ISSUE 1 May
WEEKLY
Issue 26
13 November 2020
YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE
Free workouts aim to help people’s health page 3 Selfless Mike is our latest lockdown hero page 6 Technogym to power university’s new worldclass fitness facility page 7
Roll of
HONOUR 2020 WO R KO U T M AG A Z I N E
Have you nominated your lockdown hero? Nominate your lockdown hero who has gone over and above in these most testing of times in the WorkOut Magazine 2020 Roll of Honour. We want to hear from you, if you know someone who has gone above and beyond in 2020, to make a difference and help their members and colleagues get through these harrowing times. The WorkOut Magazine 2020 Roll of Honour will appear in our January 2021 issue Send your nomination to events@scriptmedia.co.uk and we will be featuring some of your stories in WorkOut Magazine and our weekly WorkOut digital newsletter. Closing date for entries is Friday December 4.
We can’t wait to read your stories ‌ Sponsorship opportunities are also available by calling 01226 734 605
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Free workouts aim to help people’s health FORMER Special Forces soldiers and stars of Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, Ollie Ollerton and Jason Fox, have announced plans to host regular follow-along live workouts on Instagram and Facebook throughout the lockdown period. The decision came shortly after the Prime Minister’s announcement on October 31, which set out restrictions on non-essential retail, hospitality and gyms and leisure facilities for four weeks, commencing on November 5. The PM’s announcement has been met with concerns regarding mental health and wellbeing, with numerous experts warning that another extended period of containment and isolation could have damaging effects. With November also marking Men’s Mental Health Month, Ollie said that the main reason he and Jason have committed to the series of live workouts is to tackle the taboo and do their bit to help the nation through what is set to be a challenging time. “The first lockdown was hard enough on people’s mental health, he added. “Many of us began to see the light at the end of the tunnel around summer, but now we’re about to go through it all over again. “But this time we know what to expect. You would think that would make things easier, but it doesn’t, especially not for those who it took giving it their all to get through the first round. “It’s both mentally and physically exhausting and with each cycle, our hope for a better outcome diminishes. “The winter months are hard enough for people, too. The darker days and colder weather take their toll on us and the perception that days are shorter can also effect productivity levels and eventually, longer-term motivation. “We wanted to help people overcome all of that. Give them something to work towards and then upon completion, encourage a sense of accomplishment. That’s how the live workout idea came about. “As well as helping with the mental blocks to productivity and motivation, it’s a form of social contact, which many will be missing. “We try and inject a lot of energy and enthusiasm in our workouts and hope Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia. co.uk Group production editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia. co.uk
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people following along at home feel the same as they train with us. “It’s a scientific fact that exercising releases endorphins that can almost instantly improve your mood and that’s our aim. We want people to complete a workout and feel able to take on the rest of the day, as that’s enough in these challenging circumstances.” The live workouts will be held regularly on the Battle Ready 360 social channels, which is a fitness app and community that the pair have joined forces to develop. While the app offers users personalised workout, wellbeing and nutritional advice on a tiered subscription-based model, the live workouts are free for all to join. “The workouts will be accessible to everyone,” he added. “We want to make sure that anyone that feels like they can do with a little help is able to get it. Therefore, exercises can be performed anywhere – even if you’re restricted to a one metre square of space. “Equipment isn’t necessarily required, but for those looking to diversify techniques and intensify their training, our Battle Box includes everything you need. “Live sessions will be hosted regularly to encourage routine as this is one of the best ways to overcome a mentally challenging period. It gives purpose to your day and allows you to feel more productive and satisfied once it’s been completed. “This will also enable you to easily adjust back to life following the pandemic, as although it might not feel like it, there will be a return.”
Search for lockdown heroes is launched A NATIONAL competition has been launched to find the nation’s lockdown sports and fitness heroes, with more than £600 worth of prizes up for grabs. The Personal Best Award, run by specialist insurer Insure4Sport, celebrates sport and fitness professionals’ achievements across the UK. It is open to entrants in three categories – personal trainers and fitness instructors, sports coaches, and teams and players. Insure4Sport want to find sports and fitness heroes who have gone above and beyond during lockdown to help clients, pupils, teams, or even the local community. Entrants could be anyone from a personal trainer who’s moved their business online to the head coach of a sports club who’s kept it afloat during this difficult time. Three finalists will be chosen from each category, with a public vote deciding the winners. First place in each three categories will get their hands on £200 of Fitness Superstore vouchers, a year’s worth of free insurance (worth up to £100), and exposure through Insure4Sport’s marketing channels. Previous winner Sebastian Ferrari is the founder of FitStudioZ – a Greenwich-
based “gym with a difference”. The business provides fully equipped, pay-as-you-go gym studios for personal trainers to work with clients without having to pay over the odds for a private site. Sebastian, who lost almost six stone before becoming a PT and establishing FitStudioZ, said that it was a “big honour to win this award, and to be recognised by one of the big players in the personal trainer industry for the work we do.” For more information on his inspiring story, visit theInsure4Sport blog. Insure4Sport founder and managing director, John Woosey, said: “We’ve heard lots of great stories from our policyholders over the last few months, from personal trainers moving their sessions online to cricket clubs running online bingo nights to help fund the club. “It’s really highlighted the determination and resilience within the sports and fitness community. “That’s why we’re looking to recognise your achievements with this award after what has been an incredibly difficult few months. “Get your entries in now – we can’t wait to read them.” To find out more and enter the Personal Best Award for 2020, visit the Personal Best Award website.
Leisure provider unveils online shop LEISURE provider Everyone Active has launched an online shop stocking fitness equipment, apparel and accessories. The shop, which contains hundreds of products from leading brands including Reebok, Under Armour and Gympro, launched on November 5, the first day of the new national lockdown. Initial sales reports show dumbbells as the most popular item. “We have always had one of the strongest retail sales records of any operator and ecommerce was the natural next step,” said Duncan Jefford, regional director for Everyone Active. “While we support the rest of the industry in the fight for gyms to be recategorised as essential services, we can at least keep our members stocked with the equipment they need to continue their preferred forms of training.
“The Everyone Member Shop is also the perfect complement to Everyone on Demand, our 2,500-strong on-demand workout product. “The shop includes a section which helps our EOD users to find the products they need to enhance their favourite at-home sessions.” The store will be managed and fulfilled by D2F Fitness, a long-term partner of Everyone Active,who are also the exclusive fitness equipment provider for the online offering. The two companies worked together during the first national lockdown launching a basic shop which showed strong sales throughout spring. The success of the test shop led to the project being rolled out on a far greater scale, with Everyone Active moving their own-brand retail, as well as their partner brands stockholding, into D2F’s
warehouse for online distribution. There are further plans for adding an aquatics range and introducing new brand partners to the shop. “Working with D2F is the perfect solution for us” added Duncan. “It’s a real partnership where we work together to ensure we have the best selection of products, at the most competitive prices. “They deal with everything from fulfilment to delivery to customer service, while our retail heads have complete control of the product offering and can be highly responsive to shopping trends.” The shop was designed and created on Shopify by Action Group, who were also instrumental in bringing the project to market. All products have been priced competitively, using Amazon as a benchmark.
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How fitness could unite the UK more than ever during a second lockdown By Sam Gregory
Fitness prevents feelings of isolation Heading outdoors and staying fit has never been more important. It’s no secret that health and fitness can effectively improve mental health, and many realised this early on in the first lockdown. Exercising in any form will give a rush of endorphins; the hormones which trigger those feel-good thoughts in the brain and can give an instant energy boost. The feelings of anxiety can induce exhaustion, both mentally and physically, and for a lot of people the emotional response to stress is to eat foods that comfort them. Although this will make people feel good temporarily, choosing exercise as an alternative could start to make a real difference in the long-term and prevent people from becoming a recluse during lockdown. Boosting spirits through exercise will ultimately keep people united and help them proceed through these uncertain times, together.
People can virtually support and motivate each other Although we cannot be together physically, thanks to technology we can be virtually. This gives the ultimate sense of community and belonging, as people can stay connected with their fitness group and motivate each other. At-home workouts might not have the same energy as those in a studio, which many benefit from. This has been supported in a recent internal survey of F45 members, which revealed that 52 per cent enjoyed the group training aspect of exercise, and 50 per cent revealed that they missed seeing other F45 members in the studio1. However, having people take part in the same fitness programmes can really help keep people be accountable throughout the lockdown, and it will also prevent those feelings of isolation. Fitness programmes, such as the F45 Challenge app, which has evolved to include at-home on demand workouts (with or without equipment), as well as nutrition advice and recipe suggestions. The app is available for non-members
as well as those signed up to a specific studio worldwide, and F45 have had over 60,000 sign ups since the start of the pandemic. In addition, there are also regular F45 classes which are hosted on Zoom, so studio members can feel as though they are keeping part of their studio community and in touch with other members despite the lockdown. Being part of a community during these times can provide a huge boost of motivation beyond the one that comes with the physical benefits of a workout, which can be helpful for those finding it hard to stay committed. Lockdown fitness brings out people’s competitiveness While working out alone during the lockdown can feel isolating, people are encouraged by their innate competitive streak, which can push them more than usual. Knowing that friends and colleagues are doing the same fitness programme can bring out people’s competitive spirit and push them to work harder, so that they can keep up with those around
them, albeit virtually. Seeing others post about their achievements on Instagram can encourage people to get moving and stay active, which subconsciously unites people as their fitness capabilities are pushing someone else to do the same.
It provides something to talk about Ultimately, one of the main things that helps keep people united during these times is communication. People are constantly on FaceTime, WhatsApp or Zoom, discussing what they have done to keep sane, as well as sharing tips. For many, this has been achieved through exercise. People enjoy being able to discuss the workouts they have done with their friends or colleagues, and it helps people feel like they are sharing something together, especially if they have been doing the same workouts. 1. F45 Training Health & Fitness Survey (May 2020). 25,861 respondents. n Sam Gregory is the co-owner and head trainer at F45 Stratford (www. f45training.co.uk/stratford)
Nutrition brand fires shots at Westminster PULLING the pin on the UK government, disruptive performance nutrition brand Grenade,took to Parliament Square to lobby against the classification of leisure centres and gyms as ‘non-essential’ ahead of England’s lockdown. Former England rugby international James Haskell led the ruck, commanding Grenade’s signature orange tank about the square while picketing parliament to make the change along with personal trainer and influencer Paul Olima. The news comes as ukactive, which represents more than 4,000 gyms and leisure centres, details that despite 22 million gym visits following the sector reopening in July, just 78 cases of Covid-19 have been traced back to these locations – a miniscule percentage of the population. Currently not classed as ‘essential’, the proposal will mean that gyms and leisure centres have now been forced to close across England for at least four weeks. Grenade CEO Alan Barratt said: “Gyms and leisure centres aren’t just ‘another sector’. “After working in them for most of my life, I’ve seen how positively they impact people’s lives, and not just physically – they’re directly supporting the nation’s mental wellbeing during one of the most worrying times in recent history.
“With exercise helping to tackle widespread anxiety and stress, as well as offering a huge amount of preventative health benefits, the sector is hugely essential and we urge the government to review its current stance.” Former rugby international James Haskell added: “It’s imperative that people can continue to exercise regularly as the nights draw in and the weather worsens. “It simply isn’t realistic to believe the public will regularly exercise outside during the winter months, causing untold damage to the nation’s health. “Gyms and leisure centres are vital to keep the nation active and healthy.” Vice chair of the Commons & Lords rugby team, Sam Tarry MP, concluded: “We need a national lockdown to save lives, but staying fit and healthy is crucial – we must find a way for accelerated financial support for gyms, and the sports industry so people can follow the iron creed as soon as safely possible.” As testament to Grenade’s stance, the performance nutrition brand recently published an open letter to Boris Johnson detailing its concern, and has urged the public to rally against the government using the hashtag #KeepGymsOpen and by signing a growing petition that (at the time of writing) has secured more than half a million signatures.
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WORKOUT WEEKLY
Selfless Mike is our latest lockdown hero GYM owner and award-winning personal trainer and coach Mike Hind MBE has shown appreciation for his local community in Teesside, by supporting and fundraising for vulnerable groups and individuals throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Like so many others, Mike was unable to run his award winning MAS Body gym in Middlesbrough during the first national lockdown and turned his attention to the local community and ways in which he could help the most vulnerable people in it. Using his own profits gathered from his meal prep business (Macro Based Diner), Mike purchased a number of basic essential items and created his own care hampers which were personally delivered by Mike along with his gym staff to local hospitals, NHS staff, care homes, the elderly and to those self-isolating or unable to leave their homes. The response from the local community was overwhelming, and with the power of social media, Mike became inundated with requests and was driving 200 miles per day to accommodate people. To date, the team have produced more than 5,000 care packages and are still delivering to those in need. What was first intended as a good deed has now turned into a full-time job. A number of deliveries have been made over the last seven months containing life-saving PPE, essential toiletries, food and healthy prepped meals. Mike’s generosity has not stopped there. At the beginning of lockdown a number of NHS nurses’ properties and vehicles were vandalised in the local area. He arranged and paid for the repairs to ensure they were able to travel to work, therefore, they could continue performing life-saving work at the hospital. One nurse reported her bike stolen. After hearing about the incident, Mike contacted staff at the local Halfords and arranged for a reduced priced bike for the said nurse. Organising a number of other fundraisers and events over the past seven months, he raised spirits and
ensured the people of Teesside were involved and cared for in these testing times; delivering essential PPE to hospitals, care homes, local businesses and anyone struggling to obtain this sought after equipment. He also hosted prize giveaways and transported care book packs to children. Recently, Mike has been entertaining more than 500 children in the Teesside area, making special sociallydistanced visits, delivering Halloween treats and pumpkins to families across the area. Efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he received special recognition in the Queen’s Honours earlier this year, being awarded an MBE for services to the local community. Focussing on the health side of the fitness industry, Mike wanted to ensure people were aware of the importance of a healthy balanced diet, especially during a pandemic. After contacting local primary schools, for Mike’s current fundraiser project, he is hoping to raise £55,000, in order to supply £15 food hampers to primary school
children eligible for free school meals within the Redcar and Cleveland area over Christmas. The fundraiser has already proved a big success, accumulating more than £18,000 and counting. Each hamper will include a 10-day supply of healthy foods prepped by Mike’s team at Macro Based Diner and will contain a number of nutritional easy to cook recipes. He has turned his attention to the health aspect of the fitness industry, educating people of the importance of a healthy balanced diet and highlighting the positive physical and mental health benefits. Mike added: ‘’Our children have been fantastic throughout the pandemic, even though they may struggle to understand the current situation. “I want to ensure they are supported and supplied with healthy nutritious meals. “We need to support families who are struggling during the pandemic, in order to prevent the negative health effects that we know lockdown can cause.” Receiving multiple nominations in WorkOut’s Roll of Honour, which will be featured in the January 2021 edition of WorkOut Magazine, Mike hopes the great success of his business and fundraising contributions will spur and inspire future personal trainers to do likewise. Mike continues to astound the public with his selfless nature, determination and dedication, and is at present still delivering care packages in the Teesside area, with the help of his hard working gym staff and support from local supermarkets, besides donations from the community. When asked why he felt so determined to support his local area, Mike added: “Without these people, I would not be able to give back my thanks and support to the community,” and his aim is to “try to improve the quality of life for his members and the people in the local community.” Please send your nomination to events@scriptmedia. co.uk Closing date for entries is Friday December 4.
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TECHNOGYM TO POWER UNIVERSITY’S NEW WORLD-CLASS FITNESS FACILITY
THE University of Stirling has selected Technogym to be the official supplier of fitness and wellness solutions for its new world-class sports facility. Following an exceptional year in 2019, which saw Stirling add Sports University of the Year 2020 to its already long list of accolades, the university is now busy preparing to open the doors to its next adventure, a sector-leading £20m sports facility. The new facility will feature three key areas; the main fitness facility, a strength and conditioning suite and a performance gym. Alongside these gyms there will also be state-of-the-art studios, a three-court sports hall and an indoor Group Cycle studio. To create the best student experience and provide a fully connected digital solution, Stirling chose to partner with Technogym and adopt its future-proof mywellness ecosystem. Working together they have transformed the student sporting experience and created an environment where Olympic athletes and casual gym goers can train side by side. The University of Stirling has an unrivalled reputation for sporting excellence and has a long history of building outstanding success stories. The university is recognised as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, home of the National Swimming and Tennis Academies, and most recently was awarded 2020’s Sports University of the Year by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide. University of Stirling will be one of the UK’s first facilities to launch the Technogym Excite Live line, ensuring that it is providing its students with the very latest in fitness technology. Excite Live is a revolutionary range of
fully connected cardio equipment that offers students and athletes a new and personalised training experience tailored to their specific goals and needs. Thanks to an ever-increasing library of Technogym Sessions, which give members access to immersive workouts led by Master Trainers and fitness celebrities from around the world, members will stay motivated and inspired during even the toughest of workouts. With the innovative Excite Live console students can access their own personal content at any time during their workout. Whether they want to connect with friends on social media, catch up with their latest Netflix series or simply browse the internet and YouTube, the Excite Live console adapts to suit each user’s needs seamlessly.
Executive director of sport, Cathy Gallagher, said “Having undergone a fantastic redevelopment of the sports facilities, creating a complex that enhances the world-class student experience at Stirling, we are delighted to feature Technogym’s most advanced training experience with the Excite Live range. “We wanted to provide an innovative, state-of-the-art gym and by partnering with Technogym, the possibilities the redevelopment is going to bring in 2020 and beyond is an incredibly exciting prospect”. Stirling has really embraced Technogym Formats by providing more group training options for students. Skillrow Class offers members the chance to row together like a real crew, take part in competitions and receive live feedback on their individual
performance. In addition, Stirling will also offer Skillbike Class which challenges members to friendly competitions with like-minded bike lovers using the industry-leading Skillbike, the only indoor bike with real gear shift and realtime biofeedback. Stephen Barton, Technogym managing director, added: “Technogym is incredibly proud to be partnering with 2020’s Sports University of the Year, University of Stirling. “Their mission to continually improve the wellbeing and health of their students, staff and the local community, as well as provide outstanding facilities for elite athletes to develop their chosen sport, are values that align seamlessly with Technogym. We look forward to working closely with the Stirling team and celebrating their success.”
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