April 2016
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Crowd-funding campaign aims to open gym By Olivia Taylor
AN inspirational personal trainer is calling on the public to help him on his quest to get more people active and healthy by launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise the money to open a community gym. Simon Gunn founded Jelly Fitness to provide Nottingham locals with good quality exercise provision in the form of bootcamps and fitness classes. Now he wants to provide a fully accessible venue under the Jelly Fitness brand that includes everyone – no matter what their age or ability is. Simon said: “I’ve had this idea in my head for 15 years. It’s about family fitness and creating a place that can eliminate the issues and excuses that stand in the way of people exercising.” The team at Jelly Fitness are asking for backing to achieve their dream, setting up a crowdfunding page with a target goal of £100,000. Simon added: “It’s never been done before because it’s such a hard thing to put together. “We literally want to eliminate every excuse in the book.” Simon was attacked and mugged at
the age of 18, leaving him depressed and unable to get to the gym. The incident left him so low he attempted to end his own life. He said: “I was so badly beaten and mugged that I had epileptic fits. I couldn’t work so I couldn’t afford to go to the gym. “I managed to help myself and eventually I sorted myself out. I don’t want people to be in the same position that I was in.” The facility is set to include a creche, children’s exercise classes and an autistic sensory room to entice parents that struggle with child care to keep fit. Simon added: “I’ve built this up and done a lot of research, I want to make sure I get it right. “People are going on Facebook and telling us that they think what we’re doing is fantastic, and that is lovely. “We will make this happen one way or another. “We want to become a national company. “Once we’ve got the model right, we’re going to branch out into other towns.” To help the team and pledge money to the cause visit: http://www. crowdfunder.co.uk/jellyfitness.
No 271 £3
Entries start to come in for fitness accolades
More than 60 runners took part in a charity race around the runways of Manchester Airport, raising almost £5,000 for two charities. The 6km race was organised by Manchester Airport and British Airways to raise money for their two chosen charities – CLIC Sargent and Flying Start. As well as the race a family fun day at the airport’s Runway Visitor Park also helped with the donations. Vernon Kay was on hand to present the prize to winner Richard Keep, who won a pair of flights to Las Vegas. For more see page 16
THE 2016 National Fitness Awards have got off to a flying start, with entries already dropping in from gyms who are keen to impress this year. Nominations are now open at www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk where clubs can put themselves forward for categories which recognise everything from community involvement to specialist facilities such as combat, strength and functional training. There are also dedicated categories for member achievement and best gym based personal trainer, as well as a best newcomer award, which rewards clubs less than two years old that have already made a big impression in the industry. Event organiser Lucy Dickinson said: “It’s great to see so many gyms on the ball and getting their nominations in already! The thought of cracking on and organising another awards and conference is exhilarating; there are so many new and exciting ideas to plan.” The awards are free to enter and entries can be submitted via the website, with winners announced at the Athena on Friday December 2.