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F I T N E S S , H E A LT H , W E L L N E S S

Les Mills Publishes groundbreaking research into GLP-1s

ARS OF YE

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EA

Marjolijn Meijer

RS OF H

R ON THE COVE

URBAN GYM GROUP

M HC

“We teach our members to train properly, so they get results”

On Fitness Park’s €280 million for growth

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Jack Gibson

Herbette

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Creating the Kore Sandwell brand positions us to bid for other contracts

Philippe

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Mark Braithwaite

The fitness entrepreneur shares her life lessons

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ED ITO R’ S LE T TER Read our DMCC legal briefing in the next HCM www.HCMmag.com/signup

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While most health club operators are ethical in handling membership contracts, pockets of bad practice remain. Now new legislation will sweep these away, giving the sector in the UK a reputational reboot

ew regulations will come into force in the UK in 2026, changing the legal framework for all subscription-based business transactions, including health club memberships.

The changes are a result of the coming of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 which has been in the works for sometime.

There will be requirements for operators to be transparent in providing pre-contract information and for them to send renewal reminders. It will also be necessary to make cancellations simple, while members will have a right to cancel up to 14 days after sign-up.

The vast majority of operators are transparent and ethical in the way they run their membership systems, but there are still a few outliers who give the industry a bad name by doing things such as making it too hard to cancel, or having obscure pricing models.

The DMCC legislation is being phased in, so operators have time to ensure they comply and this gives the sector the chance to sweep away pockets of bad practice and become more consumer-friendly and reputable.

The goal must be proud sector-wide compliance.

The successful implementation of the DMCC will require operators to swiftly update systems and overseeing body – the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) – to assume a mature and positive role in supporting them to do so.

Unfortunately, in a self-declared ‘shot across the bows’, the CMA has kicked off by announcing it’s investigating eight companies from five sectors, with Gold’s Gym UK being named for health and fitness.

Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA has stressed it “should not be assumed that Gold’s Gym (UK) has infringed consumer protection law and no finding has been made”, so it seems Gold’s Gym has purely been targeted as a typical representative of the overall sector.

We take a dim view of this ‘victimisation’ of Gold’s Gym UK and the use of its high-profile name as a tactic to gain publicity for the work of the CMA.

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SHUTTERSTOCK/PEOPLE IMAGES

PHOTO: JACK EMMERSON

Rebooting reputation

The sector-wide goal must be proud DMCC compliance

We take a dim view of the victimisation of Gold’s Gym UK and use of its high profile name as a tactic to gain publicity This confrontational approach is no way to build an effective working partnership between industry and regulator and we hope the CMA will rein in its instincts to bully and avoid taking the view that all subscription businesses are unethical, as this is simply not the case.

The health and fitness industry has been at the forefront of the development of the subscription model and – as a result – has been able to provide life-enhancing services for consumers at modest prices. Now the CMA must be supportive, focus on education and ensure the transition is made without harm to all involved. ● Liz Terry, editor lizterry@leisuremedia.com

HCM@LEISUREMEDIA .COM

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HCMmag.com

CONTENTS

Uniting the world of fitness ISSUE 11 2025 No 344

05 Editor’s Letter

24 Fit Tech news

New laws around membership sales in the UK will mean operators need to rethink priorities, says Liz Terry

Yojo launches a new vagus nerve stimulation device with biofeedback

12 HCM Forum

Third Space reveals its 14th club, and the first NRG Gym club in Scotland opens

Supporting the GLP-1 journey and delivering for WorkWell centres are the topics of this month’s letters

32 HCM Collabs

The CEO of Kore Sandwell details the approach to elevating fitness in a deprived borough

48 Interview Philippe Herbette

Hyrox gets into the cruise market, Athx Games signs partnership with Adidas and RealBuzz sponsors The Nation’s 5K

With 400 locations and plans to enter new markets in 2026, the president of Fitness Park talks to Kate Cracknell about its €280m funding deal

20 HCM news

34 HCM people Jack Gibson

56 Exercise – the antidote to GLP-1 decline

Sequel Brands reveals longevity concept in a deal with with Tony Robbins and PureGym unveils Blink portfolio

The founder of Fitness Worx on bringing the personal transformation model to the wider community

Les Mills and UK Active partner to publish the first industry report on GLP-1 drugs and muscle mass

16 HCM Zeitgeist Everlast Gym+ confirmed for Trafford Palazzo and Hyrox launches a cruise

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26 HCM buzz

40 HCM people Mark Braithwaite

Issue 11 2025 ©Cybertrek 2025

FITNESS PARK GROUP

48 Fitness Park Group’s Philippe Herbette

LES MILLS / DEAN PODMORE

SHUTTERSTOCK/MILAN ILIC PHOTOGRAPHER

56 The Les Mills GLP-1 industry report

68 Strong moves The world of strength training is moving at a rapid pace, driven by consumer demand.

Leading suppliers tell Julie Cramer about their latest equipment launches

86 Motivation matters Heart rate training and gamified technology are creating uplifting fitness experiences that keep members coming back for more, as Julie Cramer reports

34 Jack Gibson

94 Cutting carbon It’s possible to reduce the running costs of swimming pools while also cutting their carbon footprint. Abi Harris reports

102 Product innovations We take a look at the latest health, fitness and wellness equipment

104 HCM Directory The HCM Directory is part of a network of resources that includes www.HCMmag.com/CompanyProfiles

106 Research Powering up New research brings WHO exercise guidlines into question

URBAN GYM GROUP

The entrepreneur and founder of the Urban Gym Group tells Kath Hudson how personal loss inspired her to open Europe’s first wellbeing club

JOE GRAY

62 Life lessons Marjolijn Meijer

SHUTTERSTOCK/ JACOB LUND

94 Cutting costs and carbon

86 Heart rate training

62 Marjolijn Meijer

©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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Issue 11 2025 Volume 31 Number 344

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LETTERS

HCM Forum Fuel the debate about issues and opportunities across the industry.

We’d love to hear from you.

Write to forum@leisuremedia.com

Around 50 per cent of our health referral members are taking GLP-1s, many without a prescription Supporting members on their GLP-1 journey Lauren Connis head of health and wellbeing, Oldham Active

I

read with interest your recent HCM Editor’s Letter, highlighting the research around alarming muscle mass loss and weight regain following GLP-1 medication cessation (www.hcmmag.com/doomscenario).

Your letter couldn’t be more timely. Oldham Active is one of the first community leisure trusts in the UK to recognise this looming health catastrophe and we’re taking decisive action.

We’ve recently upskilled 30 of our fitness instructors and PTs, who completed in-person pioneering GLP-1 specialist training called Navigating GLP-1 for sport and physical activity professionals.

The course was delivered at Oldham University by Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi and Future Fit, and made our team the first cohort of fitness professionals in the UK to receive this specific training.

At present there’s a significant lack of education about these

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Referral pathway for GLP-1s

Lauren Connis

medications and the training enables the team at Oldham Active to position themselves as experts in their community to counterbalance some of the misinformation in circulation – often to be found on social media and from influencers.

We’re passionate about upskilling our team to support members’ long-term wellbeing and the urgency became clear when we found 50 per cent of our health referral members are taking GLP-1s – many without GP prescriptions or adequate guidance.

We’ve also launched an exercise referral pathway for people on GLP-1s in line with the latest World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which recommend intensive behavioural interventions – including structured physical activity programme – alongside GLP-1 treatment.

Health and social prescribers across Oldham can now refer patients with a BMI of over 30 to Oldham Active’s speciallytrained fitness team to get tailored exercise support.

The new pathway is available to people who purchasing GLP-1s privately or have been prescribed them by their GP and has been designed to help them preserve and build muscle mass while taking the medication.

This approach supports healthier, more sustainable weight loss and helps maintain results long-

This isn’t just about individual outcomes for Oldham Active; it’s about preventing a potential public health disaster.

Oldham Active teams have undergone GLP-1 exercise training with Future Fit

term, especially when they decide to stop taking the medication, and is even more needed given the WHO has just endorsed GLP-1s for long-term use.

Health and social prescribers across Oldham have been informed of the new pathway and the team’s specialist qualifications, enabling them to confidently refer suitable patients to the service.

Your ‘doom scenario’ of patients losing up to 40 per cent muscle mass, then re-gaining weight as fat within two years –as well as recent Les Mills insight that shows that GLP-1s can age people physiologically by ten years in just 68-72 weeks, is precisely what

The course was delivered by Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi

their team is now working to prevent, addressing one of the fundamental flaws your article highlighted: that weight loss drugs don’t require behaviour change.

This isn’t just about individual outcomes for Oldham Active; it’s about preventing a potential public health disaster. As the NHS expands GLP-1 access, Oldham Active’s model demonstrates how

operators can fill the crucial gap between treatment and longterm success, potentially saving millions in repeat prescription costs, while also helping people to maintain their health while on GLP-1s.

Read more from Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi www.hcmmag.com/DRH

©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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LETTERS

More training is needed to support people with musculoskeletal issues

Do we have enough qualified trainers to help people who are signed off with mental health and musculoskeletal issues?

We must upskill in mental health and MSK to support WorkWell Centres Cliff Collins, founding registrar, REPs UK

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saw your article about the pilot trialling of the UK government’s WorkWell centres (www.HCMmag.com/workwell) and it reminded me of events in the market nearly 25 years ago.

At the time the UK fitness industry was talking a good story and growing fast. The enlightened health secretary at the time was Alan Milburn and he realised that the burgeoning NHS bill was unaffordable and to help combat this he embarked on a mission to get people more active to improve their health.

Milburn commissioned some experts to come together and the result was the National Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF) document which set out the requirements for GPs to refer patients to fitness professionals for exercise programmes.

It was a little controversial because at the time, GPs only referred patients to other healthcare professionals.

The NQAF stipulated the qualifications requirements for

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fitness trainers and with this came the birth of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs UK)*.

The NHS gave us a very small grant to get REPs started and by the time I moved from REPs UK in 2008 to drive the development of REPS in Europe, REPs UK had over 28,000 members and the support of all the major health and fitness operators, while the training providers had come in-line with the awarding organisations to deliver good qualifications.

Exercise referral never really became mainstream at the time, but we did see an impressive upskilling of fitness trainers who gained much higher skill levels, which meant they could work with older population groups, cardiac rehabilitation and other special populations.

I wonder what the position would be today if UK health secretary, Wes Streeting, were to ask GPs to refer patients into the care of fitness professionals? Do we have enough qualified trainers to help

Cliff Collins

with people who are signed off work with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, or musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain and injuries?

These areas of health are a focus for the proposed WorkWell centres and present a great opportunity for the sector, but only if we understand the challenge and are prepared to deliver by taking action and continuing to upskill our people. l Cliff Collins is convenor of CEN/TC 136 Working Group 2 for European Fitness Club Standards www.hcmmag.com/CEN/TC136WG2 * Accreditation activity previously carried out by REPs UK is delivered by CIMSPA (www.hcmmag.com/CIMSPAquals).

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Go to www.HCMmag.com/signup to get breaking news alerts

Zeitgeist Kath Hudson distills the essence of the latest HCM news to tap the trends driving the direction of the sector

Growing demand for medical memberships

Dave Asprey takes Upgrade Labs to Dubai

JETTS UK

http://lei.sr/b6u8y_H

This is the first international expansion for the longevity centres. “People who say the goal is healthspan are cowards,” says Asprey TAP OR SCAN – whose views are controversial. “Our goal is to extend human life beyond its original design and to look better or feel better than we do right now.”

http://lei.sr/Y6P3R_H

Asprey says his AI cardio regime brings huge VO2 max benefits

Jetts UK is encouraging more women into the weights area

GLOBAL WELLNESS SUMMIT

Jetts launches Active Woman Lifting Club Jetts UK has launched a lifting club for women across 22 of its gyms to build confidence in TAP OR SCAN the free weights area, which is often described as intimidating. The fourweek progressive course teaches the basics of lifting and good technique.

http://lei.sr/5Z6E4_H

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HEALTH HERO

Data from digital healthcare provider, HealthHero, shows that 63,000 health club members have registered for a doctor’s appointment TAP OR SCAN through their health club membership since January 2024. There’s especially high demand in areas with long waiting lists.

THE GYM GROUP / WILL HARTEY

The Gym Group wins Gold for inclusion The UK low cost operator has achieved Gold status from Inclusion In for its staff training environment. Initiatives include the TAP OR SCAN Inclusive Traineeship Programme to create meaningful opportunities in the industry for individuals with additional needs and disabilities.

http://lei.sr/m2N2Z_H

The Gym Group prioritises investment in staff training

Scream therapy gathering momentum in cities around the world Young people in cities, including London, are forming clubs to let off steam by screaming. Members of the London Scream Club say it’s free, cathartic creates connection and overcomes social anxiety.

TAP OR SCAN

http://lei.sr/x9k6Z_H

The Lancet is calling for UPFs to be part of the food labelling system

Scream club members are using screaming to decompress

SHUTTERSTOCK / JACOB LUND

ISTOCK/ PHEELINGS MEDIA

“Put health before profit,” The Lancet tells food industry Ultra-processed foods are damaging public health, fuelling chronic diseases globally and deepening health inequalities, according to a TAP OR SCAN report from The Lancet. The report Ultra-processed foods: time to put health before profit calls for comprehensive, government-led solutions.

http://lei.sr/p2F2c_H

©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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zeitgeist Everlast Gym+ confirmed for Trafford Palazzo Dan Summerson, managing director of Everlast Gyms says the site at the Greater Manchester shopping and leisure destination will be “one of our most comprehensive gym TAP OR SCAN concepts yet.” The Everlast Gym+ features an elevated offering and will be located near to the upcoming Therme Manchester development.

http://lei.sr/w5w7g_H

The updated Quest is more user friendly for operators

Quest has been updated for 2026

EVERLAST GYMS

http://lei.sr/H9R6D_H

SPORT ENGLAND / DUNCAN NICHOLLS

Benchmarking tool, Quest, will be relaunched in the new year, with the team having taken on board feedback from operators to make it more user-friendly, including assessments TAP OR SCAN being completed in one day. There will be one Quest product for facilities and another for contracts and places.

ACTIVE SUSSEX

Sport England announces place funding for 27 deprived areas

Active Hastings will listen to children when deciding how to use the place funding

Paediatrician, health campaigner and broadcaster, Dr Guddi Singh says: “A child’s postcode can be a stronger predictor of their health than their genetic code. When local streets feel unsafe, there’s TAP OR SCAN nowhere affordable to go, and young people don’t feel they belong, it shows up in their bodies and in their minds.”

http://lei.sr/2P2B3_H

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HYROX/LUCID

Hyrox Cruise launches Billed as the ultimate fitness experience at sea, the Hyrox Cruise will offer the perfect conditions for training, with top athletes and coaches, nutrition designed to support goals and expert care for recovery. Taking place in October TAP OR SCAN 2026, the four-day cruise will offer panel talks, dynamic classes and the chance to see a Hyrox race featuring special athletes.

Hyrox is taking to the seas with a cruise offer

http://lei.sr/E6X5E_H

Membership laws get more onerous The CMA is using new powers to investigate businesses, including Gold’s Gym UK, for the way membership fees are presented. No finding has been made and the CMA says it should not be TAP OR SCAN assumed the company has infringed the law. CMA chief executive, Sarah Cardell, says this is a warning shot to businesses.

Find out more in the next issue of HCM

http://lei.sr/Q4V6t_H

PHOTO: .SHUTTERSTOCK./DIKISHUNDMITRY

ISTOCK/ JACOB WACKERHAUSEN

More operators are supporting men’s mental health

Male mental health is a focus for Life Leisure The Manchester Trust has teamed up with a UK suicide prevention charity to offer a weekly TAP OR SCAN Andy’s Man Club at Stockport Sports Village, providing a safe, confidential space and peer-to-peer support for men who are struggling with their mental health.

http://lei.sr/G6m6q_H

New UK laws are changing the way payments are handled ©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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news roundup Sequel Brands launches longevity franchise

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“This concept is launching just as the longevity boom is about to go to the next level” Dugal Bain-Kim

SEQUEL BRANDS

nthony Geisler’s Sequel Brands has launched its fifth franchise: a longevity concept in collaboration with Tony Robbins’ company, Lifeforce, and biohacker, longevity expert and podcaster, Gary Brecka.

With the global longevity economy predicted to reach $8 trillion annually within the next four years, Ultimate Longevity Center aims to make longevity solutions accessible to everyday Americans.

There will be two core offerings – wellness modalities, such as red light therapy, hyperbaric chambers, cold plunges, and hydrogen baths.

As well as longevity programmes involving biomarker analysis, testing, and metabolic profiling, with personalised protocols to help people optimise their health.

Gary Brecka and Anthony Geisler have teamed up on a longevity concept

Dugal Bain-Kim, co-founder of Lifeforce with Tony Robbins, said: “This concept is launching just as the longevity boom is about to go to the next level.”

Brecka says Ultimate Longevity Center bridges the gap between evolving science-backed thinking and everyday life: “It’s about taking tools and knowledge that those with

specialised access have historically had and bringing that access within reach of main street America.”

Launched by Geisler last year Sequel Brands also offers Pilates Addiction – which is TAP OR SCAN aiming for 100 sites by the end of 2025 – iFlex Stretch Studios, Body 20 and Beem Light Sauna.

http://lei.sr/k5R3H_H

Chris Rondeau joins Panobianco Academia

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actively support the low-cost chain’s expansion in Brazil, its entry into Mexico, and the professionalisation of its franchisee network.

Rondeau spent 30 years at Planet Fitness and was instrumental in its transition from a regional chain to a global powerhouse with more than

PANOBIANCO ACADEMIA

ormer Planet Fitness CEO, Chris Rondeau, is back in the fitness industry set to drive international expansion of Brazil’s largest gym franchisor, Panobianco Academia.

Rondeau has joined the company as a shareholder, board member, and strategic advisor and will

Chris Rondeau (third left) has joined the Panbianco Academia board as an investor

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“I see the same signals in Panobianco today that I saw in Planet Fitness in 2010” Chris Rondeau

2,500 locations. He says: “I see the same signals in Panobianco today that I saw in Planet Fitness in 2010, just before our explosive growth phase. They’ve cracked the code on high-value, low-price fitness in underserved markets. The model is highly profitable, the runway for growth in Brazil and Mexico is massive and the brand democratises fitness for the 80 per cent of the population that TAP OR SCAN traditional gyms ignore.

This is an opportunity to help build another multibillion-dollar legacy.” http://lei.sr/H8h4c_H

Get live news at www.HCMmag.com

Equinox plans Caribbean lifestyle resort “Equinox Hotels perfectly aligns with our vision of creating luxury marine lifestyle destinations” David Mizrahi:

perfectly aligns with our vision of Port Nimara in creating unparalleled luxury marine lifestyle destinations.

Its focus on high-performance living and exceptional, health-driven experiences complements the unique vibrancy of our resort.”

Equinox Hotels’ strategy for growth is to bring high-performance living and experiential luxury to sought-after destinations around the world, offering ‘innovative health solutions, dynamic TAP OR SCAN community programming and transformative environments.’ http://lei.sr/h9N9V_H

EQUINOX RESORT ANGUILLA PORT NIMARA

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quinox has announced its first Caribbean location – a marina lifestyle destination called Equinox Resort Anguilla Port Nimara.

The property will have 62 guestrooms, 18 oceanfront villas and 18 upland villas and 35 residences, as well as an Equinox health club, The Spa by Equinox Hotels, a restaurant, luxury shopping and access to a promenade for further restaurants and beaches.

The resort will also have beachfront views and a 118-berth marina for vessels measuring up to 240 feet. The port is expected to receive its first vessels in 2027, with the Equinox Resort scheduled to open in 2029.

The property is being developed

by South West Harbour – CEO, David Mizrahi, says: “Equinox Hotels

The Port Nimara Resort will have an Equinox health club and a spa

LifeFit Group buys Berlin Elixia gyms portfolio

I

LIFEFIT GROUP

n its fourth transaction of the year, Germany’s LifeFit Group has acquired three Elixia premium clubs in Berlin.

Each 5,000 square foot club features modern training areas, a diverse range of classes, a 25-metre pool and a comprehensive wellness area. Targeted investments and integration into the Fitness First network are intended to promote and expand the clubs’ service quality and growth.

“The Elixia clubs are already operating at a high level in terms The Elixia clubs will rebranded as Fitness First Black, LifeFit’s premium offering

CREDIT

“The Elixia clubs are already operating at a high level in terms of their teams and facilities” Johannes Maßen

of their teams and facilities,” says Johannes Maßen, COO of the LifeFit Group and managing director of Fitness First. “Their professionalism is remarkable and provides an excellent foundation for the future.

“Through the integration into our strong network in Berlin and across Germany, members will benefit

from significantly expanded training opportunities and cross-location offerings. At the same time, we will make targeted investments in the development of the TAP OR SCAN three clubs to enhance and secure the training and service experience in the long term.” http://lei.sr/c8G4h_H

©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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news roundup Total Fitness secures £15m from OakNorth

T

TOTAL FITNESS

otal Fitness has secured £15 million from its digital banking partner, OakNorth, as it prepares for its next phase of growth, which will include the roll-out of its Women’s Gym concept.

The recapitalisation refreshes existing debt arrangements and creates additional flexibility for investment. It includes £13.5 million in senior debt and a £1.5 million revolving credit facility.

Total Fitness currently has 16 locations across the north of England Total Fitness has secured funding to open more Women’s Gyms

TOTAL FITNESS

and Wales. As well as rolling out the Women’s Gym, an extensive refurbishment plan is underway with recent upgrades completed in Bolton, Sefton, Wrexham and Lincoln. Wilmslow is the next in line.

Tom Rayner, chief financial officer at Total Fitness, believes this support from the banks shows confidence in the business today and in

“This recapitalisation marks an important milestone for Total Fitness” Tom Raynor

ambition for the future, saying: “This recapitalisation marks an important milestone for Total Fitness, creating a well-invested platform for the next phase of our growth. We’re committed to continuing TAP OR SCAN our investment in our people, our facilities and the overall experience we offer members.”

http://lei.sr/V9b2D_H

PureGym unveils first rebranded Blink sites

PUREGYM

A year after the acquisition, PureGym has now rebranded most of its Blink Fitness sites

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Rebecca Passmore at PURE GYM

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ifty-six former Blink Fitness gyms in New York and New Jersey have been upgraded and rebranded as PureGym and are now open for business.

Unveiled on 8 December, the gyms are open 24/7, offering premium gym equipment at monthly rates ranging from US$24.99 to $41.99, plus a joining fee.

Three New York locations – 54th Street in Manhattan, Canarsie in Brooklyn, and Woodside in Queens – received further upgrades and will serve as pilot sites. Extra equipment has been added to meet growing consumer demand for strength and hybrid training.

“We believe everyone should have access to high-quality fitness, at any time they want, and we’re committed

WATCH NOW

“We believe everyone should have access to high-quality fitness, at any time they want” Rebecca Passmore

to making that possible for New Yorkers,” said Rebecca Passmore, group chief operating officer. “Our mission is to inspire healthier nations and we are thrilled to TAP OR SCAN finally bring the city that never sleeps a true 24/7, affordable way to prioritise their wellbeing.” http://lei.sr/x6D5k_H

Get live news at www.HCMmag.com

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illage Health and Wellness Clubs, which was acquired by Blackstone from KSL in July 2024, has opened its 34th UK club in Reading, UK. Designed as a full-service wellness destination, it features a fully-equipped Technogym fitness suite, including Biostrength and Artis cardio kit offering entertainment, virtual routes and real-time progress-tracking.

There’s also a functional training zone and free weights area; four group exercise studios, including an indoor cycle studio, a Box ‘n’ Burn studio and a reformer Pilates studio included in the platinum membership. Completing the mix are an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steamroom and whirlpool.

The Village Gym App offers class bookings, personalised plans and community connections.

The site also delivers the flagship Village Advance programme, a 12-week personalised fitness journey combining tailored workouts, nutrition advice and regular progress check-ins to help members achieve their health goals.

Dean Kemp, national sales and new openings manager says: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the Village Health and Wellness experience to Reading. The club combines cutting-edge equipment, premium facilities and a welcoming atmosphere that supports members in every stage of their fitness journey.” ● Village Hotels is one TAP OR SCAN of the UK’s biggest hotel health club operators, with 33 clubs, each with over 4,000 members. http://lei.sr/H2S3A_H

VILLAGE HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Village expands after Blackstone investment

The new Village Health and Wellness site features an extensive gym

Foundry boosts portfolio with Instate gyms

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FOUNDRY

K operator, Foundry has added two new clubs to its portfolio with the acquisition of Instate, an independent operator.

The new sites in Cobham and Wandsworth adds 350 new members to the group and takes the site count to nine in London and the South East.

The Cobham and Wandsworth gyms are 5,000 and 3,500 square feet respectively, fully equipped and newly-refurbished. The team will replicate Foundry’s award-winning, trainer-led format of 50 minute PT sessions on the hour, every hour.

Foundry’s 50-minute, PT-led group training will be introduced in the new clubs FOUNDRY / WILL DEVEREUX

“Bringing Instate’s Wandsworth and Cobham gyms into the Foundry group is a natural step for us” Jean-Claude Vacassin

Known for its no mirrors, no mobiles, no-nonsense approach, Foundry’s mission is to make elite coaching accessible in a premium, functional, friendly space.

Foundry CEO, Jean-Claude Vacassin, says: “Bringing Instate’s gyms into the Foundry group is a natural step. These locations deliver a strong coaching

experience, and we’re looking forward to building on that with our systems, support, and member-first approach.”

For 2026, Foundry is simplifying its pricing so members TAP OR SCAN can buy credits rather than sessions.

Read our HCM profile: www.hcmmag.com/JCV http://lei.sr/C3S5m

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news roundup Yojo vagus nerve device gives bio-feedback

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YŌJŌ

new vagus nerve stimulation device, Yojo, has been launched to provide biofeedback, expert support and personalised guidance to help people calm their bodies and minds.

The company claims that 30 minutes of vagus nerve stimulation a day can provide better sleep, less anxiety, sharper focus, and faster recovery after just four weeks.

On average, Yojo users see a 45 per cent reduction in stress markers and improvements in nervous system flexibility and recovery.

The device uses an earpiece that stimulates the auricular branch of the vagus nerve in the outer ear to activate the body’s natural rest-and-digest response. The app uses biofeedback, such as heart rate, heart rate variability, stress index and parasympathetic activity to track progress.

Each user receives an initial consultation with a human coach

Yojo can be used while going about your daily business

to define personal health goals and map out a tailored plan. The coach then translates these goals into personalised daily tasks and protocols within the app.

“Yojo is an all-in-one longevity solution that makes nervous system

health as routine as checking email,” says founder, Waldi Hoon. “In a world that feels faster and more demanding than TAP OR SCAN ever, we built Yojo as a simple, science-backed tool to restore balance.” http://lei.sr/A2w5p_H

Alpha-Stim gains traction as anti-anxiety tool

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deliver pulsed currents to the brain, via an ear clip. The low-amplitude waveform rebalances the default mode network, which is often disrupted in mental health conditions.

Alpha-Stim was launched in the US in 1981 and brought to

MIND

rain stimulation device, Alpha-Stim is receiving growing support from health professionals and people with anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain.

The device uses cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) to

Alpha-Stim delivers a low pulsing current to the ear

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the UK by Stephen Hutchinson in 2010, when he was looking for an alternative to medication to help with insomnia and anxiety.

In 2014, Northamptonshire NHS Healthcare Trust was the first NHS Trust to trial Alpha-Stim for patients. After extensive trials, the Trust added it to its routine primary care pathway for patients with anxiety two years ago.

More than 100 clinical studies and trials have been carried out on AlphaStim and CES. One study found a 94 per cent improvement in anxiety after five weeks After five Alpha-Stim insomnia treatments, military service members TAP OR SCAN with insomnia reported an increase of 43 minutes of sleep. http://lei.sr/9p2V7_H

E TH E E V AT SA D

17-18 JUNE 2026 EXCEL | LONDON

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buzz

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THIRD SPACE

The three-lane sled track is used for Hyrox classes

Third Space keeps the bar high with The Whiteley launch

THIRD SPACE

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The new club is in a Grade II listed building

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hird Space has launched its 14th club at The Whiteley, London. The prestigious site is set within a Grade II listed building near London’s Hyde Park. Facilities span three floors, topped with a bespoke glass dome.

“Third Space at The Whiteley is an opportunity for us to bring all of our latest concepts to life in a stunning setting,” says Third Space CEO, Colin Waggett. “From Hyrox to contrast therapy, from combat to reformer and from Olympic lifting to recovery zones, the club has it all.

“Design is about function and form, so we’ve tried to make sure this club will excite the training enthusiast and the style guru in equal measures.”

The premium operator is now on-site with additional clubs in Chelsea, Paternoster Square and Queens Park, all of which will open in 2026. “There will also be major investment and extension projects at Soho and Islington,” says Waggett. “Our ambition is to ensure that as we strive for best-in-class at all our new openings, the established clubs equally benefit from

The Mind and Body and reformer Pilates studios has great natural light

Get live news at www.HCMmag.com

THIRD SPACE

THIRD SPACE

PACE RD S THI

innovations, with cold therapy being rolled out as we speak and new strength concepts being developed.

“Having launched our recovery membership incorporating red light, cryotherapy and vibroacoustic therapy at Canary Wharf this year we’ll be expanding this concept to more clubs,” he said. “Members are demanding more and we’re finding ways to give them more.”

Facilities at The Whiteley include an extensive gym offering a three-lane track, functional rig, free weights, an Elite cardio area and Technogym and Woodway treadmills.

There are fives studios: the 24-person cycle studio has IC7 bikes; a range of combat and martial arts will be offered in the combat studio which has a boxing rail with eight punch bags; there’s a 30-person HIIT studio; a 32-person Mind & Body studio for yoga, barre, meditation and sound baths and a 19-person reformer Pilates studio.

The wet spa, which opens in March, will offer an 18-metre, UV filtered pool, a hydrotherapy pool with underwater massage jets, an ice bath (4º – 8ºC), a dry Finnish sauna, a Löyly sauna, steamroom and

“From Hyrox to contrast therapy, from combat to reformer and from Olympic lifting to recovery zones, the club has it all” Colin Waggett

day beds. The dedicated recovery zone has stretching areas, Normatec recovery boots, Hyperice Hypervot, Hypersphere and Vyper vibrating foam rollers. Further to this, physiotherapy and sports massage is offered.

There’s also a members lounge and co-working space and luxury changing rooms.

Membership to The Whiteley is £273 a month, group membership to all Third Space clubs is £285, excluding the Mayfair. Use of the full TAP OR SCAN Third Space collection is £325 a month.

A Six Senses Hotel, with the first Six Senses Place private wellness club in the world, will open in the same building. http://lei.sr/m3p3q

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buzz

Get live news at www.HCMmag.com

Members have access to unlimited reformer Pilates classes

Hii CLUB

HiiClub teams up with Frasers Group to open a gym within Flannels

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iiClub has opened its second site, at Flannels’ flagship store in Leeds, UK, creating an “ecosystem of fashion, fitness and community.”

HiiClub Leeds follows the launch of HiiClub Newcastle 15 months ago. Founded by former rugby player, Josh Rose, Lloyd Riddell, and Stephanie Barlow, the concept offers a boutiquehotel aesthetic and comprehensive programming.

A luxury retailer owned by Frasers Group – which also owns Everlast Gyms – Flannels has a mission

“Bridging the gap between fashion, lifestyle, and fitness feels completely natural to us as a brand, and I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead” Josh Rose

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to reimagine retail as an experiential, lifestyle-led environment. The 5,000 square foot HiiClub is on the Active floor of the Leeds store, alongside world-class brands, including Vuori, On, Lululemon, Boss Green, Represent 247 and 18 Montrose.

New for this site is HiiContrast, a dedicated hot and cold therapy suite, comprising two ice baths and a six-person sauna.

The HiiBalance reformer Pilates studio is the largest in Leeds, with 15 reformer beds and members get unlimited classes.

Branded as HiiTrain, the gym floor features premium kit, including 18 treadmills, 15 benches, seven rigs, and more than 20 ergs. Four signature workouts – HiiHero, HiiJacked, HiiBryd and HiiRun – are offered in the strength, conditioning and running zone.

Rose says: “Bridging the gap between fashion, lifestyle, and fitness feels

Branded as HiiTrain, Get live news at www.HCMmag.com

Hii CLUB

the gym floor features a wide range of premium equipment

completely natural and I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead. There’s nothing we love more than bringing our community together through brand events and meaningful collaborations. By working with Flannels in this way, we can really amplify these moments and give our customers the best possible experience.

“Ultimately, we want people to get obsessed with HiiClub the way we are – not just for the workouts,

but for the connections and positive lifestyle shifts that naturally come from being part of our community.”

Lauren Barrie, group head of retail at Frasers Group says: “HiiClub Leeds represents a new TAP OR SCAN kind of destination for our customers, one that brings retail, performance, and wellbeing together in a way that feels authentic and relevant.”

http://lei.sr/D7e9K_H

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NRG Gym continues rollout with Glasgow launch

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RG Gyms recently opened its first gym in Scotland taking the portfolio up to 13.

The Glasgow site spans 30,000 square feet and includes a gym with dedicated performance and female-only zones; group exercise and indoor cycling studios and male and female saunas.

“We typically have one studio per club, but we’re moving up to two as a minimum,” NRG Gym founder, Shafiq Ahmed told HCM. “Our sites range from 20,000 to 40,000sq ft, with about 15 to 20 per cent dedicated to cardio and the remainder being studios and functional areas.”

Ahmed launched the first gym in Gravesend, Kent in 2012. “I wanted to build a gym with great customer service, great gym equipment and a decent fit out,” he says. “The three pillars the company has been built on are community, aspiration and performance. We want to create an environment to inspire people to keep fit and be the best they can be. I’m very focused on using data to understand our

“I wanted to build a gym with great customer service, great gym equipment and a decent fit-out” Shafiq Ahmed

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customers and we regularly conduct insight to find out what features, colours and fit-outs resonate.”

Having taken on £4 million of investment from Puma Growth Partners in January, NRG is looking for opportunities to expand. In September it acquired Pump Gyms, which added five gyms to the estate that are now being integrated.

There are a further three gyms in the pipeline – for Nottingham, Liverpool and Warrington – and Ahmed says the company is on the hunt for small and large acquisitions while continuing the organic journey.

“If we can’t give the consumer the full offering, we turn down the sites. We have to be very disciplined, the hardest part is saying no,” he says. “However, there is structural and systemic change in the demand for fitness.

“When I came into the industry, penetration was around 7.5 to 8 per cent and now it’s 17 per cent in the UK and in the US, some of the states are north of 30 per cent. That leads me to believe there is still comfortably another 10 to 15 per cent runway in the UK. There’s a lot more to come over the next two decades.

TAP OR SCAN “Medium-term we’re focused on around 25 to 35 sites. Long-term we’d like to be an international operation and have a minimum of 100 to 115 sites in the UK.”

http://lei.sr/j2n8T_H

NRG GYMS

Shafiq Ahmed founded NRG Gym in Gravesend, Kent in 2012 30

Get live news at www.HCMmag.com

NRG GYMS

NRG GYMS

Get live news at www.HCMmag.com

The company invests in data to understand its customers

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Collabs AMP Fit is Corinthia London Biome partner

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BLK BOX / CHARLIE SAWYER

ive star hotel, Corinthia London, has announced the relaunch of its award-winning urban spa with a new identify – Biome by Corinthia London.

The new offering will debut in late January 2026.

AMP Fit has been confirmed as the fitness partner for Biome and will deliver one-to-one PT and small group training and well as support for members in the gym, which offers equipment from BLK BOX, Technogym and Peloton.

Biome will offer ‘transformative wellness treatments’ from expert practitioners who ‘blend scientific knowledge with the healing power of nature to offer a holistic wellbeing experience’.

Also on offer will be a curated heat and water circuit, offering hydrotherapy, steamroom and sauna.

Corinthia is ramping up its local memberships model and Biome will offer a range of packages

The new Biome offering will include health and fitness support from AMP Fit

that include fitness movement, skincare and restorative rituals.

Costs will be £2,500 for three months; £4,000 for six months and £7,500 for 12 months.

Full-day experience packages will also launch in 2026.

Other partners in the new Biome

by Corinthia offering will include radical botany brand, TAP OR SCAN Wildsmith Skin and US-based celebrity makeup and hair brand, Augustinus Bader. http://lei.sr/5r8p0

Athx Games signs four-year deal with Adidas

ADIDAS

Athx is partnering with Adidas to drive global growth in 2026

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Functional fitness competition, Athx Games is entering a new chapter with a landmark four-year global partnership with Adidas.

With a global partner powering its growth, Athx will extend to more locations, moving from a UK challenger to be an international fitness brand Alongside the alliance, Athx has evolved its competition structure for 2026, built around the three pillars of strength, endurance and metabolic conditioning. Year on year the workouts of the competition evolve, which leads to an all-round growth in athleticism.

The 2026 workouts introduce new movement standards and progressive formats designed by co-founder and internationally

recognised functional fitness coach and athlete, Ollie Marchon.

Marchon says: “Athx has always been built for all athletes and 2026 will prove it. From the first timer to the accomplished competitor, the new workouts are a true test of fitness at every level.”

The 2026 season has been revealed in full, featuring four UK events in London, Glasgow, Birmingham and Liverpool. It will expand from two European events to more than 11 across key markets including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and the Nordics.

The foundations will TAP OR SCAN also be laid for further international growth, with plans for the US, Middle East and APAC regions.

http://lei.sr/t5s8M_H

Get live news at www.HCMmag.com

Realbuzz reveals collab with Esmée Gummer Throughout December, Gummer and Realbuzz are calling on charities and participants to apply or vote for the official charity partner for the challenge. Realbuzz will manage the charity partnership and registration for the events, providing the option to donate via GoFundMe on signup.

“The Nation’s 5K challenge is about getting people moving together,” says Gummer. “Running transformed my life and this challenge is about making movement accessible, supportive and fun for everyone. I’m thrilled to have Realbuzz sponsoring the project, their platform will bring this vision to life at a national scale.

Now we’re searching for TAP OR SCAN the perfect charity to champion throughout the challenge.”

REALBUZZ/ESMÉE GUMMER

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harity running programme provider, Realbuzz, is sponsoring a new nationwide movement initiative in the UK, The Nation’s 5K challenge, started by fitness coach and endurance athlete Esmée Gummer.

At 18, Gummer was paralysed after complications arising from a medical procedure and told she would never walk again. However, she did relearn and has gone on to become an endurance event athlete and a Realbuzz ambassador.

The Nation’s 5K challenge will take place from 27 June to 3 October 2026 and aims to get one million people to complete 5K, whether running, jogging, or walking, to inspire movement, community connection and greater accessibility to physical activity.

Esmée Gummer has launched The National 5K Challenge to inspire people to walk and run together

http://lei.sr/P8B8c_H

Be Well Wigan works with Ashley Gluchowski

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DR ASHLEY GLUCHOWSKI

e Well Wigan has introduced a new evidence-based, healthy ageing programme that aligns with national and international guidelines.

Developed by clinical exercise physiologist, Ashley Gluchowski, Stronger with Age, is a small group, supervised, twice a week programme, which focuses on building full-body muscle strength and strength training self-efficacy for long-term strength training adherence.

The programme was designed during Gluchowski’s PhD with older adults from Auckland and has been refined with members, exercise instructors and decisionmakers in Greater Manchester.

While Stronger with Age is for all ages, genders and abilities, the first cohort was made up of women who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause.

The programme is offered as part of a membership, or as a standalone, with concessionary rates available.

Ashley Gluchowski

“During the research phase of development, Stronger with Age had a 94 per cent adherence rate and during our pilot work in Wigan, we’ve had a 100 per cent completion rate,” says Gluchowski. “The programme has been extended due to its overwhelmingly positive feedback,

continued advocacy from current participants and the number of women currently on the waiting list.”

Gluchowski says one of the main challenges has been the misconception of what strength training is. “Many women believe it will bulk them up. However, they quickly realise strength training gives them the body composition they were hoping for – a strong, lean, defined, toned look,” she says.

“Most importantly, it gives participants incredible confidence, mental resilience, emotional wellbeing, and social connection to a group of like-minded individuals.”

Danny Fletcher, Wigan Council’s lead member for public health and leisure, said: “Whether it’s at our leisure centres or in the community, the Be Well programme TAP OR SCAN is about supporting residents to be healthy, happy and active at all stages of life.”

http://lei.sr/v8V9Z_H

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HCM PEOPLE

HCM people We take time to explain the benefits of our programmes and help members see it as a small investment with a long-term pay-off

Jack Gibson Founder, Fitness Worx Gyms How did it all begin?

I started out as a body builder which led to me becoming a personal trainer at David Lloyd. From there I became a self-employed personal trainer at Fitness First and then moved to a boutique PT studio.

By 2012, when I was 23, I hit the ceiling – I was doing 45 or 50 sessions a week and couldn't earn any more money. So I decided to find a studio for myself, which is when I stumbled across Fitness Worx Kenilworth.

Nine months later a gym in nearby Warwick went into liquidation and the owners approached me to buy it. Since then Fitness Worx has grown organically and is entirely self-funded, with each new site funding the next one. In December we opened our ninth site, in Rugby.

My Dad, Rich Gibson, who’s a building contractor by trade joined me in the business early on to do all the fitouts and my brother, Matt Gibson, is head of operations.

Gibson offers ‘approachable but serious’ training

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JOE GRAY

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What’s your USP? We offer serious training in an approachable and inclusive environment.

We teach our members to train properly and support them in getting results and we also have a strong focus on retention. Our speciality is our personal transformation programmes that have been written by me and the team, are tailored to the individuals’ goals and are progressive. This is what transforms a 40-year-old woman who’s nervous about coming to the gym into a loyal member who knows exactly what she’s doing.

Programmes cost an average of £300 a month for two individual sessions a week.

We do health metrics such as body fat at the start, middle and end. Programmes get results and also build a love of training and integrate new members into the community.

From the one-to-one sessions they can graduate to the small group training lifting classes on the gym floor, which further strengthens friendships.

We’ve recently introduced Baby Worx, a class for new mums who can bring their babies while they get back in shape, and due to member demand we have become a Hyrox affiliate.

We’re also big on community events, sometimes they’re sporting challenges, such as going to a Hyrox competition or the Fitness Worx Games.

Or it might be something social, or an excursion such as hiking Snowdon. Membership of each site is between 800 and 1000 and we really care about all of them. Our staff are expected to get to know, understand and help all of our members.

JOE GRAY

If a piece of equipment has been asked for by members four or five times then we’ll buy it

JOE GRAY

Fitness Worx looks for growing towns with a young demographic

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HCM PEOPLE

We’ve introduced Baby Worx, a class for new mums who can bring their babies while they get back in shape

Baby Worx classes make it easy for mums to return to the gym

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JOE GRAY

How do you overcome the cost barrier for the personal transformation programmes?

Cost can definitely be a barrier, but more and more people are now making their health and wellbeing a priority. We take the time to explain the benefits of our programmes and help them see it as a small investment with a long-term payoff.

Our goal is to teach clients the fundamentals so they can confidently achieve their goals on their own, long after the programme ends. We often compare it to learning to drive: once you’ve passed your test, you have the skills to drive for life. It’s the same with training – once you understand what to do and why, you can train effectively forever.

We also offer a shorter option called the Kickstart, starting from £200, which includes personal training, access to the gym and classes. In the first month the trainer teaches all the key basics of training at our gyms. It also gives clients a chance to regularly check

in with a trainer, so if they get stuck in the future they already have that relationship and support in place.

Does everyone new to the gym need this level of personal guidance?

We’ve found that if we can support someone through those first four weeks and help them feel comfortable in a Fitness Worx gym, we can often keep them for 12 months or more. Most novice gym-goers don’t quit because they don’t want to train – they quit because they feel lost, intimidated, or unsure of what they’re doing.

That’s a real shame, because everyone should feel safe and welcome in a gym. Training can bring so

JOE GRAY

New mums and their babies are welcomed at Fitness Worx

JOE GRAY

much satisfaction and confidence, but people often leave simply because they don’t understand how to train or how to use the equipment properly.

The gym can feel like a scary place at first, but if you give it a bit of time and build your confidence in that environment it can be incredible. You can achieve life-changing results and meet new friends along the way.

That’s why retention is so important to us. It’s not just about training plans – it’s about coaches making new members feel welcome, supported and educated. If you educate and guide new members properly, they’re far more likely to become long-term clients. That’s how you build a real community.

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HCM PEOPLE

All our staff are expected to get to know, understand and help all of our members

JOE GRAY

How do you choose your locations?

Our goal was to dominate the Midlands in the UK. We look for fast-growing towns with a young demographic, for example Leamington Spa, which has a lot of professionals who commute to London.

Ideally the population is 60,000 to 70,000. Rugby is a bit smaller but it’s one of the fastest growing towns in the area, with a lot of new-build homes which bring a younger demographic who are interested in fitness.

With the pre-sale we hit 500 members in 15 minutes.

How have you kept the quality high?

We’ve got a strong head office team. Along with myself and my brother, we have Chris Bryniarski the sales director, Joe Gray, the full-time videographer who’s in charge of marketing, and Gemma West looks after the admin.

We move our most experienced managers from a thriving site to a new site when they open and put them on a bonus scheme, so the more their site grows, the more money they earn. All our PTs are also employed on a full-time salary with a bonus structure.

When we open a new site, Matt, Chris and I take it in turns being there until we've managed to put across our values and ethos to the trainers. Then we have meetings every Tuesday and site visits twice a week.

What trends are you excited by?

If you had asked me that seven months ago, I would have said none because trends come and go, but I've recently responded to several trends following member requests.

We became a Hyrox affiliate because members were asking for it. We already ran a hybrid class, but everyone wanted the real thing. We’re introducing saunas because I believe in their benefits for health, longevity and wellbeing. And we’ve started implementing glute zones into our new sites, and will also be introducing them into some of the bigger sites. They’re popular and can feel like a safe space for women.

We have feedback boxes at every site and read them each week, as well as doing regular polls on Instagram of what people are looking

SNAPSHOT Locations in the UK in Rugby, Warwick, Kenilworth, Southam, Leamington, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bristol and Coventry (two clubs) Average size, 10,000 square foot 24/7 opening No contract, with membership freeze options Membership is £45 per month and offers access to all the sites

JOE GRAY

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Suppliers are Core Health and Fitness, Nautilus, Star Trak, American Prime, Arsenal Strength and Cybex

JOE GRAY

JOE GRAY

Programmes cost around £300 a month for eight individual sessions

for. If a piece of gym equipment has been asked for four or five times then we’ll buy it.

What are your goals?

Five years ago we said we wanted to get up to 10 sites by the end of 2026. We're now at nine and we'll do our 10th early next year.

Longer term I’m aiming for 25 sites. We've probably got three or four more around here – Birmingham, Solihull, Daventry, Northampton and then Birmingham City Centre, maybe up to

Training can bring so much satisfaction and confidence Nottingham. I’d like to go all the way from Manchester to Bristol and would love to have a gym in London.

Will you ever franchise?

I tried it at two sites and they both closed. I hated it. It felt as though I was giving away something that we work very hard on to someone who cares more about a machine than he does about a member. l

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Mark Braithwaite

KORE SANDWELL / ALEX STYLES PHOTOGRAPHY

CEO, Kore Sandwell

Kore Sandwell runs eight sites in a deprived borough

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KORE SANDWELL / ALEX STYLES PHOTOGRAPHY

We’ve seen a 112 per cent growth in membership and our social value is in excess of £12.5m

Members love the feedback from the EGYM tech

KORE SANDWELL / ALEX STYLES PHOTOGRAPHY

You joined Sandwell Leisure Trust (now Kore Sandwell) as CEO three years ago, what was the situation at the time?

The relationship between the trust and the council was very strained. Staff had even been striking outside the leisure centres.

The council – which was in special measures at the time – had terminated the management contract and was planning to set up a local authority trading company (LATCO).

Part of the reason for the termination of the contract was that the parties were unable to agree on a business plan, coupled with the fact that there was inconsistent reporting by the trust at the time.

There was a lot to untangle but I knew I was going into a challenging environment and I’ve always liked a challenge.

How did you go about making changes?

The council had a change of mind about the LATCO when they realised they’d have to renegotiate all the utility rates when they were at their highest, which would have cost circa an extra £2.5m. So the contract was extended from May 2023 to 2027 which is when the utility contracts ran to, which helped to steady the ship.

I did a leadership team restructure and brought in a new head of commercial and head of HR and managed to establish a good relationship with the council and the board quite quickly – I think everybody recognised the value of having a middleman to facilitate the relationship. There hadn't been an employee satisfaction survey for about 15 years

We’ve noticed people who’ve had an induction on the EGYM equipment have an improved retention rate are engaging more regularly and I think there was a feeling from the team that they thought nobody cared about their opinion.

It’s encouraging to see from our surveys over the last two years that satisfaction rates have gone up and we're just about to launch the third survey now.

We’re still working on the culture piece but we've introduced a range of new benefits for the team that have built more trust in the organisation.

What’s the area like?

We run eight facilities in the 12th most deprived borough in England, which has the highest obesity rates for 10- and 11-year-olds in the country.

It’s very diverse culturally – 45 per cent are people of colour – which means complexities around programming and operations.

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HCM PEOPLE

non-term time. The Portway pass allows free or heavily discounted membership to a range of users, including those who receive PIP, income support, disability benefit, or school pupils with SEN needs.

We offer women-only sessions across all the sites and work closely with adult services to provide a range of programmes for adults with mental and physical disabilities.

We've got a really good relationship with the faith network. We reached out to them and asked what we need to do differently to help people within their community who may find the gym intimidating or feel it isn't necessary for them. Our team has completed ethnic diversity training to understand the things that might make

KORE SANDWELL / ALEX STYLES PHOTOGRAPHY

Kore Padel may be rolled out as a separate brand

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people self-conscious and we’re definitely seeing increased levels of participation across the board.

You won the UK Active digital transformation award. Tell us more We took the decision to do a full review of our digital ecosystem and identify where we had gaps and/or opportunities. We’re going heavily down the technology data side and are six months into a new system which allows us to clearly report back to the council on our various demographic groups and the financial benefit. In the next few months we’ll be adding AI agents, firstly a service agent, followed by sales and retention agents.

EGYM equipment has been introduced to one of our sites and the idea is that in the future data is shared back into our core management system, meaning that health outcomes can be tracked. We've noticed people who’ve had an induction on the equipment have an improved retention rate are engaging with

People and connection are at the heart of the Kore philosophy

KORE SANDWELL / ALEX STYLES PHOTOGRAPHY

The trust’s rebrand to Kore will ensure we’re well positioned to bid for other contracts or diversify, for example, by offering Kore Padel as a standalone

the equipment more regularly than our standard visits and this is therefore driving an improved ROI based on a longer length of stay, supporting the business case which was approved by the board.

People love the EGYM kit – they get a personalised genius induction, they know exactly what they’re doing, they get feedback while they’re doing it, there’s a gamification element, it’s non-intimidating and confidence building. It’s appealing to 20-somethings up to 70-year-olds, we’re seeing people use it four times a week, where typical usage is 2.3 per week average.

What other investments are underway?

We’re opening Sandwell’s first reformer Pilates studio at Wednesbury Leisure Centre in early 2026, through a partnership with Tribute Brands for its Pilat3S brand (www.tribute-brands.com).

We’ll pay a monthly license fee as part of a franchise arrangement and they’ll provide updated training programmes quarterly which will ensure customers are getting new and innovative content.

Part of the reason why this is so appealing is that we don’t need to find a load of level four reformer Pilates teachers, which can be one of the biggest barriers to opening a studio. Screens are used for content and we can use level two instructors to facilitate the classes. We can have eight existing instructors trained up within 12 weeks, which gives a lot of flexibility. The lights and music are choreographed with the workout so it creates a really good atmosphere within the classes. ©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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HCM PEOPLE

We’re opening Sandwell’s first reformer Pilates studio in early 2026, through a partnership with Tribute Brands for its Pilat3S brand Tell us about the rebrand to Kore This new modern identity has been designed in partnership with consultancy Ice Blue to have a broader appeal and also to open up the opportunity for us to bid for contracts outside the borough, as well as offer sub-brands, such as Kore Padel and Kore Tennis.

This evolution reflects who we are today and who we are becoming. Kore symbolises the belief that wellbeing starts at the centre, at the core of every person, every family and every community. It captures our commitment to placing people, connection and purpose right at the heart of everything we do.

The needs of our communities are changing.

People are looking for more than fitness facilities.

They are looking for connection, confidence and support for their physical and mental wellbeing.

Kore Sandwell is our response to that, a renewed promise to be a partner in every individual journey.

What else is new?

After opening the first padel courts in the Black Country in April, we’re looking for further venues.

We were one of the first public leisure operators to make the investment ourselves and they have done incredibly well, achieving ROI in less than five months.

The Haden Hill Leisure Centre is currently undergoing a rebuild and will open in summer 2027, offering a 100-station gym, two or three studios, a community room, swimming pool and learner pool. The Levelling-Up Fund is providing £20m, while £2m is coming from Sandwell Council and the remaining £2m from Sport England.

Under 18s and over60s can swim for free in non-term time

KORE SANDWELL / ALEX STYLES PHOTOGRAPHY

Are you working with the NHS? We’re now at the point where we’ve started to move into the health piece which is clearly where our industry is going and we’re being more effective when it comes to how we support people with conditions such as diabetes and Long COVID, as well as how we tackle falls prevention and MSK issues.

We’re now starting to talk about how we can support the NHS around frailty and falls prevention programmes. EGYM are able to help us evidence results, so we're in the early stages of talks around that.

We are just about to commence a partnership with Public Health in Sandwell where we will be taking

KORE SANDWELL / ALEX STYLES PHOTOGRAPHY

Women-only sessions are helping to build confidence and connection

How do you feel about the future? What are the challenges and opportunities?

We’re really positive about the future, especially with the trust’s recent rebrand to Kore that will ensure we’re well positioned to appeal to a wide range of customers.

Challenges will remain mainly around energy and staffing, which are our two biggest costs. Anything the government can do to support in these two areas will have a massive impact going forward.

The UK population is now more aware of health and with strong growth in our sector over the last few years, we should only see more people reaching out to improve their general wellbeing.

The introduction of GLP-1 weight loss drugs has given many people a lifeline in their weight loss journey and will no doubt reduce immediate pressure on the NHS, but support is needed from our industry to ensure the wraparound services are provided. l At this year’s UK Active Awards, Sandwell Leisure Trust won the UK Active Outstanding Leadership Team award

KORE SANDWELL / ALEX STYLES PHOTOGRAPHY

over their Weight Management Programme, this will provide efficiencies for the local authority and will create future funding opportunities for the trust.

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SEE YOU!

For a strong and

16 -19 APR 2026

healthy society.

fibo.com

I NTERV I E W

I believe together we can change the world

Philippe Herbette With 400 locations and plans to enter new markets in 2026, Fitness Park Group’s growth shows no signs of slowing.

Yet its president is not in a hurry, he tells Kate Cracknell

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Our main challenge was that while Fitness Park was low price, it wasn’t high value, so we set about addressing this

Tell us about your background My personal fitness journey started as an athlete in 1986. By 1993, I was French bodybuilding champion.

I opened my first gym in 1994 and each year, would sell my current gym to open a bigger, better one. I continued to do this until 2015, although after a while I didn’t always have to sell one gym to build another and I grew my portfolio to four gyms.

In 2015, I acquired Groupe Moving, a franchise business that owned the Fitness Park, Club Moving, Lady Moving, Moving Express and Garden Gym brands. I brought my four clubs into the group and rebranded the business as Fitness Park.

FITNESS PARK GROUP

Why did you rebrand?

Groupe Moving was founded in 1986 and its former owner was in his 70s when he sold the business. It was a bit old-school, not really in line with what consumers wanted any more and it wasn’t performing particularly strongly:

revenues in 2015 were just €25m from around 200 clubs, of which approximately 30 were Fitness Park and 170 a mix of the other brands.

We shuttered all the brands other than Fitness Park – with its low-cost model, this was the brand with currency – and rebranded the whole business to Fitness Park Group. I believe HVLP [high value, low price] to be the best model in the fitness industry, looking to Planet Fitness as one of my primary inspirations, so this became our exclusive focus.

Our main challenge was that while Fitness Park was low price, it wasn’t especially high value at that time. We set about addressing this through design, marketing, product evolution and equipment, partnering with Technogym as our key supplier – alongside Hammer Strength, Eleiko, Gym 80 and others – and creating a contemporary, value-added offering with lots of strength, lifting platforms, functional zones with turf tracks and so on.

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FITNESS PARK GROUP

Carlyle Global Credit is backing Fitness Park Group

I NTERV I E W

FITNESS PARK GROUP / JOZSEF KERESZTES-NAGY

400 Fitness Park clubs delivered €500m in revenue – and we’ve done it without really changing the price. Membership used to cost €29.99 a month. We now charge €30.

What is Fitness Park’s USP? In this competitive market, it’s hard to create a USP in the product itself. When we began, we were among the first to install lifting platforms, for example and to use dark colour schemes, but now everyone’s following the same trends.

We innovate to differentiate. We have team members in the UK testing out equipment and concepts. We pilot new activities several times a year – programming, equipment, recovery and more – to see what our members enjoy.

We had long discussions before we partnered with Technogym. We didn’t just want good prices and good service. We also wanted to ensure its R&D department was willing and able to keep up with our growth and our ideas for innovation and evolution.

I do think our user experience is a strong one, with technology that makes everything simple for our members: in just a few clicks, you can book a class, bring a friend, change your membership package or update your payment method.

Another feature is our ability to deliver all of this at a low price: as mentioned, we’ve greatly enhanced the product without changing the price. Our scale enables this – and there aren’t many other big groups that can compete.

For €30 a month, members have full reciprocal access to every Fitness Park gym in the network. We don’t compensate franchisees for welcoming members from other clubs

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The quality of our teams and our franchisees is also a strength. We’re very careful who we partner with, taking time to get to know every potential franchisee, making sure we understand each other and that their beliefs match those of our company. That’s so important, because I’m not building this company on my own. We’re all building it together.

I think my personal ethos is a USP. I’m passionate about fitness and I’ve built this group with a lot of patience. My priority has always been to build a very high-quality group with the best possible product for just €30 a month.

Do all members pay the same rate?

For €30 a month, members have full reciprocal access to every Fitness Park in the network. At first, this made for challenging conversations with franchisees, because we don’t compensate them for welcoming members from other clubs. Over time, however, they’ve seen their home members benefiting from visiting other Fitness Park clubs and everyone is happy with the agreement.

We also offer a VIP membership, Carte Ultimate, which costs an additional €20 a month. This provides access to group exercise classes – around four or five a day, as we need to maintain our low-cost model – as well as drinks, Boditrax and a recovery area with Theraguns, red light therapy, cryotherapy, hydro-massage and compression therapy, plus more innovations to come.

Around 40 per cent of our members have upgraded to this membership tier. This additional yield has obviously contributed to our revenue growth, but it’s also down to having a lot more clubs and a lot more members: our membership base has reached 1.4 million.

How has the brand grown?

We started with around 45 Fitness Park clubs in 2015: the 30 existing sites, plus around 15 new or converted Moving clubs. That might sound low given there were around 200 in total, but many of Groupe Moving’s franchisees were getting to retirement age by 2015 and decided

Technogym has been instrumental is elevating the brand

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not to renew. Others became independent and still operate under the Club Moving brand.

From those 45 clubs in 2015, we’ve now reached 400 – 300 in France and 100 internationally. The majority of our international locations are in Spain and Morocco, but we’ve also just entered Portugal – we have one club there so far – and also have clubs in French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion and New Caledonia.

Of the 400 clubs, 25 per cent are corporately-owned – all in France – and 75 per cent are franchised. This high level of corporate ownership reflects our growth strategy so far, which has seen us buy clubs back from our franchisees – not because they wanted to exit, but because they could use that cash injection to open more sites.

As an example, if we buy 20 sites from our franchisees, they can use the money to open 40–50 gyms by adding debt leverage.

This has been an important contributor to our growth to date, but it will become less of a driver in the future. Most existing franchisees are

FITNESS PARK GROUP

I NTERV I E W

Modernising clubs in line with consumer demand brought huge growth

Around 75 per cent of Fitness Park clubs are franchised

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FITNESS PARK GROUP

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FITNESS PARK GROUP / STEEVE JOSCH

The company has grown to 400 clubs in France and beyond

Our buoyant performance enabled us to secure €280m from Carlyle Global Credit, which had identified underinvestment in the European fitness market as an issue now large enough to self-fund their growth, while new partners will need to come in with sufficient financial backing to fund their own expansion.

We’re already slowing down on buy-backs.

You recently received €280m in funding…

Our buoyant performance and strong figures enabled us to secure €280m from Carlyle Global Credit, a US-based fund that was looking to invest in the fitness sector – and in Europe specifically, having identified under-investment in the European fitness market. As one of the top 10 fitness groups in the world, Fitness Park was a perfect fit; there aren’t many large fitness groups in Europe.

The funding was a refinancing of existing debt after five years with our previous investor, allowing us to maintain our debt-to-turnover ratio.

The €280m will enable the continued development of the Fitness Park business, including entering new markets – we plan to

start with a handful of corporately-owned sites before franchising – and carrying on with our buy-back strategy in the short term.

We have the full trust of Carlyle Global Credit to run our business with autonomy.

What next in terms of growth?

I believe we can grow by another 100 Fitness Park clubs a year for the next 10 years. Some of that growth will come from our existing markets: we currently have around 70 clubs in Spain and I think we can do 300 more, while in France I think we have space for perhaps 200 more.

Next for us are Italy and Belgium, both of which we will enter in the first half of 2026.

We have a very strong head office and great support systems, giving us the confidence to enter more than one market at a time.

We’re also actively looking at the rest of Europe. The UK and Germany are both large markets and very interesting to us.

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FITNESS PARK GROUP / JOZSEF KERESZTES-NAGY

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Fitness Park is now looking at new international markets 54 Issue 11 2025 ©Cybertrek 2025

We’re already in early conversations for the US, Canada, the Middle East and Africa, although I don’t expect those to come to fruition for a few years yet; when we’re dealing with prospective new franchisees, we really take our time to get to know them and understand the market.

Certainly new markets don’t have to be French-speaking, as our success in Spain has shown. Nevertheless, when we’re considering a new country, we do try to speak to any French service industry brands that operate there. It doesn’t dictate where we go, but understanding their experiences can inform how we go there – the nuances that can help shape our success in that market.

In all honesty, though, we’re not especially focused on any particular country and we’re

FITNESS PARK GROUP

We can grow by 100 clubs a year for the next 10 years. Next are Italy and Belgium, both of which we will enter in 2026

Herbette is a former champion bodybuilder

Its charity arm, Fitness Park Foundation, offers access to those in need

not in a hurry. I absolutely believe people will still be going to gyms in 30 years, so we have time. Above all, we want to do it well.

always help. We work with those most in need, numbering around 1,000 individuals.

It’s a hugely important initiative.

Tell us about your the work of your charitable foundation Inspired and supported by the Fondation de France, the country’s leading philanthropy network, we created our own charitable organisation: the Fitness Park Foundation.

Our mission is to unlock access to fitness – and with it, the life-changing power of physical activity – for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to come to our clubs.

We believe that whatever your challenges are, whether it’s a disability or hitting particularly tough times, exercise can

What motivates you?

Besides my passion for fitness and my desire to do things really well, I’m motivated by the opportunity to help people fulfil their professional dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.

I’ve been there myself, building my own gyms 30 years ago. To me, it’s a huge privilege to now help others do the same thing. In my eyes, I’m not the only head of Fitness Park. There are hundreds of franchisees who own and lead their own companies thanks to this brand. I believe that together, we can change the world. l ©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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RESEARCH

EXERCISE

The antidote to GLP-1 decline

Les Mills and UK Active have partnered to publish the first industry report on GLP-1 drugs and muscle mass, as Kath Hudson reports

T

he impact of weight loss drugs on skeletal muscle mass and the importance of exercise and strength training has been revealed in a new report from Les Mills and UK Active.

GLP-1 medications and muscle mass preservation: Implications and recommendations for the health and fitness sector (www.hcmmag.com/LesMillsGLP-1) is one of the first reviews of global academic evidence exploring how weight loss medications work, the side effects and how to avoid the loss of lean body mass through exercise and strength training.

Led by Gillian Hatfield, associate professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, Canada, the review shows that loss of lean body mass is often an unintended consequence of taking weight loss medications. High caloric deficits lead to the body breaking down skeletal muscle tissue for energy and can have a significant impact on long-term health.

One paper reviewed in the study (IncretinBased Weight Loss Pharmacotherapy: Can Resistance Exercise Optimize Changes in Body Composition?) found that over a 68-78 week period, GLP-1 use led to a decrease of between 6.0 and 6.9 kg of lean muscle mass, or the equivalent of "a decade or more or human ageing," with this accelerated ageing likely to be a critical issue for consumers.

The review shows that loss of muscle mass is particularly concerning for older adults due to

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the increasing risk of frailty and falls, which costs the NHS in the UK £2.3 billion every year.

Exercise and weight management Combining exercise – particularly strength training – with a healthy diet can help mitigate muscle loss. This also has the added benefit of maintaining the amount of weight loss and minimising the overall muscle and bone loss found when taking the medications.

Exercising while using weight loss medications also helps to maintain weight loss after medication is discontinued by embedding better lifestyle habits.

Guidelines from the UK’s Chief Medical Officer recommend taking part in two-to-three strength training sessions a week and 150 minutes (two and a half hours) of moderate to vigorous physical activity a week, while guidance from the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence goes even further and suggests that those who are prescribed

MORE ON GLP-1S WHO guidelines The World Health Organization has released its first guidelines on the use of GLP-1s (www.hcmmag.com/WHOGLP-1).

WHO confirmed its position that medication alone will not solve the problem and that a supportive approach is needed, including counselling on behavioural and lifestyle changes –including regular exercise – and societal change.

WHO also endorsed GLP-1s for longer-term use – a change from the original advice that the drugs should only be used for three to six months.

More: www.HCMmag.com/WHOGLP-1

University of Oxford study Research from the University of Oxford has found that people using weight loss drugs return to their original weight less than a year after stopping the injections.

More: www.hcmmag.com/OxfordGLP-1

LES MILLS / DEAN PODMORE

Success with GLP-1 medication relies on maintaining muscle mass through strength training

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RESEARCH

medicines for weight management should receive wraparound care focusing on diet, nutrition and increasing physical activity – including strength training – rather than using them as standalone treatments.

Uptake of the medication has surged, with the UK weight loss market experiencing average monthly growth of 24.6 per cent between October 2024 and March 2025. However, government efforts have focused on rollout rather than essential lifestyle changes.

The report authors are calling for the UK government to urgently convene the nutrition sector and the health and fitness sector on the required wraparound support offered to GLP-1 patients, with commitment and investment from the pharmaceutical sector.

Fitness professionals are given a number of practical recommendations to support consumers taking the drugs, including working proactively with the nutrition and obesity sector, upskilling the workforce and keeping abreast of up-to-date evidence.

Call for governments to act Dr Matthew Wade, interim director of research at UK Active, says: “The rapid rollout of GLP-1s has shown dramatic results for patients, but in order to avoid weakening the body, there are simple and effective strength exercises that are essential for sustainable results.

“The health and fitness sector can support people taking weight loss medications, but we want to see the government go further by working with the fitness, nutrition and pharmaceutical industries to deliver the critical wraparound support patients need.”

Bryce Hastings, head of research at Les Mills, says: “Regular strength training is vital to our health at all stages of life, but the research suggests this is especially true for people taking weight loss medications.

"In addition to strength training two to three times a week, it's recommended that people taking weight loss medications accumulate 150 minutes (two and a half hours) of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. Studies have shown this helps continue fat mass

LES MILLS / DEAN PODMORE

Les Mills has published a groundbreaking report into GLP-1s and exercise

Regular strength training is vital to our health at all stages of life, but the research suggests this is especially true for people taking weight loss medications 58

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LES MILLS/UK ACTIVE GLP-1 medications and muscle mass preservation Key recommendations:

1 Governments should urgently convene

discussions with the nutrition and dietetics sector and the health and fitness sector on the required wrap-around support for GLP-1 patients, with committed support and investment from the pharmaceutical sector.

2

The health and fitness sector should review its health offering, as well as working proactively with the nutrition and obesity sector to forge partnerships to support people taking weight loss medication.

The sector must influence consumer perceptions

Accelerating ageing Liz Terry, editor of HCM, said: “The finding that using GLP-1s can accelerate human ageing by ten years in 18 months will be a wake-up call for consumers and will motivate many to seek out exercise as a solution.

"This report gives the industry a vital update on the science behind the impact GLP-1s have on health, as well as highlighting the opportunities for the sector.

“We now have the opportunity to represent with one voice, adding our input to a debate that has – so far – been dominated by big pharma.

“We urge operators to reflect on the recommendations of this report and to partner with health professionals, the pharmaceutical industry and governments to make a real difference.

“We'd also like to see pharmaceutical companies seeking out partnerships in the health and fitness industry for the delivery of these vital interventions through collaboration, for the sake of consumers and their own reputations,” said Terry l More: www.HCMmag.com/doomscenario

understanding of weight loss medication across the health and fitness sector and its workforce, through the delivery of specific training.

4

The sector must influence consumer perceptions and continue to communicate up-to-date evidence of weight loss medication mechanisms, effectiveness, side effects and how exercise can support individuals taking weight loss medication.

This should include understanding the impact of side-effects and low energy levels associated with caloric deficits and the impact this may have on the volume and progression of exercise.

LES MILLS / DEAN PODMORE

loss in the weight maintenance phase of treatment and lessen weight regain after treatment has stopped.

“More research is needed to deeper understand the relationship between weight loss medications and strength training, but the evidence and recommendations in our report are the start of the journey and offer practical next steps to better support the growing number of people taking weight loss medication,” said Hastings.

3 There's a need to increase knowledge and

5 The sector needs to continue the

encouragement of regular physical activity (150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week) with a specific focus on resistance training two to three times a week.

6

There is a need to increase the healthcare sector’s knowledge and understanding of how the health and fitness sector can support individuals taking weight loss medication through regular physical activity that's undertaken to current guidelines.

7

Further research should be conducted on the role of exercise and in particular resistance training on the short- and longterm effectiveness of weight loss medication use. This should include evidence to support the specific protocols of resistance training.

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RETENTION LIKE NEVER BEFORE Since investing in an EGYM solution, members at Active Blackpool stay active 20% longer thanks to gamified strength training, personalised workouts and community building.

www.egym.com/uk | sales@egym.com

SPONSORED

Investment in EGYM’s Open Mode is driving member engagement at Active Blackpool, as Chris Rushton explains All members are inducted into the EGYM Ecosystem

F

ollowing the phenomenal success of EGYM’s integration as an engagement driver and data-capture solution across multiple physical activity-led health pathways, Active Blackpool has expanded its investment in EGYM hardware to ensure everyone can benefit.

“EGYM’s Smart Strength series – functioning as a circuit – has been instrumental in enabling us to scale and demonstrate our exercise-on-referral pathways,” explains Chris Rushton, head of Active Blackpool. “The automated setup, AI-powered progressive exercise prescription and indisputable outcomes data have allowed us to attract referrals from healthcare professionals and support those who need it most, creating incredible health-improvement opportunities for the wider population. Now, we want to encourage more people, not just those with health conditions, to integrate EGYM into their training.

Opening up access to everyone “As part of our member journey, everyone is inducted into the EGYM Ecosystem,” continues Rushton.

“Some members prefer to mix up their sessions with modular, free-weight and cardiovascular equipment and don’t always want to complete a full EGYM Smart circuit every visit, so we now offer a hybrid model, with EGYM available both within and beyond a circuit.”

Blackpool Sports Centre has introduced additional EGYM Smart Strength units, the Hip Thrust, Bicep Curl, Tricep Curl and the newly launched Squat, all positioned as standalone stations on the main gym floor.

“These units can be accessed via EGYM’s ‘Open Mode’,” explains Rushton. “This empowers users to

EGYM

HEALTH IMPROVEMENT WITH EGYM EGYM is creating incredible healthimprovement opportunities for people in Blackpool Chris Rushton, Active Blackpool enjoy the same automated setup, digital coaching and smart personalisation as circuit users, but with the freedom to incorporate EGYM into a broader workout. It’s opening up access to all the benefits of EGYM for everyone and connecting our community through a fully-integrated fitness experience.”

The role of gamification Enabling EGYM equipment in Open Mode also unlocks opportunities to gamify the gym experience, introducing strength-based challenges that pit members against themselves, each other or even their trainers. This friendly competition builds community spirit, boosts motivation and delivers both mental and physical benefits, helping create the ‘sticky’ members who stay active for longer.

“Members who train on EGYM remain active for around 20 per cent longer, according to EGYM’s global data,” says Rushton. “The more people we engage in the EGYM Ecosystem, the stronger our community health outcomes and our commercial sustainability become.”

More: www.egym.com/uk ©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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TO U G H TI M ES

Meijer lost her brother to a sudden heart attack in 2019

URBAN GYM GROUP

I’ve learned that sometimes life gets very dark, but that the sun always shines again 62

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Marjolijn Meijer

Life lesson ____ s

The entrepreneur and co-founder of the Urban Gym Group tells Kath Hudson how personal loss inspired her to

I

establish Renessence, one of Europe’s first wellbeing clubs

was a bit of a golden girl, both at work and at home. I come from a loving family with one brother. My ex-partner and I started a business together and had a son and a daughter.

Everything was perfect. But when I was 48, my partner decided he didn't want to continue with our marriage and family; he wanted a different future and my life was turned upside down.

My daughter, who was 13, was having a difficult time and struggling with her mental health, while my 16-year-old son was rebelling. I was alone and my heart was broken. Then my brother suddenly died of a heart attack while playing tennis.

He was 48 – we were only 13 months apart – he was my buddy and we were very close.

That was in 2019, so COVID followed shortly after. Compared to the grief in my personal life, the pandemic was easy. We lost money, but that's nothing compared to the loss of loved ones.

Focus on what you can influence Stephen Covey's book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People became my bible during this difficult period.

One of the chapters is about the circle of influence – there are things in life you can influence and others you cannot and you choose where to put your energy. It taught me to let go of the things I couldn't influence and focus on the things I could.

I couldn't bring my brother back, but there were problems in the company that I could solve, so together with my business partner, Jordy Kool, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work.

For me, work is a kind of remedy; I love the company and our industry so much. It gives me freedom and fills me with passion. Although the pandemic was intense, it gave Jordy and me valuable time with our teams that we will never have again. We had 10 months to discuss strategy and restructure the entire business. We got to know the teams better – from the shop floor, to the head office.

For me, work is a kind of remedy; I love the company and our industry so much. It gives me freedom and fills me with passion ©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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URBAN GYM GROUP

URBAN GYM GROUP

I realised something profound: we’re all simply humans, doing our best, carrying our own battles, often unseen

Renessence has a focus on interventions that calm the nervous system

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Ultimately, we promoted three women who had been working behind the scenes to key positions.

I sought a lot of help during this period: talk therapy, retreats, breathwork, bodywork and massage. I was open to everything and learned a lot about myself by going through different layers of trauma. I realised that some of the pain I was feeling was caused by events from the distant past and was able to let that go. It felt like peeling back the layers of an onion.

This period also inspired the launch of our wellness concept, Renessence. We had a fitness club in Amsterdam's financial district that was hit hard by COVID when people stopped going to the office, so we decided to do something different with the space. I was inspired by various social wellness concepts in the US and wanted to create a place for wellness and relaxation. Somewhere people could be completely themselves.

We were early adopters of the modalities for a long life. In addition to treatments, yoga,

PHOTO: DANIEL TJONGARI PHOTOGRAPHY

The group’s brands include Gymbox, TRIB3 and TrainMore

sdf

URBAN GYM GROUP

Renessence was inspired by social wellness concepts in the US

meditation and breathwork, we offer cryotherapy, infrared saunas, flotation tanks, ice baths, infusions and oxygen-hydroxy therapy.

Although we had to invest a lot in this location, it has turned out beautifully and is a place people love to come. Next year, we’ll take it to the next level by expanding our range of services. There’s an increasing need for mental health support and interventions that calm the nervous system.

We’re going to focus on these even more.

The sun will shine again I’ve learned that sometimes it gets very dark, but that the sun will shine again. When my brother died, I thought I couldn't sink any lower, that I was in a terrible situation, but the sun came out again.

Sometimes you can't imagine it, but it does happen.

If you find yourself in a terrible situation, there will be a tiny light far away, try to see it. Maybe it's a flower, maybe a bird, but it will be there.

I sought a lot of help: talk therapy, retreats, breathwork, bodywork and massage and this inspired the launch of our wellness concept, Renessence My outlook on life changed completely during that period. I became stronger and my heart grew a little tougher. It also made me realise how important it is to really live in the moment and taught me how to enjoy my life.

I’m now more involved with all aspects of my life and, although I love my work, I make more room for my family, my friends and my new love.

And what I’m most proud of is that my son and daughter are doing fantastically well. My son is going to study business administration next year and my daughter is studying fashion in Paris.

I can look in the mirror and sincerely say, ‘I’m an intensely happy woman.’ l ©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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SPONSORED

TechnoAlpin’s snow rooms are ideal for use after the gym

Snow is an engaging and holistic way to cool down after exercise

C

old has long played a central role in athletic recovery. From cryotherapy to ice baths, it’s widely used in elite sports to reduce inflammation and support faster recovery.

But this is no longer reserved for professionals. Whether for elite competitors or anyone finishing a tough workout, the need for rest, repair, and readiness is universal. As recovery science evolves, so does the use of cold – shifting from strictly clinical methods toward more holistic, full-body experiences that support both physical and mental wellbeing. Snow introduces this new approach, making the cool-down phase easier, more engaging and accessible across all levels of sport.

Cold as experience Unlike the shock of ice baths or the sterile feel of cryo chambers, snow-based recovery – such as in a snowroom – offers a calm environment, delivering cold in a soft, multisensory way that feels natural and intuitive.

“There are well-recognised cold therapies such as cryochambers and ice baths,” says 66

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Dr Stephen Lewis, team doctor for Chelsea Football Club. “But the snowroom is something different. It merges the physiological effects of cold with a more holistic experience – there’s a beautiful, calming aesthetic to it.”

Indoor snow environments make the cold tactile, visual, and gentle. Rather than overwhelming the body, they invite gradual cooling that resonates with the nervous system, easing it into rest and recalibration.

How snow aids recovery After intense effort, the body experiences micro-trauma in the form of muscle fibre tears, as well as temporary inflammation and the accumulation of metabolic waste.

These are normal parts of the adaptation process, but can also be the sources of fatigue and soreness.

Cold exposure can help support recovery by gently lowering tissue temperature and moderating bloodflow. It may also help maintain neuromuscular function and movement quality after exercise.

A 2023 report, commissioned by TechnoAlpin Indoor, and published by the University of Trento

TECHNOALPIN

RETHINKING RECOVERY

TECHNOALPIN

Time in a snowroom aids recovery

DR. STEPHEN LEWIS

Snow improves sleep, supports recovery and builds team spirit Dr Stephen Lewis in collaboration with the CERISM, Research Centre at the University of Verona, reviewed 13 systematic reviews and 18 studies from the last decade. It confirmed that cryotherapy is more effective for post-exercise recovery than passive rest, especially after match-type exertion.

Whole-body cryotherapy often outperforms ColdWater Immersion, though comparisons with passive cooling methods, such as snow remain limited. These findings highlight both the proven biology of cold and the need for more user-friendly delivery methods.

Snow stands out for its gentle, even cooling.

Instead of shocking the body, it introduces cold gradually, making it accessible for more people and easier and more pleasurable to integrate into regular recovery routines.

“Snow preserves muscle function by limiting inflammation and reducing creatine kinase levels,” notes Lewis. “Players feel less sore, less tired and more prepared to perform again.”

Mental and social recovery In high-performance environments, recovery must also include mental regeneration – calming the nervous system, improving mood and supporting quality sleep. Cold environments stimulate dopamine and endorphin release, enhance emotional balance, reduce stress and promote better sleep – vital whether you’re preparing for the next match or your next workout.

Snowrooms play a unique role here. They’re immersive rather than isolating, activating

the senses in a gentle way that encourages a parasympathetic, restorative state. They also function as social spaces, as – unlike the solitude of cryo chambers, or the discomfort of ice baths – snowrooms invite conversation, shared rituals and moments of connection that support team cohesion and motivation.

“You can’t underestimate the mental aspect,” says Lewis. “Cold improves sleep, supports emotional recovery and helps build a sense of team spirit.”

From elite to everyday The biological effects of cold recovery are universal, whether you’re playing in the Premier League or returning to the gym after work.

The University of Trento and Verona’s report confirms that cold recovery is especially helpful in high-intensity and intermittent sports, though responses vary based on activity type and technique, reinforcing the need for personalised, user-centric recovery strategies.

Ultimately, accessibility and comfort matter.

Snow-based recovery transforms cold exposure from something clinical into something experiential, multi-sensory and inclusive.

As wellness becomes integrated into sport, cold recovery is being reimagined. Across elite and everyday fitness, snow creates space for the body to heal, the mind to reset and teams or individuals to reconnect, restoring them for whatever comes next. ● More: www.indoor.technoalpin.com ©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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SPECIFIER Innovations in strength training are driving growth in the market

STRONG MOVES

SHUTTERSTOCK / STANDRET

The world of strength training is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by robust consumer demand. Juile Cramer speaks to suppliers about their latest launches

Technogym Biostrength maximises neuromuscular activation

TECHNOGYM

BIOSTRENGTH Nerio Alessandri

Nerio Alessandri

Technogym Our Biostrength solution, powered by Biodrive, is an AI-driven aerospace technology designed to maximise neuromuscular activation and ensure good form. With personalised programmes and real-time biofeedback, users achieve superior strength results faster.

As demand for intelligent, adaptive training grows, the Technogym Ecosystem and App deliver data tracking from reps to progress insights.

Users can choose from six workload modes, each tailored to their goals and offering flexibility and precision. Whether they’re chasing performance or recovery, Biostrength adapts to them, making workouts smarter, safer and more effective.

Costs vary, depending on the Biostrength product selected. Space and installation requirements also differ and are determined by a site survey.

Operators such as Circadian Leisure Trust, Crow Wood and Colets Health and Fitness have chosen Biostrength over traditional pinloaded weights and are reporting increased user engagement, with Colets and Circadian noting strong uptake among older members, highlighting Biostrength’s appeal across age groups.

With personalised programmes and realtime biofeedback, users achieve superior strength results faster WHAT’S NEXT? Technogym Reform will integrate with the Technogym ecosystem Technogym Reform, which was soft-launched in 2025, will come to market in early 2026, expanding our offering into the world of Pilates.

It will integrate with the Technogym ecosystem, delivering a complete wellness solution and marks a strategic move to meet growing demand.

More: www.technogym.com

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SPECIFIER

BLK BOX has launched Smith Machine attachments to extend functionality

BLK BOX SMITH MACHINE ATTACHMENT Greg Bradley BLK BOX

More: www.blkboxfitness.com

WHAT’S NEXT? We’re expanding into cardio with a new line of treadmills With lifting-and-running and other hybrid training modalities on the rise, we’re expanding into cardio with a new line of treadmills in development.

Initial releases are targeted for early 2026, with specifications, pricing and lead times to follow as we finalise testing, certifications and manufacturing schedules.

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BLK BOX

Members and PTs are using the Smith Machine attachment as an introductory tool to develop confidence BLK BOX / MATT MACKEY

Smith machine use has increased as strength training reaches a broader audience, with many seeing it as an accessible entry point to compound lifts.

For gym owners, the footprint and cost of a standalone unit can be challenging.

Our Smith Machine Attachment integrates with our ecosystem of racks to deliver Smith functionality within the existing footprint at a fraction of the cost.

Unlike a standalone machine, it bolts directly to existing uprights. Most clients install it themselves, though we’re available to assist if needed. The rack structure carries the load, so no additional sub-floor works are required beyond standard anchors.

Our customers include commercial gyms, independent gyms and wellness facilities that cater to a broad demographic. Members and PTs are using it as an introductory tool to develop confidence due to its added stability for more focused lifts.

Greg Bradley

We designed the Smart Strength Squat to automate set-up, coach correct form and make movement safe

SMART STRENGTH SQUAT Steve Barton

Steve Barton

Integrated into EGYM’s open ecosystem, this innovation empowers trainers with personalised, outcome-based programming, while providing members with motivating benchmarks and operators with credible, data-driven health impact.

Having launched at FIBO earlier this year, this new innovation has only just landed in the UK. Portway Lifestyle Centre, Sandwell, managed by Sandwell Leisure Trust, is the first site in the UK to install it.

More: www.egym.com

EGYM / BENJAMINOLSZEWSKI

EGYM’s Smart Strength Squat and Squat Flexibility Test enable gyms to assess, prescribe and evidence strength training. Recognising the squat’s effectiveness but technical complexity, EGYM designed the Smart Strength Squat to automate set-up, coach correct form and make movement safe and accessible.

Paired with the 25-second Squat Flexibility Test, which delivers a BioAge Flexibility Score via 3D analysis, operators can measure mobility, stability and control with clinical precision.

EGYM

EGYM UK

WHAT’S NEXT? More partner integrations will enable operators to increase personalisation Set to come in the next few months are more partner integrations to further enhance the capabilities of EGYM’s digital ecosystem and provide operators with more opportunities to personalise their members’ connected gym experience.

Pre-programme options will also be extended to enable trainers to prescribe evidence-based training plans that address specific health conditions.

New from EGYM are the Smart Strength Squat and more partner integrations

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SPECIFIER

UNIVERSAL CABLE AND SYNERGY Jim Pisani Life Fitness / Hammer Strength LIFE FITNESS

Our Universal Cable is engineered for inclusivity and versatility.

It offers intuitive single-hand adjustments and a 3:1 cable ratio.

Certified to ASTM F3021-17 standards, it’s fully accessible to both traditional and wheelchair users in cable training zones and inclusive wellness spaces, while its compact footprint and accessible storage ensure it fits seamlessly into any facility.

Our Synergy equipment redefines what’s possible in group and individual training. With configurable

training bays, integrated cable columns and Olympic bar training, its modular design adapts to any space – whether as a wall-adjacent unit or as a central hub. Smart storage keeps accessories organised, maximising both training variety and floor space.

Both Synergy and Universal Cable are new strength solutions. The Universal Cable is similar in size to a Jim Pisani traditional dual adjustable pulley, while the Synergy footprint can be as small as 1.2m or as large as a facility would want. Configuration and customisation options are available on our website.

More: www.lifefitness.com

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LIFE FITNESS

Life Fitness is launching the new Universal Cable machine

THE NAUTILUS BELT SQUAT Travis Vaughan Core Health and Fitness

CORE HEALTH AND FITNESS

More: www.corehandf.com

CORE HEALTH AND FITNESS

With health club operators seeking ways to maximise performance while protecting members from injury, the Nautilus Belt Squat answers the call.

It delivers the intensity of traditional squats without loading the spine, making it suitable for everyone from athletes chasing power and everyday members building strength safely, to those who are rehabilitating.

Its smooth, natural motion engages the glutes and quads with precision, while design details ensure comfort, confidence and durability. For operators, it’s a versatile piece that speaks to the future of strength training – safe, inclusive and designed to deliver results.

The machine offers a compact footprint and simple installation with no specialist fixings required.

Designed to fit into any strength space, it’s versatile and durable. Pricing varies by facility requirements.

Early adopters, such as Fervid Fitness, are using the Nautilus Belt Squat to enhance their strength zones, offering members a safer, more inclusive way to train legs heavy without spinal load.

Travis Vaughan

It delivers the intensity of traditional squats without loading the spine WHAT’S NEXT? Added solutions in the Leverage range will deliver fresh training experinces Early 2026 will see new additions designed to build on the momentum of the Belt Squat. Added solutions in the Leverage range will include the Pendulum Squat, Power Squat, Leg Extension and Leg Curl to deliver fresh training experiences and more versatility to strength spaces.

Fresh from the Core Health and Fitness R&D team is the Nautilus Belt Squat

SPECIFIER

DHZ BOOTY RANGE PSLT The DHZ Booty Range is a response to booming demand for targeted gluteand-hip training equipment. Many gyms struggle to offer optimised hip-thrusts, Graham Bertrand abductions and glute-isolations in a safe, space-efficient way and we saw this need.

The range features plate-loaded machines with ergonomic biomechanics – for example the Standing Hip Thrust A605L – userfriendly loading and adjustable support pads for comfort and proper muscle engagement.

The benefits are high-impact glute activation, fewer injury risks and a compact footprint.

Prices start from £2,500 and space depends on the product selected.

PSLT

The benefits are highimpact glute activation, fewer injury risks and a compact footprint

Graham Bertrand

More: www.pslt.co.uk

WHAT’S NEXT? In 2026, PSLT will be offering a new cardio range PSLT offers the full range of DHZ products including the Titan Extreme, Evost III and specialist ranges including power racks and free-standing storage. In addition in 2026 PSLT will also be offering a cardio range.

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PSLT

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D2F FITNESS

John Lofting

It’s a step forward in making strength training both biomechanically efficient and performance-focused

ALTRAFIT CABLE ATTACHMENTS John Lofting D2F Fitness

Altrafit will launch a new range of strength kit in 2026

D2F FITNESS

For our in-house brand, Altrafit, we identified a growing demand for evidencebased, ergonomic strength tools that enhance comfort and performance.

Our new ergonomic cable attachment set includes five uniquely-designed bars for strength training.

Crafted from solid steel with a special non-slip rubber coating, each bar is ergonomically shaped to reduce joint strain while maximising muscle activation.

We believe this innovation aligns with the latest training trends, helping lifters train harder, more safely and more effectively, with a greater focus on cables. It’s a step forward in making strength training biomechanically efficient and performance-focused.

The full set of attachments costs £142 and has five differently shaped and sized bars that fit any cable attachment stand, clipping and unclipping easily.

Many of our customers, including Everyone Active, Places Leisure and Serco, have purchased the sets as part of their gym floor offering and we’ve had amazing feedback on members getting the most from their sessions as a result.

WHAT’S NEXT? A new range of Altrafit strength kit will target independent gyms We’re planning to launch a new range of Altrafit strength kit, specifically targeting independent gyms with a small number of sites. The focus will be on delivering a quality, durable range of typical strength training equipment at an attractive price.

More: www.d2ffitness.com

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The Kingsbox Single Cable Machine is a new space saver from Absolute Performance

ABSOLUTE PERFORMANCE

SPECIFIER

Solutions like this allow owners to flex their facility for different types of training at any time

KINGSBOX SINGLE CABLE MACHINE Harry Tafota-Nash Absolute Performance

More: www.aperformance.co.uk

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Harry Tafota-Nash

WHAT’S NEXT? We’re launching a range of multi-layer acoustic flooring We’ve listened to operators who are looking to establish their business in properties that have neighbours who are sensitive to noise from heavy gym equipment and we’re launching cost-effective sounddeadening platforms and multi-layer acoustic flooring.

ABSOLUTE PERFORMANCE / CLEARCUT SOCIAL

We’ve introduced a space-saving single cable machine that folds away. Many gyms are looking to maximise space for multiple uses and solutions like this allow owners to flex their facility for different types of training at any time – great for organised sessions or classes.

It’s built by our product partner, Kingsbox and is wall-mounted on sturdy brackets. It includes a wheeled footplate to help the machine glide away, folding to the left or right when not in use. There are 26 pin locking points allowing the user to train in a variety of positions.

The cable machine attaches to the wall with two brackets, each using three heavy-duty bolts. Given the stack weight, which can be up to 120kg, professional fitting is advised.

It’s just over 2.5m tall, less than a meter deep when in use and less than a ruler length when folded away. It’s priced from £1,595+VAT. It’s only just been released into the market following interest at FIBO 2025. The machine has been designed for smaller gyms and studios and anywhere with space restrictions.

Strength, Fitness and the Pursuit of Better.

View our catalogue

blkboxfitness.com

FITNESS SUPERSTORE

SPECIFIER

SHUA FITNESS BENCH PRESS Antony Morrison Fitness Superstore Shua Fitness regularly expands its lineup of strength training machines and as its UK distribution partner, we’re excited to offer their latest release.

The 69 Series ISO-Inclined Bench Press has been designed by Shua’s R&D team in collaboration with bodybuilding champions. It’s a plate-loaded machine with arms that move independently for focused chest isolation, but what makes it really stand out is its adjustable range of motion. Users can choose from four starting positions, creating a stretch that’s as deep as they need it to be.

The ISO-Inclined Bench Press costs £2,295 inc. VAT. The Bench Press is brand new to the UK market.

Its heavy-duty structure and customisable range of motion lends itself to facilities with athletes looking to personalise their machine-based training further than the typical machine offers.

Antony Morrison

What makes this plateloaded machine really stand out is its adjustable range of motion

More: www.fitness-superstore.co.uk

WHAT’S NEXT?

A further 11 machines have been added to Shua’s 69 Series ISO range which will be available to health clubs and gym facilities exclusively through FS Commercial Division soon. We’re also planning to bring in Shua’s 77 Series Hybrid range, which combines the benefits of a selectorised and plate-loaded machine in one – watch this space!

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FITNESS SUPERSTORE

We’re bringing in Shua’s 77 Series Hybrid range that combines selectorised with plate loaded

The new Shua Fitness Bench Press

W E

C R E A T E

S T R E N G T H

T R A I N I N G

S P A C E S

At IndigoFitness, we believe that exceptional training spaces are born from intelligent design, expert craftmanship, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Proudly designed and manufactured in Britain.

See the full project: www.indigofitness.com

SPECIFIER

ELEIKO BARBELLS Oskar Ragvald Eleiko Group AB

ELEIKO GROUP

The new Eleiko barbells offer greater insight, precision and durability for enhanced training experiences. More bars across the range are now sensor-ready, featuring easier-access endcaps and a patented sleeve design that integrates space for sensors within the sleeves for realtime performance tracking and lift analysis.

Updates include tighter tolerances and our patent-pending Force Redistribution System, which improves fatigue resistance, extending bar life. The range includes Competition, Training and MultiPurpose series – each tailored for Olympic lifting, powerlifting, and general strength. The bar colour coding and ID ring simplify bar selection in busy spaces, while more refined knurling optimises grip.

The new bar range is priced from around £669.

No special installation or fixings are required.

Sensor-ready bars feature recessed endcaps for sensor placement. Sensors are sold separately.

Expanding sensor readiness gives trainers and lifters advanced lifting analysis and programming capabilities. This new range supports athletes and fitness enthusiasts of all levels.

Expanding sensor readiness across the bar range gives coaches and lifters advanced lifting analysis

Oskar Ragvald

More: www.eleiko.com

WHAT’S NEXT? 2026 will see the growth of Eleiko Cables and Prestera system

ELEIKO GROUP

Next year will see ongoing development across core product categories, including the continued growth of Eleiko Cables and the Prestera Strength System, as well as advancements in our platform and flooring categories.

Eleiko has launched a new range of barbells 80

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Worldwide Fitness Company

Ziva’s Lumina Line has 40 products to create a coordinated gym floor

SPECIFIER

ZIVA STRENGTH ZIVA STRENGTH

Lumina redefines functional fitness equipment as part of a club’s interior design

Jo Rich

ZIVA LUMINA LINE Jo Rich Ziva Strength The Ziva Lumina Line was created to meet growing demand for design-led fitness spaces. With its muted tones, soft textures and eco-conscious finishes, Lumina enables functional fitness equipment to work as part of the interior design of a club.

The line consists of over 40 products, from strength, storage, functional, benches and recovery, to cover all fitness facility requirements at a variety of prices-points, all freestanding with no fixings required.

The Lumina line was launched at FIBO 2025 and will be available in the UK market from November.

More: www.uk.ziva.com

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Distribution of the Lumina Line is ramping up

WHAT’S NEXT? We’re launching the Velocity Series to meet the demand for Hyrox and Athx training Ziva is also launching the HX Series, a range of equipment and storage and the Velocity Series for HIIT cardio to meet the growing demand to train for fitness competitions such as Hyrox and Athx .

M U

SPECIFIER

CABLE WALL IndigoFitness

INDIGO FITNESS

Nicola Nixon-Purnell

Many clubs position the cable wall as a central gym floor hub, supporting high member usage

One of our new strength solutions is the Cable Wall, a fully-configurable cable system designed to optimise space.

Demand for cable stations has surged, driven by the rise of functional Nicola Nixon-Purnell training and the Cable Wall was developed to address this by maximising capacity, without compromising floor space, through customisable spacing, height and stack configurations.

The Cable Wall’s cost and footprint vary by WHAT’S NEXT? configuration. It can be scaled from single to multi-station setups. Engineered with robust We’ll be launching enhancements steel frames for secure floor or wall fixing, it and accessories for our cable range can stand alone or integrate with racks and Alongside the Cable this year we’ve expanded, pods, including double-sided layouts. with dual-sided configurations, cable-toThe equipment is already installed in local rack integration and functional pods. In authority leisure centres, private health clubs and 2026, we’ll launch further enhancements commercial gyms in the UK to increase lifting and accessories to make our cable range stations, functional zones and cable capacity. more versatile, space-efficient and operatorOperators value its space efficiency and scalability friendly for multifunctional training zones. and some position it as a central gym floor hub.

More: www.indigofitness.com

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INDIGO FITNESS

The IndigoFitness Cable wall is a space saver

MOTIVATION go UNLOCKED Motivation Motivation unlocked Myzone Myzone Go Go brings brings the the power power of of MoTech MoTech to to everyone everyone with with a a smart smart watch. watch.

-

No barriers, no complex set up, No barriers, no complex set up, no extra admin no extra admin Your members simply ‘scan. connect. go’ Your members simply ‘scan. connect. go’ Earn revenue on every renewal Earn revenue on every renewal Extend reach, boost retention, Extend reach, boost retention, and grow your community and grow your community

Learn more at myzone.org/go Learn more at myzone.org/go

SPECIFIER

Heart rate training can be a major motivator for consumers

SHUTTERSTOCK/MILAN ILIC PHOTOGRAPHER

MOTIVATION MATTERS Heart-rate training and gamified technology enable operators to create uplifting experiences that keep members coming back for more, finds Julie Cramer

Myzone Go acts as a personal motivation coach

Myzone users on average perform three to four workouts per week and stay with their gyms for two years Jay Worthy Myzone MY ZONE

Can you evidence your impact on results and retention?

Retention Guru, Dr Paul Bedford, who has analysed more than 300 million gym visits and 9000 clubs across the world, has proven that 50 per cent of gym members leave within 12 months, but members who visit four times per month reduce their cancellation risk by 29 per cent – that’s just as a result of one visit per week.

From 2025 Myzone proprietary data, active Myzone users on average perform 3 to 4 workouts per week and they stay with their gyms for two years.

What new features have you added?

With behaviour change expert Dr Heather McKee appointed as motivation science advisor, Myzone has embedded evidence-based motivation techniques across every user touchpoint.

In addition to onboarding improvements, Myzone Go delivers a software-first experience, seamlessly accessible via Apple and Android smartwatches.

Acting as a personal motivation coach, it builds lasting exercise habits through real-time feedback, gamified challenges, and positive reinforcement to boost engagement and reduce dropout.

MY ZONE

M

yzone is a leader in Motivation Technology (MoTech), a new FitTech category combining behavioural science with cutting-edge technology to keep people moving for life. Our award-winning, heart rate-based effort tracking platform motivates individuals by rewarding effort, not fitness level, making group exercise inclusive and engaging for everyone.

The new Myzone Go experience extends motivation beyond the gym, providing a software-first platform accessible via Myzone devices, Apple Watch or Android smartwatches. Trusted by operators, trainers, and millions of users in over 100 countries, Myzone turns movement into measurable, rewarding, community-driven action.

What are you planning?

Myzone’s functionality continues to evolve for operator benefit, in line with user feedback and industry needs. Ongoing app updates will enhance user experience and operational insights to ensure the platform remains fresh and relevant in a fast-moving market.

Upcoming features will include ‘weekly streaks’ to reward consistency, richer visual feedback, and new motivational movement prompts, all designed to sustain engagement and help users stay active for life.

How many clubs use your system?

Myzone’s ecosystem is embedded in thousands of gyms, fitness clubs, leisure centres, sports facilities, schools and wellness locations worldwide.

Which operators do you work with?

Examples include: David Lloyd, Village Hotels, Everlast, Anytime Fitness, Everyone Active, Places for People Leisure, Third Space and Snap Fitness.

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SPECIFIER

Shay Amir Spivi

S

SPIVI

pivi empowers businesses to deliver engaging, results-driven heart rate training. Compatible with ANT+ wearables, Apple/Android smartwatches and fitness equipment, it projects members’ real-time heart rate zones and metrics on screen.

Gamified features such as challenges, points, levels, awards, badges, milestones and loyalty reward points keep members motivated and consistent. Instructors coach intensity through color-coded zones, while operators access analytics that reveal performance and participation trends. Spivi makes every beat matter, turning effort into motivation and data into results while connecting community, performance and progress to drive engagement and retention.

real-time heart rate feedback, leaderboards, achievements and reward programs. Engagement data shows members attending more sessions and staying active longer.

Operators gain analytics to track effort, progress, and trends, enabling data-driven retention strategies. For retention, it reduces churn by fostering community and motivation, with clubs reporting higher loyalty and added classes due to popularity.

What new features have you added and how do they work?

Spivi’s new Treadmill System transforms every run into an immersive, data-driven experience.

Compatible with ANT+ treadmills, it delivers live speed and distance, while syncing heart rate from ANT+ wearables and Apple/Android smartwatches.

Can you evidence the impact on results and retention?

Spivi drives measurable improvements in both performance and retention. Operators report higher participation, consistency and class attendance as members train with purpose through

SPIVI

Our new Treadmill System turns training into a thrilling, competitive experience that keeps members pushing for more

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Members can see their stats come to life

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How many health clubs in the world use your system?

Trusted globally, Spivi drives results for thousands of fitness clubs in 60+ countries with 20 million workouts completed.

What functionality are you planning?

Spivi is introducing a new Fitness Test Log that lets members record and track their progress across strength, endurance and performance tests.

Members can log results from structured assessments or manual entries, such as a six-minute run, to visualise improvements over time. This empowers members to set goals while giving clubs insight into community performance trends, turning data into progress and long-term engagement.

Which operators do you work with?

Spivi is trusted by a wide range of organisations, from nonprofits like the YMCA and JCCs, to universities such as Carnegie Mellon and Penn State, corporate wellness programmes including Ford and INEOS, and chains like Bodytech, Blush Bootcamp and more. Thousands of studios worldwide use Spivi to drive performance and engagement.

More: www.spivi.com

SPIVI

Runners see their stats come to life as they earn Spivi Points, badges and levels for effort. With real-time leaderboards and color-coded intensity, Spivi turns treadmill training into a, competitive experience that keeps members pushing for more.

Globally over 20 million Spivi workouts have been completed so far

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SPECIFIER

Selfloops fosters motivation, turning every class into a data-driven, interactive, rewarding experience Christian Del Rosso Selfloops

S

SELFLOOPS

elfloops Group Fitness transforms group exercise into an engaging, gamified experience, displaying each participant’s real-time heart rate, calories and effort zones on a shared screen, creating a sense of teamwork and friendly competition.

Participants earn points based on their effort, motivating them to push harder and stay within optimal training zones.

Coaches can track performance live and give instant feedback, while participants see their progress visually.

The system fosters motivation, accountability and fun – turning every class into a data-driven, interactive and rewarding experience that boosts both engagement and performance for gyms and their members.

Can you evidence the impact on results and retention?

Gyms using Selfloops Group Fitness report higher engagement, improved performance and stronger retention. Real-time feedback and gamification motivate participants to train with purpose, while post-session summaries show measurable progress.

Clubs often see up to 30 per cent higher class attendance and greater member loyalty, as users feel connected through friendly competition and visible results. Coaches gain insights into effort and progress, enabling personalised feedback that enhances both training outcomes and long-term member satisfaction.

What features have you added?

We’ve added Selfloops Cosmic Levels and Challenges to further boost motivation and engagement. Cosmic Levels reward users with experience points for their

Real-time results displayed on-screen give visual motivation

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training, allowing them to progress through fun, game-like stages that reflect their fitness journey. Challenges enable clubs to create competitions based on calories, steps or points, fostering community and healthy competition.

These new features turn workouts into ongoing missions, keeping members motivated, consistent and excited to return to class.

What are you planning?

We’re developing AI-driven insights to provide coaches and athletes with personalised feedback on health, fitness and performance trends.

The AI will analyse training data to identify progress, detect fatigue and suggest adjustments for optimal improvement. Coaches will receive intelligent summaries and recommendations, while athletes

SELFLOOPS

gain actionable insights to train smarter and recover better. This next step will enhance the Selfloops ecosystem with continuous, data-informed guidance for long-term health and performance optimisation.

How many clubs use your system?

Hundreds of health clubs worldwide use Selfloops to power their group fitness classes, enhancing motivation, engagement, and performance tracking.

Which operators do you work with?

We work with fitness operators and gym chains from the USA to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

Our clients include clubs, boutique studios, sports centres and rehabilitation facilities that use our platform to enhance performance, engagement and retention in group fitness training. l More: www.selfloops.com

Clubs using Selfloops can see up to 30 per cent higher class attendance

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SELFLOOPS

©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

SPONSORED

A FACILITY FOR THE FUTURE Alliance Leisure utilised its extensive industry expertise and proven resilience to deliver Clay Cross Active, an end-to-end health and wellness facility in Derbyshire uly 2025 saw the opening of the £26.3m Clay Cross Active in North East Derbyshire. In response to extensive community consultation, the development provides end-to-end health and wellness facilities for the local community.

The impressive and revolutionary scheme faced a potentially cataclysmic setback when principal contractor, ISG, went into administration partway through the build, however, thanks to the hard work of North East Derbyshire Council and its dedicated leisure development partner – Alliance Leisure – the project swiftly got back on track.

The need for Clay Cross Active arose from a combination of health, social, economic and infrastructure challenges being experienced by residents of the former coal-mining town, which faces significant deprivation, poor health outcomes,

CLAY CROSS ACTIVE ADDRESSING LOCAL NEEDS Some of the key statistics ushering the need for change: Around one in five residents has a longterm health condition or disability Almost a third of residents are economically inactive Both younger and older populations experience social isolation, low confidence and limited life opportunities High inactivity rates, with almost 29 per cent of residents recorded as inactive Childhood obesity levels, which increase significantly between Reception and Year Six

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high obesity rates and low physical activity levels.

The previous facility, Sharley Park Leisure Centre – which was built in the 1970s – was in poor structural condition, inaccessible for many residents and offering an outdated, poorly-connected mix of activities. It also required heavy council subsidies and didn’t meet modern community needs.

A powerful facility mix The new Clay Cross Active integrates high quality sport facilities – including pools, a sports hall, 100-station gym, studios and a 3G pitch – with health services, such as NHS children’s and maternity care.

The site also supports community wellbeing with Citizens’ Advice and community rooms, while Sharley Park provides informal recreation such as walking and cycling routes, cricket, bowls and disc golf facilities.

This prime example of co-location has been engineered to encourage behaviour change, tackle health inequalities, improve mental health and foster social interaction.

Clay Cross Active will also be the focus of outreach programmes such as Public Health Physical Activity provision and Live Life Better Derbyshire, which targets and supports inactive residents and those with long-term conditions.

“This transformation marks the beginning of a new era for leisure in North East Derbyshire,” says Matt Broughton, director of growth and assets at

Exceeding expectations

“We’re seeing record attendances, high customer satisfaction scores and a much improved financial performance”

ALLIANCE LEISURE / ADAM SHAW

North East Derbyshire Council.

“We’re seeing the positive outcomes firsthand, with Clay Cross Active achieving record attendances, record memberships, high customer satisfaction scores and a much improved financial performance.”

ALLIANCE LEISURE

Clay Cross Active has been developed by Alliance Leisure to inspire and support the local community

These include an immersive cycle studio, an Innerva Wellness Suite and a TAGactive facility.

When ISG, the original main contractor, went into administration, it was thanks to Alliance Leisure’s established partnerships, extensive supply chain and the robust mechanisms of the UK Leisure Framework (owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd), that a new contractor – Universal Civils and Build –was quickly appointed to minimise delays, with just a 1 per cent uplift in budget.

When approaching the project, Alliance Leisure focused on delivering a facility that exceeded expectations.

Thanks to its extensive experience, the team knows that customers don’t Matt Broughton care how a leisure centre is built, they care about how it looks and feels and this is why the building’s finishes and fit-out were heavily prioritised.

Successful outcome The result is a leisure centre that feels modern, Clay Cross Active showcases Alliance Leisure’s ability welcoming and ‘Instagrammable’. It’s a facility to act decisively in a crisis, deliver innovative solutions that customers want to visit, stay in and share, and create exceptional customer experiences. underpinning its long-term financial sustainability.

Together – thanks to the council’s openness, trust, and As a trusted partner, with public and private sector commitment to a successful outcome – the partners expertise, Alliance Leisure used its knowledge of have delivered one of the highest-quality leisure innovative products and nationwide success to advise facilities in the region and one which will effectively the council on incorporating several standout facilities serve its local population for years to come. ● within Clay Cross Active to distinguish the site.

More: www.allianceleisure.co.uk ©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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ENVIRONMENT

Cutting

Carbon With skillful management and investment, it’s possible to cut running costs in swimming pools, while also reducing their carbon footprint, as Abi Harris reports

W

ith many of the UK’s leisure buildings dating back to the 1970s, finding innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint and cut energy costs has never been more vital.

This is especially true for swimming pools, which are energy-intensive and expensive to operate.

As part of an initiative to make swimming more sustainable, money from Sport England’s £63 million Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) was distributed to more than 300 pools and leisure centres at the start of 2024 to support energy efficiency projects.

As part of the programme, environmental audits were undertaken on the centres by Right Directions, the health, safety and quality management company.

SHUTTERSTOCK/ JACOB LUND

Environmental culture The aim was to ensure facilities had an environmental management culture in place, as well as policies and procedures to safeguard their long-term viability, contributing to improvements in the sector’s overall sustainability.

Caroline Constantine, MD of Right Directions says the results of the audit were unexpected: “The top sites scored better than we’d predicted and the lowest performed less well,” she says. “We anticipated scores between 40 and 94

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80 per cent, but they were extremely wide ranging, from the teens through to the 90s…

“Understandably, organisations where designated staff have environmental management responsibilities generally scored higher,” she explained, “however, many had never been through an environmental audit, so the questions were new to them and the process gave them the opportunity to learn what they needed to change to be more sustainable and cut their energy bills.”

The audit identified areas of competence and those that need improvement: “The highest-scoring questions related to health, safety and general maintenance procedures,” notes Constantine. “These are areas where we would expect operators to score well.”

Areas requiring attention mainly related to measures managers could action themselves, “although many aren’t,” said Constantine. The exception to this was ‘discharge consent’ – where operators require a permit to release waste water.

Additional desk-based review The lowest 150 performing sites have now undergone a further review – this time, deskbased – and shown a significant increase in scores, following actions taken based on the initial feedback.

“The opportunity for facilities to improve in the follow-up review is considerable, as the majority

RIGHT DIRECTIONS

The environmental audits gave operators the opportunity to learn what they needed to change to cut their energy bills Caroline Constantine

Sport England funded a programme to improve the management of pools

of areas requiring change – such as optimising lighting levels – don’t need significant spend ,” says Constantine. “In one leisure centre, the natural light was already the recommended 300 Lux, yet despite this, all the lights were switched on, taking the meter reading to 960 Lux.”

Back to school “We also saw an opportunity for operators to improve quality management systems generally,” adds Constantine. “Getting teams on board through awareness training is an easy win, but it’s not happening enough, with many staff not receiving training, so this only scored 52 per cent as a result.

“However, this isn’t just about how lack of staff training is affecting the bottom line, it’s about staff understanding the impact

their actions have on the planet and how we can all make a difference,” she explains.

“Environmental achievements also weren’t being recognised, meaning there wasn’t a culture of staff logging and reviewing their positive environmental actions,” she said.

“By officially recognising these achievements internally, operators can demonstrate their actions to staff, to stakeholders and to the public, which improves overall experience and satisfaction.”

The question ‘are public awareness initiatives in place?’ only scored 50 per cent, but is – according to Constantine – another easy win: “If you don’t tell staff and customers you’re taking the environment seriously, there’s no pressure for them to follow suit,” she explains.

More: www.rightdirections.co.uk ©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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ENVIRONMENT

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT The initial audit started with a full tour of the facility, followed by an inspection of policies and planning and the organisation’s general approach to environmental management.

The audits covered 31 questions across: Facility observations Environmental policies and planning Staff involvement in environmental management Leisure operations Maintenance Environmental emergencies Environmental measure and review

Topics included whether: Environmental hazards are identified and controlled Hazardous waste is disposed of responsibly Public awareness initiatives are in place The facility has environmental objectives and targets A single-use plastics policy is in place Suppliers are assessed for green credentials.

Leisure-specific and maintenance questions ascertained whether equipment is being used efficiently to reduce consumption and well maintained to prolong lifespan

The auditors also explored what the facility managers would do in an environmental emergency and how they measure and review successes

FACILITY AUDIT SCORES/QUESTIONS Highest scoring

85%

Are you responsibly disposing of hazardous waste?

83%

Do you have a planned preventative maintenance schedule?

77%

Do you assess environmental risks in your procedures?

Lowest scoring

40%

Are discharge consents to water courses or sewers in place?

40%

Is lighting set within recommended Lux levels?

42%

Do you have a singleuse plastics policy?

42%

Are staff recognised for environmental achievements?

All centres audited Original audit score average

61%

Average score following reviews

71%

Improvement =

10%

Review centres only Original audit score average

49%

SHUTTERSTOCK/MARIAKRAY

Review audit score average

66%

Improvement =

17%

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CASE STUDIES >>>

Formby Pool Trust’s investments have reduced electricity consumption by 68 per cent when compared to 2008/09 David Kiernan THE FORMBY POOL TRUST

The Formby Pool Trust Formby Pool scored highly across the board in its audit, achieving 92 per cent – joint third highest in the country – including 100 per cent for its public awareness initiatives.

“Public awareness reinforces transparency and accountability, demonstrating the trust is actively working towards sustainability, which creates a ripple effect beyond the facility,” says David Kiernan, CEO of the Formby Pool Trust.

“An environmental board in reception showcases our objectives and achievements, while providing real-time information on the energy we generate on-site, the amount drawn from the grid and how we utilise surplus – such as charging our electric maintenance van,” he explains.

“It’s a great tool for engaging staff, members and visitors, fostering awareness and encouraging sustainability.”

Formby Pool was awarded £57,905 for additional solar panels by the SPSF, offsetting grid electricity by a further 11 per cent and reducing CO2 emissions by 11.5 tonnes per annum. Kiernan says: “The Sport England funding has empowered us to accelerate our transition to renewable energy, significantly increasing our on-site generation capacity. We’re now well-positioned to achieve our target of generating 50 per cent of total energy consumption from renewables by 2028.

It’s part of a strategy to be carbon neutral by 2030.”

FORMBY POOL IN BRIEF ■ Electricity consumption down 68 per cent vs 2008/09 and gas by 50 per cent vs 2015/16 ■ Environmental board with real-time information ■ Charging electric vehicles with surplus energy

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Formby Pool has reduced electricity consumption by 68 per cent since 2008/9

Move Urmston has been pioneering in sustainability

TRAFFORD LEISURE

SA E NVVIIN RG ONMENT

MOVE URMSTON IN BRIEF ■ Fossil-fuel free facilities ■ Deep Green data centre

Sustainability efforts make business sense – you retain staff, improve profit and improve how people see your brand Jo Cherrett TRAFFORD LEISURE

Move Urmston Move Urmston scored 90 per cent in its environment audit. The centre is managed

by Trafford Leisure, which is experienced in leveraging technology to drive sustainability across environmental, social and economic areas of the operation.

The community interest company was one of the first to upgrade to LED lighting 15 years ago. It also uses locally-sourced salt to treat pools through electrochlorination and was also one of the first in England to adopt energy-efficient microfiltration systems.

Its latest centre refurbishments are fossil fuel-free, with air-source heat pumps and solar 98

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■ LED lighting ■ Air source heat pumps ■ Solar photovoltaic systems ■ Electro-chlorination using locally-sourced salt

photovoltaic systems. Plans have been approved for a Deep Green data centre in Move Urmston’s grounds, which will transform heat from its servers into hot water, reducing energy bills by an estimated £80,000 a year.

“Sustainability efforts just make business sense. Fundamentally you retain staff, improve profit and improve how people view your brand,” says CEO, Jo Cherrett. “The next generation is proactively searching for what type of company you are. It’s about making the right decisions for the longer term.

“For me this is a non-negotiable. We know not every innovation is going to work, but there’s never been a more important time to have these conversations, to share and to learn.”

SHUTTERSTOCK/PEOPLEIMAGES

GLL is one of the biggest swimming pool operators in the UK

Jeremy Gould GLL

GLL

GLL

GLL went through audits at six facilities and came out with the two highest performing sites in the country, including Clissold Leisure Centre, which scored 95 per cent.

“The majority of GLL’s policies and procedures are driven centrally, based on the ISO 14001:2015 Standard and using learnings from Quest’s environmental module, implemented locally,” says national sustainability manager, Jeremy Gould. “It’s the only way to manage environmental compliance across such a large, varied organisation.

We’re two and a half years into a strategy, which is embedding sustainable practices across GLL’s teams

“We’re two and a half years into a sustainability strategy, which covers core areas, including energy and carbon reduction, waste and recycling, transport, sustainable procurement and embedding sustainable practices across GLL’s teams,” he explains.

“Environmental audits are a major positive for the sector, as they raise awareness of the obligations organisations have around good practice. They’ve given us reassurance that we’re doing the right things, while highlighting areas we can improve,” he says.

GLL IN BRIEF ■ ISO 14001:2015-compliant policies ■ Energy and carbon reduction ■ Waste and recycling ■ Sustainable procurement ■ Embedded sustainable practices GLL had two of the ©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11performing 2025 99 highest sites

ENVIRONMENT

Marl Pits increased its score from 29 to 54 per cent

Phillip Holden Rossendale Leisure Trust ROSSENDALE LEISURE TRUST

Marl Pits Leisure Centre scored just 29 per cent on its initial SPSF audit. Six months on, the score jumped to 54 per cent following its review.

“The audit gave us a roadmap to creating positive change, with lots of small actions that made big differences,” says head of operations, Phillip Holden. “We’d been on the right path towards energy efficiency; this enabled us to fasttrack our thinking to get to a better place.

“We implemented team environmental awareness training, changed our building management system and put in procedures around the use of air conditioning units and heating systems – all things within our immediate control. The longer-term goals are to make changes to the infrastructure.

“The whole experience was very positive. Even though it’s a potentially sensitive issue due to an external auditor asking questions, we were able to have honest and open conversations that gave us clear objectives and enabled us to more directly focus on environmental matters.”

ROSSENDALE IN BRIEF ■ Team environmental training ■ Building management systems ■ New air con and heating procedures ■ Goal of infrastructure upgrades

We’d been on the right path towards energy efficiency; this just enabled us to fast-track our thinking 100

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Producing written evidence of what we do, including policy statements, helped raise our score Phil Thomas The Admiral Swimming Centre

ADMIRAL IN BRIEF ■ Environmental Improvement Plan ■ Solar panels ■ Initiatives to reduce electricity consumption ■ Reduced CO2 emissions ■ Ban on single use plastic ■ Reduced waste to landfill ■ Adoption of environmentallyfriendly products ■ Staff training

THE ADMIRAL SWIMMING CENTRE

■ Customers awareness initiatives

With solar panels in place, further grants are more likely

This small, popular pool in Brixham, Devon, is run as a charity.

It scored 39 per cent in its initial audit but jumped to 62 per cent in its review.

“With just two full-time staff, we don’t have admin, HR or IT departments and didn’t have a paper trail for our policies and procedures, so the audit was eye-opening,” says pool manager, Phil Thomas.

“The auditor suggested we create an Environmental Improvement Plan and prioritise achievable actions. This gave us a clear way forward.

We focussed on reducing electricity consumption and CO2 emissions, single use plastic and waste to landfill, as well as testing environmentally-friendly products, getting staff on board with our objectives and making customers aware of our efforts.

“It paid off! Producing written evidence of what we do, including policy statements, website updates and social media posts, as well as environmental posters and maintenance schedules, helped raise our score the most, along with assessing major supplier contracts for ‘green’ credentials and monitoring light and noise levels.

“Our aim is to reach Net Zero by 2030. Our current pool heating system needs replacing and pool modernisation will cost £200,000, but thanks to the SPSF funding and audit, we now have solar panels and environmental policies in place, and are in a stronger position to apply for grants in the future.” ● ©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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The Admiral Swimming Centre is aiming to reach Net Zero by 2030

For more insight, or to get in touch with the companies featured, visit www.fitness-kit.net and type in their keyword

F I T N E S S - K I T. N E T

Product innovation

Julie Cramer rounds up the latest health, fitness and wellness kit Consumers want results and memorable, sensory-rich experiences, says Freddie Moross

MYNDSTREAM

Hyperice, the recovery and movement-enhancement technology business, has entered into a partnership with health and wellbeing music specialists Myndstream to redefine recovery services.

At the centre of the collaboration between the

Freddie Moross

FREYJA FIT

Pastel colours deliver a feminine touch

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MYNDSTREAM

“Operators want ready-to-implement solutions that enhances both recovery”

two is Hyperice’s Normatec compression boot system.

While Normatec enhances circulation and relieves muscle soreness, Myndstream’s curated soundscapes help deepen relaxation, calm the nervous system and maximise recovery.

Available via Myndstream’s streaming platform, Hyperice customers can access three dedicated soundscapes – Rest, Recovery and Revive – or all three combined during a 60-minute Full Mind/Body Sync session.

Freddie Moross, founder of Myndstream, says: “Consumers want results and memorable, sensory-rich experiences, while operators want a ready-to-implement solution that enhances both recovery outcomes and customer experience”.

Myndstream is working with Hyperice

fitness-kit.net KEYWORDS

Myndstream

Feminine equipment can deliver professionalgrade performance, believes Lisa Anthoney Freyja Fit’s commercial-grade equipment is designed specifically for women.

The company’s dumbbells come in pink and pastel green, blue and purple, while its kettlebells are available in ‘competition pink’.

Other products include pink barbells, which are available in 7.5kg, 15kg, and 20kg options

with a pink stripe design, and pastel-coloured Bumper Plates.

Founder Lisa Anthoney says Freyja Fit is on a mission to make lifting more accessible and less intimidating for women of all ages and abilities: “We believe beautiful, feminine equipment can coexist with professional performance – helping gyms and studios attract and retain more female members,” she says.

“All the kit is competitiongrade quality”

fitness-kit.net KEYWORD

Lisa Anthoney

Freyja Fit

The RedZone is built for high traffic environments

WELLNESSSPACE BRANDS

Paul Lunter says the RedZone Sauna is a statement piece for any gym or spa optional panels that can be placed around the interior of the unit to effectively target the face, chest, back, arms and legs.

“Each of our product lines has a shared vision: to provide people globally with access to convenient, technology-based solutions for mind and body wellness,” says Paul Lunter, founder and CEO of WellnessSpace Brands.

WELLNESSSPACE BRANDS

WellnessSpace Brands has combined two powerful recovery technologies – infrared heat and LED red light – into its new RedZone Sauna.

Users can enjoy a private, relaxing, spa-like experience in only 10-15 minutes, with far-infrared (FIR) and near-infrared (NIR) quartz heaters that can reach the desired temperature within minutes.

The RedZone also offers red light coverage, with six

fitness-kit.net KEYWORD

“Users can enjoy a private, relaxing, spa-like experience in only 10-15 minutes”

WellnessSpace Brands

Paul Lunter

EXIGO

The Exigo Plate Loaded 2.0 ISO Bent Over Row has been developed in collaboration with fitness professionals to deliver elite-level biomechanics, targeting the upper and mid-back.

“It targets the upper and mid-back with maximum efficiency and control” Darren Golden

Made in the UK using a combination of 80mm and 70mm box section steel, the machine is highly durable in high performance training environments.

It features an adjustable seat pad with five positions available to set up high and low row variations, adjustable handles with four positions for narrow, mid and wide grips, as well as rotatable handles for overhand, neutral and underhand positions. This allows for customisation and muscular engagement across all pulling angles.

Darren Golden, MD of Exigo, says: “We set out to raise the standard for strength equipment,

EXIGO

It combines accurate biomechanics with the best of British engineering, claims Darren Golden

The seat pad has five adjustable positions

and the ISO Bent Over Row is an example of that vision. It combines accurate biomechanics with the best of British engineering to deliver performance, durability and versatility.” fitness-kit.net KEYWORDS

Exigo ©Cybertrek 2025 Issue 11 2025

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RESEARCH

Running packs a punch in terms of heart health

Powering up

Vigorous activity is four times more powerful than moderate exercise, according to research by the University of Sydney and Norwich Medical School

N

ew research published in Nature Communications has found that vigorous exercise, such as running, is four times more effective than moderate exercise – such as walking – when it comes to protecting the heart.

The research, Wearable device-based health equivalence of different physical activity intensities against mortality, cardiometabolic disease and cancer, was undertaken folllowing a collaboration between the University of Sydney and Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia in the UK. After assessing data from 73,000 adults using wearables, researchers found that each minute of vigorous intensity activity is roughly equivalent to four to nine minutes of moderate activity and 53–156 min of light intensity physical activity for all cause mortality and cardiometabolic outcomes.

The findings raise questions about the World Health Organization’s guidance that people should undertake 150–300 min of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, with WHO saying this

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Our findings are in stark contrast to the widely-used current convention of a 1:2 ratio between vigorous and moderate intensity exercise is the equivalent to 75–150 min of vigorous physical activity. This assumes that vigorous exercise is only twice as beneficial as moderate exercise, rather than the four-times impact revealed by the research.

Time to recalibrate “Our findings are in stark contrast to the widely used current convention of a 1:2 ratio between vigorous and moderate intensity, which was derived from self-reported data,” say the researchers. “Our work supports practitioners and future trials to establish more accurate exercise dosages and define options for prescribing physical activity prescription and personalised medicine initiatives.” ● More: www.hcmmag.com/WHOguidelines

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