Workout Weekly July 14

WEEKLY

Issue 144 - 14 July 2023

YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE

Fitness provider gives free access to staff to mark 75th anniversary of the NHS – page 3

Leisure centre reopens after major refurb – page 5

Fitness provider gives free access to staff to mark 75th anniversary of the NHS

A NORTHAMPTON gym and fitness provider that works in partnership with the NHS across the town has marked the 75th anniversary of the national institution by giving free use of its services to health care staff.

Trilogy Active operates Cripps Recreation Centre, Danes Camp, Duston Sports Centre, Lings Forum, The Mounts Baths and the Forum Cinema, as well as Berzerk Soft Play Centre in Northampton.

The three-month offer includes free access to the gym and swimming pool at Cripps Recreation Centre for NHS employees every Friday from 1pm to 6pm. The offer ends on October 6.

“We are delighted that as part of the national celebration of the 75 years the NHS has been serving the population of Northampton and the UK that we can open our doors to doctors, nurses and all health care professionals as a small thank you for the real difference they make,” said managing director of Trilogy Active, John Fletcher.

“As a business we work closely with

our NHS friends in delivering services to the Northampton community which includes helping the NHS reduce waiting times for COPD patients, the Activity on Referral scheme with the General Practice Alliance which provides health coaches for patients and the Get Up & Go OTAGO Falls

Prevention Scheme.

“Therefore to open our doors and offer free use of our services every Friday afternoon for three months is something we are proud to do and we look forward to playing our part in looking after our highly valued local NHS community.”

The work of Trilogy Active with the NHS also includes NHFT health visitors who are able to use Duston Sports Centre free of charge to engage with young families and complete NHS Health Visitor Child Development checks.

The NGH Community Stroke Team also use Duston Sports Centre facilities (including the gym) to run weekly sessions with patients as part of their rehabilitation.

And, from the end of July, there will be a new NGH Staff Wellbeing Walk where Trilogy Active staff will be training NGH staff to deliver their own wellbeing walks.

“We get that our much valued NHS is more stretched than ever and its dedicated staff are working harder than ever before,” John added.

“We also understand the important role physical and emotional fitness can play in helping health professionals relax and therefore we hope that this three-month offer is used by as many NHS staff as possible as the UK commemorates 75 years of this great institution.”

Gym lifts team’s spirits with sponsorship deal

THE team behind a much-anticipated new health, exercise and wellbeing complex have shown their support for a community football club.

LVL5 Gyms Ltd is the new sponsor of Llysfaen Knights junior soccer squad.

Led by Colin Archer, the under 14s play in the Colwyn and Aberconwy Junior League and thanked owners Sion Pritchard and Rich Blake – who hails from the village – for providing them with full kits, training wear and rain jackets.

Colin, a UEFA and FA Youth Awardsqualified coach with more than 25 years’ experience, including time spent in America with MLS side Chicago Fire’s Academy, said the company’s backing has already made a huge difference.

“The team is getting better, numbers are growing, and we are very ambitious, but with no sponsor or kits for the players we were at a bit of a loss, we

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

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didn’t know what to do,” he added.

“I can’t thank Sion and Rich enough, they have invested in this young squad and that has given them so much confidence, which we will hopefully turn

into positive results out on the pitch.

“We are so very grateful – thank you LVL5 Gyms.”

Rich was proud to be able to support his local community at grassroots level

and wished Llysfaen Knights the best of luck for the rest of the season.

“I grew up in Llysfaen so it’s a real honour for me personally to be sponsoring the boys,” he said.

“To be able to give something back and to hear what a difference it has already made is heartening.”

LVL5 Gyms is moving ahead with plans to transform empty units at the former Tudno Castle hotel site in Llandudno into a gym, coffee, and smoothie bar, changing rooms, sauna and more.

The 6,000 square metre two-floor facility will employ up to 10 people and both Sion and Rich are hopeful their proposals for the coastal resort will be supported by the local community.

“We have had a lot of positive feedback and are confident LVL5 Gyms can bring something fresh to Llandudno,” added Sion.

Community leisure centre gets £935,000 grant

A COMMUNITY group that took over a leisure centre in Cornwall has received funding for upgrades.

The Friends of Wadebridge Leisure Centre was awarded £935,000 from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund.

The group said the grant meant decades-old equipment could be replaced.

Wadebridge’s only public pool had been under threat of closure last year until it was taken into community ownership.

A new floor in the sports hall are among the upgrades under consideration

After saving the facility, the community group said they were “absolutely staggered” by energy bills that had surged to more than £15,000 per month.

Amanda Pennington, trustee of the FOWLC, said improvements to the centre would have the added benefit of helping reduce bills.

“We are absolutely over the moon,” she said. “This funding will let us do all the things that are absolutely necessary to do because the plant here is 30 years old.

“We will be able to replace it with energy efficient, modern equipment so it will also bring our bills down which will have a very long term impact.”

The installation of a new floor in the sports hall, solar panels on the roof, a new air-handling unit and water filtration system are among the upgrades being considered

Leisure centre reopens after major refurb

A CHESHIRE leisure centre has reopened its doors after a major refurbishment –and with a little big splash.

Children from The Quinta Primary School were first to test the water in the new big pool at Congleton Leisure Centre, following a civic opening by the Mayor of Cheshire East, Councillor Rod Fletcher.

The £10m plus revamp by Cheshire East Council represents a further boost to the borough’s leisure facilities, many of which have also received significant recent investment.

Cheshire East boasts 16 leisure centres, all managed and run by the borough’s leisure trust Everybody Health and Leisure.

Thomas Barton, chief executive of Everybody Health and Leisure, the borough’s leisure trust, now running the centre, said: “The health and wellbeing of Cheshire East residents are important to the council and to Everybody and we wanted to set a new, high standard for what we can offer in terms of leisure facilities in Cheshire East, while also creating job opportunities for more than 70 people from local communities.

“I would like to thank and congratulate Cheshire East Council for their continued investment in this facility for the local area, recognising the value and importance of health and leisure provision.”

Congleton is the latest to undergo a large-scale refurbishment, which has completely transformed its exterior design and the interior activities space and facilities, taking the borough’s leisure offer to a new level.

Spacious parking with electric vehicle charging points and eight sheltered bike racks for cyclists add to the expanse of the complex, constructed by local contractor, Pulse Design and Build.

The centre was officially opened by the mayor and former Olympic athlete and guest of honour Congleton resident, Ann Brightwell MBE who, as Ann Packer, won gold and silver medals in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Of the several meeting rooms available for booking, one is named the Ann Brightwell suite, which contains a colourful mural wall dedicated to Ann as a young athlete.

There are two swimming pools, a thermal suite with sauna, steam room and tropical shower, a 100-station gym, soft play area for children, and a Taste for Life café.

Wheelchair users can use their own changing room and a special lift, enabling straightforward access to the pool.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council’s chair of the environment and communities committee, said: “I have had the opportunity to look around this refurbished leisure centre and the end result is first class.

“Yes, we encountered a few hurdles on the way, including the Covid pandemic, but we are here now, and the newly revamped Congleton Leisure Centre is complete and represents yet another milestone achievement for Cheshire East Council and Everybody Health and Leisure.

“I am sure all those using the centre will be impressed with its amazing facilities and will accept that it’s been well worth the wait.”

Contractors first broke ground in the summer of 2021 when the country was

in the grip of the Covid pandemic, with lockdowns and social distancing causing considerable disruption to construction projects and the country’s economy. Despite this, and other obstacles which had to be overcome, Congleton Leisure Centre’s reconstruction continued with no interruption and now extends to more than 3,300 square metres, almost twice its original size.

In December 2021 children from The Quinta, renowned for its sports achievements, used indelible marker pens to sign a piece of steel, creating a simple time capsule. Then, on the evening of the official opening of the centre, children from the same school, counted down by the mayor, became the first to jump into the pool in what was described as the ‘little big splash’.

Charitable trust open health, fitness and wellbeing facility in Guildford

HORIZON Leisure, which currently manages Havant and Waterlooville Leisure Centres in Hampshire, has opened its new wellbeing facility, following its first acquisition of a private gym; the former Sports Direct site in Guildford.

The move forms part of the charitable group’s long-term strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the South of England through acquisitions and expansion.

The charity opened Horizon Guildford following a £1million redevelopment.

Mike Lyons, CEO of Horizon Leisure, said: “We are thrilled to open our new centre in Guildford, and hope this will be the first of many new locations for Horizon.

“The Guildford facility looks fantastic, with great exercise spaces and equipment.  We’ve invested heavily in the venue and have brought together a great new team of staff.

“Horizon Leisure has a history of delivering a family-friendly offer with a premium feel at an affordable price and our customers can be guaranteed a warm and inviting welcome, along with tailored solutions for their health needs.”

The launch was attended by the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Masuk Miah, as well as other VIP guests and ‘early bird’ new customers, who were treated to a full tour of the site and refreshments, as well as having the opportunity to be the first people to try out the gym and its exercise classes.

The building work saw a complete overhaul of the 9,000 sq/ft facility,

including a large gym area with highspecification equipment provided by Life Fitness, a studio for group exercise classes including Les Mills, plus an indoor cycling studio.

There is also a new sauna and steam space and a refurbished pool with changing facilities.

Horizon Guildford’s Learn to Swim programme for children and adults will

get underway in September.

As a charitable organisation, any surplus made by Horizon will be reinvested, providing community benefit for local people, including creating inclusive, affordable health and wellbeing initiatives for the people in the South of England, such as health programmes tailored for people with specific health needs, as well as access to its GP/health referral scheme.

Councillor Masuk Miah, Mayor of Guildford, was shown around the new facility and cut the ribbon to officially launch Horizon Guildford.

He added: “As a keen gym goer myself, I’m excited to be attending the opening of this new wellbeing hub and gym in Merrow.

“It’s not just about physical fitness, but also about promoting overall wellbeing for our community. I am confident that this facility will be a valuable resource to help our residents lead healthier and happier lives.

“I encourage all residents to prioritise their health and wellbeing and I’m proud to support Horizon Leisure in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle in Guildford.”

Burnley FC unveils new fitness centre ahead of Premier League return

BURNLEY Football Club has completed work on a new fitness centre as it prepares for its return to the Premier League.

Designed by fitness experts from PRIMAL – one of the world’s fastest growing manufacturers of fitness and strength equipment – the new facility is part of a wider investment strategy ahead of the new season.

The new PRIMAL Performance Centre is a state-of-the-art fitness suite fully designed and kitted out by PRIMAL for optimum use by elite footballers.

Located at the club’s training ground it includes a range of strength-based equipment, cardio machines and plyometric and stretching facilities, specifically designed for athletes to improve their speed, power, agility and reaction times.

PRIMAL now has performance centres at both Burnley FC and Celtic FC and also provides equipment for a selection of other professional teams such as Rangers, Fulham, Motherwell and Chelsea Women.

Using years of experience in the strength and fitness industry, each piece of PRIMAL equipment

is personally designed by founder Steven Rinaldi, using premium and innovative technology as well as the highest quality materials to ensure optimum functionality, durability, ergonomics and aesthetics.

He said: “Burnley has had an

extraordinary season and we’re joining the club’s journey at an exciting time.

“Every strength and fitness space we design is expertly mapped out to create the optimum experience for the individual purpose.

“Burnley is an elite sports team, competing at the highest level of football seen anywhere in the world, and we designed a space which matches the level of intensity players have to deliver on the pitch.

“Players need to be strong, but they also have to be fast. The PRIMAL Performance Centre is one of our finest yet and has everything players need to support this unique set of physical attributes. When playing in a highly competitive sport, having the incremental edge over an opponent can make all the difference, and this fitness centre will give them just that.”

Chris Wilding, lead strength and rehabilitation coach at Burnley FC, added: “The strength, fitness and rehabilitation of our players is of the utmost importance to ensure we can compete at the highest level.

“It’s been a positive experience working alongside the PRIMAL team, as together we have tailored the gym, so it meets all our requirements, and the high standards we as a football club expect.

“The new conditioning space gives us a great and much improved environment to help our players perform to the best of their ability.”

Council launches review over future of leisure centres

THE future of leisure centres in Powys is up for debate as the council begins an in-depth review of the services. The review considers the provision, usage, running costs, carbon emissions and building conditions of the current offer, as well as other active leisure opportunities available to the people in the county.

Cabinet member for a more prosperous Powys, Councillor David Selby, said: “To expand on the participation and financial data we

already have available, we are asking for your views to help us design a sustainable leisure offer for the future.

“This survey forms part of a county wide public engagement to give as many people as possible the opportunity to both give their views and ideas to improve and support our leisure facilities.

“I encourage as many people as possible to have their say in this important part of our leisure review.”

The review comes months after the council scrapped plans to temporarily close three leisure centres and three swimming pools in Powys.

Powys Council proposed temporarily closing the facilities in December 2022 to counter rising energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis.

The proposals included the temporary closure of Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfyllin and Presteigne leisure centres and swimming pools at Llanidloes, Rhayader and Builth. Powys Council eventually backed down from the proposition following public backlash.

The closing date for responses is Monday, August 28.

Pilates brand Balanced Body bolsters UK presence

US based Pilates brand Balanced Body® is expanding its UK operation in a bid to optimise engagement and establish closer connections with its key overseas audience.

As a global provider of Pilates equipment and education with a trading history spanning more than 45 years, Balanced Body has been supplying the UK remotely from its headquarters in Sacramento, California for the last 20 years.

Now, as the popularity of Pilates continues to rise and with the UK identified as a high growth market, the brand has decided to build an equipment supply and distribution network, alongside an education provision that serves its UK audience directly.

Naming AIT as its new, in-country, logistics partner, Balanced Body has established a large storage facility in Berkshire and appointed Katya Matiienko as its UK business development manager.

Tonhi Tran, director of sales at Balanced Body, said: “By housing high volumes of stock in the UK we can get equipment and accessories out to our customers much quicker.

“Katya will also be on hand to

answer any queries, arrange product demonstrations and generally be our main representation, on the ground in the UK.”

An authorised training centre is being established in Putney with Pete Pallai, an

experienced Pilates practitioner, former Olympian, semi-professional rugby player and Balanced Body educator.  Balanced Body Education director Joy Puleo added: “Balanced Body Education brings the best of movement science to movement education.

“We have been delivering training and education to Instructors around the world for nearly 20 years and have educated more than 30,000 Instructors.

“With our new training centre we are also launching Group Reformer training for fitness professionals in the UK.

“This new education programme is designed to upskill club trainers, providing them with the training, tools and class development resources to be immediately successful in delivering innovative, effective Group Reformer classes.”

Following on from the success of the new Group Reformer class, Balanced Body Education will deliver additional bespoke training programmes for fitness professionals.

Burnley FC director Stuart Hunt and PRIMAL founder Steven Rinaldi.

NOMINATION FORM

Category entered:

Gym name:

Gym opened: Postcode:

Full address:

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Please return to: Megan Prince, Script Events, Script Media Group LTD, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS

NOMINATION FORM

Please state, in 300 words or less, why you are entering the category indicated and why you think that your gym/centre/individual should be shortlisted:

Please see overleaf for the rest of the form

Please return to: Megan Prince, Script Events, Script Media Group LTD, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS