Workout UK March 2017 by Script Media

March 2017

The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine

Conference and Awards return to Leicester By Christina Eccles

THE 2017 National Fitness Conference and Awards are returning to Leicester in December, with opportunities for the whole of the industry to get involved in a glittering celebration of success. The awards, which are now in their eighth year, take place on Friday December 1 and are organised by Script Events in partnership with Workout and headline sponsor ServiceSport. Recognising excellence and achievement from operators of all shapes and sizes, nominations are open via the new look NFA website – www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk – with over 20 categories up for grabs. Previous winners have used the awards to raise their profile, generate positive PR and reward the hard work of their staff and members. Rachelle Solan from multi NFA winning club Solan Fitness told Workout she would urge any operator to enter, as being able to promote yourself as an award-winning facility can give a club that all important competitive edge. She said: “It’s really, really helped our credentials and reputation. People trust us more because we have won an award.

“Last year was fantastic. It’s a great evening and a nice way to celebrate the fitness industry.” Entries can be made online until August when a shortlist will be drawn up in each category. All finalists will then receive a site visit from a member of the Workout team who will take a look around the club and chat to members and staff before an expert panel choose the lucky winners. Trophies will be handed out at a spectacular end of year party at The Athena, where the industry will come together to celebrate the achievements of all shortlisted clubs. National Fitness Awards’ director Judith Halkerston added: “It’s amazing that we are now making plans for the eighth National Fitness Awards – looking back on the very first awards in 2010, it’s incredible how much the awards have grown and what an established part of the fitness calendar they have become. “We love studying all the nominations and then getting on the road and seeing all the hard work, innovation and dedication going on in facilities the length and breadth of the country is a real privilege. “So if you’re proud of what your facility is achieving, we’d love to receive your nomination.”

No 282 £3

Trampoline safety now simplified

A teenage fitness enthusiast has shaped up to be a successful entrepreneur thanks to inspiration from her parents and college tutors. 19-year-old Sheridan Mordew set up her own fitness business after studying business studies at Gateshead College and becoming president of the Northern Stars enterprise society, which supports budding entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses. Since setting up her business almost a year ago, PT Sheridan has helped over 600 people across the UK with her online nutrition and exercise programmes, as well as more than 100 people locally. n For full story see page 10.

A NEW partnership has simplified health and safety for trampoline park operators running multiple facilities around the country. Right Directions has partnered with South Northamptonshire Council and Northamptonshire County Council to form a Primary Authority partnership. This government legislation makes it easier for businesses that operate in more than one local authority area by enabling them to seek regulatory advice from a single source that can then be applied to all their facilities, no matter where they are located. The partnership will see SNC act as the Primary Authority for health and safety, food safety and environmental protection, whilst NCC is responsible for trading standards across Right Directions’ trampoline park clients. Oxygen Freejumping’s executive director Stephen Wilson said: “Quite simply Right Directions’ Primary Authority provides a co-ordinated means of engaging with Environmental Health Officers rather than having different relationships for each of our sites.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Gym creates community feel with charity events By Christina Eccles

A HERTFORDSHIRE gym is creating a strong sense of community among its members by encouraging them to get involved in charity events. Independent club The Hub Letchworth, which also incorporates CrossFit Beowulf and training programme Spartan SGX, has held a variety of events over the past few months; helping members increase their fitness levels while also raising money for worthy causes. Among the most successful was a ‘bake off’ style competition; combined with the final of the global CrossFit Team Series, which CrossFit Beowulf members competed in. Everyone who took part in the events donated £5 to the charity and also got the chance to show off their baking skills, as well as get involved with a raffle. The day raised over £300 for Help for Heroes. CrossFit Beowulf coach and event organiser, Helen Ledwold, said; “Help for Heroes do a fantastic job helping those injured while on military service and as a few of our members are military forces personnel we wanted to give something back to them, to show our gratitude for all that they do for us as people and also for our country. “As a fitness regimen CrossFit brings out the best in everyone, even those with severe injuries sustained while on duty. We thought it was fitting for members to cheer on their fellow comrades competing in the CrossFit

Team series finale while getting stuck into their own fitness games and raising money in the process.” Coach Conor Turner has also done his bit, hosting two successful bootcamp classes for children’s charity Evalina London after being inspired by his friend Rachel Carling who is raising money as part of her London Marathon training. Almost 30 people turned up to take part in the classes, each offering a donation to the charity, with £165 raised in total. Conor added: “I’m really proud that Rachel allowed me to get involved in her mission to raise as much money as possible for Evalina London. “Not only did I get to invite new people into the gym for an awesome workout but I also helped mix up Rachel’s training plan and showed her that strength work and high intensity interval training also helps with stamina and endurance.” Gym manager Gill Maggiolini added: “As a local community strength and training facility it was our pleasure to offer the use of the gym for free to help Rachel and Conor achieve their goal of raising money for Evalina London. “For us it’s important to get more people into fitness, so if we can achieve that by making it fun and with the added benefit of it being for charity then we’re very happy.” Members also recently tackled a gruelling obstacle race, One True Grit, which raised over £150 for Garden House Hospice.

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

Members of The Hub Letchworth who recently took part in bootcamp classes in aid of children’s charity Evalina London. Advertising

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Editor: Christina Eccles Tel: 01226 734463 ce@scriptmedia.co.uk

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Clothing brand is inspired by founder’s cancer battle By Christina Eccles A NEW fitness clothing brand has launched, inspired by the founder’s battle with cancer. Resolute was created by Hampshire based brothers Jordan, Callum and Adam Toms after Jordan fought back from a brain tumour. In March 2015, just before the end of his final year as a business student at Bournemouth University, Jordan suffered a seizure and shortly after was diagnosed with the tumour, aged just 23. Despite diagnosis, he trained all the way up until his operation, which removed 90 per cent of the tumour but left him with diminished strength in his left hand side. Undeterred, he threw his entire energy into his recovery; training at the gym every day as part of his rehabilitation which saw him learning how to walk, talk and even hold a fork again. Now to give something back, he has launched the business with his brothers, Callum and Adam, with the trio pledging to donate 20 per cent of the profits to Macmillan and The Brain Tumour Charity. Jordan said: “I’ve always been a driven person and I think my treatment and recovery made me even more goal- focused because I wanted to just get back to normal.

Brothers Callum, Jordan and Adam Toms have launched the Resolute clothing brand. “A turning point for me was when completely sympathise with people my oncologist said “We aren’t going who come to the gym feeling selfto cure you, we’re here to prolong conscious. your lifespan,” which made me just “We want to take the gym back want to prove him wrong and get and make exercise for everyone. It cured. I know I can’t just let doctors shouldn’t be solely about looks. For and nurses work hard. I need to work us, exercise is about pushing your at it too.” limits to improve your fitness so you The brothers hope they will inspire can give yourself the best chance of a more people to get into exercise and happy and healthy life. enjoy working out, whatever their “If nothing else I hope Resolute level of fitness. will be a symbol for anyone else Jordan added: “As someone who’s with cancer that you really can get always been into sport and exercise, to any goal if you set your mind to it. going back to the gym noticeably Believe it or not, a cancer diagnosis weaker with no hair and a large scar can motivate you to do some amazing on my head and was tough. I can things.”

Powerhouse set to open three stores

POWERHOUSE Fitness is to open three stores this spring in North London, Manchester and Surrey. The new premises will bring the total number of stores operated by the business to 12 and will be fitted out as showcase showrooms. The stores will incorporate more emphasis on ranges of cardiovascular equipment, building on the retailer’s already strong position in the strength and weights sector. Other changes include new branding for the new stores and website as well as the implementation of a new warehouse management system. Powerhouse has also appointed a dedicated marketing manager to strengthen the management team. Powerhouse Fitness MD Ken Reeve said: “These new flagship stores and our new branding are the first outward signs of the significant investments that Sport-Tiedje has made into the Powerhouse Fitness business. “We now have a great blend of experienced personnel along with new people with new ideas, all working closely with our colleagues in Germany. It is an exciting time for the business and all of us working here.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Award-winning gym has a strong focus on family and community By Christina Eccles SPONSORED reindeer runs and the Race for Life are among the community and charity projects members at an award-winning gym have been getting involved with. Ironmasters Gym in the Forest of Dean scooped the Community Involvement Award at the 2016 National Fitness Awards, which recognised the club’s work both on a local and national scale. The gym is run by husband and wife Tom and Kelly Bluett who have been working hard to fulfil their original vision of owning a place where people can train hard, but which is in no way intimidating, and also has a strong focus on family and community. Kelly explained: “We knew the area and knew there was a gap for a good gym which could offer the equipment we have now. We wanted to cater to the community we serve and know some people don’t have a lot of money. “Our vision was that we would

“We’re passionate about the gym and training and it’s absolutely about being part of the community.”

The team from Ironmasters that took part in Race for Life (left) and the Angel Tree for members to donate Christmas gifts (right). always want to be part of the At Christmas, the club also has an club raise its profile and over the community and like a family. That Angel Tree where members donate coming months Kelly and the team was the atmosphere we were going Christmas gifts which are then given are looking to extend their charity for and that’s exactly what we have to the local Salvation Army to be and community work with even more got right now. All our members are distributed to disadvantaged children. projects, including forging closer links amazing people.” Kelly added: “It’s been brilliant. with local schools. Members and staff are always keen Every year we get more and more Kelly added: “[Winning is] massive, to take part in a variety of events and people involved – last year we had massive PR. We’ve been in the local initiatives, from national projects over 150 presents. paper and people have been reading such as Race for Life to those they’ve “We’re passionate about the gym about us. It’s nice to read about a organised themselves, which include and training and it’s absolutely about business which is trying to make a everything from a festive ‘reindeer being part of the community.” difference. run’ to an upcoming sponsored Winning the National Fitness Award “If we can make a difference to just tattooing event. last December has also helped the one person, it’s worth doing.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Online business offers gym members a new workout By Christina Eccles

England rugby player James Haskell (pictured above) and Olympic hockey gold medallist Alex Danson have been unveiled as Meridian Foods’ first sporting ambassadors. The appointments of the sporting stars comes at a time when sales of nut butter in the UK are at an all-time high, with consumers seeking healthier options to traditional honeys and jams, and exercisers keen to find more natural sports nutrition products to consume before and after workouts. Head of marketing at Meridian Foods, Sue McIntosh, said: “James and Alex are the perfect fit for our brand. As high profile, elite athletes, they’ll be helping us to increase awareness about the massive benefits of nut butter as a healthy, natural source of protein and energy for anyone involved in sports and physical activity.”

AN online fitness business is looking to partner with gyms to offer members a new way to workout while helping to increase retention. Flex was created to give people the opportunity to exercise without the need for a gym while helping fitness professionals earn revenue from the views of their online workout videos. The site is currently working with over 200 UK instructors and has over 5,000 monthly active members, who are enjoying anything from HIIT to yoga workouts without even having to leave their house. CEO and founder Elliott Perry explained: “We built the website because we’re sick of seeing the hard work of fitness professionals devalued by platforms like YouTube where everyone is in a rush to give away everything for free just to stand out. “We have a business model that pays fitness professionals anywhere up to £2 per view of their video workouts. “We’re empowering fitness professionals like Etsy does for sellers, Uber does for car owners and Airbnb does for home owners.” Now, following the initial success of the business, the Flex team is looking to spread the word even further, including potentially teaming up with operators to allow members to access the workouts as an add-on to their

Flex is looking to partner with gyms to help increase retention. time in the gym or as an alternative for us to work with gyms as a partner. when they can’t make it in to the “For the gyms, they could benefit club. from additional revenue and it would Elliott has already had discussions allow them to reach a wider audience. with gym chains ,and told Workout “For members, if they couldn’t he’d also be keen to speak to make a particular session, there’s independents about how he could the opportunity to tune in from work with them. home, which could lead to more He added: “There’s potential there engagement and retention.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Entrepreneur shapes up for bright future By Christina Eccles

Europe’s largest women’s health and fitness festival Be:Fit is returning to London in April, providing visitors with the tools to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle. Taking place at the Business Design Centre from April 28-30, the three day event is packed with motivational talks, a shopping village and a selection of classes from the likes of Equinox, Barry’s Bootcamp and BLOK London. Famous faces taking part include Joe Wicks, Clean Eating Alice and James Duigan.

Gym’s open day a success THE new owners of a ladies only gym have held an open day to showcase their offering to the wider community. Club Zest in Sunderland has recently been taken over by Holly Donaldson and Jennie Moyse, who have put their own stamp on the gym by refurbishing the facility, extending their opening times and adding more kit and classes. Holly said: “The launch went so well; we could not have asked for it to go better. “The open day was a great chance to let everyone come and see how much the club had changed and been

improved. “Katie Bulmer-Cooke cut the ribbon and the place was filled with members, new faces and old faces returning to us because of the changes.” Visitors on the day could try out taster classes, tour the gym and have a go on the new machines. There was also a raffle with lots of health and fitness related prizes up for grabs, plus drinks and healthy snacks. Holly added: “We are really looking forward to what the future holds for Zest, and this January we have taken a record number of new members.”

A YOUNG entrepreneur has forged a successful career in fitness, helping people both in her local area and further afield to get in shape. Sheridan Mordew set up Shape up with Sher after studying business studies at Gateshead College and becoming president of the Northern Stars enterprise society – an initiative within the college that supports budding entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses. Since setting up her business, Sheridan has helped over 600 people across the UK with their health and fitness goals with her online nutrition and exercise programmes, as well as more than 100 people locally. Sheridan has also established herself as a leading personal and group trainer in her area, working both mobile and from Fitness 2000 gym in Sunderland. She said: “I was originally inspired by my parents, who both have run their own businesses. I enrolled on the course at Gateshead College to learn more about business and how to run one independently and successfully. “I always wanted to be my own boss so I could push myself, make my own decisions and be in charge of my own workload and earnings. “My college course taught me a lot

about different aspects of business, including how to manage finances, how to market your product or service and when to expect busy and quieter times for different industries. “The Northern Stars also taught me a lot about networking, how to be professional and how to develop important people skills, which I think are essential if you want to be a successful business person.” Sheridan has made use of the growing popularity of social media, marketing her products via Instagram as well as her website, all of which she runs herself. She added: “I wanted to keep it personal and run everything myself. Clients prefer to speak to the boss and the face of the company, someone they can trust and who they have got to know. “I am really enjoying being the point of contact and hearing all of my clients fantastic success stories first hand. “I have helped some people lose up to three stone and become healthier and happier, which is so rewarding. “I am looking forward to growing my empire, helping others achieve their health and fitness goals and continuing with creating an ecommerce website and developing both my programmes and nutrition plans.”

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 A group of fitness fans have raised funds for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice by taking part in a special two-hour class. Organised by fitness instructors Sonique Smith and Sharon Adams, with the help of HSBC bank manager Michelle Lee, who organised a raffle, the class was a mix of Clubbercise, Steel Combat and Zumba. About 25 people took part in the Doncaster based event; raising £1,500. An additional donation of £1,000 from the bank brought the total raised for the hospice to £2,500.

@winners2000tqy: ‪@ WorkOutUK‪ @FitnessAwards @HannahBryant_1 new signs are up! Regional Gym of The Year South.

@PromotePR: Lovely to see ‪@ChristinaEccles ‪@ WorkOutUK today for a great catch-up and talk all things fitness! Get ready for more challenges this year... @ChristinaEccles: Visiting ‪@ fit20UK this afternoon for ‪@ WorkOutUK! Apparently just one 20 min session a week is all you need! Looking forward to finding out! @scriptmedia_: Running a ‪#teambuilding event or ‪#awards ceremony? Capture the ‪#highlights. Here’s our ‪@FitnessAwards coverage ‪https://vimeo.com/198201824 @StudioHd8Claire: Lovely to meet ‪@ChristinaEccles from ‪@WorkOutUK. Great chatting to you. @kelly_bluett: Fab talking to ‪@ChristinaEccles about our community involvement for ‪@WorkOutUK. What we do makes me so proud ‪#ironmastersfamily ‪#community @OliviaGTaylor: Great to chat with the guys from ‪@ bluestonefit. Make sure you read about their holistic fitness approach in the next issue of ‪@WorkOutUK! @MichMC1: @WorkOutUK‪ thanks for the follow, some great articles in this month’s edition.

Check out the new look National Fitness Awards’ website where you can find out more details about this year’s event and submit a nomination. Discover all categories and criteria, enter a club or see previous years’ winners by heading over to www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk You can also keep up to date with the latest NFA news by following @FitnessAwards on Twitter.

Editor’s Comment IT’S hard to believe it’s that time of year again! It only seems like five minutes since we were at The Athena in December for the 2016 National Fitness Awards, celebrating the best of the UK fitness industry with almost 900 people from all across the sector. And now here we are launching the 2017 awards. As the industry’s biggest free to enter awards scheme, the National Fitness Awards was created to recognise the hard work going on in clubs all around the country. Whether you’re a small independent operator, a large leisure trust or a state of the art health club, with over 20 categories up for grabs, there’s something to suit facilities of all shapes and sizes. Year after year, we’re overwhelmed by the entries we receive and picking the shortlist and winners is becoming harder and harder for our team and judging panel. It’s months of hard work pulling the event together, but when we hear feedback from our winners, sponsors and guests about how much they enjoy the evening and how proud they are to be involved, it makes it all worthwhile.

If you haven’t entered yet and are thinking about getting involved, what are you waiting for? You’ve nothing to lose by giving it a try and if you were to be successful, you could reap many of the rewards our past winners have benefited from including positive PR coverage and the chance to market yourself as an award winning facility. Nominations are now open at www. nationalfitnessawards.co.uk where you can submit an entry or find out more details on categories and criteria. We’re also thrilled to be returning to The Athena for our glittering awards’ night in December, with more details to be announced about the evening in the coming issues. As well as the awards, we’re also focusing on making this year’s National Fitness Conference the biggest and best ever. We’ll be revealing more very soon but watch this space as our theme and plans for this year promise to offer something for every operator wanting to get the best out of their business. As always, let us know if you have any thoughts on what you would like

Christina Eccles to see at either event or if you’re a supplier interested in sponsoring or exhibiting this year, we’d love to hear from you. I can’t wait to start reading your nominations. Hearing your inspiring stories is something the team always enjoys and we’re sure this year’s entries will be as detailed and impressive as we’ve seen in past years. As they say, you’ve got to be in it to win it, so start thinking about how you’re going to wow us with your submission. Good luck everyone!

This month’s hot topic:

What’s your number one retention tip? Let us know how you keep your customers happy and staying with you for longer. Send your answers to ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or contact us via Twitter or Facebook. We’ll print the best responses next issue.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Women to benefit from partnership

Members and staff at Uttoxeter Leisure Centre have taken part in a gruelling 24-hour charity spinathon. Member Claire Lewis approached the centre with the idea after recently beating breast cancer and wanting to show her thanks by raising money for Burton Hospital Foundation. Staff member Alex Cliffe, who also took part in the event, raised money for Breathing Matters, a charity close to her heart. With donations on two Just Giving pages, a cake sale, a tombola event and donations made by local businesses and other members, the team were able to raised £1,784.02.

Convention aims to join the dots AN event is taking place next month which aims to join the dots between membership sales and retention. Founded by Promote Leisure’s Dave Reeves and GGFit’s Guy Griffiths, The Sales and Retention Convention links these two critical approaches, presenting a connected approach to running a health club. Dave and Guy, who are both

authorities in membership sales and retention will be joined by other industry experts to educate and share best practices. Key topics to be discussed on the day will include managing prospect data and processes, closing more sales and keeping active members active. The event takes place on April 25 at The Warwickshire.

EVERYONE Active is striving to get more women into sport, thanks to a new partnership with a top Vitality Netball Superleague club. Through its partnership with Hertfordshire Mavericks, which was recently launched at Watford Woodside Leisure Centre, the operator wants to get an additional 20,000 girls and women taking part in some form of netball-related activity over the next three years. Everyone Active and Mavericks will be working together to upskill level two netball coaches and ensure girls and women have access to top-class teaching. Together, they will be rolling out in-school netball programmes aimed to engage children at a younger age in the sport. They will also be delivering holiday camps and netball sessions at Everyone Active centres to provide the means for women of all ages and abilities to continue playing. Everyone Active’s regional director Duncan Jefford said: “We are delighted to have launched this partnership with Hertfordshire Mavericks. It is vital that we reduce inactivity among women, and the plans we have for this scheme will certainly help to achieve this.” More than 90 school girls from Orchard Primary School in Watford attended the launch event and became some of the first children

Ashleigh Neal to benefit from the new netball programme. Mavericks player and partnership ambassador Ashleigh Neal led the session and spoke to guests about the benefits of introducing girls to the sport at a younger age. She added: “It’s fantastic that we have been able to team up with Everyone Active. The brilliant facilities it has across the UK means there is scope to get women all over the country benefitting from the programme. “In other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, they engage girls in the sport from as young as five years old, meaning it is integrated into their lives from very early on and increasing the likelihood they will continue to play as they get older. This is what we aim to achieve with Everyone Active.”

UK FITNESS SCENE A long standing gym in Barnsley has been given a new lease of life after being passed down from father to son. Workout editor Christina Eccles took a look around.

Paul Manterfield says he never set out to follow a specific style as he transformed House of Gain in Barnsley when he took over from his dad.

Long-standing gym given lease of life after son takes the reins INDEPENDENT gyms often say they struggle to keep up with the big boys when it comes to equipment and price, but in terms of customer service and personal attention, many of them are hard to beat. House of Gain is no exception... Existing as a gym for the last 30 years, it was re-launched at the start of the year by owner Paul Manterfield who has taken the reins following his dad’s retirement, re-branding from Keel Gym. But while the sign over the door may have changed and the facilities brought bang up to date, those traditional, independent values still very much remain. Paul explained: “Over the years, we’ve seen the rise and fall of all different aspects of the fitness industry. “When my dad first had this gym,

“We’re not the biggest gym, but we’ve got an atmosphere and that intimacy and family environment. That’s what makes us different to other places.”

Bespoke eye-catching sculptures by Paul, a sculptor in his spare time, are a big USP at House of Gain. there were probably about three gyms in Barnsley and there were no personal trainers or anything like that. “Now the industry has changed with the rise of commercial and budget gyms. To compete you have to think outside the box.” Paul describes the gym as ‘modern industrial’ but told Workout although it fits in with the current trend for boutique facilities, he never set out to follow a specific style. As a sculptor in his spare time, he has also used his skills to create eye-catching, bespoke sculptures

for the club – a USP which sets him apart from an increasing number of facilities around the town. He added: “I’ve not tried to fill a gap. I tried to make a gym to the best of my ability and thought if I like it and want to train there, other people would too.” Social media has played a big role in the success of the new gym, with local followers on Facebook and Instagram pleasantly surprised at the improvements they have seen. Crucially, it’s also affordable, with no contracts and the option to pay as you go for £4 a session, £9 a week or

£25 a month, which includes access to classes such as boxing and HIIT. Paul added: “We have really loyal customers – I can’t thank them enough. We’ve got people who have been here for 30 years. “A lot of our members have stuck with us and been very loyal during the work, so the change has been gradual for them, but for new people, it looks like a totally different gym. “We’re not the biggest gym, but we’ve got an atmosphere and that intimacy and family environment. That’s what makes us different to other places.”

Forward thinking leisure operator Everyone Active is tapping into one of the industry’s biggest trends by introducing hot yoga studios at selected sites. Workout editor Christina Eccles found out more – and worked up a sweat trying out a class.

Everyone Active has invested more than £3m in new hot yoga facilities across its centres in Westminster and plans to make it more accessible and affordable.

Operator bringing hot yoga classes to a wider audience OFTEN found in high end, boutique studios – and with a price tag to match – hot yoga is not a class which you would typically find on your average leisure centre timetable. But with a plan to make it more accessible and affordable, Everyone Active is bringing the practice to a wider audience. Working in partnership with local authorities, the operator has invested more than £3m in new hot yoga facilities across its centres in Westminster, as well as over £200,000 in St Albans, Chichester and Hart, bringing the benefits of this type of workout to customers in these areas. Everyone Active’s south east

regional director Duncan Jefford said: “Hot Yoga has boomed within the fitness community, but it hasn’t necessarily been open to everyone due to location and cost. “We wanted to be able to offer the facilities in a leisure centre which you would see in a high end private club but at a more affordable value.” As well as introducing the hot yoga classes, the operator is also growing its luxury spa offering after noticing a trend for people looking for a more holistic approach to exercise and wellness. The decision to diversify is definitely paying off, with participants reporting how much

they are enjoying the hot yoga sessions and plans already in place to open more studios throughout the year. Duncan added: “Everyone Active is committed to providing a marketleading experience and offering the newest and most exciting classes to the entire local community. “It’s important to keep on top of the trends and we’ve seen a shift in the last 18 months for more people doing hot yoga. “Hot yoga is a brilliant workout which can increase circulation and relax muscles, making our members feel great. It is already proving extremely popular.”

Duncan Jefford

90-minute class was the perfect way to unwind AS someone who generally prefers short, sharp workouts, at first glance a 90-minute class sounded like a challenge! But on a Saturday morning – and following a really busy week – an hour-and-a-half of hot yoga actually provided the perfect way to unwind. Taking place at Marshall Street Leisure Centre – just off London’s bustling Oxford Street – the newly created studio is ideally located for those working in or visiting the area. And after trying a class first hand, it’s easy to see why the concept is proving so popular. When it comes to workouts, yoga is one of those things which I would love to do more

of but never seem to get round to. I like the combination of it being a really good workout – and useful for improving my strength and flexibility – while also being relaxing; providing a welcome alternative to some of the more high intensity sessions I often take part in. One thing I was worried about in this session was that as it was a hot yoga class, the heat would be stifling. But thankfully I was pleasantly surprised, as although you could definitely feel the heat, it wasn’t uncomfortable. I was also really impressed with the studio itself. It had the feel of a high quality boutique

space, but being situated in a leisure centre makes it much more accessible to the wider community – both in terms of location and price point. It’s a really encouraging move by operator Everyone Active and it would be great to see this kind of class more readily available in other areas of the country. While I do enjoy yoga, I’m by no means an expert, yet one of the major plus points of this class was that I didn’t need to be. Although I wasn’t quite able to master all of the more advanced poses, with options from our instructor Miranda to regress them slightly, I never felt left behind.

Despite my initial reservations about the length of the class, the 90 minutes passed by really quickly. In fact, I would have been happy to continue for longer! At the end I felt refreshed and invigorated; as though I’d had a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With options for classes at all times of day, I can see how visiting here would be a tranquil haven for Londoners looking to escape their busy lives. Personally, I’m now ready to take the next step and progress to a yoga retreat, preferably somewhere with lots of sunshine! See you on the beach!

UK FITNESS SCENE

New research trial to test benefit of exercise before and after cancer surgery By Christina Eccles

Some of the Precor equipment that has been installed at Mark Hall Sports Centre.

Centre expands member experience with new kit MEMBERS at a facility in Essex have benefitted from the installation of a new range of kit designed to deliver a more high-tech experience. Mark Hall Sports Centre in Harlow has replaced its 10-year-old machines; installing a range of Precor cardio and strength equipment and a Queenax functional training unit. General manager Andy Smith said: “Installing all new Precor equipment has meant that we are able to offer our members a new state-of-the-art environment to workout in. “The Vitality Series Dual-Use

strength machines provide a greater range of exercises for our members within a smaller footprint space, and this has furnished us with the opportunity to install additional and different cardio and functional fitness equipment. “Preva networked fitness enables them to track their fitness activities both in and outside of the gym. “The addition of the Queenax functional training corner unit not only maximises the space available but differentiates us from our competitors.”

MYZONE® reaches milestone GLOBAL wearable technology company MYZONE has secured its 4,000th licence just six years after its launch. Fitness World in Durham, North Carolina is the latest fitness facility to install the technology, which is now in more than 30 countries. MYZONE founder and CEO Dave Wright said: “The American

College of Sports Medicine has cited wearables as the number one trend in fitness for two years running. “Our accelerating growth rate supports that. “December 2016 was our most successful month in our six-year history; then January 2017 proved even better.”

A NATIONAL research trial has been launched to see if patients can benefit from a structured exercise programme before and after major abdominal surgery for colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer. The Colorectal Cancer Unit at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in partnership with the Norwich Clinical Trials Unit at the University of East Anglia and Northumbria University, Newcastle are leading a National Institute of Health Research funded multi-centre trial, called PREPARE ABC. The trial will involve 1,400 patients at up to 20 hospitals from across the country. The patients will have their baseline fitness assessed using a cardiopulmonary exercise test – a fitness test that measures heart and lung fitness. They will continue to be cared for locally as part of the trial and be randomly allocated to receive either supervised exercise at their local hospital, a home based exercise programme with telephone support from a physiotherapist or the current standard care, which does not include an exercise programme. Patients will be monitored by their local clinicians in the trial and will recommend suitable patients for the trial. The exercise programme will be performed in the three to four weeks leading up to surgery and begin again six weeks after surgery. Research nurses will assess patients at regular intervals to determine if any complications occur within 30 days of their surgery and use special questionnaires to determine their quality of life 12 months after starting the study.

“It is the largest intervention study of its kind in the UK and has real potential to establish exercise as an important and effective adjunctive treatment for NHS patients living with and beyond cancer.” The trial’s chief investigators are professor John Saxton, an expert in clinical exercise physiology from Northumbria University, Newcastle and James Hernon, consultant surgeon at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Professor Saxton said: “I am delighted to be involved in this prestigious trial. “It is the largest intervention study of its kind in the UK and has real potential to establish exercise as an important and effective adjunctive treatment for NHS patients living with and beyond cancer. “Observational evidence suggests that physical fitness before cancer surgery influences how well patients recover from the surgery; and maintaining a physically active lifestyle after treatment enhances quality of life and may improve survival.” The trial is expected to finish in 2020 when the results will be published. The researchers hope that by using this approach they will be able to produce clear evidence as to the benefits of exercise before and after surgery and determine if this is a cost effective way to reduce complications and improve quality of life in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Advertiser’s announcement

Jochen Michaelis is UK MD of eGym. Here he shares his thoughts on how gym owners should be embracing technology to attract new segments of the market.

Steps to a successful digital engagement strategy ... 1. Introduce Gamification This word is used a lot in the technology sector and should be adopted more by the fitness sector. As an industry, if we are ever going to achieve significant market penetration, we need to get better at applying the gamification principle. What do I mean by this? Well, to drive engagement, operators need to promote the notion of ’fun’. Just the thought of working out for some people can feel exhausting, time-consuming and like a lot of hard work and effort. Consumers, especially those new to the gym experience, need to be tempted with the promise of fun and entertainment. Pokémon Go is an excellent example of where this was executed incredibly well. This single product probably encouraged more youngsters off the sofa than any other campaign, including those which are government backed. eGym has integrated fun, interactive features into its software that supports motivation and encourages social interaction. For example, as individuals progress with their eGym programme they collect points which can be compared to friends, even if the friends are working out in different gyms. We have also introduced a clever feature which calculates a person’s biological age, based on a series of strength tests. This encourages individuals to develop their training as they compete against themselves to reduce their biological age, to match or beat their chronological age. 2. Simplify the process We need to make their whole experience as easy and as intuitive as possible. Apple has done this incredibly well. The company has developed some of the most sophisticated technology in the world but complexities are all hidden to the consumer. Fitness equipment manufacturers need to take this approach. We all

know that the ‘quick start’ function on a treadmill is the most used option, regardless of the brand name on the treadmill. That’s because it is simple to use and understand. At eGym, we learnt the hard way, through many years of trial and error, that presenting the customer with multiple options is less effective than presenting one, easy to start training option. This is an approach we standby today. Customers using our equipment, simply activate their workout. Everything else is taken care of automatically from machine setup and range of movement to resistance selection and repetitions. This enables the customer to focus on performing the movement pattern correctly – removing any frustration, intimidation or confusion. 3. Provide regular feedback Beginning strength training is a lot like learning a new language. Being able to speak a handful of words in a new language is not very useful. It’s only after many long hours of commitment, a learner starts to understand how the language is constructed and can start to communicate with others, this is when a sense of reward and achievement become apparent. Strength training is similar in that it can take many weeks before results become visible. Many people lose interest before this point, lack

motivation to continue and become another attrition statistic. How can this be prevented? Set achievable and measurable short-term goals. So, even when a person’s body is only showing marginal improvements, small milestones can ensure members receive regular feedback and are rewarded to stay on track. This is especially important in the first few months of an individual’s membership. Obviously, gym teams play a crucial role in keeping members motivated but there are ways that technology can also help. Using the eGym Fitness app, individuals start to accrue points with activity. The more points received the higher the activity level reached. In the beginning, it is relatively easy to reach the next level but it becomes more difficult the further a person progresses. Only the last four weeks are included, so if a person stops activity altogether they can quickly fall down the levels. This is to reflect the reality of fitness. A visual indication is given to individuals to maintain the level, so they are always aware if they are on track. This helps to gauge progress and motivates the individual to work harder if they are behind. 4. Collect and review data Conducting simple, regular fitness tests used to be common practice

in gyms, but generally because of the time pressures it places on gym teams, it can be difficult to keep up to date with every member. This is an area where modern technology can add real value. Making the provision of performance feedback very easy to record and share, yet most operators are still not embracing the opportunity. This needs to change if the sector is to stand any chance of significantly improving retention. eGym operates an open software platform, which firstly, allows connection to multiple leading equipment and software manufacturers. Whether it is strength machines, cardio machines or a body analyser, eGym enables workout data from multiple sources to be collated all in one place. So, information logged on a FitBit after a person has completed a run outside is automatically synced to their eGym member account. Secondly, eGym enables members and trainers to constantly review all this performance data quickly and efficiently. This includes the number of training days and fitness activities undertaken inside or outside of the gym as well as improvements in strength and muscular imbalances. For example, every six visits a strength test is automated to measure progress. This constant assessment means the trainer and the individual can build an accurate and complete picture of an individual’s workout activity and keep their training on track. In summary, despite the complexities of modern technology, the trick is to make using it as seamless as possible for both the trainer and the member. If we can find ways to integrate technology to simplify a person’s workout experience, we are much more likely to retain their interest and their membership payments. This is not only good news for individual operators but for the growth of the industry.

A gripping mixture of insight and entertainment. Business and success strategies for the digital connection of the training ﬂoor.

tion today! Request your invita ents.uk@egym.co.uk T-UK or email ev Visit www.bit.ly/NEX

HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR eGYM NEXT EVENTS Discover the opportunities digital offers businesses in the field of health and fitness: Conferences: seminars by experts in digital and fitness. Workshops: utilise digital tools to improve acquisition and retention in your club. Evening: canapés and cocktails in a stylish location.

20. 4. 2017 LONDON

27. 4. 2017

MANCHESTER

An invitation only event. Places are limited!

eGym UK | egym.co.uk/business | info@egym.co.uk

eGym_Workout Mag_March-17.indd 1

27/02/2017 10:41

UK FITNESS SCENE

Advertiser’s announcement

Heart rate, power or guesswork? Are your members maximising their results? THERE is popular belief in the health and wellness industry that exercising in heart rate zones is ‘old school’ and the concept of training with power is the new way forward. However, this scientific method of using power has been used by world class sporting organisations for many years behind closed doors. Science proves that heart rate markers when training are influenced by so many other factors such as, dehydration, stress and lack of sleep. Sports professionals argue that sometimes the participants are better off simply using perceived exertion, or “feel” to allow them to manage their workload when trying to reach a goal. Power metres are a great tool for most activities to show the real-time data and personal metrics. We think people are going to the extreme by saying heart rate is old school. It’s not at all. You still see in sports like track and field, running, cycling and rowing athletes still train with heart rate monitors in a very scientific manner. With the heart rate measurements, you are simply using a physiological parameter to work from. However, the delivery of Watts become an end-product of the physiological and metabolic events

in the body when the movement is finished. The iQniter system delivers the best of both worlds to the user by displaying real-time power and heart rate data combined. This is noted for maximum investment exposure, as the iQniter system will manage up to 105 participants on a large screen at any one time. Each participant involved can focus

on their minute by minute personal workout to align their position with heart rate, power output of watts, maximum heart rate and percentage of FTP. This amount of information can deliver data to the individual and coach by means of a report by email that gets sent after the workout. The iQniter DesiQner software tool, allows instructors to design unlimited classes in heart rate and power. Integrate relevant music, popular

music videos and virtual footage to create a unique experience that will engage, educate and motivate all members. Whatever sport, the iQniter Suunto smart sensor belt measures heart rate with great accuracy and comfort. Pairing the sensor with the free Suunto Movescount app allows users to track their activity anywhere, analyse, re-live and share their moves to make every move count.

UK FITNESS SCENE Bryn Ward Councillor Nathan Murray, Councillor Paul Kenny portfolio holder for leisure, Yvonne Fovargue MP, Bryn Ward councillor Margaret Ann Rampling and Warden Construction site manager Adam Clack.

Centre to get state-ofthe-art refurbishment By Christina Eccles

GYMGOERS at Ashton Leisure Centre will soon be able to enjoy the latest kit and technology during their workouts, thanks to a £2.8m investment to improve the facility. Members are set to benefit from a new 80-station gym with Technogym equipment, group exercise studio and indoor cycling studio, which will form part of an extension to the current building, alongside a new sauna, steam room and additional changing facilities. A state-of-the-art synthetic pitch and multi-use games area will also be installed to enable group and community bookings. This is the third facility to receive an upgrade as part of the Deal for Health and Wellness which has seen Wigan Council invest £6m to support residents to lead long and healthy lives. Portfolio holder for leisure client and resources, Coun Paul Kenny, said: “I’m really pleased with the investment at Ashton Leisure Centre, as the improvements will help to

enhance the current leisure offer available to residents in the area. “This will help to reinforce the importance of helping local people to be active and healthy as part of the principles of the Deal for Health and Wellness.” Working with Warden Construction, operator Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles will lead on the delivery of the refurbishment. Managing director Peter Burt added: “Much like the facilities at Howe Bridge and Leigh leisure centres, the development at Ashton will improve our leisure and wellbeing offer by modernising and expanding the range of opportunities available. “We have a very loyal customer base at Ashton who already enjoy the facilities, and through this major refurbishment we will be providing a more rounded and complete experience hopefully encouraging many more people to get active and healthy.” The refurbishment to the leisure centre is scheduled to be fully completed by January 2018.

All-in-one software that’s Club Right

CLUBRIGHT launched its exciting new software on February 1 – designed by gym owners for gym owners. At ClubRight the tech is awesome – that’s a given – where the customer needs come first. Our enthusiastic team will ensure you get the right advice to grow your business. The ClubRight team have worked really hard to transform the tricky stuff into a simple natural flow; sounds logical but it’s actually a bigger challenge to move away from the traditional complex approach than it is to make things simple. Making sure your member’s journey starts well from the get go is important, meaning they will be a member for longer and paying you for longer – growing your business profits. ClubRight do this through great internal and external collaboration; connecting the day to day tools needed like online payments, marketing, accounting plus many more. Founder and CEO Wayne Heath said: “Our mission is to very simply do everything better, so the design is great, but most importantly it just works in a way that gives you back the time to grow the business, which means so much to a passionate

Founder and CEO Wayne Heath. business owner. “I should know, I am indeed one of those passionate people. We had a clean piece of paper to create a software from the start, questioning how things have been done in the past and listening to customers’ needs.” Register on the launch website www.clubright.co.uk to find out more as the big reveal unfolds, but importantly benefit from the limited launch offer when you register for what will soon become the membership management software of choice. For more information visit www.clubright.co.uk, call 0203 884 9777 or email enquiries@clubright.co.uk

UK FITNESS SCENE A West Yorkshire studio is aiming to bring a little bit of Sydney to Scissett after taking inspiration from boutique businesses across the globe. Workout paid a visit.

The Lifestyle Studios team – Brendan O’Meara, Claire O’Meara, Laura Wilson and Josh Holling.

Couple bring Sydney to Scissett with their boutique business TUCKED away in a converted mill, The Lifestyle Studios was opened in 2013 by Australian personal trainer and former rugby player Brendan O’Meara and his wife Claire, who previously worked in sports marketing and sponsorship. They started the business focusing on PT, but soon felt it would be good to expand their offering and launched a class timetable, featuring sessions involving the latest kit such as the Punchbox – an innovative, wall mounted, punching device which is not used in any other UK clubs. Claire explained: “A friend of ours in Australia developed the Punchbox machine of which we bought eight as a point of difference to our studio. “What we found with our boxing classes was that people did not always like holding the pads and felt nervous, therefore, the person doing the punching was also missing out on a good workout. “These machines proved to be the answer, giving people the confidence to box away and burn fat at the same time. “We have introduced these machines into a few of our classes and a really popular class is the Punchbox with Barbells session.” The pair’s most recent addition is a Spinning studio, which opened at the start of this year; allowing them to tap into a growing trend for indoor cycling. Claire added: “We’d been watching a lot of Australian and American style boutique studios and a lot of them have got their own specific niches. We saw how studios had been successful in London and thought why not open something up this way? “We have a lot of people who come here who like to get out on their bikes, but in the winter months, this is perfect for them to do some indoor training.” Encouraging clients to listen to their own bodies and find something enjoyable which works for them – and fits in with their lifestyles – is The Lifestyle Studios’ method; a

view which Claire herself shares after overcoming her own health problems. Within five months of opening the doors of the business, she was left bedridden for almost six months after suffering an anaphylactic shock while overseas on a work trip. Eight months later, she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia and told there was no timeline as to when she’d feel better. But almost four years later, she’s back on her feet and has come on board with the business full time; running the new studio, as well as taking her own nutrition studies to the next level. She added: “My plan is to be more involved within the nutrition sector of our studio, educating our members and clients abut the benefits of good nutrition and the effect it has on the body and mind. “I am also promoting body confidence. It does not matter your shape or size, you will never be judged when you walk through our doors. We make everyone feel welcome and you work at your own pace. “We have people that train with us who hold bodybuilding cards to people in their 60s who are new to exercise and the motivation and encouragement from each member is just amazing.”

UK FITNESS SCENE Group programming is an effective way to get members involved in functional training. But how can clubs avoid the risk of losing their programming every time a trainer leaves the business? Matthew Januszek of Escape Fitness explores the issue.

Who creates the programming for your functional training area?

LET me give you a typical scenario. A club owner or operator decides to invest in functional training equipment and the space where it’s used. Sounds great, because functional training can be crucial in the drive to bring in and retain members. But functional tools aren’t like treadmills and fixed CV machines. You can’t give people a couple of minutes’ instruction on each piece of functional kit and expect them to embed the tools into their training schedule. There’s a need for knowledge and confidence in how to use the equipment. This is why it is so important to have proper functional programming to go with the equipment. Programming doubles up: it instructs people in the proper use of equipment, and engages them in long-term involvement with this style of training. This is where we get to my question: who creates the programming for your functional training area? It’s a question I ask club operators almost every day. Many clubs leave it to one or two of

their training staff. Initially that’s fine, as long as the trainers are competent with the training tools and with best practice for group training. But this is rarely an ideal solution as trainers tend to move from club to club at a fairly fast rate. Or go it alone as a PT, or leave the industry altogether. The danger is clear: if the trainers who develop your highly popular, well performing functional training programme leave, they take the programming with them. That can happen literally if you don’t secure IP for the programming, or as a consequence of having no-one else able to deliver it. This is why whoever develops the programming (one of their training team or an external provider) it should be there for consistent delivery over the long term. To do this, there are a few essential features of functional group programming: ■ The programming should reflect who you are as a brand. It shouldn’t be just an individual trainer’s favourite exercises, but should deliver

Matthew Januszek what you want it to, aimed at your target audiences. ■ It should be scalable. Make sure it’s something that any competent trainer can quickly get on board with, so that you can grow the frequency, either on a single site or across multiple locations.

■ The programme must also be progressive. Don’t be too niche: launch something suitable for people fairly new on their fitness journey, and that can change with them as they develop their ability and needs. ■ Variety is essential. Variety is one of the things that makes functional training such a great experience, so programming should include multiple different workouts to keep people coming back. ■ It has to be fun. Working out should push people hard, but most people also need a sense of fun to keep them motivated, so include teamwork, partner drills, tests and challenges to create a real buzz during the workout. These are the principles we follow when developing our group programming at Escape and it means that our customers’ members feel a sense of being involved in something very special – and very effective. It also means they are prepared to pay for the opportunity, which opens up new income streams for clubs and trainers alike. ■ Matthew Januszek is customer solutions director at Escape Fitness.

FIBO PREVIEW With FIBO 2017 just around the corner, the fitness industry is once again looking forward to another successful show. In our event preview, Workout rounds up what to watch out for this year.

About 1,000 exhibitors will present their new products at FIBO, which will have smart training as a key theme this year.

FIBO to focus on smart training SMART training will be a key theme at this year’s FIBO, organisers have revealed, as the market for digital fitness offerings continues to grow. About 1,000 exhibitors will present their new products at the event – including equipment providers such as Life Fitness, Technogym, Matrix – Johnson Health Tech, Precor, Star Trac, Sports Art and eGym, where they will showcase innovations such as smart applications for signing up new gym members, increasing customer loyalty and linking exercise with health benefits. Also celebrating its world premiere at FIBO will be Augletics’ new rowing

ergometer, the first to enable team rowing at the gym. “Digital data must empower people to make better decisions – to control the training area even more effectively, to make the management of the gym even more targeted, and to gain and sustainably motivate members,” according to Milon’s managing director Udo Münster. His company will introduce the Connected Training System at FIBO, which captures the training data of all currently active gym guests. Trainers can view it in real-time on a tablet, which makes it possible to further customise exercisers’ training

programmes. Studio operators can recognise fluctuation tendencies and keep motivating customers. The CTS also links the gym with a partner network whose members include healthcare suppliers like cardioscan, easySolution, InBody and Polar. Fellow exhibitor eGym will introduce the first multi-provider networked training area and has added interfaces for additional products sold by numerous leading fitness device and software manufacturers. Using the eGym RFID chip, gym members can now log in to any

connected piece of equipment, regardless of whether it’s a weight training device, a cardio machine or a body analyser. Thanks to links with leading wearables and apps, tracking continues even outside the studio. Managing director Philipp RoeschSchlanderer added: “Member workouts are always based precisely on their individually optimised training plan. “That way, they’ll do much better reaching their exercise goals. “It’s fun, motivating and ideal to keep people going to the gym longterm.”

Pulse will also be exhibiting at this year’s show, unveiling its new virtual reality fitness experience to the European market. The VR software is available now on all Pulse treadmills, with other cardio products to follow later this year; allowing users to take their fitness experience to the next level. Pulse Fitness will be joined on the stand by brand ambassador Dame Kelly Holmes and will also be using the show to launch three new machines as part of its Strength Line, showcase equipment from the Series Three cardiovascular lines and promote its membership management software PulseMove.

Speedflex gears up for launch The latest trends in nutrition will be explored at this year’s FIBO, where for the first time trade visitors will be able to find out about the correct use of supplements at the FIBO Nutrition Retailer Workshop. Workshop participants will learn, among other things, which products are best suited for power training or endurance training and which nutritional supplements make sense for supporting the body’s mineral balance. The Nutrition Retailer Workshop will be held on April 6 and 7 at the Trendforum in Hall 5.2 from 10am to 1pm. They are free and target fitness trainers, club operators, counter staff and retailers.

SPEEDFLEX will be attending FIBO this year, showcasing its popular high intensity interval training sessions. Having launched its new individual POD to the UK market at LIW last year, this will also mark the official launch of the POD to an international audience. Managing director at Speedflex, Paul Ferris, said: “We are excited to be launching the POD to the

European market. “Having been well received by the UK market at LIW last year, we feel that FIBO is exactly the right place and time for our European launch. “This will be a real game changer in the functional fitness market and we look forward to showing the international community that functional training can be accessible to anyone, no matter what your age or ability is.”

FIBO PREVIEW

Forum to reveal how industry can secure loyal customers LOYAL customers are a key factor for success and the fourth European Health and Fitness Forum will reveal how the fitness industry can get them. The event – organised by FIBO and EuropeActive – will take place on April 5, kicking off the leading international trade show for fitness, wellness and health. Was 2016 a good year for the European fitness industry? Karsten Hollasch will tell you in his presentation of the latest market study by Deloitte and EuropeActive. EHFF participants will be the first to find out which countries led the European fitness market in 2016 and where there’s potential for growth. The study also reveals upcoming trends and the year’s corporate winners. Luis Maria Huete knows how to turn customers into loyal members. A professor at the IESE Business School in Barcelona, he’s known in Spanish

business circles as a management guru and specialist for customeroriented actions. He’s developed the theory of “clienting”, which explains how companies can create emotional ties with customers without annoying them – with skilful marketing, optimal service and a proper dose of restraint. Christophe Collinet will share her first-hand best-practice expertise with EHFF visitors. The fitness economist serves as the marketing and strategy director of Fitness First Germany, a leading German operator of fitness studios. The company’s range is aimed specifically at urban professionals – in four different club categories. In her lecture “The Fitness First Story of Customer Loyalty”, she will explain how a combination of specialisation and diversification leads to success and discuss the importance of high training and service quality.

“It’s not fitness. It’s life”, proclaims the Equinox slogan. Known for its luxury fitness centres in the US, Toronto and London, the company sees itself not as gym operator but as a lifestyle brand. Emma Barry, fitness director of Equinox and Soulcycle, will explain

how to turn fitness training into a 360-degree lifestyle experience. Participants will also get a chance for deeper conversations and networking at the evening event after the forum and will get a two-day ticket to FIBO Expert, FIBO Passion and FIBO Power.

Convention brings together trainers from across Europe THE first FIBO European Convention will be held on April 8 and 9 as part of FIBO Passion, bringing together trainers from across Europe to work out together, network and share knowledge. Highlights will include a focus on group fitness freestyle and mind and body, as well as the chance to work out with Piloxing founder Viveca Jensen and masterclasses from Les Mills. For the first time, the show will have a pool stage, with master classes in anything from aqua cycling to Zumba led by elite European aqua fitness trainers. The convention will also allow trainers and instructors the opportunity to take advantage of the exclusive know-how of numerous industry experts. The emphasis in the auditorium

will be on worthwhile business strategies, where brand expert Peter van der Steege will share pro tips with participants on how to develop their brand and YouTube fitness star Karl Ess will demonstrate how to use social media to boost your career. Seminars on performance will explore training methodology, with speakers including Anthony Wall, director of strategic partnerships of the American Council on Exercise and performance enhancement specialist Brendan Chaplin. Sessions on behaviour change and nutrition will also provide valuable insight from presenters including author and motivational expert Bobby Capuccio, the specialist for behavioural change Jan Middelkamp and Greek fitness expert Alexis Batrakoulis.

With more exhibitors, more business and more topics – FIBO Power is expanding yet again. Europe’s biggest meeting point for the bodybuilding, weight training and martial arts community will be even more attractive in 2017, with nearly 40 new brands at the event ready to be experience by visitors for the first time. In order to give trade visitors the space they need to engage in relaxed and focused business discussions, the 2017 stage programme will once again be limited on the first two show days.

Professionals gather as part of Innovation Tour TAKING place ahead of FIBO, 400 fitness professionals gathered to hear from experts in London, Paris, Vienna and Barcelona as part of the FIBO Innovation Tour. Organised by FIBO and EuropeActive, the events provided club managers and trainers with topical business know-how, with the one-day seminars focusing on strategies for combating the high churn rate in clubs. Market and finance experts Deloitte and Morgan Stanley also provided data on fitness markets while exhibitors such as Technogym, Precor, eGym and Virtuagym presented their latest products and innovations. Digital developments were also discussed by the experts. FIBO’s Ralph Scholz said: “Even today 56 per cent of all club members make use of wearables and apps and this also includes the generation 50+. “For clubs this opens up an opportunity to also address the topics of home, outdoor and

medical training thereby building a reputation as centres of expertise for all areas of fitness.” The health market is also an attractive field of business for club operators and fitness trainers, according to speaker Alexis Batrakoulis, who added: “The link between fitness and health is currently as close as it gets. “They regard healthy ageing, weight management and exercise with a view to preventing sickness as the sector with the currently biggest growth potential and therefore as attractive fields of activity.” The series of events was hosted by industry insider and EuropeActive board member Herman Rutgers. He added: “The FIBO Innovation Tour gives club operators and trainers an exclusive opportunity to expand their knowledge, network on an international scale, and make contacts. “We are delighted with the great response and look forward to a new edition in 2018.”

FIBO 2017 takes place from April 6 to 9 at the Exhibition Centre, Cologne. For more information or to book your tickets, visit www.fibo.com

UK FITNESS SCENE

So you want to build a boutique facility? By Dave Wright THE rise and rise of boutique gyms has had a lot of press and traction over the last three to five years. The ‘potential’ high yield generated from a relative low rental, low square footage, small equipment cap ex, and the tight group ex experience that seems to have diminished due to many ‘rack ‘em and stack ‘em’ provides for an attractive proposition. The future lies not only in standalone sites, but when mainstream health clubs with the available space bring the boutique offering as an ‘upgraded’ membership within their existing four walls. However, to really nail it, (in my opinion) there are five key points that you must get right: Sound and Lighting: Have you ever been in a nightclub when the lights come on to signify the end of the night? The atmosphere changes instantly and so does your mood. The same applies when the speakers are weak or can’t handle the volume sent to them. It doesn’t matter how good the playlist is, if the sound quality is not crisp, it adds a level of discomfort that is easily avoidable. Great sound and lights, aligned with music tantalises the visual and auditory senses – a must for a great experience. Music: Quality music is a fundamental aspect for your boutique offering not to be underestimated. Whether the programming is of a high or low intensity nature, the playlist needs to accompany that. If the tracks, the tempo, the beats, the crescendo and diminuendo correspond to the task at hand then you will most certainly ‘move’ people. Great music has long been helpful for group ex classes... it is critical for the group ex offering.

extra investment in the first place.

Dave Wright Programmes: Successful boutique franchises have a systematic, scalable and proven methodology to their training. In the same way that Les Mills has been able to deploy their group ex programmes globally, the same thought process needs to apply with your class offering. Considered thought in the modality, the exercises, the progressions/regressions and the rest periods are the essential parts to make sure that the experience is physiologically effective. Feedback: ‘Millennials’ are the boutique clientele who have been brought up with Google and instant data at their fingertips. They have the appetite and almost the expectation that they should be informed of what is going on with their body during and after their training. Hence the need for telemetry display and wearable technology to present that biometric data in a simplified format to prove the training effectiveness and to digitally amplify the whole experience. The boutique offerings that utilise the science of their telemetry into their programmes increases the level of credibility and professionalism, justifying the

Great instructors: So you have the sound, the light, the music, the structured programmes and the technology… all you need is the staff to focus on technique and to provide personal motivation. It’s the glue that brings it all together. With systemised programming, this provides the flexibility and greater choice of staff as long as they are qualified to deliver those exercises and provide that exceptional motivation. So there it is; five simple pointers that should be considered. Of course equipment that doesn’t break and is simple to use is helpful, but as more boutiques are developing with less equipment (or no equipment), then it is not as essential to make it on the top five. All that said, here is a final thought. If you want to improve your business by 10 per cent then you learn from the best in your industry… but if you want to improve your business by 110 per cent then you learn from the best in a bigger industry. Therefore, there is no similar experience and business to consider than one look at the nightclub industry. Being aware of the what success versus failure looks like in this industry will put you on a great footing for your boutique offering! 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

Basingstoke Sports Centre has benefited from an equipment upgrade worth £400,000. The club’s fitness suite now boasts 150 stations of Pulse’s technologically advanced Series Three cardio equipment, as well as strength kit and free weights. The Pulse team also advised on and installed a large bespoke functional training rig, as well as interactive CardioWalls to create a new functional training zone.

UK FITNESS SCENE A unique fitness concept is taking the industry by storm, with successful sites in Richmond and Oxford soon to be joined by more in central London. Christina Eccles paid a visit.

Caoimhe Bamber and her husband Geoff’s DigMe Fitness sites offer indoor cycling and HIIT classes using the innovative Technogym Skill Mills.

Couple swap the city for the cycle studio with new concept launch SWAPPING the city for the cycle studio, Caoimhe Bamber and husband Geoff are the latest couple to take on the boutique market, with the launch of DigMe Fitness. Taking inspiration from the studio scene over in the US, they opened their first two sites last year; both offering indoor cycling and Oxford also running HIIT classes using the innovative Technogym Skill Mills. Caoimhe explained: “My husband and I both worked in the city as a lawyer and a hedge fund manager. We went to the states and really liked what was happening in class based fitness. “At that time, we were both in decent city careers and didn’t see an immediate opportunity, but during my maternity leave, I decided I didn’t

want to go back to the city.” This change of heart led to the pair pursuing their passion for fitness and looking for a site to fulfil their ambition. But when two came up at a similar time, they decided to go for both – and have never looked back. Caoimhe added: “Richmond was desperate for something like this to pop up. There are great options for yoga and Pilates but nothing cycling based. “The Skill Mills are great – immediately I was hooked. It’s really fun in a class and great for HIIT as it’s very versatile. We really love Technogym and they’ve been super in terms of supporting us.” Next on the agenda is a third site in Blackfriars and Caoimhe told Workout the team is really excited

to be part of a growing trend for boutique fitness where consumers head to specialist studios for different workouts, rather than being tied to one gym. She added: “There’s a sense of occasion when you go to a studio. You’re in the driving seat and in control as it’s pay as you go. You can totally choose. “It will be really interesting to have a city site. In the city it will be a challenge to create the same product. “We may have people coming through who have less time on their hands and it’s a more fluid market, but we’re confident we can do it.” Fitness fans in both Richmond and Oxford have completely embraced the studios and, with Caoimhe and Geoff being regulars in classes, they

have struck up great relationships with customers who are happy to suggest constructive ideas and feedback. She added: “It’s interesting how things in the UK happen a few years later than in the States. When we first started talking about DigMe, there was nothing like it. Even if you look now at our competition, they all have one or two studios, we already have three. We’ve still got a long way to go. The seeds have only just been sewn but we think this market will become huge. “At the moment we feel incredibly ambitious. We feel we are making a difference in Richmond and Oxford. “People like us and if we find the right opportunities, we would love to grow further.”

State-of-the-art facility opens following £4m redevelopment

Shrewsbury Sports Village in Shropshire has benefited from a studio makeover worth over £10,000 after winning a Les Mills’ competition to celebrate the launch of BODYPUMP 100, The new-look studio now boasts kit from the SMART TECH range, featuring the SMARTBAR barbell and weights system and the SMARTSTEP exercise platform. Contract operations manager at Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, Rachel Harvey, said: “The studio makeover has really given us the wow factor and it’s like having a completely new facility. The stylish equipment has integrated seamlessly with our group fitness programme and has made functional weight training more fun and engaging for members of all abilities. The new décor, complete with stunning Les Mills imagery, has completely transformed the feel of our group exercise classes and has provided motivation to both the team of class instructors and participants.”

A STATE-of-the-art leisure facility has opened in Derbyshire following a £4m redevelopment. Go! Active at The Arc in Clowne is owned and operated by Bolsover District Council, in partnership with Pulse. The Pulse Group was appointed as the council’s strategic leisure development partner in 2015 and has been responsible for all aspects of the project, including the design and build, supplying and installing new gym equipment and assisting with sales and marketing. The leisure facility now features a new 25m swimming pool, a children’s pool and flume, a Play Kingdom and new wet village changing rooms. The existing fitness facilities have also been expanded, with two new group exercise studios and a group cycling studio kitted out with 20 Keiser bikes. The fitness suite has been extended to a 100-station gym, installed with

Go! Active at The Arc in Clowne the latest cardiovascular, strength and plate-loaded lines from Pulse Fitness, plus a bespoke functional training rig. Pulse’s managing director Chris Johnson said: “We are delighted to have opened this fantastic facility, following a successful working partnership with Bolsover District Council. “Go! Active is truly a leisure facility fit for the whole community and we are thrilled to see so many people walking through the doors already.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Don’t underestimate the marketing power of a monthly gym newsletter By Duncan Green FIRST up, let’s agree that it’s not rude to keep in touch with valuable news, helpful info and irresistible offers. If you currently are not sending out a regular monthly email newsletters do you realise how much opportunity you’re missing? Build it into your marketing plan? What could be more important than staying in the minds amongst the very people you need to stay and grow your club and make it successful? If you’re too busy to do anything else then we strongly recommend you send out a monthly direct response email newsletter to the following groups. 1. Your prospects. 2. Your former members. 3. Current members. 4. Members of your local media. 5. Businesses with whom you would like to set up a relationship or a joint venture. 6. Referral sources and centres of influences – community groups, charity groups, school PTAs, business networks, mums’ networks. 7. Anyone else you think you may need to keep in front of in growing your business. This is a vital point. If you stay in touch with people who have not yet

bought membership to a club, you’ll be in the driving seat when they are ready. It’s just that simple! They need to get regular communication from you – by making a monthly newsletter a consistent part of your total marketing plan, you are reminding customers why they should become or continue to be a member with you. The key feature of your newsletter is that it must NOT BE BORING. n It must generate a response. Ask for ACTIONS by the reader. n It doesn’t have to be long but it must be relevant, interesting, and about them not you! With this in mind you may want to draw two distinct newsletters. n One for new members to the club. n One for existing members. You can utilise one or both of these to send to the various target groups we discussed earlier. If you don’t do it, there can only be two reasons for missing it out. One; you’re part of the group of club managers that are too lazy, unmotivated or unaware to send something interesting, emotionally engaging and which triggers referrals or generate sales. The only other explanation is that you feel that you are intruding on

your customers and by writing to them you will come across as too pushy and in some way upset them? But here’s the thing: If you don’t communicate with them with DIRECT RESPONSE OFFERS and interesting copy you are ignoring them and thus causing the exact thing (you wrongly think) is going to happen if you communicate with them! Here are some rules to follow: n The newsletter MUST go out every month NOT once in a while – consistency is king! n If you don’t keep the relationship up with your prospects and members, you’re missing a ton of business. n Hire someone a student, or intern, or part timer to put it out for you each month like clockwork. n Include a range of offers relevant to whoever the newsletter is targeted at. Here are some suggested topics for your newsletters: New member newsletter Welcome to the club Introduce the team How to train Benefits of exercise The importance of diet PT offers Referral offers Dietary analysis Fitness assessments

Where to get help Useful tips /websites Essential equipment – Hr monitors Supplementation offers Membership up sell offers Existing member newsletters Managers bulletin Programme changes Club diary for the month PT Offers Social programmes and holidays Catering offers Supplement features Referral offers Member and guest events Congratulations to … Fitness assessment services Diet and nutrition tips Corporate partners Fitness offers The best news is that in addition to offline versions, you can take advantage of a variety of online newsletter publishers such as www. Issuu.com who will show your content for FREE. n Duncan Green is managing director of Momentum Business Development. He is a trusted adviser to fitness clubs globally and his company provides advanced online sales and marketing services to UK fitness club operators.

FINANCE AND INSURANCE

Industry expert gives advice on outsmarting the local competition with direct debit ... By Ivan Stevenson AS competition for gyms increases, it’s more important than ever to keep a close eye on your outgoings. With this in mind, many gyms are choosing direct debit to collect membership payments. The correlation between direct debit usage and increased profitability is noticeably a positive one. In switching to this collection method, we’ve witnessed a large number of fitness organisations grow substantially. Even so, there are still a lot of operators who simply aren’t aware of how direct debits can save them money. Shedding pounds Direct debits help you vary fees more easily, whilst greatly reducing time on administration and increasing

membership retention. It proves a much cheaper alternative than cash, cheque and card. Many companies use this as a great opportunity to provide discounts and incentives to potential members – no joining fee, money off and seasonal offers all help score loyalty points. The variable nature of direct debits makes this easier. Fees can simply be increased after an offer has run its course. In fact, Think Fitness, a loyal DFC client managed to grow a whopping 80 per cent in just three years by reducing membership rates and switching to direct debit. Taking back control Perhaps one of the biggest bonuses to a finance department is that everything after setup is automated. Time is money and any time spent

focusing on payment management is time that can be spent elsewhere. Direct debits require little maintenance outside of payment tracking and monitoring, and being paperless – storage is free! As such, online direct debit forms, like our online portal FastDD, are open for business 24/7. This means potential users can access it at any point, even whilst they are on the go, and sign-up is instantaneous. Customers are even saved the hassle

of stamps, printing and postage – and if there’s one thing that the digital age has taught is, it’s that people don’t want to go out of their way when they don’t need to. Late payments are another particular bugbear to all finance departments. Without knowing when payments are coming in, it’s very difficult to manage internal finances. By using direct debits, you can rest assured that specified amounts are coming in at specified times. Forward-thinking is critical to business – luckily direct debits make it easier to plan ahead. For more information on how you can save money through direct debit, get in touch with DFC on 01908 422 000. n Ivan Stevenson is a director at Debit Finance Collections PLC.

ukactive strikes a deal to save gym operators thousands in licensing By Christina Eccles UKACTIVE has struck a deal to save UK gym operators thousands of pounds in the face of new legislation around the use of video content on commercial premises. Following recent changes in legislation, operators which show TV and film content on their premises were facing significant charges for the use of this content – under a similar model to how PPL and PRS are paid for music licensing. In October 2016, a large number of operators received letters from the body tasked with collecting these charges – Motion Picture Licensing Company – with each site facing new licensing costs of up to £500 per year, which would have been backdated to July 2016 when the new law came into effect. However, after consulting with copyright lawyers and operators, ukactive held discussions with MPLC resulting in a settlement whereby ukactive members requiring the new licence will now only pay an annual sum of £213.75 (plus VAT) per site. In addition, a six-month grace period has been agreed, meaning the charges only come into effect from January 2017. As part of the conditions of the agreement, ukactive has begun working directly with the sector on behalf of MPLC to collect the licence fee, enabling gym operators to have the option of a flexible payment schedule as well as a flat fee method. ukactive will receive a small administration fee from MPLC for the resource costs of collecting the licence. As a result of administering the licence, the organisation is able to provide a discount to gyms who are ukactive members, helping to bring these gyms’ premium down to the

“The result is a major benefit to the industry with the ability to show films and TV shows via broadcasts throughout the entire year for what we consider to be a very reasonable fee.” minimum possible amount of £213.75 (plus VAT). This adds the MPLC licence to the discounts already available to ukactive members on their PPL and VPL licence fees. Only gyms which show TV or film content will be subject to the new licence fee, while there are also a number of exceptions. Gyms whose screens are locked to only show news channels, Sky Sports, BT Sport, Zoom Media or music channels will not require the licence, while hotel’s gyms are already covered under their existing hospitality licence. MPLC country manager David Taylor said: “The change to copyright legislation has ensured a level playing field for all, corrected an inconsistency with EU legislation and ensured that the TV and film producers copyright within a broadcast is now recognised in that same way as music has been for many years. “Following the change, MPLC has listened carefully to representatives within the fitness industry and introduced a new tariff to take effect from January 1 2017. “The result is a major benefit to the industry with the ability to show films and TV shows via broadcasts throughout the entire year for what we consider to be a very reasonable fee.”

Rikul Patel

NFRN Mutual becomes The Retail Mutual INSURANCE specialist NFRN Mutual has become The Retail Mutual, with the aim of supporting a wider range of independent retailers, including those in the sport and fitness sector. The Retail Mutual is an alternative to traditional insurance, specialising in providing business, home and landlord cover to a wide range of independent retailers. The company is able to cover a variety of sports and fitness retailers and also offer public liability protection to personal trainers working alone and in independent gyms. As a membership organisation which is owned and run by the members themselves, retailers who join The Retail Mutual have the opportunity to attend AGMs and vote on the decisions taken by the Mutual. They are also eligible to stand for

election to the board of directors, where they can represent not only the interests of independent retailers in general, but also those of their particular industry. Mutual manager Rikul Patel said: “By growing our community we aim to provide a forum in which sports and fitness retailers can share knowledge, ideas and best practice to help manage and reduce their risk. “Through developing this dialogue we are also able to tailor our products and cover wordings to meet their specific needs, something that we have the flexibility to do thanks to the unique nature of the Mutual. “As we grow our community we look forward to doing this for even more independent retail groups and look forward to welcoming the UK’s many sports and fitness retailers into the fold.”

FINANCE AND INSURANCE

Five tips to remember when choosing your insurance ... PURCHASING insurance may seem like an unnecessary outlay as a business owner, but without it any claim from a member of the public could lead to financial disaster. It is not, however, simply about just purchasing insurance, it’s about buying the correct insurance. Andy Brownsell, commercial director at Protectivity Insurance has these five things to remember when it comes to arranging your insurance. 1. Are you buying the correct policy? Depending on whether you’re a self-employed personal trainer or a business employing several fitness professionals, the policy need could vary. Things like employer’s liability that are vital should you employ staff wouldn’t be included if you simply bought a policy designed for a single personal trainer. Make sure you do your research and make sure you are buying the correct policy for the business you are running. If in doubt, give the insurance company a call to discuss matters. 2. Does your insurance cover that? As well as making sure you are buying the right policy for your business, it pays to check any activities you may be carrying out are covered. For example, most insurance companies will have no problem providing cover for a personal trainer who meets their clients face to face, however it is not guaranteed that the same policy will protect trainers providing online training

your equipment in order to save a few pounds on your premium.

Andy Brownsell, commercial director at Protectivity Insurance. and consultation or use social media to get their message across. 3. How much is it worth? It’s understandable that the higher the level of equipment covered under an insurance policy, the more expensive the policy will be. However, understating the value of your equipment when getting an insurance quote is not something that is recommended. In the event of a fire that destroys all of your equipment, for example, your tools of the trade will only be covered up to the value that you have stated. It is simply not worth the risk of only receiving a pay-out at a fraction of the value of

4. It’s not just what you do but what you say… Public liability insurance is the major aspect of any policy covering fitness professionals, however it is not the only important one. Were you to offer a client a simple piece of advice on how to do an exercise, or even on what they should eat, and they were to injure themselves because of it, you could be liable. Professional Indemnity covers this. Many policies will include some amount of indemnity as standard, with some even matching the cover to the level of the public liability. Ensuring you have some level of professional indemnity in place, further reduces the likelihood of you facing a massive financial hit. 5. Just because you have insurance, don’t take risks… Although you may have comprehensive insurance in place and the financial implications are minimalised, the process of making a claim is one that is largely avoidable. When running a gym or taking a personal training session, there are a number of things you can do to minimise the risk of injury to clients or third parties. Things like ensuring fire exits are clear, your machines are functioning correctly and staff are operating in a safe manner are just a handful of important aspects to remember. With those things monitored it vastly increases your chances of never needing to make an insurance claim.

Have you got the right insurance for your outdoor activities? JOHN Ansell and Partners are specialists in gym and outdoor activity insurance and have been since the 1980s – and we have seen lots of changes in the way fitness is delivered. With the proliferation of group exercise classes and personal training sessions in the outdoors, many gyms are taking their exercise outside. When considering this as a direction for your business it is important to understand the additional risks and responsibilities this entails such as health and safety policies, site specific risk assessments and proper qualification of staff for outdoor activities. There is a whole new area of things to consider when taking your exercise away from the confines of your gym such as what to do if the weather is poor, how you communicate with

customers and staff at the last minute if things change, how to deal with first aid and how to deal with “dynamic” risk assessments in a changing landscape. A good place to start is the UKActive Outdoor Code of Practice to help draft your plans. From an insurance perspective the risks of injury to staff and customers are greater in an environment you cannot control. You will need to speak to your insurer to ensure they are aware of the additional risks as many policies are designed for “premises only” risks. If you have any difficulties you should speak to a broker specialising in the fitness and/or outdoor activity industry, like us. For more information contact John Ansell and Partners Ltd on 020 7251 7474 or visit www.ansell.co.uk

FINANCE AND INSURANCE

Advertiser’s announcement

Direct debit collection company provides clubs with a FREE complete gym software package FOR 25 years Ashbourne Membership Management has been known as one of the leaders in gym and health club direct debit collections and debt recovery. To expand on its services, Ashbourne created their very own gym software solution that is used in over 1,000 clubs in the UK and Ireland. To keep Ashbourne at the top of everyone’s thoughts, the directors decided that clubs who will get over 100 members paying via direct debit per month will receive all of the software included at no extra cost. The clubs will simply pay a low fee per direct debit collected … and that’s it. The entry control software keeps up to the minute records of members’ swipe in and Ashbourne even provide 500 branded membership cards for free. Clubs can also upgrade to finger print readers or RFID technology. Ashbourne also has its own team of engineers to provide clubs with turnstile and magnetic door lock solutions. Ashbourne’s chief engineer Ian Bowley said: “Many clubs believe a turnstile is out of reach in terms of budget but Ashbourne can help finance these for their customers by spreading the cost out over a

few months. We can even convert current systems to integrate with our software.” The system also includes an EPOS till module so clubs can keep track of their daily, weekly and monthly takings as well as their stock control. The KPI Dashboard is packed with reports and stats to manage your club and allows for targeted texts and emails to easily be sent to your members. The latest module that is included is a club’s very own fully branded app. This app allows members to communicate with each other, create and follow workout cards and input and track their workout performance. The app helps to provide a great member experience with the feeling that the club is investing in features for their members. Mark Clifford from The Clifford Health Club and Spa added: “The software is very comprehensive; it covers online sign ups, entry control, epos, online class bookings as well as an app for my members where they can track their own workout progress. “It’s a great software package in its own right and the fact that it’s included in the price I pay for just my collections makes it even better.” Ashbourne services include: n collection+ (our direct debit

collection and debt recovery service) n access+ (our entry swipe membership validation software) n dashboard+ (our managers’ reporting software) n ejoin+ (our online joining facility) n ebooking+ (our online exercise class booking facility) n epos+ (our electronic point of sale

software) n app+ (fully branded club app for members to log their workout performance, book classes and much more) If you are a club that has over 100 members and would like a complete club software package for free contact Ashbourne on 01564 741 837 or email Grant@ashbournemanagement.co.uk

SUSTAINABILITY

The Portal in Irvine – operated by KA Leisure – boasts a 25m swimming pool, fitness suite, multi-use studios and sports hall.

Provider meets demand with opening of £18m facility By Christina Eccles A SCOTTISH leisure provider is catering to customer demand – and improving its operational efficiency – with the opening of its new, state-ofthe-art facility. The £18m Portal in Irvine has replaced the town’s old Magnum Leisure Centre and with features including a 25m swimming pool, fitness suite, multi-use studios and sports hall, is aiming to provide something for everyone.

With a bigger capacity and more on offer than the old site, The Portal – operated by KA Leisure – is already being enjoyed by both existing members who have moved across and new customers who have been flocking through the doors. Fitness manager Fraser MacKenzie said: “We are the largest supplier of fitness in the area but at the old centre, we could only cater for about 2,000 members. At this one, we can cater for 4,000-5,000.” The new centre is also tapping into

the latest trends, offering everything from indoor cycling to a dedicated functional area and kit such as Jacob’s Ladders and Versaclimbers. Fraser added: “The market is changing; a lot of the trends are centred around functional training and weights. We did a lot of research and a lot of stuff came from requests. “Every single member has walked out raving about it. It has been challenging but the response we have got from the local population has been pretty phenomenal.”

The new centre is also more efficient to run, meaning cost and energy savings, thanks to the inclusion of environmentally friendly features such as solar panels, combined heat and power systems and LED lighting. Building and facilities manager David Oliver added: “The new venues will allow us to significantly reduce our impact on the environment by lowering our carbon footprint. It will provide greater operational efficiency through better management of onsite systems.”

Implementing sustainable initiatives can help fitness facilities become more environmentally friendly – and save money. Stuart Clegg from Powerstar explains how.

Powering energy savings for leisure and fitness facilities VOLTAGE optimisation is an established technology and the concept behind the solution is relatively simple and effective. Historically, the electricity network in the UK was required to supply voltage to a building within the range of 225V-254V. Steps to harmonise voltage levels were taken in 1995 when the statutory specification changed to a European harmonised voltage of 230V, with all electrical equipment operating optimally at 220V. This remains the current UK position today. The infrastructure of the electricity grid network has been in place for many years and is therefore designed to deliver voltage within the pre-1995 range, this results in many facilities still being supplied with voltages in excess of 242V, way above the harmonised voltage. This over supply of voltage leads to excessive amounts of electricity consumption, added wear and tear to on-site electrical equipment, high levels of carbon emissions and increased electricity costs. Voltage optimisation provides a solution to these issues by reducing the incoming voltage of the electricity supplied to the optimum level for

Stuart Clegg the facility, minimising consumption while remaining within the operating conditions specified by the equipment manufacturer. Through installing a voltage optimisation system, companies can benefit from reduced electricity consumption, lessen their impact on the environment and achieve significant savings on electricity bills along with secondary benefits of improving power quality and reducing wear on equipment. Fitness and leisure facilities

represent an ideal application for voltage optimisation technology with inflated energy costs, long operating hours, a range of electrical devices used in the facility and expectancy from both customers and stakeholders to deliver robust sustainability strategies. Fitness and leisure centre managers who are considering adopting the technology should be cautious about simply sourcing and installing an off the shelf voltage optimisation unit to install into their premises. They are encouraged to seek out a solutions provider who will deliver a concept to completion service, offering full analysis and monitoring of the site’s electrical supply and suggest a tailored, often bespoke solution which is engineered specifically for the facility. Therefore, generating maximum efficiencies and savings. Amongst the range of fitness and leisure facilities using voltage optimisation solutions are Waterworld, Newquay Sports Centre and Polkyth Leisure Centre; three leisure centres in the South West of England which were facing challenges to reduce energy consumption and lessen their impact on the environment without affecting

the day to day operations within the centres or interfering with the customer experience. Following the commission of a voltage optimisation system, total electricity consumption across the three leisure centres was reduced by 12.5 per cent, with each centre also able to benefit from overall improvements to its efficiency ratings. Crucially, as all three centres implemented a project-led approach to the technology each system was designed, engineered and manufactured bespoke for each site with installation carried out within specific parameters set be each centre to minimise disruption. Following installation all three units continue to operate and achieve savings annually within the leisure centres without any impact on the customer experience. On the contrary, the savings that have been achieved on electricity costs through the project are available to be reinvested into customer facing services and towards overarching centre targets such as inclusive fitness initiatives. n Stuart Clegg is commercial director at Powerstar: www. powerstar.com

SUSTAINABILITY

Vision for getting Londoners active is set out by Mayor and Commissioner By Christina Eccles A VISION has been set out by the mayor of London and the capital’s new walking and cycling commissioner to get more Londoners active outdoors – improving their health and reducing pollution. Sadiq Khan’s new blueprint for a healthy London will see increasing physical activity put at the centre of a wide range of GLA and TfL policy, setting out how it could transform the lives of millions of Londoners. His ambition is that Londoners walk or cycle for at least 20 minutes every day – currently only 34 per cent of

Londoners achieve this. A Healthy Streets for London document has been drawn up between the TfL and the Mayor’s office, with a key focus on getting Londoners to reduce their reliance on car use, which will not only help to get them more active, but help tackle London’s air pollution crisis. A major part of walking and cycling commissioner Will Norman’s role will be working to deliver this new agenda – the biggest ever focus on walking and cycling in the capital. Examples outlined in the initiative include: n Street level – improving local

environments by providing more space for walking and cycling, and better public spaces where people can interact. n Transport network level – prioritising better and more affordable public transport and safer and more appealing routes for walking and cycling, reducing the dominance of motor vehicles and developing creative approaches to managing freight and deliveries. n Strategic level – Planning new developments so people can walk or cycle to local shops, schools and workplaces, and have good public transport links for longer journeys.

Will said: “I’m delighted to be starting as London’s first ever full time walking and cycling commissioner. “Working with Sadiq to make physical activity a bigger part of Londoners’ everyday lives could have a truly transformational impact on our city. It will not only substantially improve Londoners’ health, but a play a key role in tackling our air pollution crisis. “Increasing physical activity must be a central part of everything we do – building stronger, healthy communities, and improving quality of life for everyone.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

New UK franchise changing the way people work out By Christina Eccles

BH Live chief executive Peter Gunn and Councillor Linda Symes, Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure & Sport, with stakeholders.

Operator takes over running of six Portsmouth facilities BH Live has taken over the management of six centres in Portsmouth, working in partnership with Portsmouth City Council. The operator will manage Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre, Portsmouth Tennis Centre, Eastney Swimming Pool, Wimbledon Park Sports Centre and Charter Community Sports Centre, in addition to the Pyramids Centre which has been operated by BH Live since 2013. BH Live’s chief executive Peter Gunn said: “Portsmouth already has

some of the best sporting and public leisure facilities in the UK. “To encourage more people to enjoy the benefits, we will take a citywide partnership approach. Together, with our partners, we will create activities that everyone can enjoy and provide affordable access to encourage participation in physical activity. “We will look at how we can contribute to, and co-promote, city events to bring people together and also improve employment prospects through training opportunities and people development – all crucial to our social mission.”

Free fitness for under-fives UNDER fives will be able to swim and skate in Doncaster for free this year thanks to a new initiative launched by Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust. The scheme, aimed at tackling childhood inactivity, will enable children who fall into this age group to use the facilities at The Dome for free swimming or skating. Chief executive Michael Hart said:

“Being physically active every day is important for the healthy growth and development of babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers and that’s why we are offering free access to under fives visiting The Dome. “We hope that this initiative will encourage lots of families to visit us and try out our refurbished pool area and spectacular ice rinks.”

THE founder of a successful boutique business is looking to expand after achieving great results in his two Scottish studios. Beat Theory Fitness offers expert personal training in a group setting – inspired by studios in the US – with workouts based on the Excess PostExercise Oxygen Consumption theory, which keeps your heart beating, pulsing, pumping and burning fat well after the workout has finished. Launched in the UK by ex-professional footballer Riccardo Scala, there are currently two Beat Theory Fitness studios in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with plans to now franchise the business. Riccardo said: “People just don’t have the one-to-two hours a day to go to the gym anymore, but everyone still wants the results. “We are not competing with gyms, as this concept is completely different, basically we are looking to shake up the industry and bring working out into the 21st century.” Riccardo said the decision to franchise the business was the next logical step. Franchisees will enjoy low overheads, low fixed expenses, a compact and attractive studio space, plus support and training from industry experts. A typical studio is equipped with 10 treadmills, 10 rowing machines, 10

Riccardo Scala suspension unit systems and a host of free weights and benches, with the layout specifically designed to achieve the best results. To achieve maximum flexibility for clients, booking is done via the Beat Theory Fitness app and there are typically 10 to 12 group sessions per day – all with a specialist personal trainer – offering flexibility for clients to train at a time which suits them. Riccardo added: “In launching this concept in the UK, it was always my intention to franchise the business as it has worked so well in the US. “Beat Theory Fitness is seeking to be the first franchised chain of aggregated studio concepts in the UK, focusing on the whole of the UK market. “I truly believe once the knowledge of our concept and franchise system spreads, there is no limit to what can be achieved.”

Nutrition company looking to work with more gyms A NUTRITION company is looking to work with more gyms this year, following a successful launch which has seen the business pick up nearly 400 trade accounts. Time 4 Nutrition was set up about 18 months ago by Paul Smith who has over 20 years’ experience in the industry selling supplements. Over the years, Paul had noticed online sales were booming, with websites selling to end users at trade prices or even below, which effectively alienated gyms and shops. To fill this gap in the market, he created the company to focus on working with gyms rather than trying to compete with them. He explained: “We looked at bringing something out that was good value, good looking, good tasting and with decent margins. “We try and work really closely with the gyms. There’s plenty of support and also with our margins, we don’t undercut them. Any promotions are always available via our trade accounts.” Over the coming months, Paul would like to work with more clubs

Paul Smith and expand the business even further. He added: “We can take a lot more trade accounts on. We’ve got a good set up, with a decent amount of stock and can offer good promotions. “We’re really happy with the way the product looks and have spent a lot of time on the flavours.”

The changing rooms at Larkfield Leisure Centre have undergone an £80,000 refurbishment following an investment by Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council. Improvements include a new air handling system and flooring, plus new cubicle doors. The final phase of the revamp will see new lockers, which will accept both the existing and new 12-sided £1 coin. Chief executive of TMLT, Martin Guyton, said: “Larkfield is an extremely popular centre but its changing facilities were tired and overdue for refurbishment. Following feedback from our customers, we’ve made this significant investment to transform the changing rooms, which will dramatically improve users’ experience of the centre.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

What is most important to gym customers? DO you know what’s most important to your customers? To answer this GYMetrix added a question to its surveys, and following almost 3,000 responses, we have analysed the responses. Here’s what we discovered. First we looked at the 10 most common positive comments made by customers who are most likely to refer a gym. We came up with the following list: n Atmosphere and environment n Cleanliness and maintenance n Good location n Good quality equipment n Friendly and helpful staff n Spacious n Enough equipment of your choice n Opening hours n Price n Nice changing areas

Here’s how we phrased the question: “Here are 10 things customers generally look for in a gym. Now, this question has nothing to do with this gym; we just want to understand what your personal preferences are. So, if you are shopping for a hypothetical gym, can you look at this list of 10 things and select, in order

of importance, the five most important to you?” Each customer then indicated what was most important to them, in order, and we scored the first choice with five points, the second choice with four points, the third choice with three points, the fourth choice with two points and the fifth choice with one point. In almost all cases, ‘good quality equipment’, ‘enough equipment of your choice’ and ‘good location’ were selected by gym goers as the top three of the 10 most common reasons to recommend a gym. Interestingly, when we put the same question to operators all but a handful cited ‘enough equipment of your choice’ as one of the three most important aspects of a gym for their customers. This indicates that operators underestimate how important having enough equipment is for their customers. There were some exceptions to the ordering of what was most important, a notable exception being gyms in London. Here, without exception and by some margin, location was the most important factor for gym users. This was followed

by ‘enough equipment of your choice’.

Matching equipment supply to match demand / match demand to supply. Shortages of gym equipment that cause dissatisfaction among customers can be solved in two ways. Operators can buy more of that equipment or they can educate customers in a way that changes their equipment choices. It is the role of senior management, through their equipment purchases, to match the supply of equipment with customer demand. Once the equipment is in place, it is the role of gym floor staff, through customer interaction and education, to match customer choices with equipment. In this way, equipment utilisation is maximised, customer interaction and education is improved and the value of gym floor staff is enhanced. To help operators understand what customers most want/ need from a gym, GYMetrix has created the Gym Customers Hierarchy of Needs. Taking inspiration from Maslow’s famous Hierarchy of Needs developed to understand what motivates

people, our hierarchy groups customers’ needs from the most fundamental (bottom of the pyramid in Pic 1) to the least (top of the pyramid). Based on our findings, we can see that ‘enough equipment of your choice’ and ‘good quality’ equipment are the most important aspects of a gym for users. The least is ‘nice changing areas’. Now, we’re not saying that the top levels needs, as seen in the pyramid, are not important. All we are saying is that unless the most important needs are met, customers don’t stick around to appreciate the higher level needs. If you want to delight your customers, if you want to reach the pinnacle, you have to meet all of these needs. In this respect, all of the criteria are equally important to a quality operator. However, if you fail to meet the most important needs by providing ‘enough equipment of their choice’ customers will not be happy, no matter how well you fulfil higher level needs. GYMetrix ensures you have enough equipment of their choice. www.gymetrix.co.uk

UK FITNESS SCENE

Work begins to redevelop Warwick leisure centres

Virtual classes are now available at Think Fitness 4 Less in Hawick.

Owner embraces technology with virtual classes By Olivia Taylor

AN independent gym owner is embracing the latest technology by introducing virtual classes to members. Greg Dalgleish, owner of Think Fitness 4 Less in Hawick, Scotland has been a pioneer for technology – jumping on board with the wearable technology craze and encouraging his members to track their progress. Greg said: “Even in personal training sessions if people can track their performance and see how hard they’re doing, it’s better than just taking the trainer’s word for it. “They know that they’re doing well, and that’s a really great motivational tool.” The team at Think Fitness 4 Less are big believers in ‘gamifying’ fitness, regularly hosting MYZONE challenges to keep members engaged and offering prizes for each winner. Now Greg has introduced virtual MYZONE classes to his members, using a large screen to project them on the walls in the studio. The classes give members who prefer to exercise alone – or are in a hurry – the opportunity to take part

in special aerobics, power boxing and Spinning sessions. Greg added: “MYZONE belt sales are definitely up. It’s great for us to see members jumping on board with technology. I think it all comes back to the fact they can see exactly how they’re doing. “Don’t get me wrong, people are always going to like having an instructor there with them, but the MYZONE classes are a great alternative for when that’s not available.” The gym also urges the local secondary school to use the gym and get involved with the different aspects of technology. Greg has been involved with the school for over 15 years, coaching the rugby team. He added: “We’ve always worked really close with the school since about 2001. It’s great to see the kids progress. When they’re exercising, they’re getting fitter. “These kids are getting out of bed on a cold Scottish morning to train, and I want that to become part of their routine. Not so they come to the gym, I don’t really care about that, I care about them becoming more disciplined.”

ANYTIME Fitness is to open a club in Derby’s new Castleward residential development. The gym is one of the first tenants to occupy commercial space in the new development, which is located between the main shopping centre and Derby’s busy train station. A former finance professional, franchisee Teddy Andres was looking for a new venture that combined his personal interest in fitness with running his own business. The club will include the latest

Precor kit, a Queenax corner unit and an indoor cycling studio offering both instructor-led and virtual classes. Teddy said: “Our focus is on member experience. We aim to offer high quality facilities with a limited number of members, providing a higher than average staff to member ratio. “We’ll also be organising club events to actively encourage members to meet each other, enabling a positive club atmosphere as opposed to merely providing a training facility.”

PLANS to redevelop St Nicholas Park and Newbold Comyn Leisure Centres in Warwick have now begun on site after they were given the green light by Warwick District councillors. A £14m investment by the council is being used to fund upgrades to two centres in Leamington Spa and Warwick, with a second phase of upgrades to follow for Kenilworth. The centre at Newbold Comyn will be home to an extension housing three new fitness studios, a ‘clip and climb’ climbing wall and a new sports hall. The swimming pool will also be refurbished alongside the addition of wet changing rooms for the pool and shower area. Plans also include a new 100-station gym and improved disabled facilities. Running alongside the Newbold Comyn redevelopment, St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre is also being extended to house a new 80 station gym and two new fitness studios.

The swimming pool changing rooms will be completely replaced and new changing rooms will serve the gym and studios alongside various refurbishments to the swimming pool The existing sports hall will also have new lights and colour scheme. Portfolio holder for culture at Warwick District Council coun Michael Coker said: “I am delighted that work will now commence, allowing our residents to enjoy the new, state of the art facilities by the end of next year. “Proposed designs for the new facilities are the result of detailed design work, with input from architects, Sport England and council officers, and reflect the outcome of public consultation undertaken in January and February this year.” Building contractor Speller Metcalfe, who successfully refurbished Stratford Leisure Centre in 2015, has been selected to undertake both schemes.

Nutrition brand Battle Oats will sponsor Total Warrior’s extreme sports events across Scotland and the north of England this summer. The company will supply 20,000 protein snack bars to participants at the Total Warrior events at Bramham Park, Leeds; Shap in the Lake District and Edinburgh as part of the deal. Kevin Smith of Battle Oats said: “The courses really are gruelling and push even the fittest athletes to their limits as I found out when I took part in the event again last year. We’re really pleased to have teamed up with Total Warrior and our four-strong office team will be taking part in this year’s Lake District event.” Pictured are founders of Battle Oats, Kevin Smith and Shaun Gibbins.

Glenn Tolan (left) and Steve Jacklin have joined OCL.

Anytime Fitness to open in Derby Two new faces at OCL OLDHAM Community Leisure has made two new appointments to its team. Glenn Tolan has joined as head of facilities and Steve Jacklin as operations/maintenance manager. Glenn has held a variety of roles in the sector, with his most recent being head of operations for Barnsley Premier Leisure. In his new role, he is charged with delivering continuous improvement in OCL’s facilities; developing staff teams and providing an excellent service for customers.

Steve joins OCL from Wythenshawe Forum where he was technical manager. Starting as an apprentice at Manchester City Council, he has 34 years’ experience in the leisure sector working for a variety of operators. Head of human resources at OCL, Louise Walton, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Glenn and Steve to OCL. “They both have considerable experience in the leisure sector and their combined expertise is a welcome addition to the OCL team.”

PRODUCT NEWS

ServiceSport kit out new gym in Northern Ireland SERVICESPORT has supplied almost 300 pieces of cardiovascular and resistance equipment to a new site for Northern Irish gym chain, Gymco. New and remanufactured equipment from top brands such as Life Fitness and Matrix were delivered and installed at the new Gymco Cityside site in December, ensuring the health and fitness club could open in time for the annual New Year fitness rush. The order extends ServiceSport’s relationship with the Northern Irish gym chain, having previously supplied and serviced Gymco’s fitness equipment at another site over the past two years. ServiceSport’s intensive

remanufacturing process offers an affordable alternative to buying new equipment, while retaining the look and feel of brand new apparatus. ServiceSport managing director Colin Marriot said: “It’s great to strengthen our relationship with Gymco, having already supplied and serviced their equipment at a previous site. “This is a fitting testament to the high quality and efficient work we do for our customers.” If you’d like to know more about ServiceSport’s competitively priced fitness equipment and servicing packages, go to www.servicesport.co.uk or call 08453 884 662.

Life Fitness acquires ICG The latest alternative

INDOOR Cycling Group is the latest acquisition to join Life Fitness’ leading health, fitness and well-being brand portfolio. This development further diversifies the Life Fitness product offering and provides a platform for expansion within the growing group exercise category. The impressive fleet of top-of-theline indoor cycles, powered by ICG, features the IC4, IC5, IC6 and the award-winning IC7. The revolutionary ICG bikes combine unique design with an enhanced technology experience, offering an indoor cycle experience like no other. In addition to the WattRate Power Meter and Bluetooth connectivity to external devices to enable users to view, save and track their workout history and training, ICG bikes offer the Coach by Color training system.

to your current brand

The highly effective and motivational system delivers realtime, biofeedback to the user, displaying the user’s WattRate (power) or heart rate to them and their coach in five coloured zones. For more information visit www.lifefitness. co.uk/facility/about/teamicg

Owners to open second facility FOLLOWING a successful first three years in business, New Body Fitness in Weymouth is to open a second site, enabling more customers to benefit from the gym’s expertise and inclusive offering. Established in 2014, New Body Fitness aims to provide a health and fitness solution for all – where all ages and abilities can train together without compromise. Now nearing capacity at Weymouth, New Body Fitness is opening a secondary site at Bridport, offering the same inclusive fitness model and quality of service. Director Nick Bell said: “Following

the success of Weymouth, we felt the need to expand our facilities to offer even more people the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing. “The goal has always been to expand the business and we’re very excited to be at a point where we can do that.” Due to open in April, New Body Fitness will be installing a range of Spirit Fitness plate-loaded strength and state-of-the-art cardio equipment into its new site. The gym also offers Spirit Fitness cardio machines at the Weymouth site. For more information visit www.spiritfitnessuk.co.uk

THE new protein and energy bar from ActiveSnacks is proving a tasty proposition for both independent gyms and national chains. The new brand has already secured its first national account, a wholesale distribution stockist and over 40 independent gym customers. Building on seven years in the sports supplements industry with a fast growing and well respected brand, our leadership team are confident that our first product is a market leader. The bar market has moved on tremendously in the last 18 months so our main aim was to deliver a product

that was nutritionally superior and tasted fantastic. That is what we have delivered, and we are certain you will agree. With just five core ingredients you can buy and consume with confidence; you are getting a clean and effective snack. We had three clear goals at the start of this product’s development, and we genuinely believe we have surpassed them: it had to have a great nutritional profile that appealed to a wide audience, be of exceptional value, and it had to taste amazing. For more information call Nick Mills on 07894 619686 or email nickmills@activesnacks.com

New revolutionary app GYM Upholstery UK has provided an ‘on-site’ (mobile) fitness equipment service to health clubs across the UK since 2001 and has now developed an easy to use revolutionary pad recognition software app, making it easier to identify which part of the fitness equipment padding you require replacing due to it being worn, ripped or torn. Customers open the online app on their phone or tablet device, take a picture of the machine that requires a pad replacement. They then touch the particular pad to identify which part they require replacing and the app returns a quote to the customer’s email address

with a copy of the highlighted pads requested – it’s genius. Why not give it a try and obtain a quote? Visit www.recopad.co.uk/gymupholstery email@gymupholstery.com or call 01282 831 238

Coming up in the next issue of Workout, we have features on indoor cycling and rowing, vibration training and retention. If you have a story for us on any of these topics or would like to advertise your product or service, get in touch by email or give us a call. We’ll also be including the official preview to BodyPower 2017, containing the latest exhibitor news and what to watch out for at this year’s event. Workout will also be exhibiting at the show at the NEC in May and would love to see some of our readers and advertisers there. Contact us to arrange a meeting.

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