Workout UK June 2017

June 2017

The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine

Staff buying into your vision is the key, says expert

By Christina Eccles ENCOURAGING staff to buy into your company vision, values and culture can be the key to retaining them – and helping your club flourish, according to an expert.

Consultant Steve Jee was among the speakers at the Retention Convention in Manchester, organised by Retention Guru Dr Paul Bedford.

Steve, who spent 20 years in the British Army as a military intelligence officer, discussed how the fitness industry can take ideas from Roman times and apply them to today’s challenges, exploring the type of behaviours operators need in the workplace to inspire, align, lead and excel.

He explained: “There are many similarities between business and battle.

“When you are running change in your organisation, the biggest resistance to change is the people in the room.

“If you want to succeed in retaining staff and customers, you’ve got to do things differently.

“If you want to implement change get rid of personal and group bias, invest in your best junior leadership and align your organisation to a compelling vision.”

During the talk – motivating and

aligning staff behind a powerful vision – Steve also told delegates how important it is to have a clear vision and how setting one out can unite your whole workforce.

He suggested a company’s vision should be inspirational, aspirational and time-bound and broken down into a number of missions, which ultimately lead to completion of the end goal.

He added: “Good employees want to know what your organisation is doing and want to buy into it. They want to see your vision and where it’s heading.

“They don’t want to turn up to work just for the money.

“They want to feel they are making a difference.”

Other speakers at the event included Oxygen Freejumping CEO Dave Stalker, Justin Tamsett, a former health club owner and well known business and leadership thought leader, who shared the seven keys to building a winning team, and fitness industry training and education expert Keith Smith. n Do you agree with Steve? What’s your vision for your club – and how do you ensure all your staff are on board and aligned with it? Email us at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk with your thoughts and we’ll print the best in the next issue.

No 285 £3

Get your entries in before it’s too late

Personal trainer Curtis High has successfully completed a mammoth fitness challenge to mark his 30th birthday and raise money for charity. Curtis’ week of fundraising included rowing the length of the Channel on an indoor rower, cycling the distance of London to Brighton on an exercise bike and running the London Marathon. To complete the challenge, he enlisted the help of friends including boxer Anthony Ogogo (pictured here with Curtis) as well as receiving support from the club where he works.

For full story see page 5.

CLUBS from all over the country have been urged to think about their National Fitness Awards entries – and start working on their nominations before it’s too late.

Entries close for this year’s awards on Friday August 25 and as the industry’s biggest free to enter awards scheme, there are many benefits to getting involved.

Past winners and finalists have enjoyed increased publicity for their facilities, the chance to use the NFA branding on their marketing materials and a boost in morale and engagement from both staff and members.

There are over 20 awards up grabs, with categories covering everything from Member Achievement to Gym Team of the Year, Best Gym Based Personal Trainer and Community Involvement.

Just head to www. nationalfitnessawards. co.uk, select the category you wish to put yourself forward for and fill in the online form. You can also keep up to date with all the latest news on this year’s event by following @ FitnessAwards on Twitter.

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Steve and Katie join our illustrious judging panel

By Christina Eccles

LAST year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner Steve Johnson and top personal trainer Katie Bulmer-Cooke will be among the judges tasked with the tough job of picking this year’s National Fitness Award winners.

Both are no stranger to the event, with Katie having co-hosted the awards for the last two years and Steve being both a past judge and winner in his own right and with his club; Tops Fitness and Rehabilitation in Wakefield.

Katie said: “I’m thrilled to be on this year’s judging panel. We have so much to be proud of in our industry, and if the standard of the winners in previous years is anything to go by then me and my fellow judges are in for a real treat.”

Steve also told Workout he’s excited to be involved with the awards once again and is happy to give any clubs who are thinking about entering advice on their applications via social media.

He added: “I believe these awards are a great celebration of our industry and a fantastic opportunity for gyms, PTs and clients to get recognition for the great work they do.

“I am living proof of what these awards can do for a centre and person.

“My centre has been lucky enough to win awards for the gym and also

“I am very proud to be involved in the judging process once more and look forward to being inspired by the high quality of the finalists.”

for the rehabilitation side of the business too.

“This acts as a fantastic tool to show potential customers that we are professional and can be trusted to deliver on what we set out to do.

This has also given us great marketing opportunities and helped grow our business on social media and financially.

“Last year I was stunned to personally receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the end of the night and can honestly say it probably still hasn’t sunk in and was by far the proudest moment of my life.

“I would urge any centre to enter these awards – what have you got to lose? We certainly didn’t expect to win and could easily have let the chance of recognition to pass us by but we didn’t! In other words the only way to be sure of not winning is to not enter in the first place.

“I am very proud to be involved in

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

Katie Bulmer-Cooke (left) and Steve Johnson have joined the NFAs judging panel. the judging process once more and Find out more or enter online at look forward to being inspired by the www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk high quality of the finalists.” and look out for more judging and There’s still time to get your NFA presenter announcements coming entries in. soon in Workout.

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Curtis marks his 30th with ultimate charity challenge

By Christina Eccles

ROWING the distance of the Channel, climbing the height of the Eiffel Tower and running the London Marathon were among the tests of endurance in a personal trainer’s seven-day ultimate ironman challenge.

Curtis High wanted to do something memorable to mark his 30th birthday while raising money for good causes.

But when trying to come up with a challenge, he struggled to narrow it down to just one.

He explained: “This year I turned 30 and wanted to do something. I spoke with a few friends and every challenge they suggested, I thought I could do that.

“So I thought, why not do it all within a week?”

His impressive week of fundraising challenges was made up of: n Monday – a skydive. n Tuesday – rowing the length of the Channel on a water rower. n Wednesday – swimming the width of Loch Ness in a swimming pool. n Thursday – climbing the height of the Eiffel Tower on the climbing wall at Waveney Leisure centre. n Friday – cycling a distance of London to Brighton (50 miles) on an exercise bike. n Saturday – competing in the East Anglian Triathlon.

Personal trainer Curtis High during his 50-mile London to Brighton cycle ride he completed as part of a seven-day ultimate ironman challenge. His efforts raised £3,600 for charity. the gym to say he’s inspired them to n Sunday – completing the London get fitter.

Marathon.

He added: “The support has been To help him reach his goals, Curtis really overwhelming. It’s proof that enlisted the support of friends – if you focus and want to achieve including boxer Anthony Ogogo something, with determination it can – as well as the gym he works at – be done.”

Bannatynes in Lowestoft – where he Overall Curtis’ efforts raised £3,600, completed his rowing, swimming and with £1,500 going to the charity he cycling challenges. ran the London Marathon for – PSPA After completing the tasks, Curtis – and the remainder going to the told Workout he’s been really pleased Taylor High Memorial Fund; a charity with the reaction he’s had, even getting people coming up to him in set up in memory of his brother.

Mind unveiled as operator’s new partner EVERYONE Active has teamed up with charity Mind to help improve the mental wellbeing of communities across the country.

Over the next 12 months, the operator aims to raise at least £100,000 for the charity by hosting a series of activities and events in its centres.

Everyone Active managing director David Bibby said: “We are pleased to announce Mind as our new charity partner. Mental health problems can affect anyone, and there is a huge opportunity for us to provide help and support to those in need and raise awareness of such an important issue.

“We know physical activity has many proven benefits for our mental health, so it makes perfect sense for Everyone Active to support the wonderful work that Mind does. We hope this will in turn provide support for local people and help to build healthier communities.”

As part of the partnership, Mind will also be delivering workshops to Everyone Active colleagues, advising them on how to deal with mental health issues.

The sessions will help the team to support members of the local community and educate them in the importance of physical activity.

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Professionals seek a solution at Elevate

By Christina Eccles

British fashion and lifestyle brand Jack Wills has launched its first sportswear collection for men, following the success of its women’s range. The Jack Wills Sporting Goods range is made up of a selection of athletic clothing including the Alderton training hoodie, long-sleeved Henworth top and Haydon gym vest, all made from high performance, technical fabric or gym-ready jersey. Founder and CEO of Jack Wills, Peter Williams, said: “We launched our first sports collection for women in January and the response has been fantastic. Doing the same for men was an obvious next step, and is ideally timed with the global growth of athleisurewear.”

OVER 4,000 professionals came together to seek a solution to the nation’s inactivity crisis at this year’s Elevate in London.

Held at ExCeL, the UK’s largest cross-sector event dedicated to tackling physical inactivity attracted a broad range of attendees including academics, healthcare professionals, policy makers, charity workers, local authorities, leisure operators and sport scientists.

Some of the most popular educational sessions included a ‘can you be fit and fat’ debate involving Professor Greg Whyte OBE, former Olympian, world-renowned sports scientist and physical activity expert; a workshop considering best practice for targeting the least active with panellists from EFDS, Sporting Equals, Age UK and the Women’s Sport Trust; and a session on the growth in outdoors activities featuring ParkRun, Ordnance Survey, British Triathlon and the Outdoor Industries Association.

Along with over 150 exhibitors, this year’s exhibition included The Stage, Tech Lab and Evidence Base feature areas.

Michelle Dand, group health and fitness manager at David Lloyd, who

Professor Greg Whyte OBE was one of the speakers at this year’s Elevate. was speaking at the conference, said: inaugural show and proven just how “It was great to be presenting in front important addressing inactivity is to of an audience on the work we’re professionals across the UK. doing as an organisation to support “There’s overwhelming support increased participation in physical to keep discussions around these activity. strategies ongoing to ensure advances “Elevate provided me with the in products, services and research opportunity to meet contacts old progress. Only by doing this can we and new and engage in discussions encourage more people to engage in around the challenges we as an physical activity. industry face when looking to engage “Feedback from attendees, with consumers. Through networking exhibitors and speakers has been at events such as this, we’re able extremely positive and we’re proud continue to share ideas, develop to announce that Elevate has been new partnerships and drive progress shortlisted for Best Tradeshow (under forward.”

2,000 sqm.) and Best Tradeshow Elevate director Max Launch in the AEO Excellence Awards Quittenton added: “We’re thrilled to have built upon the success of the 2017.”

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Supplier taps into schools’ demand for on-site gyms

By Christina Eccles

World Leisure (UK) has appointed Andy Littler to the new role of wellness manager to launch a specialised wellbeing, steam and sauna division.

The new division will work throughout the UK installing high quality climate-controlled environments and treatments rooms, including fully automatic rasul and serail mud treatments, Japanese salt steam rooms, Turkish hammams, and ice baths, for skin, respiratory and immune system health. Andy said: “Wellness is generally used to mean a healthy balance of the mind, body and spirit that results in an overall feeling of wellbeing. As more people become interested in their holistic health, it has become a serious growth sector for the water leisure industry, so we’re really excited to be launching this specialised department from one of the sector’s leading companies.”

AN industry supplier has been tapping into a demand for on-site gyms in schools and colleges; helping educational facilities to make the most of their space.

Managing director of Physical Company John Halls has noticed an increase in educational facilities installing or improving their existing fitness facilities in order to introduce students to the benefits of physical activity.

He explained: “We are seeing an uplift in interest among schools and colleges to kit out gyms to encourage their students to step up their fitness regime.

“I think schools are getting wise to the benefits of having a gym on site and older teens are certainly more knowledgeable these days about what they can do in a gym: it’s not just those who play team sports or are studying GCSE or A Level PE – although there is a distinct benefit for those students to have access to a gym.

“Some schools have existing spaces which they are converting into gyms: others are factoring gyms into new build or development work.

“Either way, we find ourselves usually working in a small space and

John Halls we have had to find some creative solutions by selecting kit that is compact and has multiple uses such as our PBX bags, PU Kettlebells, three in one Plyo Boxes, Surge or BOSU Balance Trainers.

“From the schools’ and colleges’ point of view, those who are building competitive sports teams are increasingly seeing a school gym as a priority.

“We have an education job to do with schools however: PE teachers are

primarily sports-orientated and are neither gym instructors nor PTs – we need to ensure they select the right kit for the right outcomes. Schools are understandably wary of free weights and prefer fixed weights which are easier to manage and control.”

John also told Workout, getting young people into fitness from an early age can have a positive knock on effect to the wider industry.

He added: “From a wider industry point-of-view, an increased appreciation of gym facilities on school sites can have a direct impact on neighbouring leisure centres who can tap into the increased awareness and interest in the gym that schools are creating.

“Schools introducing youngsters to gym work gives operators a good platform on which to build and can successfully step them up from school/college gym work to leisure centre sessions.

“Ideas like setting up junior gyms, having key times when under 18s are welcome and running technique classes in weight lifting for example can all encourage this audience into your centre.

“Even simply adding a few pieces of youth fitness kit into a leisure centre gym can make this transition smooth.”

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Matthew has big plans for group exercise initiative

By Olivia Taylor AN ambitious personal trainer has big plans for his group exercise initiative; with the ambition to roll it out in facilities across the country.

Matthew Harrison came up with the idea to launch Dance Fit when he was teaching at a college and students wanted to take part in dance based group exercise class.

He said: “I did some research with the students. I asked them what type of exercise they’d like to do and a lot of them came back with dance.

“I knew the college wouldn’t employ a Zumba instructor so I thought, I can jump around and move, so why don’t I just do it for them myself?”

Since then Matthew has been taking

Six time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy visited Tameside Cycle Circuit to film for an upcoming video series, which will compare different aspects of cycling. The former indoor track cyclist visited the venue, run by Active Tameside, which is a traffic-free paved outdoor cycle track with two loops.

The Cycle Circuit holds three weekly sessions which are open to the public and available for all abilities.

“I think part of the reason why it works so well is because I can’t dance. It’s just simple and enjoyable.”

the class wherever he can in order to gain momentum, from Weymouth beach to village halls and sports centres.

He added: “It’s just spiralled.

Sometimes I think people must look at me and think I’m just some idiot jumping around, but the bottom line is, it’s a fun class and people enjoy it.”

The class is based around easy to follow movements and steps, meaning any one can join in.

Matthew has proved this by introducing both primary school children and older people to Dance Fit. He said: “I think part of the reason why it works so well is because I can’t dance. It’s just simple and enjoyable.

It’s about moving around, it doesn’t even matter if you can’t keep up. You just go at your own pace. If you miss a step it’s fine, just jump back in when you can.”

Matthew is the brains behind the initiative, while his partner Andy Buse deals with the day to day running of the business.

The concept was started on a budget, with Matthew and Andy paying only £5 for their logo.

Matthew said: “This whole thing has been done on a budget. We’re trying to make this a national thing, we think it can compete with the bigger

Matthew Harrison classes.”

The duo are aiming to get Dance Fit endorsed by Exercise Movement and Dance UK, the national governing body for group exercise.

Matthew added: “The next step for us is getting completely endorsed

by EMD UK. I’m not a dancer, I’m a personal trainer by trade so we’re also looking to get a dance professional involved with delivering the instructor courses. That’s the business direction, to train other people up.”

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

This month’s top Tweets...

Picture of the month The Workout team had a great few days in Birmingham recently at this year’s BodyPower, where we caught up with many of our readers and advertisers at what proved to be a very busy show. A big thank you to everyone who came to see us in the Workout Lounge, including our National Fitness Awards’ Lifetime Achievement winner Steve Johnson, who is pictured here with our sales managers Danielle Hornby and Dan Lloyd.

@strengthmotion: Thank you ‪@WorkOutUK for the opportunity to share how ‪@LifeFitnessUK ‪#lifefitnessacademy works with ‪@DavidLloydUK on ‪#Synrgy360 classes

@GCDTravelFit: Thank you ‪@WorkOutUK for the write up. Excellent May edition! @OliviaGTaylor: Great to speak with Matthew from ‪@Dancefit16 about his new classes! Look out for more in the next issue of ‪@ WorkOutUK. @_activenet: Thank you ‪@ WorkOutUK front page! If you want to know why our delegates rate us so highly, come to next year’s event: ‪http://www.active-net.org @ChristinaEccles: Great day ‪@BodyPowerExpo with the @WorkOutUK team!

Lovely to see ‪@UKTeam_ Optimum ‪@Stetops ‪@ katiebulmer1 ‪@nnutrients ‪@ physicalcompany! @ParkwoodLeisure: We are proud to be employee partners with ‪@cimspa!

Thanks to ‪@WorkOutUK for featuring us! @bigfish_pr: Thanks for the fab front page story on ‪@_Leisurenet ‪@_activenet 2017 ‪@WorkOutUK ‪@ ChristinaEccles :-) @StudioHd8Claire: Awe when ‪@WorkOutUK Magazine arrives, you’re sat flicking through and there is my fur baby ‪#gymdog ‪#thelifestylestudios ‪#scissett ‪#fitness @FitConference: We’re excited to welcome Richard Hurst from ‪@WPAPinfold and ‪@BenCoomber to our 2017 speaker line up! Full story in May issue of ‪@ WorkOutUK @PhysicalCompany: In the latest ‪@WorkOutUK our MD lifts the lid on APEX kids and how we’re supporting clubs to engage with this age group ‪#physicalactivity

Independent gym owner Kelly Bluett was the lucky winner of our recent Facebook competition. We teamed up with Meridian Foods to offer one of our Facebook followers the chance to win a bundle of goodies and picked Kelly, who runs Ironmasters Gym in the Forest of Dean, to scoop the prize.

Well done Kelly! Enjoy your peanut butter!

Editor’s Comment AS people increasingly look to escape from the stresses of everyday life, mindset and mindfulness are the buzzwords on everyone’s lips.

But how can we as an industry help?

And why is it so important?

In last month’s Workout, we reported how personal trainers Laura and Barry Ash have switched the focus of their business to work more on clients’ mindset and mental health to help them achieve better long term results.

They believe that until they can establish any issues a client may have, such as emotional eating or self sabotage, no amount of diet or training plans will work.

The pair have now created a course for fitness professionals who are looking to upskill in this area. And it seems they’re not the only ones who are tapping into a growing need...

At this year’s BodyPower, I attended a talk by top PT Phil Learney who also reiterated the importance of relateability and why getting to know your clients’ individual goals and lifestyles is vital to be able to tailor a programme which properly fits their

needs.

You can read the full story in our BodyPower Review on page 40.

I also recently visited Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa; another facility leading the way when it comes to looking after clients’ minds as well as their bodies.

During my visit I tried the BrainFit Workout – a class which combines movement with meditation and provides the perfect chance to boost your positivity and confidence as well as your fitness levels.

Read all about it on page 24, and if you’ve been running the class in your gym, we’d love to hear how it’s going.

As the need to promote a healthy mind as well as a healthy body continues to grow, we’re keen to speak to readers who are already helping their members achieve this.

We all know about the many mood enhancing benefits which exercise can bring, so if you have a class that really brings out the best in participants, get in touch and tell us about it.

We’ll look forward to hearing from you!

Christina Eccles

This month’s hot topic:

What’s the most popular group exercise class on your timetable? Have you got a fitness session that’s proving a real talking point among your members?

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

Follow us on Twitter @WorkOutUK or contact us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/workoutmagazine

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Advertiser’s announcement

The new functional space at Rolls-Royce Leisure in Derby which it is hoped would appeal to existing members, meet demand and draw in new clients.

Fitness Systems creates functional space

ROLLS-Royce Leisure in Derby asked Fitness Systems to visit their impressive leisure and fitness centre, with a view to creating a specialised functional space within the gym, which would appeal to existing members, meet the demand for functional training and draw in new clients.

One of the key objectives in this project was to create a training environment that is inkeeping with modern trends for both commercial and performance training.

Functional training has become a mainstream form of exercise, designed to provide full body workouts in an amazing, engaging, fun environment.

In addition to the provision of top

quality equipment, Fitness Systems was also enlisted to create an exciting functional layout, which would maximise the space available and meet the needs of members across all ages and abilities.

Following the brief to create a functional box in a prominent area within the gym, Fitness Systems used their 30+ years’ experience, which was called upon right from the start, as nothing could be attached to the non-load bearing partition walls, to install flexible and durable products.

The appearance of the space was a major factor in the design specification of the project, as the functional zone needed to stand out from the rest of the facility, be eye catching and inviting.

Rolls-Royce Leisure chose red on the walls of this area, which was incorporated into the products, with a high impact functional floor in black, red sled track and the bespoke Force functional rig in a candy red and satin black finish.

The functional rig included a whole range of additions including storage attachment rail, bar storage, functional core plate, weight horns, wing and monkey bars, plus much more. Next to the functional rig, a free-standing boxing station with colossus leather boxing bag and speed ball were also incorporated.

The space was designed to accommodate group training sessions to keep members engaged and provide a full-body conditioning

workout that will leave users invigorated, feeling great and wanting more.

The brief has been achieved in a spectacular fashion, creating a functional space in the gym for speed, agility, flexibility, strength or cardio in an exciting environment.

Fitness centre manager Mike Tietz said: “Fitness Systems was a fantastic company to work with on the design and installation of our functional area, which ran smoothly from start to finish. This was a big project that had been in the pipeline for some time and we’re delighted to have found a company to deliver exactly the system we wanted, which has transformed our gym and given our members new ways to train.”

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Slough Borough Council appoints Everyone Active

By Christina Eccles

Yoga teacher and nutritional therapist Sarah Kekus has launched her first yoga, nutrition and wellness retreat, taking place in Southern Italy next May. The weeklong wellness retreat will take place at La Rosa dei 4 Venti – a converted 16th century farmhouse, idyllically set on an Italian hillside within its own extensive grounds of olive trees and vineyards. Offering wellness guidance throughout, Sarah will encourage participants to become the very best they can be – stretching limits in twice daily yoga sessions, reconnecting with nature in the sun-drenched Italian countryside and exploring mind and body connections revealed by pure diet and conscious movement.

2018 Games appoint Technogym TECHNOGYM has been appointed by the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games as the official fitness equipment supplier.

The company will equip all the training facilities, including the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village Gym, athletic performance centres and four smaller fitness studios across Queensland.

The athletes will be able to train on

a selection of products covering all training areas such as cardio, strength and functional training.

Technogym founder and CEO Nerio Alessandri said: “This achievement represents an important recognition of our commitment in research and innovation in order to create the most advanced equipment and digital technology for the world’s elite athletes.”

EVERYONE Active has been named Slough Borough Council’s preferred bidder to deliver leisure services across the town for the next 10 years.

The contract will see the two organisations work together to develop existing services in the district and offer a wide range of activities for local people, with the aim of improving the health and wellbeing of the community.

The sports and leisure operator is expected to take on the management of Montem Leisure Centre from June 1.

Once the construction and refurbishment works are complete, Everyone Active will also take over management of the Ice Arena, Salt Hill family activity centre and Langley Leisure Centre.

A new leisure centre to replace the existing Montem site is also expected to be complete in 2019.

Managing director of Sport and Leisure Management, David Bibby, said: “We are very much looking forward to getting our new partnership with Slough Borough Council underway.

David Bibby “This is a particularly exciting time for the borough, with the council investing significant funds in local leisure provision.

“It is a privilege for us to be a part of these investment projects and our focus is now on ensuring we maximise these new facilities and introduce a wide range of new activities to encourage healthier lifestyles.”

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Osteoarthritis could be prevented with diet and exercise

By Christina Eccles

A new Festival of Fitness has taken place on Hackney Marshes; encompassing the Hackney Half, a new 5.5k run on closed roads and free fitness activities. Highlights of the event included the Go Fit Yourself fitness stage, which hosted some of London’s most sought after instructors, including Faisal Abdalla, Fat Buddha Yoga, Bradley Simmonds, and Shona Vertue, as well as an early morning dance session with Daybreaker. Virgin Sport CEO Mary Wittenberg said: “We’ve been working closely with amazing local partners who share our mission and passion to move the world through sport. This is our first year in Hackney and the response has been fantastic. We will be in the community throughout the coming year inspiring movement and can’t wait already for next year’s Hackney.”

Awards shortlist revealed COMPANIES from across the sector are celebrating after being shortlisted for a 2017 Flame Award.

Places for People Leisure lead the way among tough competition from local authority operators, with nine nominations in four categories, closely followed by Everyone Active, GLL and SIV with four each.

The Leisure Centre Operator of the Year Award sees several public operator giants in contention, with 2016 champion and three-time winner Everyone Active looking to retain the crown, with opposition

from GLL, Places for People Leisure, Parkwood Leisure and SIV. Xercise4Less tops the charts among private operators with four nominations, including for Health Club Operator of the Year which sees them go head-to-head with The Club Company.

Other categories include the Shaping Young Lives Award, which recognises significant contributions to getting children active.

The Flame Awards will take place on June 28 at the International Conference Centre in Telford.

OSTEOARTHRITIS can potentially be prevented with a good diet and regular exercise, research has claimed.

During the review – published in the Nature Reviews Rheumatology reports – researchers from the University of Surrey identified a crucial link between metabolism and osteoarthritis; metabolic changes, caused by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, triggers the genetic reprogramming of cells in the body and joints.

Such metabolic changes impact upon the cells’ ability to produce energy, forcing it to generate alternative sources to function.

The stress this places on cells leads to the overproduction of glucose, which when not used for energy transforms into lactic acid.

Abnormal levels of this acid in the body leads to the inflammation of the joint’s cartilage which impedes on movement and causes pain.

By identifying metabolic changes in cells, it is potentially possible to control or significantly slow down the symptoms of osteoarthritis,

“For too long osteoarthritis has been known as the ‘wear and tear disease’ and it has been assumed that it is part and parcel of getting older.”

alleviating the suffering of millions of people.

Lead author Professor Ali Mobasheri, Professor of Musculoskeletal Physiology at the University of Surrey, said: “For too long osteoarthritis has been known as the ‘wear and tear disease’ and it has been assumed that it is part and parcel of getting older.

“However, this is not the case and what we have learnt is that we can control and prevent the onset of this painful condition.

“It is important never to underestimate the significance of a healthy diet and lifestyle as not only does it impact upon our general wellbeing but can alter the metabolic behaviour of our cells, tissues and organs leading to serious illnesses.”

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The Club Company has acquired Witney Lakes Resort; taking its portfolio of clubs to 13 around the UK. Facilities at the resort include a gym, studio, swimming pool, steam room and sauna, as well as a spa and health and beauty treatment rooms. The site also has protected planning permission for an 86-bedroom hotel, as well as an 18 hole golf course.

Chief executive of The Club Company Thierry Delsol said: “We are delighted to announce the purchase of Witney Lakes Resort. This acquisition fits perfectly with The Club Company’s expansion strategy, in pursuing organic and external growth. We are really excited about the acquisition and are looking forward to working with the team and the members there.”

Theo gives gym Twitter boost A SUSSEX based sustainable gym business has received a boost from retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.

Owner of Ecogym Paul Crane was one of six weekly winners to get a re-tweet from Theo to his 500,000 Twitter followers as part of his Small Business Sunday initiative The club is now profiled on the #SBS website, which is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners.

Paul said: “We recently became the first gym in the world to be certified

by Green Circle for our energy saving exploits and sustainable approach to fitness and we pioneer change in the health and fitness industry by harnessing human power on site, reducing members’ fees based on how much they work out.

“Every facet of our business operations from design to service

delivery is geared towards giving back to the environment and it’s great to have this support from Theo.

“Our vision is to create a network of Ecogyms across the UK but right now it’s all about raising awareness and Theo has recognised our hard work and helped spread the word about what we do to his following.”

Fiona’s on a mission to educate industry on inner ear health

By Christina Eccles

A HEALTHCARE professional is on a mission to educate the fitness industry about the importance of inner ear health.

Fiona Barker, who runs Vestibular Health, has been working with people who have inner ear problems; delivering a range of exercises which can help them with issues around balance and falls prevention.

But she believes there is a lack of understanding among the industry – and the public – around how the inner ear works. And crucially, how to look after it before problems start.

She explained: “In a healthcare setting, I’ve worked with people who are dizzy and it’s normally related to the inner ear.

“We use a set of recognised exercises to help them get better and reduce the dizzyness and risk of falls.

“There is some recent evidence that these exercises can also improve balance in people who are not dizzy.

“There’s a high prevalence of inner ear dysfunction in people who are over 40 and many people don’t know about it. They are at risk but are unaware of it. The only way to reach these people is through the fitness industry.”

Fiona is now looking to promote

“What we would really like to do is work with some of the big gym chains to upskill their staff in a group.”

these exercises in a fitness industry environment; teaching trainers how to incorporate them into their classes or exercise sessions to aid prevention of inner ear problems.

She told Workout, the movements can be useful for anyone but are particularly beneficial for two groups; in older adults for improving balance and fall risk and elite athletes where they can help produce marginal gains.

She added: “What we would really like to do is work with some of the big gym chains to upskill their staff in a group.

“Even in younger clients these exercises can benefit. We can also come into the gym to deliver the training.

“The opportunity for us is that there is very little awareness of what the inner ear does among fitness professionals and their clients until it goes wrong. Then it’s really devastating.”

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UK FITNESS SCENE With everything from treadmills to turnstiles collecting member data, operators are sitting on reams of – often unused – information. The DataHub is unlocking the potential of this data to give operators an accurate national picture for the first time. Workout found out more.

Data’s potential is unlocked to give operators accurate national picture DATA is at the heart of modern businesses, but however much we have, raw data is worthless.

Only when it’s extracted, standardised, analysed and shared is it helpful; allowing operators to create more tailored programming, build effective retention strategies, make fully informed funding decisions, drive up revenue and – the ultimate goal – increasing the nation’s activity levels.

Up until now, data analysis in leisure has been basic, at best, involving lengthy reports and spreadsheets, laborious number crunching and endless frustrations.

The DataHub was created in 2013 as a national solution; a virtual hub for sports and leisure data to ensure operators can easily access reliable information and seamlessly compare it countrywide.

It currently holds information from 220 operators on more than 280m visits. More than 1,250 leisure centres, sports facilities, health clubs and community activity programmes have signed up.

DataHub head of sales Chris Phillips said: “What makes The DataHub different is standardisation.

What one leisure centre labels a Yoga class, another might call Mind Body, another Group Stretch.

“They’re essentially the same, but with no standardised naming in place we could never compare them or share intelligence on why one is

“The DataHub puts the whole sector on a cycle of continuous improvement.

The more we learn collectively, the more we can grow as a whole.”

more popular.

“The DataHub matches all inputted information to data standards so now, whatever a yoga session is called locally, it’s reported accordingly.”

And critically, this allows operators to see beyond the walls of their own facility, to compare like for like, benchmark and, for the first time, get an accurate picture of what good really looks like – what works, what doesn’t, what do people really want?

Chris added: “Amassed data is power. It leads to more informed investment and will allow the leisure sector to create a real link between what we do and improved health outcomes.

“With data from over 7m individuals we can develop predictive models on what consumers want, and finally start creating the joined-up approach we’ve all been talking about for so long.”

The DataHub has partnered with a range of the sector’s leading leisure system providers, so data automatically feeds from software systems to the central repository, and assorted business intelligence modules, delivered by specialist partners, provide a straightforward way for operators to take what’s useful to them from the DataHub. GLL, for example, has implemented the Social Value Calculator (SVC) module – delivered in partnership with Experian and Sheffield Hallam University – into its 250 sites.

GLL’s business intelligence manager Will Barr added: “As a charitable social enterprise, we need to measure the social value of our interventions.

“If we put on an activity like No Strings Badminton, SVC allows us to demonstrate what social impact that scheme had, with which demographic, within any centre.

“The Social Value generated is also monetised, which means we can use it to bid for future funding.”

To ensure this is a sector-wide movement, the DataHub is governed by an industry Steering Group, made up of ukactive, CLOA, Sporta, CSPN,

S AV E E N E R G Y. S AV E M O N E Y. S AV E T H E P L A N E T.

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DataHub head of sales Chris Phillips.

4 global, the main NGBs, national operators and leisure management system providers.

It leads discussions on data standards and is working to grow the DataHub to become the go-to for data analysis.

Approximately a third of public leisure facilities have a DataHub account; expected to rise to half by end of this year.

Chris added: “The DataHub puts the whole sector on a cycle of continuous improvement. The more we learn collectively, the more we can grow as a whole.

“The DataHub allows us to demonstrate our impact as a sector and prove what an asset we are, backed up by facts for the first time.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

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Goldstar Gym’s new owners Callum Taylor and partner Leanne (left) have ambitious plans for the North East facility and are working hard to keep its strong bodybuilding roots.

New lease of life for iconic gym

By Christina Eccles ONE of the North East’s most iconic gyms has been given a new lease of life after being taken over by a couple with ambitious plans.

Goldstar Gym’s new owners Callum Taylor and partner Leanne took over the reigns of the historic club late last year and are working hard to keep its traditionally strong bodybuilding roots, while also opening up the offering to a wider audience.

Callum explained: “The business has been open nearly 30 years and it’s a pillar of the community. It’s a massively recognised brand and one

of the biggest independents in the North East.

“We now want to develop the building and introduce some classes and functional fitness to offer people that bit more.

“We’re also working with local students to do some wall art across the gym.”

As well as the gym, which has about 650 members, the Heaton based business also includes a successful supplements shop; popular with members and one of the top rated sellers online.

As part of the fitness and bodybuilding federation, the PCA, the

team also recently brought an event to the Tyne Theatre, incorporating classes such as toned figure and muscle model with standard bodybuilding classes.

Callum added: “[The event] was a huge success and I’ve been delighted to bring something like that back to the heart of Newcastle.

“I love helping people and I’m particularly proud of what we did with our member Scott Cooper.

He lost his leg serving in the war in Afghanistan after stepping on an IED. “I’ve given him massive encouragement to further his physique into bodybuilding and I

managed to persuade him to step on stage and he won his disability class, qualifying for the British Finals.”

According to Callum, feedback since they took over has been really positive, with locals relieved that the gym has remained open and also that the two parts of the business have stayed together and not been sold separately.

He added: “The place has been open a long time and people were concerned it was going to be disbanded.

“People were really pleased it has been kept together and stayed as part of the community.”

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A forward thinking facility which has been welcoming guests for over 25 years is continuing to push the boundaries with its innovative fitness offering. Christina Eccles took a look around – and tried out one of the newest additions to the timetable.

Ragdale Hall classes offer something for everyone A COUPLE of days at a spa can provide the perfect place to relax, switch off and do nothing. And Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa offers just that.

With everything from a 25m swimming pool to indoor and outdoor waterfall pools and steam rooms, when it comes to the spa experience, no stone has been left unturned to ensure that guests at the Leicestershire based facility leave feeling revived and rejuvenated.

But that’s not all. At Ragdale Hall, fitness also plays a vital role, with visitors encouraged to incorporate some exercise into their day – and try something new.

Led by fitness consultant and award winning trainer Dean Hodgkin, the timetable aims to offer something for everyone, with current classes including everything from Magical Musicals and Hula Hooping to Sunset Stretch and Studio Cycling.

The fitness team at Ragdale Hall is also the first UK spa-based team to offer Brainfit Workout; a session which brings mindfulness to exercise – something which is becoming increasingly important in today’s

Instructor Lois and Christina. hectic society.

Described as meditation in motion, the class combines mindful movement and breathing exercises with a guided meditation and this was the class I chose to try on my visit, as it sounded intriguing and definitely different to anything I’ve

done before for this feature.

The 45-minute class was led by instructor Lois and contained a group of ladies who were mostly new to the concept and as we set to work with a warm up, I was excited to see what it would involve as the combination of mindfulness and meditation – as well as movement – sounded like a great basis for a class.

The movement side of the class included some dance based exercises, as well as exercises such as squats and while we were moving, we were really encouraged to think about what we were doing.

If we felt comfortable, we could add in affirmations, such as ‘I feel positive’ or ‘I own my power’, helping us all to feel empowered and inspired to push that bit harder.

The class also involved some meditation, which was a chance to relax and let the stresses and strains of daily life fall away.

At first it was hard not to feel self conscious saying the affirmations out loud, as it’s not something you would usually be asked to do in a fitness class. But then this class is about so much more than physical fitness.

As the session went on, everyone in the group seemed to grow in confidence – including myself – and we found our voices and courage to say the words out loud.

And it really worked! It’s amazing what the power of positive thinking can actually do and how much of a difference repeating ‘My thighs are strong’ during squats does actually help you to keep going!

By the end, every participant had a smile on their faces and personally I felt relaxed, focused and full of positivity.

With mindfulness and mental health coming to the forefront of our industry, a class which focuses on keeping your brain fit as well as your body can only be a winner.

I really hope to see this workout on the timetables in gyms up and down the country over the coming months and if you’re looking for something different to offer to your members, which will help them increase their fitness and their confidence, this could be the perfect addition to your timetable.

Give it a try – you won’t fail to be inspired!

UK FITNESS SCENE

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Fitness industry is continuing to grow, report

By Christina Eccles

Be:Fit London took place at the Business Design Centre in Islington.

Be:Fit London is biggest and best festival yet FITNESS classes, inspirational talks and the chance to look around some of the industry’s hottest brands and products was on offer to visitors at this year’s Be:Fit London.

Taking place at the Business Design Centre in Islington, the event saw classes and talks from the likes of Clean Eating Alice and Girl Gains, as well as sessions from fitness brands including Equinox and Barry’s Bootcamp.

Marketing manager Rachel

Chatham: “This year was our biggest and best festival yet, and the feedback we have had has been absolutely incredible.

“It’s amazing to see all the work we have done building the female fitness community come together in one place, watching women support and encourage each other through their individual health and fitness journeys.

It is truly empowering to play such a big part in the current movement in women’s fitness.”

THE UK health and fitness industry is continuing to grow, according to the 2017 State of the UK Fitness Industry Report, which reveals this is being primarily driven from the private sector, which has more clubs, more members and a greater market value than ever before.

There are now over 9.7m fitness members in the UK, which has boosted the penetration rate to an alltime high of 14.9 per cent.

One in every seven people in the UK is a member of a gym.

The 2017 report highlights that the industry has experienced another year of impressive growth over the 12 month period to the end of March 2017, with increases of 4.6 per cent in the number of fitness facilities, 5.1 per cent in the number of members and 6.3 per cent in market value.

According to the findings, the low cost market has continued to be the main driving force behind the private sector growth over the last 12 months.

There are now over 500 low cost clubs, which account for 15 per cent of the market value, and an

“The signs are there that the industry is likely to hit several milestones in the next 12 months.” impressive 35 per cent of membership in the private sector.

The UK’s leading operators, in both the public and the private sectors (by number of clubs and members), remain the same as last year: Pure Gym and GLL, with 176 and 167 gyms, respectively.

Director of LeisureDB David Minton said: “It may be premature to call the period to 2020 “the golden age of fitness” but further growth will only be limited to the imagination of those pushing the boundaries.

“The signs are there that the industry is likely to hit several milestones in the next 12 months.

“The number of gyms is on course to go over 7,000 for the first time, total membership to exceed 10m, market value to reach £5b and the penetration rate should easily surpass 15 per cent.”

Advertiser’s announcement

Spirit Fitness reveals new strength and CV ranges after Elevate launch AFTER a very successful launch at Elevate 2017, Spirit Fitness is proud to announce the arrival of their new full commercial strength and CV ranges as well as a fully modular rig.

The feedback and interest of the rig and plate loaded chest press in particular were overwhelming.

The new rig features a wide variety of workout stations and is highly

configurable to suit just about any space. The ST900FTS rig offers a several options in a range of footprints to accommodate multiple users, including a wall mount, extended wall mount, bridge station and corner station.

As well as having a customisable footprint, there are multiple joint accessories such as a pull up station,

step-up platform, dip station and wall ball target.

Most of these accessories can be adjusted to accommodate different clients height, strength and ability.

To compliment the rig there are also Spirit Fitness dumbbells, weight plates, kettlebells, and medicine balls available.

The new strength ranges include

single station, dual station, plate loaded and a full series of benches.

Each piece of strength equipment is built using high-grade steel tubing and plating and incorporates ergonomically designed seat pads.

These aspects along with the aesthetics, makes each piece ideal for commercial settings blending style, function and efficiency.

For more info contact Spirit Fitness at info@spiritfitnessuk.co.uk or 01782 593533.

Alternatively, please visit our website www.spiritfitnessuk.co.uk

UK FITNESS SCENE

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Five basic Facebook mistakes to avoid...

By Dave Wright

respond, the more referrals you will get in the long run, and the longer your members will stay.

1. Don’t let the frequency rating of your ad get too high A high frequency rating will cost you more than you need to spend, and it will annoy your local community.

Don’t let your frequency of any one advert get above 1.9.

Pure World Energy has partnered with Everyone Active to help the operator make significant energy savings. PWE Micro Power Stations will be installed in a minimum of 20 Everyone Active leisure facilities over the next 12 months. These installations form part of Everyone Active’s energy management strategy to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions and will deliver anticipated savings of about £2m for the operator over a 10 year period, with no capital outlay or additional resource required from them. The first five sites set to benefit from a PWE Micro Power Station are already in planning and are due to be commissioned and operational by August.

BONUS: Don’t expect your social media to be your saviour In our industry we are motivating procrastinators. It actually makes marketing more strategic and enjoyable. But it absolutely means that a multi-faceted approach is key. Our prospects want ‘A SIGN’ to make the commitment to join your club. To create this we need an average of seven touches. That is buzz, guerrilla, community outreach all coupled with an ongoing social media approach.

2. Don’t just boost Of course it’s great to boost your posts but it is absolutely not the best way to get your message out into the community. Each message requires a different approach but local awareness, traffic and even lead generation adverts are a great starting point.

3. Don’t ignore your competition’s SM presence One of the greatest joys for marketing nerds (like those in the CFM offices) is the availability of amazing FB reports. Comparing posts, likes and especially engagement, comments and shares is a good starting point.

4. Don’t be lazy with your imagery It is easy to grab a quote online and whack it up. But good quality local images or videos of your members,

Dave Wright staff, classes, and community will help your organic reach. Run competitions for your members and staff to help create your content. If you do want a simple motivational quote use an app like Canva.

5. Don’t be slack on replying to messages This is simple; the quicker you

n Dave Wright is the CEO of CFM (Creative Fitness Marketing), CEO and creator of MYZONE, owner of the Feelgood Fitness and Voyage Fitness Club Chains, a former Board Director of UK Active and founder of the IOU. With offices in Chicago (US), Nottingham (UK) and Melbourne (Oz), Dave’s companies have worked directly with over 5,000 health clubs across 30 different countries, encouraging people to be more and stay more physically active. He may be contacted on Dave@myzone.org

UK FITNESS SCENE

Expanded National Fitness Day to hit high streets and workplaces

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By Christina Eccles

Liverpool is UK’s fittest city, claim

UKACTIVE has kicked off the countdown to National Fitness Day 2017, with the launch of a major new consumer social media campaign and renewed focus on taking activity into schools, workplaces and high streets. ukactive will work alongside two brand partners – retailer Argos and health insurance brand AXA PPP healthcare – ensuring this year’s event is more wide-reaching than ever.

Argos will seek to bring the power of physical activity on to high streets by utilising its large network of UK stores. Meanwhile, AXA PPP healthcare will work with its huge array of corporate partners to take activity into workplaces, ensuring even more people can share in the fun and enjoyment of National Fitness Day. The event, which takes place on September 27 – will also be supported with a new website, which will signpost to the thousands of active events taking place around the country.

Operators can register their National Fitness Day events on the site using the simple upload tool and users can then search for all activities which are in the vicinity of their postcode.

The website will also be the lynchpin for the National Fitness Day #Fitness2Me social media campaign,

LIVERPOOL has been named the fittest city in the UK following new research into fitness levels across the country.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults carried out by training and course provider Beabetteryou.com, found that people in Liverpool work out more than those in any other city in the UK, with 71 per cent of locals claiming to exercise at least once per week.

Manchester and London followed in second and third place with 66 per cent and 65 per cent of each city’s residents hitting the gym at least once a week.

Oxford came in fourth place, with 62 per cent of locals exercising at least once per week, while 59 per cent of those in Leeds do the same, completing the top five.

The research found Sheffield was the least active city in the UK, with just 19 per cent of residents sporting their trainers and exercising at least once per week.

Managing director of Be a Better You, Simon Bubb, said: “What I find interesting from the research is how we’re seeing such big variations from city to city.

“I am partly putting the fact that bigger cities such as Manchester, London and Liverpool boast higher fitness levels down to accessibility.”

where ukactive members will also be encouraged to get customers sharing their own Fitness2Me stories, adding a new element to the campaign and helping to grow their local social media reach. ukactive CEO Steven Ward said: “Partnerships with top tier brands like Argos and AXA PPP healthcare provide an excellent platform to spread the message of physical activity as widely as possible and reach unparalleled numbers of the British public.

“Bringing activity to the public in their schools, workplaces and high streets helps promote the fantastic benefits of activity first-hand.

National Fitness Day is a wonderful

opportunity to engage directly with the nation and demonstrate the value of physical activity in building a healthier society.”

Director of marketing, planning and brand strategy at Argos, Dan Elton added: “This will be the second year we have partnered with ukactive and we look forward to seeing many of our customers and colleagues getting involved in activity for National Fitness Day 2017.

“With our extensive range of health and fitness products, from Fitbits and Nutribullets to at-home fitness equipment including our exclusive Opti range, we’re well-placed to help people make positive changes to their lifestyles.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

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Advertiser’s announcement

According to current studies, EMS training is one of the “top trends” in the German fitness market. Whether in the traditional gym, in the so-called micro-studios or with a mobile coach – in Germany alone, around 190,000 people use it not only for medical purposes or for preparing for sports competitions, but as their personal and very efficient fitness training.

The special feature: a moderate use of electric impulses increases muscular contraction beyond the usual level, which leads to a stronger training stimulus. This allows EMS training to achieve better results in less time.

An interview with Whole Body-Electromyostimulation experts from the Institute of Medical Physics Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg How effective is Whole BodyElectromyostimulation compared with conventional exercise?

Although there are various ways to apply WB-EMS, most commercial providers see and apply this technology as a kind of resistancetype exercise. A recent study has demonstrated that in this approach WB-EMS is as effective in increasing muscle mass and reducing body fat as a High Intensity Resistance Training (HIT) defined as “single set to muscular failure+” protocol.

Interestingly, the effects on dynamic strength were slightly lower, whereas isometric strength was slightly higher after 16 weeks of WB-EMS. With respect to time-efficiency, both protocols were quite time effective, however with 1.5x20 min per week for WB-EMS, total exercise volume was considerably lower compared with 2-3x30 min per week when exercising conventionally (i.e. HIT) WB-EMS-training has regularly been presented as exercise without effort. Is this appropriate?

We don’t think this statement is appropriate. Even with passive application without relevant voluntary activity, the impulse intensity has to exceed muscle threshold for there to be an adaptation effect, and this generates a relevant strain for the user. However, since WB-EMS is a time-efficient method conducted with moderate to high (impulse) intensity and as most people perceive short and intense protocols as being less stressful compared with longer protocols with a low-moderate intensity, people may prefer WB-EMS in this context.

There are concerns that artificial stimulation by WB-EMS might not address general coordination and functional abilities, which are however the main outcomes older people look for.

We would totally agree with this argument in those cases where WB-EMS is applied in a passive mode, such as local EMS in the rehabilitation of injuries. However, most if not all recognized WB-EMS approaches apply WB-EMS during movements or even during specific exercises. This feature of superimposed EMS application additively increases the effect of voluntary activation on the neuromuscular system. We think this benefit of boosting an otherwise subthreshold voluntary activation is a key success factor for WB-EMS especially in functionally limited people.

Are there any risks or unintended side effects of WB-EMS-application?

With proper application of the exclusion criteria for WB-EMS and serious preparation of the session by the participant, we consider the risk as being even lower than in conventional resistance exercise due to the low orthopedic strain of WB-EMS. However, more is not always better. Thus, a careful introductory and conditioning phase starting with lower intensities and addressing body perception and impulse conditioning should be conducted by a well-trained instructor. It is crucial to avoid an exhausting WB-EMS application with high impulse intensity during the initial sessions, even if athletes may request a corresponding protocol. In our experience, the severe rhabdomyolysis following such a protocol is independent of the (resistance) exercise status of the user. Although these rhabdomyolysisinduced dramatic alterations of muscular parameters (e.g.

Creatinkinase, Myoglobin) did not induce cardiac, hepatic or nephrotic problems in our healthy, well prepared and supervised test cohort,

the consequences will be much more pronounced in less fit, less healthy and/or merely unprepared people.

In conclusion, effective and safe training is always a balancing act, as is the challenge of generating an effective but safe impulse intensity.

The right strategy for supervision and individualized training of WB-EMS becomes all the more paramount.

At present, most commercial WB-EMS providers claim that only one session 20-min a week is necessary for achieving relevant effects on various outcomes. Do you agree with this statement?

Generally yes. In most of our studies, we applied a slightly higher training frequency of 1.5x20 min per week (e.g. each Monday and every second Friday), however, in a recent study with older women with Sarcopenic Obesity, we reduced the frequency to one session per week and found only slightly lower effects on muscle mass and strength parameters compared with our standard protocol. Basic exercise science suggests that the most effective dose of training frequency correlates with the training status of the subject. On the other hand, the training break between adequately intense WB-EMS sessions should not fall below 3 days, indicating that a maximum of 2 sessions per week is the upper border of WB-EMS application.

Your team at the University of Erlangen has been focusing on WB-EMS for a decade now and is the leading institute in generating the consensus guideline on WB-EMS application. Can you recap the most important rules of WB-EMS application?

Well, some issues and topics touching on safe but effective application of WB-EMS have been already discussed. Apart from the careful assessment of eligibility criteria for WB-EMS application, this

includes the careful introduction and conditioning of users and, of course, the careful preparation by users themselves. However, all of these demands call for supervision and guidance by a well-trained and experienced WB-EMS instructor.

Thus, we strongly advise supervised WB-EMS training that focuses not only on the safe and effective WB-EMS session as such but also implements more sophisticated training aspects (e.g. progression, variation, periodization) in order to generate lasting effects. Further, due to the close interaction of instructor and applicant and the corresponding mutual trust, it would be desirable for the WB-EMS instructor to act as a real personal trainer, in other words also covering other health or fitness aspects which are important for the user. This requires in-depth training and regular skill enhancements of the instructors.

We think obligatory schooling with a mandatory schedule for WB-EMS instructors, as recently implemented by some recognized commercial WB-EMS providers, would be a step in the right direction. However, an even more intense, comprehensive and standardized training course would be preferable. In our guideline for WB-EMS application, we addressed some important topics of WB-EMS training. However, due the increasing popularity of WB-EMS along with more comprehensive application areas, it may be time to devise a mandatory education scheme for people who want to be WB-EMS instructors during a second round of the guidelines, needless to say in close liaison with recognized WB-EMS teaching institutions.

What do I have to know about WB-EMS as a (potential) user? What exclusion criteria should be heeded?

UK FITNESS SCENE

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Advertiser’s announcement

Continued from page 32 When applied seriously, WB-EMS is without doubt a safe, effective, and time-efficient method for favorably influencing musculoskeletal and cardiometabolic risk factors, fitness and physical appearance.

Although, as discussed above, the minimum effective dose of WB-EMS is quite low, only a regular and longer term attendance of WB-EMS classes generates the desired effect.

Even more important than for conventional exercise, pre- and post- session measures such as rehydration and regeneration are key.

This starts with adequate physical constitution and motivation, and sufficient pre-training hydration, and may finish with an adequate protein supplementation in order to generate optimum effects on muscle protein synthesis to maintain or increase muscle mass. With respect to exclusion criteria for WB-EMS we consider electronic implants, pregnancy or WB-EMS application on

or beneath wounds or fresh scars, and hernias as absolute contraindications.

However, due to the possibility of being able to stimulate dedicated regions, local application of nonaffected areas would be adequate in the latter cases. However, in cases of doubt finally a competent physician should decide whether WB-EMS training is uncritical. In this context, the German TÜV certification, i.e. the licensation of the WB-EMS provider by a recognized organization, which also includes cooperation with a corresponding physician ideally with experience in WB-EMS, is very welcome and may be a further step towards a higher level of quality of commercial WB-EMS application.

Whole body EMS is frequently proposed as a time-effective exercise technology for those in higher income brackets. What do you think, is this really the most relevant cohort for WB-EMS application?

We do not focus on economic aspects, but we do presume WB-EMS

Body composition and goal setting goes high tech ...

BODYANALYTICS’ Styku 3D scanning technology leverages body measurements to calculate body fat percentage with incredibly high precision.

Our fat analysis is 10 times more precise than calipers and more accurate than the gold standard dunk tank or Dexa technology – in addition, it is much more convenient, cheaper and less time consuming.

Scanning someone is simple. Users simply stand on the turntable and hold still for 30 seconds, while the platform rotates.

With its razor sharp high resolution infrared images, Styku technology captures millions of data points in a matter of seconds in a fast, non-invasive process.

The scan provides a rich 3D experience, where users can pan, rotate, and zoom the 3D model to see the body from any angle.

At subsequent scans, progress can clearly be seen via graphical charts and scan-on-scan comparisons.

Built on the Microsoft Kinect V2, the world’s most powerful 3D Camera, the scanner extracts millions of data points in less than 30 seconds.

Body composition and goal setting goes high tech.

It is available as a ‘pop up’ service at gyms across London currently and on a clinic basis for individuals in the City and West End.

application is the least expensive personal training, at least what we are aware of. WB-EMS is definitely a particularly time-efficient and jointfriendly overall exercise strategy with low demands on physical fitness. These features enable a very comprehensive application.

Compared with its peer, conventional resistance exercise training, WB-EMS may offer even more fields of application at least when a dynamic EMS mode is considered. However, we think the most relevant target group of WB-EMS are people who are either unable or simply unwilling to exercise conventionally. This includes people with orthopedic limitations, low fitness levels or subjects with generally low enthusiasm for exercise.

Our research primarily addresses the cohort of older sedentary adults with musculoskeletal (e.g.

Sarcopenia, Osteoporosis) or/ and cardiometabolic (e.g. Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome) risk factors and diseases. Initiated by the generation

of the WB-EMS guidelines, the German researchers has proposed working together more closely in order to systematically identify and address new areas of (WB-EMS) research. Considering the high potential of WB-EMS and even the start of international research activities on this technology we are sure that we can expect very exciting results during the next years. n Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg - Institute of Medical Physics n First studies on EMS training already in 2008 subject to research so far (selected) - the effectiveness of EMS training in the elderly sector - different EMS frequencies - the combination of EMS with endurance training - grossly negligent application of EMS training and its consequences on health - comparison between HIT strength training and EMS training

TECHNOLOGY

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Platform launched to enable ‘know-how’ to be easily shared

The PayAsUGym team celebrate their Best Health and Fitness Innovation award success.

Photo credit: Simon Callaghan Photography

A NEW platform has launched to help experts such as yoga teachers share their knowledge more easily.

The 121with platform enables the sharing and receiving of expertise primarily via one-on-one live video sessions. After a one-to-one session, direct and instant payments are made to the ‘provider’ by the ‘seeker’ through Stripe, 121with’s third party payment merchant.

121with joint managing director Tom Stokely said: “Everyone has knowledge. Whether that’s gained through hobbies, experience, education, effort or circumstance, both qualified and life skills have a place on 121with. We believe yoga, meditation and stress relief tips and advice will prove particularly popular.

“Not everybody has time to attend to classes and suchlike – and some people prefer to learn in a more bespoke way that is suited to their lifestyle and personality.”

121with joint managing director Alex Valentine added: “Unlike generic and pre-recorded video tutorials on YouTube, 121with is exploiting the interactive and personalised benefits that live video delivers. In turn, 121with enables know-how to be shared at a much better cost to traditional routes – with cost savings to both seeker and provider.

“For example, a yoga teacher will usually charge a rounded-up hourly rate for a client consultation, yet often the appointment can be adequately covered in less time.

“By charging per minute on the 121with platform, the seeker can pay only for the time they need. For the nutritionist, using the 121with platform will mean their costs are reduced – unpaid travel time and travel expenses to a client’s own premises or the need for office space or dedicated space within their own home are not necessary, for instance.”

PayAsUGym wins award for its Monthly+ Pass ONLINE fitness marketplace PayAsUGym has won the Best Health and Fitness Innovation award at Elevate after convincing an expert judging panel it offered the most innovative service they had seen in the fitness industry this year.

PayAsUGym won the innovation award specifically for the launch of its Monthly+ Pass which enables gym operators to tap into the fast-growing multi-club member market by listing their club within the PayAsUGym marketplace.

Key to the success of the Monthly+ Pass is the control PayAsUGym has given to gym operators via its Partner Portal which enables them to set and manage the price of the Monthly+ Pass at a premium above their own membership rate, which reflects the value of the increased flexibility the customer requires.

This also means single club users will always find it cheaper to join a single club directly.

PayAsUGym then leverages the scale of its network to carry out national scale marketing to appeal to people that don’t want single club membership and gives them access to all the clubs in the PayAsUGym network.

Co-Founder of PayAsUGym Neil Harmsworth said: “I’m delighted that the fitness industry has recognised PayAsUGym as an innovative, effective and sustainable way for operators to attract new members into their clubs.

“We have worked extremely closely with our gym partners to develop a service which ensures all parties genuinely benefit from the service we provide and this award is fantastic recognition of that work.”

Gymgoers at a facility in Wigan are to benefit from the latest in Technogym equipment and technology, following a £350,000 investment. Wigan Life Centre will become one of the first centres in the UK to use Technogym’s Skillrow, developed in collaboration with Olympic athletes to provide a realistic feeling of being on water. Skillmill and Excite Climb will also be used for the first time in Inspiring healthy lifestyles’ centres in the borough.

The mywellness cloud will also be introduced, allowing members to build their own programmes, take part in gym challenges and track their training inside and outside of the gym, linking with up to 10 apps and providing a full fitness experience.

Manager Andrew Hewitt is pictured with Wigan Council chief executive Donna Hall, Inspiring healthy lifestyles managing director Pete Burt and assistant manager Ricky Worthington.

TECHNOLOGY

Virtual races – helping you to support your favourite charity

By Adrian Hon VIRTUAL races might sound like something out of a sci-fi film, but think less Tron and more charity funruns and you’ll be closer to the mark.

The idea is pretty straightforward: By syncing up your run with the charity’s app you can complete your race from anywhere in the world.

Aside from saving charities a logistical headache, virtual running apps also inject a bit of fun and drama into your run by wrapping it in an immersive story.

You are no longer Helen from Holborn, you are Agent 11, chasing down bad guys and saving the day.

Saving the day for charities This isn’t some futuristic, Blade Runner-esque idea we’re talking about here, virtual races have already happened.

Earlier this year, Macmillian Cancer Support launched their “Spy Virtual Race”, asking runners to take on the part of a secret agent in order to save the world while running 10k. The British Science Association also launched their “Run the Solar System” virtual race in the same month, allowing people to explore the

solar system as they ran.

So, contrary to expectations, rather than technology preventing people taking part in charity runs, it’s being used to invigorate, enthuse, and engage new and experienced runners alike.

By injecting some drama through well written stories people are actually becoming more motivated to run, pushing themselves that little bit harder. They stop focusing on running itself and start playing this fun role.

Virtual training on your schedule The big question at the moment is how gyms will adapt to this technological revolution.

Gym membership has been steadily growing over the last few years as people become increasingly aware of the many long-term health benefits of exercise. In the UK alone the number of people with a gym membership has exceeded 9m for the first time in history. That’s over 14 per cent of the total population.* As membership grows, gyms will be expected to continue to add value for their members. Space will always be limited, so the more people who sign up to a gym, the longer the wait

Adrian Hon for equipment. Even if you manage to find a quiet time at your local gym, there is no guarantee of being able to book someone for a one-to-one coaching session. But virtual fitness apps are changing the game.

Imagine being able to load up your virtual personal trainer on your smartphone whether it’s 4am on a beach in Cancun or 2pm in your living room in Hackney. They’d give you special tips and motivate you to complete your workout on your schedule, not whenever you can book a slot.

Track and save your progress, work towards personal goals, you can even engage in a bit of friendly

competition – whatever you need to keep yourself motivated.

Even when you’re in the gym, phone apps could make your workout more interesting. Instead of staring yourself down in the mirror while listening to endless Ed Sheeran, you could be outrunning zombies across the deserted streets of post-apocalyptic London or exploring historic cities around the world.

There are many benefits of virtual runs and fitness apps, but one thing they all have in common is that they fit around you – not the other way around. Work when you want to work, train when you want to train, and access truly game-changing fitness apps whenever you need a boost!

It only seems a matter of time before gyms jump on the bandwagon to create branded apps that add real value for their customers. The question is, who will get there first? n Adrian Hon is CEO of Six to Start. Six to Start are co-creators of Zombies, Run! – the world’s most popular smartphone fitness game with 250,000 active players, 30m km logged online, and 200+ epic missions. * Source: leisuredb.com

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TECHNOLOGY

Operator’s ‘actilife’ programme wins top leisure industry award

By Christina Eccles STOCKPORT based operator Life Leisure has won a top national award for its actilife workplace initiative, which uses technology to build more physical activity into participants’ everyday lives.

The charitable trust was presented with the Engaging Inactive People prize at the Sporta Awards 2017 in recognition of its campaign to bring its ‘actilife’ technology to office workers who felt too unfit to exercise.

The three-month programme combined Life Leisure’s innovative online actilife programme, which syncs with wearable technology and activity tracker apps, and provided remote coaching and challenges following an initial 30-minute consultation with all participants.

Participants were also given free passes for Life Leisure facilities to encourage them to get more active.

Actilife was developed following research by ukactive and Greenwich University, which showed the effectiveness of coaching over traditional gym-based exercise programmes for inactive populations.

Life Leisure recruited 405 people to the programme in 15 workplaces from both public and private sector organisations. Most of them had participated in less than 30 minutes of activity a week when they started.

75 per cent of them stuck with the programme for three months, and 66 per cent of those had stepped up their activity to three sessions of 30 minutes a week.

At the end of the programme, participants were doing a variety of activities, including regular rambling, park runs and 10k races. One was even inspired to become a Zumba instructor.

Actilife has proven so successful that

“We are so proud to win this award, which recognises the very real benefits that our actilife programme has already brought to people in workplaces all over Stockport.”

The team from Life Leisure celebrate their Engaging Inactive People prize at the Sporta Awards 2017 in recognition of its ‘actilife’ initiative. since the project began, two further benefits that our actilife programme North West Leisure Trusts in Wigan has already brought to people in and Cheshire East have adopted the workplaces all over Stockport. initiative as a mechanism for tackling “We are building on this work with inactivity. a wider Stockport corporate physical Physical activity and health manager activity challenge with the NHS, CCG, at Life Leisure Michelle Childs said: Stockport Council and businesses in “We are so proud to win this award, the area, competing to see who can which recognises the very real be the most active in 2017.”

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TECHNOLOGY

Your people are the key to digital success ...

By Leon Rudge WHENEVER I discuss or demonstrate what digital fitness is, I talk about it as two elements.

The first is capability; this is the hardware, software and equipment that enable a company to provide its exercisers with a digital experience.

The second part is leadership which is the strategy, procedures, processes, people and performance indicators that make digital experience work.

It’s important to view your digital experience in these two elements as they are the key to success. You can develop and purchase any amount of digital capability but without a solid leadership element in place, it simply will not work.

I spend numerous hours in numerous countries visiting numerous gyms and in almost all cases where a digital experience exists, it is under performing.

In some cases, it’s down to the capability where the hardware or software just isn’t good enough or doesn’t align with the corporate goal but more often it’s down to the leadership.

Let’s assume for one moment that you have a digital experience that is perfect for your business. Even with such a perfect fit, without the leadership in place it will most probably fail. In order to make any digital fitness experience work you need to ensure the entire team are able to create awareness of the solutions, engage the members to ensure they are maximising its usage and ensure there is constant communication with the members to create sustained use.

The leadership element needs to span across the entire business.

For instance, if a mobile app is part of your digital experience your membership team should ensure its part of the sales pitch. When a member joins and fills out the paperwork, your team should be helping the new member download the app and log in. The induction should include how to use the app in its entirety so the member is comfortable engaging with the app and your team should be targeted to make it work.

Using metrics to track awareness, engagement and sustained use is critical to success. The membership

Leon Rudge team should be monitored for the number of downloads versus number of new joiners, the gym team should be monitored by the number of interactions with the app, how many programs were created using the app, how many bookings were made, how many interactions were made across the app etc. It’s essential to monitor the metrics that are important to your business success and not just a number for numbers sake.

As our industry continues to

evolve into a digital industry, it’s also important to ensure your teams don’t fear digital. I have genuinely seen trainers, for instance, stating they aren’t going to promote the company app for fear of their role becoming obsolete. Your teams need to understand that your digital experience is purely a compliment to your physical experience and an essential part of your future. Getting the teams out of the offices and into the business is essential; your members aren’t going to just use something and continue to use it.

In the same way you would show a member how to use the TRX or the Olympic bar on the gym floor, we need to ensure we are engaged in the digital products too.

Having the capability is one thing but in my experience, it won’t work without the processes, procedure and performance indicators that raise awareness, maintain engagement and encourage the sustained use of your digital experience. Without leadership, the capability is probably a waste of money. n Leon Rudge is director – digital experience at ISBU, Life Fitness.

TECHNOLOGY

With trends constantly changing, Matt Clements from Debit Finance Collections look at how clubs can move with the times and improve the member experience

Simplify the member experience and keep up with latest trends DOESN’T it often feel like 24 hours in the day is just not enough?

Then take it as a doubleedged sword of sorts that you’re not alone. In fact, I can guarantee that a large chunk of your members struggle equally to scrape free time into their daily lives.

It therefore stands to reason that the key to onboarding and retaining them involves simplifying their gym experience from the start.

Striding into the 21st Century Take the joining process. Your customers don’t want to take a portion out of their day to set up a Direct Debit in branch when they can do it far more conveniently online.

Thankfully, the introduction of paperless mandates has opened up a world of possibilities for leisure facilities and their members alike.

Online Direct Debit joining up forms, like Debit Finance’s FastDD, have been instrumental in encouraging more people to get down to the gym.

Accessibility is a major factor in this. The dawning of

apps and online technology gives people easy access to a wealth of information at their fingertips.

Signing up to the gym really needn’t be a hassle – systems like FastDD can be accessed 24/7 and errors picked up instantly, removing the need for any back and forth.

Giving customers a break In fact, the lack of complication is arguably one of the greatest things about Direct Debit.

Beyond initial setup and monitoring thereafter, the customers can sit back and put their feet up.

Even when issues do arise, technology has an answer for it!

Take our My Payments solution, which we created with the intention of making members’ lives easier when a payment defaults.

Integrated into many of our leisure clients apps, members can quickly login and rectify issues wherever they are, saving them the hassle of drawn-out phone calls or trips to the bank.

Beyond this, they will have constant access to their account, helping them maintain track of outgoing payments and continually monitor their records.

It’s this kind of payment flexibility that gives gyms the edge over their competitors.

Simplifying your service Direct Debit offers a solution to all manner of cashflow issues and we regularly see companies make the switch from arduous collection methods like standing order when administration gets the better of them.

In fact, any time saved through streamlining your cashflow is time that can be poured into improving your customer service, and the sheer convenience of Direct Debit will actually encourage members to use your facilities. n Find out more about Debit Finance Collections at www. debitfinance.co.uk

Sports and fitness technology experts Polar have announced a new brand ambassador – double Olympian Eilish McColgan. The appointment of the sports star comes at a monumental time for Eilish, who represented Great Britain in the 3,000m Steeplechase at the London Olympics in 2012, reached the final of the 5,000m at last summer’s Rio Olympic Games and recently won Bronze over 3,000m at the European Indoor Championships in Belgrade. She is currently training for the IAAF World Championships in London this summer. Marketing director at Polar, Lucy Johnson, said: “Eilish is a perfect ambassador for the Polar brand – a brilliant athlete whose gutsy, resilient approach to training and competition is a massive inspiration to other runners. We’re incredibly excited to be working with her in such an exciting year for both Eilish and the Polar brand.”

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BODYPOWER REVIEW

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This year’s BodyPower Expo included a CrossFit competition, several live bodybuilding shows and an exhibition of more than 450 leading international brands.

Organisers celebrate as ninth show attracts record crowds

By Christina Eccles

ORGANISERS of BodyPower Expo are celebrating another successful show, which included a massive CrossFit competition, several live bodybuilding shows, an exhibition of over 450 leading international brands and appearances from the most famous fitness athletes in the world.

95,953 visitors turned out for a bumper ninth edition of the show, with continued diversification of the event including the more commercial fitness focused BodyPower Active area and the growth of competitions like the BodyPower Games CrossFit offering.

Athletes such as boxer Chris Eubank

Jr. and social media star Calum von Moger dominated the chat amongst visitors,and they were joined at the top of the billing by the likes of Steve Cook, Nikki Blackketter, Dana Linn Bailey, Kai Greene, Rich Piana and legendary four time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler, returning to the show after a one-year absence.

Founder and CEO of BodyPower, Nick Orton, said: “I’ve been approached by so many athletes, brands and visitors who tell me that this show is the only fitness expo in the world that they wouldn’t miss. I think that sentiment is testament to the quality of the event which seems to reach new heights every year.

“It’s difficult to pick our highlights

but we’ve had some landmark events within the show this year including the PCA Super Series, taking bodybuilding down the same route as darts with a more glamorous offering, and some quality sessions and talks that drew huge crowds.

“Plans are already underway to improve the expo for 2018 for what will be our 10th anniversary.”

Since the first BodyPower Expo in 2009, almost half a million people have experienced the unique, inspirational atmosphere that the event generates, providing visitors with celebration of everything positive about fitness.

In addition to the interactive theatres which held live workouts,

demonstrations, educational seminars, workshops and Q&A sessions, BodyPower Expo also welcomed a range of exhibitors and brands to the event – many of whom brought along their sponsored athletes. From fitness apparel brands to nutritional supplements suppliers, much of the floor space was covered with businesses offering free samples, running demonstrations and holding have-a-go competitions for visitors to get involved in.

In 2018, BodyPower will be celebrating its 10th anniversary, with a landmark event at the NEC from May 11 to 13. Ticket information will be announced over the coming weeks.

Client compliance key for retention, says PT

By Christina Eccles

Fitness icons such including Steve Cook and Shaun Stafford appeared on the Optimum Nutrition stand. Steve is pictured above with Workout editor Christina Eccles.

Fans flock to try new products on Optimum Nutrition stand OPTIMUM Nutrition enjoyed a successful BodyPower, which saw thousands of visitors flock to the stand for athlete meet and greet opportunities and the chance to sample some new products.

Head of consumer advocacy, John Corcoran, said: “As a global leader in exercise nutrition, BodyPower served as a strong platform to engage with our loyal consumers in the UK and those who wanted to learn more about our brand.

In this our 30th anniversary year, we went all-out to create a Gold Standard brand experience taking

visitors through a Pre-Intra-Post journey on how our Gold Standard range can help them achieve their goals.

“We ran a very popular Meet the Expert activation with pre-booked one-to-one slots with a range of Team ON athletes to get tailored training and nutrition tips, as well getting the chance to meet and get pictures with fitness icons such as Steve Cook and Shaun Stafford.

“Big thanks to the more than 13,000 consumers and fitness professionals who queued to spend time with Optimum Nutrition.”

CLIENT compliance is the key to retention, according to a top personal trainer, who was among the speakers at this year’s BodyPower.

Phil Learney spoke to delegates about retention, compliance and results; advising them to get to know the people they are working with, their habits and their lifestyles in order to find training and nutrition advice which works for them.

He believes that instead of adopting a one-size-fits-all policy, PTs should offer a more tailored approach to each individual client’s needs; which will make them more likely to comply with any adjustments to their diet or training.

And once they are happy to comply, they will see results – and then want to carry on.

He explained: “Before you think about retaining clients, you have to get them on board. People need to get to know you.

“If they won’t stop and have a conversation with you, they won’t stop and have personal training with you.

“People do not follow something because they are unfamiliar with it.

“People do not join gyms because they are unfamiliar.

So make it familiar and make it comfortable.”

You have to work with their lifestyle and what people want. Client compliance and client retention is roughly the same thing.”

Phil also said that personal trainers need to be relatable to their clients and should be focusing on making them feel comfortable rather than making themselves look good on social media.

He added: “How many elite athletes are members of gyms? They do not come into conventional gyms. If you are a strength and conditioning coach, you probably do not want to be in a commercial gym. 90 per cent of the people you deal with just want to look better.

“We work in a service based industry. People are not buying your qualifications; they are buying your service.

“People do not join gyms because they are unfamiliar. So make it familiar and make it comfortable.”

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The impact of new health and safety sentencing guidelines

By Joe Ryan

turnover of £4.8b, pleaded guilty to three breaches of relevant health and safety regulations for a series of uncontrolled and unexpected gas releases at one of its offshore installations.

Although nobody was actually injured, the court found that the lives of 66 workers were in danger had an ignition occurred.

The company was found guilty of three breaches of regulation and fined £3,000,000 – £1,000,000 for each offence.

The case of ConocoPhillips demonstrates the dramatic shift in the landscape of health and safety sentencing that the guidelines have brought about – a breach of health and safety regulations which did not result in injury may have previously attracted a fine in the tens of thousands, as opposed to millions.

AS a new gym owner, a sensible approach to health and safety doesn’t have to be complicated but demonstrating compliance and meeting the essential health and safety requirements will prevent accidents or harm coming to your employees or users of your facility, as well as avoid the need to pay compensation.

New legislation Health and safety laws are in place to provide protection to you, employees and users of your facility.

In February 2016, the new sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences came into force.

The new guidelines reiterate that health and safety offences are concerned with failures to manage risks to health and safety and did not require proof that the offences caused any actual harm.

Guidelines also state that ‘the fine must be sufficiently substantial to have a real economic impact which will bring home to both management and shareholders the need to operate within the law.’

Joe Ryan Guidelines in practice The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that ConocoPhillips (UK) Limited became the first very large organisation to be convicted and sentenced under the new regime.

The company, which has a

Steps to take Training your workforce has never been more important. Why would you want your employees to operate to a level which is deemed substandard?

Not only do businesses place individual workers at risk, they also risk the safety of their dependencies

and that of the reputation of their business.

As a company director of a leisure facility, you are accountable for leading the management of risk across your business and ensuring appropriate arrangements are in place to manage them.

You should also ensure that risk controls are planned, your employees are trained and mitigation arrangements put into effect.

By undertaking a review, you can assess the requirements for competence throughout your workforce.

This will include competencies in skills and records required to perform work, and function-specific technical competencies.

Proof of suitability must also be defined, ensuring all your contractors and employees are in possession of the correct documentation to work.

Verification of competency should be identified through an appropriate ‘job safety analysis’ or a training matrix and should be tested through the Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) submission. n Joe Ryan is managing director at RDHS Limited.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

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Next phase for leisure centre’s redevelopment

By Christina Eccles

A swimathon run by the Rotary Club of Skegness – and held at Fresh Fitness Pool – has raised over £10,000 for charity. About 100 swimmers took turns to swim in relay to raise the money, which will be put towards the provision of defibrillators in Skegness and the Rotary International project of Polio Eradication. Fresh Fitness manager Mark Belton said: “What a massive achievement from all. We are so pleased how well the event went on the day and how many local people got involved. Having been involved with so many different charity events to help raise money for various causes, it’s astounding how such a large figure has been raised on this occasion and we’re so delighted to have contributed.”

Coached people more likely to be physically active, research finds PEOPLE who are coached are more likely to be physically active and lead healthier lifestyles, according to data from the 10 years of Active People Survey.

Secondary analysis of the Sport England survey found that coached participants are more likely to engage in sport or physical activity for at least 30 minutes on three or more days a week and have a better diet compared to non-coached participants.

The research suggests coaching plays a part in encouraging people to be more active and in improving an individual’s experience of sport and physical activity.

Mark Gannon, chief executive officer of UK Coaching, which has recently re-branded from Sports Coach UK to address a wider remit, said: “I am delighted to unveil UK

Coaching to the sport and physical activity landscape. In this new era for coaching we are talking to a more diverse audience and delivering on a larger scale. Our new name truly reflects our purpose and goals.”

Head national coach for Men’s Artistic Gymnastics and current UK Coaching Awards coach of the year Eddie Van Hoof MBE added: “It’s great to see research that suggests those who are coached are leading healthier lifestyles.

“Obviously coaching is a hugely important aspect of sport and physical activity. And I know from my time as coach of the British men’s gymnastics team what kind of experiences – sometimes euphoric – coaching can lead to. Equally it is encouraging to see coaching noticed for its wider benefits on society.”

A REDEVELOPMENT of Cheltenham Leisure Centre is gathering pace as the project enters the next phase of an ambitious plan.

The Cheltenham Trust, which manages and develops Leisure at Cheltenham on behalf of Cheltenham Borough Council, has appointed development partner Alliance Leisure to conduct detailed design work under the new UK Leisure Framework, as part of a five-year strategy to encourage greater participation across all trust venues by local people and attract visitors to the town.

This phase one development aims to meet the growing and changing demands on the facilities at Leisure at Cheltenham.

The proposals include extending the gym to expand the health and fitness offer, increasing the centre’s capacity to meet the needs of health-related activities, such as GP referral and

physiotherapy programmes.

Two of the centre’s five squash courts will be converted into two new studios, while the sports changing area will be upgraded with the inclusion of new sauna and steam room facilities.

The project also includes the conversion of the existing health suite into an aquatics play space, developing and extending the aquatics opportunities for families with young children and allowing the commercial hire of the space for children’s parties.

The project is being funded by a loan of up to £1.5m from Cheltenham Borough Council.

CEO of The Cheltenham Trust, Julie Finch, said: “We know that this project is just the start of the development of what will be an absolute game changer as the Sport and Play Hub develops and the Trust creates a regional destination which will be open not only to the people of Cheltenham but people far and wide.”

Martin Long, Dave Whelan, Matthew Sharpe and Scott Best.

Group strengthens with appointment THE DW Group has strengthened its business with the appointment of Martin Long as its new CEO. Martin led the successful acquisition of Fitness First for the DW Group in September 2016 and has now accepted the opportunity to head up the group.

He has extensive experience in both the fitness and retail sectors, most recently spending eight years as CEO of LA Fitness.

He said: “I’m delighted to be leading the DW Group.

“I will be ably supported by Scott Best who will head up fitness, and Matthew Sharpe who will continue to head up retail, plus our newly expanded senior team.

“Combining DW Sport’s pedigree in retail and fitness with the experience and strength of the Fitness First brand signals exciting times ahead for the group.”

UK FITNESS SCENE As lifestyles get more hectic and people look to escape the stresses and strains of day to day life, relaxing and re-energising fitness retreats are growing in popularity. In a special feature, Workout speaks to some of the trendsetters and finds out why a wellness escape is at the top of so many holiday wishlists.

Retreats offer something to suit all goals

PROMISING everything from weight loss to relaxation to increased fitness levels, whatever your goal, somewhere in the world there is a retreat for you.

Providing the perfect escape from everyday life, retreats offer visitors the chance to get away from it all, meet new friends and even change their mindsets; all in beautiful surroundings and engaging with like-minded people.

And while some bootcamp-style breaks offer a hardcore training environment, other retreats have found their niche by embracing a slower pace of life.

Nici Hewitson is founder of The Well Connected; a company which offers, laid back, luxury yoga retreats in the Lake District.

She explained: “We set up The Well Connected because we ourselves wanted a yoga retreat that was luxurious, but not punishing.

“We have no extremes; the focus is on rest, nourishment, relaxation, enrichment, all in gorgeous surroundings and it’s being well received.

“We find most of our guests come to us because they want a break – to breathe and to rest – and not to attend a wellness retreat where they will be deprived or put through their paces.”

Fitness professional Sarah Stemp is currently organising a Gentle Reboot Retreat, which is taking place in Devon, and she has also noticed a trend for people looking for a break to help them relax and refocus.

She added: ”I found that with personal training, I really wanted to spend more time with my clients.

“I started to feel if I could spend three days with them, I could really help them get to their health, wellbeing and fitness goals.

“The idea behind Gentle Reboot is taking three days out to come to a warm, supportive environment. We’re looking at the whole person from sleep to food to how hormones affect you.

I’m really excited – I’ve had a lot of interest.”

Sarah Stemp

Sunflower Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica.

As city lifestyles get more stressful, attending a retreat can also provide a well needed chance to unplug and benefit from a ‘digital detox.’

And as the public become increasingly eco aware, retreats which give something back to local economies and environments are also becoming more popular.

Sunflower Yoga Retreats’ Danny Watkinson added: “Lifespans are growing and more people are thinking about their health and wellbeing in general, so it’s no surprise that retreats that specifically focus on this are growing.

“The technological revolution which has bought smartphones, tablets, and super fast internet also means that life tends to move at a much quicker pace than it did 20 or 30 years ago, which can be incredibly stressful for middle aged and older people, but also millennials as well.

“A lot of fitness and health retreats tend to offer an escape from this as they – ourselves included – try to take as much of an “unplugged” approach as possible, meaning that if you wish to you can completely disconnect yourself from the world and truly focus on relaxation.

“I also think that the growth in consciousness about environmental issues is partially helping to fuel the growth in fitness retreats, as many of them tend to be more eco friendly in their approach than larger, chain hotels and package holidays. “[These are] things that resonate with a lot of people and fitness professionals can tap into this trend by offering a solution to these issues.”

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TRAINING AND EDUCATION

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A award winning health club and spa has appointed a new operations manager. Mark Rimmer has joined the team at the club and spa at Cadbury House in Congresbury, with a remit to further improve the service levels on offer to members.

Club director Jason Eaton said: “Mark’s enthusiasm is obvious to see and he’s already brought about some subtle changes that have made a difference to the way the team operate and what members and hotel guests experience. The health sector is constantly changing and as the best health club in the UK it’s important we evolve our offer inline with people’s expectations.”

Jason Eaton is pictured left with Mark Rimmer.

Hatton Boxing launches inaugural masterclass HATTON Boxing is holding its first ever masterclass on Friday July 7 in Manchester.

The event, which is being held at The Point at Emirates Old Trafford, is a high intensity training event for boxing for fitness enthusiasts, run by Hatton’s master trainers.

The day-long session (10am to 3pm) will allow instructors to add to their repertoire whilst providing a taste of what to expect for those interested in completing a qualification through Hatton Academy.

Any masterclass attendee subsequently booking a Hatton Academy course will have their event

entry fee deducted from their course fee.

Hatton Boxing Academy founder and managing director Jon Eade said: “The popularity of boxing for fitness is growing rapidly, so we wanted to give trainers and coaches the opportunity to learn from our expertise in boxing, so they can in turn deliver the best training sessions possible for their clients.”

Priced at just £40, the event will be restricted to a limited number of attendees and is a not-to-be-missed opportunity.

To book a place on the masterclass, visit hattonboxingmasterclass.com or contact Hatton Boxing on 0161 368 0113.

Technology – The key to providing an enhanced member experience TECHNOLOGICAL innovation and an enhanced consumer experience has helped the UK health and fitness industry to gain greater market value over the past year. This increase shows encouraging growth and highlights the true value of the health and fitness sector to the UK economy.

However, the IBISWorld group, one of the UK’s most trusted independent sources of industry and market research, recently took a closer look at the current status of the gym industry in the UK recently and it was noted that although the industry increased its revenues over the last five years, the entry of many new low-cost ‘budget’ gyms now poses a real threat to the health of existing gyms, which have already been operating in a highly competitive environment.

The retention battle In this environment, retaining members is crucial if independent gyms are to survive. The challenge lies around the level of support and resource that is required by each gym member, to ensure they receive an enhanced consumer experience, reach their goals and stay motivated and on track. As a membership base grows, the challenge is magnified. The level of resource warranted is simply not realistic for many independent clubs fighting against low cost alternatives.

ClubWise has played a huge part

in bringing fresh technology, vision and innovation into the fitness industry, allowing the smaller gyms and clubs the opportunity to embrace the technological and member experience revolution, with scalable and cost effective solutions.

Owner of ClubWise Julian Matthews said: “It’s important not only for customers but for the industry in general, that we continue to innovate and look ahead at technologies that can simplify the means of how clubs operate and assist in creating more stimulating member experiences, which allow clubs to compete and sustain membership growth.“ FitSense, the latest innovation from ClubWise, is a member app that has been developed to boost retention through continued effective engagement, that fully integrates with the ClubWise system. It’s club branded, simple to set up and will generate increased revenue and happier, more engaged members.

FitSense provides clubs with the ability to digitally connect with their members regularly and facilitates regular, quality interactions designed to keep the member engaged and on track, as well as providing crucial data insights into individual member activity.

For a no obligation demonstration, contact us on 01844 348300, email: info@clubwise. com or visit www.clubwise.com/fitsense

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

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Pass on your skills and knowledge to workers

Lorraine Hutton started her career at the Bannatyne Health Club Ayr as a receptionist.

ATTENTION to all fitness professionals!

Consider passing on your skills and knowledge to learners through tutoring and assessing and complete the ACTIVE IQ L3 Award in Education and Training.

Once completed you can work in association with Next Generation Training and deliver fitness courses to your own learners.

We also support our tutors and assessors through continued training and internal verification visits to ensure you are delivering the best to learners.

Worried about teaching theory? You shouldn’t be because Next Generation Training will provide learners with e-learning and hard copy manuals, leaving you to just teach practical,

complete assessments, invigilate theory exams, assess portfolios and generally mentor your learners.

We are looking for tutors nationwide within the UK and are offering great financial rewards.

Start your teaching and assessing journey today and enrol onto the ACTIVE IQ L3 Award in Education and Training for just £299.

Help us raise standards within the industry and produce the Next Generation of fitness professionals!

Contact us on 0845 299 3008, info@nextgenerationtraining.co.uk or visit www.nextgeneration training.co.uk/work-for-us

Bannatyne Group appoints new manager for Dumfries Business adds to its board THE Bannatyne Group has promoted a loyal member of staff to a new role as a general manager.

Lorraine Hutton has been with the group for more than a decade, starting her career at the Bannatyne Health Club Ayr as a receptionist.

Having impressed the bosses, her hard work was rewarded with a promotion to member supervisor before progressing into managerial positions.

In her new role as the general manager of the Dumfries site, Lorraine will be responsible for

overseeing the running of the club, which last year received an investment of £750,000 to upgrade and improve its facilities, including the installation of brand new interactive equipment.

She said: “I’ve been with the Bannatyne Group for more than 10 years now and know that each club has its own wonderful community of members.

“I’m really looking forward getting to know the clientele at Dumfries and helping them meet their individual fitness goals.”

BOUTIQUE business Digme Fitness has confirmed several additions to its board of directors, which will be led by Rupert Lowe, who was recently appointed non-executive chairman.

The company, which offers indoor cycling and HIIT classes, is expanding rapidly after opening its third site in Moorgate to add to locations in Richmond-uponThames and Oxford.

A fourth, in Blackfriars station, will launch this summer, and ambitious

plans for future expansion will see further sites added in London and beyond over the next few years.

The new appointments are chief financial officer Steve Phillips, Akshata Murty and Robert Rowland.

Rupert said: “I am delighted to join the board of Digme and look forward to working with Geoff and Caoimhe Bamber and their management team to bring a better, more enjoyable, community-driven, fitness methodology to London and other parts of the country.”

Retreat offers fitness, sunshine and eating great healthy food ARE you someone that loves fitness, sunshine and eating great healthy food?

Then our Ibiza health and fitness retreat may be for you!

Richard Morris, who runs the retreats, said: “A typical start to our days would be an early morning HIIT session on the kitted out astro turfed rooftop of the villa, offering panoramic views of Ibiza town.

After a healthy breakfast to re-fuel your body we head out for a daily walk to take in some of the beautiful scenery and fantastic views the island has to offer.

“After lunch we spend the afternoon chilling on the beach or by the pool, before taking on the second metabolic training session of the day, finishing with an evening sunset yoga session to help with recovery, flexibility and help reduce stress levels. We would then have an evening BBQ by the pool.”

We have two health and fitness retreats running this year in Talamanca, Ibiza. Dates are October 15-20 and October 22-27.

You will receive: n Five nights accommodation in a luxury villa in Talamanca, Ibiza. n Private chef cooking a range of healthy meals, juices and smoothies. n Twice daily group personal training

sessions per day to improve muscle tone and drop unwanted body fat. n Sunset Yoga Sessions to increase flexibility and decrease aches and pains whilst helping to reduce stress levels. n Daily walks to take in some of the beautiful scenery and fantastic sea views the island has to offer. n Healthy cooking, juicing and smoothie lessons to teach you how to make quick healthy meals. n Evening BBQs on the terrace n Outdoor cinema experience We also reward any personal trainers or fitness instructors with a £100 referral fee if any of your clients book on to the retreat.

For more information email Rich@thefitbodybootcamp.co.uk, visit www.richardmorrisfitnessretreat.com/ luxury-rereat-ibiza-offer or phone 07990 517520.

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PRODUCT NEWS

Firm completes its Meridian Foods unveils a new showcase site new range of nut butters in Lincolnshire FFITTECH UK has recently completed their new showcase site in Lincolnshire.

Kin3tic Performance boasts FFITTECH’S full premium range for cardio, strength and functional equipment, including all accessories, and is a standout, performance driven facility.

FFITTECH UK is an ever-growing commercial equipment brand in the UK – strong within Europe with the head office based in Portugal.

The stylish design, practicality and price point is giving small to medium startups and refits a solution to include all new and reliable equipment to their facilities.

The equipment not only works on a price point but the quality is also second to none. Finished in matte black with great sized foot prints, this brand has it all. The plate loaded range is where you will really find FFITTECH’S strength (http://www. ffittech.co.uk/product-category/ plate-loaded/) Starting from just £595, opening a new facility has never been more appealing.

They don’t slack on the functional side either with custom made rigs and a full accessory range on their profile, FFITTECH really can

provide you with all you will need when looking for any commercial equipment.

FFITTECH is also happy to mix reconditioned and used equipment into their sales packages as their sister company Total Gym Solutions deals with all aspects of used commercial kit.

This again gives smaller budgets a wider choice and often all the equipment they need within their price range. When budgets are low, FFITTECH also offer finance though selected and trusted partners FFITTECH have helped Kin3tic Performance to build this exciting, bold and fresh PT-based gym, with a variety of different training areas to exploit many different styles of training – and they can help you too.

So if you are looking to start a new gym, refresh your existing kit or a full refurb please contact FFITTECH on 0115 752 9320 or visit www.ffittech.co.uk to arrange a viewing and discuss the options available.

MERIDIAN Foods, well-recognised in the sport and fitness industry for producing nut butters containing a healthy source of protein and energy, are diversifying their offering with the launch of their new Cocoa and Peanut and Cocoa and Hazelnut butters.

Ideally suited to sports and fitness enthusiasts, the new nut butters offer protein sourced naturally from the ingredients with 74 per cent peanut in Cocoa and Peanut and 75 per cent hazelnut in Cocoa and Hazelnut, blended with cocoa powder, pure coconut and a dash of honey.

Meridian’s entire range of nut butters use no Palm Oil, refined sugar or additives, and it’s the stripped back, pure goodness approach to healthy eating that’s struck a chord with fitness consumers.

Health benefits also come in the form of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium.

Meridian’s Cocoa and Peanut and

Cocoa and Hazelnut Butters are available to buy in Tesco, Ocado and independent health food retailers nationwide priced £2.79 and £3.99 respectively (RSP).

Visit www.meridianfoods.co.uk for recipe ideas and to buy online.

Coming up in the next issue of Workout, we have features on group exercise, membership marketing and cleaning and hygiene. Want to advertise your product or service or have a story for us around one of these themes?

Email our team on ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or contact us on Facebook or Twitter.

PRODUCT NEWS

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How boutiques are achieving results in small spaces

By Matthew Januszek REVENUE per square foot matters to every club, but it’s especially relevant for most boutique operators.

With boutiques usually occupying premium locations and paying premium rents, having a formula for getting the most from a fairly small space is vital.

The challenge is to deliver a great group training experience, in a way that works despite the relative restrictions if working in a confined space.

It’s why choosing the right equipment and workouts is so important. Boutique operators and their trainers are being innovative in the way they address this challenge.

From next generation rowing, cycling and running-based concepts, to group combat experiences.

Taking proven large group fitness formats into smaller studios Boutique clubs are taking traditional group exercise rooms, and creating their own standalone facilities, turning established training methods into something much more dynamic and engaging.

An approach that is working for an increasing number of clubs is to base workouts around some kind of training platform. Suitably designed and engineered platforms can double up as plyometric boxes, weight benches and locator points for resistance bands and tubes. That’s a lot of functionality packed into a small footprint.

Provide each user with a platform and a number of compact, carefully selected training tools and you have a recipe for full-body workouts that raise the heart rate. These workouts in a group setting look great too, and that’s all part of having a winning formula for popular group studio classes.

A great example is 1REBEL in London. The club’s founders approached Escape with a concept for ‘Rebel Reshape’ workouts based around a new platform concept.

Together, we developed the Rebel Box. This unique piece of equipment is used as a plyometric box, weights bench and resistance anchor point. It also features integral storage for three pairs of dumbbells, medballs and resistance tubes.

Along the same lines, Escape developed with Best’s Bootcamp

Xiting future for natural energy drinks company Matthew Januszek the Best’s Box: a safe, progressional soft step for plyometric work that also doubles up as a bench. Storage racks for functional and strength equipment are located nearby, for fast transitions during each session.

An approach every club can take Creating bespoke products is great, but any club can achieve similar results with off-the-shelf products.

Deck and step platforms work brilliantly as the hub for workouts and programming packed with variety.

And that’s the point about platformbased studio experiences: they aren’t just about the compact footprint.

What really makes them such an attractive proposition for clubs is the way they open the door to innovative programming.

When you blend a number of training styles into a workout, the possibilities are endless. You can create workouts for members of all abilities, focusing around specific goals, from weight loss to muscle development or even progressing to advanced levels of achievement.

We’ve seen how clubs around the world approach platform-based programming.

It’s a fantastic format and it’s why we are launching a new deck-based programming solution for clubs to run with their members.

For clubs looking to offer a boutique experience, considering a platformled format for some of their classes has a lot to offer. n Matthew Januszek is customer solutions director at Escape Fitness.

Indigo Fitness launches PWR Tools LAUNCHED at FIBO in April 2017, the PWR Tools are a brand new range of training products that take their inspiration from a bygone era – a time when physical labour provided the power to get things done.

The PWR Bale, PWR Keg and PWR Pad have been carefully designed to remain true to their heritage, retaining key features and dimensions, while at the same time being brought up to date so they’ll

fit right into a current training environment.

All the PWR Tools are accompanied by training courses, ensuring you and your clients can get the best out of them.

Simple, effective, and fit for purpose, each PWR Tool provides its own safe and unique way to get back to basics and generate some power.

For more information call Indigo Fitness on 01455 890 100 or visit indigofitness.com/pwr

XITE energy is a new healthy energy drinks company which has recently launched its new line of sugar free, green tea energy drinks with added BCAAs into the fitness market.

The unique product is the only non-carbonated sugar free drink that combines naturally sourced caffeine with the functionality of Branched chain amino acids to help aid muscle recovery.

The first production run saw three refreshing flavours to choose from; Mango, Raspberry and Mint, and Blueberry and Pomegranate.

Budding entrepreneur Oliver Bennett, who currently manages a property business, established the company at the beginning of this

year.

His background as a professional Rallycross driver combined with his passion for fitness triggered a demand for a healthy alternative to the sugary energy drinks that are normally found in the racing community.

Within just five months of developing the product, XITE invested in a stand at the Bodypower exhibition in Birmingham and, with the help of online affiliates, gained an extremely successful response to the brand.

Following the success of the weekend, they are now set to stock their products in gyms and supplement shops nationwide.

For information visit www.xitenrg.com

UpperCycle GX Ergometer is released by Life Fitness LIFE Fitness has unveiled the new Life Fitness UpperCycle GX Ergometer, completing the Life Fitness portfolio of upper and lower body performance cardio products.

Perfect for adding variety to group and HIIT training, the UpperCycle GX Ergometer targets the upper torso, arms, shoulders and core, providing the essential complement for well-balanced, cardio circuits or as a warm-up before strength and conditioning training.

Its ground-based functionality allows exercisers to fully engage the core and stabilisation muscles, providing a more effective upperbody workout.

Engineered to provide a larger

range of motion, the UpperCycle GX crank length has been optimised to offer broader activation of the core, shoulders, chest and back.

The variable, fluid resistance and belt-drive mechanism of the UpperCycle GX provides smooth and consistent resistance with the ability to crank forward or backwards, without any adjustment.

Its adjustable height and 10 levels of fluid resistance accommodate a wide range of users.

For gyms where floor space is at a premium, the multi-featured UpperCycle GX Ergometer can easily be moved to make room for other equipment or stored away when not in use.

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