ISSUE 1 May
WEEKLY
Issue 93 - 25 March 2022
YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE
ukactive raises concerns as energy costs double – page 3 1Life instructors raise more than £1,000 for Ukraine with ultimate charity exercise class – page 6 Fitness entrepreneur hits the right gear with nightclub inspired events – page 7
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WORKOUT WEEKLY
Myzone expanding into Pakistan with Sporta distribution partners SPORTA PK is heading up a new and exclusive fitness partnership with Myzone to distribute heart rate monitor technology in Pakistan. This represents the first time Myzone technology will be available nationwide to operators in the country. The Sporta team has a strong background in distributing a number of leading fitness brands in the Middle East, and have extended their operations to Pakistan. Sporta PK will manage all aspects of Myzone, supported by the direct Myzone team in Asia, including logistics,and sales and marketing to commercial fitness operators and other vertical markets. The team will support facilities locally with implementation, training, technical support and ongoing best practice, as operators adopt the technology to engage and retain their members. As well as distributing products, the launch will also see Myzone installed into the new TriFit brand of clubs as they
launch in the country in early 2022. These clubs will offer world class, state of the art fitness facilities to consumers in Pakistan, fully integrating the Myzone system to their offering. “We are honoured to extend our
working relationship with highly respected Sporta PK,” said Mike Beeney, director of Myzone Asia Pacific. “Not only do they have significant knowledge and experience of the Myzone product, but also a deep
understanding of the fitness market. “The launch of Myzone into the TriFit clubs will be a great springboard for Myzone into Pakistan, and provide a live showroom to demonstrate the technology within an operating club. “Pakistan is a new market for us, and working with key partners like Sporta PK will allow international fitness chains such as TriFit to execute our strategy for continued growth into the Asian market.” Sporta management added: “We are proud and excited about our partnership with Myzone. We feel having the distribution rights for the number one fitness wearable is aligned with our longterm vision to deliver the best fitness brands to Pakistan. “Our partnership with Myzone has already gained momentum as the highly anticipated fitness chain TriFit will be arriving this year, and will be deploying the Myzone solution in each one of its locations across Pakistan.”
ukactive raises concerns as energy costs double ukactive has raised concerns with Government about the threat to the nation’s health and wellbeing as gyms, pools and leisure facilities report facing an energy bill hike of up to 150 per cent. The energy crisis has hit the fitness and leisure sector at a time when facilities are still recovering from major losses incurred during forced closures and reduced footfall caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Using evidence gathered from operators across the public and private sectors, ukactive estimates that combined gas and electricity costs for 2022 will increase by 100 per cent compared to 2019 (the last full operating year, pre-pandemic). The findings show that larger operators, such as facilities with swimming pools, will face an increase of up to 150 per cent. ukactive estimates that the total financial cost of rising energy bills for the Publishing manager: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Studio manager: Paul Hopkinson ph@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant studio manager: Scott Firth sf@scriptmedia.co.uk Sales and marketing director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 tb@scriptmedia.co.uk
www.workout-uk.co.uk
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whole sector this financial year will reach between £1billion and £1.25billion – up from around £500m in 2019. In a letter to the Chancellor, ukactive CEO Huw Edwards warned that without support, many operators would be forced to increase prices, reduce services or, in the worst scenario, close facilities, meaning that millions of users and thousands of sports clubs will ultimately suffer. He said: “The Government should be extremely concerned about both the health and economic impact of the energy crisis on fitness and leisure operators. “Rising energy costs will have a disproportionate impact on our sector, particularly larger, energy-intensive gyms and leisure centres with swimming pools, which are now at major risk of closure. Our members will want to avoid passing on these cost pressures to their customers, especially given the rise in
the cost of living, but this might become unavoidable. “These facilities are crucial to supporting the delivery of Government’s ambitions around ‘levelling up’ which contain ambitious targets for both health life expectancy and wellbeing. “They support tens of millions of people to be active each week, so their protection should be a priority. “Furthermore, we don’t want to see a situation where vital community facilities continue to struggle to operate while we prepare to host the Commonwealth Games this summer.” While recognising that the fluctuation in energy prices remains difficult to address, ukactive calls on the Government to provide two key areas of support that are in its control to help the sector: n A VAT exemption – provided to other sectors during the Covid-19 pandemic – finally extended to gyms. This would
help ease some of the costs pressures they’re facing, including a resolution to commercial rent arrears, that sees a fair ‘sharing of the burden’ between commercial tenants and landlords. n Local and Central Government to work with public leisure operators to not only address the short-term financial pressures they face – exacerbated by running swimming pools – but come up with a long-term strategy to keep them open. ukactive’s evidence is supported by a separate survey of public leisure trusts from Community Leisure UK which revealed an average energy bill of £3.2m per organisation in 2022, representing a 113% increase compared to an average cost in 2019 of £1.5m. CLUK also found that due to the high energy consumption of swimming pools, there would need to be a subsidy of £5 per visit in order to meet rising operating costs for 2022-23.
Eleiko and BeaverFit set to join forces ELEIKO, the experts in precision crafted strength equipment, has partnered with BeaverFit, the leading global manufacturer of outdoor fitness and military human performance solutions, to bring enhanced outdoor training capabilities to new and existing customers. BeaverFit container gyms, sheds, and boxes are used to create outdoor training facilities, providing integrated training and storage to help users train both strength and endurance in tactical and gym based environments, a focus closely aligned with Eleiko initiatives. This global collaboration sees Eleiko become a distributor for BeaverFit outdoor training and storage solutions across the EU, UK and US, as well as representing BeaverFit as exclusive distributors in the Nordic regions. In the UK and US BeaverFit will be
offering upgraded Eleiko equipment packages for new and existing clients, giving them the option to purchase BeaverFit containers fully equipped with Eleiko’s elite range of strength accessories and free weights. “Eleiko and BeaverFit are both leaders in their respective fields. Together, we will deliver fantastic outdoor training solutions to customers around the world,” said Erik Blomberg, CEO of Eleiko. “It feels incredible to be involved in creating a tailored offering bringing together two strong brands and products that are made to be used by the best athletes in the world,” added Tom Beaver, co-founder of BeaverFit. Combining BeaverFit’s quality, design and feature-rich outdoor solutions with Eleiko’s precision-crafted strength equipment, this collaboration allows
for customers to utilise industry leading Eleiko equipment in an outdoor fitness environment, whilst having a safe, secure, and weatherproofed storage solution to protect from the elements when not in use. The product portfolio ranges from the classic container gym solutions to the purpose-built Shred Shed that provides complete and varied outdoor training in a space efficient, stylish package. “I am incredibly happy to bring a cutting-edge solution building on Eleiko and BeaverFit’s unique offerings to our Nordic customers,” added Johan Arnerlind, country manager for Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. “BeaverFit are specialists in outdoor training and together we will present completely new solutions that will raise the bar on performance to our customers.”
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Unlock the power of effective marketing for your fitness business Gyms, pools, studios and leisure centres are having to deal with a major loss in both revenue and footfall caused by the pandemic, leaving many operators on the brink of survival. Whether you are from a small independent gym or a large operator with numerous sites, all businesses in the fitness industry have the same objective and are facing the same challenges. The best possible marketing campaign to make your business the most attractive to potential new members has never been more important, and this is where we can help. At Script we know fitness, backed up by more than 20 years of serving the industry through Workout magazine, as well as the highly successful National Fitness Awards that are now in their 12th year. With our knowledge and expertise of the industry, Script Fitness Marketing from Script is with you every step of the way and we can tailor a marketing package to save you time and to suit your needs and budget.
With our knowledge and expertise of the industry, Script Fitness Marketing is with you every step of the way and we can tailor a marketing package to save you time and to suit your needs and budget. Powerful Print
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1Life instructors raise more than £1,000 for Ukraine with ultimate charity exercise class INSTRUCTORS at 1Life’s Lord Butler Fitness and Leisure Centre have raised £1,000 (and counting! for The British Red Cross after feeling “powerless” during the Ukraine crisis. 48 members and non-members turned up to the charity fitness class which combined Body Combat, Body Attack and Zumba with a holistic end. Instructors Shaz Halsey, Kay Sermon, Felicity Whitlock, Shaun Edgeley and Joanne Yuil ran the event but donated their fees to the charity and asked attendees to do the same instead of paying for the one-off class. Fitness manager Shaz said: “The idea quickly snowballed from a conversation about us feeling powerless during the crisis to organising this
incredible event. “I can’t quite believe the turn out and how much we’ve managed to raise, it truly shows the power we all have to come together and make a difference. “I’d like to thank everyone who took part and donated, it was an unbelievable feeling to see everyone exercising for a good cause. “The money will go towards providing Ukrainians with much needed medicine, food, water, warm clothes and shelter.” Fellow instructor Mike Ratcliffe also hosted a members-only charity spin class. It’s not the first time the centre has offered support during a crisis either, having hosted a Covid vaccination centre over the past 18 months.
Panatta doubles its presence at the leading international fitness event ITALIAN fitness brand Panatta will be present at FIBO 2022 with a double space: n Hall 7 – main booth (7A34). 255 sqm of business space dedicated to club owners and professionals of fitness and bodybuilding. More than 50 machines on stage, 100% made in Italy, including many news: n Dual System Line: six new machines with double function, biomechanics excellence together with the best
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space-saving. The ideal solution for PT labs or fitness clubs with limited availability of space. n Free Weight Special. New plateloaded line full optional, conceived for high standard training, in total safety and using the joint biomechanics. With this line, any advanced user or athlete can develop the very best power and speed. n Ecoline, cardio fitness line completely energy-free. The body will
be the real motor of workout. Extremely versatile machines, to include also in functional training areas. n Hall 10 – FiBO POWER – Panatta Muscle Gym (10.2D33). An open gym set into the FIBO POWER where trainers, athletes and users can train with the latest plate loaded equipment by Panatta. During the four days of the fair the internationally renowned bodybuilders
William Bonac and Nathan de Asha will be at the Panatta Muscle GYM for personal suggestions, training tips, pictures and videos. An impressive space and real workout paradise for enthusiasts and lovers of true physical workout! Join Panatta energy and style at FIBO 2022. www.panattasport.com | IG: @panattaofficial | FB: @panattasport
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Fitness entrepreneur hits the right gear with nightclub inspired events A SELF-CONFESSED fitness fanatic has transformed a former warehouse unit into a unique studio, which transforms a trip to the gym into being part of an interactive event in a bid to help people across to Doncaster to shape up and shed their lockdown pounds. Complete with its own dance floor and disco lights, Built90 Fitness more closely resembles a nightclub, rather than a traditional gym. The unique business, which opened its doors in January, was pioneered by Michael Fraser after he secured start-up loan funding from alternative lending provider Finance For Enterprise. Today, Michael balances 15-hour working days, as well as working a secondary job as a postman to make his vision become a reality. He said: “I didn’t want to simply run a traditional fitness class, I wanted to create a type of experience that was closer to being part of a show; it’s a very different experience to a traditional gym. “My fitness philosophy is all about encouraging people to enjoy the time they spend exercising, enjoying the journey towards achieving their goals. “It’s all about helping people to improve their quality of life, and it’s not just about fitness, it’s about being part of a community. “Since launching my business in January, I’m now hosting between eight to 15 events per week. Each event is bespoke and tailor made to each individual client. “I called the business Built 90 because it took me 90 days from considering running my own business to opening the doors of the gym.” Life could have been very different for the entrepreneur, who was on Doncaster Rovers’ books as a youngster. Keen to pursue a football career, Michael relocated to the USA in 2003, where he played and coached a team
Michael Fraser with Gillian Pickard. in Syracuse, New York, before securing a scholarship to play in Nevada, Las Vegas – a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 University in the US. However, disaster struck and just a year into fulfilling his lifelong ambition, Michael found himself sidelined through injury and unable to play. To keep himself occupied as he recuperated and to help him regain his fitness, Michael started teaching spin classes within the campus recreational centre. Within a matter of weeks, his refreshing approach and fitness methodologies saw the under-utilised class (only four students had signed up) achieve a waiting list of more than 30 people, desperate to tap into Michael’s winning formula. After completing his collegiate career, Michael left with a BA honours degree in Physical Education and Psychology and a M.E.D master’s degree in Athletic Administration and Sports Coaching, and in 2011, Michael returned to his native home town. Feeling dispirited and disillusioned
he gave up on his dreams of playing professional football and even his beloved gym classes. After spending several years soul searching, he decided to see if the winning fitness formula and coaching methodologies he had created in America would be equally as popular in South Yorkshire. Michael secured a room in a local pub and began running weekly spin and fitness classes. To his surprise he started seeing more and more people flock to the classes; however, his plans quickly skidded off course when the Covid-19 pandemic forced the closure of all leisure businesses. However, the success of his classes inspired Michael to begin making plans to launch his own fitness events company. Only one thing stood in his way… finance. After spending time researching different options to fund his business idea, Michael approached Finance For Enterprise for some help. Working with experienced business lending manager Gillian Pickard, Michael
secured a £12,000 start up loan, which he used to secure a lease on an empty broken down industrial unit as well as investing in exercise bikes and gym equipment to enable him to host his daily fitness events and create his fitness vision. Keen to offer an alternative to a traditional gym environment, he added a nightclub feel with strobe, state of the art, disco lighting along with a dance floor, a music system and playlists to give it the ultimate vibe he was looking for, and he opened his doors in January – just 90 days after deciding to try his hand at self-employment. Today, Michael’s working day starts every day at 6am. Balancing the competing demands of running his fledgling business, as well as holding down a full-time job, he can still be found putting people through their paces until 10pm each evening. However, he has no intention of slowing down. Since opening his business in January, Michael has appointed a nutritionist and is gearing up to expand his business further, and he is already making plans to open a second studio. He added: “Since securing the loan, Built90 has grown beyond my wildest dreams, and I’ve already started introducing other types of events, such as a parent/child fitness event for children aged from eight to 16 years old. “This event allows you to exercise alongside your child, developing their fitness and exercise skills instead of sat on a side-line or looking through a window at them. “The interaction between both the parent and child whilst exercising can lead to coaching good habits at a young age and also help build confidence and relationships. I also have things in the pipeline to expand the business further in the future.”
ClubRight adds weight to proposition with acquisition LEADING club membership management provider ClubRight is celebrating the acquisition of Clubmate, a move that will see the brand extend its services beyond fitness and leisure. Launched by Owen Chapman in 2017, Clubmate has fast established itself as the go-to membership management system for fishing clubs and fisheries around the UK. Before its emergence into the market, the membership management aspect of the fishing industry was almost 100 per cent paper based. Over the course of the last four-anda-half years Clubmate, which is built on ClubRight’s proven management platform, has engaged more than 200 fishing clubs and fisheries, supporting the industry’s move to the digital management of memberships and tickets for more than 50,000 anglers across the UK. Speaking about the acquisition, Wayne Heath, founder and CEO of ClubRight said: “Owen is a highly driven individual. Through his previous role as partner development manager with GoCardless and his work driving other high
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Owen Chapman and Wayne Heath performing Fintechs, Owen brings with him a wealth of insight and experience. “Utilising ClubRight’s software platform as its foundation, Clubmate has moved fishing into the digital age, creating efficiencies, membership and booking management opportunities that will drive a more financially
sustainable future for the sport. “We are absolutely delighted that Owen has joined ClubRight as an integral member of the executive team, opening new doors and creating opportunities that will enable us to grow the business beyond our current capacity.” As part of the acquisition, Owen
secures a minority share in ClubRight and occupies a seat on the board as commercial director. In this role he will continue to develop the business, maintaining Clubmate’s presence in the fishing industry whilst also exploring new growth opportunities for ClubRight. Owen added: “My ambition has always been to tear down administration barriers and give people back the time they are spending on paperwork to go and do something more personally enjoyable to them, like fishing. “Clubmate has been a successful example of how I have achieved this across the fishing industry and I am now looking forward to extending this influence to other markets.” Owen brings with him a team of four who will be integrated into the ClubRight team with a direct report to him. The acquisition officially took place this month. For more information about ClubRight visit clubright.co.uk For more information about Clubmate visit clubmate.fish
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