Workout Weekly May 26

WEEKLY

Issue 139 - 26 May 2023

YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE

Olympians help to reopen leisure centres

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Body Fit Training to open two new franchises

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GP and breastfeeding expert to join ‘Baby and Parent’ group at Waterlooville Leisure Centre

DIRECT access to advice from a GP and a breastfeeding expert will be part of Horizon Leisure’s new Baby and Parent Group, which has launched at Waterlooville Leisure Centre in Havant.

The weekly drop-in sessions will run on Friday mornings during term times, where local GP, Rosemary Dudson from the Vine Medical Group, and Ginny Dupont from the Breastfeeding Network UK, will attend on alternate weeks.

There will be an opportunity for new parents to weigh their babies and ask the experts for guidance and support.

Mike Lyons, CEO, Horizon Leisure, a charitable trust that manages the facilities on behalf of Havant Council and uses any profits and assets for community benefit, said: “We were committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for parents and their young babies to come and meet other families and access expert help from health care professionals.

“Having a baby can sometimes feel very lonely and overwhelming and having a team of experts on hand will help new parents navigate this big life change.

“It is unfortunate that baby weighing services in the area have massively reduced, and we welcome parents to come and weigh their babies to ensure they are growing properly.

“Having experts on site really makes this baby and parent group a unique provision for families in the area.”

The baby and parent group is very informal; there is no need to book and baby toys and play mats are available. Both Mums and Dads are welcome, as well as older siblings. Horizon Leisure hopes the group will be an opportunity to meet other local families and make new friends too.

Mike added: “Horizon Leisure is passionate about the health and wellbeing of our community, from new born babies to those in their twilight years. Our services really are

cradle to grave. Health and wellbeing starts from the moment you are born, and these kinds of community initiatives are great foundations for a long, healthy and happy life.

“We want to help our community and new families get off to the best start, and these sessions will familiarise parents with our facilities and what offers we provide for children as they grow, including the creche, swimming, trampolining, gymnastics, soft play and holiday camps.”

Ginny Dupont, service manager, Breastfeeding Network South and

East Hampshire and The Isle of Wight, said: “The Breastfeeding Network has been supporting families within Havant and Waterlooville for more than eight years, and we are thrilled to be on hand at Horizon Leisure’s Baby and Parent Group to offer non-judgmental help and guidance to new parents.

“We know how challenging breast feeding can be, and we are here to help families make informed decisions about breastfeeding, to offer assistance when needed and to support parents to become confident in their choices.”

Programme to support para-swimming athlete

CAROLINE Faithfull, three-time gold medallist at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships, has joined Parkwood Leisure’s Promising Athletes Programme through Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, as she prepares for the European Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in October.

Caroline, 28, who is an s14 classification swimmer competing in para-swimming events, first competed for GB in 2012.

Since then she has competed at various World, European and British Championships for para-swimming, representing Team GB in 2018 as team captain.

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

In preparation for this October’s European Championships in Italy, Caroline trains at the Olympic-size swimming pool at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre as part of Parkwood Leisure’s Promising Athletes Programme.

Access to the competition-standard 50m long-course pool provides a competitive environment for Caroline to train for upcoming competitions.

She said: “I’m incredibly grateful to Hengrove Park Leisure Centre and Parkwood Leisure for providing me with an amazing 50-metre swimming pool and facility to train in, which will give me the best opportunity to perform well at

the upcoming European Championships. “I have always loved swimming, and I believe that whether you have a disability or not, you can do anything you set your mind to.”

Launched by Parkwood Leisure, who manage Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, the Promising Athletes Programme supports athletes competing at a national or regional level to take the next step in their competitive careers and achieve their goals. As a member of the programme, Caroline receives a range of benefits, including free access to all facilities at Hengrove Park. This includes the pool, gym and access

to group exercise classes and activities. Thomas Hunter, centre manager at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, added: “We couldn’t be happier to support Caroline with free access to the facilities at Hengrove Park as part of the Promising Athlete Programme. She’s an incredible athlete and an inspiration to everyone at the facility.

“We’re proud to offer a truly competitive environment with our Olympic-standard swimming pool where Caroline can train for the upcoming European Championships, and accessible and inclusive facilities to cater to a wide range of visitors’ needs.”

Olympians help to reopen leisure centres

EDENBRIDGE Leisure Centre and Sevenoaks Leisure Centre welcomed 3,250 people to open days, successfully motivating the local community to stay active.

Modern Pentathlon Olympic gold medallists Joe Choong MBE and Kate French MBE, made appearances and greeted guests at the events that were jam-packed with fun, free activities.

Managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Sevenoaks District Council, the centres were a hive of sporting activity, with free activities including everything from gym and swim, group exercise, feel good suite and sports hall activity taster sessions.

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Hasan Romel, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled at how many people from the local community took the time to come down to Edenbridge Leisure Centre and Sevenoaks Leisure Centre for an exciting day of sporting fun.

“It was fantastic to see so many members of the community try out different activities and meet two very inspiring sports stars, who thrive when encouraging

others. We hope the open day encourages individuals to come back to the centres and share their experience with others, so we can continue to drive health and wellbeing within the local community.”

Upwards of 500 new memberships have been sold, across fitness and swim, and including new members of Lullingstone Park Golf Course – showcasing the demand from the community to get back into the leisure centres and prioritise their health and fitness.

Body Fit Training to open two new franchises

BODY Fit Training, Australia’s fastest-growing fitness franchise, is accelerating the growth of its UK network with two new franchises in London.

Based in Hackney and South West London, the franchisees will launch their first studios in the autumn with further locations to follow over the next few years.

Following the success of Battersea and Leicester, BFT continues to expand in the UK and aims to have 150 state-of-the-art fitness studios open in the next three years.

BFT’s mission of spreading its results-driven progressive group training to the world, with a target of 1,000 studios globally, is rapidly becoming a reality.

As a brand, BFT attracts ambitious entrepreneurs, often with previous experience in the fitness industry.

The new franchisee of Hackney is no exception.

Co-owned by three certified personal trainers – Emile Kerim, Frankie Nieto and David Irvine – the trio will launch their first state-of-the-art fitness studio in the autumn.

Bringing their combined 50 years of experience to their new venture, the three managers will run the studio themselves with the support of a team of accredited coaches, delivering high-intensity group strength and conditioning fitness programmes to their

local community.

Hackney will be the first of three studios they plan to open within the next five years across London.

“BFT is a fresh, exciting and innovative brand and we all jumped at the opportunity to open the third studio in the UK,” said Emile Kerim.

“We are all so passionate about our new franchise and can’t wait to get started on our journey together.

“With our previous experience of working collectively for another global fitness brand, we know we can build a successful business as we share the same drive, commitment, and work ethic.

“We believe BFT offer unique and scientifically proven training techniques so people feel inspired and get the results they desire – it is much more than just a workout.

“Our aim is to give every one of our members a personal experience relevant to their own body, their level of fitness, limitations and flexibility, all in a community environment that builds lasting friendships and networks.”

Continuing to bring franchisees to the network, BFT has also welcomed Rosie Bogle who has identified South West London as an ideal location for her first studio in the autumn.

She added: “BFT is the perfect fit for me both professionally and personally.

“Fitness has always been a huge passion of mine, and I have seen first-hand how it can benefit you both physically and mentally.

“To have the opportunity to use my existing skillset of working with global brands, such as Unilever, and helping influencers to grow their audiences, will put me in good stead to manage my own franchise business.

“BFT is delivering a solution in the marketplace that is not only different, but in huge demand.

“We will be delivering a workout which is more than just scattered programming and results that also creates welcoming, inclusive, motivating and safe spaces for my local community.”

BFT offers workouts based on science-backed programmes previously reserved for elite athletes –

now made accessible for all, regardless of their fitness level.

The sessions are delivered through progressive 50-minute functional strength, cardio, and conditioning-based classes across 13 different programmes.

The custom-made technology used in the studio includes a bespoke heart rate monitor system – ‘BFT³’ – which allows members to track their progress and compare their performance to previous sessions, ensuring they are getting optimum results from each class.

“The UK fitness market is pumping, and with our strong and solid business foundations proven with more than 240 studios open and 55,000 members worldwide, we are ready to bring our world-class training programmes, practices, and education to every major town and city across the UK,” added Cameron Falloon, BFT’s founder.

“With more people aspiring to a healthier and more active lifestyle, we believe now is the perfect time to expand our network and make professional training accessible to the everyday person.

“We are delighted to announce two new franchisees in London and to build on the locations of Leicester and Battersea, both of which are seeing fantastic growth and interest since launching.”

CoverMe Fitness app launches to revolutionise group exercise cover

THE LAUNCH of a new on-demand group exercise class cover app is set to revolutionise the fitness industry, allowing operators to source the best freelance exercise instructors and keep member experience high.

CoverMe’s algorithm works by matching inspirational, qualified and insured freelance instructors, vetted by CoverMe’s own in-house team, with gyms and studios to minimise timetable disruption, factoring in skills, proximity and availability – all in real time – so managers can source and book class cover in less than 30 seconds and three simple steps.

The innovative technology was first created as a prototype back in 2018 and has since attracted the attention of industry heavyweights including The Gym Group founder and executive chair John Treharne, and Emma Barry, global fitness authority and co-founder of Good Soul Hunting, who have both joined CoverMe as non-executive directors.

Emma said: “The advancement of technology puts everything at our fingertips 24/7: food, fashion, and fast cars.

“And now the same is true for group exercise instructors – CoverMe is the ‘Uber’ of class subbing.”

CoverMe’s head of sales Nik Leeke added: “Any club manager will tell you that one of their biggest headaches is

finding high-quality freelance cover when instructors are sick or absent.

“This can take up hours of precious time each week and usually has an unsatisfactory outcome, with another member of the team forced to stand in at the last minute or cancelled classes. Either way, it leads to dissatisfied members.

“CoverMe is more than an app, it’s a real-time community, streamlining cover provision quickly, reliably and safely.

“There’s no more desperately scrolling through contacts or calling in favours to cover classes; we make sure slickly choreographed, big-impact, big-fun group exercises classes actually happen, so the in-house team’s time can be

spent growing the business and looking after the member experience, which all contributes to a more positive NPS score.

“We know that members who take part in group exercise are 20 per cent more likely to be loyal than those who only use the gym, so keeping group exercisers happy is key for retention.

“We also know that instructors are critical to the group exercise experience, yet finding cover for them is one of the few areas of the fitness industry that has yet to benefit from technology.

“Most managers still rely on outof-date ways to source cover, such as WhatsApp groups and archaic paper lists, which are hugely time-consuming, inefficient and very likely breach GDPR.

CoverMe aims raise standards in the industry.”

On joining the app, all instructors’ qualifications and insurance certificates are verified, so managers can be assured their group exercise cover is certified, insured and of the highest quality.

The app’s unique QR code system enables instructors to scan in at the club, meaning managers can track exactly who is in the building and when, and can produce class cover reports and generate automatic, accurate invoices to save further time and administration. CoverMe can also be used to manage, engage and retain existing talent and to source new talent to lead permanent classes.

In an ongoing pilot study at a club with 150 live classes a week, jobs were posted within 72 hours of the CoverMe app going live with 95 per cent of cover roles accepted in less than 20 minutes of posting.

On average, 97 per cent of group exercise classes that require cover, get cover.

John Treharne, former CEO The Gym Group, and non-executive director of CoverMe, added: “This is a fantastic concept and exactly what all class operators need to enhance efficiency, member satisfaction levels and avoid the frustration of classes being cancelled or changed at short notice.”

Expert tips for staying active on a budget

WITH the current cost of living crisis, finding affordable ways to stay fit has become more important than ever. Keeping fit on a budget is possible and in fact, there are plenty of fun and creative ways to stay active without breaking the bank.

Whether you prefer walking, swimming, running, yoga, or more adventurous outdoor activities – there’s plenty of options to choose from.

To add some excitement to your workouts, Dean Zweck, product development manager at Total Fitness, has shared his tips on how to make the most of your wallet-friendly workouts while still having fun.

Workout from home – as well as the gym

You might wonder why an expert from a leading health club is telling you to work out from home, but don’t be surprised – pairing home workouts with a gym routine is a great combination.

One of the biggest benefits of working out at home is the convenience factor. You don’t have to worry about travelling to the gym or finding time to fit a workout into your schedule.

You can work out whenever you feel like it, whether that’s early in the morning, late at night, or during a lunch break.

Try to alternate between the gym and working out at home so you can benefit from the variety of machines and heavier weights at the gym but also the convenience of home workouts.

When you exercise at home, you have more control over your workout routine. You can customise your workout to your fitness level and goals with the help

of online sites or streaming services. They offer free workout routines, meaning you can experiment with different exercises and equipment to find what works best for you. Additionally, you can put on your favourite playlist and do simple exercises such as push-ups, squats, sit-ups, jumping jacks, and burpees – these can be done anywhere with no equipment needed.

Swim to get fit

Unlike other forms of exercise that require expensive equipment, swimming requires minimal equipment apart from swimwear and a pair of goggles.

Of course, some people choose to invest in additional gear but that’s not necessary to reap the benefits of a good swim. Swimming is a versatile form of exercise that can be adapted to meet the

needs of the swimmer.

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in the water, there are many different workouts and swimming techniques that you can try to keep your workouts interesting and challenging.

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise as not only do all the major muscle groups receive a great workout, but it is also low impact compared to other cardio options such as running, meaning less stress is put on your joints.

If you’re lucky enough to live by the sea, going for a morning swim doesn’t cost a penny.

Join a gym with variety and value Gyms that offer a variety of ways for members to workout, from swimming pools to group classes, are worth the cost.

Total Fitness offers various membership discounts available for anyone looking to get active, including students, couples and over 65s. Many gyms also offer free trial periods for new members too meaning you can try before you buy and make sure it’s the right gym for you.

Once you sign up for a gym membership, be sure to take advantage of all the classes and facilities available.

You’ll be able to explore which workouts work for you, no matter your goal. Gyms offer great value as they provide a variety of ways to work out, allowing you to mix up your exercise routine to avoid any boredom and keep you engaged whatever your fitness journey.

What works for you one day, may not work the next, so being able to adapt

and change your routine means you can always get the best out of your workout.

Join a class

Joining a class can be another moneysaving way to get fit and have some fun.

With many gyms offering a variety of classes from high-intensity workouts such as Bootcamp or Spin, to the more relaxing forms of fitness with Yoga, Thai Chi and Pilates – there is always a class to suit your mood.

The great thing about classes is you can shake up your weekly session, allowing you to try out different workouts that you may never have tried before, as well as helping you to find new workouts that you can build into your everyday fitness routine.

They can give you exercises to try outside of the class and build up your confidence too.

Classes are also fantastic ways to socialise, meaning you could find a workout buddy who is also looking for ways to get fit for less.

With the rise of group exercise classes, whether you’re attending with current friends, or looking to make new ones, classes give you a chance to spend time with like-minded people, whilst also helping you to reach your goals.

Finally, don’t forget that getting fit on a budget doesn’t mean your workouts have to be boring. Embrace the variety of ways to work out and find something to suit your needs, whether that’s traditional forms of exercise such as weight training or running, to alternative ways to move your body, such as hiking, climbing, rowing, dance classes – or even roller skating.

Commonwealth gold medallist and Olympic hopeful unveils plaque at leisure centre

ANTHONY Harding has unveiled a plaque from Golden Gateways at Oldham Leisure Centre to recognise his success as an athlete and to celebrate the part the leisure centre played in kickstarting his diving career.

Anthony, 22, originally from Ashton, brought home gold at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the Men’s 3m Synchro with Jack Laugher and is currently training to secure a spot in Team GB for the 2024 Olympics, but his career all started at Oldham Sports Centre when he was just four year old.

The original Oldham Sports Centre was closed in 2015, when the new Oldham Leisure Centre opened as its replacement.

Golden Gateways is a legacy-leaving initiative launched to commemorate the 57 gold medals Team England won at Birmingham 2022, by installing a plaque at a location relevant to the athletes’ route to glory.

Anthony was reunited with his first coach Louise Bishop at the plaque unveiling at Oldham Leisure Centre, as well as meeting Oldham Active’s CEO Stuart Lockwood and some of the aquatics team.

Anthony said: “The Olympics is my main focus and goal. It’s something I have dreamed about for a long time.

Pairing up with my syncro partner, Jack Laugher, MBE, has been life changing and has been massive for my career. It’s been great to partner with such a

successful diver, he’s taught me so much. Individually we have already achieved great accolades, but the Olympics in Paris is the coming together of our ambition.

“Myself and Jack are currently working extremely hard. We are competing in the World Championships in Japan in July, and are hoping for success there and to qualify for the Olympics. Things are looking good, we are feeling confident and training is going well.”

He added: “But none of this would have been possible if I hadn’t started learning to swim and been spotted as having the potential to go far by an instructor at an early age.

“It’s so important that all children have the opportunity to learn to swim, and to participate in sport either at their school or in the community.

“I started swimming at Oldham Sports Centre as a young child and joined the diving club when I was almost six years old.

“I really didn’t want to start diving, it was quite scary and there were tears at first, but my parents and my first coach, Louise, really encouraged me, and I soon grew to love the sport.

“It was fantastic to see Louise again today. She really started it all for me and I was grateful to have the opportunity to say thank you.

“Oldham’s Diving Club was instrumental to my career, and my second coach, the legend Geoff Eccles, who sadly is no longer with us, was significant in giving me the belief I could go far. He was such an inspirational man and he would have been so proud of my success.

“Although I moved to Leeds in order to pursue my diving career, leaving my family here when I was 16, it feels right that I should acknowledge and recognise where it all began.

“I want to inspire the young people of Oldham, and the kids that come to their weekly swimming classes, that anything is possible. If I could share any insights with them, it would be to ‘always have the belief that you can.’

“Aquatics has taught me so much, it has gained me valuable life skills and taught me discipline and given me selfconfidence. I know that times are difficult for people right now, but I really want to show that a kid from humble beginnings, just like me, really can go for gold.

“It’s been fantastic to return to Oldham, to meet with some of my old coaches and the team at Oldham Active. I really hope the local community is inspired by the plaque.”

Stuart Lockwood, CEO of Oldham Active, added: “It’s been wonderful to welcome Anthony back to Oldham Leisure Centre, to acknowledge and celebrate his success.

“We hope his visit and his legacy plaque will inspire local children who are just starting out on their learn to swim journey for years to come.

“When Anthony and Jack get to the Olympics, which I am sure they will, you can guarantee the Oldham Active team and local community will be cheering them on to gold.”

Dean Zweck