ISSUE 1 May
WEEKLY
Issue 106 - 15 July 2022
YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE
Stockport career opportunities fit to shout about – page 5 ukactive Awards winners announced as sector reunites in celebration – page 6
2022
FRI DAY 18TH NOVEM BER 2022, THE ATHENA, LEI CESTER
NOMI NAT I ONSWI L LRE MAI NOP E N T HROUGHOUTT HEYE AR, CL OSI NGON F RI DAY26T HAUGUS T2022.
SPONSORSHI P PACKAGES ARE AVAI LABLE
Cal l01226 734605
oremai lt b@scr i pt medi agr oup. co. ukf ordet ai l s SPONSORED BY
NOMINATION FORM Category entered: Gym name: Gym opened:
Postcode:
Full address:
Main contact:
Job title:
Telephone number:
Mobile number:
Email: Total size (in sqm) of the gym/centre (including pool, studios etc): What is the total of your current membership: What is the total number of staff (Full Time): What is the total number of staff (Part Time): How many studios (if any) do you have: Facilities provided: (tick all that apply) Gym facilities
Sports hall
Pool
Creche
Restaurant/cafe
Spa facilities
Do you offer any other facilities? Please specify:
Do you offer any classes? Please specifiy:
Person making nomination: Telephone number of person making nomination: Email of person making nomination: Supporting information must be sent to via email to events@scriptmedia.co.uk (tick if evidence sent)
Please see overleaf for the rest of the form Please return to: Megan Prince, Script Events, Script Media Group LTD, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS
NOMINATION FORM
Please state, in 300 words or less, why you are entering the category indicated and why you think that your gym/centre/individual should be shortlisted:
Please see overleaf for the rest of the form
Please return to: Megan Prince, Script Events, Script Media Group LTD, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS
5
WORKOUT WEEKLY
Project to fund park transformation through soil importation underway ALLIANCE Leisure Services, working in partnership with Golf Leisure Experts, has started works on a project to deliver £1million worth of improvements to Central Park in Dagenham. The project is largely being funded through income received from the importation of 230,000m3 of environmentally clean soil which has been removed from other build projects within the M25 that would otherwise end up in landfill. The project, commissioned by Barking and Dagenham Council, is expected to take two years to complete and is being delivered in four phases. Phase one got underway in November 2021 and is already complete, with phase two now in full swing. A new ‘story telling area’ or amphitheatre, perfect for hosting an array of events and performances will be created along with a play park for toddlers and young children, an adventure playground for older children and the refurbishment of the park’s community use tennis courts. More trees and flowers will be planted to improve the natural aesthetics and a mile of new pathways will be incorporated into the park which until now, has been largely untouched since it
opened in 1932. “By delivering the project in phases we are able to keep much of the park open to residents throughout, limiting access only in the immediate area where works are being undertaken,“ said Ruth Ripsher, project manager, Alliance Leisure. “We are also working very closely with the Environmental Agency to ensure all soil entering the park meets stringent quality standards and that disruption to the environment and residents is kept to a minimum.”
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, Councillor Saima Ashraf, added: “We’re delighted to be able to help transform Central Park and make it more beneficial for residents. “The project is no mean feat and the work involved is massive, but once finished, our residents will have access to a rejuvenated park and some first-class leisure and recreation facilities. “Our parks provide an important space for people to get outdoors, exercise, socialise, and enjoy nature – and with
our parks and green spaces amounting to more than three times the size of Hyde Park, there’s plenty to explore and appreciate in Barking and Dagenham.” Central Park is one of 28 parks and green spaces across Barking and Dagenham and is part of the council’s commitment to making Barking and Dagenham a greener borough and creating high quality green spaces to secure a better, safer and healthier future for children and future generations. Ruth added: “What makes this project so interesting is the fact that it is being almost entirely funded from the utilisation of surplus soil that would otherwise be dumped in landfill. “This project will serve as a test case for other potential projects moving forwards.” Alliance Leisure delivered this project through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure. The project employs the services of Ian Cotgrave, Omega Design Consultants LLP, as clerk of works and all soil transportation is being managed by Thames Materials. Contouring and landscaping is being designed by Weller Designs Ltd. Works are expected to complete by Autumn 2023.
Stockport career opportunities fit to shout about A STOCKPORT man who went from gym goer to general manager is urging others to follow in his fitness footsteps and seize exciting career opportunities on their doorstep. Kingsley Child joined Life Leisure as an apprentice straight out of college simply because he enjoyed the gym and ‘didn’t know what to do’. Just 12 years later he is responsible for more than 1,500 members and a team of 10 staff. The 30-year-old fitness fan is encouraging others with a passion for community, health and fitness, to consider a career in leisure. And with around 10 vacancies at Life Leisure centres across Stockport, there Publishing manager: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Studio manager: Paul Hopkinson ph@scriptmediagroup.co.uk Assistant studio manager: Scott Firth sf@scriptmediagroup.co.uk Sales and marketing director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 tb@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
www.workout-uk.co.uk
has never been a better time to do it. Kingsley, who is general manager at Life Leisure centre in Houldsworth, Stockport, said: “The apprenticeship was the best thing that happened to me. After doing my A Levels I knew university wasn’t for me – the courses didn’t interest me. “When I found out about the apprenticeship it became the obvious choice. I loved going to gym, keeping fit – it was basically getting paid to do my hobby.” Kingsley completed a year-long apprenticeship with Life Leisure (previously Stockport Sports Trust) where he was responsible for a range
of different tasks, from equipment maintenance and cleaning, to front of house and sales. He said: “That experience and everything I’ve done at Life Leisure since then has led me here, which is amazing. If anyone out there is thinking of doing an apprenticeship, or has that same initial passion I did, I’d say get in touch – you might be amazed where one initial enquiry could take you. “If you met me as an 18-year-old you’d think I wasn’t very confident and just wanted to keep my head down. Now I really thrive on engaging with people and speaking with members – it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Kingsley Child
Abi wins prestigious national franchise accolade
ABI Doublard, lead creative designer at Anytime Fitness UK, has fought off strong competition to win a prestigious national franchising award. She was named the Young Woman in Franchising of the Year winner at the 2022 Encouraging Women into Franchising Awards for her significant contribution to Anytime Fitness’ recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic. Abi was commended for her role in shaping Anytime Fitness’ marketing and customer engagement when gyms and health clubs were permitted to reopen in April 2021. Her work on the reopening marketing campaign led to Anytime Fitness’ most successful month for membership sales since it began trading in the UK in 2010. Abi’s efforts in leading a rebrand for the franchise was also highlighted,
as well as co-ordinating the creative direction for Anytime Fitness’ first faceto-face annual conference since June 2019. “I’m honoured and delighted to have
received this award,” she said. “Our clubs and franchisees were hit particularly hard by the impact of the pandemic and I’m proud to have helped them recover and get back on their feet. “Being at the EWiF Awards was incredibly inspirational and it was great to be in the same room as so many people that have done some incredible work within franchising.” Abi joined Anytime Fitness’ UK support office as an intern following her graduation in 2017 and has quickly progressed to the role of lead creative designer, becoming an integral part of the marketing team. Her day-to-day role sees her support its network of 185+ clubs with impactful national marketing campaigns and artwork which they can use locally to drive membership sales and support retention.
6
WORKOUT WEEKLY
ukactive Awards winners announced as sector reunites in celebration THE best in the business from across the physical activity sector were honoured as the winners of the ukactive Awards 2022 were announced at Birmingham’s ICC. The awards ceremony took place in person for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic, and saw the sector come back together with a bang, following a day of discussion and learning at the Active Uprising conference. CEO Huw Edwards said: “This year’s finalists and winners deserve to be recognised as an inspiration to the sector but also to the whole nation. “Congratulations to everyone who took part for showcasing the undeniable resilience, dedication and creativity that will lead our sector over the coming years. “The ukactive Awards generate so much energy and positivity within our sector, as well as a healthy dose of competition. “Thank you to each and every individual and organisation for your unrelenting commitment and passion behind our mission to get more people, more active, more often.” Parkwood Leisure was the big winner
on the night, picking up four awards –the Digital Transformation Award, Regional Club/Centre of the Year for the Midlands region and the coveted National Club/Centre of the Year Award for its Towcester Centre For Leisure facility, and finally the Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award. The organisation was also highly commended in the Business Continuity, Recovery & Success following on from Covid-19 Award. The Awards, supported by Active IQ, saw Professor Greg Whyte OBE and award-winning PT Laura Hoggins announce the winners of 24 categories in front of more than 900 people. In the individual categories, Holly Ainger from Nuffield Health took home the Outstanding Leadership Award; Charmaine Daley from Active Nottingham picked up the Physical Activity Hero Award; and Andy Read, formerly the head of safety at Places Leisure, won the inaugural Jan Spaticchia Special Recognition Award for his service to the industry. Alliance Leisure scooped the Supplier of the Year Award for its commitment to the sector’s ‘Decade of Change’ ambitions, sustainability,
decarbonisation and innovation within the sector. The Swimming Teachers’ Association won the Education Provider of the Year, with the judges praising its investment in the industry, innovative qualifications, and impactful resources which have been accessed widely. The New Concept, Build, or Design of the Year Award went to GLL for its Britannia Leisure Centre, which the judges said demonstrated real innovation in its design solution and a project delivered passionately and embraced locally, with a clear sense of community ownership, providing outstanding social impact. A year after winning New Concept, Build or Design of the Year in 2021’s awards, Serco Leisure’s Ladywood Leisure Centre took home the Diversity and Inclusion Award for its engagement with long-term unemployed people, generating opportunities through the community, and providing SEND sessions during peak hours. Hotpod Yoga was recognised with the award for Business Continuity, Recovery and Success following on from Covid-19, for its empowered network of franchisees which delivered continuity
and growth, with outstanding customer affiliation. The Marketing Campaign Award went to Your Space (BPL) for its inclusive use of video and photography, depicting people of different ages and ethnicities, and helping to breakdown the stereotypes of the average gym user – creating a truly welcoming brand. The Active School Hero Award, which is part of a campaign from ukactive and Nike that recognises school staff and providers who inspire children to move more, went to Nula Breen, from St Mary’s Primary School in Draperstown, Northern Ireland. Now in its fourth year, 2022 saw the expansion of the award to the whole of the UK, with two finalists selected from each nation. This year’s ukactive Awards saw nominations from across the breadth of the sector, with the judges praising the quality and achievements demonstrated by all of the finalists – the full list is available here. Each entrant underwent a rigorous independent assessment, which was delivered by process partner ProInsight, and designed to select the best in each category from hundreds of entrants.
Advertiser’s announcement
Keiser UK introduces pneumatic resistance to Circle Health Group SIMON Roberts, lead physio for the new Circle Health in Birmingham, was recently joined by Keiser UK consultant physio Manoj Patel to discuss and demonstrate the benefits of utilising pneumatic resistance within patient treatment to the rehabilitation centre MSK and Neuro rehab teams. Participants were excited to be taking advantage of the opportunity to lead the way in improving exercise prescription, and how this can be modified based on the wide demographic of patients and conditions that the Circle Health team treat. The physio teams were firstly given an in-service training by Manoj on the benefits of strength and conditioning in clinical practice and then introduced to the science and technology of pneumatics and how this provides a significantly safer and more measurable way to assess and prescribe exercises. The day concluded with the whole team getting the opportunity to experience pneumatic resistance for themselves and testing out the equipment within the Keiser UK mobile showroom – a fantastic chance to experience how pneumatics feel on joints, muscles, and the body.
Simon said: “Many thanks to Manoj for providing an excellent training on strength and conditioning concepts in physiotherapy. “This has allowed our team to further understand these concepts and will aid in the prescription of clinically reasoned advanced
rehabilitation. “Additionally, demonstration of Keiser’s pneumatics technology has opened our eyes to future development possibilities for Circle Rehabilitation Birmingham.” Manoj added: “It was a brilliant day with the Circle Health team – it
is always a joy to witness the ‘Keiser lightbulb moment’ – when people feel the difference that pneumatic resistance makes for themselves. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Circle Health team to elevate their rehabilitation offering.”
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WORKOUT WEEKLY
Operator changes structure to drive customer-centric decision making TOTAL Fitness has made two new appointments to its newly created brand development team, which will oversee the implementation of customer led brand strategies for its 15 clubs in the North of England and Wales. Employing a different approach to the typical fitness industry organisational structure, Total Fitness has chosen not to take the traditional route of a dedicated fitness team, instead forming a brand development team that will think differently, driving innovation through customer insight. Having joined Total Fitness in September 2018 as head of marketing, Kerry Curtis has been appointed to head of brand development and will be leading this unique new team. She will be taking a customer centric approach to the development of brand strategy and product implementation throughout the business. Kerry said: “I’m excited to be heading up the newly created brand development team with customercentricity at the heart of every decision we make. “As an industry of fitness lovers, we all too often develop products for ourselves instead of our members and allow our suppliers to lead on innovation. “Over time we recognise that this can
Total Fitness’ new head of brand development Kerry Curtis (left) and product development manager Dean Zweck. make for an equipment-first, experience- I have our mid-market, community feel later product. clubs to thank for that.” “By absorbing the core fitness product Working closely alongside Kerry, Dean into the brand function, we can ensure Zweck has been appointed as product our approach is intrinsically customerdevelopment manager, after joining centric, richer and thought-leading, the fitness brand in September 2019 as rather than risk the fitness provision personal training manager. existing in a silo. Dean will focus on the creation and “We’ve brought our members on the implementation of health and fitness journey of our product developments; products across Total Fitness’ clubs. they are really engaged and vocal, and He added: “Since joining Total Fitness
I’ve been able to see first-hand exactly how our organisation works differently, ensuring our customers’ needs are top priority. “With this new role and the wider brand development team, we’ll be able to really listen to our members across all of our clubs to build an unrivalled brand experience and create products which we know they will love.” The team’s approach has been evident in the development of the new small group workout product called Squad Sessions. These new sessions went through a full and rigorous product development journey inclusive of focus groups and concept validation. Squad Sessions are just one of the eight ways of working out offered by the fitness brand, which champions the middle market health club sector by offering a variety of ways to exercise and access to more diverse facilities. The pair will also be working across upcoming brand developments both within the existing estate, and along with a new club concept. The new club concept will be designed using a member first approach from the ground up, with customer experience at the heart of the journey, and not just the fitness kit they will be using.
Advertiser’s announcement
Study shows importance of apps and personalisation in the fitness industry A NEW 2022 global customer survey from Virtuagym has found that a majority of clubs, studios and trainers (94 per cent) are using mobile apps as core components of their fitness businesses. The survey, which was distributed across Virtuagym’s 9,000 fitness business customer base, correlates with recent company data which has also demonstrated a 44 per cent increase in the use of its fitness app compared to February 2020. The results underline how app usage is part of an ongoing shift to hybrid physical and digital offerings focused on providing personalised, flexible and on-demand services. Almost one third (31 per cent) of fitness business owners are now using personalised content and / or combined online and offline lessons, with a quarter (25 per cent) utilising flexible hybrid memberships to recruit new and existing members. More than half (53 per cent) of respondents said they are continuing to use technological solutions such as digital booking and check-in systems, community features and video workouts now that they are able to continue operating normally. Meanwhile, one in four (28 per cent) said that enabling members to book classes and one-to-one sessions
online is a primary change moving forwards. “The ever advancing digital innovation within our industry offers exciting opportunities to make health and fitness more accessible than ever before, so we are happy to see that fitness businesses are viewing technology as an important part of their long-term growth, and not just a short-term solution,” said Hugo
Braam, CEO and co-founder of Virtuagym. The findings also paint an increasingly positive picture for the growth and development of the technology-driven fitness industry of the future. Three quarters (77 per cent) stated that member numbers have either increased or stayed the same since the Covid-19 pandemic started, whilst
a quarter (24 per cent) have seen memberships increase during the most recent peak periods of January 2022 and September 2021. However, the analysis did also show that more than a third (38 per cent) are facing problems with member retention due to cost and scheduling. “There is still more work we as an industry can be doing to help fitness businesses to overcome the major challenges that can impact development,” Hugo added. “A hybrid approach, combining physical services with digital technology – from wearables and gamification to video workouts and integrated club apps – can deliver a cost-effective solution. “What’s more, it can enable clubs and studios to diversify their offering to fit the different wants and needs of a wider demographic, ultimately fuelling growth. To support further innovation in health and fitness technology, Virtuagym recently announced a €3million investment from Icecat, an Amsterdam-based technology company which invests in innovative technology organisations. This represents a new stage of international growth for the company as it looks to support fitness and corporate health businesses.
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WEEKLY WORKOUT
Webbington Hotel and Spa Axbridge, BS26 2HU Wednesday, September 21
Speakers to include Dave Wright, founder of Myzone and CFM
Dave Wright is the creator and global CEO of Myzone, the CEO and owner of Creative Fitness Marketing and the co-owner of the Voyage Fitness brand in Australia. Not only is he the chair of UKActive’s Supplier Council but his product, Myzone, is enjoyed in more than 8,000 facilities by more than two million people in 84 countries. A serial entrepreneur, and a Workout columnist for the past 20 years, Dave is a straight-talking Australian based in the UK who has the unique ability of being both a club operator and a supplier.
David Minton, founding director, The Leisure Database Company David is well known for his unique industry knowledge and is in demand for his expert media commentary and public speaking. Helping businesses and individuals with the invaluable intelligence needed to make key decisions, David leads them through analysis into action, achievement and competitive advantage. He also works with leading journalists and publications to spark debate within and create support for the leisure, fitness, consultancy and financial industries and is the recognised go-to for market trends, data and insight.
Charlie Horton, marketing and sales manager, Fitness Marketing Agency Charlie has always had passion for both fitness and business, having started his career in the fitness industry at just 18 years old, with a marketing role for a renowned Gym and PT Studio. After building up a wealth of knowledge and know-how, Charlie met Ben Davis (founder of Fitness Marketing Agency) and began the next stage of his career. Charlie has been with the Fitness Marketing Agency since its conception in 2015, working alongside Ben to grow the business to what it is today – a hugely successful agency that supports over 300 clients, from independent gym owners and corporate gyms to personal trainers and online coaches. FMA provides such businesses with marketing tools and resources to aid in lead generation, conversion, sales and ultimately, growth. As marketing and sales manager, Charlie oversees and nurtures the sales and marketing team whilst driving the marketing forward for FMA, as a business. Charlie can often be found speaking at leading industry events, including Independent Gym Owner Conference, where he shares his quick and effective marketing and sales tools. He specialises in generating leads and client acquisitions.
Mike Hind MBE, CEO of MAS Body Gym and founder of Macro Based Diner Mike has been training people for over 12 years, in that time he has been recognised as one of the most respected and renowned coaches in the UK being crowned ‘The Best Personal Trainer in the UK’ by the National Fitness Awards. His work has been broadcast across the globe and he became a household name when he took on “Dibsy” the 40 stone guy, Mike offered him a FREE life saving year-long programme. Mike was awarded the “Outstanding Achievement Award” in 2018 by the National Fitness Awards for outstanding contribution within the fitness industry. His client list includes Premier League and international footballers, European champion boxers, professional bikini athletes and TV stars. But with this, Mike’s main focus is always on the public… In 2019 at The National Fitness Awards, Mike and his team won an amazing three awards. With Mike being crowned ‘UK’s Best Personal Trainer’ for the third consecutive year which is something that has never been done. Mike’s client Dibsy walked away winning the ‘Member Achievement’ Award and Mike’s meal prep company winning the ‘Innovation in Fitness and Nutrition’ Award. In 2020 Mike was recognised in the Queens Birthday honours and was awarded an MBE for his services to his community.
Lianne Clark, Business development manager, Active IQ
Lianne Clark is an experienced business and fitness professional with a comprehensive industry background working for national gym chains, local authorities and equipment suppliers. She’s passionate about championing active wellness and has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities which face the sector. At Active IQ, Lianne works closely with her centres across the Midlands and east of England to help their businesses grow and their learners to succeed.
Book your free places today at https://tomorrows-workout.co.uk/delegate-booking/ Exhibitior opportunities are available by calling Tony Barry on 01226 734605.
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