October 2015
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Innovative facilities celebrate shortlist
Embrace trends in technology, operators told By Olivia Taylor OPERATORS have been warned to embrace trends in technology in order to attract and keep members. Making your website mobile friendly and giving members the opportunity to purchase wearable technology from you were just two of the tips that IHRSA’s European director Hans Muench gave to delegates during a presentation at Leisure Industry Week. Industry professionals were told to prepare for the surge of technology already on its way, with predictions of 550 million people owning wearable technology by 2017. Providing members with the opportunity to buy wearable technology within the gym and offering them advice on how best to utilise it was a simple and effective tip given to listeners. Hans said: “Things have changed since the internet, everything is a lot more accessible. You don’t have to invent stuff yourself, find something that’s working well in another industry and duplicate in our industry.” According to Hans, with a growing number of the population using smart phones, making your club’s website mobile friendly is essential when it comes to attracting new business, as is
having a presence on social media platforms. He added: “Being savvy on social media is no longer an option, it’s a must – something that we have to do.” In a seminar focusing on international trends and their impact on the UK market, Hans also told the audience to be aware of cheaper alternatives to exercise; from budget gyms to low cost fitness apps that can be a cheaper and sometimes just as effective way of exercising. He added: “Expensive and exclusive clubs aren't necessarily doing it better than the budget gyms.” Hans also encouraged fitness professionals to focus on member interaction, making sure that all members are acknowledged and made to feel welcome in the club. “Meaningful interaction between staff and members is something that we need to do, and a lot of clubs have lost that, even if it’s just a connection by saying hello or smiling. “Provide unique connections to make people think it’s not only about the price – prove there’s other tangibles involved.” Look out for more LIW news next issue and if you were at the show, let us know your highlights by emailing ce@scriptmedia.co.uk
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Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley was among the special guests celebrating the opening of an exclusive new gym in Manchester. Elite personal training service Ultimate Performance has launched in the city following successes in London, Marbella, Hong Kong and Singapore. UP chief executive Nick Mitchell said: ”Opening up our first UP gym in England, outside of London, was a no brainer for me. Manchester is a vibrant and energy led city, and to set up in such an evocative site on the Manchester skyline as the Granada building is an added bonus.” For full story see page three.
INNOVATIVE gyms from all around the UK have been celebrating making the shortlist for the 2015 National Fitness Awards. Clubs from as far afield as Belfast, Jersey, Cornwall and Aberdeen will be battling it out for awards this year, with over 20 trophies up for grabs. Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony on Friday December 4 at The Athena in Leicester, which will be hosted by Olympic bronze medallist swimmer and commentator Steve Parry and fitness entrepreneur and star of The Apprentice Katie BulmerCooke. Steve said: “It’s fantastic to be involved in the National Fitness Awards this year. I’ve spent my life trying to achieve in the world of sport and completely subscribe to healthy lifestyles. For that reason it will be great to see the leaders in this great industry.” Tickets for the awards are now on sale. Visit www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk to book your seats and turn to our special NFA feature, starting on page 53, to find out more about this year’s event.