Weekly Workout Issue 4

ISSUE 1 I May 2020

WEEKLY

Issue 4

YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE

MZ-Remote takes virtual training to next level

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Hotel opens purpose-built performance facilities

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Free plan for operators ahead of reopening

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WORKOUT WEEKLY

MZ-Remote takes virtual training to next level OPERATORS can now stream live workouts whilst concurrently tracking the group heart rate display from remote located participants in real time, integrated into one solution thanks to Myzone.

The new MZ-Remote has been designed to allow operators to stay connected with their members during the restrictions imposed by government during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Integrated with the cloud-based video conferencing service Zoom, the new solution takes live streaming to the next level by allowing instructors to give realtime feedback to class participants based on the effort they put into the workout The specific biometric data such as heart rate, effort level and calories burnt of members can be viewed on screen by the instructor as well as by class participants.

This re-creates the in-club experience, driving high levels of motivation and engagement, which is just not possible with traditional virtual broadcasting.

It means that instructors can focus on coaching form and technique, while still having insight into how each member is performing by simply looking at their heart rate data which is clearly displayed on the Myzone group tiles on screen.

At the same time, individuals working out from home can see how they are performing against their fellow participants encouraging them to push themselves and engage in some friendly competition, just as they would in a club session.

Club owners and operators can schedule a class at the touch of a button via the Myzone booking function (MZ-Book).

And members simply book into a class via the Myzone app, strap on their MZ-3 belt and join the workout at the scheduled time, on whichever device they choose.

Designed to be highly scalable, MZ-Remote allows a live class to be transmitted to multiple clubs at the same time, making it suitable for both single-

site and multi-site operators.

“With MZ-Remote, operators can connect and engage with their members working out remotely in the same way as they would in a club session,” said Myzone CEO Dave Wright.

“This brings an entirely new level of engagement to the digital space giving operators a distinct advantage over other providers and enabling them to meet the needs of existing members while reaching new audiences.

“This is a vital tool for operators

wanting to engage with their members with an enhanced online offering during lockdown and will be equally valuable when government restrictions ease.

“Social distancing rules will mean that clubs will have to operate at reduced capacity, but with MZ-Remote they can still add value to their members, whether they are working out in the club, at home or on holiday.”

The new MZ-Remote is free to holders of a full Myzone licence.

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Advertiser’s announcement

Keeping your members engaged with Mywellness – insights from operators STAYING connected is more important than ever.

Wellness on the Go strategy allows fitness clubs to manage their members training at home.

Mywellness allows operators to stay in touch with members. Launched in 2012, the digital platform allows trainers to connect, engage and coach members.

We discuss with three different clubs the launch of a new Train at Home solution and discover how they are now connecting, coaching and engaging with more members than ever before.

Mywellness is a cloud-based platform that has a variety of different functions available, which can be configured to the requirements of the business.

Highly personalised, quick to activate and adaptable to compliment the clubs business model.

Operators can offer training and coaching programmes to their customers remotely to maintain engagement and connection outside the facility.

Pivoting towards digital Mywellness can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the member experience.

Freedom Leisure, new to Mywellness, saw how quickly digital can be activated as well as the positive impact and response it had from members.

“We knew we had to act fast,” said Barry Thomson, regional commercial manager.

“The timeline between the initial discussion to the launch of Mywellness was 48 hours, which proves what can be achieved when everyone has an aligned goal and focus.”

Not previously using the platform, the uptake was immense.

In one week more than 4,225 Mywellness accounts were created, demonstrating how quickly clubs can

“Utilising Mywellness we continue to provide tailored guidance for our one-to-one clients, a variety of home workout options for all our members and more importantly, the opportunity to communicate to new members.

“We can offer a professional online service to cater not only for members but for the whole community.

“Mywellness could not have been any easier to personalise and match to our business. Thanks to the platform we are more connected than ever to all of our customer base.”

launch new services with the support of the platform.

“Mywellness is an important part of our overall retention plan and will support our members in maintaining a healthy body and mind,” Barry added.

“Naturally, we will continue developing as customer feedback is received and additional services added.”

Enhancing the offering Many facilities already using Mywellness saw an opportunity to launch something new to members to tailor the way it works for them.

CitySpace – The University of Sunderland saw Train at Home as an opportunity for an exciting new direction to use the trainers’ knowledge to create a variety of home workouts for students and members.

“Train at Home and the Mywellness software has been an excellent resource,” said facilities manager Kevin Ludlow.

“It has allowed our fitness team to continue working remotely and remain in contact with our current members, while also reaching out to new ones.

“We have been able to create content with innovative home workout ideas, as well as encourage direct communication between members and fitness professionals to prescribe personalised programmes based on each member’s goals, and the fitness equipment they have available at home.”

Personalising the service To maintain on track to achieving fitness goals regular member trainer contact is crucial.

Using Mywellness offers the ability to communicate with the member to provide motivation and continue to tailor the training programme.

For private gym PLM, connecting to members outside the facility is important, so using the Coach and Prescribe features of Mywellness, trainers provide individual training programmes and have regular contact with the member for feedback.

Managing director Phil Moss said: “We saw the need and the opportunity to connect and personalise the service to members outside the club.

Building a community As well as programmes, content and coaching, clubs have also created an environment where members can compete on challenges using Mywellness, which creates a community of motivated and engaged members.

Freedom Leisure sees this as an opportunity to create challenges across all 104 sites, connecting people digitally while at home.

Members are kept on their toes with creative challenges such as daily 1000 MOVEs, Freedom 5000, and the highest amount of MOVEs in a week.

Community is important, with keeping members engaged, maintaining activity while at home and not losing the training habit.

CitySpace – The University of Sunderland saw this could be achieved using the power of social media to expand their reach in promoting challenges and home workouts.

Many operators have revolutionised Mywellness as a new way of engaging, connecting and coaching members using the Train at Home solution taking the customer experience to a whole new level.

For more information please visit www.technogym.com/connect

TRAIN YOUR CUSTOMERS AT HOME

Provide your customers truly personalised and connected training experiences, wherever they are, and keep on coaching them also at home with MYWELLNESS DISCOVER MORE AT: www.technogym.com/connect

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WORKOUT WEEKLY

Considerations for your re-opening plan AS COMMUNITIES slowly begin to reopen and ease movement restrictions, many operators are wondering what the ‘new normal’ could look like for their business.

Here are some options to consider as you prepare to welcome exercisers back.

The dream team The cleanliness bar has been raised and now cleaning + disinfecting = the dream team.

A visibly clean facility, as well as seeing cleaning in action, has never been more important.

Compliance with new cleanliness standards will require a sense of shared responsibility among staff and members.

“Communicate practices for cleaning and disinfecting often,” said Precor’s senior product marketing manager Darrin Stock.

“Touch screen consoles offer an easy place to remind exercisers to do their part.

“Change reminders frequently so they continue to get noticed.”

Beware hidden hot spots – it’s recommended you repair or dispose of damaged equipment and upholstery.

Train members to spray the cloth first, not the console or equipment when cleaning kit, to protect your equipment.

A 90 per cent isopropyl alcohol solution is recommended.

Visit www.Precor.com/ BounceBackFaster for a list of recommended disinfectants and products that are safe for fitness equipment and also meet the Government’s requirements for protecting against viruses.

Say it loud and clear “Think about how you’ll communicate new safety measures, your expectations of members and any new facility policies

before reopening, as it’s key to providing reassurance and attracting exercisers back,” added Darrin.

“Only by thoroughly communicating how you plan to help keep your club safe – and shouting about any additional preventative safety measures you’re taking beyond the official local guidelines – will you regain member and staff confidence.”

Consider all available communication touch-points, from direct mail flyers, posters and pop-up banners throughout your facility to digital touch-points like email, your website and social media.

Utilise them all and train your staff on what to communicate verbally as a more personal touch-point.

The fitness floor “The current guidelines for social distancing, defined by the Government, recommend individuals continue to remain at least six feet (two metres)

apart, plus you must consider that factors like exertion and air circulation can affect how the virus may travel in your facility,” said EMEA visualisation specialist Peter Bolam.

“If you have space, think about shifting cardio and strength equipment to adhere to the recommendations and, if you don’t, consider having only every other or every third unit in use.

“If you’re unable to safely provide classes or training sessions in your HIIT or functional training area, why not temporarily move cardio and strength machines there, so more exercisers can benefit from the space, while keeping a safe distance?

“Be sure to rotate units every other week to balance the usage and reduce wear and tear in the long run.”

In free-weight areas, consider taping squares onto the floor to ensure social distancing and educate all users to clean equipment before, and after, use.

Group exercise considerations One of the critical strategies for overcoming COVID-19 has been to limit the number of people we come into contact with, which presents a significant challenge for planning group exercise classes.

“Consider modifying group exercise schedules to offer classes for those least at-risk during peak hours and more at-risk during lower trafficked times,” added Peter.

“Should your facility allow, take advantage of outdoor spaces and offer boot camps, cycling, HIIT or yoga outside.

“Limit the number of participants, place markers on the floor to help exercisers abide by social distancing regulations and reduce class durations to allow for proper cleaning before and after.

“Increasing the time between classes will reduce the chance of exercisers congregating in groups too.”

One of operators’ most considerable worries has been that exercisers will opt to stick with at-home behaviours adopted during lockdown.

Think about continuing to offer virtual classes as an option for exercisers who may not feel safe coming back into the facility yet.

Precor has partnered with Sony® AdvagymTM to give operators the ability to stay connected with exercisers even when they’re working out at home.

Operators can deliver facility-branded, custom fitness content through the Advagym app or personal trainers can use the tools in the app to publish their own programming to members.

While we can’t predict the future, we can all shift our focus to help communities, customers, and co-workers bounce back faster.

Hotel opens purpose-built performance facilities THE Bicester Hotel and Spa has launched purpose-built fitness and performance facilities to create a standalone, unique offering to attract a new demographic to the site.

As well as a Performance Gym, there will be an outdoor 500m grass running track, a custom-made 200m swimming lake and an assault course.

The Performance Gym has been equipped with premium equipment from Matrix Fitness, appealing to the training enthusiast, amateur sports person and professional athletes and elite teams looking for a facility that can be used for goal or sports specific training.

Simon Banwell, health club and spa general manager, said: “After our hotel gym refurbishment five years ago, we recognised that fitness was fast evolving, thanks to technology, the popularity of functional training and ‘training like an athlete’, and although we have a fantastic gym at the hotel site we saw an opportunity to compliment, yet enhance our current offering with a separate, truly performance-led centre to encourage those fitness enthusiasts and athletes who are really serious about their training.”

Matrix Fitness had a long-standing rapport with the site, having already been chosen as the supplier for their hotel gym refurbishment.

However, the Performance Gym was a self-contained project, with the highest quality required when it came to service, support and products and the team put the work out to tender.

“The Performance Gym is its own entity,” Simon added. “ It’s a new build across the opposite side of the estate and will house its own team, reception and café.

“As a new project we consulted with a number of suppliers but Matrix Fitness still came out on top due to their fantastic customer service, the quality

and diversity of their equipment and their knowledge of gym layout and design.”

The Performance Gym meets the demands of the current market trends with functional equipment, free weights and performance-centric kit.

The site includes the Matrix S-Drive and S-Force performance trainers, Magnum half and full racks, dual adjustable cables, Magnum plate loaded equipment, breaker benches and bespoke track flooring for ‘strong man’ activities and functional-focused

training.

On the second floor a space has been designed for movement screening, small accessory functional training and one-to-one personal training.

“Our aim is to create a community,” Simon added.

“Facilities with a focus, in our case a high level of performance, can grow an engaged community with shared interests, goals and attitudes.

“We have consulted with experts to create an impressive, functional, premium training space that is forwardthinking in meeting the fitness trends and demands of our members.”

Nigel Tapping, head of spa and hospitality at Matrix Fitness UK, said: “We aim to be a partner to our customers, not just an equipment supplier. We strive to support the entire design and build, right the way from concept to completion.

“Premium fitness suites and versatile gym designs are playing an increasingly vital role in the hospitality sector, but The Bicester Performance Centre has taken this trend one step further with this performance-led facility, separate to its hotel gym.

“This new gym will attract a new audience; the highest level of fitness enthusiast. The team has been forwardthinking and innovative, and the result is an impressive, cutting-edge facility.”

WORKOUT WEEKLY

Free plan for operators ahead of reopening WITH Government lockdown restrictions beginning to ease, Right Directions has developed a strategic reopening plan and a series of free online Fit For Business Covid-19 Clinics, to support leisure operators as they emerge from months of closure.

The Covid-19 Health & Safety Re-mobilisation Plan and Checklist forms part of CIMSPA’s official coronavirus guidance.

Caroline Constantine, managing director of Right Directions, said: “Businesses in public-facing sectors are now planning for reopening and strategising to recoup some of the losses they have suffered as a result of the government’s response to the pandemic.

“Our Covid-19 Health & Safety Re-mobilisation Plan and Checklist provides a helpful framework for this, based on our decades of experience in health and safety compliance.

“As the government and Public Health England delivers more clarity on when health clubs and leisure centres can open and what restrictions will remain, we will continually update our plan to keep clients informed.”

Right Directions has also been running fully-booked Fit For Business Covid19 Clinics three times a week, with 250 people all keen to prepare their businesses for reopening.

Topics cover everything from what to consider for admission control, cleaning regimes and virus prevention to signage and ‘the legal bit’.

Caroline added: “The raft of measures

operators have taken to survive the pandemic include staff redundancies and furloughing.

“As they prepare for reopening their doors to customers, further human resource decisions will need to be made; and the ‘Four S’s’: Spacing, Sanitising, Signage and Smiling will need to be observed.

“Our guidance document, alongside the regular clinics, will support businesses to reopen again with confidence.”

Right Directions’ action plan encourages companies to establish a response team to set out a timeline

defining actions to take, by whom and by when, as they count down to reopening.

It recommends clear communication internally and externally, announcing the planned date for reopening and setting milestones to enable effective operations from the start.

In some cases, certain areas of a business may open with restrictions, reduced hours or new booking requirements, all of which should be considered.

The plan sets out advice on re-engaging staff or recruiting new team members, delivering training where

necessary, to enable the safe supervision of facilities.

Work arrangements may need to be reviewed for vulnerable workers and others who need to stay at home.

In terms of reviving revenue, it identifies work that will need to be done by marketing and sales teams, liaising with existing and new clients and reinstating any frozen payments.

Right Directions’ re-mobilisation plan is part of a body of work the organisation has developed to steer businesses through pandemic management.

In conjunction with other documentation, including its Covid19 risk assessment, it provides comprehensive guidance for businesses to prepare for a pandemic and recover with minimal disruption.

As lockdown restrictions continue to ease, Right Directions will also be offering on-site risk assessments, in addition to its virtual support system, and pre- and post-opening inspection audits and procedure reviews, to ensure every aspect of the facility is in line with health and safety legislation and code of practice guidance, with statutory inspections up to date.

Caroline concluded: “Sadly, this crisis will see some facilities close for good, but we are aiming to help reduce the fallout by lending vital support and advice.

“We want to help companies prepare effectively for the short- and long-term future, building resilience into their business plan, in case a similar event ever occurs again.”

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Results of post lockdown recovery survey revealed

Assess your health and extend your life using the Wattbike CRF NATURALLY, with a global pandemic comes a heightened attention to a person’s health.

More than a quarter of the UK population is obese, which is doubling the likelihood that those with COVID-19 will need to be hospitalised.

Eddie Fletcher, Wattbike lead sport scientist, said: “Covid-19 has forced everyone to take a look at themselves and address their health.

“Thankfully, Wattbike has a way to quantify, track and improve physical health so we can better protect ourselves against disease, and ultimately live longer; cardiorespiratory fitness testing.”

According to a recent study in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a person’s cardiorespiratory fitness level, which is determined by your VO2 max, is a key factor in determining a person’s level of health, fitness and predicted lifespan.

Eddie added: “We created an easy, accurate test that would give each

individual their CRF score to benchmark their health.

“From this, we can then assign personalised training plans to improve their health and extend their life.”

Today, anyone can undertake the Wattbike Health Assessment nationwide at numerous Bupa clinics or can take the CRF test on any Wattbike, at home or in the gym.

Richard Baker, Wattbike CEO, said: “The government public health message has been to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

“A similarly strong message now needs to be made globally addressing the importance of benchmarking and improving physical health.

“If backed by the government this could save thousands of lives and would result in a healthier population, better equipped should we come face another global viral pandemic.”

For information email uksales@wattbike.com or visit www.wattbike.com You live the lifestyle of an athlete. Why not show it with our Athlete Tee? We printed the number 82 on it because that’s the year that the Gorilla Wear era began. The two vertical stripes on the sides give it the ultimate sporty look.

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MORE than half of UK consumers (51.8 per cent) will value their local leisure centre or gym more after lockdown, according to new research conducted

by Leisure-net Solutions, in conjunction with Max Associates and 4global via the DataHub. More than 65,000 people responded to the National Post Lockdown Recovery Survey, representing the views of customers using public and private health and fitness facilities.

The study found that activity levels have reduced significantly, with 52 per cent of consumers saying they have been less active since the sector went into lockdown.

However, 88 per cent plan to use their gym or leisure centre more or the same amount as prior to lockdown when facilities re-open their doors.

Motivation from fitness coaches and group exercise instructors are what customers are missing most from their clubs.

The vital role of health and fitness professionals is further compounded by

the findings that almost 50 per cent of customers cite the friendliness of staff and their support and guidance as the most important factor for centres when they re-open.

This compares to 31 per cent of people who believe cleanliness is the most important factor.

Consumers remain cautious about returning to their local facilities, with almost a quarter feeling less comfortable about returning to the leisure centre or gym compared to other leisure facilities such as garden centres, libraries and hospitality venues.

“We are delighted to share the findings of The National Post Lockdown Recovery Survey, which posed 15 critical questions to health and fitness customers across the UK,” said Dave Monkhouse, director of Leisure-net Solutions.

“The results provide unique insight into how customers plan to use centres after lockdown and what is most important to them when accessing facilities, and will give operators the information they need before re-opening.”

PLANS have been approved for a new David Lloyd Health Club in Bicester.

The 6,600sqm development was granted permission during Cherwell District Council’s first online planning committee meeting recently.

The new leisure facility is due to include a sports hall; indoor tennis courts; fitness studios; fully equipped gym; indoor swimming pool; café; changing facilities and spa.

Outside, there are plans for further tennis courts; a permanent air dome for racquets sports; an outdoor swimming pool; spa garden and terrace.

Councillor Colin Clarke, Cherwell’s lead member for planning, said: “This development will provide leisure facilities for residents as well as a range of good local jobs, easily accessible by sustainable forms of travel.

“The centre adds to the growing list of attractions in Bicester, encouraging more visitors to the local area.”

Located in the Bicester Gateway area (otherwise known as Bicester 10) of Cherwell’s adopted Local Plan, the development is expected to bring with it

more than one hundred jobs.

The varied positions include personal training; sports coaching and fitness instruction; health, beauty and wellbeing; childcare; sales, marketing and administration; food and drink preparation and service; cleaning, groundskeeping and maintenance and facilities management.

Contributions will be made by the developer to extend a bus route to the facility, including the provision of a bus stop, ensuring the health club is easily accessed by public transport.

An improved footpath and bike lane will also be installed by the developer for those choosing to walk or cycle, as well as the usual expectation for electric vehicle charging facilities to be made available.

Complimentary landscaping will take place, seeking to support the natural biodiversity in the area.

The club forms part of wider proposals to bring more than 2,000 jobs to the Bicester Gateway area, with highway improvements planned to unlock more areas with employment potential.

New sports facility given the go ahead for Bicester

Tyneside gym served with prohibition notice A NORTH Tyneside gym has been ordered to close after flouting Covid-19 lockdown rules.

North Tyneside Council has served a prohibition notice to the gym, which was in use despite government orders for all sites to close on March 23 as part of the lockdown to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Following a tip-off, officers from Northumbria Police visited the premises and saw two men training inside.

The officers were let inside the locked premises by one of the men who said he was one of the gym’s owners and only there to clean-up.

The other man was found by officers hiding in the gym’s toilet.

Both men subsequently admitted they should not have been at the premises.

The police informed the council and a prohibition notice was served on the gym’s owner by Trading Standards Officers.

It was the first prohibition notice issued by the council since the lockdown began.

Councillor Carole Burdis, North Tyneside Council’s Cabinet member for community safety, said: “Everyone needs to keep following the government’s guidance to slow the

spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives.

“Our team has provided advice and guidance to hundreds of businesses in the borough to help them follow the coronavirus requirements.

“But where the rules are being deliberately ignored, with the support of the police, we will take enforcement action where necessary.”

Environmental Health and Trading Standards, services delivered for North Tyneside Council by its partner, Capita, are helping monitor compliance with Covid-19 regulations in the borough

15-16 SEPTEMBER

2020

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