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April 2011
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
North West gyms ban sunbeds By Christina Eccles OVER 30 gyms and spas across the North West of England have banned sunbeds from their facilities following a campaign by a cancer charity. The North West Cancer Research Fund’s Scrap Sunbeds campaign – which is supported by celebrities including models Danielle Lineker and Danielle Lloyd – has appealed to clubs to get rid of their sunbeds. Research has found the risk of cancerous melanomas is increased by 75 per cent when the use of tanning devices starts before the age of 30 and the charity believes as health clubs are promoting fitness and wellbeing, including sunbeds in their facilities goes against that ethos. NWCRF’s chief executive Anne Jackson said: “We are challenging gyms and spas across the country to remember they are in the health business and offering the use of sunbeds is a complete contradiction in terms.” Gyms already supporting the campaign include independent club Fit In in Warrington, Grange Road West Sports Centre in Birkenhead and Woodchurch Leisure Centre in Wirral – with NWCRF hoping to gain the back-
ing of many more. Another supporter is The Club and Spa at Hoole Hall in Chester. The facility opened in November 2009 and took the decision not to have any sunbeds – instead offering treatments such as spray tans to encourage members who want to look tanned to do it in a healthy way. Fitness manager Sara Sowden added: “Being a health and fitness facility, that’s what we are trying to promote, so it seems ridiculous to endorse the use of sunbeds when they have been proven to increase the risk of skin cancer. “We have had no negative feedback about this from members. We show them there are other ways of getting brown without putting their health at risk.” Neil Hutchinson manages St Peter's Leisure Centre in Burnley and joined the debate on Workout’s Twitter profile. He added: “I thought most places had got rid of these. I agree they should be banned and replaced with spray tanning for those that want a tan.” Have you banned sunbeds from your gym? Let us know by contacting Workout on 01226 734463 or emailing ce@whpl.net
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Owner completes cycle ride for charity
Nominations are now open for this year’s National Fitness Awards, which champion the best of the UK’s fitness industry. Gyms up and down the country can nominate themselves for an award – with the winners announced at a glittering ceremony later in the year. The awards dinner will be hosted by actress Katherine Kelly – best known as Coronation Street’s Becky McDonald – and takes place on November 25 in Birmingham. *For more information see our special feature starting on page 29.
GYM owner Nick Ménage has completed an 874 mile solo bicycle journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End for charity. Nick, owner of Reflex Health and Fitness Club in Banbury, took on the challenge to raise funds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service following a family tragedy. He said: “Nearly two years ago my twin sister’s husband and my 17-yearold niece died in a sailing accident. “The air ambulance service did everything they could to help them, so I wanted to raise money for them. “With my wife Gill in the support car, I did the journey in two weeks, cycling about 90 miles daily and raised nearly £4,000.” Nick took an unconventional route to ensure he tackled the most difficult terrain. He now plans to take part in a special stage of the Tour de France. To make a contribution to Nick’s fundraising, visit: www.justgiving.com/NickMenage.