November 2017
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Operator makes biggest Sugar Smart pledge By Christina Eccles LEISURE operator Everyone Active has made the industry’s biggest Sugar Smart pledge – vowing to remove more than three tonnes of sugar from its food and beverage products over the next three years. Sugar Smart is a nationwide initiative led by Jamie Oliver and Sustain that aims to inspire a largescale change in people’s eating habits and improve the nation’s health. Everyone Active has initially launched the campaign in its centres across Plymouth and Bristol, and will be working with Havering, Ealing, St Albans and Middlesbrough over the next few months as more councils sign up to Sugar Smart. As part of the pledge, the operator is working with suppliers to replace high-sugar products with low-sugar alternatives in all of its Sugar Smart centres, and is now offering a core kids’ range of no-added-sugar or sugar-free products. It has also introduced a ‘traffic light’ system to drive customers towards healthier options by grading products in line with their sugar content. Everyone Active’s group food and beverage manager Andy Coupé said: “It is brilliant to have officially launched our national pledge.
“We have already been doing a lot of work to make our food and beverage options healthier and it’s great to formally recognise this with the Sugar Smart stamp. “Any organisation that offers food options to the community has an obligation to provide healthier alternatives. “Our involvement in the Sugar Smart campaign is all about giving people a choice and helping them to understand the small changes they can make that have a big impact on their overall health and wellbeing.” Campaigns coordinator at Sustain, Sofia Parente, added: “Whole communities need to work together in the battle against sugar. “Leisure centres have a huge role in educating people about the importance of exercise and good diet. They need to lead by example in the food and drinks they sell and the advice they give their customers. “We are delighted that Everyone Active has decided to join Sugar Smart and we invite other leisure providers to rethink their food and drink offer.” n What do you think operators should be doing to give customers healthier food and drink choices? Email us at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or contact us on Facebook or Twitter.
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New app connects enthusiasts and classes
Paralympian and star of Strictly Come Dancing Jonnie Peacock has helped low cost operator The Gym Group celebrate the opening of its 100th gym. At the club in Feltham, Jonnie took part in a specially-designed workout – HIIT the Floor 100 – which has been created to help everyone get fit for the rigours of the gym, track and dance floor alike. He said: “It was great to see that everyone enjoyed the workout and I was very impressed by how quickly they picked up the moves.” *For full story turn to page 19.
A NEW app has launched to connect busy fitness enthusiasts with classes and gym sessions in real time, while helping operators attract footfall at times when they have spare capacity. Founded by ex-city accountant and IFBB/ WBFF figure pro athlete Eleni Plakitsi, E2 operates on a simple 20 per cent booking commission. With no monthly fees and no contracts, it also offers a flexible option for busy customers looking for the freedom to work out at a time and place that fits into their life. Eleni explained: “We know that gyms and studios aren’t always busy 100 per cent of the time. That’s why I created E2. “It allows venues to introduce a new revenue stream by attracting new users to the gym floor or filling up classes. “And it also provides E2 users with a unique opportunity to gain access to premium gyms and studios they may otherwise never go to – increasing the chance they become members in the future. It’s a win-win.”