Workout - Issue 330

ISSUE 330 October 2021 £3

Are traditional gyms going to war with smart gyms?

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Veterans keep trim at bespoke new gym Find out if your gym has made the NFA shortlist

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Learn, share, grow at IFBA LIVE 2021 THE IFBA LIVE is the UK’s only event created exclusively for personal trainers, gym owners, and fitness managers – and anyone committed to learning how to deliver a truly remarkable fitness experience.

More than 300 delegates will gather at the stunning Slate conference centre in the grounds of Warwick University on October 16 and 17 with one mission: to make the fitness industry stronger.

IFBA LIVE unites some of the most well-known and influential names in the world of fitness under one roof to share their stories, learnings and expertise.

The comprehensive schedule covers every aspect of leading a thriving fitness operation, from finance and marketing to staffing and programming.

Speakers and topics include: n Pete Dupuis, Cressey Sports Performance Improving your ground game: building a viable operation without digital ad spend n Brett Bartholomew, The Bridge Human Performance Bought in – engineering outcomes via behavioral based approach n Mark Fisher, Business For Unicorns

The four things you MUST do now to grow your business in 2021 n Lisa Lewis, gWell Health Psych skills for fitness pros: motivate and facilitate change n Dan John, Author Now What?

Resilience in the post-covid gym n Alwyn Cosgrove, Results Fitness

The evolution of personal training n Dave Wright, Myzone The state of the global fitness industry: a roundup of the long-term ramifications and opportunities for this sector n Paul Mort, Unstoppable The uncensored truth about building an ACTUAL million pound coaching

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business n Lara Morgan, Only Actions Count The fitness industry, its digital audience and adding value to customer’s loyalty and health care experience.

The Slate at Warwick Conferences is a well-connected venue offering excellent hotel-style accommodation, stunning lakeside views and access to the on-site gym and pool.

Delegates will brush away the cobwebs after the networking drinks on the Saturday night with a guided group workout bright and early on the Sunday morning.

This year, the LIVE has gone hybrid too, offering a sophisticated digital experience for virtual delegates through a dedicated online platform, providing interactive access to all the talks and workshops.

If you’re passionate about driving your business to be the best, IFBA LIVE is a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights from the industry’s leading lights and game-changers.

Workout readers can receive 10 per cent off the ticket price by using the code WM10.

Find out more at https://ifba.live

Covid-19 rehab programme launched PLACES Leisure has launch its Covid Recovery Programme, a new service designed to provide therapy and rehabilitation specifically for individuals who have endured Covid-19 or who have been affected by Long-Covid.

More than two million people in the UK are struggling with the effects of Covid-19.

For many, their experience is transformative and, far more profound than an acute cough, fever, and period of isolation.

With funding provided by Travis Perkins Managed Services and Places for People, Places Leisure fitness coaches across England have received industryaccredited qualifications from the CAWS® Rebuild™ training programme.

CAWS® Rebuild™ certified coaches are equipped to work with individuals recovering from Covid-19 and LongCovid after the acute phase.

Through the new, Covid Recovery Programme, Places Leisure teams will be ready to deliver community support 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

from its participating facilities.

CAWS® is an acclaimed, industry training provider, accredited by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.

The Rebuild™ Programme was designed in direct response to the needs of individuals enduring Covid-19 and suffering with ongoing symptoms.

The initiative was created by cofounders, managing director Mel Spooner, and education director Dr Colin Robertson, both widely known throughout the healthcare, sports medicine, and the fitness industries.

Both CAWS® and the Rebuild™ training programme are backed by ukactive and EuropeActive.

Places Leisure’s head of fitness Sarah Roberts said: “Thankfully, most individuals who contract Covid-19 do not require hospitalisation.

“However, a period of recovery and restoration is vital for anyone who experiences Covid-19.

“Many people push themselves too

far too soon, which not only decreases their speed of recovery, but can also lead them to Long-Covid.

Our Covid Recovery Programme has been designed to offer support and inform Covid patients to make the right decisions from the start, so that they can recover as quickly as possible, avoid longer-term complications and make the virus a part of their past.”

Exercise referral software specialists ReferAll is also playing a critical role, setting up data management for the Covid Recovery Programme in its secure platform and replicating CAWS’ questionnaires to ensure accurate reporting Sarah added: “Places Leisure is ready to receive people who need help now.

“We are delivering support 1-2-1 and remotely. If you are looking for support and guidance or know somebody who is struggling and needs help, please contact your local, participating centre any time and have a chat with a member of our team.”

Places Leisure’s CEO Paul McPartlan added: “We are committed to supporting communities up and down the country, investing in bespoke programmes, training and services which help people.

“In the wake of the pandemic, we have invested in even more initiatives and these funds have helped customers mitigate a myriad of issues arising from lockdown – be they financial, restricted training and education, or social isolation.

“We are incredibly proud of the Covid Recovery Programme. Through training colleagues, we can in turn support local communities for the long term, helping people rebuild their health as we move forward from the challenges of the past year.”

Places Leisure will also be offering help to local schools and employers across England to support students and employees and will be working to support the work of local GPs and primary care groups to identify members of the community who need help.

Leon joins Myzone as global head of product FITNESS innovation and technology expert Leon Rudge has joined Myzone as global head of product, in a move set to add more than a decade of experience that benefits customers and end users alike.

With a foundational focus on supporting gyms using wearable tech that increases member engagement, Leon’s years in the fitness industry position him perfectly to align customer needs and Myzone’s strategic roadmap to drive continual growth.

“I’m really excited to be joining Myzone and working alongside incredible talent with an awesome product,” he said.

“I have fond memories of travelling to IHRSA 2011, sitting next to the team as they got ready to launch.

“Over the years, I’ve loved watching

Leon Rudge

the product evolve, the business grow, and it really is humbling to become part of it.

“The company has some exciting plans, and I’m looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and helping with the next Myzone chapter.”

Leon joins Myzone after eight years on the front line of innovation for Life

Fitness, progressing through positions of technology solutions manager and director of digital experience internationally.

In addition, his four years on the IHRSA Innovation and Technology Advisory Council means that Myzone is now even better equipped to improve the process of tech adoption that gets more people, more physically active, more often around the world.

“There are few in the industry that have such an in-depth experience and knowledge of technology in the industry as Leon,” added Dave Wright, Myzone founder and CEO. “Having personally known and respected Leon for more than a decade, we could not think of a more qualified expert to help drive Myzone to the next chapter of our product journey.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

You’re part of the movement, and this is your moment ...

EVERY of us knows how important it is to strive for improvements to the wellbeing of our community, creating lasting positive behaviour change that really makes the difference.

It’s part of the job. It is what we live to do.

While some of us may not always realise just how much of an impact the hard work makes at times, we all still know why we’re doing it.

That’s the movement of movement. It’s spreading the joy of physical activity and implementing it in as many facets of society as possible, educating people across every background, age group, interest and other demographics.

Inclusive fitness is here to stay and rewarding effort has always been what Myzone specialises in. But something’s changing.

Now is the time that we can make positive change that lasts; that outgrows the sedentary habits of yesteryear and leads us into a healthier lifestyle no matter what we like to do.

I’ve heard from a few sources that this year’s ukactive National Fitness Day and europeactive BEACTIVE Day have been the best ever.

It certainly showed in our dedicated MZ-Remote Cardio Club classes, as we saw record numbers pushing for the same goals, and even had rugby legend Jason Robinson joining in the MEPfest.

Schools are using heart rate training to teach kids the benefits of movement from an early age, with more accountability and understanding of health than ever.

Workplaces are implementing wellbeing drives, using Myzone leaderboards to motivate and move staff all year round.

As previously featured in this magazine, government officials in the US have embraced healthy competition, wearing the MZ-Switch to truly understand how technology can benefit the decisions they make for citizens.

Back on these shores, the army, the RAF, the NHS and every valued member of the Myzone community are embracing education, understanding and empathy in

their approach to physical activity and the way they talk to their clients, counterparts and colleagues.

Whether it’s Covid enlightenment, overcoming lockdown lethargy, or just that the word is spreading, something has changed.

We’re responsible for making sure that this uptick in awareness sticks, and we can never go back. You’re part of the movement with us, and this is your moment.

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Hussle brings gyms additional revenue via people who don’t currently engage with traditional memberships.

‘Try-before-you-buy’ customers, occasional users and customers requiring multi-venue workout options no single operator can provide.

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In the last 18 months Hussle has:

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Veterans keep trim at bespoke new gym RESIDENTS at Broughton House Veteran Care Village are keeping in trim at a new bespoke gym created as part of its £13m redevelopment.

Specially-designed equipment has been installed at the care village in Salford after it received a £24,000 grant from the Peter Harrison Foundation, a charity which helps fund selfdevelopment through participation in sport.

Broughton House chief executive Karen Miller said: “The ability for our residents to have access to a gym is crucial to their physical and mental wellbeing, particularly as care homes have been, and will continue to be, subject to a number of restrictions due to the pandemic.

“This gym provides a welcome safe space for our residents to keep fit and active, and it is proving a huge hit with them.

“We have been able to provide add-ons which give improved accessibility and safe use to those veterans who have limited mobility or physical disability.

“The gym is a wonderful feature of our new care village and has been made possible by a generous grant from the Peter Harrison Foundation.

“It’s having a positive impact on the residents and we are sincerely grateful to the foundation and its trustees for their fantastic support.”

The gym features a chest and legs machine which provides a full body workout to improve arm strength and lower limb muscle strength and balance.

This machine also helps improve

stamina for those with cardiorespiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and benefits those with neurological conditions or disability by improving their symmetry and strength.

The Cross Cycle exercises the whole body and provides a cardiovascular and resistance workout, improving leg strength and upper limb mobility and strength.

It improves aerobic fitness and good movement of prime muscles and joints, and regular use helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The Rotary Torso machine provides an upper body twist to help with hip movement and flexibility and muscles around the waistline. It helps to strengthen the abdominal wall and lower back.

All three machines have accessories which make access easier for residents transferring from a wheelchair or hoisting equipment.

The equipment has been designed, manufactured and installed by Yorkshire-based Shapemaster Global, which supplies power-assisted exercise machines for older adults and those who live with long-term health conditions or need an accessible exercise alternative for rehabilitation.

David Heathcote, head of business development at Shapemaster, added: “We’re extremely proud that our powerassisted exercise machines will help the veterans to keep fit and healthy as they enjoy their years at Broughton House.”

Andrew Ross, director of the Peter Harrison Foundation, said: “The late Peter Harrison visited Broughton House

on one of his trips to Manchester to watch Chelsea play, and he was hugely impressed with its history of care for veterans. He was brought up in the north west and was also keenly interested in, and knowledgeable about, military history.

“The plan to invest in a specialised gym to enhance fitness and rehabilitation programmes for the veterans was a perfect fit for the Foundation’s use of funds to promote sport and exercise for people with disabilities.

“Peter was pleased to help this initiative with a grant for the Foundation to pay for fitting out the new gym with specialised exercise equipment.”

World War Two veteran Derrick Corfield, 94, who moved into Broughton House earlier this year following an accident on his electric scooter, said: “It’s great having the gym.

“I put on a bit of weight after my accident when I couldn’t move around as much as I used to. Now that I’m using the gym, I can notice the difference. I’m getting stronger, but I still need to lose a few pounds, so I think I’m going to increase my sessions.”

The first stage of the £13m redevelopment was completed last September, when veterans moved into a new three-storey building which has 32 residential and nursing care beds over two floors.

The next stage of the scheme is under way and will feature 32 residential care and residential dementia care beds and six independent living apartments alongside an Armed Forces Support Hub.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Workout experience-themed Retention Convention to continue online in 2021 WORLD renowned retention expert Dr Paul Bedford will be continuing his popular annual event online after 1,700 people from around the globe attended the 2020 Retention Convention.

The 2021 Retention Convention will take place on December 9, where five sessions will cover how to craft online and offline customer experiences from a workout perspective to create exercise adherence, build loyalty and aid retention.

Paul said: “You only have to look at the investment big brands like Apple and Peloton have put into their experience to realise that if bricks and mortar facilities don’t ramp up their actual exercise experience the disparity will be so big it will be disappointing.

“These companies design everything around entertainment, compared to most fitness instructors who are fixated on heart rate, resistance and the number of reps.

“Some boutique brands have already nailed this, and whilst many operators have copied the facilities so they ‘look’ like a boutique, they haven’t evolved the workout experience, so they don’t ‘feel’ like a boutique.

“It’s time to look at what we can do to provide memorable workout experiences in the gym.”

Paul will open the event and set the scene by outlining the differences between experience and memory, detailing what we can do to design

Samantha Cullum and Vicky Mahony (left) and Barry and Shay Kostabi right). experiences that leave a lasting positive capitalising on ideas for business impression, that encourages members to progress is vital for continued success.” come back for more.

Following Cullum will be former PT and Upstartr’s Samantha Cullum and Vicky experienced video producer, Richard Mahony will then give insights on how to Playfair. develop a product strategy and roadmap When lockdown forced the sector to to create, innovate and transform a take business online, Fairplay set up business, so its products and services a Facebook Group, helping operators Stand Out, Stand Up and Create Impact. adapt to virtual solutions and generate Upstartr is a boutique growth alternative income online. He is now consultancy, which supports a global go-to consultant for fitness organisations to create brand impact, professionals who realise video is vital to develop successful products and services both their short and long-term business and boost business growth. Cullum says: strategies.

“Everyone and every business has the In his session, The Studio to Screen capacity to be innovative; creativity is a Strategy, Playfair will explain how to habit people can develop. future-proof your business with on“Thinking differently and being demand workouts that leave participants prepared to fail or to learn are things feeling so successful that they can’t wait to be treasured, and capturing and to come back for more.

Next to present will be Adam Zeitsiff, former CEO of Gold’s Gym, who is now the president and CEO of online fitness class platform, Intelivideo, as well as an Advisory Board Member of the recently launched US-based National Health and Fitness Alliance.

Closing the event will be Barry and Shay Kostabi, co-founders of Fitness Career Mastery, which teaches fitness creators and entrepreneurs how to build successful heart-led businesses and immersive workout experiences.

Unveiling the Secret Science to an Immersive Member Experience, the Kostabis will show delegates how to captivate the room, how to use music to create epic playlists and strong programming, how to coach in a way that brings everyone into an immersive flow state, and ultimately how to have an unforgettable impact on the lives of clients so they come back time after time.

Sponsors of the 2021 Retention Convention are Precor, which was recently bought by Peloton, Fitronics, which includes the well-known brands TRP and Cap2, and gym management software company ClubWise.

The event will take place from 1pmto 6pm.

Tickets will cost $29.95 and all attendees will have access to recordings of the event.

You can register your interest in the event via www.retentionguru.com

GET 200+ NEW MEMBERS IN 4-6 WEEKS CFM can help your club increase monthly revenue by getting you 200+ new members in 6 weeks, without any financial outlay from you. We provide the expertise, the marketing and sales staff so all you need to do is look after your new members.

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Having worked with hundreds of clubs in the UK we understand the importance of Protecting your brand & building a trusting relationship with our clients.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Claire Finlay, director of Transition Zone in London, has teamed up with Power Plate and Myzone to bring her clients a more integrated approach to health and fitness. Here she explains how her partnership with Power Plate began, and what her next moves will be to meet the changing needs of clients.

Integrating Power Plate into your gym How and when did your relationship with Power Plate start?

I first discovered Power Plate 14 years ago; it was my post natal savour, (lower back pain and all of the usual weaknesses associated with nine months of pregnancy). It got me fit and strong in no time at all... I was hooked!

I then decided on a career change from my corporate job, enrolled for Power Plate Education and shortly after, started teaching from home with a single Power Plate.

At the heart of my vision was running Power Plate and small group classes so I added three additional Power Plates, TRX, reformer Pilates and boxing to the mix.

Power Plate hybrid classes were created and we are still evolving the Power Plate experience today.

How has Transition Zone developed and changed in this time?

We have always been creative in how we teach Power Plate at Transition Zone.

Our classes are dynamic and we try to integrate all equipment where possible.

We like to think of Power Plate as another training modality rather than one piece of kit in isolation.

Our latest additions are the Power Plate Move platforms and we love how functional and flexible they are.

We will soon be introducing these to our class timetable as well as TRX circuits, Box Circuit, Strength circuit and of course personal training

More than ever, people want a sense of community and Myzone is the glue to connect us and our members be it in a studio environment, on demand or an open zone session, enabling us to see exactly how hard our clients are working.

How have your members and clients attitudes to training changed, post-pandemic?

Clients want more flexible training options, and as business owners we need to adapt our product offering and understand that what was working before is no longer meeting our customers’ needs.

In addition to our regular studio training, we now also have a library of professional pre- recorded on demand sessions offering familiarity with the coaching team at Transition Zone and another way to stay connected to our community.

Should clients like to train alone we have a variety of short tutorials that

How does the use of Myzone help to validate Power Plate and other fitness modalities A typical Power Plate session at Transition Zone is 25 minutes.

Although you can feel the hard work, there has never been any real data that supports this, but now there is.

With the introduction of Power Plate Move plates, we can now add vibration training into our full class timetable and track a fully integrated workout.

Power Plate is now positioned beside TRX, Kettlebells, Ski Erg, Rowers and treadmills and is being used as a fully integrated tool and not just a piece of kit that sits in the corner – now everyone can give Power Plate a try!

How does this partnership help Transition Zone to stay ahead and meet the changing needs of members?

Tracking physical and mental data is a key future wellness trend and the Power Plate x Myzone partnership allows us to continually offer our clients innovative tools to help get the most from their training.

Claire Finlay teach the fundamental movements, all with a choice of 40+ upper and lower body pull/push movements to ensure clients train safely.

Livestream is now available too, and the introduction of Myzone technology allows us to stay connected both inside and outside of the studio with our members.

Mapping out marketing HUSSLE is launching a new heat mapping service to help its partner operators better understand local competition in order to grow their membership base and ultimately increase revenue.

By using postcode location data and customised competitor segmentation, a ‘heat map’ can be produced.

This can be used to understand precisely where clubs come under the most pressure from competitors.

Sites that are located in highly competitive areas show up in darker shades of red; those with less competition appear in shades of green.

This new free service for operators came about following consultation with numerous gyms and health

clubs who needed a way to better understand which of their sites were under the most pressure from the accelerated rollout plans of leading budget gym chains.

By precisely mapping the competitive pressure new budget gyms will bring to local markets, heat mapping allows operators to improve marketing decision making.

Knowing which sites are most at risk means operators can identify the locations that would benefit most from collaborating with Hussle to increase digital marketing channels and generate new member leads.

The heat mapping service can be requested via a free-consultation.

Operators do not need to be an existing Hussle partner to participate.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Are traditional gyms going to war with smart gyms?

THE fitness industry is booming after being penetrated by some majorly disruptive technologies.

When AI-based features are integrated into personalised fitness applications, businesses or clubs may attract more customers and boost revenue.

AI has a huge potential for the fitness industry with the rise of: n AI-powered wristbands and gadgets. n AI-driven diet and nutrition apps. n Intelligence footwear powered by artificial intelligence. n Smart assistants for gyms and other health clubs. n AI-powered yoga suits to monitor movement and set accurate posture.

Unclench your fist – they mean no harm. Better still, get your head around it and you will be saving some serious money.

More people than ever before are using smart gyms to keep their bodies healthy in order to avoid or recover from illness.

The fitness industry has responded to this huge rise in demand by transforming traditional gyms into smart gyms with AI models.

Traditional gyms don’t need as much money spent on maintenance costs in a year as smart gyms which require frequent maintenance to keep up the

IoT devices with artificial intelligence efficiently and effectively.

Orbit4 CEO Daniel Jones has created an eco-system of online platforms to help transform the way gym operators purchase, finance, maintain and dispose of gym equipment.

He says traditional gyms can compete with smart gyms, just by thinking a bit smarter.

“This year we have seen a huge demand for Orbit4 in the gym space,” Daniel added. “Loyalty is an expensive

business these days and best saved for your personal life.

“If you want to streamline processes, save a bit of money and have more time creating a better member experience, commercial comparison sites are vital.”

“Orbit4 is made up of comparison and auction sites where businesses fight for your hard-earned business.

“For example, at WeServiceGymEquipment, our national collection of service and maintenance providers bid for your contract and you

choose whichever service ticks your boxes.

“We’ve done the hard work for gym operators by creating a bespoke platform that enables instant access to the wider market, so service contracts can be competitively bid upon.”

Fully transparent, the gym operator reviews the options via company, track record, price and references.

Then choose the successful company and the partnership for the annual contract begins.

WeServiceGymEquipment is an excellent example of how gyms can save hours trawling the internet for service provision.

Thousands of gym operators are switching to Orbit4’s gym equipment management ecosystem to increase profits from buying equipment to finance and even disposal through our popular WeBuyGymEquipment bidding portal.

Each of their websites are free to join.

Even better, when you use their fitness equipment comparison website FitnessCompared you also get free expert advice from their team of gym designers.

There are no catches – it’s just a smarter way of doing things.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

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National Fitness Awards set to be biggest yet EXCITEMENT is building for the industry’s biggest end-of-year party, with plans in place to make this year’s National Fitness Awards the best one yet.

Nominations for the 2021 awards are now closed and you can find out if your gym has made the shortlist by turning to page 16 of this issue of Workout.

The awards, which are now in their 11th year, recognise excellence and

achievement in all corners of the fitness industry – from independent gyms to local authority facilities, health clubs and hotels – with more than 20 categories up for grabs.

Organised by Script Media in partnership with Workout and headline sponsor Servicesport, this annual celebration of success will culminate in a glittering ceremony – taking place at the

Athena in Leicester on Friday November 29 where host – fitness professional and writer Joey Bull – will reveal the lucky winners who will take home an award.

Previous winners have reported a boost in membership, an increase in profile and positive media coverage; with sponsors, judges and hosts already looking forward to the big night.

Event director Judith Halkerston added:

“Once again we were overwhelmed with the standard of entries we received.

“We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone at the awards on November 26, so get your tickets booked now for what promises to be another fantastic night.” n Tickets are now on sale for the 2021 National Fitness Awards. To book your place at the event, visit https://scriptevents.co.uk/nfa/

ukactive signs-up to help remove hurdles ukactive, the national association for gyms and leisure centres, is the latest recruit to Include Me West Midlands, the campaign headed by the West Midlands Combined Authority to change people’s lives by providing a level playing field for physical activity for all.

Include Me WM aims to make the West Midlands an exemplar region for engaging disabled people, and people with long term health conditions, to be physically active.

Developed following extensive consultation with disabled people, disability groups, and national research institutions, it puts disabled people at the heart of the conversation around activity, wellbeing, housing and transport.

The campaign advises organisations on enhancing their engagement with disabled people, and so far, 91 organisations across the West Midlands have shown their commitment.

Welcoming this most recent signup, West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, said: “Include Me WM has been a great

success, delivering tangible benefit for the many people of our society who are disenfranchised from opportunities that perhaps we sometime take for granted.

“I really welcome ukactive signing-up and look forward to them becoming

an active participant in this social movement and sharing this with their members across the West Midlands.

“Sport and physical activity should be accessible to all, and it’s tremendous that so many organisations are reaching

out positively to disabled people in this way. I am sure the scheme will go from strength to strength.”

The sign-up of ukactive coincided with the recent National Fitness Day. Huw Edwards, chief executive of ukactive said: “We are delighted to be able to show our commitment to Include Me WM and support our member organisations, and disabled people, to engage with physical activity.

“The West Midlands is pioneering a great approach here, and we’re proud to be able to help it in whatever way we can.

“So many research studies have demonstrated how vital fitness is for good health and wellbeing.

There are a whole range of resources available that can help us to become more active and I’d encourage everyone to go online and see what’s there.

“We mustn’t forget: fitness, our health and our wellbeing shouldn’t be just for one day, it should become part of our lives. And through Include Me WM we can make it a part of everyone’s lives.”

athletes take supplements to improve performance.

“What our review has found is that athletes can get beneficial effects on recovery by taking natural plant foods rich in polyphenols rather than supplements.

“In situations where athletes need to recover quicker, such as fixture congestion in football and tournaments where athletes need to recover quickly to compete again in quick succession, polyphenol-rich fruits, juices and concentrates can accelerate recovery.”

The team, which included Dr Ranchordas, Lee Rickards, Anthony Lynn, Deborah Harrop, Margo E. Baker and Mark Russell, analysed the effects of consuming polyphenolic-rich foods on maximum voluntary contraction, which measures muscle strength; delayed onset muscle soreness, which is

muscle pain after exercise; and counter movement jump, which is a vertical jump test performed by an individual squat-jumping as high as possible.

The research outcomes include: n Polyphenol consumption caused small but significant increases in MIVC immediately and up to 96 hours postexercise. n At 24, 48 and 72 hours there were small but statistically significant reductions in DOMS in response to polyphenol consumption. At 96 hours, DOMS returned towards baseline levels and there was no statistically significant difference between polyphenols and placebo. n Immediately and at 24 hours post-exercise, there were statistically significant effects of polyphenol consumption on CMJ height.

Polyphenol-rich food helps muscle damage recovery A NEW study has found that the consumption of polyphenol-rich plantbased food helps to reduce muscle damage up to 96 hours after exercise for scenarios where rapid recovery is key.

The research, led by sports nutrition experts at Sheffield Hallam University, assessed whether polyphenol foods – such as pomegranate, tart cherry, cocoa, blueberry, blackcurrant and beetroot – accelerated the recovery of muscle function and reduced soreness in the immediate days after exercise.

Polyphenols are micronutrients that naturally occur in fruits and vegetables, with antioxidant properties that can prevent and reverse damage in cells caused by lifestyle, aging and the environment.

Exercise of a high intensity and duration can induce muscle damage, characterised by increased soreness and

a reduced range of motion.

These symptoms can impair performance, and nutrition strategies often aim to reduce muscle damage and soreness and accelerate recovery.

This is especially important when recovery time is limited, such as during tournaments, multi-day events or periods of competition congestion.

The study is the first to explore the individual efficacy of different foods that have distinct polyphenolic profiles.

Previous research has been inconsistent, potentially due to methodological variation including differences in exercise protocols, intervention periods and outcome markers.

Dr Mayur Ranchordas, exercise physiologist and sport nutritionist at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “These findings are quite exciting. A lot of

EMBRACE OPPORTUNITY Talk to us today about boosting your business with Myzone.

Let’s work together to keep your members moving with you for longer. We’d love to work with you. If you feel the same, email info@myzone.org

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UK FITNESS SCENE

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Government-funded qualifications for adults in Sheffield available SHEFFIELD residents can shape themselves an exciting new career as a qualified gym instructor or a personal trainer with fully financed training, thanks to the government funding for adult education that’s being poured into South Yorkshire.

Adults across the region can tap into opportunities in the rapidly expanding UK health and fitness market with free training courtesy of industry-leading provider of health and fitness qualifications, Eden Training Solutions, which boasts professional sportspeople amongst its skills coaches.

The fully funded Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer qualifications are available to everyone who is already in employment of any kind, between the ages of 19 and 65, lives in a Sheffield postcode and isn’t already undertaking any other government-funded training, such as apprenticeships.

The training covers everything from the principles of anatomy, physiology and fitness to key business skills, to enable people hoping to develop their existing skills, or those wanting to embark on a completely new role, the chance to transform their knowledge and passion into a viable career.

Eden Training Solutions has delivered health and fitness training to businesses and individuals across the UK for almost a decade and has a proven track record of creating opportunities for people in the thriving market for personal training and gym instructors, which is now reported to be worth a whopping £4.3bn in the UK. The life-changing Adult Education

Kirsty Duffield Budget training, which is available from this month, is headed-up by multi award-winning body building champion Kirsty Duffield and delivered by a team of highly experienced sports and fitness experts including ex-Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Zac Jones.

She said: “Working in fitness and helping other people to become healthier not only improves a person’s own physical health, but also their confidence and wellbeing.

“As well as the massive lifestyle benefits, the career possibilities are enormous – particularly as the public have become increasingly focussed on, and investing in, their own health and fitness off the back of the pandemic.

“What’s more, employers in health

and fitness, such as gyms, are expanding their own offerings to provide a wider scope of specialisms and experiences when it comes to personal trainers within their establishments, which is fantastic for anyone wanting to get into this type of career.

“Not to mention the explosion of online fitness entrepreneurs who are now making a great living out of training from the comfort of their own homes.”

Most of the training, which takes places over a six-month period, is delivered remotely, in a flexible style that can be tailored around learners’ existing work commitments, with several practical assessments taking place on a face-to-face basis later in the training.

Peter Mills, health safety and compliance manager for Parkwood Leisure, said: “To be awarded the ISO standard in 2018 was a major achievement for the business, and testament to the importance we place on health and safety.

“To retain the certification, which is one of the most comprehensive assessment processes I’ve been a part of, is proof of our dedication to delivering quality facilities and services,

and ensuring we provide a safe and welcoming experience for staff and visitors alike.”

Since first achieving the standard in December 2018 Parkwood Leisure has had annual monitoring visits held over five-day periods, culminating in a reassessment audit over July and August.

The assessment process, which was conducted by awarding body NQA Ltd, was held over nine days, and involved

The full syllabus for the Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification covers; principles of anatomy, physiology, and fitness, professionalism and customer care for fitness instructors, health and safety in a fitness environment, conducting client consultations to support positive behaviour change and planning and instructing gym-based exercise.

Level 3 Personal Trainer includes applied anatomy and physiology for exercise, health, and fitness, the principles of nutrition and their application to exercise and health, understanding lifestyle, health, wellbeing, and common medical conditions, encouraging positive health and fitness behaviours in clients, programme design and delivery for personal training and professionalism and business acumen for personal trainers.

Jon O’Boyle, operations director at Eden Training Solutions, added: “These fully funded qualifications are a perfect opportunity for the employed residents of Sheffield and have absolutely no catch.

“They are available to a wide range of people, of all ages, demographics and abilities, who may be passionate about health and fitness, and we urge anyone who’s interested to take the plunge – it could transform their life.”

Anyone who is living at an address with a Sheffield postcode, currently employed, over the age of 19 and not currently undertaking any other government funded training, such as an apprenticeship scheme, can signup for the Eden Training Solutions’ Level 2 Gym Instructor or Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification today.

Operator retains international health and safety standard PARKWOOD Leisure remains one of the UK’s only leisure facilities operators to achieve ISO45001 – the international ISO standard for Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems – following a recent reassessment.

The certification is the world’s first international standard for occupational health and safety, and aims to help businesses provide a safe working environment for employees and workplace visitors.

examining documentation and records, and interviews with staff at all levels of the organisation to determine their understanding and implementation of Parkwood’s health and safety policies.

An audit was also carried out at eight sites to establish procedure compliance; no major non-conformances were found and only four minor non-conformances were recorded.

Parkwood operates more than 85 sites in more than25 local authorities.

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28/09/2021 15:38

14

UK FITNESS SCENE

Less than a third of Brits are happy with their fitness levels following Covid-19 LESS than a third (27 per cent) of UK adults say they are as physically fit as they would like to be following the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new research commissioned by ukactive for the recent National Fitness Day. As the nation recovers from the biggest public health crisis in living memory and learns to live with Covid-19, many people want to increase the amount of physical activity they get, in order to improve their physical and mental health and resilience.

Regular exercise has been shown to improve a person’s ability to regulate the immune system, which is essential for avoiding the severe symptoms of Covid-19.

It also reduces the risk of underlying conditions and illnesses which make us vulnerable to the virus, such as heart disease, stroke, type two diabetes and some cancers.

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive , said: “Covid-19 has taught us never to take our health and fitness for granted, and if we take one positive from the pandemic it must be a collective pledge to ensure we take good care of our bodies and minds.

“These findings highlight that millions of people are not happy with their level of physical fitness after the pandemic

but, importantly, many want to change this and move more.

“Staying active has helped many people to find mental and physical strength throughout this health crisis, and National Fitness Day was the perfect time for our nation to begin a physical activity revolution. “ukactive will continue to work with the Government, its agencies, and partners to ensure that more people are able to enjoy the benefits of physical activity, which is vital for our nation’s recovery and growth.” ukactive’s poll of just over 2,000 adults, conducted by Savanta ComRes, found that more than a quarter (27 per cent)

said they were less active than before the pandemic hit the UK in March 2020, with 51 per cent reporting the same activity levels, and 17 per cent saying they were more active.

Asked if they were as physically fit as they would like to be, exactly half (50 per cent) of those questioned said they were not, and only 27 per cent reported they were happy with their fitness levels (the remaining 23 per cent were either unsure or neither agreed nor disagreed).

Of those UK adults who were unhappy with their fitness, 56 per cent said their fitness levels prevented them from taking part in vigorous activities and sport, such as swimming, running,

playing netball and football.

And 12 per cent said their fitness levels even stopped them from doing gentle everyday activities such as showering and getting dressed, washing up, folding clothes, and strolling around the house, park, or shops.

More than half of female respondents said they were unhappy with their current fitness levels – 54 per cent, compared to 46 per cent of men.

And people over the age of 55 were also more likely to say they were unhappy with their fitness – 57 per cent, compared to 47 per cent of adults aged 35 to 54 and 44 per cent of those aged 18 to 34.

More than half (52 per cent) of the respondents said physical activity is just as important to their mental health as their physical health – a benefit felt particularly among over-55s (61 per cent).

When asked what would help them to be more active in their everyday life, a third (33 per cent) of respondents said specific time allocated by their employer to exercise during the working day.

Of the respondents unhappy with their fitness levels, 31 per cent said discounts and financial incentives would help them to be more active on a more regular basis.

‘Rise Gymnastics’ brought to life by Fitronics FITRONICS has partnered with British Gymnastics to become its official sports software supplier.

Together they will enable the governing body’s new Rise Gymnastics recreational youth gymnastics programme with a comprehensive, end-to-end course management system called Rise Hub. Daniel Haywood, managing director at Fitronics, said: “It is an honour and a privilege to work with the great people at British Gymnastics.

“We have very much enjoyed taking their fantastic ideas and bringing them to life in the form of Rise Hub. “Alongside helping operators to save time spent on admin and deliver memorable customer experiences, we are passionate about getting more children active and seeing them have fun doing so.

“This is clearly a passion that British Gymnastics shares, and we are proud that they will be using Rise Hub to help make this happen within their member clubs and delivery partners.”

Launched at the beginning of September, Rise Hub coaches and instructors at British Gymnastics member clubs and delivery partners to plan and deliver fun and engaging gymnastics sessions, track gymnasts’ progress, and share this with parents and guardians via a personalised portal.

Starting with the core functionality of their industry-leading sports course management software, CoursePro, Fitronics has worked collaboratively with British Gymnastics and its members to build a bespoke solution to meet specific needs.

Rise Hub comprises three core

and discuss your uniform requirements so that we can provide the perfect bespoke solution for your club.

We can bring samples to you or alternatively, we are happy to meet at our showroom in Christchurch where we have a vast array of uniform, workwear and merchandise so you can make the most informed choice.

Customer engagement programmes, secondary spend income generators, membership incentives, retention campaigns are all areas we provide

branded merchandise.

We know our customers want fast delivery so we source as much as we can from the UK to help make sure your campaigns are successful.

We also offer a ‘leisure essentials’ range. We hold stock of towels and bags ready for your logos to be applied, plus next day delivery on combination padlocks.

Call us for a price on branded headphones, gym workout towels, sports water bottles, mixers, sports

elements: Admin portal, Coach portal, and Home portal.

The Admin portal provides the club or delivery partner with an overview of coaches, the ability to manage groups of gymnasts, and run reports.

By making admin easier, Rise Hub gives back time to coaches and instructors so they can focus on planning excellent programmes for their classes.

Accessed on a tablet or mobile device, Coach portal is used to view award schemes, plan sessions, and watch videos of skills before teaching them, as well as recording and tracking gymnast progress.

Coach portal will help to elevate the gymnast’s experience by giving British Gymnastics’ community of coaches the support they need to develop and deliver fun and engaging sessions.

Home portal brings Rise Gymnastics to parents and guardians, at-home, so they can interactively follow their child’s progress and achievements; meaning they’ll be fully immersed in their child’s gymnastics journey.

TMD produces new uniforms for Active Northumberland TMD designed and manufactured a new range of bespoke uniforms for Active Northumberland.

After the initial consultation meetings TMD created a design brief utilising the brand colours and logo to create a ‘fit for purpose’ uniform for the entire team.

At TMD we offer stylish sports and leisure uniforms, branded with logos and marketing messages.

The fact we offer so much choice means we like to come and meet you

holdall bags, rucksacks and drawstring bags and much more.

Take a look at our gym starter/ retention packs, everything your new starters will need.

A branded drawstring bag with a towel and water bottle is standard but we will create bespoke packs with your choice of items.

For example, 1,000 starter packs, bottle, towel and bag £3,950.

For more details about TMD visit www.taylormadedesigns.co.uk

UK FITNESS SCENE

Active IQ launches Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor standard ACTIVE IQ – a UK leader in end-point assessment – has added the new Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor apprenticeship standard to its portfolio.

This apprenticeship standard will train individuals how to supervise and guide children and adults in an extensive range of outdoor activities and pastimes including canoeing, sailing, climbing, surfing, cycling, hillwalking, archery, bushcraft, rock pooling, geology, plant identification, habitat and wildlife walks.

The fully supervised training will see learners operate in a range of venues and weather conditions to prepare them for working in the great outdoors.

Active IQ is working with training providers to deliver this training across the UK. The qualification is open to learners aged 16+ and is expected to take 1218 months to complete.

At the end of their training, when the learners are ready for their endpoint assessment, they will undergo a practical test and engage in a professional discussion, alongside which they will be expected to present a portfolio of evidence

gathered over the course of their studies.

As well as managing the end-point assessment, Active IQ provides a wealth of resources and support including: n Outdoor activity instructor apprentice toolkit.

n Apprentice EPA timeline. n eLearning materials. n ‘Preparing for…’ eLearning. n Teaching resources. n On-programme checklist. n Gateway checklist. n Toolkit video.

“We are very excited for this new

Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor standard which is the first of its kind in our growing portfolio,” said Tad Chapman, Active IQ’s head of endpoint assessment.

“As a nation, we were actively encouraged to enjoy the fresh air and engage in outdoor activities during the pandemic.

“We hope this apprenticeship standard will enable instructors to build on people’s interest in venturing outside. By introducing them to a diverse range of activities, instructors will encourage people to tap into their curiosity, hone their skills and build their confidence by trying new things.

“The Active IQ end-point assessment portfolio now comprises 18 different standards from early years teaching to transport and leisure centre management to outdoor activities.

“When it comes to vocational training there really is something for everyone and we’re pleased to be able to offer this fresh, exciting qualification.”

Find out more at https://www. activeiq.co.uk/end-point-assessmentfor-apprenticeship-standards/ outdoor-activity-instructor

ARE YOU LOOKING TO PURSUE A CAREER WITHIN THE HEALTH AND FITNESS INDUSTRY? We have over 100 qualifications in the fitness industry and over 500 approved centres UK and worldwide to start you on your journey.

ARE YOU LOOKING TO UPSKILL? Active IQ’s Professional Career Development enables you to progress to the next stage of your career.

Find out more at : www.activeiq.co.uk

Contact us today to find your nearest approved centre and quote ‘WOSEPT2021’ T 01480 467 950

15

N F A 2 0 2 1 S H O R T- L I S T IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Functional

National Gym of the Year

Colne Valley Fitness, Huddersfield Elite Fitness, Stoke-on-Trent JWPT, Nottingham KCT Community Fitness, Dingwall Kept Fit, Bolton ManAlive, Kings Langley Unity Fitness, Berwick Upon Tweed

The winners of the gym categories will automatically be entered for the National Gym of the Year Award.

Scotland AKR Fitness, Aberdeen Diamond Fitness, Edinburgh Future Fitness, Glasgow Garioch Sports Centre, Inverurie Pro Life Fitness Centre, Paisley SGF Gym, Wishaw Synergy Group Fitness, Edinburgh

Midlands and Wales CKI School of Martial Arts, Leicester Elite Fitness, Fenton New Image Gym, Sleaford T30 Fitness, Penygroes The Pit, Birmingham Your Space Worksop Leisure Centre Zumba with Sion, Swansea

South Fit Club, Hillingdon Lifestyle Fitness, Canvey Island Luxe Fitness, Bristol Peak Health and Fitness, Tavistock Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, Canvey Island Vision Fitness, Henham, Essex

Strength Dual Strength and Fitness, Horsham Fit Club, Hillingdon Fit24 ‘Hessle Road’, Hull Hamiltons Fitness Centre, Colchester Kings Gym ‘Farnworth’, Bolton Live Health and Fitness, Chorley Urban Performance Fitness, Egremont

North Fit24 ‘Hessle Road’, Hull Kings Gym, Farnworth, Bolton Pace Health Club, Manchester St Peter’s Leisure Centre, Burnley YourGym, Lytham Your Space, Hoyland Leisure Centre

Outstanding Achievement Claire Adams, Claire Adams Total Health, Edinburgh Graham Partington, National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham Ismail Saleh, CKI Martial Arts, Leicester Matt Gleed, Winchester Sion Lee, Zumba with Sion, Swansea Tracey Taikes, Zumba with Tracey, Penarth Vikash Prang, Duo Chelsea, London

Customer Service AKR Fitness, Aberdeen BFit Lincs, Caistor Boss Fitness, Durham Elite Fitness, Alnwick New Body Fitness, Weymouth Pro Life Fitness Centre, Paisley Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, Canvey Island

Boutique BLOK, London Marina Fitness, Gosport Synergy Group Fitness, Edinburgh The Pit Gym, Birmingham Vision Fitness, Henham, Essex W10 Personal Training Gym, London

Education Coventry University Sports Centre Fitness Evolution Education, Burnley Fitter Stronger, Kent Forces Fitness, Bridgend

Personal Trainer Alex Youngman, Keepfit, Edgworth Daniel Harrod, Harrow Leisure, Harrow Jake Harvey, YourGym, Lytham Jamie Kirk, Diamond Fitness, Edinburgh Kevin Poole, Fitness for All, Liverpool Leanne Bierton, Winners 2000, Paignton Tracey Chuck, Bfit, Caistor

Group Exercise

BFit Lincs, Caistor Cocks Moors Wood Leisure Centre, Birmingham Just Train, Knowle Green, Staines T30 Fitness, Caernarfon Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, Canvey Island Your Gym, Lytham

Ladies Only Amy Pounder Personal Training Ltd, Middlesbrough Believe and Achieve, Sheffield Boom Fitness, Canterbury Claire Adams Total Health, Edinburgh Club Zest, Sunderland Serendipity Ladies Health and Fitness, Selby T30 Fitness, Penygroes

Member Achievement Cairen Bedward, The PIT Gym, Birmingham Chris Hayes, Premier Kickboxing, Newton Abbot Liz Dennett, Fitness For All, Liverpool The Knight family, XCELERATE Gym, Edgware Wendy Ince, Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Complex, Mansfield

Local Authority Basingstoke Aquadrome Oswestry Leisure Centre St Peter’s Leisure Centre, Burnley Two Riversmeet, Christchurch Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, Canvey Island Your Space Hoyland Leisure Centre, Barnsley Your Space Worksop Leisure Centre

Community Involvement Blazefit, Leicester Bollington Health and Leisure, Cheshire Boostfit, Surrey CKI Martial Arts, Leicester J7 Health Centre, Manchester Ladywood Leisure Centre, Birmingham #DoingOutBit Platform for NHS Workers

Health Club Cambridge Country Club Chelsea FC Health Club and Spa Coolhands Fit24 Central, Hull Foxhills, Ottershaw Pace Health Club, Manchester Workhouse Fitness, Leeds

Newcomer Axe & Hammer, Rainford Coach Gym, Leeds Fierce Gym, Milton Keynes Luxe Fitness, Bristol Ramsay Fitness, Nuneaton Snap Fitness, Newport Urban Performance, Carlisle Urban Reform, Ancoats

Hotel and Spa Foxhills, Ottershaw Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa, Nantwich The Spa at St Michaels, Falmouth

Gym Team Anytime Fitness, Welwyn Garden City Fit Club, Hillingdon GymFit, Ripley Synergy, Edinburgh Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, Canvey Island YourGym, Lytham

UK FITNESS SCENE

18

Looking for new gym wear or workwear?

HIGH quality embroidery can be hard to find at a reasonable price. Overpriced services with poor quality garments and embroidery can leave you feeling let down.

Embroidered workwear and gym wear allow customers to identify who your employees work for.

Your business’ professionalism is a key factor in making your business stand out.

It is important that the quality of your workwear is at a high standard.

T-shirt printing is fast but when poor materials are used, it can become a major problem when it comes to washing the garments.

But with our screen-printed logos, they can last up to 60 washes ensuring quality control.

Instyle Clothing provides a high-quality service for personalised workwear and gym wear.

With increasing costs and hassle, finding the right place for you can be difficult.

We aim to make the process as easy as possible. Helping to reduce stress and increase productivity. We pride ourselves in high quality garments, with thousands of lines to choose from.

With our extensive knowledge of materials and embroidery, our team can

find the best suited garments to fit your company’s needs.

Many of our clients are from different occupations.

From builders’ workwear to equine clothing and horse numnahs, we cater for a variety of different companies.

Recently, we have worked with The Hidden Hut, producing t-shirts, gilets, sweatshirts and caps. This order was completed just in time for the 2021 G7 Summit.

A high stitch count is necessary to ensure that the embroidery is sustainable.

Daily usages and after many washes cause the materials to look worn and tired. We ensure that we always use a high stitch count with the best quality threads, this is reflected in the finished product.

Vinyl printing and screen-printing processes for T-shirts and other garments are efficient ways to print your company’s logos or designs.

This process is also quick and efficient, especially if you are looking for a fast turnaround.

Call us today to get a quote for your workwear.

Call 01257 447338 or email info@instyleclothing.co.uk

Wanting to sell your no longer required gym equipment?

AT Gym-Revamp International we are specialists in the buy back and resale of used fitness equipment.

Our service is quick and easy and we offer some of the most competitive prices in the industry.

We work with gyms, leisure centres, hotels and leisure trusts to purchase gym equipment en masse that is no longer required.

This removes all of the hassle for you, meaning you can concentrate on whatever you need to.

We operate a unique business model so the buy back quote we send you really is as good as it looks!

How does it work? n We’ll provide a FREE valuation of your equipment. n A full inventory (with images) is taken and a residual value is quoted. n Gym-Revamp will schedule the collection of all items in a timely manner causing you minimal disruption. n You will be paid for your equipment at the agreed price.

About Gym-Revamp International After 20 years in the fitness industry, the owner Melanie Robinson set up Gym-Revamp in order to provide an exceptional service to both the people selling second-hand gym equipment and those who want to buy it.

Melanie has always been extremely passionate about all things exerciserelated and wanted to build a company that allowed her to use her skills to benefit others.

Gym-Revamp has an impressive network of overseas buyers meaning that the equipment is always sold on immediately.

Today, Gym-Revamp works in close partnerships with both sellers and buyers to ensure that everyone’s needs are met in a mutually beneficial agreement.

This philosophy sees customers return time after time.

What our customers have to say…

“We were upgrading our gym equipment and had more than 30 items of surplus gym equipment.

Gym-Revamp made impeccable arrangements for collection, used a specialist gym removal company, and the equipment was removed with the minimum of fuss. Melanie provided us with a better price than we were able to get through trade-in, and the payment was in our account on time and in full. It’s the second time I’ve worked with Melanie and she has been good to her word on both occasions. She is easy to deal with, works with the right people and is clearly well connected in this country and overseas. I would have no hesitation is recommending GymRevamp to other gyms.”

Gwyn Hughes, lead officer, Denbighshire Leisure Ltd If you’re looking to sell a large volume of fitness equipment, get in touch with us today on 07468 427125 and we’ll arrange your free valuation.

Unique product works your core intensely THE Core Master is a unique fitness product developed using science and engineering to work your core more intensely than anything you have ever done before.

The instability of the Core Master forces your whole core to stay engaged, going far beyond the benefits of a standard plank or balance board.

Dean Varga, personal trainer and inventor of the Core Master, said: “After extensive research, I realised that the best way to work the deep core was to add some instability to exercises by planking on a balance board.

“In 2016, I developed the first Core Master prototype. A wooden balance board with a small centrally located ball.

“However, I soon realised that this ball needed to be bigger and the board more lightweight.

“I then made a clear perspex version with a larger ball which allowed for a

much better balancing aspect. I added fixed handles to the next prototype, and then detachable handles.

“This worked incredibly well, and I set about trialling the Core Master on my

PT clients.

“Unlike any other fitness equipment you can balance on, the Core Master adds a movement element to a deep balancing plank.

“This is what makes the Core Master so unique.”

The Core Master exercises are both isometric and dynamic, not only working all the layers of the core, but every muscle in the body simultaneously, which makes it a great cardiovascular and fat burning workout.

Conventional core exercises are made virtually obsolete due to the Core Master’s ability to multiply the intensity of the exercise.

It also works your whole body including shoulders, triceps and biceps as a press up on the Core Master is many times more beneficial than a regular one.

There is nothing to match the workout you will get from using the Core Master and it will keep you coming back for more, to hold that position longer and to push yourself harder.

For more visit thecoremaster.co.uk

The team at Staffs Fitness Ltd. look forward to supporting the National Fitness Awards 2021 We wish all entrants the best of luck in their respective categories!

www.staffsfitness.co.uk • Tel: 01538 387960

UK FITNESS SCENE

22

How to master the Facebook algorithm

By Kate Landers

Tired of using the same run down fitness equipment?

NO MATTER what type of fitness facility you manage, it’s important to keep your members feeling engaged and motivated to workout regularly.

It is human nature to eventually get bored of doing the same exercises and using the same machines in each workout session.

It’s a fact that equipment with moderate or heavy usage will start to wear down over time, especially if you have a high traffic club.

One way to prevent potential breakdowns is to determine whether your equipment is in need of an upgrade.

Deciding the right time to refresh your kit can be a difficult decision.

Ask yourself: “Are my members satisfied and getting the best possible fitness experience?”

Listen to your current members’ feedback about your facility’s equipment.

Too many complaints about machines being worn down or not working might mean that it’s time to upgrade!

When a prospective member tours your club, your job is to wow them with your equipment offerings and atmosphere.

Your members want to see equipment with uniformity and functionality as they make the decision to invest in their health at your facility.

If your facility’s equipment is showing signs of wear and tear, it’s going to leave a bad impression on potential members, and they will likely

leave to join the next gym down the road.

It’s important to think long term, especially when looking at refreshing your equipment.

Adding new machines every few months will enable you to keep your members happy and ensure your equipment lasts longer.

The saying “nothing lasts forever” especially applies to the equipment in the gym. Some machines are used repeatedly every day throughout the year.

With such frequent use, it is not surprising that gym equipment is highly susceptible to damage or failure.

You can’t take a chance of having multiple machines being broken or going offline at the same time.

Luckily, when it comes to refreshing your fitness equipment, you have the full support of the experienced and dedicated team at ServiceSport.

We can help to enhance or innovate your current gym floor assets through our extensive refresh package. This offers an affordable alternative to buying new fitness equipment.

Existing equipment is removed, fully remanufactured and undergoes strict diagnostic checks before being sent back to the customer and installed on site.

Book your gym equipment in for a refresh today, to drive the interest of new members and ensure your equipment lasts longer!

T: 01257 264738 E: info@servicesport.co.uk

FINDING a safe and secure full time job in sports and fitness in the sun, getting tax free money and living almost for free, sounds like a dream to some.

But it is real when you register your CV for free with LEISUREFORCE and SPORTSJOBS4WOMEN in UK. We are the first and longest established sports agency in the world so we know the international sports

industry very well.

Our agency always has dozens of sports and fitness coaches and managers working overseas.

So you will often be joining them, and your manager maybe one of ours too.

We work with countries where they have a big interest in sports and fitness but their education system in our industry hasn’t fully developed yet.

EVER wondered why some health clubs have hundreds of likes and comments on their pages when you struggle to even get in the double digits?

Facebook use a process called ‘ranking’ when it comes to deciding which posts to show to whom, and when.

When you’re planning your content, consider these factors to get the best results.

Facebook ranking signals 1. Media type – the type of post someone normally interacts with, will influence what they are likely to be served on their News Feed. What this means for your health club is, don’t just stick to the memes or the Facebook stories. If you post a variety of content types (e.g videos, articles, photos, and Facebook stories etc), your content will be served to a larger audience of potential members.

your engagement levels!

3. Interaction – the level of interaction someone has with the ‘poster’ will influence the likelihood of that post being shown on their news feed. What this means for you, is if a follower comments on your content, ensure you respond! Even if it is a simple thumbs up, this will give you points in the ranking process. Plus your follower will appreciate the personal touch!

2. Popularity – the more likes, comments and reactions your post gets, the more likely it will be shown to more people.

It’s like a snowball effect, the more engagement you receive early on, the better. Reactions such as love, sadness, anger and laughter are weighted higher than a simple like, so focussing on content that triggers one of these emotions is a sure-fire way to increase

4. Recency – finally, recency of the post will influence your ranking score. Sounds simple enough, post often and get more engagement? Not necessarily. Quality will always outweigh quantity when it comes to content marketing. There is a happy medium between the two, but two high quality engaging posts per week will always outdo seven lowquality posts. n Kate Landers is the advertising accounts manager for Creative Fitness Marketing – experts in getting members for health clubs for more than 30 years. www.cfm.net | uk@cfm.net Source: Facebook

YOUR Personal Training is calling on the sector to get behind its 4 x 4 x 48 challenge to raise funds for Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes.

The YPT senior leadership team will be taking part in the gruelling two-day trial, which will see them run four miles every four hours for 48 hours, at the Waterside Hotel and Health Club in Manchester on October 20 and 21.

James Lorey, operations director at YOUR Personal Training, said: “There is a natural synergy between the armed forces and personal training; Help for Heroes was the obvious choice for us following what has been a difficult time for charities, as many of our staff and PTs have served in the British Military.”

Help for Heroes puts veterans at the heart of every decision it makes.

Every £1 it spends on fundraising raises £4 to help the charity support our wounded. In a bid to raise as much money as possible, YOUR Personal Training is now extending an open

invitation for other PTs and fitness enthusiasts to complete the challenge locally across the UK. James added: “The 4 x 4 x 48 challenge was made famous by former US Navy Seal and ultra-marathon runner David Goggins.

“The challenge is simple – complete four miles, every four hours over a period of 48 hours - but that’s almost two marathons in two days, so despite its simplicity, this challenge is a real test of resilience, endurance and willpower.

“The sheer frequency of activity with limited recovery and lack of sleep makes it a test for any athlete.

“Are you up for the challenge? Would your facility like to participate? Who can complete the challenge with the best time?”

If you would like to participate, individually or as an operator, please email james.lorey@ yourpersonaltraininguk.co.uk where he will be happy to support you.

Industry urged to support gruelling charity challenge

Register your CV for that dream job in the sun So they need help from well trained and experienced professionals maybe like you.

The GM of our UK agency personally worked for 10 years in these countries to where we supply staff right now. So he can tell you all about it.

So if this type of lifestyle and full time international work sounds like you, then call Simon in the UK to find out more

how he earned enough tax free money and then came back home to start this company.

Visit www.sports-jobs.co.uk to see current jobs and all benefits.

If you are ready to apply now, send your CV to simon@ultraforce.co.uk Call 01590 676379 for a friendly chat first, if you prefer.

UK FITNESS SCENE

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The Panatta Super Hack Squat Advertiser’s announcement

The Panatta Super Hack Squat is a specific machine for training the lower limbs that allows the squat movement to be performed in a fully guided manner with maximum safety for the back.

The exercise performed on the Super Hack Squat allows for greater isolation of the quadriceps femoris muscle, when compared to the free execution with the barbell; the large platform, adjustable to three different inclinations, allows for greater freedom in positioning of the feet and legs, making this machine extremely versatile and user-friendly for everyone no matter your build and stature.

The uniqueness of the new Panatta Super Hack Squat compared to competing products is in the backrest as it offers the possibility of adjusting the inclination (patent pending) on 4 different positions, from 0 to 21° with a step of 7°; the headrest itself is adjustable in inclination on 4 positions. n POSITION 1 (Backrest parallel to the movement direction): This is the configuration of the traditional Hack Squat, with greater focus on the quadriceps femoris and less activation of the gluteus and hamstrings. n POSITION 4 (Backrest inclined by 21° with respect to the movement direction): The forward inclination of the torso increases hip flexion therefore involving the gluteus and hamstrings; the increased activation of the latter also reduces the strain on the knee ligaments..

Panatta Srl – Via Madonna della Fonte 3/c , Apiro (MC) Italy +39 0733611824 infouk@panattasport.it @panattasport @panattaofficial

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Anytime Fitness nominated for Business Resilience award ANYTIME Fitness has been shortlisted in the Business Resilience category of the bfa HSBC British Franchise Awards.

Known as the ‘Oscars’ of the franchising industry and set to take place on 30 November in Birmingham, the bfa HSBC British Franchise Awards evening is the flagship event in the franchising calendar.

Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchising Association, said: “The past year-and-a-half certainly came with its challenges for the Anytime Fitness team.

“The fitness industry has been one of the most significantly affected by the pandemic, and as a result, Anytime Fitness franchisees were only able to trade for little over 80 days between March 2020 and March 2021.

“Their revenues turned to zero overnight and their clubs were forced to close on three separate occasions.

“In what looked like a perilous situation, their support office team and franchisees showed extraordinary determination and resilience to overcome the odds.

“And, this award nomination speaks volumes about how they overcame what was an exceptionally challenging time.”

This year saw a record number of entries submitted across all categories,

leading to an overall increase of nearly 30 per cent when compared to 2020.

Anytime Fitness will be battling it out against five other franchise brands to take home the coveted Business Resilience accolade.

The Business Resilience category seeks to celebrate the businesses that have shown great determination, creativity, and resilience in the face of exceptional challenges.

Andrew Brattesani, head of franchising at HSBC, added: “Persistence, determination and hard work are all markers of a brilliant franchise business and that’s exactly what Anytime Fitness has shown over the past year-and-a-half.

“It’s no surprise then that they have been shortlisted for this very well deserved Business Resilience award.

“All businesses will face their fair share of challenges, but it’s how a business deals with those challenges that will set them apart.

“A big congratulations to Anytime Fitness, their hard work has certainly not gone unnoticed.”

Anytime Fitness offers fitness fans premium health club and gym facilities with over 180 franchised locations across the UK and Ireland.

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