ISSUE 1 May
WEEKLY
Issue 79 - 17 December 2021
YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE
Operators show less than one Covid-19 case per 100,000 visits since April PAGE 2 ReferAll and EXi collaborate to offer customers online exercise solution PAGE 3
T N E M P I U NESS EQ home
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ble... a l i a v a e g Wide ran warranty included s 12 month
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WORKOUT WEEKLY
Operators show less than one Covid-19 case per 100,000 visits since April GYMS, leisure centres and swimming pools continue to report extremely low rates of Covid-19 among people who have visited their facilities since the sector reopened, according to new figures published by ukactive. As the fitness and leisure sector approaches the January period, confidence in safety standards remains very high, thanks to ongoing measures, reporting and professionalism from operators. The latest results show an overall rate of 0.83 cases per 100,000 visits, measured from April 12 2021 to November 21 2021 – indicating that rates of Covid-19 among people using fitness and leisure facilities remain low. Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “The fitness and leisure sector has gone above and beyond in its dedication to customer and staff safety, with laserfocused attention to high standards of cleanliness, and this is seen once again in the safety data we are publishing today, which shows tens of millions of people using these facilities each week, confident in their safety. “Furthermore, the nation’s gyms,
pools, leisure centres and studios are essential for helping people to recover from the pandemic both mentally and physically, and the Government will require our sector’s support more than ever in the coming months as we look to turn around the decline in our activity levels that worsened as a result of the pandemic.” The UK continues to set a benchmark for Covid-19 reporting, thanks to the largest sector safety data monitoring
operation in Europe. Since restrictions were eased from April, the ukactive Research Institute has continued to collect data on a weekly basis from more than 1,500 facilities across the UK, representing more than 125 million visits from April to November 2021. Supported by ukactive’s ‘Fit Together’ campaign, operators have shown their commitment to maintaining high safety standards after Government restrictions were relaxed, helping to reassure employees and the public that their gym, leisure centre or fitness class, is a safe place to work in and a safe place to work out. The results, which will feature in a new Europe-wide report to be released by EuropeActive, show that while the case rate for the UK’s general population has fluctuated over the time period, the prevalence of the virus has remained extremely low in the UK fitness and leisure sector. In terms of the overall rate measured across the whole period since the sector’s first reopening in 2020, data from July 25 2020 to November 21 2021
TRX® has partnered up with fashion brand ZARA, as a training tool partner – in a global deal. As part of the collaboration, the fullbody TRX Suspension Trainer TM will be stocked online through the ZARA website. TRX products will be available online in 24 markets around the world, and stocked in 11 major city ZARA stores. The partnership runs alongside ZARA’s Athleticz sportswear collection. ZARA customers will be able to subscribe to TRX’s proprietary digital fitness platform, the TRX Training Club®, with exclusive access to six months’ worth of unlimited ondemand workouts. The one-stop shop enables users
to access a dynamic, multi-faceted training experience with unlimited ondemand workouts and live classes. The TRX Training Club’s latest REPLAY function also provides users with the opportunity to repeat and/or catch up on their favourite workouts. The partnership with ZARA marks a breakthrough moment for TRX. Brent Leffel, CEO of TRX, said: “We are thrilled to partner up with one of the most well-renowned brands in the world and be part of ZARA’s new Athleticz range. “Home workouts are clearly here to stay, and we have joined forces with ZARA to equip people with everything they need to exercise around their schedule. “I believe we can convert even more fitness enthusiasts, and together
with ZARA, can provide customers with the ultimate comfort, alongside access to train by any means possible - either at home or on the go.” The partnership has seen TRX Training Club’s Director of Trainer Branding, Niko Algieri, go to New York to shoot exclusive workout content in ZARA’s filming studio. He added: “When we created the TRX Training Club during a global pandemic, our goal was always to help people become more active all over the world. “This partnership with ZARA enables us to level up what we are doing in this space and reach brand new audiences - the potential here is massive and we can’t wait to explore that.”
Huw Edwards
shows that facilities in the UK have seen more than 160 million visits, with an overall rate of 1.6 cases per 100,000 visits. Using a methodology and framework distinct to the UK, the data collected by the ukactive Research Institute since facilities reopened from late-July 2020 has risen from 1,087 sites to a maximum of 1,998 in any one week, as momentum has grown and the power of building a sizeable sector-wide data set has been realised. The sites include a mixture of facility types, including gyms, leisure centres and boutiques, as well as different operating models, including private multi-site chains, public leisure trusts and independent operators and studios. Gym and leisure centre operators are well positioned to capture real-time data effectively, based on membership details held within their databases, as well as recording details for all users, in line with relevant data protection requirements. This allows for quick and relevant contact tracing if there is a case reported by someone who has visited a facility and then gone on to test positive.
TRX Training Club® announces ZARA partnership
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Origin Fitness teams up with Excelsior ORIGIN Fitness has joined forces with Excelsior Development Technologies so that customers can develop the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver advanced fitness training to members. Excelsior provides memorable and motivating learning and development experiences and has a wealth of expertise from the health and fitness industry globally. Providing consistent, safe and secure learning environments both face to face and digitally, Excelsior works with leisure trusts, health club operators, and fitness equipment manufacturers. As one of the UK’s leading fitness solution providers, Origin is delighted to be able to provide its customers with a wide range of educational training opportunities and events.
Chris Rock, co-founder at Excelsior, said: ““For businesses looking to advance and up-skill their teams, it is key to deliver learner centric education and training. “Excelsior is therefore delighted to be a part of Origin’s all-inclusive customer experience, delivering both face to face workshops and digital courses as
required.” Through the partnership, Origin and Excelsior will be able to offer face-toface training as well as digital tools across a variety of topics including class training, wearable technology integration, brand development, leadership and culture. Founder and MD of Origin Fitness, Paul Bodger, added: “This is a significant opportunity for Origin to enhance our level of support and ensure that all of our customers have the right resources available to succeed in their goals; from a PT Studio designed for 1-2-1 sessions to those looking to expand nationally.” Training will be offered to all existing and new customers going forward as part of Origin’s ongoing commitment to helping customers grow their businesses sustainably through 2022.
WORKOUT WEEKLY
ReferAll and EXi collaborate to offer customers online exercise solution ReferAll, Britain’s leading specialist data management platform for health and wellbeing services, has announced a new partnership with NHS approved, certified medical device (UKCA, CE) and app EXi. This latest ReferAll integration means ReferAll customers will be able to invite their clients to create an EXi membership from within the platform, connecting to EXi’s personalised, digital exercise programmes. The collaboration will enable ReferAll customers to offer an online, digital exercise delivery solution for their exercise on referral and wellbeing schemes for the first time. The EXi app has been developed by physiotherapists and is based on the latest medical guidelines. ReferAll customers can now seamlessly invite their EOR and wellbeing scheme participants to EXi membership within the platform. Operators will also be able to record patient consent and access streamlined data via ReferAll. Based on health information entered by the participant, EXi then sets the duration and intensity of the exercise. The app can be used to manage up to 23 long-term health conditions and help those at risk of developing them to become more active.
video conferencing) will be a game changer in the fight to tackle rising referral rates and capacity concerns.” Together with ReferAll, EXi aims to reduce inequality, increase access to physical activity and ensure cost of care isn’t a barrier.
“In the last 18 months we have seen online exercise provision go from a ‘nice to have’ to an essential part of every provider’s offer,” said ReferAll managing director Stuart Stokes. “The new partnership will enable our customers to make use of EXi’s Premium features and link their ReferAll schemes to EXi, providing a mixed delivery approach to overcome
barriers to scheme uptake, and offering greater choice for patients who, for whatever reason, cannot attend in person. “The effect of Covid-19 means exercise referral capacity will continue to be a real issue in the coming months. Being able to offer EXi alongside face-to-face or remote sessions (delivered via phone or
Exclusive offer for ReferAll customers As a result of this partnership integration, our customers can take advantage of an exclusive offer for access to EXi Premium features. ReferAll customers and new customers who register their interest before January 14 are eligible for this promotion. “We’re excited to offer EXi through ReferAll and believe this is a brilliant opportunity to change how we deliver support with prescribed exercise, allowing professionals to easily provide tailored support to their EOR participants through EXi’s personalised exercise prescription,” added Grace McNamara, CEO of EXi. The ReferAll and EXi partnership is set to be a game-changer in the exercise referral space, revolutionising how digital tech and healthcare work together and leading the way for wellbeing schemes of the future.
Advertiser’s announcement
Abbeycroft Leisure chooses Matrix Fitness for its Mildenhall Hub development THE Mildenhall Hub is an ambitious concept to provide public and voluntary services within shared facilities to cut costs and transform delivery by creating one single ‘Hub’. Abbeycroft Leisure, Suffolk’s largest health and fitness provider, manages the Mildenhall Hub Leisure Centre, which includes a 45-station gym with cardio, resistance and functional training options. Matt Hickey, health and wellbeing manager at Abbeycroft Leisure, said: “We have had a strong partnership with Matrix Fitness since 2009, we consider them much more than just an equipment supplier but rather as a trusted project partner.” Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the build project was delayed, but with help from
the Matrix Fitness team to facilitate a multi-site transfer of equipment, despite worldwide equipment shortage. “Matrix Fitness were a huge help to us throughout this entire project,” Matt added. “Not only did they support us through Covid impact issues but they also guided us through design, layout and branding of the gym.” The Matrix Fitness equipment installed included the new Performance Cardio range with touch consoles, items from the Ultra, Magnum and Versa strength ranges, a suite of CXC Indoor Cycles, medical products for the health team to utilise as well as the T3XH treadmill. “As well as the many health and wellbeing benefits that the leisure centre offers the local community, we
have worked with a range of health and disability groups so that our offering is diverse,” added Matt. “Again, Matrix Fitness helped us greatly with this, ensuring that we have a suitable range of medical-based equipment with multi-adjustable for better accessibility. “We would have no hesitation in recommending Matrix Fitness. The support they provide, their willingness to be flexible and their partnership approach were second to none, as are the people. “I cannot stress this enough – people buy into people first, not products.” The Hub, a significant project in the Government’s national One Public Estate Programme, provides a space for education, health, leisure and council
services, voluntary sector groups, a library, police and fire services as well as the potential for complimentary facilities to be added in the future. Tim Grainger-Smith, head of sales – regional at Matrix Fitness UK, said: “It has been fantastic to continue our history of work with Abbeycroft Leisure on such an aspirational project, bringing services together to better serve the community. “As Matt already said, this wasn’t just about equipment installation, this was about creating a welcoming, motivating and engaging space from start to finish in order to promote better health and wellbeing to the community. “And the feedback so far, from staff and members has been incredibly positive.” To find out more visit www.acleisure.com/ Mildenhall-hub or www.matrixfitness.co.uk
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Club demonstrates to its members that it’s safe to return to the gym BASED in Tunbridge Wells, énergie Fitness is a club dedicated to helping clients meet their fitness goals within a fun and empowering environment. After being closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, énergie Fitness wanted to take additional precautions to ensure the safe return of their gym members and staff. BonaCaeli’s AirRISK assessment and AirVSAFE2000 has given énergie Fitness members the peace of mind to exercise indoors safely and allow pre-pandemic class sizes in the studio. Taking on the challenge When énergie Fitness re-opened after lockdown, many members expressed anxiety around returning to the gym. They were particularly concerned that the risk from airborne viruses would be heightened by people exercising and breathing heavily in an enclosed space and without a mask. For many gyms, indoor classes have been running at less than 50 per cent capacity compared to pre-Covid-19 times, with some gym members not renewing their memberships. énergie Fitness therefore wanted to find a way to assess the risk, reduce it as far as possible, and demonstrate to members that it was safe to return. Working out a solution BonaCaeli began by providing énergie Fitness with a full venue-specific AirRISK assessment, looking at what would happen if a person with Covid-19 walked
in and did a full workout, using all the gym equipment. Following the assessment, BonaCaeli recommended a series of measures, including occupancy limits, air exchange rates and installation of an air purifier. énergie Fitness installed an AirVSAFE2000 in the studio where group classes are held to minimise the viral load present in the air and provide reassurance to customers. The BonaCaeli AirVSAFE2000 runs quietly in the background, using a combination of powerful UV light, antiseptic bio-wash, and a high-throughput fan to inactivate virus pathogens in the air. Charles Foulkes, owner of énergie Fitness Tunbridge Wells, said: “The reason for buying the AirVSAFE 2000 is
simple, to protect our gym members whilst allowing larger class sizes in our main group exercise studio. “We have taken an ethical attitude towards airborne viruses and the addition of this advanced air purifier furthers our reputation for safety and wellbeing within our gym environment.” Rewards Thanks to the AirRISK assessment, énergie Fitness was able to identify all risk areas and implement measures to mitigate them. The installation of BonaCaeli’s AirVSAFE 2000 has been essential for the safe return of énergie Fitness gym members, giving them the reassurance to enjoy exercising indoors again safely. The air purifier’s presence has allowed
classes to return with the same capacity as before Covid-19. énergie Fitness displays a ‘green’ AirRISK certificate showing that it has been independently assessed and reached the highest level of safety – giving members confidence to return to the gym. The AirVSAFE2000 comes with a poster explaining its benefits – further adding to staff and members’ peace of mind. “I was nervous about returning to the exercise classes I love but knowing there is such a high-tech system to keep the air bug-free is very reassuring in such an enclosed space. I might have not come back yet without it,” said énergie Fitness gym member Janet Ross. Because the AirVSAFE2000 runs constantly, it reduces the viral load by 99.999 per cent in the studio. Additional safety precautions have permitted larger gym classes in the studio, enhanced the members’ experience and reduced staff sickness and commercial loss for the gym owner. Fitness instructor Michelle Barnett, added: “When I instruct Pilates in the main exercise room, I know that my classes are strengthening their core and their breathing, but the sanitiser is easing their mind.” énergie Fitness has attracted new clients thanks to its enhanced reputation for safety. Active gym membership is returning to the same level as before Covid-19, increasing the gym’s turnover. www.bonacaeli.com
Partnership leads to massive spike in people interacting with gyms THE collaboration between McDonald’s and Hussle this summer has led to a massive rise in the number of people looking at gyms via the platform. In addition, nearly all of these were people that had never visited gyms through Hussle before. The MONOPOLY promotion, which put Hussle’s 2,000 gym partners in front of more than seven million McDonald’s customers, created a 71 per cent increase in visits to gyms listed on its platform. In addition, 87 per cent of customers were new to the marketplace, having never visited Hussle’s gym partners before Jamie Owens, director of fitness partnerships at Hussle, said: “This is the first time a gym offering has been included in the annual McDonald’s giveaway and it has created unprecedented exposure for the fitness industry. “These are people viewing the details of a specific gym on our platform and reading about what they have to offer. It represents
a significant increase in brand awareness for the gyms listed, proving that thinking outside the box when it comes to marketing can be hugely positive for the industry.” The McDonald’s campaign also had a big impact in diversifying the location of customers. Typically, London and the South East get the most customers through
Hussle. During the promotion, gyms in the North West of England were the biggest winners – the percentage of customers using the Hussle marketplace through McDonald’s doubled from seven per cent to 14 per cent, while the West Midlands and North East of England saw comparable gains. Interestingly, the average age
of customers was lower through McDonald’s – dropping from a 2021 average of 33.5 years old to 28.7 years old. This has opened up a whole new joiner channel in a notoriously tricky age group. There were slightly more females than males, which marks a shift from typical customers that usually use the Hussle platform – an average gender split is 64 per cent male to 36 per cent female. Through McDonald’s the split was 48 per cent male and 52 per cent female. Jamie added: “MONOPOLY at McDonald’s is one of the UK’s largest consumer marketing campaigns and partnering with such a colossal brand presented a unique opportunity for our industry to reach a lot of people quickly, people we may never have reached otherwise. “McDonald’s might not be the first brand fitness would think of connecting with but having the confidence to partner with a less obvious brand has, in this instance, led to positive results and valuable exposure for our gym partners.”
WORKOUT WEEKLY
Matrix Fitness introduces a new immersive cycling experience Advertiser’s announcement
MATRIX Fitness, one of the world’s fastest-growing commercial fitness brands, has launched its Virtual Training Cycle, an immersive training experience that delivers exclusive programmes, streaming of music, movies and shows and access to instructor-led content on the gym floor to boost user experience. The high-performance cycle features a 22” touchscreen with app-based interface similar to other touchscreen consoles in the Matrix cardio portfolio. The inbuilt Matrix-exclusive programmes include the 20-minute Sprint 8 HIIT, Virtual Active forwardmotion HD destination footage and Target Training which tracks watts, heart rate, RPMs, distance or calories. Users will stay motivated by gauging progress through engaging graphics and intuitive colours and also have access to iFIT® live and on-demand experiential studio and outdoor workouts. “The Virtual Training Cycle is the best upright bike on the market and gives members the same riding experience as a class but at a time that best fits their busy schedules,” said Rob Knox, product director for Matrix. “By listening to our customers, we
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discovered their users wanted a variety of content and options to keep them engaged. “Better yet, the on-demand workouts provided through our partnership with iFIT, paired with our Matrix-exclusive content, will ensure that riders feel they have a new way to ride every time, at just the touch of a button.” The Virtual Training Cycle is precisionengineered with a freewheel design
featuring magnetic resistance, intuitive four-way adjustment, a contoured seat and multi-position handlebars that simulate the feel of real road riding. For increased serviceability and easy maintenance, the cycle also features quick-release service panels, easily removable pedal cranks and clearly identifiable internal components. Other Virtual Training Cycle highlights: n Console offers easy electronic
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resistance adjustment, plus automatic resistance changes to keep members in sync with programming and on track for their goals. n Connects to Apple Watch for more accurate workout tracking and consolidated user data. n WiFi compatibility make it easy to connect in the way that works best for your facility. n USB port allows members to charge their personal devices while keeping their screens in view. n Bluetooth connectivity and ANT+ compatibility lets members connect a wide range of personal devices including smartphones, wireless headphones, heart rate tracking devices and more. n Power save mode and auto wakeup bring the console to life when your members step onto the equipment. n Single-point user login automatically loads personal preferences every time members log in, while RFID login offers a totally touch-free way for members to get started. n Works with Matrix Connected Solutions digital ecosystem. For more information about the Virtual Training Cycle visit matrixfitness.co.uk
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