Workout Weekly October 21

Operator joins forces with expert life coach

TOTAL Fitness has partnered with health and lifestyle coach Milla Lascelles to launch its first in-club ‘Motivation Space’.

Members will be able to participate in an exclusive session where they will receive tips, advice and support from Milla to tackle any symptoms of low motivation and the impact this may be having on their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

The Motivation Space will launch at the Total Fitness Wilmslow club, with two group seminars and a series of one-toone sessions taking place throughout the day, offering members the chance to work with Milla in a safe and comfortable environment.

Milla is an expert holistic health and lifestyle coach, supporting and guiding people to make positive health and lifestyle changes, making her the ideal expert partner for this campaign as she helps to guide members on their motivational journey.

She said: “It’s such an exciting opportunity to partner with Total Fitness for the launch of their first Motivation Space, particularly as October sees the transition into longer and darker days, meaning our motivation can easily drop and our overall mood be affected.

“I’m looking forward to having some coaching sessions with their members so they can benefit from my expert advice on keeping motivated over winter.

“For anyone struggling with their mental health and in need of support this World Mental Health Day, I have shared some insights to help understand

why they may have low motivation and what they can do to improve this.

“There are many different factors that affect people’s motivation. One of the main reasons is not having a restful sleep and falling into a rapid eye movement state, meaning even though you’ve woken up after eight hours of sleep, you may be feeling exhausted and totally unmotivated.

“There can be a host of reasons why you haven’t slept deeply – this could be

alcohol related, coffee related, or even down to the electronic devices we use before bed - as the blue light from our screen time depletes our melatonin which affects our sleep.

“Additionally, if you experience stress in your life, you may be procrastinating which means you’re stuck in an avoidance mode rather than drive mode, which can also affect motivation. Perhaps you have a huge roadblock ahead of you and the reason you can’t

get through it is down to fear? Again, feeling fear towards something can affect motivation.

“As such, low motivation can make people irritable and angry. It can make someone feel unworthy and often they tend to beat themselves up about it. Low motivation may also mean you’re in self-sabotage mode, so you turn to habits that don’t serve you. These habits may be scrolling too much, turning to processed junk food, not moving the body, which in turn will make you feel lethargic and perhaps anxious –lowering your motivation.

“I would make sure my sleep hygiene is in good order first and then look at my morning routine. These two aspects of how you go to sleep and how you wake up are crucial to motivation.”

Dan Gibson, general manager at Total Fitness Wilmslow, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Milla for the launch of our Motivation Space on a day which is all about raising awareness for mental health and the struggles many people are currently facing.

“We’re committed to helping all our members on every step of their mental and physical fitness journey, and we know how much low motivation can impact people and their ability to exercise.

“The Motivation Space is a chance for members to speak to our expert life coach and combat any lifestyle struggles head on, so they can enter a happier mental space, which in turn will help to positively impact their fitness routines.”

Physical bolsters key accounts team with appointment

PHYSICAL has announced the appointment of Aimee Stokes as key account manager, further growing its commercial fitness team as it eyes continued growth in this sector.

Aimee joins Physical from Core Health and Fitness, where she was employed for nine years – first as regional account manager for the south-east of England, more recently as national account manager responsible for the sale of commercial health and fitness equipment to key accounts.

Previous roles at the Amateur Swimming Association, the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (and Fitness First – as well as a degree in Sports Management and Leadership – ensure Aimee takes on

Publishing manager: 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 Sales and marketing director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 tb@scriptmediagroup.co.uk

her new role at Physical with a wideranging understanding of the sector.

“Aimee’s wealth of experience will be hugely valuable as Physical takes its support of the commercial fitness sector up yet another level,” said managing director John Halls.

“Her customer service, support and care skills are exceptional,” added sales and marketing director James Anderson.

“Aimee has a proven track record of nurturing strong relationships, working in genuine partnership with customers.

“Her trusted advice and recommendations ensure facilities are developed in a way that enhances the end customer experience, as well as supporting operators’ growth plans.

“She is a natural fit for Physical, where we pride ourselves on our consistently high levels of customer service and our personal touch..”

Aimee said: “Physical has always been a trusted name in the commercial fitness space, but its growth over recent years and the maturity that’s now evident in its product range have made it even more of a go-to brand.

“I’m excited to join a company that really can provide everything a health club needs to create compelling training experiences, and very much look forward to working with customers – new and old – to exceed their expectations and those of their customers.”

Hammer Strength partners with Shaun Stafford

PERFORMANCE strength training brand Hammer Strength has announced a new partnership with multi-award-winning fitness athlete, personal trainer, gym owner and author Shaun Stafford.

A long-time fan of the brand, Shaun has previously worked with Hammer Strength to equip his two City Athletic training facilities in London.

City Athletic combines world class trainers with state-of-the-art equipment to create a community atmosphere at its clubs, with its mission to provide “Performance for All.”

“Hammer Strength is a brand I’ve known, loved, and worked with for over 10 years, and I can’t wait to share with others why I believe it’s the number one performance strength training brand on the market,” said

Shaun.

“As a loyal fan, customer and user of the products, I couldn’t be happier to be partnering with such a trusted and premium brand; Hammer Strength equipment has been a big part of City Athletic for a long time, so this feels like a perfect fit – I can’t wait to share more of what’s to come.”

Craig Cocking, UK country manager for Life Fitness, owners of Hammer Strength, added: “We are really excited about the partnership with Shaun.

“Hammer Strength equipment is designed for elite athletes and those who want to train like one, and it’s this ethos, coupled with Shaun’s dedication to training and getting results, both personally and with his clients, that makes the partnership so well-aligned.”

Aimee Stokes

What every trainer should know about mental health

IMPROVING mental health is routinely cited as one of the top reasons people join a gym.

Research shows that exercise can have a hugely positive effect on mental wellbeing and that’s a good thing - whether it’s releasing stressfighting endorphins or giving people newfound drive and motivation to achieve their goals.

In addition to helping their client’s reach their health goals, a large part of a fitness professionals’ job is to check in on their client’s mindset and mental health.

So, what happens if a personal trainer notices their client is struggling with their mental health?

Do they have the skills needed to help someone showing signs of anxiety, depression or an eating disorder?

And, even if they do, is it the place of the fitness professional to intervene or should this be left to medical professionals?

James Smith, business development manager at Active IQ and Andrew Gilbert-Dunnings, qualification development manager at Active IQ will be addressing these questions in their talk at Tomorrow’s Workout, taking place in Leicester on November 18.

“When people go to a gym, they see their trainer as an authority on everything related to their healthphysical and mental,” said James.

“But the fact is, most fitness professionals do not have the skills nor the confidence to recognise or support mental health issues despite the fact that maintaining or improving mental health is one of the top reasons many people join a gym.”

A challenge facing the industry is that many fitness professionals do not think it is their place to address mental health.

But the fact is, clients put a lot of

trust in their personal trainers and they will seek the guidance of their trainer to navigate their mental health challenges.

But the so-called “mental health continuum” is often difficult to understand without the right training.

If somebody has a mental illness, people will often expect them to be unhappy and unable to function in everyday life, while an individual without a mental illness is seen as more likely to have positive mental health; however, this is not always the case.

The mental health continuum explains that having a mental health disorder does not automatically mean that mental health will be poor.

“One of the goals with our Level 2 Mental Health qualification is giving people the tools to address mental health issues,” said James.

“Not only will the qualification help someone to recognise the signs, but they will also be armed with the knowledge and vocabulary to intervene and signpost their client to professional help if required.

“These skills are empowering and potentially lifesaving, not just

in the gym but in their personal relationships as well.”

A lack of knowledge or awareness can cause mental health stigma.

Research conducted by Time to Change into people’s beliefs and attitudes found that views are changing and mental stigma is reducing, but there is still work to be done.

At their talk, Andy and James will discuss how personal trainers are well-placed for mental health training and how more training can help change attitudes and reduce stigma.

“For personal trainers who might feel apprehensive about dealing with mental health issues, it’s important to remember that they are not required to treat a client’s problems,” added Andy.

“Even with specific mental health training, a personal trainer is not a substitute for professional help like a counsellor or therapist, or even a peer support group.

“Think of mental health training as a form of continued professional development that can help enhance your skills and knowledge.”

However, it is important that fitness

professionals are aware of the positive and/or negative impact they may have on the mental health of those they are working with.

Whether it be reducing exercise anxiety through empathy and understanding, showing negative and stigmatising attitudes and language around mental health, or by reducing the chances of an eating disorder through healthy conversations around food.

Awareness is also only part of the equation. Having the practical tools is critical and that’s why the Level 2 Mental Health Qualification from Active IQ includes Mental Health First Aid.

“The First Aid portion is what makes this qualification unique,” said Andy.

“It provides the practical tools needed to help someone experiencing mental health problems.

“It includes recognising mental ill health, providing initial support, signposting, escalating and promoting good mental health in oneself and others.

“Recognising and talking about mental health is only part of the solution.

“More training is required to fill that gap between awareness and practical skill.

“Armed with the right knowledge, not only will fitness professionals be able to recognise signs and symptoms, but they will have the confidence and ability to step in and help, whether that is asking the right questions and listening, providing initial support, or signposting to other options.

“The impact of this is potentially life changing, and we are looking forward to telling more people about this at Tomorrow’s Workout next month.”

To book your FREE ticket to Tomorrow’s Workout, go to https://tomorrowsworkout.co.uk/delegate-booking/

Advertiser’s

James Smith

Andrew Gilbert-Dunnings

Escape makes functional training more inclusive and accessible with digital coaching experience launch

ESCAPE Fitness has completely overhauled its Multi Activity Resource Station (MARS-2.0) to provide members with access to quality instruction whenever they need it.

Breaking down barriers to participation that exist when people feel unsure of how to safely and effectively use equipment, MARS 2.0 bridges the gap between education and equipment, creating an inclusive environment that everyone can enjoy, on every visit.

“MARS 2.0 provides ‘always on’ equipment instruction and coaching, perfect for training spaces that do not always offer in-person support from instructors,” said Matthew Januszek, CEO, Escape Fitness.

“Many people, especially those who are new to functional training and working out in an unfamiliar environment – for example those using a hotel, residential or corporate facility, can be put off training because they are unsure of how to engage with the equipment.

“Being able to access equipment demonstrations and pre-loaded programmes that focus on how to use the equipment gives the operator peace of mind that people can train safely and the user the confidence to participate.”

Clicking on the touchscreen unlocks a huge selection of high quality, engaging fitness content from individual exercise and equipment demonstrations to full-on workouts.

The entire Escape Fitness content library is available to all but with the option to switch-on and switch-off content streams to reflect the equipment provision within the gym.

This creates a more personal experience for the user who is then only exposed to content relevant to their environment.

“MARS 2.0 is a complete reinvention of our firstgeneration MARS digital coaching station,” added Matthew.

“All content is uploaded in-house by the Escape team which gives total and immediate control over content provision.

“When Escape launches a new equipment innovation, content is uploaded to the library ready to be ‘switched on’ at the operator’s discretion. This way, the operator, trainers and end-users have instant access to the education needed to optimise new equipment from day one.

“In addition, to enhance the user experience, a familiar ‘swipe’ action is used to navigate content, with all visual resources displayed on the Bluetooth and WiFi enabled smart screen.”

MARS 2.0 has been specifically designed to attach to an Octagon frame but it can also be freestanding, creating a gym-floor centrepiece that ensures easyaccess to instruction is available around the clock for the benefit of all.

To install MARS 2.0 and access this 24-hour digital coaching support all that is needed is an internet connection and a plug making it an ideal, cost-effective, addition to any training space.

Salt Ayre boosts membership and becomes a flagship Matrix site after full refurb

SALT Ayre Leisure Centre, run by Lancaster City Council, underwent a full refurbishment of two brand new training areas for members, a gym and a Training Zone, which opened its doors to the public in September 2022.

Both of these new areas have been equipped with a full suite of the latest Matrix Fitness equipment, making Salt Ayre Leisure Centre an impressive flagship showcase site demonstrating the very best of what Matrix Fitness has to offer.

“There were a few different factors that prompted the refurb,” said Rachel Williams, general manager at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre.

“We had a rapidly growing membership base, more ambitious income targets to meet and to accommodate this, needed to provide a state-ofthe-art offering.”

The installation included the latest, innovative equipment from Matrix Fitness, including the new Performance & Endurance Cardio range with touch-screen consoles, items from the Versa Strength range, the Magnum Dual Mega Rack equipped with functional training accessories and the pioneering Glute Trainer.

The refurb also included a Connexus Perimeter rack, which optimises underutilised wall space and from which the team have introduced the Matrix Fitness MX4 and MX4 Active group training programming into its class schedule as well as the impressive 3D cycle studio now housing the Matrix Fitness CXC Indoor Cycles, for the feel of a real outdoor ride.

“The Matrix Fitness equipment really appealed to us,” added Kyle Lewis, gym manager at Salt Ayre

Leisure Centre.

“It fitted perfectly with the vision we had for the engaging, motivational and innovative training space we wanted to create.”

“Since the refurb, our member engagement has drastically increased and our membership numbers have rocketed by just short of 200 net gain since re-opening,” said Rachel.

Chris Porrino, area sales manager, UK – North and Scotland at Matrix Fitness UK, added: “This project has been a beacon of best practice across the local authority sector, a fantastic showcase of a local authority investing in a facility to better the offering for its community.” www.matrixfitness.co.uk

Advertiser’s announcement

Industry veteran David Stalker urges physical activity sector to embrace active ageing

ACTIVE ageing presents the biggest opportunity for the physical activity sector today, according to industry veteran David Stalker.

Speaking on the first webinar on Active and Healthy Ageing from Innerva, the world’s leading provider of power-assisted exercise equipment, the president of EuropeActive and CEO of Myzone EMEA said it was time for operators to focus on older adults.

He added: “As operators, if you can’t see that one of the biggest opportunities you have is the ageing population, then frankly I don’t know what you’re doing in the industry.”

In the UK there are 12 million people aged 65 and above. By 2035, more than half of adults are expected to be 50 or over and the number of people aged 85 and over is projected to double by 2050. Following Covid, the sector has the chance to move from being fitness delivery partners to health delivery partners.

He believes the physical activity sector can make a far greater

difference to ageing people and the lifestyle diseases they suffer than the pharmaceutical industry.

“For the first time health is sitting at our door with the opportunity to deliver it and ageing is a crucial element of that, so let’s grab it,” he

said.

David, who addressed more than 100 professionals from the fitness, rehabilitation, healthcare and social care industries on the online seminar, said some of the UK’s larger trusts were starting to address active

ageing, and he urged other operators to follow suit.

He added: “As a sector, we have to embrace this challenge. It’s hard work, but it’s crucial that we make a difference to people’s lives. We must do it.”

Attendees also heard from Rachel Young, Research Fellow at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) at Sheffield Hallam University, who shared the findings of research showing the impact of Innerva power assisted equipment in combatting the natural effects of the ageing process.

Jon Hymus, commercial director at Innerva and webinar host, said: “The ageing population represents a seismic shift in our society and we can’t afford to ignore the opportunities it presents.

“Helping people to sustain physical activity as they age is vital to creating a healthier nation. Operators have to broaden their current offering if they want to support the health and wellbeing of older people.”

Mike completes Versaclimber charity challenge

BRISTOL-based online body transformation coach Mike Spiring, 55, took on a charity challenge of a lifetime, climbing 60,000 feet with a Versaclimber LX Model, all in aid of raising money for Bristol After Stroke Charity.

The 10-hour challenge, twice the height of Everest, took place on Keynsham High Street in the city.

Bristol After Stroke is an independent, local charity based in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, helping people to rebuild their lives after a stroke. Its services include a combination of practical, social, emotional and psychological support to stroke-affected people and their loved ones.

Mike set up Leaner for Life in 2020 to help people lose weight, reduce the risks of coronary heart disease, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and to just enjoy exercise as part of this process.

As part of his work, Mike works to change his client’s mindset and create

weekly or daily habits, from exercise to diet, that will stay with them once they have finished.

He said: “Last year, my old school friend had a life-changing stroke at the age of 54.

“Being in the fitness industry myself, he asked me if I’d help him with his rehabilitation while he was in care at Bristol After Stroke Charity.

“Not only did I want to help my friend, I also wanted to raise funds for the charity that does so much good for so many people. In the last few months alone I’ve known three people who have suffered strokes.

“I was doing the charity climb on the Versaclimber LX, which I have used for a number of years now.

“To me, it’s about getting a cardiovascular workout to improve stamina and burn calories, but the biggest advantage is that it’s low impact so it’s perfect for rehabilitation. It also

works a whole range of muscles.

“The clients I work with also enjoy training on the machine. If they have hip or back injuries, they can get a great workout, without having to go running or participate in high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

“They just simply enjoy training on the machine.”

Operations manager of Versaclimber UK Ltd, Ryan Kelford, added: “We’re delighted to have played even a small role in such a fantastic challenge for charity.

“It’s always a pleasure to be able to give to people, and we’re glad that Mike’s open air challenge prompted other passersby to exercise and stay fit.

“Bringing a second climber on the day to support Mike’s challenge proved to be successful, as people walking on the High Street were keen to join in, help raise money for the cause and see how the machine works.”

Oldham Active launches free community hot shower initiative

OLDHAM Active (Oldham Community Leisure) has launched its ‘Shower and Go’ scheme to provide hot showers for people within the Oldham community who may be struggling to heat their homes and heat hot water.

Shower and Go follows the launch of Oldham Council’s wider Warm Banks initiative in creating welcoming, heated, sheltered spaces for those who cannot afford to put the heating on.

The move will see places like libraries turned into Warm Banks as part of the council’s £3m plans to tackle the cost of living crisis.

Shower and Go launches this October, with the scheme being available at five of its locations across the town in Greater Manchester.

The showers will be provided in 10 minute slots, with shower gel and shampoo provided too.

Stuart Lockwood , Oldham Active, CEO, says: “Having a warm shower and being able to get clean is a basic human right. As a community

interest company it was important for us to be able to provide these facilities to people and families who maybe struggling this autumn and winter.

We support our community on a daily basis, and this is just an extension of our core values.

Oldham Active is determined to support our local community during these difficult times, and we want to make sure nobody is left to suffer this winter.

We will provide hot showers to those most vulnerable, treating them with respect, dignity and a warm welcome.

“Times are tough for everyone, but it is local residents on the lowest incomes who are feeling the brunt of rising prices the most,” added Stuart.

“We have trained our staff to be on hand to help or to answer any questions people may have, and will be able to provide and signpost other warm and food bank schemes in the area.”

The Venue, Leicester,

Friday, November 18

Speakers to include

Dave Wright, founder of Myzone and CFM

Dave Wright is the creator and global CEO of Myzone, the CEO and owner of Creative Fitness Marketing and the co-owner of the Voyage Fitness brand in Australia. Not only is he the chair of UKActive’s Supplier Council but his product, Myzone, is enjoyed in more than 8,000 facilities by more than two million people in 84 countries.

A serial entrepreneur, and a Workout columnist for the past 20 years, Dave is a straight-talking Australian based in the UK who has the unique ability of being both a club operator and a supplier.

David Minton, founding director, The Leisure Database Company

David is well known for his unique industry knowledge and is in demand for his expert media commentary and public speaking.

Helping businesses and individuals with the invaluable intelligence needed to make key decisions, David leads them through analysis into action, achievement and competitive advantage.

He also works with leading journalists and publications to spark debate within and create support for the leisure, fitness, consultancy and financial industries and is the recognised go-to for market trends, data and insight.

Ben Davis, founder, Fitness Marketing Agency

Ben has been an expert in the field of fitness for more than 20 years. He started his career as a personal trainer, qualifying in 2001. Ben soon built up a strong client base and set up his own successful business of group personal training sessions in 2006. He moved to Florida, USA to study marketing and as a result, grew his business to more than 250 clients and six members of staff. Given his success, many peers were requesting Ben’s marketing advice – and FMA was born. In 2015, Ben founded award-winning business FMA, who provide fitness professionals across the UK and Ireland with marketing tools and resources to aid in lead generation, conversions, sales and growth. Now, with a team of 22 and over 300 clients, from independent gym owners and corporate gyms to personal trainers and online coaches, FMA has gone from strength to strength, winning a Performance Marketing Award for the Best Lead Generation Campaign in 2021 and plans to break into the US market.

Mike Hind MBE, CEO of MAS Body Gym and founder of Macro Based Diner

Mike has been training people for over 12 years, in that time he has been recognised as one of the most respected and renowned coaches in the UK being crowned ‘The Best Personal Trainer in the UK’ by the National Fitness Awards. His work has been broadcast across the globe and he became a household name when he took on “Dibsy” the 40 stone guy, Mike offered him a FREE life saving year-long programme. Mike was awarded the “Outstanding Achievement Award” in 2018 by the National Fitness Awards for outstanding contribution within the fitness industry. His client list includes Premier League and international footballers, European champion boxers, professional bikini athletes and TV stars. But with this, Mike’s main focus is always on the public… In 2019 at The National Fitness Awards, Mike and his team won an amazing three awards. With Mike being crowned ‘UK’s Best Personal Trainer’ for the third consecutive year which is something that has never been done. Mike’s client Dibsy walked away winning the ‘Member Achievement’ Award and Mike’s meal prep company winning the ‘Innovation in Fitness and Nutrition’ Award. In 2020 Mike was recognised in the Queens Birthday honours and was awarded an MBE for his services to his community.

James Smith and Andrew Gilbert-Dunnings, Active IQ

James provides consultative guidance to support businesses in the fitness and education industries, helping to bring the best education to the sector. James has worked in the fitness and physical activity sector for 15 years. Having previously worked for ukactive and EMD UK, James now works for Active IQ’s Business Development team, working with private training providers, colleges, universities and other fitness industry partners.

Andy is a product development manager at Active IQ, working on the development of qualifications, EPA, assessments and supporting resources.

Andy has worked in education for over 15 years across a range of sectors in both general and vocational education. Andy has a particular interest and expertise in mental health and chairs the Federation of Awarding Bodies Mental Health Forum. He also is a Samaritan and facilitates a weekly men’s peer to peer mental health group.

Steve Johnson, director, Tops Fitness and Rehabilitation

Steve has been working in the fitness industry approaching 40 years now. He has run his award-winning fitness and rehabilitation centre for 37 of those years. Steve is a previous Lifetime Achievement Award winner at the National Fitness Awards and has had the honour of judging the awards for the last seven years. Steve’s background is of a competitive bodybuilder and in his time he has achieved a World Title in Russia. Steve now concentrates on running his centre and his passion in body transformation coaching and has many champions under his control. Steve is also heavily involved in judging at many bodybuilding events all over the UK and at international level.