Weekly Workout - Issue 45

ISSUE 1 May

WEEKLY

Issue 45 - 16 April 2021

YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE

Loosening lockdown rules puts a spring in nation’s steps

page 3 Association launched to help gym owners be more sustainable

page 5

Today’s Workout Destination

Mount Killimanjaro Italian Dolomites Moab, Utah Mount Kilimanjaro Scottish Highlands Venice Iceland Hawaii Easter Island Antarctica Patagonia Bora Bora New Zealand Egypt Machu Picchu Paris Swiss Alps Grand Canyon Rome Glen Coe Kenya Swiss Alps INTERACTIVE WORKOUTS Workout in breathtaking locations with world-renowned coaches who auto-adjust the incline, decline, speed, and resistance of your machine to create an immersive experience.

FREEMOTIONFITNESS.COM/22-SERIES

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Loosening lockdown rules puts a spring in nation’s steps WHILE some plan boozy reunions with friends and family, a staggering majority of Brits are embracing the spirit of a new start as lockdown restrictions ease, by putting in place saintly health and fitness goals as post-pandemic freedoms are given.

According to a survey of 15,946 UK adults carried out by Decathlon as part of the Decathlon Activity Index, nine out of 10 Brits (90 per cent) have got a fitness or health goal they intend to pursue when Covid-19 restrictions ease.

With many having had their exercise routines disrupted by restrictions – including the closures of gyms and the banning of non-professional team sports – more than one in three (36 per cent) intend to get back into a regular exercising routine.

Nearly a third (29 per cent) intend to take the opportunity when gyms and leisure facilities reopen by exercising more frequently than they did while restrictions were in place, as 40 per cent admit that they have put on weight since the start of the pandemic and 36 per cent say they don’t feel as fit.

For one in three Brits, this was due to them falling out of their normal exercise routines, while the closure of gyms and leisure facilities meant 32 per cent felt unable to exercise at all.

More than one in three (35 per cent) intend to lose weight as restrictions ease, with 43 per cent confessing Covid-19 has made them realise the importance of their health, while 39 per cent say it is a good opportunity to start afresh and get into good habits.

Nearly one in four (24 per cent) say they are being motivated by a desire to feel good ahead of an event they have coming up, like a party, night out or wedding.

With home workouts becoming the norm for many Brits throughout 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

pandemic, nearly half (49 per cent), say they plan to continue with their home workout routines even when restrictions ease.

While 28 per cent intend to workout at the gym or leisure centre on their own.

Nearly a quarter (22 per cent) say they are planning to play organised team sports again as soon as restrictions allow it, while 21 per cent intend on attending a fitness class with other people.

Looking at the most popular sports Brits plan to participate in as lockdown eases, running (33 per cent), swimming (31 pr cent) and fitness or the gym (29 per cent) appeared top of the list.

The top 10 sports Brits intend to participate in as lockdown eases: n Running (33 per cent) n Swimming (31 per cent) n Fitness / gym (29 per cent) n Cycling (27 per cent) n Football (20 per cent) n Hiking / trekking (18 per cent) n Yoga / pilates (16 per cent) n Tennis / squash / badminton (11 per cent) n Camping (seven per cent) n Fishing (seven per cent) The Decathlon Activity Index tracks rates of participation in sport and other physical activities across the year through a national survey repeated every month throughout the year.

learnM boosts both your earning and learning potential EXCELSIOR has launched a customisable learning management system aimed at supporting training providers, fitness operators and manufacturers as well as offering an ideal reseller opportunity.

Tapping into the mega-trend of digital transformation, businesses can now revolutionise their education programmes with ‘learnM’, a cost effective and time efficient customisable platform for professionals involved in the development of teams or individuals.

Designed for maximum flexibility, the platform can be preloaded with third party endorsed digital learning (Active IQ), or can be utilised for a brands own content.

The learnM content can also be utilised for existing learner management systems and everything is translatable.

Both the system and its content is built on the latest learning psychology and technology.

Research reveals that shorter study periods lead to better recall – this is why learnM offers content online and in a variety of interactive formats, keeping the learner engaged whilst promoting a deeper understanding of any given

subject.

Hundreds of lessons on a wide variety of topics are available, with at least two new courses being added each month, keeping content fresh and relevant for the learner.

With the definition of online fitness continually changing as instructors learn and develop, the latest module to be released on learnM is ‘The Online Instructor’. This explores the essential skills and behaviours required to build the optimal online exercise experience.

“We strongly believe in continual self development and learnM delivers the ability for self improvement on a daily basis. It’s also a convenient way to learn on the go and fits into busy schedules.” said Chris Rock, director, Excelsior Development Technologies.

Users can sign up for a FREE five-day trial and gain access to a selection of courses including Battle Rope Foundations, Emergency First Aid at Work 1 – Roles, regulations and the primary survey, Exploring COSHH (control of substances hazardous to health), plus Interaction and Teaching. excelsior.learnM.online

Operator open doors after lockdown closure LIFE Leisure’s Stockport centres have reopened their doors following the Government’s announcement that it is now safe to reopen gyms and swimming pools.

This included the return of swimming sessions, outdoor group classes and bookable indoor gym sessions, where members will finally be able to get their hands on equipment such as rowing machines, weights and running machines.

Michaela Pennington, group CEO of Life Leisure, said: “We are excited to welcome back our members after such a long period of absence and uncertainty.

“Keeping active is vital for both our physical and mental health and our members have missed out on a whopping 22,000 activity sessions during the months we’ve been closed.

“While we’ve been able to provide online fitness classes and outdoor sessions, there will be nothing quite like getting back into the pool or working out alongside friends.”

All centres across Stockport reopened on April 12 apart from Priestnall and Bramhall, which will open on June 7.

While Dialstone is also scheduled to reopen on June 7, it is hoped it will be able to open its doors sooner.

While indoor classes continue to be unavailable until at least May 17, centres will be able to provide outdoor and online group sessions, lifeLEISURE Kids and family classes, and a four-week FitCamp course.

All gym and swim visits must be booked online, and where possible, members are encouraged to come ‘activity ready’ to reduce the demand on changing rooms while social

distancing measures remain in place.

Michaela added: “We’ve looked at everything, from sanitisation stations, hands-free door opening and PPE for staff to equipment spacing, one-way systems and online booking for gym and class attendance – all to ensure members can train, swim, dance and get the physical workout they want, safe in the knowledge that social distancing and hygiene advice is being fully observed.”

During the eight-month closure of centres, staff at Life Leisure have continued to provide online classes to help keep Stockport residents active.

As well as providing more than 30 live Zoom classes a week, they developed programmes to help care home residents keep fit and active during lockdown and support those recovering from the virus.

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Matrix Fitness expands strength portfolio with new Go Series MATRIX Fitness, one of the world’s fastest-growing commercial fitness brands, is introducing an all-new strength equipment offering.

The Go Series strength units are compact and designed with minimal adjustments to accommodate any fitness facility’s budget, space and members.

“Our goal, based on insights from our key customer groups – owners, technicians, trainers and members, was to create a simple, easy-to-use strength

series,” said Chris Adsit, senior global product manager, Strength, for Matrix.

“We are thrilled to be offering a solution so intuitive and engaging with its design and user-friendly features, where anyone can sit and go.”

The Go Series is ideal for facilities looking to appeal to members new to strength training and circuit programs.

The series comprises 10 single station machines, each designed with low starting weights, compact footprints and

back-to-back configurations that will improve traffic flow and help serve more members when space is at a premium.

Other Go Series highlights: n Low stack height creates welcoming sight lines and an open aesthetic. n Easy-to-read, color-coded exercise placards highlight targeted muscle groups and proper machine use. n Storage space on top of stacks lets users keep their personal device, water bottle and towel in reach.

n Optional incremental weight allows for smaller progressions. n Durable metal shrouds withstand tough environments and guide rods can be easily removed without tools, streamlining maintenance and service.

Available to purchase now, the Go Series portfolio includes Chest Press, Shoulder Press, Lat Pulldown, Seated Row, Biceps Curl, Seated Triceps Press, Abdominal, Leg Press, Leg Extension and Seated Leg Curl.

In partnership with

Friday 26th November 2021, The Athena,Leicester NOMINATIONS WILL REMAIN OPEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR CLOSING ON AUGUST 31 2021.

WWW.NATIONALFITNESSAWARDS.CO.UK

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE Call 01226 734605 or email tb@scriptmedia.co.uk for details

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Association launched to help gym owners be more sustainable AS A sector dedicated to improving people’s health and wellbeing, we need to make sure we are addressing all of the interlinked problems – the causes of poor health, rather than simply the consequences of it.

Extreme hot and cold events, flooding and drought – globally, climate change and our impacts on the environment are already producing negative health effects.

There are plenty of forward-thinking gym operators, studio owners and personal trainers who are developing a deeper appreciation of how sustainability relates to fitness.

And there are many gym members who understand the peril this planet is facing and expect businesses to show leadership and compassion in addressing the question of sustainability.

We are already seeing a real shift: research published on the website SportsArt suggests that 62 per cent of consumers prefer green gyms, and this reflects consumer trends more broadly – a Nielson report on Global Corporate Sustainability showed that 66 per cent of consumers are willing to spend more with a sustainable brand, with 81 per cent of millennials expecting their favourite companies to make public declarations of their corporate citizenship.

Since I chose to go ‘green’ and reinvent my business to become a producer of renewable (humanpowered) energy I have cut my energy bills, and seen an increase in member engagement.

We are launching the Sustainable Gym Association to help other gyms to make this transition, and ensure that the fitness industry is better networked and better informed to tackle the challenges to our public and planetary health, and better

V1BE and Lifestyle Fitness set to open second club in city prepared to access the solutions to help their businesses to thrive.

The Sustainable Gym Association is committed to supporting a global community of sustainable gyms, studios and fitness centres that want to put environmental excellence at their core and build a strong, longlasting and sustainable industry.

We are hosting a webinar Introduction to the Sustainable Gym Association on April 22 – visit www. thesustainablegym.com/upcomingevents to register your interest.

In partnership with our founding partner SA Green Fitness we are also launching a world’s first survey on the gym and leisure sector’s thoughts on sustainability – to find out what does our sector think about this issue and what is being done already.

We invite you to share your thoughts with us by visiting https://forms.gle/ vMDwwvCmimtGqHfD7. Participants could win a years membership to the SGA or a hamper of sustainable gym and fitness products curated by SA Green Fitness.

LIFESTYLE Fitness and V1BE have announce their second partnership to provide a luxury health club in the centre of Manchester, set to open its doors in summer 2021.

The new club – part of the Hyphen development – is situated on Mosley Street in central Manchester.

It will be the 29th club in the Lifestyle Fitness portfolio and second in partnership with boutique class studio operator V1BE. The luxury facility will be spread across two floors, with an underground level providing members with an unrivalled atmospheric workout zone packed with state-of-the-art gym equipment, functional rigs and free weights downstairs.

At street level, a large V1BE studio will provide a range of trend-settinghigh intensity classes and boutique workouts.

“We are delighted to announce our Manchester Central club” said Lifestyle Fitness managing director James Lawrence.

“Our aim is to provide Manchester’s best workout, so whether that’s a lunchtime gym session, a post work V1BE class or a relaxing weekend workout we’ve carefully designed each space so

that it can be done in style.”

“To be able to provide a second fantastic health club to the people of Manchester and an environment that people feel comfortable to exercise in is at the core of our ethos at Lifestyle Fitness.”

At a time when the fitness and leisure industry has been massively impacted and the sector has struggled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Lifestyle Fitness and V1BE have remained committed to expanding their influence and are dedicated to providing a high-quality service and luxurious facilities at competitive prices.

“We are delighted to be working with V1BE again,” James added.

“Part of the reason we work so well together is that we both understand the importance of community in the fitness & leisure industry. We want our members to feel like the club is a second home and a place they can feel comfortable, whatever their goals may be and achieve their goals.”

Lifestyle Fitness and V1BE have already announced a launch date for the first club in Ancoats, which will open its doors to the public on May 17, with the second club to follow soon after.

Advertiser’s announcement

iFit: your readymade omnichannel fitness solution OMNICHANNEL is the word on the lips and minds of the entire fitness industry.

Having shifted away from the brick-and-mortar facility to the hybrid model, we’re now talking about the expectation for operators to provide a whole ecosystem of fitness offerings to meet the increasingly diverse needs and expectations of the post-Covid member.

“The at-home and digital fitness trends were already on the rise, but have been propelled further by the pandemic,” said Tony Ali, UK country manager for Freemotion Fitness.

“Instead of seeing the gym as their primary source of exercise, consumers now see it as one of multiple channels and/or environments delivering their overall experience.

“So, in order to attract and retain members moving forward, operators need to find solutions that enable them to become an indispensable part of their omnichannel fitness routines.”

iFit – the world’s only truly interactive, connected fitness platform – was built for the omnichannel world.

Already enjoyed by almost five million users globally, iFit is available in the gym via the Freemotion 22 SERIES

cardio line, at home via NordicTrack and ProForm equipment, and on the go via the iFit app, enabling operators to meet members where they’re at, so they never lose connection.

“The great thing about iFit is that it’s available anywhere, anytime,” added Tony. “A member can start a 12-part running adventure on the 22 SERIES in their club, then continue that journey on their iFit-enabled home fitness equipment or simply using the app, listening to their coach as they take their exercise outdoors. “iFit is a readymade omnichannel ecosystem that operators can plug in and play to drive engagement and retention within their facilities.”

To discover more about the iFitpowered 22 SERIES cardio line and how it can be used to help deliver the ultimate omnichannel fitness experience for your members, visit https://freemotionfitness.com/22-series/