Workout Weekly July 28

WEEKLY

Issue 146 - 28 July 2023

YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE

Everyone Active launches Active Wellbeing Suite to tackle local health inequalities – page 4

Centre achieves 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions through project – page 5

BFT fuels success in the first half of 2023

BODY Fit Training, Australia’s fastestgrowing fitness franchise, has continued its growth in the UK and globally.

The franchise recently celebrated the launch of its 250th studio, expanded its footprint into Hong Kong and accelerated its UK growth.

Since the launch of its first studio in the UK last September, BFT has welcomed three new London-based franchisees into the network, all of whom have multi-unit aspirations.

BFT Battersea opened its doors in February and has signed more than 200 members from South West London.

Charlie Hendrie, franchise owner of BFT Battersea, said, “BFT Battersea has proved the global BFT model works for members and for us as the first franchisee in London.

“We’ve exceeded our expectations with membership growth, referrals and uptake of the eight-week challenge.

“By following the BFT model, it means I can focus on our elite coaching and getting members results, which are the key drivers of profitability for us.

“I truly believe we are changing lives at BFT Battersea, and I’m so proud and thankful to the coaching team who are committed to getting our members results. The BFT programme and community are unrivalled in London, and we’re now exploring the further expansion in South West London. This is just the beginning of our exciting BFT journey.”

A further two more franchisees have since joined the growing network in the nation’s capital since the start of the year. BFT Hackney is set to be launched in the autumn by the trio of Emile Kerim, Frankie Nieto and David Irvine.

The co-owners, all certified personal trainers, bring more than 50 years of combined experience to their new venture and have plans to open three studios within the next five years across London.

Rosie Bogle is another franchisee who has joined the BFT family with two locations in South West London.

With a strong background in sports marketing, Rosie’s valuable experience in the commercial world will be a real asset to running her own fitness franchise.

“We have seen a strong start to the first half of the year both in terms of franchise growth and members, both here in the

UK and globally,” said Cameron Falloon, founder of BFT.

“London is quickly growing into the centre of BFT’s UK network with four locations secured and plenty more in the pipeline. The future is looking really positive.

“We want to build on this success we’ve already had to date and continue to grow our presence across every major town and city.

“We now have more than 56,000+ members across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, USA, Canada, UK and more recently Hong Kong, where the first studio is opening next month with two more set to follow shortly after. Europe is a hot target for us, and we’re looking to expand into other new markets this year, including Spain, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

“Another key milestone and accolade for BFT has been the number four ranking on the Australian Financial Review’s 2023 Fast Global List.

“Since continuing to expand the BFT family globally, the last three years have seen our compound annual growth rate soar by 240 per cent. This is an incredible piece of brand recognition and a marker of our commitment to growth outside of Australia.

“The recent partnership with Europe’s largest fitness race, HYROX, is also a game-changer for BFT as we have become 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.”

Jon appointed as managing director of Innerva

INNERVA has promoted Jon Hymus to the role of managing director.

Jon replaces Howard Blackburn, who bought the business in 1997 and now becomes CEO.

Jon joined the provider of powerassisted exercise equipment as commercial director almost 18 months ago. During this time, the company has rebranded and developed further partnerships and initiatives to meet growing demand for innovative active ageing solutions across the fitness, health and social care sectors.

Jon said: “I’m excited to build on the success of Innerva’s work to date as we expand our model to support our

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

www.workoutuk.co.uk

customers to deliver on active ageing, both here in the UK and overseas.

“The world’s population is ageing fast – for the first time in history people aged

Swim

60 years or over outnumber children under five years.

“By 2050, people aged 60 years or over will also outnumber 15-24 year olds.

“We believe everyone has the right to healthy ageing, which is why we will continue to partner with academics and invest in new technology and digital innovations that assist with active ageing.”

With almost 30 years’ experience in the UK health, fitness and leisure sector, Jon has held a variety of senior positions in the industry, include those at Serco, GLL and Leisure Connection.

In his new role he will steer Innerva through its next phase of growth, both

in the UK and globally.

Howard added: “Innerva has already benefited from Jon’s wealth of skills and experience, which perfectly positions him to lead the company through this important next stage.

“Two years into the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021 to 2030), a global movement to improve the lives of older people, there’s never been a greater need for products and services that help people age well.

“Research and development is the cornerstone of the business and we will ensure Innerva remains at the forefront of innovation in the active ageing sector.”

facilities reintroduced in Merthyr Tydfil

THANKS to a £6million investment, secured by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, works are underway to reintroduce swimming facilities to the residents of Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, after structural damaged closed the pool in 2019.

Works are being carried out by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework and are expected to reopen to the public in the autumn.

Once complete, recommissioned facilities will provide residents with a 25m, six-lane main pool, a dedicated teaching pool offering a full swimming education programme plus a new splash pool designed to inspire water confidence and deliver engaging sensory experiences for toddlers.

The changing facilities will also be

updated and redesigned to improve the overall visitor experience.

Jane Sellwood, CEO of Wellbeing Merthyr, the charitable trust appointed by the council to manage the leisure centre, said: “Commissioning and conducting works through Alliance Leisure and the UK Leisure Framework has been a good decision.

“Using the UK Leisure Framework ensures we have access to the best expertise and price at all levels of the supply chain and having Alliance Leisure act as a single point of contact has made communications and delivery super simple. So far, all works are on time and on budget.”

Works began in November 2022 and in addition to re-commissioning the pools, the council is investing in decarbonisation measures which

include replacing gas fuelled boilers with more efficient air source heat pumps. This is predicted to cut cardon emissions by 61 per cent, creating a more sustainable future for the centre.

Gillian Dunster, business development manager at Alliance Leisure, added: “These works will not only give the people of Merthyr Tydfil access to a local pool for the first time in four years, but will also help the council to meet its carbon reduction ambitions to benefit the community both now and in the future.”

The leisure centre will remain open while works take place so people can continue to benefit from other facilities at the centre, including the sports hall, fitness suite and exercise studios.

Jon Hymus

Everyone Active launches Active Wellbeing Suite to tackle local health inequalities

EVERYONE Active has launched the UK’s first Active Wellbeing Suite.

The new studio will help improve health inequalities in Middlesbrough by supporting active ageing and local residents with long term conditions.

Developed in conjunction with Innerva, the new facility at the Neptune Centre utilises the company’s powerassisted exercise equipment to empower individuals to improve their fitness and strength in a supportive and social environment.

“We are extremely proud to launch this Active Wellbeing site, it is great news for physical activity in Middlesbrough,” said Rebecca Phillips, Everyone Active’s strategic lead – health and wellbeing.

“The installation of Innerva equipment at the Neptune Centre will help us to further support the local community to live healthier and happier lives.

“Our aim is to help people of all ages, including those with long-term health conditions to be active, in line with our Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which provides the cornerstone for everything we do.”

Middlesbrough is one of the 20 per cent most deprived districts in England.

The health of people in Middlesbrough is generally worse than the England average with life expectancy for both men and women lower than the England average.

Everyone Active is working with its local health partners to establish regular use of the suite with key user groups.

Pauline Cofinas, Everyone Active’s contract health and wellbeing manager – Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, has secured funding to refer patients who are waiting for planned care such as knee and hip replacements into the Active Wellbeing Suite, and is working with the Public Health England Specialist Activity Team to set up regular

bookings for those with Parkinson’s, MS, Neurodivergence and long term conditions.

Teesside Ability Support Group, which provides a day service for adults with physical disability and other health conditions, will also have regular sessions in the suite to support its clients.

This is Everyone Active’s eighth power-assisted exercise studio, and the first in the UK to utilise Innerva’s Active Wellbeing brand-in-the-box solution.

Developed to support operators to promote active ageing in their communities, the solution provides all the branded assets needed for a powerassisted facility.

Everyone Active is adopting the Active Wellbeing brand at other studios in line with its vision to provide place-based,

resident-led solutions that increase physical activity and reduce social isolation.

At The Neptune Centre, Everyone Active has converted a former meeting room to house the Active Wellbeing Suite, which comprises a circuit of 10 machines, each targeting a specific muscle group.

The power assistance nature of the equipment means users don’t have to rely solely on their muscles to complete the exercises.

They can determine how much assistance they need and reduce this as their fitness and strength improves.  A circuit is typically completed in 30 to 40 minutes offering users a comprehensive and efficient exercise session.

Everyone Active has introduced a

dedicated membership for the new suite. Members can take part in guided sessions hosted by a member of staff or use their facility for their own training.

The new facility is designed for people with reduced mobility and those who are affected by long-term health conditions.

It caters for a wide range of needs and conditions, including mobility limitations, obesity, high blood pressure, back pain and joint problems. Individuals with various health conditions such as strokes, MS, ME, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, fibromyalgia, arthritis and more can also benefit from the suite.

The studio will also help foster a sense of community and emotional wellbeing by providing a welcoming space for individuals to connect, make friends and enjoy a supportive environment.

Everyone Active and Innerva are partnering with UK Research and Innovation to explore the challenges older adults face in accessing physical activity and how public sector leisure providers can successfully engage with this market.

As the UK’s first trial site, the Active Wellbeing Suite will test the latest innovations in power-assisted equipment over the next 12 months providing valuable insight from an operator and end user perspective.

“The new Active Wellbeing Suite at the Neptune Centre is another example of how Everyone Active is leading the way in providing inclusive health and wellbeing solutions that directly respond to the needs of local communities,” said Jon Hymus, managing director of Innerva.

“As part of the UKRI trial, we will work with Everyone Active to drive innovations even further so we can encourage even more people to be physically active.”

Roof repairs at Chipping Norton Leisure Centre

THE go-ahead has been given for essential roof improvements at Chipping Norton Leisure Centre.

The investment in the new roofing will ensure the facility remains fit-forpurpose for decades to come.

West Oxfordshire District Council’s Dan Levy, executive member for finance, said: “We are pleased to have agreed the necessary improvements and budget for this cherished facility.

“The Council understands the historic issues of water damage at the centre, and with a fresh focus on modernisation and commitment to engaging closely with our communities, we plan to tackle these challenges head-on, ensuring that residents can fully enjoy the centre and all its fantastic facilities.

“We are wholly committed to ensuring the health and well-being of all our residents, and recognise the important role that safe and user-friendly leisure facilities play in encouraging physical and mental wellness in our communities.

“We want to make the centre a

place of comfort and enjoyment for everyone, and make sure that the leisure centre is an attractive place

that residents want to use.”

After a thorough report of the roof’s condition was completed by

specialist roofing consultant, Michael Kilbey Associates, the Executive was keen to agree to the proposed solution and budget to fix the issues raised.

It is the aim of the Council that these practical and cost-effective works will reduce the need for expensive future maintenance work, and preserve the quality of the leisure experience for residents using the centre.

As part of a drive to promote well-being and good quality of life throughout its communities, the Council also plans to use the project as an opportunity to create an inclusive space that encourages all residents to lead active and healthy lifestyles.

The Council strives to achieve greater transparency with its residents and, therefore, will continue to keep residents up to date with the project throughout the improvement process.

Regular updates will be provided, keeping everyone informed about the progress and expected completion timeline.

Pauline Cofinas, Everyone Active, contract health and wellbeing manager – Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, with Chris Cooke, Middlesbrough Mayor and executive member for culture and education, with Teeside Ability Support Centre service users Emma and Riaz.

Celeb favourite fitness brand designs new workout space in South London

FITNESS specialists to the stars, PRIMAL, has designed and fitted out a new gym space in London’s South East town of Welling.

The state-of-the-art gym is the second site for Novo, following the success of its Greenwich facility. The facility has been completely designed by PRIMAL – one of the world’s fastest growing manufacturers of premium fitness and strength equipment.

First launched in 2016, PRIMAL counts major gym chains, top sports clubs and celebrities amongst its global client base. Marking a major milestone in its expansion plans, this is the first fully PRIMAL kitted gym space in central London.

Steven Rinaldi, CEO and founder of PRIMAL, said: “Our ongoing and extensive work with top athletes has allowed us to curate a suite of equipment that delivers results and aids with performance.

“We use premium and innovative technology as well as the highest quality materials to ensure optimum functionality, durability, ergonomics and aesthetics.

“I founded PRIMAL because I truly believe that strength is within us all.

“With the right equipment, expertise and support, anyone can realise their potential – whether you are a first-time gym goer or a fit-for-lifer.

“In just a couple of years we have taken

PRIMAL from a little known start-up to being a major challenger on the world stage. With several high-profile deals already under our belt, bringing the brand to London is a major achievement for us.

“Novo is a great partner for us, sharing our passion for fitness and our ambition to make fitness accessible to everyone.”

The Welling gym has been kitted out by its fitness experts to support Novo’s vision of providing best in class training facility at affordable prices, which allows more people to unlock their true potential. The space delivers an extensive range of work out options, including group classes, personal training and space for solo work outs.

The new facility will include a full suite of cardio and strength equipment, including plate-loaded and free-weights.

Charlie Spencer, owner of Novo, added: “Working with PRIMAL, we’re aiming to offer the best possible facilities for the people of South London at an affordable price. We really took our time with the design process, working closely with PRIMAL to make sure we got even the final details right.

“The end results are amazing, and the gym looks incredibly slick.

“We’ve got everything people need for their fitness and wellness under one roof, including an extensive list of classes, brilliant plate-loaded kit, sauna and top personal trainers.”

Centre achieves 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions through project

TORBAY Leisure Centre has become Parkwood Leisure’s first zero fuel leisure centre, following an 18-month project in partnership with Torbay Council, Parkwood Leisure, and energy consultancy Leisure Energy.

With almost £2million funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the project is part of Torbay Council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030. Following an appraisal of the centre’s energy usage and infrastructure, a series of energy saving measures were implemented.

12 months on, the centre has saved 318 tonnes of CO₂, equivalent to 60 per cent of its annual carbon emissions; and achieved 100 per cent reduction in annual gas consumption.

Glen Hall, managing director of Parkwood Leisure, said: “We’re delighted with the outcome of this project and the partnership with Torbay Council and Leisure Energy.

“This is just one of many energy initiatives we’re supporting our centres with, as part of our commitment to drive sustainability across our estate whilst continuing to deliver quality services within our communities.”

“This project set out to reduce Torbay Leisure Centre’s carbon emissions by 60

per cent and it is fantastic that has been achieved within the first 12-months.

“With ever increasing energy costs, investments into innovative efficiency projects such as these can show what can be achieved quickly in terms of making a tangible difference to both running costs and the environment.”

Central to this was the replacement of Torbay Leisure Centre’s existing gas boiler system with an air source heat pump.

To reduce the running costs of the new system, secondary technologies were also installed to generate renewable electricity and improve the efficiency of other plant operations.

These included solar panels, ventilation and pipework upgrades, as well as a new building energy management system. LED lighting was additionally installed, providing a further energy efficient function.

All work was completed while the

leisure centre remained open and operational throughout.

The project was also awarded the ‘Energy Efficient Partnership of the Year’ award at last year’s Energy Awards, an event that celebrates achievements and showcases innovations from across the energy industry. Parkwood Leisure has worked in partnership with Torbay Council since 2004, and operates Torbay Leisure Centre and the Riviera International Centre.

NOMINATION FORM

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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

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