ISSUE 1 I May 2020
WEEKLY
Issue 11
17 July 2020
YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE
Solutions to help you be seen and be heard
page 3 Health club operator set to reopen page 6 Boutique concept set to open Bristol studio page 7
WORKOUT WEEKLY
Right Directions takes Fit For Business tool online
HEALTH and safety expert Right Directions, which manages Sport England’s quality scheme Quest, is offering local authorities a simple-to-use, online Fit For Business self-assessment tool to demonstrate adherence to government guidance before and after reopening their leisure centres. The comprehensive self-assessment enables any health, fitness, leisure or sports facility to rigorously gauge whether they are correctly following Covid-19 guidance and industry best practice, as well as measure the suitability of processes and procedures put in place for welcoming customers. Technology partner and process digitalisation platform Tillr is hosting the
evaluation platform, giving operators instant access on any device. Local authorities and leisure operators can use the platform to self assess and upload evidence of how their facilities and activities comply with the necessary Covid-safe guidelines (including videos and written evidence). Once completed, operators can apply to their local authority for an independent review of their submission, and receive a ‘Fit For Business’ certificate to display at the facility for customers to see. The self-assessment, which covers off everything a health club or leisure centre should have in place ahead of reopening, is broken down into five sections:
1. Planning – including processes around government guidance and industry best practice, as well as risk assessments and action plans 2. Customer Management – covering areas such as communication plans, booking systems, signage and customer education around new processes 3. Building Management – including everything from cleaning regimes and fire checks to staff, contractors and visitor processes 4. Team Management – covering areas such as health checks and staff illness procedures, consultation and communication, working from home and training 5. Leisure Activity Management –
including risk assessments, control measures and sanitisation across all areas of a health club or leisure centre. Gill Twell, head of development at Right Directions, said: “This tool does not replace Sport England’s Quest scheme, it enhances it, and will help prepare centres for their Quest assessments, as it gives operators the ability to step back and fully understand what they should have in place and whether they have considered all areas of the business from both a customer and their staff’s point of view. “It also gives stakeholders the confidence the organisations managing their facilities are following Covid-safe guidelines and are ‘fit for business’.”
HUTCHISON Technologies has developed a range of solutions to help health and fitness operators and instructors extend their group exercise offerings beyond the studio. We get it! Hutchison Technologies has been working with the likes of David Lloyd Clubs, Victus Soul, Nuffield Health and Gymbox since 1991. We know what it takes to create the best member experience and are now providing a range of portable audio and video streaming bundles to help operators and instructors extend their group exercise offerings beyond the studio. Class size restrictions mean health club
operators and instructors are looking at new ways to meet their members’ needs. Outdoor classes, live streaming and on-demand content are forming part of the solution and providing a whole new way to deliver classes. Sound like a pro! – Hutchison Technologies Portable Audio Bundles provide rockstar instructors with everything they need to deliver outstanding professional group exercise classes of up to 100 people anywhere. Film like a pro! – Hutchison Technologies Video Streaming Solutions range from mobile compatible with stabilising tripods to professional-grade studio setups complete with additional
filming lights and colour changing battens. We’ve got a solution for everyone to extend their killer workouts outside of the four walls of the club. Technical sales consultant Ross Patterson said: “We’ve been providing audiovisual solutions that help retain memberships and generate revenue for many years so developing these solutions for our customers came naturally. “The fully portable audio system enables both high-quality music and voice to be projected clearly to the class enabling operators to use car parks, tennis courts and other spacious areas of
the club. “Our Video Streaming Solutions allow the in-club experience to be showcased. “Compatible with most streaming and filming platforms, we have seen customers develop the previously unexplored digital membership, engaging existing members and even generating new online memberships! “The solution is a great way for your instructors to showcase their superstar group exercise classes in the increasingly competitive online class market.” We are here to help, speak to Ross today. Email sales@hutchison-t.com or call 0333 240 7369.
Solutions to help you be seen and be heard
Get Future Fit!
AV Solutions Beyond the Studio
Portable Audio Bundles
Sound like a pro! A robust and truly portable audio solution to give Rockstar Instructors the freedom to move and deliver exceptional indoor/outdoor group exercise classes. Bose S1 Pro Audio Technica - Wireless Microphone System HT Headset Microphone 5 x Additional Windshields Neoprene Belt Pouch Optional Extras
Video Streaming Solutions
Be Seen! Be Heard! We've put together a range of Audio Visual bundles for live streaming and on demand content creation from your home or studio. Budget-Friendly Professional Grade Bundles Stabilising Portable Tripods Mobile Compatible Directional Microphones Live Production Switcher From Filming Lights to Colour Changing Battens Bespoke Systems Available
For the package that's right for you, speak to one of our experts today sales@hutchison-t.com | 0333 240 7369 | hutchison.lpages.co/future-fit
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WORKOUT WEEKLY
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Advertiser’s announcement
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WORKOUT WEEKLY
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Health club operator set to reopen TOTAL Fitness is reopening its doors to the public on July 25 following the Government’s decision to lift the ban on public gym operation. The mid-market health club chain, has worked closely with safety consultants, medical experts and the industry’s trade association ukactive to prepare its 16 sites across the north of England for reopening. The decision to reopen gyms is a huge success for the fitness industry, which had banded together to campaign against the Government’s decision to keep the leisure sector closed, despite evidence that the fitness industry plays a key role in the UK’s fight against preventable disease. Sophie Lawler, CEO of Total Fitness, said: “To say we’ve been eagerly awaiting this moment is an understatement. “It’s the news we’ve been waiting for since early May, when we co-developed robust, scientifically endorsed guidelines
for safe operation in conjunction with ukactive. “The last few months have been a hugely trying time for most industries but we were genuinely shocked by the Government’s sequencing of reopening – choosing to reopen the health and fitness industry, which is huge contributor to fighting preventable disease, after retail and hospitality was unfathomable and frankly illogical.” Total Fitness’ gyms have undergone a series of redesigns in order to comply with strict social distancing regulations and new policies have been rolled out club-wide to ensure both members and staff are kept safe within the health clubs at all times. All workout spaces and pieces of equipment have been repositioned a safe distance away from one another and clear floor markings indicate the perimeters of workout zones. The clubs also now offer contactless
entry, exit and payments. Members have been sent a video briefing them on what to expect when they visit their local club, to reassure them and provide guidance on staying safe, and additional staff members are being deployed to monitor the club facilities to ensure social distancing and hygiene standards are being maintained at all times. The operator has also streamlined its online booking system to help manage capacity and foot flow, to prevent congestion in common areas. Members are now able to book individual workout spaces such the new One Zone workout spaces, as well as classes which will operate at 50 per cent capacity, and slots to use the pools to ensure there is no waiting time. Due to the size of Total Fitness gyms, which average 73,000 Sq ft (approximately double that of the industry average) the health clubs
are particularly well-prepared for maintaining safe operations. If each member were apportioned 3m², the gyms wouldn’t even reach 40 per cent capacity during peak hours, meaning members will have more than enough space to exercise safely. Sophie added: “Exercise and, in particular improving respiratory function through fitness, is crucial to the nation’s ability to beat this virus – this has been scientifically acknowledged. “Now that the fitness industry is finally re-opening we can once again begin to serve our communities in this fight against what is a national health crisis. “We’re blessed with great members who are as invested as we are in keeping our clubs safe and open. “We have no doubt that they’ll take to Covid-secure operating measures with ease and prove that the Government’s decision to reopen the sector was made in good judgement.”
Excelsior offers free online education to help the industry ‘return to work’ Advertiser’s announcement
FITNESS industry consultants Chris Rock, Keith Smith and Allan Collins from Excelsior have developed a series of education modules to support the industry during the reopening phase Return-to-work is a four-part learning programme, available online at no cost, and is aimed at helping the fitness industry to lead, communicate and engage more effectively at this time. Chris said: “In response to our customer
feedback on their needs, we have created a bespoke learning pathway to support the industry, with knowledge designed to support the re-opening process. “In particular these topics will focus key considerations around empathy, engagement, conflict management and programming.” Fitness consumers have new needs and the industry must now adapt and respond accordingly. By completing these four short modules, staff will be able to strengthen relationships by demonstrating empathy, and creating personalised member experiences. The first two sections have been designed to support all front-line staff, and the next two specifically provide support to gym teams. 1. Re-Instilling Empathy – 8 Lessons, 8 Reviews – 160 minutes. 2. Re-Solving Fear & Conflict – 8 Lessons, 8 Reviews – 160 minutes. 3. Re-Engaging – 7 Lessons, 7 Reviews – 140 minutes.
Excelsior fitness industry consultants Keith Smith and Chris Rock. work, assisting them with engaging 4. Re-Programming – 8 Lessons, 8 Reviews – appropriately, at the right time. 160 minutes. “We would recommend that operators Recognised by Active IQ, Return to follow up on their staff’s digital learnings, work modules are available to fitness with in-house development sessions. professionals, online and FREE OF “This will help embed the knowledge, CHARGE over the next 10 weeks as the while providing a great opportunity to industry begins to open up again. deliver engaging, confidence building Keith added: “This is about face to face training” making both customers and staff To sign up for the FREE four-part Return to work learning series visit Excelsior.TeachM.online feel comfortable when returning to
WORKOUT WEEKLY
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Guidelines mean monthly model is now ‘flawed’ AS gyms prepare for reopening with new social distancing measures in place, a sports business professional is warning that the monthly gym membership model is flawed under distancing guidelines. Anthony Franklin is founder and managing director of e-commerce platform fibodo, which is the only booking management platform included within ukactive’s Fit Together reopening digital toolkit. The booking platform also powers the campaign, fit4thefight, an initiative that helped maintain the cashflow of hundreds of self-employed PTs during lockdown, with profits supporting the NHS and key workers. As we have seen with digital providers, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Sky, clubs and operators will now have to adopt ‘personalised membership’ models, which will include pay-as-yougo options to optimise facility usage, as they cannot rely on the free anytime use of their facilities model that they once did. This means the current monthly gym membership model is flawed under social distancing guidelines. “Booking a time slot online is the new normal” With the number of people allowed in gyms at any one time being impacted, clubs, operators and their customers will have to embrace technology to manage their capacity and payment processing, in order to comply with government guidelines on social distancing and gym and class capacity. “Technology will prevent queues outside gyms like we have seen from high street shops” Booking a time slot will be the new normal, and customers will have the convenience of attending at the specific time chosen – this is the only way that gyms will be able to prevent queues outside like we have seen at high street shops, maintain member confidence and maximise facility usage. Sales and marketing director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Group production editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Studio manager: Stewart Holt sth@scriptmedia.co.uk
www.workout-uk.co.uk
Anthony Franklin
“Fitness classes and PT sessions in the park will help gyms manage capacity, engage the community, and keep personal trainers in business” We’re encouraging gyms big and small to engage their clients in the community and take some of the capacity away from the gym itself, and into gardens, parks and public spaces. A personal trainer can manage their time and bookings through the same app and platform as the gym, and customers will be able to exercise more freely, and maintain their fitness and goals. Science has proven that outdoor group sessions are safe, and it also helps reduce pressure on gyms indoor facilities. With the added bonus of opening up fitness to a new audience, as sessions take place outdoors, increasing visibility on their doorstep. This is also the key to survival for fitness centres of all sizes, as they can maximise their revenue opportunity by selling all available time slots, classes and sessions at time where capacity is limited. “Technology to manage capacity and access can be implemented within hours” A technology platform like ours can be implemented within hours, and fasttrack individuals and organisations to a prosperous post-Covid future, so gyms and trainers need to act now to avoid being left behind.”
Boutique concept set to open Bristol studio BOUTIQUE fitness concept TRIB3 is set to open its third location in the UK with a brand-new store in Bristol as part of the Courtrooms building, a recently built student housing development in the heart of the city. The new store, located on the bustling corner of Nelson Street and Christmas Street, will offer the brand’s signature 45-minute group HIIT workouts from an industrial-luxe studio setting and is due to open in late August 2020. Joining the two existing corporatelyowned studios TRIB3 Leeds, Wellington Street, and TRIB3 Sheffield, Ecclesall Road, the new store in Bristol marks a key milestone in TRIB3’s ambition to continue expanding its footprint in the UK’s major cities. Kevin Yates, CEO of TRIB3, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the TRIB3 concept to Bristol and in such an iconic location within the city. “The UK is the heartland of the brand and we’re focused on bringing the unique TRIB3 workout to more and more people through expansion in the country’s major cities and hubs. “Community is a big part of what makes TRIB3 so special and we already
have an amazing family of workout warriors in the UK; we can’t wait to see it grow even further as the Bristol Courtrooms studio opens its doors.” Upon receiving major investment in 2019 from Allan and Jonathan Fisher, owners of fitness brand Holmes Place, ICON and EVO, TRIB3 is now embarking on huge growth plans, with a primary focus on the UK and Spain. This will be achieved through franchising it’s unique studio concept as well as a number of new wholly-owned stores, which will be announced in the following weeks, including the new store in Bristol. TRIB3 offers instructor-led 45-minute HIIT workouts, uniquely programmed across it’s custom TRI training system: Treadmills, Resistance and Intensity. Customers can expect to burn up to 1,000 calories per session with real-time progress tracking through heart rate monitors, in-studio displays and the brand’s bespoke SWEAT app. Underpinned by specially curated playlists from the TRIB3 DJ, signature scents and custom lighting, TRIB3 is retailing a new, unmissable workout experience in the heart of Bristol.
Slow, medium, fast – physical response rates PHYSICAL application is concerned with how the body responds to conditions of training and competition. Tony Lewis, director of the sports science company sportsbehaviour, tells us you’ll fall into one of three categories being a fast, medium or slow responder. By understanding which type your customer is, you can provide a better service. Fast responders produce good results from relatively short periods of focussed training. They like to go fast and will sometimes have trouble in holding back. While this is good news in terms of preparation for events; it does come with problems such as high muscle damage, a lack of consistency and some frustration with that based on the previous ease at which they got results. Fast responders generally form less
Tony Lewis
than 20 per cent of the population. Medium responders make up the majority of the population and will need solid training programmes to produce good results. They will need to prepare and pay attention to injury and illness prevention. They are more likely to compete
effectively over a wider range of disciplines, events and distances. Slow responders get results from putting work in. High achievers from this category will develop pride in doing the work and doing it consistently. They have the ability to recover quicker and would often have less muscle damage. It will often be true that slow responders will have lots of energy. sportsbehaviour provide personalised sports science reports to help coaches, squads and athletes understand how their mind and body work. The sportsbehaviour system is being used by the industry as a catalyst to re-engage customers post Covid-19 lockdown, increase membership or as a sale product. hello@sportsbehaviour.com