The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazineFebruary 2015 No 257 £3

Daily walk ‘mayreduce the riskof early death’

LIW sold toBodyPower,who plan togrow showBODYPOWER Holdings hasacquired Leisure Industry Weekfrom UBM.

LIW, which showcases over300 exhibitors and occupiesthree halls at the NEC, has beenrunning for 25 years; offeringprofessionals in the health,wellbeing and physical activitymarkets a platform to expand,network, promote and develop.

BodyPower founder and CEONick Orton said: "LIW has ahuge potential and is a greatstrategic fit with our currentbusiness activities.

“My team have the ability,knowledge and experience totake this prestigious expo to thenext level. We have a rich histo-ry of developing trade shows,and a more recent history ofsuccess in the fitness andleisure markets.

“We are excited, motivatedand passionate about taking onLIW – exhibitors, sponsors,partners and visitors can expectto see some interesting devel-opments, all geared to growingan already fantastic event,which has been superbly han-dled by the professionalism ofthe outgoing UBM team.”

A 70-year-old gym member has cycled past someof fittest people in the world to win gold in a glob-al fitness competition. Tony Linturn, who trains atThe Marlow Club, took part in MYZONE’s globalMovers of 2014 competition and worked out hewould need to hit the gym for a minimum threehours a day, 365 days of the year to take the topspot. Indoor cycling and spin coordinator at TheMarlow Club, Steven Smith, said: “Tony is a realasset to our club and everyone here would like tocongratulate him on such a fantastic personalachievement.”

By Christina Eccles

TWICE as many deaths may be attrib-uted to a lack of physical activity thanobesity – but a modest increase inphysical activity could greatly impacton results – new research has claimed.

A study of over 334,000 Europeanmen and women – conducted byresearchers at The University ofCambridge – found a brisk 20 minutewalk each day could be enough toreduce an individual’s risk of earlydeath – indicating just a small amountof daily physical activity could havesubstantial health benefits for thephysically inactive.

To measure the link between physicalinactivity and premature death and itsinteraction with obesity, researchersanalysed data from participants in theEuropean Prospective Investigationinto Cancer and Nutrition Study.

Researchers found the greatestreduction in risk of premature deathoccurred in the comparison betweeninactive and moderately inactivegroups, judged by combining activityat work with recreational activity. Justunder a quarter of participants werecategorised as inactive, reporting norecreational activity in combinationwith a sedentary occupation.

The authors estimate doing exercise

equivalent to a 20 minute brisk walkeach day would take an individualfrom the inactive to moderately inac-tive group and reduce their risk of pre-mature death by 16 to 30 per cent.

Researchers estimate 337,000 of the9.2m deaths among European menand women were attributable to obesi-ty, however, double this number maybe blamed on physical inactivity.

Professor Ulf Ekelund from the uni-versity’s Medical Research CouncilEpidemiology Unit, who led the study,said: “This is a simple message: just asmall amount of physical activity eachday could have substantial health ben-efits for people who are physicallyinactive.

“Although we found that just 20 min-utes would make a difference, weshould really be looking to do morethan this – physical activity has manyproven health benefits and should bean important part of our daily life.”

ukactive CEO David Stalker added:“This study cuts to the heart of thework that ukactive have been doing foryears to underpin the fight againstinactivity with a firm evidence base.

“We know there is cross party sup-port for turning the tide of inactivity;now it's time to move beyond talkingand into action.”

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Gym owner expandsteam and launches‘Fat Strippers Club’By Olivia Taylor

SUCCESSFUL independent operatorAndy Peacock is broadening his gym’soffering with the launch of a ‘FatStrippers Club’ and the expansion ofhis gym team.

The club, which takes place weeklyat the Warehouse Gym in Honley,West Yorkshire is on offer to bothmembers and non members, givingthem access to two group personaltraining sessions a week and nutritionplans, advice and support.

Andy said: “Everybody would like asix pack but it is harder for some peo-ple.

“It is difficult with a family. Whenthere are other people like you work-ing out, you do not need to bescreamed at to get the work done.

“One member eats more caloriesthan she did before, and she lost10lbs of fat in four weeks.”

Once a person joins the gym theyare weighed and given a progress cardand work out plan that is reviewedevery eight to 12 weeks.

Andy added: “We are trying to teachpeople a way that they can changetheir lives, rather than just getting aquick fix.”

Not only has Andy added FatStrippers to the gym, he has alsoappointed a new member of staff,personal trainer Josie Rowbotham,who approached Andy and asked towork with him after reading about hisNational Fitness Awards’ shortlistingfor Gym Based Personal Trainer of theYear in the local newspaper.

Josie added: “It is a really goodopportunity to get some backgroundon the industry from someone like

Andy who has been in it for years.” The 26-year-old is widening the

gym’s offering to local people, givingthem the opportunity to take part infunctional training and outdoor boot-camps in the summer; believing it isimportant to give members access toknowledge and expertise as well asequipment.

She added: “Me and Andy are tryingto help members, to show them thatwe are here for them. We care moreabout the members rather than theirmoney.”

Warehouse Gym owner Andy Peacock withhis new member of staff, personal trainerJosie Rowbotham.

A former primary school teaching assistant turned personal trainer has revealed how afreak gym accident led him to a change of career. After suffering a slipped disc in his back,Andrew Noutch underwent 16 operations, strenuous physiotherapy and intense personaltraining sessions over six years to correct his sciatica and resume his active lifestyle.Andrew’s personal trainer played an instrumental role in his recovery process and provid-ed the inspiration for Andrew to become a PT himself. He is now a partner at a private stu-dio, Hale Personal Training after completing his Level Three Diploma with Premier TrainingInternational. Andrew said: “After working as a teaching assistant in a primary school Iknew I wanted to continue to educate and support people, but in a health and fitnessenvironment. Coming from a sporting background and having experienced the benefits ofpersonal training first-hand, becoming a PT seemed a natural career path to take.”

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Gym staff successesinspire members toa healthier lifestyle By Olivia Taylor

A HOTEL gym in Hampshire is doingits bit to kick start members into ahealthy lifestyle this new year.

Members at Club Life Health andFitness @ The Langstone Hotel,Hayling Island expressed an interestin creating their own success storiesafter seeing the results that gym man-ager Lee Adams and personal trainerLauren Allen achieved in bodybuild-ing competitions last year.

Lee took on the role of coach afteremployee Lauren became interestedin competing off the back of his ownsuccess.

He said: “I carefully planned every-thing focusing on her diet and train-ing routine.

“She managed to get her body fatfrom 26 per cent the previous year tobelow 15 per cent on her competitivedebut. When she saw the change inher body it motivated her.”

Lauren went on to achieve a top fivefinish in the Pure EliteChampionships in Kent and Leeachieved his second successive topfive finish at the annual UKDFBA UKChampionships in Leamington Spa.

He added: “My body changed. Ilearnt so much about myself and howmuch I can achieve.”

The club has now launched a‘Biggest Loser’ style competition formembers that are looking to loseweight this year, providing them withuseful information when it comes tothe correct food and exercise choicesand giving them the tools they needto maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Lee added: “Everyone aspires towant to have a go but it really is alifestyle and people always come outwith excuses. It’s pretty soul destroy-ing when your family are eating aroast dinner and you’re digging intoturkey and vegetables that you pre-pared yesterday.”

Manager Lee Adams competing at theannual UKDFBA UK Championships inLeamington Spa.

David Lloyd Leisure has installed Trixter XdreamV2 bikes into 12 of its UK clubs, as well asone in Barcelona. The latest version of the bike includes a 23” HD Dell touch screen,impressive graphics and intuitive user interface. Group programming and fitness develop-ment manager Michelle Dand said: “We aim to provide our members with the best equip-ment. We’ve incorporated Trixter bikes into our facilities for years and they’re widelyenjoyed by our members so choosing to install the latest XdreamV2 was an easy decision.We’re really impressed with the changes in the new version and the extra features aregreat.”

LES Mills UK has added a further 13trainers to its international trainerteam, based in South Africa.

This is the first time South Africa hashad a trainer team and this team willbe responsible for training and devel-oping new instructors in Les Millsprogrammes and ensuring continuingprofessional development andinstructor progression.

The trainer team was chosen frommore than 30 instructors who attend-

ed a week long boot-camp inJohannesburg, led by head trainerDave Kyle.

He said: “It’s amazing to see the for-mation of an amazing trainer team inSouth Africa.

“The appointment process wasincredibly emotional and it was a verymoving journey.

“The team will be responsible forensuring the journey of our growingtribe of instructors.”

Les Mills UK strengthens team

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By Christina Eccles

DOUBLE National Fitness Award win-ner Michael Warren is gearing up for abusy year, with the addition of an out-door training area to his own gym, anew online coaching programme andplans to franchise his thriving busi-ness model all in the pipeline.

Michael, who runs FSI Gym inNewcastle alongside business partnerAndrew Douglas, was named BestGym Based Personal Trainer at the2014 NFAs.

The club also scooped theFunctional Training Gym of the Yeartrophy at the event and was shortlist-ed in two more categories, roundingoff a successful 2014 for the team.

Now following his NFA success,

Michael has revealed ambitious plansto boost the brand even further,launching an FSI franchise to giveother people the opportunity to buyinto the concept and open their ownclubs around the country.

He explained: “I had a personaltraining business before the gym, butwhen you are dealing with your ownpremises, it’s a whole new market.

“We have showcased that we have abrand that works.

“Franchising is a way of building thebrand and offering people thatopportunity to be involved and getsupport.

“As the brand develops it canbecome bigger but still keep thatindependence in specific clubs.”

Michael also told Workout that the

timing of the club’s NFA success wasalso helpful in boosting businessthroughout the Christmas period,which can traditionally be a quietertime for clubs.

He added: “The awards for me feltlike a great surprise. It took a while forit to sink in. The biggest thing was theimpact it had in December. It’s beennothing but positive for us.”

The team is now also looking todevelop the offering in the Newcastlegym, with the addition of an outdoorarea focusing on strength training.

And specialising in functional train-ing, plus offering that all importantpersonal level of service, is helpingthe business stand out and competeagainst other local clubs.

Michael added: “Our cheapest

membership is £32 per month whichis three times the price of the budgetgyms. Yet we have people who trainhere and stay.”

In future, Michael is also looking atdeveloping an online training pro-gramme so he can widen his reach tohelp people in other areas of thecountry, as well as a coaching andmentoring programme aimed atother fitness professionals andlaunching his own e-books.

He added: “Off the back of theawards, I thought it was a sign that Ihad got to do it now.

“Now I’m training people in theNorth East but can’t train people inLondon or other parts of the UK.Online coaching enables me to helpmore people.”

Busy year ahead for double award winner MichaelMichael Warren (left) plans to open an outside training area at FSI Gym this year, as well as launching a new online coaching programme and franchising his thriving business model.

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Iconic department store Harrods became the ultimate healthy lifestyle destinationthroughout January, with leading beauty brands taking over its window displays and arange of in store beauty, fitness and food demonstrations. As part of the Happy New Youcampaign, a range of sportswear or fitness brands hosted an exercise class on the FifthFloor, with experts on hand to offer tips and advice for getting fit for the new year.Brands taking part included Glofaster, who kickstarted the week of activity with a spinclass, Technogym who demonstrated how to use resistance bands, dumbbells and weightsand Sweaty Betty who hosted yoga classes.

‘Active Crew’ tohelp kids formhealthy habitsBy Christina Eccles

VIRGIN Active has launched a new fit-ness programme, which empowerskids through activity and helps themform lifelong healthy habits.

Created with leaders in children’sdevelopment and movement, ActiveCrew is for kids aged eight to 16 and islaunching nationwide.

During the term-long course of ses-sions, kids will receive equal focusfrom the Active Crew coaches on theirphysical and psychological develop-ment.

They’ll be helped to develop theirteamwork and self-confidence, along-side developing basic skills like run-ning, catching and throwing, strength,ability and core fitness.

Sessions will contain several compo-nents including ZUU Chimps, wherekids are encouraged to embrace pri-mal movement and move like a frog,bear, gorilla or iguana, alongsideequipment such as ViPR, anTRX, andFitlights.

Another element of Active Crew isSAQ (Speed, Agility and Quickness)training, a programme that has beenused by a variety of sport stars from

Andy Murray to the ManchesterUnited football team.

This special programme for kidsteaches them skills for life – how torun, catch, throw and jump, helpingthem to develop coordination, bal-ance and confidence in movement.

Head of junior programming atVirgin Active Glen Heidke said: “Ourmission has always been to inspirehigher levels of activeness across thecountry and there’s no better place tostart than with the younger genera-tion.

“By using the latest gym equipmentand coaching techniques we’re givingkids a real insight into how muchchoice there now is when it comes tokeeping fit and healthy.

“But with Active Crew we’re thinkingabout the long term and giving kidsthe skills to live an active and healthylifestyle with confidence. By doingthat, we hope to inspire future gener-ations to lead active and healthylifestyles.”

Virgin Active has committed toencouraging activeness across thecountry, and Active Crew is part of aseries of programmes aimed specifi-cally at young people.

AN award winning Barnsley gym didits bit for charity by helping out alocal business looking for donationsto feed less fortunate people atChristmas.

Lifestyle Fitness donated 25Christmas dinners at a cost of £9.95each to a campaign launched bySara’s Flowers and Teas to supportpeople in need of hot meals anddrinks.

Regional manager Shane Williams

said: “This is not a large amount forsuch a great cause but it will makesuch a big difference to people whomaybe would have not received a din-ner. I would personally like to thankSara's Flowers and Teas for puttingthe event on for people less fortunate.What a lovely thing to do at such adifficult time for many.”

The club recently won Budget Gymof the Year at The National FitnessAwards in Leicester.

Gym does its bit for less fortunate

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SPORTS Direct Fitness has openedtwo new hi-tech gyms in Aintree andKeighley with the help of equipmentprovider Fitness Systems.

The newly-opened facilities areoffering unlimited access for £5 permonth and gym access with a full LesMills class programme for an extra £3per month.

The Aintree gym, which officiallyopened on December 15, is alreadyclose to hitting the maximum amountof members, with the other club fol-lowing in its footsteps.

Sports Direct Fitness’ head of salesMel Crossland said: “The second club

in Keighley was a bit slower to followat first, but now the same thing ishappening.

“There’s definitely a trend.”Fitness Systems helped Sports

Direct Fitness with all aspects ofopening the new gyms, providingthem with equipment and theirexpertise.

The Free Motion range that hasbeen installed in Sports DirectFitness’ gyms allow users to watch thetelevision that is integrated into theconsole of the equipment whilstworking out.

The Aintree gym boasts a range of

equipment including inclinemachines, dual-cross cable machines,a fully equipped indoor cycling stu-dio, a bespoke functional rig, a fullyequipped free weights area and alarge functional training section.

As well as helping with equipment,Fitness Systems also did all the plan-ning and designed the layout of theclubs.

Mel added: “The functional areathat Fitness Systems provided is out-standing and we’re working with per-sonal trainers to make sure that themembers utilise the equipment.

“They’ve really helped us, and so far

it’s going extremely well. The feed-back we’ve had has been brilliant.”

The second club in Keighley has amix of new and refurbished freemotion equipment on its gym floor.

Fitness Systems is a family-run com-pany from Bolton that has been high-ly involved in the distribution of lead-ing equipment since 1982.

Fitness Systems sales director RickFowler added: “It’s not just a case ofproviding the kit, we’re actually help-ing improve fitness clubs.

“The kit we refurbish comes out asnew, it’s completely re-manufac-tured.”

Fitness Systems helps operator open high-tech gyms

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A Scottish independent gym has announced the winner of its festive fitness challenge towin a Christmas dinner. Think Fitness 4 Less in Hawick gave members 51 days to clock upas many points as possible using MYZONE belts to monitor and record their activity.Members gained one entry into the grand Christmas Holiday Huff and Puff draw for every1000 MEPs they earned. Winner Lisa Brydon won a package including a 10lb turkey, a 3lbgammon joint and a Christmas cake donated by local business Denholm Meat Supplies.Lisa Brydon is pictured receiving her prize from staff member Murray Gracie.

By Olivia Taylor

A NEW interactive fitness website hastaken the industry by storm, givingusers a virtual personal training expe-rience without the need for a gym orequipment.

The Workout In concept puts cus-tomers in charge of where and whenthey exercise, offering them 70 liveclasses per week – ranging from HIITto yoga – all with level three personaltrainers; the only thing needed is aninternet connection.

The programme is tailored towardsbusy single mums and on the go busi-nessmen and women who want theopportunity to train at home or work.

Andy Johnson from Workout In said:“We offer the interaction of gettingthe live coach on screen to show youthe correct technique.

“Gyms can be quite intimidatingplaces, so we’re offering a fully quali-fied personal trainer to anyone withan internet connection.”

Once someone signs up to theonline programme on the Workout Inwebsite, they receive a free class and afitness test, allowing the team to rec-ommend what classes would be bestfor them. The classes are purely pay

as you go and users book sessions ingroups of three (£24 or £8 each), six(£45 or £7.50 each) or 15 (£90 or £6each).

Andy added: “We see ourselves asthe next level up from home fitnessDVDs.”

In the future, Workout In is lookingto develop a workshop in online per-sonal training for future employees,as well as adding a nutrition elementto the website.

Interactive site offersusers virtual personaltraining experience

Andy Johnson

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‘Insource’ and learn whatyou don’t know, says KatieBy Christina Eccles

STAR of The Apprentice and top per-sonal trainer Katie Bulmer-Cooke hasurged fitness professionals to‘insource’ and learn the things theydon’t know how to do, instead of out-sourcing areas such as website designand PR to others.

Speaking at the recent LFX confer-ence at the Metrodome in Barnsley,Katie advised delegates on how tocreate a successful fitness businessfrom scratch.

She revealed her story so far, fromstarting out on work experience inthe cafe at her local gym inSunderland to teaching classes her-self as a fitness instructor, becominga personal trainer and launching twothriving businesses, The Little BlackDress Club and The Fit MummyManual – created in partnership withfellow PT Kelly Rennie.

And she revealed that when itcomes to areas such as website build-ing, PR and marketing, rather thanpay someone else to do it for her, shewould rather learn the skills herself tomaintain creative control over herbrand.

She explained: “If I don’t know howto do something, I learn. In my busi-ness, I want to be in the driving seat.

I want to be in control. In business,we are told to outsource things. But Iwould say insource.”

Katie, who received worldwide PRcoverage when she sent a copy of theFit Mummy Manual DVD to KateMiddleton and got a thank you letterback from her team – which she pro-moted via social media – also saidthat when it comes to getting theword out there about your business,tools such as Twitter can proveinvaluable – and again are somethingyou can learn to do for yourself.

She added: “Twitter has made it soeasy for us to connect with celebri-ties. I would encourage anybody whois looking for endorsement to find acelebrity on Twitter and send themsomething.

“Because I manage my own socialmedia, I was able to get it out therequickly. I didn’t want to have to waitfor someone else to determine howsuccessful this piece of PR would be.”

According to Katie, much of hersuccess with teaching classes overthe years has been down to retainingloyal customers who have kept com-ing back to her sessions thanks togreat levels of customer service –something she learned from hermum, who was also a class instructorin the local area when she was grow-

ing up.She added: “My success has been

with retention. Give them amazingcustomer service.

“Assess the competition but then dosomething different. Something thatwill make you and your businessstand out.”

Katie and Fit Mummy Manual co-creatorKelly Rennie.

LIFETIME Training is launching aseries of seminars specificallydesigned to highlight the benefitsof becoming and building a busi-ness as a personal trainer.

Hosted by fitness industry andbusiness development expert andauthor, Dave Fletcher, alongsidemembers of the Lifetime coachingteam, the PT Success Seminarsexplore the whole ‘journey’ fromqualification to the creation of athriving business.

The seminars include themessuch as choosing appropriatequalifications, maximisingincome potential, the pros andcons of employment versus self-employment, identifying whatmakes a great personal trainer,generating new clients, building abusiness efficiently and effective-ly, as well as exploring long termopportunities within the industry.

Dave said: “The seminars repre-sent an excellent opportunity tomeet and engage with peoplebefore they begin their careersand then set them up with theskills and tools that they need sothat they have the best possibleplatform for success.”

The first seminar will take placeon March 14 at Regent’s PlaceHealth Club in London.

PT Successseminarslaunched

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LIFETIME Training has expanded itscommercial team, appointing newmembers of staff in both sales andcustomer service roles.

Four new commercial course advi-sors have been appointed to the salesteam – Stephen McCraith, AlastairO’Connor, Lawrence Townsend andTobias Whitmarsh.

The customer services departmenthas also added four new members;customer services team leader,Leanne Appleton, customer servicesadministrators, Tom Knowles andCharlotte Rysdale, and customer serv-ice apprentice Jaime Williams.

Commercial director Mike Jonessaid: “The new appointments reflectthe continuing success of LifetimeTraining and our need to expand bothour sales and customer servicesdepartments to support the demandfor quality, flexible training from thecommercial sector.

“By recruiting individuals who arepassionate about the health, fitnessand leisure industries and building ontheir qualifications and skills we canfoster this new talent, creating astrong support base for the commer-cial side of the business as we contin-ue to grow.”

Lifetime Training adds newfaces to commercial team

The new starters at Lifetime Training.

Ladies’ magazinelaunches fitnessTV programme By Christina Eccles

THE team behind leading women’smagazine Cosmopolitan havelaunched a new health and fitness TVprogramme.

The creation of The Cosmo BodyShow, which is airing on Sky's FAB TV,follows the success of CosmopolitanBody, Cosmopolitan's health and fit-ness magazine and online offering.

The show covers everything womenneed to know to feel inspired to leadhealthier and happier lives; speakingto experts and body confidencechampions from athletes to womenwho have overcome eating disordersand models who have made a careerout of not being size zero.

The show includes:� Workouts that work – celebrity per-sonal trainers such as SvavaSigbertsdotti, Jess Schuring, Joe Wicksand Alchemist Life, who train the likesof Nicole Scherzinger and KateHudson, share their top tips for get-ting into shape. Every episode willalso feature a fitness segment with TVstar and fitness entrepreneur LucyMecklenburgh.� Healthy eating how-tos – world-renowned nutritionists and healthy

chefs Madeleine Shaw, NatashaCorrett and Danielle Coppermanexplain how to create meals that aredelicious and nutritious.� Chic fitness fashion – advice onchoosing the right gym kit, swimwearand trainers for your shape and size.� Beauty tips and tricks –Cosmopolitan's beauty team chat allthings beauty, from the natural beau-ty products lurking in the kitchencupboard to the must-have gym bagbeauty essentials.

The content will also be split intorelevant videos for online streamingon the Cosmopolitan website.

Presenter on The Cosmo Body Showand editor of Cosmopolitan Body,Taylor Anderson, said: “The CosmoBody Show is the ultimate confi-dence-creating TV series empoweringwomen with the best fitness, nutritionand health advice from around theglobe.

“Cosmopolitan is all about inspiringwomen to be the best they can be, buton their terms.

“The Cosmo Body Show followsexactly the same ethos and capturesthe unique voice of the Cosmopolitanbrand – it's health and fitness, but it'sfun.”

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An independent gym ended the year on a high note by holding a popular Christmas partyfor both members and non members. Titans Gym in Birkenhead organised the event, whichincluded a four course Christmas dinner available in three sittings and two live bands.Tickets were priced at £15 per head and sold out. Gym owner Martin Mckane added: “Asan independent gym in a fiercely competitive market, it's important to keep customerscoming in during the quiet December period. This year our December sales topped thewhole year due to our much anticipated Christmas party.”

Renowned retentionexperts to speak atone-off conventionBy Christina Eccles

A GROUP of world renowned reten-tion experts will come together for aone off convention, taking place inBirmingham in May.

The event is being led by interna-tional speaker and author of theworld’s largest retention study, DrPaul Bedford, who will explain how todevelop a strategy to improve mem-ber retention.

Other speakers will include: � Dr Melvyn Hillsdon, author of a10,000 member study on what mem-bers look for in a club, who will reviewindustry data and its impact on mem-ber retention. � Jan Middelkamp, former COO forEuropean-wide health club chainHealthCity International, currentdevelopment director at HDD Groupand EuropeActive board member. Hewill talk about the situation in Europeand what operators have done to pos-itively impact their retention rates. � Guy Griffiths, who specialises in fit-ness and exercise-focused data min-ing and business intelligence, whowill explain what’s already being donein clubs from a UK perspective.� Rob Gregory, former global directorof member experience at Fitness First,directly responsible for the group’sretention levels, who will look at whatcan be learned from big picture dataon the fitness industry.

The event will be hosted by respect-ed industry veteran Robin Gargrave,

director of Ad-Lib Training, who hasmore than 30 years’ senior manage-ment experience in the health and fit-ness industry.

Paul said: “The purpose of the daywill be to explore how retention canimpact on business behaviour.

“The emergence of the low cost sec-tor has created challenges for alloperators, including themselves, andclubs need to look at improving theirretention in order to retain a prof-itable business.

“Operations directors, senior man-agers and anyone who who has a rolein keeping members happy shouldnot miss this event.”

The Retention Convention, which isopen to just 120 people, will takeplace on May 14 in centralBirmingham.

Dr Paul Bedford

HALFORDS encouraged the publicto kickstart their healthy 2015 res-olutions with a #31FitterDays cam-paign on Facebook to get moreactive throughout January.

Halfords #31FitterDays exerciseplan was developed by qualifiedpersonal trainer and certified

nutritionist Mo Jabbar who alsoshared his top fitness tips everyweek at Facebook/ HalfordsUK.

Each day also featured a choiceof exercises for participants tocomplete including anything froma walk, a bike ride or a set ofstretches.

Halfords launches campaign

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18

Welcome to WorkOut Weigh In – it’s your chance to have your say and share your views on industryissues. You can email us at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or you can message us on Facebook or Twitter.

WE may only be a few weeks into thenew year, but in the Workout officewe’ve started 2015 with a bang andhave all sorts of ideas about how weare going to make this year a happyand healthy one!

So with this theme in mind, I washappy to hear more about the 365Challenge, which we have reportedon this issue – a project whichencourages people to set themselvesa fitness challenge and follow itthrough for a year.

Talking to the project’s founderSteven Marsh got me thinking aboutmy own pledge and with my 30thbirthday quickly approaching, Idecided that my challenge will be totry out 30 different fitness classes overthe next 365 days.

I already have a few ideas in thepipeline and I’m sure some of themwill make good Challenge Christinafeatures for upcoming issues. But I’malso open to ideas, so if anyone knowsof any great classes, or wants to tell us

about the pledges they are doing, getin touch.

Workout reporters Dominic andOlivia are also on a fitness missionand have been taking part in sessionsat a local gym with personal trainersKatie Ford and Adam Copley.

I’ll be handing over the challengefeature to them in a future issue, sowatch out for news of how they got oncoming soon!

The team is also currently hard atwork discussing plans for the 2015National Fitness Awards and how wecan make the event even bigger andbetter this year.

It’s never too early to start thinkingabout your nominations; rememberthe stronger and more detailed yourentry, the greater your chance ofbeing shortlisted.

If you need any inspiration, checkout our feature on personal trainersVictoria Hudson and Tara Hammettwhose businesses have gone fromstrength to strength since being

shortlisted foran NFA.Double NFAwinnerMichaelWarren alsoshares thesecrets of hisclub – FSIGym – onpage six andreveals whyfranchising isnow the nextnatural stepfor his busi-ness model.

As always, we’re keen to hear fromour readers, so if you have a story forus or any suggestions as to what youwould like to see at the NFAs thisyear, let us know. You can contact oureditorial team via email or come andsay hello on our Facebook and Twitterpages.

Have a great month!

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This month’s hot topic:

We’ve recently had a query from a Workout reader who is looking to implement a loyalty/discount card

scheme into her gyms. Has anyone else done something similar? How does it work and what advice would

you give to anyone looking to do the same?

Send your answers to ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or contact us via Twitter or Facebook. We’ll print the best responses next issue.

Pre-Christmasgym challengehelps charities

Christina Eccles

@fitnessgarageuk: New membersjoining from seeing our@FitnessAwards #Winners signs!@WorkOutUK The #Yellow splash-es get everywhere!

@GarethCFM: @thinkfitnessgymnice job with the @WorkOutUKguys!

@PKGenerations: @WorkOutUKHappy New Year guys! We'relaunching a raft of new initiativesand events this year to get morepeople active via parkour.

@msffitness: Great way to startthe day @wattbike class with mymom and friends @WorkOutUK 14participants #cycling #lifestyle

FitnessFirstMG: @WorkOutUK its#RedMonday at all @FitnessFirstUKclubs tomorrow! Free use of theclub for all the community.

@FitnessAwards: Great sponsor-ship opportunities available forcategories at the 2015 NFAs.Watch out for details or contactthe team at @WorkOutUK!

@clubbercise: BIG SHOUT OUT toour new #dancefitness instructorswho trained in #Scotland yester-day #fitfam @WorkOutUK@REPsUK

Iconic children’s character Paddington Bear dropped into a gym in the Forest of Dean tocelebrate its re-opening following refurbishment. As part of Visit Britain’s #paddingtonsbri-tain campaign, Paddington visited Forest Leisure Cinderford to see the new facilities forhimself, including a new fully accessible entrance, reception area, improved swimming pooland changing room facilities. The club also held a successful community open day to markthe re-opening, which included a guest appearance from local rugby star Ceri Large, whowas part of the England ladies world cup winning team.

Picture of the month

OVER on Facebook, we’ve been find-ing out more about a gym which tookon a pre Christmas charity challenge.

Millennium Fitness Centre in Fifeheld a 15-day Metafit challenge wherepeople paid £5 per week to take part.

50 members and non members gotinvolved, taking a fitness test at thebeginning and the end to measuretheir progress.

Gym manager Pam Weeks said: “Itwas an idea to keep our membersmotivated with the lead up toChristmas, as it is a quieter period.

“We raised a total of £750 and thiswas split between two local compa-nies, Homestart and AberlourChildren Trust. We had a suggestionsbox at reception and these were thetwo charities that had the most votes.”

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Sisters combine skills tooffer training packageBy Olivia Taylor

FIT sisters Kelly-Louise andStephanie-Jane Rowden are combin-ing their different skill sets to offerclients a unique training package.

Combining younger sisterStephanie-Jane’s background in nutri-tion and older sister Kelly-Louise’sskills in personal training, the duocame up with the FITTSISTERSbrand.

The pair train people of all abilitiesfrom beginners to competitors, pro-viding them with personal training,nutrition information, recipes andposing workshops in their studioFittstudios.

Kelly-Louise said: “I love it, it doesn’tfeel like a job, I’m always in my gymkit and it’s made it so much easier tocompete.”

They also offer clients an onlinetraining programme.

Kelly-Louise added: “We originallystarted training 35 women online. Thecoaching involves a questionnaire atthe start to find out everything specif-ic to the individual.

“I then write a bespoke training andnutritional plan to get them to theirgoals.

“They check in weekly with me and Iupdate things as needed and theyalso get full e-mail and group sup-port.”

Kelly-Louise, 31, and Stephanie-Jane, 27, are also both WBBF proatheltes and fitness models spon-sored by TRG Fitness Centre.

Their passion for competingsparked after they attendedBodyPower 2013 and they have com-peted in both UKBFF and WBFF com-petitions.

Kelly-Louise added: “Through the

competitions we’ve always had eachother to lean on. We’ve always workedtogether, there isn’t any competitive-ness.

“I'm honestly not sure we'd haveachieved everything we have doing italone. We push and support eachother and it's also just more fun. Wecomplement each other’s strengthsand weaknesses.”

Kelly-Louise and Stephanie-Jane Rowden.

LEISURE management companyParkwood Leisure has launchedcycling venture; Change Gear.

The new division offers a rangeof cycling-related activitiesincluding the national Bikeabilityproficiency programme, dedicat-ed cycle hire centres, family funrides and longer-distance roadevents known as Sportives.

Head of sales and marketingGraeme MacLennan said:“Creating our own cycle productis a natural progression for us aswe seek to diversify the range ofactivities we offer.

“As well as being hugely popu-lar, cycling is environmentally-friendly, healthy and fun and ourexisting network of leisure facili-ties puts us in an advantageousposition to deliver the variouselements of the brand. ChangeGear has got off to a successfulstart and we envisage it develop-ing very quickly.

“During the next three yearsour aim is to become the mainBikeability operator with ChangeGear becoming recognised as aleading UK cycle brand.”

Successful schemes havealready been launched atParkwood sites in Oxfordshireand Northamptonshire.

Change Gearlaunched byleisure firm

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UK FITNESS SCENE22

Operator appointed todrive county’s weightmanagement services EVERYONE Health – Sports andLeisure Management’s public healthdivision – has been appointed as thedriving force behind NottinghamshireCounty Council’s new ObesityPrevention and Weight Managementservices.

The contract is valued at over £5mand will see Everyone Health workalongside the council over the nextfour years to help families acrossNottinghamshire manage their weightand lead healthier lifestyles.

Starting in April, adults, childrenand families in Nottinghamshire athigh risk of obesity will be offered apersonalised care package, includingpsychological support and help withincreasing physical activity and main-taining a balanced and healthy diet.

Everyone Health will also operatewithin work places and alongside keyhealth professionals in the county –

such as midwives and health visitors –to provide weight management sup-port for women with a BMI above 30before, during and after pregnancy.

Head of public health at EveryoneHealth Annie Holden said: “This is alandmark contract for EveryoneHealth. We’re thrilled to be given theopportunity to work withNottinghamshire County Council todeliver these dedicated services forfamilies and individuals across thecounty.

“Everyone Active already operatessix sports and leisure centres inNottinghamshire so the partnershipwill strengthen our presence in theMidlands further.

“Our aim is to provide more peoplein Nottinghamshire with the on-goingsupport and education they need tomake improved, healthier lifestylechoices.”

Sheffield health and fitness scheme Fitness Unlimited has appointed a new personal train-ing manager. Adam White (pictured above), who has over 10 years’ experience in theindustry, will be working to grow personal training in the city across a number of venuesincluding Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Hillsborough Leisure Centre, The EnglishInstitute of Sport Sheffield and Concord Sports Centre. Adam said: “I was lucky enough tobe offered the opportunity to work for Fitness Unlimited. The role is an exciting and chal-lenging position, and I’m looking forward to the fantastic opportunities this project willbring to our members’ health and wellbeing.”

EXPERTS at the ASA are aiming to getmore people into regular swimmingwith the launch of new Swimfit Gymcards; high impact, high calorie-burn-ing, circuit style exercises for the pool.

Designed to complement existingSwimfit Activate+ sessions, these dis-tinctive blue cards combine laneswimming with in-pool gym exercisesfor the ultimate water workout.

The gym inspired movements, ledby a Swimfit activator are simple yeteffective, with a clear description onthe front of the card and a supportingvisual sketch on the reverse.

ASA head of health and wellbeingLara Lill said: “Swimfit Gym is anexciting new addition to the SwimfitActivate+ programme.

“This gives operators a great oppor-tunity to deliver a series of varied poolworkout sessions, which will give thecustomer a motivating fitness experi-ence in the water.

“These resources have been testedextensively with our Swimfit expertsto ensure that they are exactly whatthe fantastic Activator workforce needto deliver new, innovative Swimfitclasses. We highly recommend adding

Swimfit Gym into your pool timetableto gain new swimmers and supportexisting members.”

Over 500 facilities are currently run-ning the Swimfit programmes acrossthe UK.

Exercise cards aim to getmore people swimming

An example of one of the cards.

Mirrors donated to charityMIRRORS for Training has donatedfour of its mirrors to Help for Heroes,which will be used in the gym at oneof the charity’s recovery centres tohelp with rehabilitation and recovery.

The company, best known for sup-plying and installing floor to ceilingmirrors in gyms, has donated theproducts to Phoenix House atCatterick in North Yorkshire, one ofHelp for Heroes’ four recovery cen-tres, and the only one in the North.

Managing director Andrea Milessaid: “Help for Heroes approached

me asking if they could purchase fourgym mirrors.

“My immediate thought was that Icould give them the mirrors, so that’swhat I did.

“The mirrors supplied are fullyportable, so can be moved around todifferent rooms or next to differentpieces of equipment as needed.

“It’s nice to feel that I’ve been ableto help in a small way, and that thecharity can put the money that theywould have used for gym mirrorstowards other equipment.”

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24

CONFIDENT When It Matters is HellyHansen’s motto – a theme reflected inits training garments – which I expe-rienced first hand when I was luckyenough to be invited to the brand’sThis is My Style event.

Providing the perfect backdrop forthe launch of the collection was theBARREtoned studio, which wasfounded by trained lawyer EstherKufrin, who swapped one bar foranother when she moved from theUSA to London and saw an opportu-nity to bring the barre exercises sheenjoyed doing in America to a newmarket in the UK.

The result of her business venture isa stylish studio in London’s trendyNotting Hill where fitness enthusiastsare flocking to try out a new type ofworkout – and learn for themselveshow to gain an enviable dancer’sphysique.

At the event, design and develop-ment director Mija Nideborn gave usa preview of Helly Hansen’s latestproducts, including insight into thecompany’s use of technology such asLifa Flow – which pulls excess heataway from the skin to keep the wear-er cool and dry – and X-Cool quickdry fabric, before Esther led a groupof journalists and bloggers in a miniBARREtoned workout, designed toshowcase the benefits of a balletinspired class – and put the kitthrough its paces in a workout envi-ronment.

Mija explained: “Helly Hansendoesn’t compromise between styleand performance. These two thingsare equally important and it believeseach and every product can have aflavour of both.

“It makes the training range appeal-ing to both professional athletes and

the wider base of consumers wherefactors as style, price or just generalcomfort might be the reason to buy.”

The BARREtoned class was unlikeany workout I have ever tried before,but well equipped in my HellyHansen training top and leggings Iwas ready to give it a go.

According to Esther, BARREtonedparticipants will typically start to seeresults in about eight sessions, withbenefits including sculpted arms,improved posture and reduced bodyfat.

I was also impressed by the factthat regular barre sessions can leadto the development of a much moregraceful physique – and as someonewell known for having little coordi-nation when it comes to following

choreographed workouts, this is defi-nitely an area I could do with somehelp in!

During the taster session, Esthertook us through some of the move-ments seen in a full length 60 minuteclass including mat work to focus onthe abs and exercises on the barre,which I definitely felt in my thighsthe next day.

Providing a challenging, yet funworkout, I really enjoyed the classand would love to take part inenough regular sessions to start see-ing results.

As a bit of a fitness fashion obses-sive who is always on the lookout fornew gym clothes, I was also pleasedto see that my training gear was upto the challenge of being functional,

well fitting and keeping me cool dur-ing the class, while also lookingattractive thanks to the brightcolours and prints used in individualpieces.

With Esther describing aBARREtoned workout as “in a time-crunched and result-focused societythis is as close to ideal as it gets”, it’seasy to see why the concept hastaken off in the capital and it wouldbe great to see more studios spring-ing up around the country or moregyms adding this type of class totheir timetable.

Who knows, with a few more ses-sions I may even become a buddingballet dancer in the making. Now ifonly tutus were classed as acceptablegym wear...

Performance and style are the key components of Helly Hansen apparel, with the brand making waves in thefitness industry thanks to its range of functional – yet fashionable – training footwear and clothing. ChristinaEccles attended the launch of the latest collection at BARREtoned – and tried out a taster session of one of thestudio’s popular ballet inspired workouts.

Well equipped to try a class that wasunlike anything I had done before ...

Helly Hansen’s This is My Style event was held at the BARREtoned studio, and featured a discussion by design and development director Mija Nideborn.

Christina ready to give a BARREtoned class a try in her new Helly Hansen training top and leggings.

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UK FITNESS SCENE26A determined personal trainer turned bodybuilder is doing her bit to give disabled women a gateway intobodybuilding. Workout reporter Olivia Taylor found out more – and discovered other success stories in this area.

Samantha turns her lifearound to become firstdisabled bodybuilderINSPIRATIONAL Samantha Watsonbroke both of her legs severely sevenyears ago in a car crash, but has sinceturned her life around and is nowcompeting as the first disabled femalebodybuilder in the UK.

She said: “After the accident I had nodirection in my life, I needed some-thing to do. It was a case of makingmy legs stronger to make myself hap-pier ”

Before the accident, she was work-ing at Phones 4 U and wasn’t reallyfamiliar with the gym and exercise,however, she is now a qualified per-sonal trainer, working 32 hours aweek and coaching clients for compe-titions at Fitness Factory in MarketDeeping, Peterborough.

She added: “I never used to believein fate but they say things happen fora reason and now I believe that.

“Everyone at the gym is so support-ive, they call me Woody because Ihave one leg shorter than the other,so I need to put a piece of woodunder one of my legs to use themachines.”

Samantha, who now has two titani-

um rods in her legs, was told by sur-geons it would take her a year to learnhow to walk again after her accident,but after five weeks she was out ofhospital and walking with crutches.

She added: “Being 25 at the timeand having someone take you to thetoilet spurred me on.”

She now travels 17 miles to workevery day on her moped and hasrecently been promoted to gym man-ager.

In 2014 alone, with support fromgym members and colleagues,Samantha has competed in HerculesOlympia, IBFA Hampshire and PureElite, with a hope of raising awarenessfor disabled bodybuilders, particular-ly those that are female.

In future, she is hoping to progressher career further and take an exer-cise referral course and believes she isliving proof that anything can beachieved.

She added: “I want to take thecourse so that I can show people,look, there is life after illness. The onlything stopping you is the demons inyour head.”

Samantha Watson now works as a personaltrainer at Fitness Factory in MarketDeeping, Peterborough.

THE InstructAbility programme iscontinuing to make a difference,getting more disabled peopleworking in gyms.

Bryony Jones found the pro-gramme when she was left withtitanium plates in her foreheadfollowing a serious accident,which left her in need of cranio-plasty surgery to reconstruct herskull.

Bryony’s rehabilitation trainer atYMCA Watford pointed her in thedirection of the InstructAbilitycourse when she started going tothe gym to try and help speed upher recovery.

Bryony said: “My recovery was somuch easier thanks to exercise. Itmade such a positive impact andcontinues to do so today.”

Bryony started the programme inOctober and now has a level twogym instructor qualification underher belt. She is continuing to worktowards her level three exerciseand disability qualification with aplacement at YMCA St Albans.

It’s her goal to go deeper into therehabilitation side of exercise tohelp people who she can relate to;pushing the message that disabili-ty should never be a barrier stop-ping you from getting what youwant.

She added: “When it’s somethingthat you’re passionate about youbecome more determined. It’sbeen so worthwhile, I have comesuch a long way after what hashappened.

“I would like everyone to beaware that rehab is available toanyone that needs it.”

Bryony togo deeperinto rehab

PERSONAL trainer Josh Goodfellow isdoing all he can to promote the inclu-sion of disabled people in bodybuild-ing.

22-year-old Josh, who has CerebralPalsy and is a bodybuilder himself, isusing his brand JGFitness to offer dis-abled bodybuilders and those inter-ested in fitness a place to go foradvice and support.

Alongside running his brand, Joshalso works as a personal trainer at theWorkhouse gymnasium in Boston.

Josh said: “JGFitness is unique in itsethics and values. We’re one in very

few brands that strive to support peo-ple with disabilities. It’s all about pro-viding a service and support.”

Josh told Workout he does feel likehe’s getting somewhere and theindustry is listening to him and hisquest to make bodybuilding moreaccessible to disabled people, with2015 providing disabled bodybuilderswith four federations running dis-abled classes on their show cards andother federations considering thepossibility, compared to last yearwhen there were only two shows thatran disabled competitions.

Josh commented: “It’s great to seethat the industry is finally listeningand looking to accommodate dis-abled people.

“The ideal situation for me would bea professional structure for disabledbodybuilding, having our own standalone shows.”

Josh is also looking to become moreheavily involved in bodybuilding andin the next few years host his own dis-abled bodybuilding competitions.

He added: “Bodybuilding is a diversesport and after all the only disabilityin life is a bad attitude.”

Josh aims to promote disabled inclusion

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High profile speakerslined up for femalefitness conferenceHIGH profile personal trainersCharlotte Ord and Katie Bulmer-Cooke will be among the speakers atthe industry’s first all-female fitnessconference, which takes place nextmonth.

Bringing together women who arepassionate about health and fitness,the organisers of WIFE (Women inFitness Empowerment) Conferenceare promising to make women’s voic-es heard in a male dominated indus-try.

A wide range of topics will be cov-ered throughout the day includingmarketing and social media, under-standing eating disorders, businessdevelopment, female health con-cerns, brand development and a lookat the latest fitness trends.

An expert panel will also be onhand, ready to debate, discuss andanswer questions from the all-femaleaudience on topics and issues thataffect women’s health, fitness andwell-being.

WIFE Conference host and founderJacqueline Hooton said: “Female fit-ness professionals are at the forefrontof delivering fitness classes, personaltraining and nutrition coaching andunderstand the unique challengesother women face when trying toimprove their health and fitness.

“WIFE Conference aims to provide

training, support and networkingopportunities for like-minded womenwho play a critical role in fitness.

“It’s important that we come togeth-er to tackle and raise issues that affectwomen in their pursuit of health aswell as reflect on good practices andlearn from successful role models likeKatie and Charlotte.”

The conference has been endorsedby SkillsActive and REPs and carriesthree CPD points for members.

It takes place on March 7 at theHoliday Inn in Guildford.

Charlotte OrdTONE Leisure, which manages leisurefacilities on behalf of Taunton DeaneBorough Council, has been awarded£22,108 of Sport England lotterymoney to fund a new project.

The Forever Active project is a sup-portive approach to new participantscurrently not achieving the govern-ment’s recommended levels of physi-cal activity per week and who wouldprefer to exercise in a beginner’sgroup session in the gym.

The target groups are adults aged 50plus with a BMI over 25 and adultsaged 65 plus with long-term healthconditions.

There will be six, 45-minute sessionsper week – divided evenly betweenBlackbrook Pavilion and WellingtonSports Centre.

Contract manager for Tone LeisureMark Washington said: “The fundingthat we have received from SportEngland via Sporta’s ‘Make Your Move’campaign is essential to increasingparticipation in physical activity inour local community.

“It will allow us to offer enhancedservices to local people, further devel-oping participation in physical activi-ty and improving health in thisregion.”

Lottery money to fund projectTone Leisure has been awarded £22,108 for the Forever Active scheme.

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UK FITNESS SCENE30

Two members from a Scottish gym were rewarded for their achievements at the club’sannual Christmas party. Every year, MRC Fitness in Ayrshire choose a male and femaleaward winner and celebrate their successes, presenting them with awards at the gym’sfestive event. The 2014 winners were Jordan Robertson, who in eight months has lost sixstone with the help of the club, and Hazel Caughie, who had previously been a memberand left due to family commitments but within a few months was missing the benefits shehad been seeing and was back training hard.

By Christina Eccles

GYMS have been urged to get behinda year-long challenge designed toraise money for charity and promotehealthier lifestyles.

The 365 Challenge concept aims toget people into regular exercise byencouraging them to set a personalchallenge to achieve over the courseof 365 days.

Participants can start on any day ofthe year to suit them – as it’s a 365day challenge rather than a calendaryear one – and can also incorporatefundraising for charities into theirefforts.

Founder Steven Marsh said: “Wewanted to use The 365 Challenge tohelp those that would benefit fromexercise to get them mentally andphysically healthier, by giving themsomething to be involved in thatgives them something to focus on, asense of pride, purpose and achieve-ment and the ability to be part of acommunity of like minded peoplewith a common goal.”

Those signing up can get supportvia a dedicated website and Facebookgroup, with examples of challengesincluding:� To get up and leave the house andgo for a walk once a week for 52weeks. � To walk, run, swim or cycle a cer-

tain number of miles in 365 days –Steven’s challenge is to personally run1,600 miles in 365 days.� To do a certain number of pressups a year. One member is doing apress up for every numerical day ofthe year, starting on one a day all theway up to 365 a day.

The challenge also provides a goodopportunity for gyms to get involved,according to Steven, as it gives mem-bers something to aim for, which mayhelp to keep them focused on attend-ing their workouts and classes.

He added: “Gyms are a key part ofhow this could work whether it’scompleting a distance challenge onvarious pieces of equipment or Xamount of classes.

“There’s a really wide range ofthings people can do in the gym envi-ronment and it also encourages peo-ple to utilise their gym member-ships.”

There is also an important socialelement to getting involved, withSteven looking to organise differentfitness events around the countrywhere participants will be able totake part and meet like minded peo-ple who live in their area.

He added: “The core message is toget people out exercising and havingfun. doing something that’s their ownpersonal challenge that can also helpother people.”

Gyms urged to backyear-long challenge

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UK FITNESS SCENE 35

Participants in Funky Pump Fitness Guerrilla Fitness Challenge which raised £317 for the Swansea Young Single Homeless Project.

Workout raises money to help homeless A TOUGH winter workout organisedby Funky Pump Fitness has raisedmoney to help young homeless peo-ple in Swansea.

The Guerrilla Fitness Challengekicked off in the early hours at FunkyPump’s headquarters, The Ware-House Gym and finished with anuphill run.

This challenge was particularlyrewarding for all involved as partici-

pants helped to raise £317 to fund aspecial day out as a Christmas treatfor the Swansea Young SingleHomeless Project.

Funky Pump owner and eventorganiser Chris Ware said: “In the runup to Christmas, people usually losesight of their fitness goals and waituntil the New Year to start their train-ing. However, our Guerrilla FitnessChallenge saw a large number of peo-

ple from the community work togeth-er, braving the cold winter weather tohelp raise money for a great cause.

“We constantly push the mindsetthat this is a challenge, not a race andeach participant took this on board,making it a rewarding experience forall involved.

“Everybody gave it their all and theyshould be extremely proud of theirhard work.”

Millions tune in to watch ThisGirl Can TV campaign launchBy Christina Eccles

A MAJOR new campaign haslaunched to empower more womenand girls to get active, whatever theirage, shape or ability.

This Girl Can is the first of its kind tofeature women who sweat and jiggleas they exercise and tells the story ofreal women who exercise and playsport.

The campaign will use primetimeTV ads, billboards and cinema andshopping centre screens to putimages of real women exercising onthe national stage and use socialmedia to start a debate about atti-tudes to female sport.

It comes as research, carried out bySport England, reveals that fewerwomen than men play sport regularly– 2m fewer 14 to 40 year olds in total –despite 75 per cent of women sayingthey want to be more active.

Further research into what's stop-ping women turning their ambitionsinto reality found that a fear of judge-ment – on appearance, ability or howthey chose to spend time on them-selves – puts women of all ages offexercising.

Sport England CEO Jennie Price,said: “The figures on participation arecrystal clear. There is a significantgender gap, with 2m more men thanwomen exercising or playing sportregularly. I believe we can tackle thisgap, because our research shows that75 per cent of women would like todo more.

“Before we began this campaign, welooked very carefully at what womenwere saying about why they felt sportand exercise was not for them. Someof the issues, like time and cost, werefamiliar, but one of the strongestthemes was a fear of judgement.Worries about being judged for being

the wrong size, not fit enough and notskilled enough came up time andagain.

"Every single woman I have talkedto about this campaign – and that isnow hundreds – has identified withthis, and it is that fear of not being‘good enough’ in some way, and thefear that you are the only one whofeels like that, that we want toaddress.

“In This Girl Can we want to tell thereal story of women who exercise andplay sport. They come in all shapesand sizes and all levels of ability. Theyhave a myriad of reasons for doingwhat they do. If you are wondering ifyou should join them – or carry on –this campaign says it really doesn’tmatter if you are a bit rubbish orcompletely brilliant, the main thing isthat you are a woman and you aredoing something, and that deservesto be celebrated.”

THE installation of the latest soundand lighting technology has enhancedthe member experience at aHuddersfield gym.

Having completed the installation ofaudio visual systems at DewsburyLeisure centre in 2013, operatorKirklees Active Leisure againapproached Fired Up Technologies todesign, install and commission AVsystems for its new dance and indoor

cycling studios at their flagship siteand head office within the JohnSmiths Stadium.

As part of the project, the companyinstalled 900 fibre optic ‘stars’ intoblack ceiling tiles with a black gridgiving the impression of a night sky.

The studio was also fitted with apunchy high powered audio andheadset microphone system.

Fired up Technologies was also

tasked with installing sound andlighting equipment into the club’sadjacent dance and aerobics studio.

Gary Holmes of Fired UpTechnologies said: “It was great tohave the opportunity to be creativeand help to create a really useablespace.

“The feedback we have had from theclient and centre users has beenincredible.”

Installation enhances members’ experience

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UK FITNESS SCENE36

Concept Fitness in Hertford offers members a range of martial arts classes.

By Olivia Taylor

A RECENTLY opened combat gym istaking Hertford by storm, offering acollection of seminars and classes forboth experienced and novice mem-bers of all ages.

Concept Fitness has always beensomething that ex pro fighter andowner Brett Sizeland has wanted todo.

He promotes the club as offeringsomething for everyone; giving mem-bers the opportunity to train in a reg-ular gym with functional equipment,a strongman yard or the dojo.

Brett said: “We pride ourselves onintegrating members, there’s some-thing here for everyone, we don’twant the gym to be an intimidatingplace.”

The gym offers members a range ofmartial arts classes from Thai Boxingto MMA and Ju-Jitsu and all sessionsare offered to both adults and chil-dren.

The team also think it’s importantto educate members with coachingsessions and seminars with key mar-tial arts figures.

And with UFC fighter Brad ‘OnePunch’ Pickett, who has a top 10world ranking visiting the club tocoach members, and WorldChampion Thai Boxer DamionTrainer speaking at a sell out seminar,the gym is gaining backing fromrenowned industry faces.

Brett added: “I really didn't expect itto take off as much as it has. We don’tdo much marketing to get our mem-bers, it’s all word of mouth.

“It’s a really positive thing when wehave reputable fighters and instruc-tors coming in and representing us.”

The gym is also looking to incorpo-rate a place for corporate companiesto host their seminars within thepremises.

“It's a great venue and it offerssomething a little different to the reg-ular meeting rooms.”

In future, the 70-member strongfacility is looking to maintain theirgood start and build their memberbase whilst adding new classes anddeveloping the gym. � Have you recently opened a gym?How’s it going? Let us know by email-ing ot@scriptmedia.co.uk

New combat gym offerssomething for everyone

Speedflex set toexpand in the UKFOLLOWING the successful UKlaunch of Speedflex in Newcastle,Leeds, London and Surrey, thefledgling company is now lookingto expand its footprint even furtherby investing in a significant num-ber of existing gyms and leisurefacilities.

The revolutionary Speedflex cen-tres provide a uniquely inclusiveenvironment for people of all fit-ness levels to train to their opti-mum level with a personal trainerin group sessions. Not only that, itremoves one of the biggest barriersto exercise, the dreaded post-exer-cise soreness.

Speedflex Europe’s chairmanGraham Wylie said: “We believe wehave created one of the best smalltraining concepts in the world andwith growing popularity and mem-bership base, we are now looking toexpand further.

“Speedflex is a very effective wayfor many people to transform theirhealth in a safe, enjoyable andunique environment.”

The concept isn’t short of famousfans either, both Match of the Daypundit Alan Shearer and GoodMorning Britain presenter Ben

Shephard have become ambassa-dors for the brand, and they bothregularly fit Speedflex into theirbusy schedules.

Graham added: “We’ve spent twoyears testing the Speedflex modeland we know it works. Now we’relooking to grow the brand not onlynationally but internationally too.

“We want to be able to offerSpeedflex training to everyone inthe UK and the fastest way to dothat is to partner with existing busi-nesses to offer the Speedflex con-cept to local markets.”

Speedflex centres feature uniqueSpeedflex machines which auto-matically respond to and createresistance levels based on the forceyou put in. People of all ages andabilities can train together in smallgroups, led by personal trainers.The high intensity 30 or 45-minutegroup sessions enable people towork out with little or no impact,burning high numbers of calorieswhilst linked to a heart rate moni-tor.

For more information on adding theSpeedflex offering to your gym contact

Paul.Ferris@speedflex.com or call 0191 212 7450.

Alan Shearer and Ben Shephard have become ambassadors for the brand.

36 26/1/15 10:07 Page 1

37 speedflex 23/1/15 15:08 Page 1

UK FITNESS SCENE38

FitPro launches TRIBE TeamTraining™ concept in UK FITPRO is launching TRIBE TeamTraining, a new small group personaltraining concept, to the UK.

TRIBE Team Training represents anopportunity for owners and operatorsof health and fitness clubs to bridgethe gap between group exercise pro-grammes in the studio and those withpersonal trainers in the gym.

The concept brings together groupsof seven to 10 participants and thereare three key programmes: � TribeFIT: a high intensity functionalfitness workout. � TribeCORE: an abdominal workout

focused on toning, strength, stabilityand power.� TribeLIFE: a low impact workoutthat improves total body strength, fit-ness and toning

In addition, two other programmesare also available:� TribePUNCH: a powerful boxingand kickboxing workout focused onfitness, skill, and mental toughness.� TribeKIDS: a fun, dynamic classthat improves strength and co-ordi-nation to build fit, healthy and confi-dent kids.

FitPro’s founder and chairman Brent

Hallo said: “The aim is not only todeliver great client results but also toprovide a stand-alone profit centre forclubs, enhancing revenue.

“The diversity and quality of Tribe’sworkouts will make them a no-brain-er for any club looking to expandboth their offering to existing mem-bers and their membership base,whilst enhancing hitherto untappedrevenue streams.”

They come complete with market-ing resources including posters,brochures, banners, videos, logosalongside the latest season releases.

WITHOUT being an expert in boxing,it’s very difficult to know where toprogress your clients’ boxing skillsonce you’ve got past the basics.

Boxercise have developed a freeresource for their instructors, whichadds new progressive drills coveringfootwork, combination punches anddefensive moves.

The 40-step plan includes 105 com-binations, each one reinforcing yourclients’ previous sessions’ learning.

The idea being that the client keepsone copy, the PT the other. This wayboth can see progression.

Director Andy Wake said “For a PT todevelop something like this wouldtake years. We have done the work tosave busy PTs time so they can focuson what really matters – their clients.

“Some clients can lose motivation ifthey can’t see progress. Focusing pure-ly on weight loss isn’t the answer –goal related outcomes are far betterfor client motivation.”

Best of all the PT learning aid can bebranded with the PT’s own brandingso it looks like they have developed itthemselves.

To find out more call Boxercise on 0844 770 6333 or emailadmin@boxercise.co.uk

New learningaid developedfor instructorsby Boxercise

38 29/1/15 15:02 Page 1

39 Kett Fusion 23/1/15 13:02 Page 1

OUTDOOR FITNESS40

LESS than one in 10 runners feel theyhave the in-depth knowledge theyneed to achieve their fitness goals,according to new research, with nearlyhalf simply relying on friends who alsorun for training advice.

The results came from research com-missioned by TomTom GPS sportwatches, which polled over 1,000 run-ners; also finding that weight controlwas the primary motivation for run-ning and overall fitness improvementwas listed top.

According to the poll, increasingweekly mileage was a common goalamongst runners, with 61 per cent

aiming for a personal best at leastonce a week. But less than half of run-ners use smart technology to trackand log runs. And among those thatdo, distance is the most popular pieceof information to receive for achievinggoals.

A TomTom spokesman said: “Mostpeople give up on their New YearResolutions by January 10, so knowinghow you are performing against yourgoals can be a great way of keepingyou motivated.

“Tracking tangible results, such ashow far you have run, seems to be thekey to success.”

Runners lack knowledge toachieve goals, survey finds

Results from the survey by TomTom GPS of more than 1,000 runners OCL – helping memberswith outdoor trainingTAKING exercise outside the fourwalls of the gym has helped opera-tor Oldham Community Leisuredevelop their offering and appeal toa wider client base.

Senior health and physical activitydevelopment officer Alan Keanehas overseen the birth of bothbeginners’ running clubs and theMilltown to Moors Race Series,which encompasses a 7k, 10k andinfamously hilly half marathon,plus a new triathlon planned for2015.

He said: “The running clubs cameout of my own enthusiasm for get-ting people healthy. So many peo-ple find the gym a barrier, so we setup a weekly beginners’ jog in thepark for those who don’t like fitnessfacilities. Within weeks people of allshapes and sizes who you’d neversee in one of our centres were rock-ing up.

“We applied to create a registered

Run England group and throughthat trained up a few people whoknew the area to be run leaders.The natural progression was ourgroups began to try longer runs, sowe referred members to the localPark Run Scheme.”

From there, Alan went on to setup the Milltown to Moors HalfMarathon, with the OldhamCitizens Advice Bureau, then anintermediate 10k and, realising thiswas still too big a leap for somepeople, he last year introduced the7k Carnival Run.

Most recently, OCL has started tomake use of the Radcylffe Athleticstrack it manages, to enable womenin particular to run in a safe envi-ronment all year round.

Alan added: “Every month or sowe do a time trials, to help all thosepeople saying ‘I’m not getting anyfitter, it still hurts’ see the progressthey’re making.”

OCL’s top start up tips for taking exercise outdoors:� Make use of Run England UK Athletics.� Get in contact with your local Park Run scheme.� You can’t take people for 20-mile runs every time so signpost them to a localrunning club.� Ask around in your local community for race sponsors for your first event.� Start small – a 5k or even a 1k.� Don’t be afraid to work with existing providers.� No amount of leaflets will replace word of mouth. If you make the run inter-esting and with regular stops, and regroups, people will talk about the fun theyhad.

Oldham Community Leisure has developed its offering and appeal to a wider clientbase by taking exercise outside.

THREE new Glow in the Park nightruns will take place later this yeararound the country, following the sellout success of last year’s event at BathRacecourse.

Glow in the Park runs are a series ofafter-dark 5km fun running experi-ences, offering a safe environment toexperience the thrill of night running.

Participants can run, jog, walk anddance their way around the GlowCourse making their way through

music and light shows. New zones this year include the UV

Bubble Zone, Lolly Pop Land,Fluorescent Park, the Twilight zone,and the Rainbow Road, along withprevious popular zones, the TimeTunnel Glow Zone and the RetroZone.

Events will take place on April 18 atVictoria Park in Bath; April 25 at EtonDorney, Windsor and November 14 atKempton Park near London.

Glow in the Park runs planned

40 27/1/15 15:25 Page 1

OUTDOOR FITNESS 41

THE latest addition to the Life FitnessSYNRGY family is BlueSky, launchedearly in 2014.

SYNRGY BlueSky is the outdoorSYNRGY model which brings an excit-ing new experience to outdoor per-sonal training and small group train-ing.

The benefits of SYNRGY BlueSky toclubs include:� Provides a different member experi-ence. � Offers value to a club membership.� Engages with members in a differ-ent way.� Engages with different membergroups, such as older members andserious recreational exercisers.� Builds member relationships.

The member benefits of using SYN-RGY BlueSky as part of an overall pro-gramme of exercise:� Provides a social workout and place

where relationships can grow.� An opportunity to exercise withlike-minded people.� More positive recognition/rein-forcement, from the trainer / teacherand other SGT members.� A competition training element,which for some members is impor-tant.

Global master trainer at Life FitnessAcademy Keith Smith said: “The fit-ness industry is continually evolvingwith new ideas and concepts to helpand support both individuals andclubs with exciting workout opportu-nities. Over the past few years theidea of exercising outdoors in groups,has seen particular growth.

“As an industry we are not just sell-ing fitness, we are selling the experi-ence. SYNRGY BlueSky is supportingthe fitness industry by providing a dif-ferent workout experience.”

SYNRGY BlueSky brings a newexperience to outdoor training

BURNING water, a barbed wire crawland world first ‘Hell Fire’ finish areamong the obstacles runners will facewhen they take on a new outdoor fit-ness challenge devised by top stuntperformers Gary Connery and CurtisRivers.

The Stunt Challenge, taking place inBuckinghamshire, will see partici-pants tackle outrageous stunts andexperiences as seen in British-madefilms, over either a tough halfmarathon route or a shorter 10kmcourse.

The pair will also entertain specta-tors and participants at the two-dayevent by each attempting an individ-ual stunt world record.

Gary said: “Stunt Challenge is a fan-tastic opportunity for us to showcasethe adrenaline-fuelled world of stuntsand give participants a completelyunique experience.”

The event takes place on March 7and 8 at West Wycombe Park, with3000 tickets available per day foreither the half marathon route or the10km option.

Stunt-based event launched

Outdoor fitness specialists British Military Fitness brought back its satisfaction guaranteefor all new members who joined in January. Any new members who are not completelysatisfied with their experience at BMF after 12 weeks will be entitled to a full refund.Managing director Rob Love said: “January is a time of year when many people are look-ing to get fit and we want them to give BMF a try. We are so confident in the effective-ness of the exercises as well as the enjoyment factor of BMF, that if new members are notconvinced after 12 weeks then they can claim a full refund.”

Boost your businesswith a bootcampBOOTCAMPS are becoming moreand more popular nowadays and ifyou have the right business modelthey can also be very profitablesays Richard Morris, owner ofBootcamp Fitness.

Richard has been running hisown very successful bootcamps forthe last five years and also runsBootcamp Instructor trainingcourses for instructors.

The Bootcamp Instructor courseis endorsed by REPS and gives youeverything you need to start teach-ing your own bootcamps.

So if you’re looking to start abootcamp or are looking for newideas to add to your existing boot-camp then the BootcampInstructor training course is foryou.

The course will teach you move-ment preparation drills, mobilitydrills, fun warm ups and peri-odised HIIT workout plans.

The course also covers all of themarketing aspects of building andmarketing your bootcamps.To find out more or to book your place

visit www.bootcamp-fitness.co.uk

41 27/1/15 12:47 Page 1

REFURBISHMENT42Advertiser’s Announcement

Giving your gym a new look canbe much cheaper than you thinkAS you can see in the photos, simplychanging the upholstery in your gymwill dramatically improve the look,not only of your equipment, but ofyour club too.

And it’s easier than you might think.Gone are the days of taking your

own pads off and taking them to alocal upholsterer to be recovered in amismatched fabric, leaving machinesout of action for days or even weekson end, or even ordering expensivereplacements from the manufacturer,waiting for them to be delivered andthen paying someone to fit them ormessing around fitting them yourself.

Thanks to the guys at Gym Wizardall it takes now is a quick phone calland you can let them do the rest.

You might not think much when avan pulls up at your club, until yousee what’s in the back.

A fully kitted out upholstery work-shop with sewing machines, stapleguns, a trimming bench and a lot ofrolls of fabric.

Wood and woodworking tools andsheets of foam for those pads thatthat are a little worse for wear.Basically, everything required for pro-fessional upholstery work.

The guys take the pads that require

attention from a couple of yourmachines at a time, and in their placeleave a polite, professional lookingsign informing your customers thatyou are renewing the upholstery andthe machines will be ready to useagain very soon.

And it really is quick. The guys takethe pads outside and into theirmobile workshop and within half anhour or so, the pads are back on themachines and the next batch arebeing removed for the same treat-ment.

A typical gym can be fully recoveredwithin the day for about the same asit costs you to replace a deck and belton two of your treadmills.

Not bad when you think about it –nobody notices what you spend onmaintenance but they can’t help butnotice this.

Don’t be thinking you need to begetting your full gym upholstered forthem to come out to you either.

They’re just as happy to come outand recover a handful of pads andcan easily match them up to yourexisting upholstery colour.

Gym Wizard was set up eight yearsago after realising the need for a dedi-cated, hassle free upholstery service

and have over 25 years’ experience inthe fitness industry, so it’s safe to saythey know what they are talkingabout. Their customer portfoliospeaks volumes. From the very small-est personal trainers and private

clubs right up to the biggest chains,prisons and county councils, even themajor manufacturers themselves.

For more information visit www.gym-wizard.com

or call 0700 3400 335

42 23/1/15 15:11 Page 1

43 Code locks 23/1/15 13:03 Page 1

REFURBISHMENT44

Impulse Leisure Chanctonbury reopened in December following a £740,000 refurbishment.

Operator redevelops two of itssites to bring them up to date By Christina Eccles

IMPULSE Leisure has overhauled twoof its seven sites in West Sussex andEssex to bring them up to date withcurrent trends.

The newly refurbished ImpulseLeisure Chanctonbury in Storrington,West Sussex fully reopened lastDecember following a £740,000 rede-velopment.

Lead architects Groma, togetherwith Lifetime Construction, installeda mezzanine floor, which doubled thesize of the fitness suite to 260 sqm.

More than £250,000 was invested innew Technogym Excite+ CV andElement+ resistance equipment, plusa Kinesis functional training station.

The fitness suite links to a newchanging village, which includes ahealth suite with sauna and a steamroom, which is also an interchange-able salt room.

The centre also boasts a new-look

Coffee Republic café and receptionarea.

Chief executive at Impulse LeisureMike Baden said: “This investmenthas given Chanctonbury brand newequipment and fitness technologies,and a bright new feel. A better layoutmeans more space and a much moreusable gym area.

“With more than 16,000 people liv-ing within a three-mile radius of thecentre, it is our goal that this redevel-opment will ultimately attract newmembers to the centre – we aim totop 1,200 – and give our revenue asubsequent boost.”

Meanwhile, Impulse LeisureBlackshots in Essex reopened inJanuary after a refurbishment over theChristmas break worth over £500,000.

A GYMetrix survey carried out lastyear revealed members and local peo-ple wanted more cable resistance kit,more free weights and the very latestfitness kit.

With this in mind, the refurbish-ment included a new, larger freeweights area with more weights,dumbbells and benches, more cableresistance machines and newTechnogym cardiovascular equip-ment, which includes the company’s‘unity platform’.

The gym also features new energy-efficient lighting, a fitness assessmentarea and a complete redecoration ofthe whole workout area.

Impulse Leisure’s group operationsmanager Karl Hayes added: “Leisurecentres – and gyms in particular – areincreasingly all about the entire cus-tomer experience, very similar torestaurants and bars.

“Gone are the days when bare flatwalls, simply functional changingrooms and basic kit were enough tomeet members’ needs; customerexpectations have risen and membersnow expect – and deserve – muchmore for their money.”

Cwmbran Stadium to get fitness suiteand vertical adventure playgroundWORK has started on a major redevel-opment at Cwmbran Stadium, whichwill see a four-court sports hall re-modelled into a vertical adventureplayground and the creation of a 70-station fitness suite.

The work is being carried out byspecialist leisure design and buildcompany Createability, alongsidedevelopment partner Alliance Leisure,which has also part-funded the proj-ect, and will ensure the co-ordinationand delivery of the complete facilityon behalf of Torfaen Leisure Trust.

Work has already started on creatinga 500 sqm soft play structure, whichcan cater for up to 150 children at anyone time, a 19-element VerTgo verti-cal adventure climbing playground,along with a party room and a cafeand seating area.

The current cafe, kitchen and ameeting room under the stadiumseating area will be converted into anew 350 sqm fitness suite with func-tional training to replace the small,existing gym on the stadium’s firstfloor.

Improvements will also be made tothe current reception area with newlighting, graphics and over cladding

of the reception desk to create a moremodern, welcoming look and feel. Allthe internal work is expected to com-plete in Spring 2015.

Managing director of Creatability,Ian Cotgrave, said: “This is the secondscheme of this type that we have car-ried out in partnership with AllianceLeisure. Previously the stadium had afour-court sports hall as well as aneight-court hall. Converting the four-court hall into a soft play centre andVerTgo climbing structure will bring

new revenue and activity to the centreand attract a new breed of users.”

Managing director of AllianceLeisure Sarah Watts added: “Thisexciting project demonstrates howthe public sector can respond to thetough economic climate and squeezeon resources, remodelling existingunderused space to generate moreincome; and with childhood obesityon the rise it’s an ideal way to tackleinactivity in the young in the localcommunity too.”

The new 70-station fitness suite is expected to be completed by the Spring.

44 27/1/15 12:48 Page 1

45 TVS 29/1/15 15:03 Page 1

REFURBISHMENT46

Life@Whitehouse, which is part of the Telford Whitehouse Hotel, has been given a £120,000 refurbishment to replace its 11-year-old gym equipment.

By Olivia Taylor

A HOTEL gym in Telford is alreadynoticing the benefits of a recent refur-bishment by successfully engagingolder members in its new, high-techequipment.

Life@Whitehouse, which is part ofthe Telford Whitehouse Hotel andowned by New College, has beengiven a £120,000 refurbishment toreplace its 11-year-old gym equip-ment.

The club now boasts high spec Life

Fitness cardio, resistance and func-tional training equipment, as well as aSynrgy rig for members to enjoy ontheir own or in group training ses-sions. The new machines also allowmembers to access the internet anddownload apps on to their smartphones to track their progress.

Gym manager Mark Beamson said:“30 per cent of our members are 60and over so around half of ourmachines are just push and go, so it’seasier for them.

“But what really surprised me is the

fact that the older members are reallyjumping on board with the high techkit. One older member couldn’tbelieve that he could check his stocksand shares on the equipment.”

The new equipment has enabled thegym to provide members with moreopportunities to take part in personaltraining and classes, but Mark toldWorkOut he didn't want to changeeverything completely.

He added: “I don’t want the feel ofthe gym to change, but the membersreally are all over it.”

The club, which was previouslyshortlisted for a National FitnessAward in the Customer Service cate-gory, pushes the message that thecustomer service element of a mem-ber journey is increasingly important.

It is also looking to introduce thenew look fitness suite to the publicwith an open day in the next fewweeks.

Mark added: “We will embrace allthe opportunities that come with therevamp, I want to create more greatexperiences for our members.”

Hotel gym reaping benefits of refurbishment

Low Wood spends£100,000 installinglatest technologyA LAKE District hotel has investedover £100,000 into improving its gymfacilities, with new additions includ-ing the UK’s largest HumanSportstrength training circuit.

The Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel,which is part of the English LakesHotels and Resorts and Venues Group,has also upgraded its fitness offeringto include the latest in technology,such as new state-of-the-art Star TracCardiovascular equipment;TreadClimber and eSpinners, whichallow members to take part in soloSpinning classes using a virtual coach.

Club manager Sandra Gibson said:“HumanSport gives every member astrength training regimen that is trulytailored for them, specific to theirgoals, and modified to their abilities.

“Executives, mums, seniors, teensand athletes can all use HumanSport.Its diversity is unlike any strengthproduct we’ve seen before as it helpsmembers wanting to lose weight,rehab injuries, improve sports per-formance, or even achieve total bodyconditioning in an express-styleworkout.”

To celebrate the opening of the newlook gym, the club, which is situatedon the shores of Lake Windermere,offered free January membership tothose who signed up beforeDecember 20.

Sandra added: “We are delighted to

be installing all new gym equipmentinto the Low Wood Club. We haveinvested heavily in the gym as westrive to be at the forefront of newinnovations and training technolo-gies.

“We really hope our members takefull advantage of the new equipmentand we encourage them to speak to amember of the team to find out howto get the most out of the fitnessequipment.”

Free January membership was offered tothose who signed up before December 20.

Give your changing roomlockers a new lease of lifewith keyless digital locks WHEN it comes to refurbishingchanging rooms, locker locks oftenget overlooked.

But a modernised changing roomwon’t look the part for long if lock-ers are soon ‘out of action’ againdue to lost keys and broken locks.Why stick with old-fashioned locksand keys when digital locks offer amuch more convenient solution?

KitLock keyless digital locker locksare easy to use and manage, theyalso look smart too.

To access a locker, guests simplypunch in a four-digit code on thekeypad, then ‘lock and go’. If a guestforgets their code, the locker can beopened using a ‘technician code’ –significantly reducing the timeemployees spend managing lockerissues.

There are three electronic lockerlocks in the KitLock range. Eachproduct comes with an IP rating,making them suitable for use indamp environments.

The most versatile lock is thesleek-looking KL1500. Due to itspatented keypad design, the lockcan be fitted to a locker in any ori-entation.

The lock features a ‘timed unlock’facility, allowing lockers to be pro-grammed to open automatically ata certain time of day.

This is ideal if locker hogging is acommon problem, as guests will be

less likely to leave contents in alocker if they know that it will auto-matically open at the end of theday. It also means that the lockersare easily accessible for cleaning.

For more information visitwww.kitlock.co.uk

46 29/1/15 15:09 Page 1

REFURBISHMENT 47

GYM Upholstery UK offers a uniqueon-site upholstery service and cur-rently services leisure centres, gymna-siums, prisons, schools, colleges,hotels and universities across the UK.

Our unique offering of on-site fit-ness equipment upholstery repairallows the fitness clubs to keep theirbusiness running to its maximumpotential whilst undergoing refurbish-ment.

Amongst our clients are VirginActive, David Lloyd Leisure andMarriott Hotels.

In addition to our on-site repairservice we also manufacture fitnessequipment upholstery to many lead-ing suppliers of fitness equipmentacross the UK.

For more information visit www.gymupholstery.com or

email@gymupholstery.com

TWO Yorkshire education establish-ments have invested in creating elitestrength and conditioning gyms tohelp develop their rising sportingstars and for use in academic courses.

Sheffield Hallam University andWakefield College both aim tostrengthen their presence on the edu-cation and sporting arenas by offeringworld-class training facilities andchose strength and conditioningequipment specialist AbsolutePerformance to help.

At Wakefield College, the companymanaged the whole project from ini-tial consultation and advising on themost appropriate equipment withinbudget, to supplying and installationof the gym.

Equipment installed included AP’sown high-performance heavyweight

flooring, and was completed with theinclusion of Werksan Olympicweightlifting racks, bars and platesand AP Evolution turf to enable use ofconditioning sleds.

Elite sport consultant at AbsolutePerformance Simon Britton said: “Ourrecent work for England Rugby andstrong experience within the educa-tion sector made us ideally suited fordelivering these projects and we weredelighted to be chosen by bothWakefield College and SheffieldHallam University.

“As an independent company we arenot tied to any one supplier and weare proud knowing that our workadvising and installing these first-class facilities is benefiting andstrengthening emerging sporting tal-ent.”

New gyms for studentsSheffield Hallam University and Wakefield College have invested in creating elite strengthand conditioning gyms.

QDos Fitness becomesofficial training centreMANCHESTER based club QDosFitness has become an officialHammer Strength training centreafter installing a range of new LifeFitness kit as part of a major refur-bishment.

The brainchild of ex-police officerAdam Chapman, the business wasestablished in 2011, with Adam takingthe site from wasteland, through theplanning stages, tendering for con-struction and then overseeing thebuild before opening as a CrossFitfacility.

The 13,000 sqft site has now benefit-ed from the addition of a 4,000 sqftstrength and conditioning suite,equipped with the Life FitnessHammer Strength Select and PlateLoaded Range including a Chest

Press, Shoulder Press, Leg extensionand Prone Leg Curl.

Adam said: “CrossFit is an amazingsystem for gaining all over fitness andfosters great community spirit inthose that take part. However, fitnessand strength isn’t a one size fits allphilosophy.

“There are still plenty of people thatdesire to train incredibly hard and tofocus on one aspect, and for that rea-son we wanted to enhance our facilityto include all the tools to enable peo-ple to do so.

“I did extensive research to find outthe merits of different brands of com-mercial fitness equipment and LifeFitness consistently came out on topin terms of robustness, quality, designfeatures and durability.”

New Life Fitness kit has been installed at the facility as part of a major refurb.

Gym Upholstery UK offers unique‘on-site’ upholstery service

ASTLEY Sports Village in Cheshirehas refurbished its fitness suite,installing state-of-the-art Precorequipment and updating memberaccess and monitoring with PrevaTokens.

Owned and used by Astley SportsCollege, a secondary school for 11-16 year olds, the Sports Village’s150sqm gym features 16 stations ofPrecor cardiovascular machines, allequipped with Preva networked fit-ness.

The facility also features anindoor sports hall, astro-turf andgrass pitches and an outdoor train-ing zone.

Astley Sports Village decided tointroduce integrated RFID tags fol-lowing a Precor round table event,where industry leaders gathered todebate and discuss the Precor com-missioned, ukactive whitepaper,Engaging Children and YoungPeople in Physical Activity.

The tags, which act as member-ship cards, enable members toaccess Preva and monitor theirworkout progress.

Director Mark Storie said: “The

RFID tags are an extension of howwe embrace technology. Weencourage our members to sharetheir experiences and achieve-ments, such as their workout data,whether that’s Preva workoutresults or milestone badges, onsocial media sites. This then raisesmore ‘likes’ and awareness, whichincreases our audience and brandawareness.”

Preva networked fitness was anintegral part of the refurbishment,according to Mark.

He added: “Preva Business Suiteallows us to engage with all mem-bers on the gym floor throughMember Messaging and enables usto pull off essential reports in termsof usage for each piece of equip-ment during the day. This meansoperationally I can monitor thefootfall peaks we have.

“The onscreen entertainmentoptions offered by Preva and theway members can link their work-outs to their mobile phones meanthey are getting the ultimate work-out experience from this gym – avital component for retention.”

Village installs Preva TokensThe refurbished fitness suite at Astley Sports Village in Cheshire.

47 27/1/15 15:26 Page 1

CLEANING48

Addgards launch ‘executive’range of wet wipe stationsAVAILABLE in granite, white marble,sandstone and green marble, thenew Wet Wipe Station will add atouch of class and enhance any gyminterior.

Not only do the Wet Wipe Stationslook great, they are easy to use andmaintain.

Placing the station in key pointsaround the gym, members have theoption to sanitise equipment, mats,balls etc... in an easy and affordablemanner.

No matter how clean your gymeach piece of equipment is only asclean as the last user.

The station conveniently combinesa wet wipe dispenser and bin for theused wipes in one unit.

The Wet Wipe Dispenser holds rollsof up to 1,000 anti-bacterial wipes.

The wipes will kill 99.9 per cent ofgerms and won’t tear like dry wipes.

They have odour neutralisers builtin and will clean and disinfect notonly all gym surfaces but are alsosensitive enough to use on hands.

The stations are available in corpo-rate colours with gym logos.

To view the new range of finishes andcolours visit www.addgards.com or call

freephone: 0800 973 165.

Chlorine in pools –could it soon be athing of the past?CLEARWATER Enviro, distributers of anew to UK disinfection system, claimschlorine used in swimming pools is ahealth risk.

Clearwater says the chemical hasbeen linked to cancer and eye prob-lems as it markets its own high-techsystem based on NASA technologywhich it claims is much safer.

Father and son team Peter andThomas Carter, who head-upClearwater Enviro, are on a mission topersuade local authorities and healthclubs to convert to life without chlo-rine.

Currently chlorine-free swimmingpools are a rarity in the UK but theCarters hope they could become thenorm. They point to other countriessuch as the US and Belgium whichhave embraced the concept amid theevidence that traditional chemicalscan be harmful to people’s health.

Scientists at LoughboroughUniversity are currently undertaking amajor study into the effects of chlo-rine on health and the scientist lead-

ing the research has praised the con-cept of going chlorine-free.

Peter said: “We want to help growswimming as a healthy sport in theUK. Last year it decreased and itseems the big bugbear is chlorine. Atthe same time outdoor swimming inlakes and in the sea has increasedyear on year. People want to swim butdon’t want to deal with the chlorine.”

Clearwater’s unique copper and sil-ver ionisation disinfection systemavoids all these problems by removingchlorine and other dangerous chemi-cals from the swimming pool andprovides a healthy environment forboth the swimmer and the swimmingstaff with “drinking quality water” andclean air.

Peter added: “YMCA use the tech-nology in their swimming pools state-side and are currently consideringClearwater Enviros’ NECON systemfor their UK pools.”

For more information emailpeter.carter@clearwaterenviro.co.uk or

visit www.clearwaterenviro.co.uk

CHEMCARE Liverpool produce arange of industry leading cleaningproducts, designed for specific areasof any leisure site – whether it beswimming pools, changing rooms,steam rooms or gym areas – reducingthe number of products required andensuring safe and efficient workingpractices.

We are the leading manufacturer ofspecialist solutions and essences tothe spa and leisure industries.

Our extensive product range hasbeen developed with leading leisuresites to create a comprehensive selec-tion of products.

With a wide range of Rasul mudtherapy treatments, fragrant oils andmilks for spa and sauna use andrefreshing and invigorating hair andbody washes, Chemcare can help youin providing your clients with an

evocative experience.Products include FS Plus – a safe

swimming pool cleaner – andChanging Room Care – a general pur-pose cleaner and degreaser.

For more information visit www.chemcareliverpool.com

Products designed for specificareas of any leisure facility

If you’ve got a story for aforthcoming issue ofWorkout magazine,

email Christina Eccles atce@scriptmedia.co.uk

48 27/1/15 12:51 Page 1

UK FITNESS SCENE 49Once again, the search is on to find the country’s top personal trainer; with femalePTs in particular being urged to shout about their achievements and put themselvesforward for a trophy. Workout spoke to some past NFA finalists to find out howgetting involved boosted their business – and revealed some top tips on how tostrengthen your application.

Entering awards can boost yourbusiness, former finalists revealWITH nominations opening later thismonth for the 2015 National FitnessAwards, the award for Best GymBased Personal Trainer will, as always,be one of the most hotly contestedtrophies.

Swansea-based personal trainer TaraHammett was shortlisted for theaward two years in a row and said shewas honoured to make the finals.

She explained: “Being involved wasincredible for my business as ithelped to promote me as a leader andone of the best, not only in my area,but in the UK.

“As with anything, if you want tostand out from the crowd, you have totake massive action, achieve and beproud of what you do with your busi-ness.

“Entering the NFAs is a fantastic wayof sharing your experiences andachievements and also networkingwith other fantastic professionals inthe industry.”

Fellow PT Victoria Hudson wasshortlisted at last year’s NFAs, withthe gym she works at – Lifestyle

Fitness in Barnsley – picking up theaward for Budget Gym of the Year atthe event in Leicester.

She added: “Being shortlisted hasbeen an amazing experience. I feltlike it really gave my career and myconfidence as a personal trainer aboost.

“The awards’ ceremony was biggerand better than I could have imag-ined; a huge event, so many glitzydresses and everyone celebrating afantastic year in the industry.

“I had the opportunity to meet someinspirational personal trainers, it gaveme chance to network and makesome new friends and contacts withinthe industry.”

Personal trainer Kim Ingleby was aNational Fitness Awards’ judge lastyear. And as a previous recipient ofLife Fitness’ global Personal Trainer toWatch competition, she has first handexperience of what it’s like to pick upan award.

Kim told Workout she wouldencourage anyone to put themselvesforward for a trophy – and urged

trainers not to be shy about promot-ing their achievements.

She added: “The application processwill challenge you to focus on yourbusiness development, progression,values and success.

“By doing this, it adds value to youas an individual and company, andabove all gives something back toyour clients.

“Your success is based on their suc-cess. So if you are not sure aboutentering, do it. You never know whoyou might meet or what might hap-pen, you may even win.

“If you do win, it's like a little shin-ing light, a beacon of goodness foryour business and something you andyour clients will be proud of.

“So ladies (and gents) don't be nerv-ous, or shy (or even if you are, thatreally doesn't matter), be proud ofwhat you do, be courageous and findan award that excites you to enter.

“Then make the time, do it properlyand you will definitely notice thebenefits in yourself and your busi-ness.”

Victoria Hudson (left) and Tara Hammett both reaped the benefits from entering the National Fitness Awards personal trainer category.

Clubbercise smashes recruitment targetBACK in April 2014 just after they

launched to the industry dance fit-ness brand Clubbercise had less than10 instructors in the UK.

Their target for 2014 was to recruit100 instructors, which seemed fairlyambitious for a start-up with minimalfunding.

However, by the end of the year theyhad actually trained just over 150instructors. Clubbercise is currentlythe fastest-growing dance fitnessbrand in the industry.

This is partly fuelled by demandfrom instructors and gyms looking forsomething new and exciting for theirtimetables, but also thanks to massivedemand from the general public forclasses.

Clubbercise co-founder ClaireBurlison Green said: “The whole

country has gone Clubbercise crazy,we’ve even had people starting cam-paigns via social media to get ourclasses up and running in their localarea and some people are travelling30 miles or more to get to a class!”

It seems the combination of clubanthems, disco lights and glow sticks

is a winning formula, and Clubberciseis expecting to have at least 500instructors on board by the end of2015, which will make them one ofthe biggest dance fitness brands inthe UK.

For more information and the latest train-ing dates check out clubbercise.com

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UK FITNESS SCENE50

Five ways wearables will keepclubs full beyond January ...By Dave Wright

IT’S the beginning of the year andyou’re still shocked at how many clubmembers you lost the previous year.

You’ve tried everything from updat-ing your cardio equipment to offeringtanning and day care services butnothing has motivated new membersto actually complete their New Year’sresolution of getting in shape.

Fitness wearables bridge the gap. Akey reason people give up on theirphysical activity efforts is that theydon’t see the results they want asquickly as they want to. By providingaccurate, real-time physical activitydata, wearables assure users they aredoing enough in order to obtain theirdesired results.

1. Make users feel accomplished withphysical activity dataWhen new members join a club, theyexpect to enjoy workouts a few timesa week and see close to immediateresults in the mirror. Without properguidance, their expectations areseverely unrealistic. Many fitnesswearables compare a user’s physicalactivity effort data with a recom-mended daily effort goal, which keepsusers on track to reach their goals.Physical activity summaries let usersknow that even though they may not

have had the best workout on a par-ticular day, they are still closer to theirgoals than if they had skipped a work-out. The physical activity data provid-ed by wearables, motivates users tomake each workout better than thelast.

2. Increase personal training valueClub members who are serious aboutreaching their fitness goals invest agood chunk of money in personaltraining. They participate in hour-long training sessions several times amonth and are assigned additionalphysical activity and diet goals forwhen they are training on their own.

Unfortunately, trainers and traineesdon’t have a lot of time to talk aboutwhat takes place outside personaltraining sessions because they wantto get right to the service for whichthey’re paying or being paid.

Investing in wearables that feature asystem for logging food and exercisedata allows trainers and trainees towork better together. Trainers can seeif trainees are following their instruc-tion outside of training sessions,which enables them to advise andinstruct their clients intelligently.Because trainees receive more valuefor their personal training invest-ment, they will work with a trainer fora longer period of time and recom-

mend personal training to friends andfamily, both of which increase clubrevenues.

3. Create accountability through a sense ofcommunityDuring group classes, participantsusing wearables can see how theireffort compares to that of other par-ticipants. This insight allows partici-pants and instructors to encourageeach other throughout group work-outs, making participants more likelyto attend classes regularly. It is mucheasier for a new club member to con-tinue their hard work when they havea group rooting them along.

4. Make physical activity funAnother perk fitness wearables offer isan online community where userscan connect with their family, friendsand colleagues and share their physi-cal activity data with them. Users canshow off badges they’ve received andeven take part in challenges, whichmakes physical activity competitive,yet fun.

5. Results keep users wanting moreAfter some time tracking accurateeffort and intensity data and meetingactivity goals, users will begin to seethe results they’ve been workingtoward. These initial results will moti-vate members to continue comingback to the club, participating ingroup workouts, working with per-sonal trainers and continue efforts toachieve ultimate results. � Dave Wright is the CEO of CFM, aglobal company with offices in theUK, Australia and North America thathas served the international fitnesscommunity for over 24 years; focus-ing on either getting new membersand/or keeping existing ones. Dave isalso the owner of 11 health clubsacross two continents, a board direc-tor of UK Active, founder of IOU(Independent Operators Unite) andthe creator of MYZONE. He may becontacted on Dave.Wright@cfm.net

Dave Wright

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UK FITNESS SCENE52

Top fitness model Olly Foster has created a new specialised, body transformation pro-gramme to help participants lose weight, bulk up and achieve a fitness cover look within12 weeks. Action Reaction Training will include advice on workouts and nutrition, groupteam work via private social media forums and an end of programme professional photoshoot for each individual to incentivise them to achieve their best results.

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SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION54

POPULAR yogurt drink DanoneActimel has launched a new £2.8mcampaign, which encourages peopleto make the most of winter withActimel.

The campaign will run across TV,print and digital under the strapline:have you taken care of your immunesystem today?

Marketing director Blandine Stefanisaid: “Actimel’s great formula andvitamin content offers a tasty way totake care of your immune system,even in winter.

“We are very excited about this cam-

paign which will build Actimel's rele-vance at a key moment of the year.”

Actimel for Kids, which launched in2014, will also get a boost with theintroduction of new monster themedbottles.

Blandine added: “Actimel for Kidshas been a huge success in 2014,helping the brand to grow family pen-etration and market share.

“We are confident that building kids’engagement through these excitingnew monster bottles, which havegreat value, will drive even more suc-cess for the Actimel for Kids brand.”

Danone Actimel launchesad campaign for adults

Simon hopes to helpgym members leadhealthier lifestylesTHE founder of a new healthy snackproduct has revealed his ambition topartner with gyms to help memberslead healthier lifestyles.

Simon Harrison created Eat Roar –healthy snacks which are gluten-free,dairy-free and suitable for vegans – toappeal to people with allergies andfood intolerances or those wanting toeat healthily.

He explained: “My wife is a Coeliacand my two young boys have a num-ber of intolerances, including gluten,eggs, dairy, oats and soya.

“When we discovered these intoler-ances it was a real challenge trying tofind food they can eat, which wouldgive them all the goodness they need-ed and that they would actually eat.

“Eat Roar only uses simple naturalingredients that you know are goodfor you and leave you feeling greatand guilt-free.”

Simon added he has had a greatresponse to the products so far and isnow hoping to expand from sellingonline to also stocking in cafes andhealth food shops in the Bath andBristol area.

He also told Workout, he’s keen toteam up with fitness professionals, ashe thinks the products would be a

good fit for gyms.He added: I am excited to see where

Eat Roar can go. We’ve had fantasticsupport so far and I have been over-whelmed with peoples’ reactions.

“Another area that I am definitelytrying to pursue is to work with per-sonal trainers and gyms. These ballsare a fantastic source of energy andprotein to enjoy before and after aworkout.

“We make sure every calorie countsproviding a nutrient-dense treat thatis also tasty, indulgent and moreish.As part of our brand we want toencourage an active lifestyle and arevery keen to partner with gyms.”

54 27/1/15 12:54 Page 1

55 Prolab 27/1/15 16:53 Page 1

SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION56

FORMER England captain and RugbyWorld Cup winner Lewis Moody wasused to some tough battles on thepitch but none were to prove harderthan coping with bowel disease.

Lewis was given the nickname ‘MadDog’ during his rugby-playing days,such was his fearless commitment toclub and country.

Yet, at the same time, the Englandflanker was fighting a very differentfoe.

In 2005, Lewis was diagnosed withinflammatory bowel disease,Ulcerative colitis.

He decided to strip his diet right

back to alleviate his symptoms andthen reintroduce different foods andsupplements to work out what hisbody could tolerate.

He said: “I’ve tried a lot of supple-ment brands in my time and the onebrand I found that works for me isSuperVitality.

“Whether it be the natural ingredi-ents or the lack of additional fillers, itworks for me. That’s the reason Ijoined the company and that’s thereason I am the face of the ElitePerformance Range.”

For more information visit www.supervitality.me

Lewis chooses SuperVitality

INTRODUCING the new multi-vita-min and mineral benchmark:Optimum Beast.

Research has proven that athleteswho regularly exert themselvesbeyond the point of muscular failurecan indeed require anything between500 per cent to 1,000 per cent more ofcertain micro nutrients than youraverage sedentary person to achieveoptimum levels of health and recov-ery.

Optimum Beast has been specifical-ly formulated with this in mind andcontains a no compromise formula of30 research proven, chelated micro-elements for performance athletes inmarket leading doses.

Optimum Beast is the completesolution for strengthened immunity,natural test boosting, boosted hairgrowth, improved recovery, mentalwellbeing and enhanced levels of

health. Simply call Affordable Supplements on

01977 55 44 55 or emailsales@BeastYourself.co.uk for free samplepacks, trade prices and more information.

When did you last feelat your optimum?

CAMBRIDGESHIRE based supple-ment manufacturer Goprotein hasjust launched a new value mass gain-er, Mega Mass XL, with a typical mar-ket selling price of just £34.99.

Nick Mills, Goprotein’s head of UKsales, says that this product has beendeveloped “as a direct request” frommany of their trade accounts.

He said: “They wanted a value massgainer but it needed to taste great andbe effective; it’s what Goprotein isknown for.”

Goprotein is one of the very fewsupplement companies that stilldevelop and manufacture their prod-uct in house, and it is for this reasonthat Nick believes they are “able togive that attention to detail to get theproduct right and offer the trade acompetitive selling price, thereforethe product still provides impressivemargins.”

Goprotein is part of the Be-WellNutritional Group who have been

manufacturing and developing sportsnutrition and food supplements forover 30 years, working with and sup-porting world champions andOlympic athletes hailing from everydiscipline. For more information contact Goprotein on01778 560868 / email: trade@goprotein.com

or via www.goprotein.com

Mega margins with Mega Mass XL

ARE you looking for that perfect highprotein snack, pre or post workout?

Look no further as NXT Nutritionhave released their Protein Flapjacks,the next generation of proteinsnacks.

NXT Nutrition’s Protein Flapjacks area new take on the traditional proteinflapjack. NXT's flapjacks are half coat-ed in a layer of chocolate, contain realchocolate chips and are oven bakedjust like a homemade flapjack. Theend result is a softer, great tasting,high protein, energy sustaining snack.

With over 18g of protein and ahealthy serving of low GI carbs, theymake an excellent pre and post work-out snack.

NXT Nutrition’s Protein Flapjacks areavailable in two tasty varieties:

Chocolate Orange and ChocolateChip. NXT Nutrition’s conveniencerange offers a great grab and go,option for your gym or shop counter.

To become a stockist of NXT Nutritiontoday, email trade@nxtnutrition.co.uk or

call 01733 232 994 (opt.2).

Next generation of protein snacks

56 29/1/15 15:09 Page 1

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PRODUCT NEWS58

Don’t be a sheep all your life ...By Mark Laws, Jordan Fitness

AS the excitement of New Year is nowbehind us we can take a look at what2015 is predicted to hold for theindustry. There are numerous listsavailable which highlight the likelytrends, all of the usual suspects are onthere – HIIT, strength training, body-weight training, weight loss etc –some trends are new to the list, someappear most years.

It’s nice to have these surveys whichgive us a heads up regarding what islikely to be most popular in thefuture.

However, there are a few additionalthings that I would like to see happenwithin the industry, preferably soonerrather than later.

Here is my 2015 wish list…1. Improved business skills.Some sources suggest up to 90 percent of all PTs leave the industry with-in six-12 months. I find this anabsolute tragedy. What can be betterthan being paid well to do what youabsolutely love? To make a differenceto people’s lives and to wear shortsevery day? Well sadly a large numberof those people leave because theydon’t get paid well enough.

Most of them have the passion anddesire to succeed, that’s why theywent on the course in the first place.However one of the main pitfalls I seeis a complete lack of business acu-

men – whether it’s marketing, sales,lead generation, objection handling,time management or anything elsefrom a long list of useful businessrelated skills.

If fitness professionals can enhancethese vital skills then there is muchless chance they will leave the indus-try… which helps the industry as awhole to reach out to a wider audi-ence and make an even biggerimpact.

2. Attendance at exhibitions.As a human being it is easy to becomplacent. If you find somethingthat works well for you then whychange it? At the same time, ourindustry is very small and very fastpaced. If you stand still for too longyou are in danger of moving back-wards. I visit numerous gyms on aweekly basis and it always amazes mehow few of them attend exhibitions.BodyPower has huge attendance fig-ures and are by far the market lead-ers.

Each year they put together a showthat literally has something for every-one. Whether you want to grab somefree samples, get trade discounts onbigger items, meet your heroes,attend seminars/lectures from indus-try leaders, break the ice with poten-tial employers or see the latest prod-ucts available, there is no better timeto have everything all under one roof.

3. Less keyboard warriors.Social media has given us a great plat-form to showcase our opinions to theworld, but recently this seems to begetting slightly out of control. Justbecause something works for youdoes not make you an ‘expert’. Justbecause someone else does thingsdifferently does not make them anidiot. Don’t get me wrong, I am notcondoning the use of anyunsafe/dangerous practices, but justbecause one person loves jogging andanother loves kettlebells and anotherloves bouncing on stability balls dothey really need to have foul mouthedrants at each other online?

When you are new to the industry it

can be so confusing knowing who tolisten to. It can be even more demor-alising to see something you and yourclients enjoy being ridiculed by inter-net trolls just because they think theyknow best. As long as nobody getshurt and everyone is enjoying them-selves does it really matter that we allhave different approaches? Whatwould happen if Clark’s only sold sizeeight shoes? 95 per cent of all cus-tomers would have the wrong shoeson. What if you don’t like their shoes?

Well, you have the freedom to buywhatever you like from wherever youlike. Fitness should be the same, with-out the fear that someone is going toabuse us for doing what we enjoy.

I recently read a well-known bookby Tim Ferriss. He explains that weshould go on a ‘low information diet’which eliminates any informationwhich is either negative, time con-suming, irrelevant to your goals oroutside your influence.

Rather than argue online withsomeone who has a slightly differentapproach to you, why not use thattime constructively to enhance yourbusiness skills, build your brand andbroaden your knowledge?

After all, the lion doesn’t concernhimself with the opinion of the sheep. � For more information on how theJordan Training Academy canenhance the skills of you or your teamemail marklaws@jordanfitness.co.uk

Mark Laws

KETTFusion needs youKETTFusion is becoming so popularthat there’s high demand for newinstructors to run their own classes allover the country.

Currently taking the North-West ofEngland by storm, KETTFusion is adynamic 60-minute fitness class thatfuses martial arts moves with kettle-bell exercises. It provides a full bodyworkout in a fun yet challenging envi-ronment.

If you’re looking to enhance yourcurrent class offering then now is thetime to add KETTFusion to thetimetable. It’s an effective workoutthat instructors love to teach andmembers love taking part in.

It focuses on using lightweights andhigh repetitions to sculpt and tonethe body from head-to-toe, burningfat and calories fast. It’s a mixed abili-ty class that’s suitable for all regard-less of age, size, shape, or fitness abili-ty. Members will lose weight, tone upand get fitter, motivating them tokeep coming back for more.

During 2015, KETTFusion is offering

gyms, leisure centres and fitness facil-ities the chance to host their ownKETTFusion instructor training cours-es.

KETTFusion will cover the cost ofroom/facility hire. Get six instructorssigned up and receive a £230 discountor get 12 instructors signed up andsave £460.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign upyour own instructors or host aninstructor training day and start reap-ing the rewards of offering such aunique and effective class.

In addition, an instructor-trainingday will be taking place at theInternational Fitness Showcase onMarch 19 2015.

The course will be held in the IceRoom at the popular Winter Gardensvenue, with class demonstrationsrunning throughout the rest of theweekend for everyone to experiencethis exciting new fitness phenome-non.

For more information visit www.kettfusion.com

THE PowerWave is the latest productstocked by Jordan Fitness – the func-tional fitness specialists.

It is a revolutionary 20-minute work-out for the entire body, working onposture, core strength and endurance.

The product features a temperatureresponsive gel and is weighted to aidthe user’s posture during use.

The Wave20 workout repeats fivedifferent exercises, four times within20 minutes.

Each round is 50 seconds long fol-lowed by a 10 second break. Soundstoo intense? Why not try the Wave30or Wave40 – one exercise, 30 or 40repetitions, your own time.

The Jordan team recently trainedwith creator and instructor JasonLaville. Many felt the effects of theWave20 workout days later and afteronly one session!

Jordan Fitness also run courses for

personal trainers and fitness profes-sionals to qualify as PowerWaveinstructors.

Trainer academy manager at JordanFitness Mark Laws said: “ThePowerWave looks set to create a bit ofa storm in the industry. Not only is iteasy to learn within minutes and canbe easily modified for beginners, butthe fitter you are the more difficulteach session gets – this makes it veryunique and suitable for all ability lev-els.

“There is scope for PowerWave ses-sions to be the toughest workouts youhave ever done. I am really excitedthat the Jordan Training Academy willhave training courses starting inFebruary. People really need to try asession to appreciate how effectivethis product could be for them.”

For more information call 01553 763 285 or visit www.jordanfitness.co.uk

Introducing the PowerWave

Reebok and Les Mills unveil tourREEBOK and Les Mills are creating aseries of one-day festivals that will seemass-participation group workoutsaround the world.

The Reebok Les Mills ONE LIVE is atour of one-day festivals that will seecrowds of up to 6,000 people workingout in unison at iconic venues acrossthe world with pumping music andstate of the art lighting.

From the Grand Palais in Paris to theZiggo Dome in Amsterdam, the ‘ONELIVE’ tour kicks off in Glasgow,Scotland on March 14 and will makestops in Dubai, Melbourne,

Stockholm, Tokyo, Montreal andChicago.

Les Mills International chief execu-tive Phillip Mills said: “We’re turningthe dial up at our instructor events,taking them to the next level andopening them up to anyone whowants to share in the energy of hugegroup workouts.”

Featuring iconic Les Mills groupworkouts such as BODYPUMP™,BODYCOMBAT™ and RPM™, ONELIVE events will also include innova-tions such as a talent search for theworld’s best Les Mills instructors.

58 29/1/15 15:10 Page 1

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