Health & Fitness Report

Advanced Research Strategies

Health & Fitness Esther Maganga 16/01/15

Health & Fitness

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Contents _____________________________________________________ Introduction − Rationale − Aims of Module

3 3 3

Questionnaire results

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Presentation

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– Feedback Interviews − Cardiac rehabilitation

28 28 28

Gym research

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Research extract

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− The Importance of Joining a Gym − Step inside the gym of future − Exercise is Medicine

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Bibliography

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Brief

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Health & Fitness

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Introduction In this research file I will attempt to produce a body of work that will show my findings and conclusions in order to better understand my subject area. I will also demonstrate the ability to select and apply a range of research methods. All research gathered would enable me to make informed decisions within the Self Directed Major Project.

Rationale: This module further develops research methodologies established within Level 5. Building upon the notion that research can be used to gather and organise the insights that are at the heart of an effective design brief, thus providing an underlying rationale for the creative process. The work produced during this module will provide an evidence base with which to inform and evaluate design directions within the Self Directed Major Project. A range of appropriately selected traditional, digital and ethnographic research methods will be employed.

Aims of Module: • • • •

To develop the use of established design research methodologies To undertake in-depth research, enquiry and the evaluation of sources to a standard appropriate to professional design practice To apply critical evaluation of research findings, supported by written, visual and verbal arguments appropriate to professional design practice To direct and manage my own learning rationale (from MS1)

Questionnaire results I created a questionnaire using Goggle forms, which I then posted on social media sites such as, Facebook and Twitter. This gave me access to a much larger audience than I would normally have been able to achieve, and quickly gave answers over a short time span. The only disadvantage was that I could not gain access to elderly people over 50+.

What is your gender?

35% Male Female 65%

What is your age?

13%

16 -­‐ 25 23%

26 -­‐ 35 36 -­‐ 50 64%

How oAen do you visit the gym?

6%

39%

29%

1 -­‐ 2 Cmes per week 3 -­‐ 4 Cmes per week Never Other

26%

Why do you go to the gym?

Social environment

3%

Strength training

35%

Weight loss

55%

Lifestyle

39%

Health improvements

RehabilitaCon

35%

0%

Machines

29%

Never

Rarely

SomeCmes

6%

13%

35%

Usually

Always

16%

Free weights

29%

Never

Rarely

10%

SomeCmes

26%

Usually

26%

Always

10%

Group Classes (Spinning, Pilates, Yoga, Insanity, etc.)

45%

Never

Rarely

10%

SomeCmes

16%

Usually

16%

Always

13%

Swimming

39%

Never

Rarely

23%

SomeCmes

19%

16%

Usually

Always

3%

Cardio equipment

35%

Never

Rarely

3%

SomeCmes

19%

Usually

19%

Always

23%

Personal training

55%

Never

Rarely

10%

SomeCmes

10%

16%

Usually

Always

10%

Which of the following would you use or like available:

68% 61%

48% 39%

35%

39% 32% 26%

16% 6%

If a gym was built in your area, what would you prefer the interior to be like:

3% 3%

6% Modern

6%

FuturisCc RusCc

26%

56%

TradiConal Classic Retro

What colour scheme would you prefer the gym to be like:

10% 26% Neutral

16%

Vibrant Cool Warm

10%

Dark

38%

H

s s e n t i F & h t l a e sth E y B

e

anga g a rM

Rese arch I use meth d we ods re:

1.

Articles

2.

Reports

3.

Questionnaires

Benefits of exercise This topic is important to me because I can relate on a personal level.

For medical reasons it is necessary for me to live a healthy lifestyle. I have experienced the benefits of exercise and intend to promote health and fitness to others.

Exercise is a fundamental means of improving ones physical and mental health. “ It reduces the risk of major choric diseases such as, heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer by 50% and lowers the risk of death by 30%�.

In the 21st century, however, everyday life offers fewer opportunities to exercise and most people live sedentary lifestyles. This has serious consequences on public health, so what is needed to promote health-enhancing physical activity?

s One of th e mo inter st estin g op inion

Dr Nick Cavill, a health promotion consultant says “If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented.�

Obesity In the UK, a large majority of the population are obese. “Around one in four adults and one in five children aged 10 to 11 are obese�.

Obesity is associated with a range of health problems such as, type 2 diabetes and increased risk of death.

An important public health message for people who are overweight or obese is to engage in regular moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity, whether or not it helps them lose weight.

Moderate-intensity aerobic activity means you're working hard enough to raise your heart rate and break a sweat. This can be adapted in everyday life. Activities such as, brisk walking, riding a bike (to the shop), pushing a lawn mower and Playing doubles tennis all require moderate effort. There is strong evidence which indicates that regular physical activity is one of the cornerstones of adult health.

Obesity There is a significant link between obesity and physical activity from childhood to adulthood.

If we consider early stages of childhood:

• • •

Babies learn and develop physical capabilities through playing.

Toddlers develop key social skills through games with others.

Young people develop basic skills and an understanding of rules and team membership through sport and physical education

However, the relationship between health and physical activity is less clear for young people.

Sedentary lifestyles Physical activity seems to be disappearing from everyday life.

People drive more, work at sedentary jobs and spend their leisure time inactively. The advancement of technology also means that even the simplest of tasks are becoming mechanized. For example, Asda’s click and collect.

Another factor that is associated with sedentary lifestyles is sitting too much. “Experts believe there is something about the act of sitting or lying for too long that is bad for our health�. This includes watching TV, using a computer, driving, reading, etc.

In the 1950s, researchers found that London bus drivers were twice as likely to have heart attacks unlike their bus conductor colleagues.

Why? Because they sat down for long hours while their colleagues walked back and forth on the bus.

Fig. 2. Determinants of physical activity

Individual Physical environment

Physical activity and active living

Social environment

Nonmodifiable factors (such as genetics, age, gender, weather, geography) Source: adapted from Dahlgren (61).

•

Macro environment (general socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions).

• Micro (the conduciveness physical activity of the places where Fear of traffic can be a powerful deterrent to par s free time, poorerenvironment access to leisure facilities or living to live, learn and activity work). (63). allowing their children to walk or cycle to school or ments that people do not support physical outdoors, especially in deprived • Individual factors (such as attitudes to physical activity, or belief in one’s areas. abilityFor to examp Spotlight. the United Kingdom, children from lower social cl be“Finland active). on the Move” (62) are five times more likely to be killed on the road

This final section focuses on my findings from my questionnaires.

How often do you visit the gym?

7%

1 - 2 times per week 39%

27%

3 - 4 times per week Never

27%

Other

Why do you go to the gym?

Other Social environment Strength training Weight loss Lifestyle Health improvements Rehabilitation 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Thoughts One of the biggest challenges I faced in this project was getting a wide range of people to fill in my questionnaire. In terms of age groups, most people who answered my questionnaire were between 16 – 50. It was very challenging to gain access to elderly people above 50.

I have made plans to meet a nurse at Salford Royal who can provide me with information about cardiac rehabilitation. I also intend to do a follow up questionnaire because after researching health & fitness, I have more in depth questions to ask.

Feedback Below is a short list of the feedback I received after the presentation.

• • • • • • •

People might exercise that do not go to the gym (interview people that don’t go) The lingering question, why don’t we go to the gym?

Consider activity areas for young people and also what activities are interesting.

How can you make the gym better?

If only we could multitask!

Can you be at the gym and think of other things?

Think of ways of merging the gym with other social activities or work activities that make it doubly productive.

Interviews When it comes to exercise, there are two types of people: those who love a vigorous workout and those who see it as a form of torment. After the intermediate presentation, it was evident that I needed to interview people that do not go to the gym. General responses from the interview were; I do not have time, it is boring, too expensive, I feel Intimidated by bodybuilders, inconvenient (changing, showering, dressing), and too far from home. Motivating factors such as, workout partner, group events, gym being closer to home or being less expensive were the solutions that we discussed. However, it is also evident that people do activities outside of the gym such as, jogging, table tennis, rock climbing, hiking and cycling which makes up the weekly recommended guideline.

Cardiac rehabilitation After looking at the results of my questionnaire, I realized that my figures were biased because most people who answered it were 16 – 50. It was difficult for me to gain access to elderly people so, I arranged an Interview with a nurse at Salford Royal who cares for elderly people with health problems.

1. What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured programme for people with heart problems. It is suitable for all ages and abilities. The aim is to return people to their full and active life after a cardiac event for example, a heart attack or coronary bypass graft surgery.

2. What does the programme involve?

The programme features three key areas - exercise, relaxation and information on lifestyle and treatment. They are tailored to suit the individual’s lifestyle and ability.

3. How does the cardiac rehabilitation team support individuals?

We offer a range of options to help the individual recover.

Options include: • • • • • • • • •

Exercise and health education in hospital, community and at home.

Weight management (weigh-in, exercise, healthy eating advice and motivation techniques) Individual sessions Pedometers to help monitor and increase physical activity levels Relaxation sessions Telephone support Counseling Stress management (healthy minds group and occupational therapists) Information (booklets)

Once the individual is ready we can refer them onto Healthy@Heart. They are low cost community based exercise classes and gym sessions available across Salford, operated by Salford Community Leisure.

4. How much physical activity do you recommend for recovery?

Well it depends on the health problem; supervised exercise on a cardiac rehabilitation programme usually starts 4 weeks after a heart attack and 2 – 4 weeks after angioplasty or 6 weeks after bypass or valve surgery. Everyone is different so we carry out an individual assessment to determine the best course of action.

We recommend: • •

Aerobic activities (walking cycling, dancing and swimming) 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (five or more day per week)

It is evident that physical activity is an essential part of recovery for people with health problems.

Moderate-intensity physical activity is recommend at early stages of recovery and as a result should be taken seriously. “Physical activity is for life” Nurse

Further reading: information booklets given to individuals on cardiac rehabilitation.

Gym research

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Health & Fitness

Coffee shop & Entrance

Lifestyle Fitness club takes pride in aesthetics from the changing rooms, flooring, lighting, interior design and signage.

Multitasking! watch while you burn!

Membership plans range from £19.99 per month plus one off joining fee of £20.00 (12 month minimum period) or £24.99 per month plus one off joining fee £25.00 (no contract). These prices are quite reasonable for student and those who dislike gym contracts.

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Health & Fitness

Total Fitness caters for all ages and abilities, facilities range from the gym, personal training, kids & family, rehabilitation, café & shop and swimming pool.

Membership plans • • • •

Students £29.99 per month Full individual £39.99 per month Over 55 £35 per month 7 – 14 £10 per month

The pool combines air and water to produce refreshing bubbles that massage the body and ease away pain.

Benefits • Relaxes muscles • Improves mobility • Reduces stress • Relieves rheumatic pain • Stimulates Circulation • Reduces Fatigue • Improves mood • Reduces symptoms or sciatica and lumbago • Improves resistance to infection

Hydrotherapy pool

Health & Fitness

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Map showing gyms around Manchester town centre.

Research extract The following pages show selected articles, which have been highlighted and evaluated.

The importance of joining a gym Some people say that they hate the idea of joining a gym. They perceive it as being regimented, hard work, unpleasant and competitive. But the reality is often very different. There are many very positive reasons for joining a gym that support us in unexpected ways in our lives.

– It’s paid for in advance. The fact is that for many people paying for something means that they are more likely to use it. That alone can provide the motivation to exercise regularly and make a commitment to going to the gym. And having paid in advance or having a regular monthly payment taken out of our bank account means that the money aspect is sorted automatically without us really having to think about it.

– Everything is under one roof. Many gyms have lots of different activities under one roof. There is

Health & Fitness

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often something for everyone in the family. Swimming pools for children and adults, courts for sports like tennis, squash and badminton, pitches for team sports as well as the gym itself and regular classes. Many gyms provide an assortment of classes from the harder workouts like step and aerobics through to Pilates and yoga. Then there may be a beauty salon, masseur, cafe or restaurant, enough amenities to have an indulgent spa day or a fun family day out.

– Any age. Often there are organized days for older people. These may include keep fit classes, a walking group, lunch, with also the opportunity of companionship and a regular commitment to participate. Young children may have baby ballet, regular swimming classes or, if preferred, a crèche facility which enables mother to have some time to herself.

– Personal gym programme. Being a member provides the opportunity to have a personal programme that is tailored to suit the specific needs of each person. This will be regularly updated and may even incorporate nutritional and remedial advice, if required. And there is someone on hand to ensure that the equipment is being used safely and properly.

– Timetable. Many women prefer to attend exercise classes rather than go into the gym. The fact that these are at set times means that a person has to be organized to ensure that they arrive in time for each class. It becomes a part of their regular routine and so, less easily forgotten. Going regularly to a class enables friendships to be made as people recognize each other and start to chat. The social element often becomes an important part of the membership.

– Stress management. Taking regular time to exercise is an important commitment both to ourselves and to our health. Allowing half an hour for a swim before work or at the end of the day can provide an important interlude in which to switch off and calm the mind. Some people find that calling at the gym for a while after work, before they go home draws an important line underneath the day’s concerns and worries. They are able to exercise and then go home, looking forward to the evening ahead.

Joining a gym can provide a structure for our exercise regime, an opportunity to mix and meet with others and a positive way of alleviating stress. It can provide time out for ourselves or a fun day for the whole family. There are many advantages to joining a gym.

Susan Leigh, Counselor and Hypnotherapist

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Step inside the gym of the future In 1983, inspired by a man he saw lifting weights with bad technique, an Italian engineer called Nerio Alessandri was inspired to create a machine that could make lifting weights safer, easier and less daunting for everyday folk. He took this spark of inspiration, went back to his garage and built his first assisted gym machine. Technogym was born.

Twenty years later, the same man is still trying to change the way the world stays healthy, using technology, engineering and a unique approach to the concept of well being to create a different vision of the future.

In a small Northern Italian town called Cesena, Alessandri has built a cathedral to fitness, where health and technology are worshipped in equal measure. He calls it the Wellness Valley and he even managed to get former President of the United States, Bill Clinton to open it back in 2012.

Wellness Valley

http://www.technogym.com/gb/company/about-us/wellness-valley/17543

The heart of the project and gateway to Wellness Valley, the Technogym Village is a reference point for the sector in the promotion of the Wellness Lifestyle. The Technogym Village is the physical location that introduces visitors to discover Romagna's advanced facilities and, above all, inspires and guides the territory in fostering a Wellness lifestyle.

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Health & Fitness

Technogym’s Mission, Vision and Strategy • • •

Help people feel better Be a world leader as a Wellness Solution Provider Promote the Wellness Experience constantly and everywhere: Wellness on the GO

Innovation and technology over the years

1992 - CPR, First ever integrated constant heart rate program on cardio equipment.

2000 - Selection, Designed by 10 million users in the world.

1996 - Wellness System, The first training management system: workout guidance and data tracking from a virtual trainer.

2002 - Wellness TV and Excite line, Integrated personal entertainmnet at the touch of a hand on the most extensive cardio line in the world.

1998 - Biostrength, Electronic controlled strength equipment.

2004 - Kinesis, Rediscovering the origins of movement.

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Health & Fitness

2005 - Cardio Wave, The original lateral cardio training.

2006 - Kinesis Personal, The first pieces of designer gym forniture for soft gymnastics.

2007 - FLEXability, A new scientific, effective approach to stretching.

2010 - Visioweb, Web connected cardio training experience.

2011 - mywellness key, Measuring physical activity indoor and outdoor.

2012 - mywellness cloud, Connecting operators and members everywhere.

http://www.technogym.com/gb/company/why-technogym/innovation-technology/research-develop/17547

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Bibliography http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/fitness/Pages/Fitnesshome.aspx Cavill N, Kahlmeier S, Racioppi F. (2007).Physical activity and health in Europe: evidence for action. Copenhagen. World Health Organization.

European Heart Network Position Paper: Children and Young People – the Importance of Physical Activity. EHN, 2002, Brussels. https://www.noo.org.uk/securefiles/141214_1717//Obesity_and_fitness__131014_CT3.pdf http://www.letsmove.gov/learn-facts/epidemic-childhood-obesity http://www.lifestylefitness.co.uk/gallery http://www.lifestyletherapy.net/the-importance-of-joining-a-gym/ http://www.technogym.com/gb/ http://www.t3.com/features/step-inside-the-gym-of-the-future http://www.technogym.com/gb/wellness/exercise-is-medicine/sitting-time-health-problems-c/17777

Negotiated Major Project Proposal

2015 Working title

Health & Fitness Club

Inspiration

Existing gym in Switzerland, Indigo Fitness Club Zurich The Technogym Village The decline in physical activity inspires me to create a gym that equally caters for both young and elderly generations, with the prospect of encouraging more people to go to the gym.

The building / site

I intend to design a building from scratch, which will be situated in Manchester town centre. Being in Manchester the site will be easily accessible to everyone by foot, car, bus and train.

The client

The community, all age groups.

The scope

I plan to design the building from scratch but focus in detail on the interior of the gym. The building will be manageable in size. This will give me room to design separate spaces for different activities.

The rationale

Obesity is an increasingly common problem, because modern lifestyles promote unhealthy eating and physical inactivity during leisure time, occupation and domestic periods. Equally, an increase in the use of "passive" modes of transport can also be associated with the decline in physical activity.

Promoting health and fitness to all age groups is the way forward. By creating a gym that is multifunctional and aesthetically pleasing to benefit the community. In essence creating a space to exercise, relax and socialize.

Research

Research was conducted in two ways, primary and secondary.

Primary research contained anonymous questionnaires to help me understand who I am designing for and what I should design. Interviews to understand why some people

Negotiated Major Project Proposal

2015 do not go to the gym and what physical activity they do.

Secondary research contained gyms around Manchester, location map of gyms and research extracts.

Timescale

Stages A, B & C Briefing document / associated research, concept development drawings, conclusion & initial sketch scheme drawings. Orthographic plans, sections, initial sketch visuals & initial lighting scheme.

22nd February 2015, before 4.00pm Stage D - Scheme Design (Development of concepts into functional designs, developed orthographic drawings and visualisations) 22nd March 2015, before 4.00pm Stage E - Detailed Design (Detail design drawings and major explanatory details, site specifics, significant design elements) 22nd April 2015, before 4.00pm Presentation of work (Client Presentation, orthographic drawings, site plans, finalized schemes and visual aids, overall presentation of body of work.)

8th May 2015, before 4.00pm

Outcomes

I hope to deliver a final design that answers the brief accurately and reflects my design process. I plan to submit a fully developed sketchbook with concept development drawings, accurate and detailed orthographic drawings, a visually appealing model and atmospheric presentation boards. I intend to include my logo that will brand my work and make all components recognizable.

I hope to gain a better understanding of designing commercial/leisure spaces. I hope to achieve a final design that I am happy with.

Alternatives

My backup plan: If I can not design a building from scratch

Negotiated Major Project Proposal

2015 because of time constrains, I intend to find an existing building in Manchester.