Workout Weekly April 21

WEEKLY

Issue 136 - 28 April 2023

YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE

Boom in Oldham Active’s young members – page 3

First of operator’s anticipated 250 clubs opens – page 4

Boom in Oldham Active’s young members

OLDHAM Active’s Young Person’s Memberships are booming, with 27 per cent of new members signing up each month now Young Person’s Memberships and 15 per cent of total members aged between 11 and 18.

Oldham Active (Oldham Community Leisure), a charitable trust operating leisure facilities in the borough, first introduced its Young Person’s Membership in October 2021. Since launching, its popularity has grown and Oldham Active currently has 1,500 young members across its five facilities in the borough.

Simon Blair, head of business development at Oldham Active, said: “We are constantly reviewing our memberships and offers to reach out to our community to make a real-life impact to the borough’s health and wellness.

“So we are really proud of the significant uplift in young people using our facilities.

“Recent findings show that 26 per cent of Year Six children in Oldham are already obese. We want to help combat these troubling findings and are keen to establish healthier life choices in young people for the long term.

“Helping young people to feel relaxed and confident in our facilities is paramount, as it will help them to navigate and seek out physical activity as they get older and have families of their own.

“We understand not all young people enjoy traditional competitive sport and PE lessons.

“Our membership allows young people to access to our pools, gyms and our fantastic range of group exercise classes, as we really want encourage young people to try something new, and something the national curriculum and schools may not be able to offer.”

A parent or guardian must help the young person set up their membership, including completing an application form, health questionnaire and establishing the direct debit. However, once the young person has had a complimentary full induction, including creating a bespoke fitness programme, they can use the gym and facilities independently, without an adult. Simon added: “To help young people prepare to use the gym,

all new members must have a mandatory induction, helping them to learn how to use the equipment safely, and how to be respectful and mindful of other members and best practices.

“We always have our experienced wellness team in our gyms and facilities who are available to offer help, guidance and support.”

Oldham Active’s monthly membership package is £16.99 a month, which gives young people access to swim sessions, group classes and the gym, with seven days advanced booking, any time, any day, to all its leisure centres.

Devon, aged 13, has a Young Person’s Membership and uses the gym and classes at Royton Gym and Chadderton Wellbeing Centre.

He said: “My mum has been a member of Oldham Active for as long as I can remember, so going to the gym felt very familiar to me.

“We both now go two or three times a week and I’m really loving some of the group exercise classes, especially HIIT and Body Tone.

“The classes really challenge me and I enjoy using the equipment. Other members and the instructors have been really welcoming, and since joining a few months ago I’m feeling really good and confident.

“I’m thinking of trying out Spinning for the first time. I’m not really into football at school, so coming to the gym gives me the opportunity to work out without the pressure of team sports.”

Devon’s mum, Leanne, 45, added: “The great thing about Oldham Active is the variety of people that use the facilities.

“Everyone is made to feel welcome. I’ve been a member for 11 years and really enjoy the Body Pump classes.

“It’s a really non-judgmental environment and I feel secure and reassured that my son can come and spend time here with or without me.

“It’s great that he can access exercise on his own terms and I’ve been pleased to see him try out a variety of activities.

“I find the junior membership to be extremely good value, as it includes all classes, the gym, swimming.. I can see Devon using this membership for the long-term.”

Magicline and Gympass agree on global partnership

GYMPASS and fitness management

software Magicline have joined forces. Gympass is the first aggregator provider in the market with an interface. The integration with the Gympass app noticeably minimises the check-in effort for studios and members and also simplifies the class booking process. Gympass will additionally become part of the Sport Alliance’s digital platform, Open SPACE. The partnership between Magicline and Gympass is global in scope. The goal is to support gyms around the world and enable both companies to grow faster together.

“We are excited to partner with

Director of Operations: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmediagroup.co.uk

Studio manager: Paul Hopkinson ph@scriptmediagroup.co.uk

Assistant studio manager: Scott Firth sf@scriptmediagroup.co.uk

Magicline to digitise the fitness world,” said Samuel Turnwald, head of partnerships at Gympass.

“There is a lot of potential to leverage beyond the borders of Germany. In Spain, for example, 54 per cent of gyms don’t have fitness management software and the market in Asia is huge.”

The interface to Magicline enables studio visitors to check-in more smoothly and quickly through automated validation.

This also reduces the effort required by gym staff, who no longer have to perform this process manually.

In terms of class bookings, the

integration also allows users to view class schedules, access details about specific classes, visualise class times, and book and cancel classes for users.

Members will further be notified of class schedule changes through the synchronisation of class schedules between Magicline and Gympass.

“Partnering with Gympass is an important step towards our goal of providing gym owners and managers with a streamlined, user-friendly platform that enhances the customer experience,” said Nicolas Festl, group product manager at Magicline.

“We are excited to partner with

Gympass. Not only does it create a more convenient check-in process, but it also allows us to streamline the class booking process.”

Gympass, which gives its customers access to more than 50,000 gyms worldwide, is also excited about the partnership.

“We want to provide our customers with the best possible user experience,” said Laura von Forstner, senior manager Europe platform alliances at Gympass.

“The partnership with Magicline will allow us to simplify access to our gyms for our customers and make it easier for them to book classes.”

Physical to sponsor GLL Sport Foundation

AS THE GLL Sport Foundation celebrates its 15th anniversary, Physical has unveiled a package of support that sees it step into a sponsor role for the Foundation – the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme.

The support package comes as part of the agreement that sees Physical reappointed as GLL’s functional training and studio equipment partner.

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Physical has committed to creating and subsidising bespoke packages of high-quality training equipment for Foundation athletes.

GLL CEO and GSF chair Peter Bundey said: “The GLL Sports Foundation exists to support young people with athletic talent to achieve their full sporting potential, by reducing the financial burden of training and competition

costs.

“Over the last 15 years, we’ve supported over 24,000 athletes at all stages of their athletic journeys, including Ellie Simmonds MBE (para swimming), Anna Hursey (table tennis), Daryll Neita (athletics), Lucy Shuker

(para tennis) and Aiden Walsh (boxing).”

He added: “Our support spans financial bursaries, training and gym memberships, travel, physiotherapy, and mental health and wellbeing support through a new partnership with Switch The Play Foundation.

“For 2023, the GLL Sport Foundation will support more than 2,000 athletes with an annual budget of £1.2m thanks to the help of a number of key sponsors.”

Physical managing director John Halls said: “Physical is delighted to be reappointed by GLL and equally delighted to support its incredible work with the GLL Sport Foundation.

“We look forward to finding out the list of athletes on the GSF programme for 2023, and to playing our small part in their future successes.”

Tully Kearney

First of operator’s anticipated 250 clubs opens

GYM franchise Energie Fitness, which has more than 80 clubs and 114,000 members across the UK and Ireland, has announced the launch of a new, innovative boxing and strength training concept to the UK, UBX.

Opening recently in Media City, Salford, its first site as a franchisor is to be launched by local co-owners and franchisees Ben Waldron and James Worrall as a landmark moment for Empowered Brands.

Amidst announced post-Covid network sales of £33million across its Energie Fitness portfolio, the ambition is to open 250 UBX clubs within six to eight years, its next six confirmed clubs expected to open their doors before the end of September.

As the world’s fastest growing boxing and strength training concept, UBX was co-founded in 2016 by four-time world champion Australian boxer Danny Green and fitness and tech entrepreneur Tim West.

It now boasts more than 90 clubs across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

The innovative concept is based on a unique blend of non-contact group boxing and strength training, backed by science, delivered by world class coaches, and with convenience,

enjoyment and results at its core.

Inclusive for all and with new workouts daily, there are no class timetables or bookings required as an ultraflexible model which uses intelligent programming to make waiting lists, late charges and inconvenience a thing of the past.

As an elite training experience, members can simply arrive when they want, choose a round, and will always have coaches guide them from start to finish as an easy-to-learn, full-body workout in under 45 minutes.

It is the brand’s mission to take boxing and transform it from an individual pursuit, into a team culture.

John Jempson, managing director of UBX Boxing + Strength, UK and Ireland, and chief financial officer at Empowered Brands, said: “Convenience, variety and trainer support are among the top three priorities when it comes to selecting a fitness activity, and UBX delivers on them like no other concept.

“UBX is an environment where results are just an additional benefit to pure enjoyment – through the combination of team-based training and coach interaction, our clubs will be communities, where anyone can learn new skills, working with each other towards a collective goal and going away

with a sense of achievement following every session.”

The opening of the first UBX franchised site comes at a time when demand is clearly there from consumers too, with membership levels across the Energie Fitness portfolio having recovered to 114 per cent of pre-Covid levels.

“We’ve opened 22 Energie Fitness clubs since March 2020 across the UK, Ireland and Spain,” John added.

“With movement towards flexible work schedules and an increased demand for social connection, not to mention a boom in interest for skills-based classes and boutique fitness across the industry, we’re expecting impressive results across our UBX Boxing + Strength franchises.

“Convenience wise, the model is completely unrivaled too, which means exceptional retention.”

John is keen to emphasise the unique opportunity UBX’s flexible model presents to potential franchisees, which he expects to be a driving force in helping Empowered Brands open no fewer than 22 clubs across both UBX and Energie Fitness this year, and 30 to 40 clubs a year through the next six to eight years.

He said: “The UBX model is unique because such a small space is required as compared to other fitness franchise

investments, only around 1,500sq ft a club, but possible member capacity is high.

“Start-up capital required is low too, in the region of £130,000 to £200,000 factoring an initial personal investment from franchise owners starting from £40,000, but it’s a high returning financial model, easy to operate and highly scalable.

“We support franchisees with funding, systems, technology, marketing, operations and infrastructure too – with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, we think this level of support and sophistication underlies why we are one of the most disruptive brands across health, fitness and well-being.”

Pietro Nicholls, chairman of Empowered Brands, added: “The predictability of UBX’s franchise model makes it an attractive prospect to franchisees.

“When you consider investing in one’s health and well-being is an essential consumer spending item too, we are extremely excited to commence the roll out of UBX clubs across the UK.”

Each new UBX club is expected to require a minimum of three to five members of staff meaning the 250-club roll-out could generate in the region of 1,250 new jobs.

Martyn’s Law – what we know so far

By Dave Chivers

WITH draft legislation due to be published early summer, it’s a little worrying that so many people I speak to haven’t yet heard about Martyn’s Law, and those who have are fearful for what it means for their organisation.

Martyn’s Law is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at increasing public safety at crowded public venues in response to the tragic Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.

It was named after Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester attack, and will require venues and local authorities to have preventative action plans against terror attacks.

Naturally, when operators are already dealing with a myriad of issues, including the lasting affects of Covid, the energy crisis and spiralling costs, it’s understandable that panic might set in if they feel something else is being thrown at them.

The good news is, most organisations

will already be doing most of what’s needed, and may just need to dovetail existing operations into the new legislation.

Here’s what we know so far: Martyn’s Law will ensure venues and organisations are prepared, ready to

respond and know what to do in the event of a terrorist attack – providing better protection to the public through clearer processes, enhanced security systems and staff training.

The legislation will cover locations used for purposes such as entertainment and leisure, retail, food and drink, museums and galleries, sports grounds and temporary events – to name a few, which are either a building or a location/ event that has a defined boundary. It will follow a tiered model linked to the type of activity taking place and the size of the expected audience.

A standard tier will apply to locations with a maximum capacity of more than 100 people.

Venues will need to undertake low-cost effective measures such as training and information sharing, and complete a preparedness plan.

Staff must be prepared to respond quickly to an evolving situation, aware of the processes to follow and able to make rapid decisions and carry out actions

that could save lives.

This could be as simple as locking doors to delay attackers progress whilst guiding staff and customers to alternative exits.

It could also include administering lifesaving treatment whilst awaiting the arrival of emergency services.

An enhanced tier will focus on highcapacity locations that can hold 800 or more people, who will be required to undertake an additional risk assessment that will inform the development and implementation of a thorough security plan.

Given it will be law, there will be an inspection and enforcement regime, and sanctions will be issued for breaches.

However, the Government is assuring people that Martyn’s Law aims to improve how prepared a venue is without putting an undue burden on business, and that guidance and bespoke support will be available. n Dave Chivers is the head of operations at Right Directions.

Dave Chivers

BFT partner with largest fitness race in the world

BODY Fit Training, Australia’s fastestgrowing fitness franchise, is joining forces with Europe’s largest- fitness race HYROX, with BFT becoming the exclusive training centre for HYROX in Asia Pacific.

This is the largest global partnership for HYROX, helping to boost its profile across APAC, while driving BFT brand awareness in Europe as they continue their worldwide expansion.

HYROX has seen more than 50,000 participants compete at its events in London, New York, Madrid, Hamburg and Amsterdam, making them the largest fitness race in the world.

With their first APAC events scheduled to take place in Sydney and Melbourne this August, 2023, HYROX will give gym goers a platform to test their strength, skill and endurance, while doing exercises you would usually find in any gym class.

This makes the event one of the most accessible in the world, as competitors compete at their own pace depending on their fitness levels.

“BFT is very excited to announce this innovative partnership and feel that the BFT training system is uniquely positioned to be the perfect official training partner for HYROX and the many people that attend their events globally,” said Cameron Falloon, founder of BFT.

“We can’t wait to see the positive growth from this partnership for both brands, with HYROX participants training in BFT studios around the world, and our BFT communities participating in HYROX events.”

The partnership BFT is set to become The Official HYROX Training Centre for Asia Pacific, creating the perfect platform for athletes to prepare for their HYROX event.

In addition to its existing progressive, science-based training programmes, BFT will be adding HYROX-specific training programmes to its weekly programming at all 240 open studios.

HYROX athletes can confidently become members of their local BFT, knowing they’ll get the best possible preparation for their HYROX event, the first of which will be in Sydney and Melbourne in August.

“It’s rare to find a perfectly aligned partner, with similar aspirations and a track-record of growth, who is willing to work together to make a step-change in the way people exercise, but in HYROX we believe we’ve found just

that,” added Richard Burnet, co-global CEO of BFT.

“HYROX participants will now have an exclusive opportunity right across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore to get to a BFT and have the best possible preparation for their race.

“As more BFTs open across the UK, Spain, Germany and other parts of Asia, and HYROX events hit many more cities, this will become a truly global partnership with benefits for HYROX race-goers and BFT members everywhere.

“And HYROX’s awareness and participation will explode across Asia Pacific thanks to BFT’s 55,000-member network and 350+ franchises sold.”

Christian Toetzke, founder of HYROX, said: “We are thrilled to partner with BFT, known for providing one of the most advanced training methodologies who will act as HYROX training centres across Australia, Europe and Asia.

“Together, we can inspire athletes worldwide to push their limits and give their training a purpose – their next HYROX races.”

In addition to world-class programming, BFT members will gain exclusive access and benefits at HYROX events including VIP access on raceday, a dedicated BFT pre-race and recovery lounge, discounted event entry, exclusive 10-week training programming tailored specifically to their HYROX event, and ongoing training and preparation tools.

The event

HYROX is suitable for everybody.

Participants from all over the world compete in the exact same format. The race starts with a 1km run, followed by one functional movement, which repeats eight times. The event always takes place in a large indoor venue, creating a unique stadium-like atmosphere for all participants.

The functional movements performed are movements you would see at any gym class.

They include a SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Rowing, Farmers Carry, Sandbag Lunges and Wall Balls.

Best of all, all exercises are achievable for even the most novice of exercisers –no 100m handstand walks here.

There are single events, doubles events and relays, so for someone who is not ready to try a full event yet, the relay is a great way to get a taste of the event and set you up for the following year.

Matrix Fitness launches Sprint 8 GX

MATRIX Fitness has launched its Sprint 8 GX programming, combining the scientifically validated Sprint 8 sprintintensity protocol with explosive lifts.

Sprint 8 GX is the result of over a decade of research into the effects of sprint intensity cardio.

It combines sprint-cardio, a unique strength training component and a mobility module blended into an instructor-led exercise experience.

Steve Barrett, director of Global Group Education and Training, Matrix Fitness, said: “Tested, proven and exclusive to

Matrix Fitness cardio equipment, Sprint 8 produces significant results that traditional cardio workouts can’t match.

“Regardless of whether a user is striving to tone or build lean muscles, results are real and tangible.

“The Matrix Fitness cardio equipment is pre-programmed with the Sprint 8 protocol, from which a user selects their level (1-20) and performs a maximum of eight sprint intervals, immediately followed by a specific sequence of freeweight and bodyweight movements which recruit and develop all three types

of muscle fibres.

“The physical would be available to anyone who followed the Sprint 8 GX protocol alone, however we established during the development of Sprint 8 GX that the collective group experience of doing this activity with other people raises the focus and performance of everyone in the group.”

Two key features set the protocol apart from other programmes.

Firstly, the group experience occurs on the cardio floor and can incorporate a wide range of cardio equipment and

all have progressive levels which enable complete beginners to participate alongside elite athletes.

Steve added: “I’ve worked with elite athletes and those just beginning their fitness journey in the same group, the beginners have the option to work on the cardio equipment that best suits them best whilst the high achievers can instantly reinvigorate the challenge by varying their cardio equipment.

“The workout is scalable and has yearround appeal, designed to ensure the longevity of the protocol in gyms.”

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