ISSUE 1 May
WEEKLY
Issue 53 - 11 June 2021
YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE
Nationwide recruitment drive for the sector as optimism for live fitness classes grows
page 3 Finally – here’s everything you need to know about data and AI
page 4 Data from UK’s first open access database for exercise referral schemes published
page 5
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WORKOUT WEEKLY
Nationwide recruitment drive for the sector as optimism for live fitness classes grows WITH the recent welcomed return of group exercise, leading group exercise specialists Les Mills and its partners from all over the UK and Ireland, including the likes of Nuffield Health, Bannatyne Health Clubs, Freedom Leisure, Village Gyms and a number of independent partners are on the hunt for superstar instructors to be right at the heart of their group exercise programmes and celebratory return After months of isolation, members cannot wait to step back into a live fitness environment and get back to the thrill of connection amongst their fitness communities, a driving force behind the industry’s recovery. In what is gearing up to be one of the largest nationwide recruitment drives the industry has seen in recent years, Les Mills will be working closely with clubs and instructors to offer support pathways back into teaching for Les Mills’ instructors nationwide. This recruitment drive comes at a time when the demand for group exercise and a sense of belonging to a community has never been stronger. After multiple lockdowns in the UK, it was revealed in recent report that the two most important drivers of gym and studio exercise returns are the community and incentives these provide. This sentiment has been echoed by a survey which revealed that 45 per cent of gym-goers gave group exercise as the main reason for attending their gym, and those who attend group exercise classes visit the gym twice as much as other members. Community and shared-experiences will be a key factor in people’s happiness after the lockdowns, and although digital has been a great channel and growth market for the fitness industry, there’s no denying that the in-studio, live experience with instructors and other gymgoers is the pinnacle workout experience. With the help and support from Les Mills, many larger clubs with multiple sites such as Nuffield, Bannatyne Health Clubs and Village are seeking to improve their live experiences even more, with superstar instructors leading the way. For clubs like Nuffield Health, a diverse 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
timetable of Les Mills classes can often be at the core of their centres with the Instructor at the forefront of driving both quality and connection. Charlie Banfield, national fitness development manager for Nuffield Health, said: “Instructors hold the hearts of members and it’s so important for our club community to have live group exercise classes that connect and engage with our members to create the best and memorable experiences. “We’re excited to be working with Les Mills on this recruitment drive to bring even more great instructors onto our timetable.” The future is certainly bright for Beau Sejour Leisure Centre in Guernsey. Since reopening in March it has inspired a roaring recovery, getting back to pre-pandemic membership and attendance numbers in just two months. General manager Lucy Smart added: “After months of isolation, people are crying out for human connection and it’s hard to understate how important it’s been to all of us to get back to what we love. “Many lost their fitness levels during the lockdown, so having a quality Instructor motivating them has made a huge difference in helping them to recover.” To celebrate the re-opening of the sector and return of group exercise, on
Saturday, June 12 the industry will unite for “The Fastest Way Back” launch event with an exclusive livestream of the new Les Mills releases. Led by Les Mills Master Trainers the day will include livestreams of some of the most popular workouts including BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT and BODYBALANCE. Complimenting in-club launch events and live classes, the livestreams will be available for the entire industry to share with their members and add to their timetable in order to connect with even more of their members beyond their four walls. The event is part of the Fastest Way Back campaign designed to support club partners with their reopening and recovery plans. Set to ramp up their Instructor recruitment in search of talent, Les Mills will also be supporting Village Hotels in launching its re-opening campaign across the country with the livestreaming event. Ben Edwards, national fitness manager at Village Health and Wellness, said: “We’re in the midst of a truly exciting time as the industry re-launches and celebrates the return of group exercise, our Les Mills partnership is a fantastic tool which really enables us to amplify our group exercise focus. “At any time between 30 and 40 per
cent of all members who come into our clubs are dedicated specifically to group exercise and our Les Mills partnership allows us to maximise this. “We know our members have changed the way they workout over the last year, and now is the time to embrace the change and connect with them both in club and at home. “The diverse programmes, quality of instructions and vibrant musical choices really helps to engage the members and ensure they receive a first class group exercise experience every time they walk into our studios.” Les Mills has worked with leading clubs around the world to develop a suite of group fitness solutions to help futureproof clubs by expanding their reach in both the online and live fitness space. The recruitment drive for the sector will only strengthen and enhance the current value that Instructors bring in joining people together and making their fastest way back to full fitness. To see the latest roles available visit: https://www.lesmills.com/uk/ instructors/resources/recruitment/ To find out more and to get involved in the fastest way back event get in touch at lmuk.clubs@lesmills.com, and help spread the word to your members – they can sign up to the live stream – https:// lesmillsfastestwaybackevent.splashthat. com/
Sustainable nutrition on-the-go NEW nutrition brand Tribal Active Nutrition has launched two vegan and organic energy smoothies, promising ‘sustainable nutrition on-the-go’, being better for you and your stomach, and also the planet, than conventional energy gels and drinks. Organic and nutrient dense, the smoothies, which come PU VU [OL NV WV\JOLZ [OH[ LHZPS` Ä[ PU[V H WVJRL[ \[PSPZL the energising and revitalising properties of baobab fruit [V JYLH[L H UH[\YHS HUK LɈLJ[P]L M\LS They’re also packed with other important nutrients to help boost performance, including 36 per cent of the NRV of vitamin C, which has been shown to help beat fatigue. Due to their unique format, the smoothies are also less concentrated than more conventional energy products and are thus easier on the stomach. So, whether you’re heading for a session at the gym or a 9am board meeting the smoothies will help energise you for the challenge ahead. Tribal Active Nutrition Energy Smoothies are available in
several varieties, including Morella Cherry & Baobab and Pineapple & Baobab, from Sainsbury’s, health stores, (THaVU HUK [YPIHSHJ[P]L JV \R ^OLYL `V\ JHU HSZV ÄUK more information.
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WORKOUT WEEKLY
Finally – here’s everything you need to know about data and AI HARNESSING data is the key to future-proofing the fitness sector, but it can be an intimidating topic. Now, a new white paper – Everything You Need to Know About Data & AI – sets out to answer to all the questions you’ve been wanting to ask, but didn’t want to be the one to raise your hand. As an AI trailblazer, tech expert and former health club operator, Keepme founder and CEO Ian Mullane is both hugely passionate about data, and uniquely positioned to understand what gym operators must do to embrace its all-but-untapped potential to revolutionise their businesses. Fortunately, he is able to convey his in-depth knowledge in a way that makes sense to the nondata expert, which ensures his latest white paper – Everything You Need to Know About Data & AI, which launches on June 14 – makes for fascinating reading. Kicking off by spotlighting the various types of data gyms will already have in their businesses, Ian goes on to explain how to collect, store and work with it, as well as how to leverage it using AI and machine learning to produce predictions and insights that would simply not be possible through human analysis. “My goal is to strip away the barriers of complexity that hinder understanding of this topic, leaving the reader with a clear grasp of the opportunity for their business, as well as actions they can take immediately to start extracting exceptional business value from their data,” he said. And Ian has succeeded in that goal says global fitness authority Emma Barry. She added: “Finally, a one-stop shop for all those tech terms you’ve been too scared to ask about. “Ian’s latest white paper is a truly enjoyable
read that skips through playfully, clearly and informatively.” Her sentiments are echoed by in the foreword by EuropeActive president David Stalker, who comments: “Data is boring? Wrong. Understanding it can be frustrating, but your data is the key to your business success. “The first step is to take the guesswork out of the numbers game, and in this excellent white paper, Ian leads us on a journey through AI, machine learning and business intelligence in a way that actually makes sense – even to those of us who
usually see data analysis as a tech session of buzzword bingo. “By reading Everything You Need to Know About Data & AI, you’ll better understand why you can no longer afford to lose track of your data – and how to ensure that doesn’t happen.” Everything You Need to Know About Data & AI will be available for download from June 14. And if you missed Ian’s first white paper – The Fitness Future: Rules of Engagement – which launched in February to rave reviews, you can still download your complimentary copy.
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Friday 26th November 2021, The Athena,Leicester NOMINATIONS WILL REMAIN OPEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR CLOSING ON AUGUST 31 2021. WWW.NATIONALFITNESSAWARDS.CO.UK
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WORKOUT WEEKLY
Data from UK’s first open access database for exercise referral schemes published THE UK’s first open access database for exercise referral schemes has reached 40,000 records nationwide, ukactive and ReferAll has revealed as the latest data for the sector is published. The National ReferAll Database, which records outcome data for patients participating in the schemes, has been developed by ukactive and exercise referral software specialists ReferAll, in conjunction with the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine in Sheffield, which has its research hub at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre. Its latest data show that since launching in 2019, the NRD has grown to represent 40,000 unique persons who have been referred to one of 123 exercise referral schemes across the UK, between 2012 and 2021. The sample has been taken from more than 600,000 exercise referral scheme records captured within ReferAll’s database. To date, data available around exercise referral schemes has not been able to provide conclusive evidence of their effectiveness, due to its variability and the data representing only a small proportion of schemes. By making the database an open resource and improving the quality of data captured, ukactive, ReferAll and the NCSEM in Sheffield have created a valuable resource for the wider research community, policy makers and health practitioners.
Dr Matthew Wade As it operates within the Open Science Framework – the movement for transparency and accessibility in research – it is hoped the database will grow to incorporate new pathways and schemes outside of the traditional concept of exercise referral schemes, such as weight management services and COVID recovery programmes. Dr Matthew Wade, head of research and development at ukactive, said: “We believe the NRD holds the key to unlocking best practice and driving continuous improvement. “This database is integral for the success of exercise referral schemes in the future, ultimately providing the guiding evidence for the improvement of schemes so that we can increase the
efficacy and consistency of our services. “We need those in our sector delivering exercise referral schemes to work with us to maximise the potential of this database. “Anyone delivering exercise referral schemes or other physical-activityrelated schemes should help us to build the evidence base and learn more about what works best by capturing data and feeding it into the database.” Stuart Stokes, managing director at ReferAll, added: “This is a breakthrough moment; the NRD will ensure referral schemes can reach their full potential by facilitating a better understanding of exercise referral schemes and other physical-activity-related social prescribing pathways. “It allows us to deepen our understanding of what makes schemes effective and so inform public health policy and practice. “I genuinely believe this could change the way ‘exercise’ and ‘medicine’ interact. What could be more important than that?” The founding partners have ambitions to continually update the NRD with additional data, according to Dr James Steele, Associate Professor of Sports and Exercise Science at Southampton Solent University and former Principal Investigator at ukactive’s Research Institute. He said: “It’s been incredibly gratifying to see the hard work over many years
from all involved in this mammoth project come to fruition. “Certainly I, and colleagues at Solent University, will be looking to utilise the data for future research and we encourage others to tap into the resource. But this is just the next step in our ambitious plans for this work. “We want to grow the database from where it currently is and to see more schemes signing up to include their data. “We also want to work to develop core outcome datasets that are linked to meaningful outcomes and raise the quality and standardisation of data across this area. “As the learnings of the database are incorporated into practice and policies, and as data is fed back into the database, this will facilitate continued evaluation to support our developing understanding of exercise referral schemes.” Prof Robert Copeland, director of the NCSEM in Sheffield and AWRC, said: “Qualitative data with users and providers underlines their importance as part of the health promotion system in terms of individual level benefit but to date research exploring a population effect has been undermined by low quality data, and inconsistency in what is measured to assess benefit. “The NRD changes this and provides the platform upon which researchers and policy makers can explore the population benefit of exercise referral schemes with greater precision.”
Advertiser’s announcement
Boost your in-club offer with EMS POST pandemic, technology is increasingly shaping the way consumers access fitness. Apps and wearables are helping people reach their goals by giving them greater insight into their training, and online and digital offerings – which grew exponentially during lockdowns – continue to hold their own. Electro-muscle stimulation (EMS) training takes the merging of fitness and technology to a whole new level, using the very latest in high tech kit to ensure members see results sooner than with any other workout. For clubs and studios looking to improve revenue generation by
bolstering their in-club offer, EMS personal training allows you to provide a high-tech, innovative exercise option either on the gym floor, in a studio or underutilised room or as a shop-in-shop model. The miha bodytec i-Body device has a small footprint and is fully portable; all it requires is a simple plug socket. EMS personal training is the ideal way to ensure your facility stands out from the crowded fitness sector, as it appeals to a nation calling out for alternative ways to keep active. This is coupled with the increasing interest in fitness technology, and the fact that EMS PT sessions are only 20 minutes long, which allows you to fit in more clients while not altering your hourly PT rate. Sessions are always trainer led on a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio, so effectively you can see four clients in an hour compared to the typical 45-min to one-hour PT session. EMS personal training is perfect for members who don’t thrive in the typical gym environment; it’s a nonintimating, zero weight bearing form of exercise which uses slow, simple controlled moves whilst the muscles are simultaneously stimulated. This all equals a safe, time efficient, results-based strength toning session. As well as the obvious sculpting benefits, EMS PT is especially effective for lower back pain, postnatal recovery and improving bladder control, meaning it appeals to those with specific needs alongside those who have been
shielding and might not feel comfortable in a group exercise class or on the main gym floor yet. EMS PT is also effective for the avid gym goers and high-performance athletes, helping them to achieve and exceed their goals faster. Because just one session a week is all that’s required to see results, EMS PT is also great option for busy professionals who can’t dedicate regular time to the gym. A survey of EMS users showed that 38 per cent who do EMS also have a regular
gym membership as well, proving that it isn’t competitive for revenue generation from memberships and is a great way to drive PT penetration. With retention rates for EMS sitting at more than 85 per cent, there’s never been a better time to get on board. The UK miha bodytec team is offering all club owners a free demo so you can see the potential for yourself: https://calendly.com/miha-bodytecuk/free-ems-trial-session?utm_ medium=editorial&utm_source=workout. weekly&utm_campaign=uk.lp.pts.partners.roi
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SEPTEMBER
2021 BOOK NOW £25 single delegate £40 two delegates Lunch & refreshments included Goody bag & attendance certificate
The Trade Fitness Event of the Year for the North of England, brought to you by Magazine The conference will be at the Bolton Whites Hotel on September the 14th and will be a 1 day show starting at 10.00am and closing at 16.30pm THE MORNING speaker panel will be hosted by Dave Wright, Chairman of My Zone and CFM and he will be joined by industry experts,
THE AFTERNOON’S speaker panel will be hosted by Graeme Hinde Managing Director of LFX and the LFX Academy and he will be joined by industry experts
Tea and Coffee will be served upon arrival and exhibition viewing, mid morning break will be served in the main exhibition area. Lunch will be served to all delegates with a further opportunity to enter the exhibition and networking areas. The final Tea and coffee break will be served in the exhibition and networking room with raffles and prize draws taking place on the stands. In accordance with government guide lines this will be a ticket only event with a limited number of delegates, tickets must be purchased in advance to secure your attendance at the event, tickets can be purchased via the website or by emailing directly to Tony Barry at tb@scriptmedia.co.uk
Register now as numbers for the conference and exhibition are limited at: www.tomorrowsworkout.co.uk