Steel works complete at village
Page 3
New luxury pilates class
Reformcore launches in Battersea
Page 6
Partnership to revolutionise gym experience at leisure centre
Page 15
Steel works complete at village
ALLIANCE Leisure was joined by construction company ISG, architects Pozzoni and project managers Axiom on the site of the £12million new build sport and leisure complex at Wilson’s Playing Fields, Clayton- le-Moors to mark the completion of the building’s steel structure.
The event coincided with the unveiling of the Borough’s plans to launch an Active Environment Strategy which saw a number of local place partners including Hyndburn Leisure and Sport England at the new build development site.
“It’s absolutely fantastic to see this development taking shape,” said Tom Gardner, business development manager at Alliance Leisure.
“Now that the steel frame is in place, you can visualise the size of the building and how it will complement the surrounding active spaces.
“Once completed, the facility will further enhance the sport and physical activity opportunities for the community, making it a fitting location to share plans of the new Active Environment Strategy, designed to encourage more people to adopt active lifestyles.”
Wilson Sports Village will offer a range of targeted facilities including a 25-metre swimming pool, a fitness
suite, sauna and steam room, multipurpose studio, café, large changing village and dedicated changing facilities that will service the outdoor sports facilities.
Lyndsey Sims, chief executive of Hyndburn Leisure, added: “Wilson Sports Village has been designed to accommodate everyone. The facilities, housed within a single storey building, reflect the Council’s ambition to support all individuals, including those with a disability and/or long-term health conditions.
“The Leisure Trust are working alongside the Together an Active Future, Place Partnership and the Activity Alliance, to appoint a team, of ‘Let Me Move’ champions to enhance
our engagement with people with a disability and/or additional needs.
“Hyndburn has some of the worst levels of inactivity and obesity in England resulting in lower health expectancy rates and poor quality of health and wellbeing for residents. We are working closely with the council and local partners to tackle these statistics.
“This is what the development of the Wilson Sports Village and the new ‘Active Environment Strategy’ is all about so it is fantastic to be able to bring partners together, here on site, and get a real feel for how our vision for change is playing out into reality.”
The build project in Clayton-le Moors is set to complete in Spring 2025.
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: dm@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
Advertiser’s announcement
TMD to showcase new Leisure Essentials range
TAYLOR Made Designs managing director James Taylor is heading to Scotland where he will introduce TMD’s new Leisure Essential range to operators at the region’s premium fitness and leisure industry networking event.
Active-net, Scotland is a one day event taking place on September 25 at the beautiful Crieff Hydro Spa Hotel Resort in Perthshire that will host a mix of operators and suppliers, all keen to learn, explore and collaborate.
“Over the years, TMD has been a regular at active-net events in England. 2024 will be our first time attending the event in Scotland,” said James. “active-net creates the perfect environment for business. A busy day of face-to-face meetings is perfectly balanced with plenty of casual networking opportunities, all taking place in a luxury resort that make connecting and collaborating an absolute pleasure.”
James will be talking to operators about TMD’s new Leisure Essentials range. Developed by leisure professionals for leisure professionals, the popular range offers an affordable collection of customisable, durable, stylist leisure garments and stored in large volumes at TMD’s UK HQ, ready for dispatch.
James added: “Most leisure operators need kit for gym instructors, lifeguards, swim teachers, duty managers and soft play teams so we created a range of garments that includes regular and slim fit track pants, female gym leggings, sports shorts – complete with a sewn in key-loop on the belt, a quarter zip sweatshirt and moisture wicking lifeguard shorts and T-shirts.
“Items have been designed by leisure professionals within our team for leisure professionals and all can all be custom-branded by our inhouse machinists.”
TMD has been serving the leisure sector for almost 20 years, working with an impressive client roster that includes GLL (Better), Places For Leisure, Everyone Active and tmactive. James is keen to meet with any operators attending active-net Scotland, interested in exploring uniform and merchandise opportunities,.
James will also be representing Blu Leisure, a complementary brand owned by TMD that specialises in creating bespoke fitness, swimwear and accessory retail collections for leisure facilities keen to optimise secondary spend opportunities.
For more information about TMD’s Leisure Essentials range visit tmdonline.co.uk/ collections/tmd-leisure-essentials-range
www.workoutuk.co.uk
Editorial Operations Director: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407
dm@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Studio Manager: Paul Hopkinson Tel: 01226 734711
ph@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Assistant Studio Manager: Scott Firth Tel: 01226 734414
sf@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Sales
Assistant Manager: Tracy Stacey Tel: 01226 734480
sales2@workout-uk.co.uk
Publishers
Script Media
47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. info@caring-uk.co.uk
Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 circulation@ scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.
Follow us on Twitter @ WorkOutUK
One of Sport England’s first Leisure Local schemes officially opens
A NEW £9million health hub has opened in Nottinghamshire.
Based on Sport England’s Leisure Local model, the new community provision delivers a host of leisure facilities designed to bring new active living opportunities to the whole community.
“I am thrilled that we are finally at the opening event for Warsop Health Hub, months ahead of schedule,” said Andy Abrahams, executive mayor for Mansfield. “In the last year, it has been a dream come true to see such progress being made to bring a community facility to the people of Warsop.
“It has been a labour of love and wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment from fellow councillors, officers, funding partners, and, of course, the parish residents.
“Based on Sport England’s innovative Leisure Local model, the new hub houses a diverse range of facilities including a 15m x 8m swimming pool with a splash play area for younger children, a gym featuring the latest cardiovascular and resistance equipment, a twocourt sports hall and an improved multi-use games area.
“The facility also has a reception
area and community facilities, including multi-purpose spaces and an IT suite.
“Accessibility has been a consideration throughout the build.
For example, the swimming pool incorporates a pool hoist as well as a changing village and an accessible Changing Places area to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from this investment.
“I look forward to seeing the
community embrace the new facility and make the most of all the opportunities it will bring in terms of employment, aspiration, and health and wellbeing.”
Funded via a mix of Sport England investment, Towns Fund and borrowing by Mansfield District Council, Warsop Health Hub has been delivered by leisure development specialist Alliance Leisure, in partnership with Abacus
Advertiser’s announcement
as project manager and principal designer, architects Roberts Limbrick and lead contractor Pellikaan Construction.
The UK Leisure Framework, which is managed by Denbighshire Leisure Limited, has been used as the procurement route for sourcing the development team.
Gareth Liversedge, business development manager at Alliance Leisure, added: “We have brought together leisure experts at every level of the supply chain to design and deliver a facility that truly reflects the needs of the local community and has the capability to deliver commercial as well as a social value.
“We have also integrated energy saving technologies including air source heat pumps and solar panels to drive energy efficiencies and future proof the building to be enjoyed by many generations to come.
“This project is a great example of how to deliver a Sport England Leisure Local concept, with development works completing in under 12 months.”
Warsop Health Hub is being managed by Serco Leisure on behalf of Mansfield District Council.
ServiceSport UK becomes official partner of Eleiko to enhance gym equipment servicing
IN AN exciting development for the fitness industry, ServiceSport UK, a premier provider of fitness equipment maintenance services, has partnered with Eleiko, world leaders in strength equipment, to manage their UK facility maintenance and servicing.
This collaboration aims to enhance the quality of servicing for Eleiko equipment in gyms across the UK, ensuring elite performance and longevity.
Building on 60 years of expertise, Eleiko designs and manufactures best-in-class strength products for the world’s leading competitions, training facilities, and home gyms.
Their unwavering commitment to making people stronger, so they can perform better – in sports and life – has led to the development of a comprehensive range of strength equipment including racks, rigs, cable machines, free weights, storage solutions, training gear, and more.
Over recent years, Eleiko has seen significant advances in ServiceSport UK’s product
offering as well as presenting full solutions to their customers.
Partnering with a reputable service provider is essential for maintaining the “Eleiko experience.”
“Buying Eleiko comes with high expectations, and that extends beyond our products,” said Dale Beech, regional director for Western Europe at Eleiko.
“The assurance of a reliable service provider to ensure equipment remains safe and in full working order plays a crucial part in our customer experience journey.
“ServiceSport UK fits our requirements perfectly. Their extensive experience supporting the fitness industry and working in
similar environments makes them a great partner for us moving forward.”
Eleiko is found in some of the UK’s most prestigious gyms, including JD Gyms, Third Space, David Lloyd, Virgin Active, and many more – reflecting their reputation for quality and durability.
With Eleiko’s focus on performance and ServiceSport UK’s dedication to excellence in equipment servicing, the partnership is set to deliver unparalleled support to gym operators and decision-makers seeking to maintain the highest standards in their facilities.
“We are proud to partner with Eleiko and provide the servicing
of their gym equipment,” added Matt Hoffman, country manager for ServiceSport UK.
“The Eleiko name has come a long way since 1957, with strength equipment now a staple in many fitness facilities across the UK.
“It’s great to be associated with such a brand in the fitness industry and we’re very much looking forward to ensuring that Eleiko equipment continues to perform to its full potential for years to come.”
This collaboration marks significant growth for both parties, combining Eleiko’s legacy in strength equipment manufacturing with ServiceSport UK’s proven track record of quality servicing.
Together, they are poised to provide gym operators with the support they need to offer exceptional training environments and experiences to their members.
For further information regarding the servicing and repair of your gym equipment visit www.servicesport.com or visit www.eleiko.com for a range of the latest innovative, premium quality and high performance gym equipment.
Fitness finance
Funding for: Equipment
Fit-Out & Flooring
Cash Flow Loans
New/Established Gyms
5,176+ SME’s and counting...
fitness finance
Your Personal Training completes successful management buy-out
YOUR Personal Training has completed a management buy-out led by directors Aaron McCulloch and James Lorey, becoming the sole owners and operators of Your Management Solutions Limited.
Aaron and James joined Your Personal Training in 2020, becoming directors and shareholders after Your Management Solutions Limited bought the brand, supporting personal trainers in moving their business online during the Covid-19 pandemic.
James said: “Although we’ve been involved with YPT for a long time, Aaron and I felt there was significant untapped potential that we’re now in a position to pursue.
“The growth achieved in such a short period is a testament to the hard work and strategic vision of our team and now we have complete ownership, we are excited to build on this momentum by expanding
our global footprint and continuing to innovate within the fitness industry.”
Since the pair’s involvement in the business, Your PT has experienced a dramatic surge in growth – PT bookings and enquiries have soared more than 300 per cent since 2019, which has been reflected in revenue
increasing from £170,951.42 in 2021 to £2.074 million in 2023.
Following the conclusion of the buy-out, YPT has unveiled extensive plans to continue its growth, looking to expand its presence across 1,000 clubs in the UK through further investment in emerging talent and technology.
Aaron and James are also looking to expand the existing divisions within the company, including Your Academy, offering gold-standard, in-person education and training to personal trainers worldwide, and Your Recruitment, supporting businesses looking to employ toptier personal trainers.
Aaron added: “James and I owning 100 per cent of the business provides us with the freedom and flexibility to expand Your PT and explore its full potential.
“We are now focused on supporting more brands by providing master trainers, on-site services, and high-calibre training days with top-quality personal trainers.
“We’re also exploring new ventures and acquisitions that will allow us to diversify our offering and extend our impact even more across the fitness industry.”
New luxury pilates class Reformcore launches in Battersea
REFORMCORE, London’s luxury Pilates workout class, has arrived at Battersea Power Station.
The expansion marks the fifth opening for the brand, bringing the high-energy reformer concept to SW11. With current sites in Mayfair, Islington, St Mary Axe and a flagship studio in Chelsea, the new location offers space for nine reformer beds where guests will enjoy a 50-minute class carefully crafted by expert trainers with power, core and strength at the forefront of every session.
Gemma Bass Wheeler, head of teacher development and talent acquisition at Reformcore, said: “We are so excited to have opened in
Battersea Power Station.
“Following its successful launch in 2022, the power station has become hugely popular with local residents and tourists. We hope this new location will do extremely well with our audience giving us the chance to gain new members in the coming months.”
Combining state-of-the-art reformer Pilates machines and equipment with the technique and guidance from Barrecore, the experts in core fitness, the classes are designed to offer a unique workout experience building muscle, endurance and strength through a variety of controlled
movements.
With a focus on isometric training, high repetitions and the disciplined control of the reformer Pilates, expect to feel the burn through the transformative power of Reformcore.
The low lighting in the studio is paired with a carefully curated playlist designed to compliment each session, providing rhythm and motivation encouraging you to become in sync with each movement as the class progresses.
Involving both calming and rhythmic beats, the change in music mirrors the transitional pace of the class allowing guests to both stretch, recover and feel the burn throughout.
Research proves leisure centres vital for wellbeing
THE latest Moving Communities Report published by Sport England showcases the resilience, adaptability and continued importance of public leisure centres. Despite significant economic pressures, these centres have demonstrated growth and substantial social impact, cementing their role as essential community hubs..
The report, based on data from 563 public leisure sites across England, reveals that participation and throughput have both increased. The average number of participants per site grew by almost a thousand people (seven per cent,) and the average visits per site rising more than 10,000 per year (five per cent).
This growth is most pronounced among economically disadvantaged groups, with visits from users in the most deprived 20 per cent of areas increasing by nine per cent.
Proportionately, the greatest gains have therefore been amongst people who are living in the most deprived areas in England.
Emma Bernstein, strategic projects lead at Sport England, said: “The data underscores the pivotal role of leisure centres in our communities, not just for physical activity but as essential hubs for social and mental well-being.
“These impressive results were achieved against considerable headwinds and show the resilience of this sector to deliver for its communities. “
In terms of activities, swimming and fitness continue to lead, with fitness activities experiencing a 20 per cent increase between 22/23 and 23/24 While general swimming activity saw a slight decline of three per cent, swimming lessons increased by seven per cent.
Financially, the report indicates an increase in income of between 13
and 15 per cent across all types of facilities. Staffing and utility costs typically account for between 62 per cent and 72 per cent of total operating expenditure at the sites in the sample.
At the median (50 per cent) level, staff costs have increased by £56,000 (eight per cent) in 2023/24, while utility costs have decreased by £32,000 (14 per cent). These changes have led to a net increase in operating costs of £24,000 per site showcasing part of the economic challenge facing this sector.
The social value generated by the 563 leisure facilities In the sample has also seen a notable increase. In 2023/24, these centres contributed £890m in social value, up from £842m the previous year.
This growth reflects the broad and deep benefits these centres provide, from improving public health to fostering social inclusion. The social value per participant is estimated
to be £119 per person, highlighting the significant impact these centres have on individual and community well-being.
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, executive director of place at Sport England, added, “Our sector has not only been resilient but is transforming and reestablishing itself at a pivotal time.
“The achievements highlighted in this report are a testament to the dedication of our partners and the strategic actions taken to support community health.”
The Moving Communities platform continues to offer valuable tools for local authorities and leisure providers, helping them make informed strategic decisions that benefit local communities. These tools, such as maps and calculators, measure the wider social impacts of physical activity and are crucial for ongoing strategic planning and community support.
James Lorey
Aaron McCulloch
Origin Fitness can bring your vision to life
HERE at Origin, we partner with you to bring your vision to life.
From designing your gym to installation and aftersales care, our team are on hand to make your journey into gym ownership as seamless as possible.
We have partnered with numerous independently owned gyms over the years. One of our most recent installations, Aspire Gym based in the North West of England, chose Origin to help them to break away from the conventional gym experience, and the results speak for themselves.
Aspire gym owners, Tom Weyman and his partner, transitioned from corporate backgrounds to establish a fitness space that stood out form the stereotypical, often sterile commercial gym environment.
They aimed to design a facility that felt welcoming, vibrant, and inclusive—appealing to a broad audience rather than just the traditional gym-goer.
In a competitive fitness market, Aspire Gym needed to differentiate itself by offering a unique atmosphere paired with high-quality equipment.
The goal was to create an environment that was not only aesthetically distinct but also
functional, providing members with an engaging and effective workout experience.
To realise this vision, Aspire Gym partnered with Origin to equip their facility with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and thoughtful gym design elements.
Understanding the importance of ambience, Tom and his team
prioritised creating a space that was visually appealing and had a different vibe from typical gyms, with unique lighting and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Since its opening, Aspire Gym has succeeded in creating a distinctive and engaging fitness environment that resonates with its members.
The gym’s unique aesthetic, combined with its focus on quality equipment and functional training, has been well-received by members, who have praised both the atmosphere and the effectiveness of their workouts.
“From the very first time we contacted Origin and said we were building a gym, the process was easy. Everybody was friendly and helpful... We’ve been very impressed by the quality and feel of all the equipment.”
Tom Weyman, co-owner of Aspire Gym.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with members appreciating the gym’s welcoming vibe, the variety of equipment, and the supportive environment.
Aspire Gym has successfully established itself as a leading fitness facility in the North West of England, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional gym experiences.
If you’re considering establishing a new gym or revamping your existing facility, contact us at hello@originfitness.com or call 0333 2000 750 and let Origin Fitness help you design and build your dream gym. Follow us on Instagram @origin.fitness
London Aquatics Centre to host National Fitness Day kick-off
THE London Aquatics Centre will kick-off National Fitness Day 2024, with the summer of sport set to reach its climax during celebrations in communities across the nation.
National Fitness Day is the UK’s most active day of the year and ukactive has partnered with operator Everyone Active to host the kick-off at the famous Olympic venue which is now used to support people to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
The event at the Aquatics Centre will see special guests join a series of group classes and sessions designed to help people of all ages to be more active, whether they aspire to win gold one day or simply to have fun and stay healthy.
Thousands more activities will be taking place across the nation on Wednesday, September 18 as ukactive’s members use the campaign’s Your Health is for Life’ theme to help millions of people from all communities, ages and backgrounds to celebrate the benefits of physical activity at every stage of life.
Now in its 13th year, National Fitness Day sees gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres, sports clubs, studios, schools, workplaces, and online providers encourage as many people as possible to try something new and reap the physical, social and
mental benefits of being more active.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “We’re delighted to announce the London Aquatics Centre as the launch venue for this year’s National Fitness Day.
“Twelve years ago, this place brought joy to the whole nation and today its pools, studios and gyms play an even greater role, supporting the physical and mental health of people in the community, alongside thousands of other facilities in communities across the UK.
“National Fitness Day is a reminder that your health is for life, and this is a chance to recognise and celebrate the array
of incredible options and places that can help us to be active from childhood to our twilight years.
“Whether it’s your first time trying a new activity, a chance to rediscover a passion or making a commitment to maintain the habit year-round, we want everyone to get involved to make National Fitness Day 2024 our biggest celebration yet.”
Last year, 10.2 million people in the UK were directly motivated to participate in some form of activity on National Fitness Day and the campaign had a global media reach of 57.2 million, with 31.3 million engaging on social media.
The kick-off was hosted at
Salford Sports Village with GM Active and participants from its Prehab4Cancer programme.
The announcement comes as ukactive launches its new National Fitness Day website, featuring fresh new branding for the campaign.
It includes a new digital campaign toolkit which is available to download for free so activity providers of all sizes can benefit from handy tips and resources, such as a guide to hosting and promoting events, posters and social media tiles.
The website includes a shop, hosted by P81, offering National Fitness Day merchandise such as hats, T-shirts and water bottles, available at wholesale rates.
National Fitness Day 2024 will take place in partnership with men’s mental health charity, Movember, and fitness brand Endurance Zone.
Movember will help the campaign to raise awareness around the importance of mental health and the links between being physically active and improving our mental health.
The Fitness Day Rewards App from Endurance Zone is available to download from all app stores – the more you move, the more points you acquire that can be redeemed on prizes and discounts on the nation’s favourite brands.
Listen your way into a sale ...
By Dean Godfrey
THE first step in any sales process is to get information from prospective members and then to make them feel comfortable.
The main way that we can do this is by actively listening.
The old adage “you have two ears and one mouth is relevant in sales so that you listen twice as much as you speak” and is something that should really be applied in the fitness industry.
Gone are the days where a great salesperson was someone who could `talk underwater with a mouthful of marbles’.
Great sales people are those that can build rapport with `any’ client and build that element of trust by actively listening to them.
Selling requires an information exchange and that exchange cannot be one way.
The people that enter your club should give you information about
Dean Godfrey
their experiences, needs and aspirations. In turn you will give them information about your club, prices and how you can provide the solution to their needs and aspirations.
To really improve your listening,
you need to provide the opportunity for prospects to ‘open up’.
Hence you should focus on asking ‘open-ended’ questions.
These enable the prospect to go into more depth about their experiences, unravelling important information to see whether your club is suited to them. For example, “tell me about your gym experience?”
Close-ended questions only elicit a one-word response, so are not great at opening the waves of communication.
For example, you can ask a question such as, “have you been to a gym before?” and they can give you a one-word answer, which is not ideal when you want them to ‘open-up’.
Brian Tracey, an internationally renowned speaker on sales and personal development puts it this way: “Only when you and the prospective member have completed a thorough `examination’
and probing of what their wants and needs are, and then have mutually agreed upon the `diagnosis’ or solution, are you in a position to begin talking about your product or service. This means you cannot bring out your brochures or price lists and begin telling the customer how your product or service can solve his problems or achieve his goals until about seventy percent of the way through the sales process. Until then, you have not yet earned the right. Until then you don’t even know enough to begin an intelligent presentation without embarrassing yourself”.
So obviously the answer is to build rapport with your clientele by actively listening to them.
Once the prospect opens up and tells you their wants, needs and aspirations, only then should you start talking about how your club and prices will meet those needs. n Dean Godfrey is the COO of Creative Fitness Marketing.
Advertiser’s announcement
UK FITNESS SCENE
Advertiser’s announcement
Explore the game-changing benefits of EZFacility’s new email platform
FOR anyone managing a gym, sports facility, or leisure centre, your ability to connect with clients, members, or employees can make all the difference.
That’s why EZFacility is excited to unveil our latest breakthrough: an integrated email feature that revolutionises the way you handle communication.
Say goodbye to restrictive email sending limits and multiple lists to upload, and say hello to an era of effortless, intelligent emailing.
With this revolutionary new email platform, we’re making it easier than ever to stay connected with your clients, members, and staff.
Below, you’ll find the key benefits that set EZFacility’s email feature apart, designed to enhance your communication strategy and streamline your operations.
Whether you’re looking to expand your reach with unlimited emails, leverage AI-powered tools for smarter content creation, or seamlessly integrate your communication efforts with existing systems, EZFacility’s latest innovation has you covered.
Unlimited email access – no strings attached One of the biggest perks of our integrated email campaigns feature is unlimited email. Traditional email systems often come with constraints—
whether it’s a sending cap on the number of emails you can send per day, restrictions on the size of your contact lists, or both. With EZFacility’s latest innovation, those limitations are removed. You can now send and receive as many emails as you need, without worrying about hitting any caps or dealing with complex list management.
AI-powered email management
EZFacility has integrated advanced AI tools to help craft and design emails faster than ever. Use our AI library of images to design and our AI writing assistant to help draft copy. These tools are all designed to make creating, sending, and managing your emails as simple and hassle-free as possible.
Intelligent content creation:
The AI-driven content creation tool helps you draft professional and engaging emails quickly. Whether you’re crafting a promotional message, a newsletter, or a personalised update, the AI can assist with suggestions, grammar checks, and even style adjustments to ensure your message is impactful.
Enhanced personalisation: Personalised communication drives better engagement. EZFacility’s email
feature leverages AI to help you tailor your messages to individual recipients. By analysing recipient behaviour and preferences, the AI suggests ways to personalise your content, making each email more relevant and engaging.
Smart automation:
Save time and reduce manual work with smart automation features. You can set up automated responses, schedule emails, and even trigger specific email sequences based on user actions or dates. The AI analyses your communication patterns and helps streamline these processes, ensuring that you stay connected without the need for constant manual input.
Real-time analytics:
Understanding the effectiveness of your emails is key to refining your communication strategy. The integrated analytics tools provide real-time insights into open rates, click-through rates, and other important metrics. With this data at your fingertips, you can make informed decisions to optimise your email campaigns and enhance your outreach.
Seamless integration with your existing systems EZFacility’s new email feature is
fully integrated with your existing EZFacility account. This means you can manage your emails directly alongside your other operational tasks, from membership management to facility scheduling, marketing of course and much more. The integration ensures that all your communication efforts are streamlined and aligned with your facility’s goals.
Conclusion
The launch of our advanced email feature marks a significant step forward in making communication more efficient and effective for our users.
“We’ve significantly elevated our communications capabilities with this innovative email platform, alongside our other recent product update – targeted push notifications,” said EZFacility UK general manager Steve Guscott. “Our primary goal is to enable facility owners to concentrate on strengthening relationships and expanding their businesses.”
Ready to experience a new level of email communication? Say goodbye to limitations and hello to unlimited possibilities with EZFacility!
Discover how EZFacility’s latest feature can transform your approach to emailing and elevate your operational efficiency and book a free demo today – sales@ezfacility.co.uk
Active IQ and Olympian Leon Taylor urge athletes to consider life after sport
ACTIVE IQ has partnered with Leon Taylor to front a new campaign encouraging athletes to be better prepared for their futures.
The campaign is part of the awarding organisation for the active leisure, learning, and wellbeing sector’s long-term strategy to drive people towards a career in the sector, driving awareness of the career options in the fitness industry and helping tackle the skills gap.
For those in their prime, life after sport and retirement is unlikely to be front of mind, but elite athletes could find themselves 10 years behind the average vocational age having spent around 10,000 hours training and sacrificing important educational learning.
With elite athletes retiring aged 34 on average, there is a long life to lead beyond sport.
The Beyond Gold campaign tackles this important and often little talked about side of elite sports and urges athletes to develop career skills alongside their athletic ambitions.
Leon himself completed a Higher National Certificate in Business and Finance during the later stages of his diving career and earned his Active IQ Level 2 Strength Training and Level 3 PT qualification, developing skills that set him up for
transitioning to life away from elite competition.
He talks about how the benefits of studying for qualifications go beyond setting up a career path for the future and can support athletes during their prime by providing
focus away from training and muchneeded balance.
Often 100 per cent focus on training can be detrimental due to the pressure athletes put upon themselves.
“It’s hard to think about, but every
athlete knows that their elite career will come to a close,” said Leon.
“The realisation can be incredibly scary.
“You are a long-time retired, with many years where you want to be fulfilled and support yourself financially.
“Things can change suddenly in sport, and athletes can find themselves in a tricky situation if they haven’t prepared for what comes next.
“I want to get the conversation started, give the young athletes today the tools and information they need to equip themselves for a brilliant future.
“Qualifications from a recognised provider such as Active IQ are hugely important, they open doors and can lead to incredibly fulfilling careers in the sector that athletes love and have grown up with.”
Since retiring from diving, Leon has gone on to become a mentor to members of the British Olympic team, including gold medalist Tom Daley OBE, and also written a book on his experiences.
To learn more about the Beyond Gold campaign, the range of Active IQ qualifications and how to become an approved Active IQ centre, visit https://activeiq.co.uk/beyondgold
Elevate your fitness facility with Pulse Fitness and TRAKK
IN TODAY’S fitness landscape, connectivity and personalisation are key to keeping members engaged and motivated.
Pulse Fitness understands this shift and proudly presents TRAKK, an advanced fitness digital ecosystem tailored for each facility.
TRAKK empowers gyms and leisure centres to offer a more connected and engaging fitness experience.
Experience the power of TRAKK
The latest advancement in the TRAKK ecosystem is the TRAKK Web App, designed specifically for staff and trainers.
This fully cloud-based platform offers an enhanced user experience, making it easier than ever for gym operators to manage and optimise their facilities. With its intuitive interface and robust capabilities, the TRAKK Web App is a reporting oasis, providing realtime insights and analytics that drive
decision-making and strategic planning. This cutting-edge body composition analysis offers a comprehensive view of members’ fitness journeys, providing detailed insights into their physical progress.
By seamlessly integrating body composition analysis into the TRAKK ecosystem, Pulse Fitness sets a new standard in fitness tracking and data utilisation.
Transforming fitness tracking and engagement
TRAKK is an innovative approach to fitness tracking that fosters member engagement, motivation, and longterm loyalty. By demystifying fitness data, TRAKK empowers trainers to guide members towards their goals with precision and efficiency.
This transparency enhances the trainer-member relationship and motivates members to stay committed to their fitness journeys.
The TRAKK ecosystem is designed to integrate seamlessly into any gym or leisure centre, providing a tailored experience that meets the unique needs of each facility.
With TRAKK, gym operators can offer a connected fitness experience that sets their facility apart from the competition. The cloud-based nature of the TRAKK Web App ensures staff can access critical data and reports from anywhere, at any time, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making.
Get started today
Ready to revolutionise your fitness facility? Contact Pulse Fitness today to learn more about integrating TRAKK into your gym. Let’s work together to create a connected fitness experience that keeps your members motivated and engaged for the long haul.
Unleash the power of TRAKK and take the first step towards a smarter, more connected fitness future.
Advertiser’s announcement
Former Olympic diver Leon Taylor.
Partnership to revolutionise gym experience at leisure centre
FUSION Lifestyle, the parent company of Active Life, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Freemotion Fitness, a world-leading fitness equipment provider, in a bid to transform the gym experience across its centres, starting at Kingsmead Pools & Fitness.
The collaboration is part of an £8million renovation project set to redefine the leisure landscape in Canterbury.
Richard Allan, operations director at Fusion Lifestyle, the parent company for Active Life, said: “We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Freemotion, one of the UK’s biggest and most innovative names in health and fitness, to power our new look gym.
“The new fitness equipment we’ll be installing will be some of the most innovative, immersive and inclusive available right now in the UK, helping all our members achieve their fitness goals.
“The signing of this contract is an exciting and important step in a project set to deliver an unrivalled health and fitness
experience for the people of Canterbury.”
Freemotion, a division of iFIT Health and Fitness, brings more than 40 years of industry expertise to the partnership.
The new state-of-the-art gym at Kingsmead Pools & Fitness will feature Freemotion’s latest innovative cardio-fitness equipment, offering members an immersive and personalised fitness experience like no other. Members will have access to cutting-edge technology, including the ability to load their own workouts using Google Maps or choose from more than 18,000
workouts available on the iFIT platform.
At the touch of a button, members can choose to cycle around the Bahamas, run the Boston Marathon, or climb Mount Everest to base camp. The new Freemotion equipment will transport users to exotic locations while helping them achieve their fitness goals.
The gym will also feature destination spaces for personal fitness and small group training, with the GENESIS DS strength machines taking centre stage. Freemotion’s team has been tasked with creating a gym that
Advertiser’s announcement
delivers a wow factor at every stage, from the cardio-vascular machines to free weights and stretching spaces.
Blake Fletcher, UK and Ireland country manager at iFIT and Freemotion Fitness, added:
“We’re excited to be bringing Freemotion to Kingsmead Pools & Fitness.
“Using our equipment, members will be able to travel the world across 120 different countries and workout with more than 250 trainers.
“We’re looking to hyperpersonalise the exercise experience, including embracing the power of AI, and customers at Kingsmead Pools & Fitness will be among the first in the UK to benefit from that.”
The partnership between Fusion Lifestyle and Freemotion Fitness is set to revolutionise the gym experience in Canterbury, providing members with unparalleled access to innovative technology and personalised workouts. The new gym at Kingsmead Pools & Fitness is expected to open its doors this autumn.
Johnson Reed – filling the funding void felt by fitness facilities
IN AN industry still feeling somewhat uneasy recently due to its unpredictability; the pre-Covid boom halted by the pandemic, the rising interest rates, inflation (now tamed), to continuing through soaring overheads, it’s important to focus on what you can control. Companies should be getting investment ready, not waiting for things to improve. To succeed, businesses need to keep moving forward…
But how? Fitness facilities, especially those that are independently owned, have historically struggled to access funding.
In fact, this is something felt by many small businesses – 70 per cent said they feel less supported by their bank in the last 12 months, and one in four said they felt high street banks take the time to actually understand their business (Praetura).
The ever growing distance
between SME’s financial requirements and support offered by high-street banks has now become a gaping chasm.
Johnson Reed Fitness Finance have filled this void.
Director Mark Johnson’s mission statement for the fitness industry is clear.
“We want to be the finance partner of choice for small businesses, the beating heart of the UK economy,” he said.
“We want fitness and leisure businesses to not just survive, but thrive again.”
JR have been offering fitness finance for decades, it’s their thing.
Their partnerships and close relationships with lenders and underwriters alike has been instrumental in helping them get closer to achieving their goal.
And, allowing them to get results back quickly for owner operators, sometimes within just a few hours.
SMEs are the backbone of
the UK economy and obstacles placed in their path have created barriers for business. JR’s experience and insights help to burst through these barriers and unlock funding that would otherwise be out reach.
Obtaining the best equipment is key to engaging and retaining your members.
With Johnson Reed by your side, you’ll have the solutions to strike the necessary balance between making investment plans a reality, all whilst getting the tax saving benefits and protecting your essential cashflow. We get it, cash is king.
As business journeys are rarely straight lines. Certainly in the fitness industry. That’s why we take a fluid approach.
For equipment, fit-outs, flooring and cash flow loans reach out to the one stop, common sense finance experts, Johnson Reed.
Contact us on 0161 429 6949 or email the team at info@johnsonreed.co.uk
New podcast highlights common theme about fitness industry
By Katie Bulmer-Cooke
A FEW months ago, my fellow personal trainer and good friend Frank Sinclair and I embarked on a new adventure—we started a podcast.
Our goal was simple but ambitious: to cut through the noise and confusion surrounding health and fitness advice on social media and provide clear, down to earth guidance. We called it The Voice of Fitness Reason.
A couple of weeks ago, we decided to dive into one of the most exciting topics for our latest episode: the hottest fitness trends of 2024.
We based our discussion on search terms experiencing the most rapid growth in the fitness world. As we worked our way through each trend, we unpacked what they were about, who could benefit from them, and why they had gained so much growing attention.
It was an enlightening and entertaining experience, and it
highlighted a common theme about the fitness industry.
For example one of the trends was something called ‘rucking’, described as the new ‘hot girl walk’ of 2024... essentially hiking or walking with a weighted backpack.
The added resistance from the
backpack/weighted vest turns a simple walk into a more challenging workout.
The key lesson for all of us working in fitness: while the fundamental principles of fitness remain the relatively unchanged, the way these principles are packaged and presented can change – and that change is crucial for staying relevant.
In fitness, the basic goals –improving strength, endurance, flexibility, body composition and overall health – don’t change.
What evolves is how these goals are marketed and how activities are designed to engage people.
For example, rucking is not new. People have been walking with backpacks for centuries. However, by giving it a new name and framing it as a trending fitness activity, it suddenly becomes more appealing to a broader audience. This is where the art of fitness marketing comes into play.
As fitness professionals, we need to be aware of this dynamic. Our
role isn’t just to teach people how to move or how to eat better.
We must also inspire them, engage them, and sometimes, repackage old ideas in ways that feel fresh and exciting. It’s about meeting people where they are and offering them a path to health and wellness that feels accessible, exciting and relevant to their lives.
So, what did Frank and I learn from this episode? That staying relevant in the fitness industry requires more than just keeping up with the latest exercises or diet trends. It’s about understanding the psychology of motivation and engagement. It’s about being creative in how we present fitness to the world.
Most importantly, it’s about ensuring that, no matter how fitness trends evolve, the core principles of health, well-being, and sustainability remain at the forefront of everything we do.
n Katie Bulmer-Cooke is an awardwinning fitness trainer, speaker and consultant.
Operator partners with platform to transform member rewards
LEISURE management operator
Parkwood Leisure has announced a new agreement with fitness rewards platform and digital media provider Zoom Media UK.
The partnership is designed to elevate Parkwood’s member experience by offering exclusive rewards and perks through Zoom’s white-label platform, driving greater retention and engagement among
its 100,000 members.
Andy Farr, strategic director at Parkwood Leisure, said “Zoom has an exciting vision for what member rewards should look like within the fitness industry, and we’re keen that Parkwood is able to capitalise on that for the benefit of its members.
“The experience of visiting one of our centres can go beyond what happens at the centre itself, and
rewards can play a key role in that.”
Since 2020, Zoom Media has been at the forefront of creating tailored rewards platforms for gym operators, and will now empower Parkwood members to access brands and benefits ranging from Apple and Gymshark right through to Deliveroo.
“We are excited that Parkwood Leisure has decided to partner with
us to enhance the way its members engage with their fitness journey,” said Ferne Langford, partnership director at Zoom Media.
“For a long time,the fitness industry has lagged behind others in how it rewards the loyalty of its members.
“Working in partnership with Parkwood, we want to make sure its members feel truly valued.”
Absolutely Fitness partners with Freemotion
ABSOLUTELY Fitness has partnered with leading fitness equipment manufacturer Freemotion.
This collaboration brings stateof-the-art iFIT-enabled Reflex Treadmills, Incline Trainers and Epic Selectorised strength ranges to Absolutely Fitness’ Bracknell gym.
Absolutely Fitness operates commercial gyms to fund its charitable aims, with all profits dedicated to putting smiles on the faces of disabled children and their families.
The organisation is committed to providing its members with a topnotch fitness experience that sets it apart from the competition.
By partnering with Freemotion and introducing iFIT technology, Absolutely Fitness is revolutionising the way its members exercise and engage with their fitness goals.
“We didn’t want to just invest in treadmills – we wanted to invest in an unparalleled fitness adventure for our valued members,” said Jack Bishop, commercial director at Absolutely Fitness.
“The Reflex Treadmills and Incline Trainers, combined with iFIT’s immersive technology, align perfectly with our vision to provide something unique for our Bracknell members. We can’t wait for everyone to hop on and see where their fitness journey takes them next!”
With iFIT-enabled equipment, Absolutely Fitness members can virtually train anywhere in the world, experiencing stunning global routes alongside world-class trainers.
The quick speed and incline adjustments have also allowed the gym to revolutionise its HIIT classes,
pushing members to new heights and helping them achieve their fitness goals like never before.
Absolutely Fitness is part of Absolutely Together, a charity that operates nine venues in the south of England, including gyms, go-kart tracks, a golf course, 10-pin bowling centre, and indoor extreme sports facilities. All profits from these venues are dedicated to supporting families with children or young adults who have additional needs. The charity’s programmes include supporting local SEN schools and providing free leisure activities to
parents through its ‘Thousands of Smiles’ programme, which has given away over 40,000 free activities in the last 12 months alone.
“We are thrilled to partner with Absolutely Fitness and support their mission of providing the very best fitness experiences while making a positive impact on the community,” said Blake Fletcher, Freemotion’s country manager for the UK and Ireland.
“The passion and dedication of the Absolutely Fitness team perfectly align with our commitment to delivering innovative and immersive fitness solutions.
“By combining our state-of-the-art equipment with their unwavering commitment to their members and charitable causes, we believe this partnership will not only revolutionise the fitness journey for Absolutely Fitness members but also contribute to putting more smiles on the faces of families in need. We look forward to working together and seeing the incredible results this collaboration will bring.”
Katie Bulmer-Cooke
What are the most powerful investments for gym owners?
By Wayne Heath
GYM owners usually don’t think twice when shelling out thousands of pounds on gym equipment, lighting, and an expensive sound system – and rightly so.
That’s a big part of why your members choose your club out of the other gyms available. However, for most gym owners, investing in the business usually stops there.
One of the most overlooked areas when investing back into the gym is operations.
It makes sense; in the early days, you’re so focused on spreading the word and getting customers through the door, taking a step back and thinking about how you’re going to manage all your member data and admin is at the bottom of the list.
Investing in your operational processes is one of the best ways to get a return on your investment.
After all, streamlined operations are the best way to prepare your business for scale and give yourself more time to spend on the gym floor building relationships with your customers.
We’re going through the best operational investments you can make at your club to set your business up for success.
A robust gym CRM
More than 50 per cent of the gym owners we speak to don’t use a dedicated member management system to run their club.
Most are using a spreadsheet or a paper diary to keep track of member information and bookings.
It might be enough to get by in the beginning stages, but it’s a system that isn’t built to scale, does not follow GDPR guidelines and essentially makes it difficult to keep everything in order.
Disorganised businesses fall victim to poor productivity, limited growth and even stress as a result of being snowed under with gym admin.
Using a reliable CRM for your gym will allow you to take control of your members’ personal information and provide a means of effective communication with your customers and prospects.
You can use it to automate mundane tasks such as chasing missed membership payments and marketing comms, giving you more time to concentrate on what you do best.
Member management, class bookings, payments, marketing, and reporting tools are all under one roof so that you no longer have to switch between systems to get stuff done.
“I would 100 per cent recommend ClubRight to any martial arts club struggling to stay on top of their admin. Many of the features have made my life so much easier so that I can focus on teaching and spending more time with my family.”
Daniel Cuthbert, UKA
Online joining solutions
In an era where convenience is key to customer satisfaction, contact forms and phone numbers aren’t enough when it comes to joining new members.
The common factor between these two common solutions is that they both require human intervention to complete the sale.
You’re limited by your opening hours to accept telephone enquiries and contact forms have to be seen by a member of the team and manually followed up on to move the sale along.
Online joining bypasses all of that. It allows your potential customer to browse your offering, purchase a membership or class pass, pay for it by card and get their confirmation email.
When done right, that process can take five minutes and your new customer could be at your club for
their induction within the hour.
It’s a powerful solution because you can effectively sell memberships 24/7. You can share a direct joining link on your social media profiles so that someone can join from their Facebook feed.
It’ll also help you collect all of the personal information you need from a member; things like contact details, medical information and marketing preferences.
Plus, if someone abandons their purchase mid-way through joining, you’ll still have their details to follow up on - either through an automated task or by picking up the phone and asking what stopped them from joining.
Online payment collections
It’s no secret that cash payments are becoming a rarity and we’re moving ever closer to a cashless society. Online transactions are the new norm, and there’s no reason why gym memberships can’t be bought online too.
Paying by card and Direct Debit are safer and faster ways to pay, and it means your revenue gets paid straight into your business bank account. No need to deposit bags of cash in your local bank every few days. It also makes it much easier to calculate pro-rata payments, joining fees and discount codes that are set up in your CRM system. You can also increase your retention rates by giving your members the option to auto-renew their memberships so that neither have you need to lift a finger to ensure continuity.
Up-to-date computer hardware
Most importantly, it’s worth investing in some decent computer hardware.
It doesn’t have to be the latest and greatest PC with all of the bells and whistles, but it needs to be modern and up-to-date enough to handle being used throughout the working day. We can’t speak for every gym software out there, but we recommend any PC that operates Windows 10 operating software (or newer) to our customers.
We also get asked whether it’s better to have a laptop or a desktop PC, and the answer is that both
have their advantages in different situations.
A laptop is great for when you’ve left the club for the evening and need to get some admin done at home, whereas a desktop is much better suited to have in the club on the front desk.
It’s also worth investing in more than one PC if your budget allows it, especially if you have access control. That’s simply because if there are any hardware issues with the main desktop, people can still get in and out of your premises.
On the topic of tech, always invest in your broadband service provider. An internet connection is vital these days and internet buffering can cause several problems.
If you want to stream music to the gym floor or allow your members to join your Wi-Fi, get a separate network so that it doesn’t slow down your main router.
If you only take away one thing from this post, it’s that you should always invest in solutions that will make your life easier. A gym that operates smoothly will keep your customers happy and keep you stress-free, putting you in the best position to grow and scale the club. Your best option is to find a solution that addresses everything we’ve mentioned so that everything is kept securely in one place.
Spend some time getting everything set up correctly and it’ll be one of the best investments you can make.
If you’re new to ClubRight, we offer an all-in-one solution that encompasses everything we’ve talked about and so much more; from access control to member, trainer and admin apps.
It’s also one of the most affordable gym membership software on the market right now. No other solution can match ClubRight’s level of functionality at our price point.
Our software has also been built by people that have experienced what it’s like to run a gym.
Our team has more than 40 years of experience in the leisure industry combined.
Contact one of our product experts at 0203 884 9777 or get a free virtual demo to see the software in action.
Wayne Heath
The Well HQ partners with The Fitness Group to level up female health education
FEMALE health experts The Well HQ, have partnered with The Fitness Group to upskill personal trainers in female health topics.
The education courses are designed to develop understanding in how to train, support and work with girls and women better and covers topics such as the menstrual cycle, breast health and reducing injury rates.
The Well HQ was launched in 2021 by former Team GB rower Baz Moffat, Dr Emma Ross and Dr Bella Smith, who share a common belief in the importance of being active and the endless health benefits it brings to a woman on her journey through life.
CEO Baz said: “The menopause is the most accepted topic in female health. Progress in recent years means now everyone wants to know about the menopause, not just midlife women.
“High profile individuals like Gabby Logan speaking up has only helped to normalise the conversation further. We’ve also seen momentum building in the business world through the launch of menopause policies, which has massively helped create an
inclusive environment where people are now comfortable talking about the menopause.
“There is so much that exercise can do to support midlife women and manage their symptoms, which is why our partnership with The Fitness Group is vital in helping to raise further awareness of the topic. I want it to be normal for people working in exercise to learn about all female
health topics, but especially menopause.”
The founding partners’ mission is to translate science on female health into messaging that everyone can understand, whilst delivering the material in an engaging way.
The menopause courses created by The Well HQ, which will be delivered by The Fitness Group, are the first mapped to the
Advertiser’s announcement
Professional Standard for Working with Women and Girls. This includes all the things which are important to be aware of, consider and integrate into your practise when working with women.
Steven Dick, co-founder and director at The Fitness Group, added: “The Well HQ is doing amazing work in women’s health and creating content which has been carefully created to be accessible to all.
“This partnership will help to educate the fitness industry on how exercise can help women and girls become the architects of their own health, happiness and performance.”
As well as providing courses globally through its online platform, The Fitness Group offers courses all over the UK, with locations in key cities such as London, Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol, Derby, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The business was set up to equip aspiring personal trainers with a robust foundation encompassing health, nutrition, fitness, and specialist areas like pre and post-natal.
Goldex Fitness partners with Matrix Fitness on ladies’ only gym in Sidcup
IN RESPONSE to the rising demand for women’s fitness spaces, Goldex Fitness launched its first ladies’ only gym in Sidcup, south-east London, in April.
This facility is the second in its portfolio, following a successful unisex gym that opened two years prior in Gillingham, Kent.
When the opportunity arose to establish a gym in Sidcup, Goldex Fitness aimed to innovate beyond its traditional model.
Gavin Brar, new business director, said: “There weren’t many gyms in the area, so we saw a gap in the market.
“We wanted to create a specialised space for women, which would be a unique offering for the community.”
The gym experienced an immediate surge in interest from women of all ages and abilities, with more than 1,000 memberships secured within the first few months.
Gavin added: “The response has exceeded our expectations, validating the demand for a ladies’ only facility.
“We focus on breaking outdated stereotypes by providing comprehensive equipment designed to empower women in their fitness
journeys without judgement.”
Feedback from members emphasises the importance of a comfortable training environment.
Many expressed appreciation for a space where they can focus on fitness without the fear of scrutiny.
Goldex Sidcup aims to be a positive and supportive training area for women, featuring high-quality equipment and a welcoming design.
To ensure a seamless user experience, Goldex Fitness opted for
a strategic partnership with Matrix Fitness when selecting equipment.
“In our previous gym we had a range of equipment brands that caused operational difficulties,” said Gavin.
“I wanted a more coherent set-up in Sidcup. The facility boasts a variety of strength and cardio equipment, including Matrix Fitness’ Magnum, Aura and Versa ranges.
Matrix Fitness played a crucial role in bringing Goldex’s vision to life.
The company assisted with CAD and 4D drawings, allowing the Goldex team to refine the gym’s layout and enhance the member experience.
“Working with Matrix Fitness, especially Alex Perrior, was a collaborative and seamless process,” said Gavin.
“They understood our goals and supported us without pressure to purchase equipment. I appreciated having a direct line of communication with them throughout.”
The visual planning provided by Matrix Fitness helped Goldex convey its vision to potential members before the gym’s opening.
This collaborative effort contributed significantly to the presales phase and marketing strategy.
Diljit Brar, director, Goldex Fitness, said: “The great success at Sidcup has encouraged us to pursue further expansion plans and we aim to grow the business by another one or two gyms this year.
“We’ll also look to offer new services including tailored nutritional advice and self-defence classes.” www.matrixfitness.com
20 UK FITNESS SCENE
EMD UK launches new workforce strategy for group exercise instructors
EMD UK, the official national governing body for group exercise, has transformed the sector’s workforce strategy for group exercise in response to a resounding call from the industry.
This includes introducing a more accessible framework that bridges career opportunities for thousands of group exercise instructors, giving instructors professional recognition that closes skills gaps for employers.
As the industry move towards a more regulated coaching environment, it is vital that all group exercise instructors are able to gain professional recognition as a member of their NGB.
“Extensive consultation with instructors, employers, training providers and awarding bodies reveals a clear disconnect between employers’ needs and the availability of professionally recognised instructors” said Gill Cummings-Bell, CEO, EMD UK.
“Insight reveals, whilst employers have difficulty recruiting professionally recognised instructors, many instructors struggle to obtain a professional stamp of approval for their qualifications and experience due
to complexities that can incur high costs and unrealistic time commitments.
“The NGB’s new strategy simplifies the professional recognition process, bridging the gap between talent and demand.”
The strategy overhaul incorporates professional recognition against a scope of practice and a reimagined Continuous Professional Development framework based on a Scope of Practice model.
Professional recognition for a group exercise scope of practice can only be gained through the NGB.
Sue Wilkie, head of workforce partnerships and governance at EMD UK, added: “Scope of practice represents a significant modernisation of the way group exercise is governed.
“It celebrates and showcases individual instructor talent whilst also encouraging diversity and inclusion. As the NGB for group exercise, funded through Sport England as a system partner, EMD UK is absolutely committed to championing instructors and creating an environment that enables them to flourish and build a
successful and rewarding career.”
The introduction of scope of practice sets a new industry benchmark for all group exercise professional recognition, clarifying skill sets for instructors and employers alike including all genres of group exercise from Pilates and Yoga through to exercise to music.
All EMD UK recognised scopes of practice are compiled by leading sector stakeholders and are listed on the EMD UK website.
Additionally, EMD UK has collaborated with awarding organisations Active IQ and YMCA Awards to introduce the ‘Bridge’ certification. This certification helps fitness professionals meet EMD UK Professional recognition standards, easing their path to employment.
In EMD UK’s 2023 instructor survey, 68 per cent of practicing group exercise instructors said they would appreciate some level of support to optimise opportunities and grow their business.
In response, EMD UK has built a comprehensive resource hub to provide an extensive resource library designed to help EMD UK instructor members thrive in the ever-evolving fitness industry.
Motivations to move are revealed as screen time explodes from 11 to 14
TWO-fifths of children want to be more physically active than they currently are, but some report spending six hours a day glued to their devices when not at school, according to research by ukactive.
A survey of more than 1,000 children and young people aged seven to 14, conducted with kids and family insight agency, Beano Brain, has revealed the latest views and habits of the next generation when it comes to being active.
It comes as ukactive launches its ‘Next Generation’ strategy for investing in the future of children and young people’s physical activity levels – with the ambition to get one million more children active by 2030.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “Children and young people are telling us they want to be more active and that they really value fun and varied activities in familiar, supported environments.
“As sedentary screen time and mental health issues grow, the Government must take a new policy approach if it is to help create a generation of happy, healthy children focusing on the essential role of our nation’s gyms, pools and leisure centres in helping the health and wellbeing of the youngest in our
society.
“We encourage this new Government to acknowledge and support the growth in demand from children and young people for fitness, dance, swim and gym activities, alongside traditional sports, and support the sector to reach even more young people with the physical, mental, and social benefits that being active provides.
“Our Next Generation strategy will help our members to engage one million more children and young
people across the UK by 2030, with updated guidance and regular insights to improve our services.”
The new polling shows a clear desire from children and young people to be more physically active and helps to identify their main motivations.
26 per cent of children sampled said they would want to be on a screen over taking part in physical activity, and 40 per cent said that they want to be more physically active than they currently are.
However, more than half of the
seven to 14-year-olds sampled (53 per cent) are using screens for more than three hours each day when not in school, with almost a quarter (24 per cent) of 11 to 14-year-olds spending more than six hours a day on devices.
Spending time on screens increases as children get older, but their time being active does not.
More than a third (35 per cent) say they do just half an hour or less of activity a day (outside of school time), with one in 10 saying they do just a few minutes.
The Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines for children aged five to 18 recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity a day.
Almost a third (30 per cent) of children and young people said they prefer to be physically active but not as part of a competition.
Girls in particular said being active with people they knew was important (69 per cent) rising to 73 per cent aged 11 to 14). They also valued having a supportive coach (51 per cent).
Overall, 34 per cent of children and young people said having someone organise physical activity properly helps them to enjoy it more.
Company chosen to run city’s facilities
EVERYONE Active has been announced as the new operator of Sheffield’s sport and leisure venues, as of January 2025.
Last year, Sheffield City Council revealed that the city’s leisure and entertainment venues were set to receive £117million of investment including rebuilds of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres and improvements to the Utilita Arena and City Hall.
As part of these plans, in June 2023, a competitive procurement process was launched in a bid to attract the best in leisure and entertainment provision to run Sheffield’s venues.
Earlier this year, ASM Global was announced as the new operator for the entertainment venues, Utilita Arena Sheffield and Sheffield City Hall.
Following the final stage of the highly competitive tender process, Everyone Active, part of Sports and Leisure Management, has now been announced as the new operator of Sheffield’s citywide sport and leisure centres, and golf courses.
Councillor Tom Hunt, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is a city of sport, and we are incredibly proud of our sporting heritage and facilities.
“Thousands of people enjoy our sport and leisure facilities every day, and our incredible venues have played host to major sporting events
over the years.
“Our facilities have also cultivated talented athletes that have gone on to compete in the Olympics, world championships and who have reached the highest level in their sport.
“Everyone Active will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help elevate our sport and leisure offer across the city, even further.”
From January, Everyone Active will take over the management of three golf courses and seven leisure facilities across the city, including the English Institute of Sport, one of seven high performance
Advertiser’s announcement
The SD Xcise AirMic
THIS is a revolutionary, completely wireless headset microphone system, which is taking the fitness industry by storm.
The sweat resistant and durable headset offers crisp clear sound and we’ve designed it to be easy to set up, as well as lightweight and comfortable.
The AirMic is consistently getting five-star reviews from fitness presenters and is now our top selling microphone system, taking over some of the leading brands which have been around for 30+ years.
The freedom it offers you as a presenter, to move around during class without any cables getting in the way, is proving to be super valuable to our customers.
Here’s what some have to say about this amazing system…
“In 35 years of teaching fitness classes, the AirMic is by far the best headset mic I’ve ever used.”
Rachel Holmes
“This is the BEST headmic that I have
ever had. It is super clear and loud. It doesn’t bounce around on your head. It’s super easy to set up, having no wires or mic belt is amazing. I have had so much positive feedback from my class participants about how clear it is. “
Laura Wharton
“I have been using this mic for a good while since release and it’s changed the game! I do a lot of high energy formats and this stays in place! Also, when doing any floor / core work, it’s so nice not to lie on a bodypack – one less thing to think about whilst instructing! Well done SD… great product!”
Jodie Bedenham
“Possibly the best thing I’ve ever bought for my group studio classes. Honestly, it’s so easy to use, no more annoying wires or buying expensive batteries.”
Sue Imeson
We’re so proud of this product and we strongly believe that this is the best system of its kind on the market right now.
centres across England providing access to high quality facilities that are specifically designed for elite athletes. These include boxing, paralympic table tennis, paralympic badminton and table tennis.
Everyone Active will also operate Ponds Forge International Sports Centre and IceSheffield. Hillsborough, Concord and Springs Leisure centres and Heeley Pool,will also come under Everyone Active control next year, followed by Graves, Thorncliffe and Wisewood Leisure Centres in 2026.
David Bibby, managing director at Everyone Active, said: “We feel
privileged to have been chosen as the new operator for Sheffield’s sport and leisure venues. There is an incredible array of facilities within the city, renowned for hosting major sporting events and cultivating world-class athletes.
“As a company that started out 37 years ago running a single site, it is fantastic to continue our growth in new areas of the UK, now reaching more than 240 leisure and cultural facilities.
“Sheffield is an amazing city, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Sheffield City Council to serve the vibrant communities within it. We take huge pride in offering opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and interests to engage in physical activity.
“Our experience of managing elite facilities across the country means we are well placed to continue the legacy of Sheffield’s iconic venues, and we look forward to keeping the spirit of sport and exercise alive across the city.”
Everyone Active has ambitious plans for the city’s leisure venues. They aim to tailor facilities and services to cater to the different local communities in Sheffield, supporting the Council’s plans to improve health inequalities across the city by having facilities, activities and services which are modern, welcoming and inclusive.
us now: T: +44 (0) 1706 260 220 E: Sales@TVS-Group.co.uk W: www.TVS-Group.co.uk
