Renu – The virtual revolution

The Virtual

BY CLAIRE GRAY, OWNER OF RENU

Revolution

This lockdown has encouraged us all to embrace technology a little more willingly than ever before.

Platforms such as Zoom and Facetime, and

Whatsapp groups have been a lifeline for keeping in touch with loved ones, as well as sustaining business meetings and socially distanced gatherings with friends and families.

Change is not always welcomed, but it can be the catalyst for progress. I think it is true to say that most of us will now have seen and felt the benefits of the virtual revolution, whilst we will still appreciate the time when we can gather together in safety. This pandemic has raised awareness of how vitally important it is to keep ourselves physically fit and active. Yet many of the activities we enjoy around physical activity involve close contact with others, so the fitness industry has adapted quickly to move from physical to digital.

I developed my lockdown survival package swiftly after lockdown, and it is specifically designed to give all the components you need to stay fit and healthy, whilst in the safety of your own home, without needing to be an athlete. You can choose from Pilates, Yoga, Cardio Tone and Abs classes and benefit from weekly e-mails to motivate and educate you on fitness, nutrition and beauty. It has been a real opportunity for me to share my thirty years of experience in the industry with a focus on feeling energised and good about yourself, inside and out. You can find out more about what I have to offer at www.clairegrayfitnesssolutions.co.uk. Virtual training is doing a fitness routine with your fitness coach at a time that fits in with you, without the burden of paying high fees or being limited to specific days and times. Many of these programmes are available for you to do at home, and this can be a great option if you have both the space and the equipment. Now that some restrictions are being lifted, Renu are taking this one step further, offering you a virtual personal trainer and unlimited virtual cycling classes in our fully-equipped and airconditioned gym! Indoor cycling classes have become increasingly popular over the past few years. A motivational instructor and some great music can see you through a calorie burning workout that is both enjoyable and gives great results.

Our Virtual Spin classes are completely safe and you can drop in, pick up some bluetooth headphones, select a workout of your choice, and get started. You will only be in close contact with your bike and your headphones but will enjoy a class

“feel” as you become part of the virtual class on screen.

Our gym membership gives you free access to our VIP member zone where there are now over thirty video sessions with Claire to keep you on track, and regular motivational e-mails to keep you motivated.

There is no initial outlay, and you can enjoy unlimited gym and virtual spin usage for just £20 per month. Virtual fitness training is one convenient and affordable resource that can keep you safe, keep you fit and put a little spring back in your step!

FOR PILATES, YOGA, CARDIO TONE AND ABS CLASSES WITH CLAIRE

visit www.clairegrayfitnesssolutions.co.uk

FOR VIRTUAL SPIN CLASSES AND SOCIALLY DISTANCED GYM WORKOUTS,

visit www.renu.uk.com or contact reception@renu.uk.com. Renu, 27 Abbey Road, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9EN • 01778 423923 • www.renu.uk.com

A Positive Environment to Help in a Challenging Time

The BBC recently reported:

“Twice as many adults in Britain are reporting symptoms of depression now, compared with this time last year, Office for National Statistics figures suggest. One in five people appeared to have depressive symptoms, compared with one in ten before the pandemic.”

That statement speaks for itself. There are countless studies, assertations and discussions about how much exercise can or cannot help with moderate mental health concerns. I would never oversimplify this, though. So, what am I trying to say?

I speak from the standpoint of someone who is not a medical expert. I also speak from the standpoint of someone who has in their lifetime seen a counsellor for a chat and as someone who knows his own mind and its tricks and tribulations.

I speak as someone who, on a daily basis, analyses, thinks, overthinks, studies, worries and obsesses about a myriad of things.

And of course, I speak from my standpoint in being someone whose professional life revolves around exercise. More recently too the business environment has been acutely based around rules, procedures and processes as we strive to keep a lid on COVID.

So, we know that we are all more likely at this moment to be feeling the effects of stress and depression. From my perspective, I think a return to the gym has been incredibly positive.

But why?

First, there are the scientific biological and chemical effects of exercise that make us feel good. The ever-chased endorphin effect. But there is so much more than this somewhat cliched argument.

Exercising in a gym brings much more in terms of simple mechanisms that make me feel better.

1A goal. Not a long-term, massive, all-engulfing goal, but a daily goal of deciding how I want to train, what I want to achieve and how I join as word spreads about the “Empire way”. want to design my workouts to do it.

In addition to these things, it is very difficult these

Not only that the rules are robust, but that they And, in this environment, you are surrounded with

2Structure and routine. Especially now with the people of like mind. People who want to exercise, gym booking system, it is important to plan feel better, feel good and feel happy. You are and adhere to the planned timing of my around people who have decided workouts. One anchored plan in any that the Empire way of doing things given day, I find, brings structure to the day as a whole, as everything else falls into place around it. Ultimately this is a suits them. Increasingly over the years, we have 3 Social Interaction. Again, within the new rules and meticulously planned and implemented processes that make Empire Gym a positive place. A place of optimism always had competition locally. But I think now, more than ever, our way of doing things is really showing its benefit. You cannot simply re-invent overnight the atmosphere, inclusive environment, the

‘COVID-Ready’ environment, it is still family values and conscientiousness that possible and incredibly important we have always held at the heart of our to have safe conversations with friends and business. These are deep-seated ways of working acquaintances, in order to liberate your mind from that fit naturally into the COVID-aware world we internal thoughts, worries and daily stresses. are now in. All of these things are helping people

days to feel that you can carry out your normal Ultimately, this is a positive place. A place of daily freedoms safely. And because everyone optimism. It is a place run by a family who strive to has taken to the new rules at Empire Gym so understand the way you feel and to act in a way well, people are feeling increasingly safe and that helps. Exercise is not the only solution if you are reassured. experiencing mental health challenges, and you

have peace of mind when exercising here. should always seek help if you feel you need to. are being robustly managed and that fellow gym But the act of moving, doing, striving and being users are respecting and acting upon them in their around positive people, in a place that takes your own robust ways. New safe habits are beginning wellbeing seriously, could be to take root which is great to see. Indeed, people are returning, and new people are beginning to something that helps you. I hope so. Matt x

In Support Of 114 Church Street, Market Deeping, PE6 8AL Email enquiries@empiregyms.com Phone 01778 344579