Weekly Workout - Issue 30

ISSUE 1 May

WEEKLY

Issue 30

11 December 2020

YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE

Mission to get town’s at risk fit and strong amid pandemic fight page 3 Cortex and Wattbike announce partnership page 4 Diversify with EMS and reap the rewards

page 7

WORKOUT WEEKLY

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Mission to get town’s at risk fit and strong amid pandemic fight LIFE Leisure has been helping the town’s most vulnerable residents get fighting fit in the battle against Covid.

The leisure provider, which runs 13 leisure centres across Stockport and Barrow, has created 100 activity packs and developed a programme which has been delivered to care homes across the town, as well as to individuals who need help recovering from the virus.

The packs have been created as part of the Stockport Moving Together campaign, funded by Stockport Council and Sport England, which aims to ensure those most at risk of Covid are encouraged to be in the best health possible to beat the illness.

Stockport Moving Together, which was launched in September and forms part of the broader One Stockport campaign, is a joint initiative between the Council, GPs and Primary Care in Stockport, Stockport CCG, Stepping Hill NHS Foundation Trust and Life Leisure.

Participating organisations work closely together to identify and deliver projects that will support those recovering from COVID and build resilience in the fight against the virus.

Ross McGuigan, active communities manager at Life Leisure, came up with the idea for the packs along with Michelle Childs, health development manager, with the Stockport Moving Together team providing additional expertise and support to ensure benefits were maximised.

Ross said: “We are encouraging residents to see the value and wideranging benefits of keeping active.

“Our centres are currently closed due to the lockdown, but we continue to support the most at risk in the community with Zoom classes, one-toone sessions in parks, and the activity packs, which are supported by online videos and include pedal exercises to encourage movement even when watching TV. “We can’t go into the care homes to lead activities so we hope these activity packs will help to help mitigate any areas of decline that may result from the Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia. co.uk Group production editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia. co.uk

Sales and marketing director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 tb@scriptmedia. co.uk Sales manager: Louise BristoweHarrison Tel: 01226 734699 workout3@ scriptmedia.co.uk

Studio manager: Stewart Holt sth@scriptmedia. co.uk

www.workout-uk.co.uk

Active IQ meets demand to train EPA assessors Lindsay Hadfield takes delivery of activity packs for residents at Silverdale. lockdown and social isolation.”

Care homes which have so far benefitted include Wellcroft in Gatley, Shepley House in Hazel Grove, Reinbek in Davenport, Bryn Haven in Brinnington, Lisburne Court in Woodbank, and Marbury House in Reddish.

Packs have also been delivered to residents who are recovering from the virus and have been referred by their physician.

Life Leisure is hoping to continue to support residents with Winter Welfare Packs, which will create positive habits for older adults, tackle social isolation and loneliness, and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing.

The leisure provider also continues to support Stockport’s PARiS (Physical Activity Referral in Stockport) and SMILE (Simple Movements Improve Life Everyday) schemes through online sessions, which work in tandem with GPs and the NHS and provides residents with low impact and gentle exercise.

ACTIVE IQ is meeting the rising demand for End-point assessors the launch of its Level 3 Award in Understanding the Development and Delivery of End-point Assessment.

This new qualification meets the increasing demands for skilled assessors for Apprenticeships.

Its comprehensive content includes background information about the development of apprenticeship standards in England, the principles and requirements of end-point assessment and a clear overview of the different types of end-point assessment methods.

As was one of the first End-point Assessment Organisations within the physical activity sector to be approved on the Register of End-point Assessment Organisations, Active IQ has unmatched expertise and experience in this sector.

The Active IQ Level 3 Award in Understanding the Development and Delivery of End-point Assessment is open to all learners over the age of 19.

Suitable candidates are likely to be already qualified as vocational or workbased learning assessors and wishing to widen their knowledge and skill set to include end-point assessment.

In addition, individuals who seek to understand the process better – such as employers, those involved in onprogramme delivery or for personal and professional development - will also find the qualification beneficial.

“The number of apprenticeship standards has grown from 330 to 739 between September 2018 and now, while the number of EPAOs has

grown from 165 to 311 over the same period,” said Jenny Patrickson, Active IQ managing director.

“This in turn has seen an increasing demand for qualified End-point assessors.

“Their role at the end of the apprenticeship process is crucial to ensure the learner has achieved the requisite standard while their independent eye is important to see that the apprentice before them meets the standards required.”

The qualification comprises 10 Guided Learning Hours and 30 hours’ Total Qualification Time.

Active IQ offers eLearning resources and a manual to support the qualification, complemented by digital delivery through its Professional Career Development programme.

This makes the study options very flexible and ideal to fit around existing work commitments and accessible to those who may be learning from home.

“Apprenticeship End-point Assessment involves a number of interested parties so we ensure that learners cover how to involve apprentices, employers and training providers, make End-point Assessment decisions and understand how End-point Assessments are quality assured,” added Jenny.

“In this way learners will have a complete understanding of the context as well as the content of the qualification making them well-equipped to make the most of this rapidly growing and changing market.” www.activeiq.co.uk

Emma is our final lockdown hero OUR final lockdown hero is Emma Leonard, co-owner of R1de spin studio in Brighouse, West Yorkshire.

She was nominated by member Lisa Brambani, who wrote: “The studio has been closed since the first lockdown in March. Since then Emma has set up Zoom spinning sessions for any of the members wanting to keep fit, from her ‘studio garage’.

“Four or five challenging sessions a week with Emma leading the charge, gruelling workouts which have endured, scorching heat, technical issues, background changes and the occasional cameo from a delivery driver .But still she carries on.

“Emma has also got a group of us into cross fit, leading a Sunday morning classes with growing numbers. We’ve had running challenges, distance challenges and she led us all to the November 2000 burpee challenge, where we raised more than £2,500 for Bone Cancer.

“Emma ALWAYS has a smile on her face and leads with professionalism and FUN (at least that’s what she calls it). We have enjoyed fancy dress movie

night themed spin, quiz and Halloween events... all on Zoom “We even celebrated Emma’s 40th birthday with a spin session. I made her a cake, joined in the session then jumped off before the end, drove to her house and surprised her live ‘on air’.

“All in all she’s a workout HERO .”

Fellow member Maxine Hamilton added: “Emma has gone above and beyond to support us. “ It started with a couple of Zoom spin classes a week, which has led to nearly nightly sessions she does for us all.

“Not just spin but a whole host of testing workout sessions, carefully planned.

“She records sessions so we can access them anytime and she sets us targets and goals to keep us all focused through this tough time.

“She constantly sets us new goals and checks how we are in our personal life, she goes over and above to keep “team R1de” together.

“This is a lady who also has another day job and young sons. She’s amazing and so respected by us all.”

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WORKOUT WEEKLY

Cortex and Wattbike announce partnership CORTEX, leaders in exercise performance testing, have partnered with Wattbike to integrate Cortex machinery with the industry’s most advanced indoor smart bike, the Wattbike AtomX. This exclusive partnership makes enhanced, controllable and accurate exercise testing accessible to the medical, fitness, sport science and elite sport markets.

Titus Remppel, Cortex International product specialist, said: “After successful initial tests and trials, we are proud to announce that the Wattbike AtomX can now be fully integrated with Cortex machinery to bring a world-first, affordable and controllable cycling ergometer to the market.

“The Wattbike AtomX produces a solid power output which importantly, we can control. There are very few ergometers out there that can do this, and those others that can are extortionately expensive and not user-friendly.

“The Wattbike AtomX is the first to be able to offer us an innovative, smart option that is affordable and easy to use.”

Historically, within cardiopulmonary, metabolic, performance and fitness testing, heart rate has been used as a clear indicator of cardiopulmonary health and for exercise prescription.

However, heart rate is subject to various sudden changes and has a very high day-to-day variance.

Therefore, power output is a much more solid parameter when testing.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing involves testing the heart, muscles and

lungs to their maximum capacity and analysing their functions.

This is done by analysing gas exchange, so throughout the test on the Wattbike AtomX, the individual will be wearing a mask with a sensor attached to it that measures the volume of air produced There is also a cable tube attached that allows the sampling of the gas exchange; exhaled and inhaled air.

“With any diagnostic test, you need the

correct feedback of the power output and that’s why we are so impressed with the AtomX,” Titus added.

“It provides us with so much more consistency and control than other cycling ergometers, and you can actually prove it was the correct power output.

“Understanding power output is also essential for creating personalised training zones, as you need a certain amount of power output to achieve

working on anaerobic or aerobic fitness levels.”

Cortex was the first to bring exercise testing to the general public without the need for really big equipment.

The introduction of Cortex’s smaller, less-intimidating, portable machines sped up testing protocols and now people can get results within 30 minutes of testing, whereas in the past it could have taken days or weeks to analyse everything.

Richard Baker, Wattbike MD, added: “In the current climate, being unfit and unhealthy has highlighted the increased risks that obese, overweight, and sedentary people are facing in terms of virus protection.

“The importance of testing levels of health and fitness will undoubtedly get even more attention as we move ahead and integrations like ours with Cortex will provide world-class, affordable options accessible to all.

“There are many different applications for this level of testing, not just in the world of sport and fitness, but also in medical diagnostics, risk assessments, assessing rehabilitation progress and providing exercise prescription.

“We look forward to working with Cortex to evolve exercise performance testing and are excited to continue exploring further how this partnership can evolve.”

The Wattbike AtomX is compatible with every Cortex product.

All you have to do is update the software of your Cortex machine which can be done for free.

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WORKOUT WEEKLY

Heading back to the gym? Here’s seven ways you can stay safe working out GYMS were one of the first businesses to close down at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For some, that was a relief. Now they wouldn’t have to feel guilty about skipping a workout session.

However, for many the hour spent working out was what kept them in shape. Now with the country slowly reopening, you might be eager to get back to your workout routines.

But how exactly can you do this whilst ensuring you are safe at the same time?

We have caught up with Buz Roberts, co-owner of F45 Ealing (www. f45training.co.uk/ealing) who has offered expert advice and tips to ensure you are

Buz Roberts

safe when heading back to the gym: Make yourself aware of the protocols in place: Before attending a group workout class, I would advise looking into what protocols the gym will be introducing.

Not only will this help you to feel more comfortable, but it will also ensure that you know what to expect.

For instance, will you be asked to sanitise upon arrival? Will social distancing measures be properly in place? Will you have access to showers or toilets? At F45, we are reducing the risk by prohibiting access to the showers, so it is important that you check these things and know what to expect before attending a class.

Make sure you have booked in advance: Prior to attending any workout class, it is important that you ensure you have booked beforehand, rather than just turning up, as class sizes will inevitably be smaller than before.

Come prepared: It is important that you are well prepared before heading to the gym and try to arrive and leave in your gym kit, if possible, so that you do not need to use the changing rooms.

At F45 Ealing we are asking members to ensure they bring their own towel and full water bottle.

If they do not have a towel, there is the option to buy one at reception.

It is also a good idea to bring your own workout gloves to the session, which will

be particularly useful when picking up any equipment.

Avoid unnecessary risks: During these times, it is important to be conscious and aware of your surroundings – ensuring that you are not touching anything that could be a risk, especially if it is not necessary.

At F45 Ealing we ask that members wait outside for our team to let them in to the studio, and use the contactless check-in and check-out system, to ensure that they are keeping to the social distancing rules.

We have also implemented a new F45 Circuit workout solution.

This has been created as a non-shared equipment solution for in-studio workouts to comply with the strict reopening guidelines.

This programming will use the majority of equipment packs, but members will be assigned to a fixed station for the entire workout to help maintain social distancing and eliminate personto-person contact, and no sharing of equipment.

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WORKOUT WEEKLY

7

Advertiser’s announcement

Why operators need a 360˚ view of the customer now more than ever

THE pandemic has added another layer to the day-to-day challenges of running of a fitness facility.

Considering the ongoing fallout from COVID-19, as the sector fights to regain its footing, the task of proving your operation is Covid-secure now sits alongside attracting and retaining members.

Who knows what the next few months hold for this industry.

As part of a pandemic recovery plan, operators will have to re-forecast spend and ROI. Having total transparency on everything from where leads have come from, and which source has the stronger conversion rates, to which members are most at risk of leaving will allow operators to realign spend accordingly.

The success of fitness businesses as we move forwards is locked in their data – only by gaining in-depth insight and using technology to manage prospecting and membership communications can operators free up teams for vital member engagements alongside additional Covid-related duties.

Keepme uses everyday data alongside advanced machine learning models to afford operators unrivalled 360˚ transparency of the entire member journey.

Fundamentally, Keepme offers

operators clear, concise and real time insights into prospect and member behaviours from the point of data capture followed by their membership journey thereafter.

No more relying on gut instinct, on what ‘feels right’ – the AI engine at Keepme’s heart identifies where early intervention may be required to either close a sale or save a member.

Utilising the data insights, operators can also identify member patterns and

tailor member engagements accordingly via ongoing automations or suggested campaigns to glean a truly rounded view.

“Keepme plugs into existing Membership Management Systems and is programmed to track member habits, from the moment they swipe in, to the purchase of PT, membership bolt-ons, booking classes, ancillary spend and frequency of attendance,” said Amanda Hart, director of customer success at

Keepme.

“Operators have data in spades but so rarely utilise it effectively.

“This level of insight allows teams to translate member actions and use them to create hyper-personalised engagements, reduce attrition, increase secondary spend and, ultimately, raise operational revenue.”

The Keepme system can automatically reach out, engaging with every single member at club level, regionally or nationally.

From there, managers can track which members have opened the communication, see how many come in, and when, then create automations based on how engaged the membership base is.

“A truly accurate 360˚ view will support business planning for a post-pandemic future,” Amanda added.

“The operators who stay afloat will be those who use their data to its best advantage, and make every member count.”

Harnessing unused and currently hidden data will create a genuine step change in this sector’s success, enabling operators to take actions with confidence as they’re based on fact, drive additional revenue and increase profitability at every stage.

For more information about Keepme visit www.keepme.ai

Advertiser’s announcement

Diversify with EMS and reap the rewards SINCE Covid-19 burst into all our lives in March 2020, the fitness sector has taken a hit.

But with a proven vaccine at last being rolled out, the seeds of regeneration are gradually being sown – now is the time for us to grab the newly forged opportunities out there with both hands.

For gyms, studios and personal trainers, these opportunities lie in diversity.

The key to standing out from the crown, to pulling in new clients in a post-lockdown fitness setting, is offering something above and beyond the norm.

Let’s face it, while diversifying sounds like a great idea, how easy is it really?

Standing out from the very accomplished crowd that is the UK’s fitness sector is much simpler to say than do. Unless you have EMS on your side. miha bodytec is a whole-body Electro Muscular Stimulation (WB-EMS) training system which stimulates all major muscle groups at the same time, condensing a two-hour gym session into a superefficient 20-minute workout.

The iBody system, worn while a client performs slow, controlled exercises, creates up to 40 per cent increased muscle activation.

It’s a completely different full body training method, backed by years of

scientific.

EMS works just as well for someone looking to hone their athletic performance as it does for a timepoor client intent on body sculpting in a hurry.

And with many existing gym goers still struggling with confidence about

going back to fitness settings, as sessions are one-on-one, max oneon-two, EMS enables you to offer a COVID-secure solution.

COVID-19 has raised fitness and health to the forefront of public consciousness and EMS training gives you the versatility to reach out

to the myriad of new clients looking to put their health first.

It’s low impact; with only bodyweight loading it provides minimal joint stress, and it’s lowcommitment; one 20-minute session a week is all that’s required to see results.

People want to make a change, let’s help them.

An average PT session lasts up to an hour. In contrast, offering EMS means you can train two clients at once, potentially seeing up to four people an hour without affecting session quality.

Also consider you can charge the same rate as a PT session yet deliver it in half the time, enabling you to maximise income.

The EMS method is easy to learn through a certified course and while the equipment does require an investment, miha bodytec offer an affordable leasing partnership.

With the UK market still very much in its infancy, there is a huge opportunity for pioneering gyms, studios and PTs to offer something unique and leverage EMS training to engage a new demographic.

Inspired? Connect with the team for your free demo: info.miha-bodytec.com/ personal-training-uk?utm_ medium=editorial&utm_ source=weekly.workout&utm_ campaign=uk.lp.pts.partners.roi

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