using the in-built tests to help them tailor client programmes and over time, show real results and improvements based on accurate data.
The installation of the new Wattbike Nucleus and AtomX bikes across a number of Virgin Active UK sites will begin shortly.
A NORTH West leisure operator is using a new and unique mental health questionnaire to benefit its staff and 6,000 members.
Known as MHQ, the questionnaire is a validated psychometric tool that tracks a person’s mental health using 11 lifestyle factors as markers.
It was originally developed for fitness sector professionals by psychology masters graduate Paula Litherland, formerly of Edge Hill University, with input from colleagues in the university’s psychology faculty.
Now Volair, which operates five leisure facilities and a further five learning centres across Knowsley, is sharing the questionnaire with its members to help them recognise negative impacts on their mental health, while signposting them to the help and support they need.
Volair is using MHQ as part of a community support programme that includes community roadshows in its leisure and learning centres where visitors can access advice and assistance from charities and other support organisations on subjects such as financial difficulties, healthy eating, sleep deprivation, stress and anxiety and what the causes are.
Lynn Wilson, Volair’s commercial and partnerships manager, said: “We’re in
Knowsley where there is some of the highest levels of deprivation in the UK.
”We’ve developed a network of preferred partnerships where we can signpost people to.
“It includes people who will sit down with you to help you get the help and support you need.
“For example, they won’t give you a complicated form to fill in about your finances and ask you to fill it in on your own, when finances are probably the biggest cause of stress and anxiety in your life in the first place.
“We’re not sending the MHQ to 6,000 people in one go.
“We’ve looked at our membership base and prioritised certain demographic groups, and we’ll send it out in small numbers to the different demographics until we reach everyone over a matter of time.”
Once a member’s MHQ data has been collated and assessed they are offered two routes to seek help and support – one is via a web-based self-referral channel, while members of Volair’s fitness team are assisting those who need one-to-one help in seeking out the best advice.
MH1 Global founder Lynne Briggs added: “Many of the factors addressed in the MHQ are required by public health and health and wellbeing boards, which operators need to evidence for funded projects.
In addition, having this data will help operators assess the lifestyle needs of their members and communities.
“The MHQ is what the industry has been waiting for – a validated tool that produces insightful data that triggers a holistic approach to interventions that can improve people’s mental wellbeing, as well as their physical health. We are extremely grateful to Volair for recognising the benefits MHQ can bring, and for taking it to such a large audience.”
ARTIFICIAL intelligence is playing a significant role in marketing and sales within the fitness industry. It can enable businesses to understand their customers better, streamline operations, and create more personalised and effective marketing campaigns.
As with any new technology, user testing and monitoring is vital to ensure quality control and functionality.
In this article we’ll cover a few ways AI is currently used in marketing and sales in the fitness industry:
Chatbots and virtual assistants
n 24/7 customer support: Chatbots can offer round-the-clock support, helping customers with enquiries about memberships, class schedules, or general fitness advice.
n Lead generation and qualification: Chatbots can collect information from potential customers, such as their fitness goals, location, and contact details, and qualify leads for further marketing efforts.
n Membership and payment handling: Virtual assistants can facilitate membership sign-ups and payments, making the process seamless and convenient for customers.
n Feedback collection: Chatbots can gather feedback from customers after classes or sessions, helping businesses
improve their services and gather testimonials for marketing.
n Social media engagement: Virtual assistants can manage social media accounts, post updates, and respond to comments and messages from followers.
It’s important for businesses to ensure that their chatbots and virtual assistants are well-designed, user-friendly, and capable of providing accurate information.
Regular updates and improvements based on user feedback can help enhance their effectiveness in marketing activities and customer engagement.
Another effective AI tool for the fitness industry is social media listening.
This is the process of tracking and
analysing online conversations and discussions across various social media platforms to gain insights into public sentiment, customer feedback, brand mentions, and emerging fitness trends. Here are some common use cases for social media listening in the fitness industry:
Customer feedback and sentiment analysis: Brands can use AI tools such as Brandwatch, Hootsuite, and Sprout Social to monitor social media conversations and reviews to gauge customer sentiment regarding their products and services. This helps in identifying areas for improvement and addressing customer concerns promptly. This can also help in the early detection of potential PR crises by monitoring social media for negative sentiment or mentions. Brands can then take proactive measures to address issues before they escalate. Trend identification: AI-powered tools can help identify emerging fitness trends and topics of interest among the target audience. This information can be used for content creation, product development, and marketing strategies. Competitor analysis: By monitoring the social media activities of competitors using tools like SEMrush, businesses can gain insights into their strategies, customer engagement, and areas where they excel. This information can inform competitive strategies and help
businesses stay ahead in the market.
Influencer identification: AI can assist in identifying fitness influencers and micro-influencers who have a strong following and can potentially collaborate with brands for marketing campaigns. AI-driven platforms include AspireIQ and Upfluence which help identify and connect with fitness influencers who align with a brand’s goals. Businesses can save hours manually searching for the best influencers and even identify existing customers with a significant number of followers.
To effectively leverage social media listening in the fitness industry, it’s essential for businesses to define their goals, target audience, and key performance indicators (KPIs). With the right AI tools and strategies in place, businesses can gain valuable insights, engage with their audience more effectively, and stay competitive in the dynamic fitness market.
These are just some of the ways AI is used in the fitness industry. It is a fastpaced technology that is empowering businesses to improve their performance and efficiency, however as with any new technology, it needs to be used with caution and monitored closely.
n Dean Godfrey is the chief operations officer at Creative Fitness Marketing. https://uk.cfm.net
TWO of the industry’s most experienced professionals have returned to Escape Fitness after several years exploring other projects.
Duncan Black and Steven Sykes both return to the team in business development roles to support the company’s global growth plans.
Having spent the last 10 years growing his network in the international fitness market through consultancy and commercial development roles, Duncan has stepped into the role of business
development and relationship manager EMEA.
Reporting into the commercial director, Duncan’s responsibilities will be focused on growing Escape’s influence overseas, specifically in the Scandinavian, German and the Western Mediterranean regions.
He said: “Stepping back through the Escape door feels like coming home.
“Since I was last in the team, 10 years ago, the company has gone through a huge evolution.
“Still true to its ‘making the
impossible possible’ mantra, the brand is now a serious player on the international stage.
“With a number of new product innovations challenging the market and several others in the pipeline scheduled for launch later this year, I am really looking forward to putting on my gloves and getting back in the ring.”
Working alongside Duncan in a business development and relationship manager role is Steven Sykes.
Since leaving Escape approximately
12 years ago, Steven gained invaluable knowledge and experience helping clients, design, fit out and equip facilities including building works, flooring, fitness equipment, changing rooms and reception areas.
Steven said: “My biggest passion is helping customers create innovative, world class fitness training spaces.
“Escape has always been the leaders in this area and with the launch of their latest innovations, I am excited to be back showcasing their world leading products and services to our clients.”
CLOTHING & MERCHANDISE
FLOORING
UPHOLSTERY
WEIGHING & BODY COMPOSITION MACHINES
