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September 2011
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
‘Independent gyms are the future’ By Christina Eccles A SUCCESSFUL personal trainer has claimed independent gyms are the future of the fitness industry because of their commitment to achieving results and top levels of service. James Ferguson works as a trainer at W10 Performance in London’s Ladbroke Grove and says that since working – and training – in independent clubs, he would never go back to another style of gym. He said: “Sometimes it’s difficult to train where you work so I am always looking for other independents to train at. “Commercial gyms are very sterile – all flash machinery but no substance – and the big gyms think they can win people over with their equipment. “In small, independent clubs the customer does come first. They have to think about their members a lot more because it is the only way they can survive. “The smaller gyms have to work harder and I think they do care more. Their culture is that people talk to each other and help each other out.”
James, who himself lost five stone before falling in love with fitness and deciding to work in the industry, also said he believes independents are leading the way because they don’t see membership as a numbers’ game, looking instead at the long term picture of keeping members happy and helping them achieve their goals. And he added that his first job working as a trainer for a chain of gyms was the worst he had ever had because the emphasis was on sales over service. He added: “Many bigger clubs look at it as a numbers’ game rather than focusing on service. Most small gym owners don’t go into it looking to make money, they do it because they love it and that comes over to the customers. “I would never go back to a commercial gym.” Do you agree with James’ comments on independent gyms? Contact Workout’s editorial team by emailing ce@whpl.net or calling 01226 734463. You can also keep up to date with the latest news by following us on Twitter @WorkOutUK
No 216 £3
Rioting forces clubs to close
Excitement is building for the second National Fitness Awards, which promises to be even bigger and better than last year. Following a successful debut last November, the awards are returning with more categories and a new venue – The ICC in Birmingham. The event will be hosted by Katherine Kelly, best known as Coronation Street’s Becky McDonald, and takes place on Friday November 25. For more on the awards and a first look at this year’s judging panel, see inside.
A NUMBER of gyms were forced to close when rioting spread across the streets of London. Several gyms shut to ensure the safety of staff and members, including two Fitspace clubs in Woolwich and Islington, situated near to where trouble had flared up. Manager Roy Spencer said: “Woolwich was really badly hit – one of the shops on the high street was on fire for about 14 hours and others were ransacked. We closed the Woolwich club early at 7pm on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and at the Islington club we did the same on Monday and Tuesday. It was a precautionary measure to make sure staff and members were safe.” Roy added thankfully neither club was damaged but as one is glass fronted, they didn’t want to take the risk. He added: “In Woolwich we’ve got a team of 10 and eight of them are girls so security was a big concern. “We had one or two complaints from members but put signs up explaining it was for everyone’s benefit.” Other closures were also reported on Twitter, including several Fitness First, PureGym and Virgin Active clubs.
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