Workout February 2024

ISSUE 359 February 2024 £3

Alliance Leisure appointed to new leisure centre project for Kingston upon Thames Page 3 Ryan primed for success with gym launch Page 6 The importance of ‘soft skills’ to personal trainers Page 14

THE U.S. STRENGTH PHENOMENON HAS ARRIVED IN THE UK

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UK FITNESS SCENE

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Alliance Leisure appointed to new leisure centre project for Kingston upon Thames ALLIANCE Leisure has been appointed to work on the concept design for a new leisure centre for Kingston upon Thames London Borough Council in south-west London Appointed via the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, Alliance Leisure will help shape the new two storey venue, which has sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity at its heart.

Tom Fairey, development director at Alliance Leisure, said: “Having developed more than 200 leisure projects, our role is to use this experience to lead a team of best-in-class experts to develop an outstanding new leisure facility for Kingston.

“We are looking forward to shaping a new, sustainable and inclusive leisure centre that meets the needs of the local community providing long lasting improvements in physical and mental health and wellbeing.”

The design team, which includes architects Roberts Limbrick, is currently working with community stakeholders, potential future users and the council to ensure the new design meets their needs.

Public update sessions are ongoing this month with engagement on the proposed designs scheduled for the spring.

The new design will replace former

plans for a leisure complex as the council made the decision not to proceed with the approved application when the unprecedented national financial picture led to the costs rising to almost double the agreed budget.

Located in Kingston town centre on the site of the old Kingfisher Leisure Centre which closed in 2019, outline plans for the new facility include two swimming pools with moveable floors.

The 25m, eight lane pool will offer spectator seating for 150 people, while

Advertiser’s announcement

Creating workwear that inspires pride and drives performance THE athleisure market is exploding.

According to research1, in 2022 the global market was worth $330.97billion and is expected to reach $358.08 billion in 2023.

Today, possibly spurred on by the pandemic which meant people were spending large amounts of time at home, seeking comfortable, cosy clothing that didn’t compromise on style, athleisure – which includes ‘leisurewear’, ‘activewear’ and sportswear and ‘loungewear’ is firmly accepted as a growing fashion trend.

So, people who work in active environments such as gyms, pools, children’s play zones and trampoline parks want their work clothing to reflect the styles and technical abilities of the athleisure wear they see on the high street. They want to feel good in their uniform and wear it with pride so they can perform at their best.

At Taylor Made Designs we are constantly reviewing and adjusting our designs, fabrics and garments to ensure they are not only fit for purpose in terms of durability, technical ability and affordability but are also stylish and comfortable to wear and available in a range of

sizes to suit most body shapes.

Our Leisure Essentials range is constantly evolving.

Whilst it offers operators a competitively priced, customisable, off the shelf option, all garments are carefully selected to not only perform well but to also to look great with cuts in line with market trends.

Product examples include leggings, shorts, slim fit tracksuit bottoms, base layers, quarter zip sweatshirts and lifeguard t-shirts. All available in a range of colours.

For operators looking for a more tailored service, we also provide an end-to-end design, manufacture and supply service. In this scenario, our team works with the operator to create a unique uniform portfolio, individually designing and sourcing each garment to produce a bespoke collection, gelled together by brand principles. Whatever your uniform requirements TMD has a solution to suit.

Whether you are looking for a refresh, rebranding or expanding into new service areas, TMD would love to hear from you to discuss your workwear and/or merchandise needs.

Reference: 1. The Brainy Insights Contact the Taylormade team at hello@taylormadedesigns.co.uk or visit taylormadedesigns.co.uk

the smaller pool measuring 20m x 10m will feature lights, water fountains and accessible steps for fun splash sessions.

A pool pod and hoist will be available in both pools for comfortable access for those with additional needs.

Following extensive consultation and a strategic review of indoor sports needs across the borough, other facilities will include a 150-station gym, four-court sports hall, three multi-activity studios, a group cycling studio, two squash courts, a spa suite with sauna and steam room,

café and a soft play area.

The centre will also offer a fully accessible Changing Places toilet facility.

Spaces around the site will be enhanced as part of the project, including upgrading the outdoor play area and improving green space.

The development aims to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and will incorporate Net Zero design principles and a host of technologies to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs.

The building will be all electric, with power supported by solar panels and heat generated by air source heat pumps.

Chris Jones, project director at Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, added: “Kingston Council is committed to building a new swimming and leisure centre in Kingston town centre and we have been working at pace to bring forward revised proposals for the complex.

“We are pleased to have such an experienced project team, managed through Alliance Leisure and procured through the UK Leisure Framework, to ensure that the project can be delivered on time, include the range of activities that residents and stakeholders said they wanted to see, and within an affordable budget.”

The project team includes architects Roberts Limbrick, Hadron Consulting, Design Active and Varsity QS.

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New data reveals the top podcast to meet your fitness New Year’s goals A NEW study has revealed the best podcast to start in 2024 for those looking to improve their health and fitness.

The research conducted by no deposit bonus codes guide NoDepositFriend analysed data from Spotify for more than 20,000 podcasts, looking at the total number of reviews and average listener ratings.

Each podcast was awarded a score out of five to rank them from best to worst.

A spokesperson for NoDepositFriend said: “If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the sheer number of podcasts available, don’t worry – finding the right one is key, and can make all the difference in how you consume your motivational or entertaining content.

“If you are starting something new in 2024, a podcast can be a powerful tool to help you commit to achieve your New Year’s resolutions.

“Listening to a podcast can be a great way to absorb information and stay motivated, and it’s easily accessible as it can be done

alongside other tasks.

“This list can help you discover the best podcast to listen to if you’re hoping to make a specific resolution, but also if you’re just looking for more entertainment this year.”

For many, getting into a new podcast is an accessible and engaging way to learn something

new, boost their mood, or motivate them to improve their habits – but picking the right one can be tricky.

The study revealed the best podcast in the fitness and nutrition category, with an overall score of 4.96 out of five, was ‘Peak Performance Life Podcast’.

‘Dave Tate’s Table Talk’ was the

ACTION Communications Group has become an Employee Ownership Trust.

Employee Ownership Trusts are set up for the benefit of the employees to ensure they have a significant and meaningful interest in the future success of the company.

The employees have a say in how the company is run and a share of the rewards.

Action Group – formerly Action PR – was set up by Cheryl Hersey and Dawn Tuckwell in 2010. The duo led the company for more than a decade, appointing managing director Daniel Pearson in November 2022 as a first step towards reducing operational involvement.

Cheryl said: “Creating an EOT felt like

the perfect way to reward our longstanding, hard-working team.

“We’ve always endeavoured to be a progressive business, and although creating an EOT is a huge undertaking, we wanted to do the right thing to future proof the company and the careers of those who work in it.

“Now our clients will know they have the most engaged and motivated team in the business. There’s also considerable benefit for anyone new joining the team too.”

Action Group appointed business advisors Avondale to help with the creation of the new EOT, which saw control of the business pass to the newly created company, Action Group Employee Ownership Trust.

As part of the deal, Daniel has been formally appointed as a director of Action Communications Group and Cheryl will continue to support him on the board as a director. Dawn has joined the Trust board to ensure the company continues to operate to the same high standards.

Action Group is a specialist integrated agency that has worked with a number of notable health and wellness brands including Les Mills, David Lloyd, and Everyone Active among others.

Becoming an EOT is a key part of Action Group’s plans to help grow its business, engaging its team of sector specialists and helping to attract the best talent in the industry to continue delivering for clients.

second-best fitness and nutrition podcast, scoring 4.95 out of five.

Dave Tate is the CEO of EliteFits and has been powerlifting for over more than two decades. In this podcast he passes down training tips to listeners.

The third-best podcast for those looking to help their fitness resolution goals was discovered to be ‘The Coach Mark Carroll Podcast.’

The study revealed that the toprated podcast for health was ‘Boho Beautiful Yoga Classes,’ which scored 4.97 out of five.

This is a podcast for those looking to use yoga to improve their mental and physical health.

The second-best podcast for health was ‘Huberman Lab,’ presented by Dr. Andrew Huberman.

This podcast uses science to examine the reason behind common health problems and discusses the best ways to overcome them.

The third-best podcast for health, with a score of 4.96, was discovered to be ‘Tara Brach.’ This podcast is a weekly guided meditation and is for listeners looking for ways to improve their mental health.

Action Group becomes Employee Ownership Trust

Director of Operations: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmediagroup.co.uk Studio manager: Paul Hopkinson ph@scriptmediagroup.co.uk Assistant studio manager: Scott Firth sf@scriptmediagroup.co.uk

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Paula appointed to newly created role LAMPTON Leisure has appointed Paula Vincent into the newly created role of health and wellbeing manager.

Paula’s appointment is part of longterm plan to support community health in the London Borough of Hounslow, working with the Healthy Hounslow Alliance to provide health and wellbeing support to residents as Lampton Leisure’s community health hub vision becomes a reality.

Paula has worked in the fitness and leisure industry for 18 years in roles including head of fitness at Stevenage Leisure and InspireALL and management roles at The Gym Group and Pure Gym. She said: “This is a really exciting time to join Lampton Leisure.

I am excited to be part of the organisation’s ambitions plans and to work in an area I’m really passionate

about and can’t wait to make even more headway in 2024.”

Since joining Lampton Leisure, Paula has been networking with many organisations and charities.

She has discovered many different charities and organisations offering

fantastic programmes to the community such as mental health football session, talking therapy sessions, weight management sessions but struggling to find venues to host.

In response to this she has already created a Health Action Day to bring them together under one roof at Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, making it easy for residents to discover the incredible array of services available on their doorstep.

The day saw organisations including Dementia Friends, Right at Home, Oral Health, Little Parks Surgery, The Movement Project, Cancer Support Services and others come together, alongside activities for children, table tennis, cycling challenges, football juggling, health checks and more.

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Advertiser’s announcement

Head of sales Neil Woodward with new account executives Neena Chauhan and Paul Dunn and ClubRight founder and CEO Wayne Heath.

ClubRight’s newest recruits – welcome Neena and Paul ClubRight is an all-in-one cloud membership management software trusted by more than 1.3 million users worldwide.

We exist to help independent gyms, health clubs, dojos and studios eliminate unnecessary admin, simplify payments and supercharge business growth.

The addition of Neena and Paul will allow ClubRight to work with even more businesses in the fitness industry; helping them to increase their income, free up their time and focus on running their businesses.

Get to know Neena and Paul Neena Chauhan has operated in the fitness industry for the last three years and has worked in sales for the last fifteen.

She has a keen interest in the fitness industry, having featured in Women’s Health Magazine and was recently the face of The British Heart Foundation’s Retail Christmas campaign in 2023 after suffering a ‘fluke’ heart attack at the age of 27.

Exercise became a core part of Neena’s life, so she decided to try and help others in similar circumstances through fitness.

Paul Dunn has worked in the leisure industry for the past 18 years, starting as a gym instructor and personal trainer.

He then progressed to commercial club manager across independent gyms, leisure centres and private health clubs.

“I even helped launch one of the very first 24/7 low-cost health clubs in Hull back in 2010,” he said, so he appreciates the work that goes into opening an independent gym and the day-to-day challenges of running it.

Wayne Heath “My favourite part about this industry is how you can essentially recreate yourself,” Neena added.

“No matter the situation, there’s always the opportunity to become a healthier, better version of you.”

When asked about his favourite thing about working in the fitness industry, Paul said: “Our industry helps people feel healthy, happy and confident.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to witness many colleagues and members build strong healthy habits that have literally changed their lives for the better.”

Neena’s expertise lies in building relationships with clients and understanding their deeper needs.

She’s all about delivering a high level of service. Before her role at ClubRight, Neena was a partnerships manager for a fitness app, which gave

her fantastic insight from a consumer point of view.

“I’m excited to see how we can grow the ClubRight brand even bigger than it already is,” she said.

“I know first-hand what an important role fitness businesses play in their communities, so to be able to give them the tools they need to thrive is going to be incredibly rewarding.”

Paul has built up a working knowledge of gym operations and an understanding of what’s important for club managers.

“I’ve led small and large teams throughout my experience as a club manager and have some great memories of my time in-club,” he added.

“It’s given me a unique understanding of club operations and what club managers really need to deliver exceptional customer service for their members.”

“ClubRight has been doing some great things in the industry. I was drawn to the company because I respect how quickly they’re willing to adapt to the ever-changing digital world we find ourselves in,” said Neena. “I’m looking forward to joining the team.”

Paul is also raring to get started.

“What drew me to ClubRight is that the company is fuelled by innovation and powered by a passion for customer success! I’m thrilled to be boarding this exciting journey alongside their amazing team,” he said.

“ClubRight’s agility is contagious – they constantly embrace tech and keep customers at the forefront of everything they do.”

“I am really excited that Neena and Paul have joined our team,” added

Neil Woodward, head of sales at ClubRight.

“They add an exciting new dimension to my team and have such a wealth of experience.

“People are really going to enjoy speaking with them to understand how we can help them save money, grow their business and reduce their admin.”

“To build on what Neil said, the addition of Neena and Paul means that we’ve got two new excellent account executives that take the time to listen to our clients’ challenges,” said ClubRight’s founder and CEO, Wayne Heath.

“They’re already speaking to several clubs about the solution that ClubRight provides. It’s brilliant to have them on board.”

What do Neena and Paul get up to away from their desks?

“When I’m not at work, you’ll find me in the gym or travelling,” said Neena.

“I also love cooking and trying new restaurants. I love exploring new cuisines and cultures wherever I can.”

“I’ve got a lot of energy to burn, so I love swimming, cycling, running and lifting,” added Paul.

“I’m now race director for my local Tri Club in Harrogate, which is a voluntary role I hold for the club to help deliver the annual Harrogate Triathlon and encourage people across Yorkshire to get involved.”

You can speak to Neena directly by giving her a call on 07919 491480 or send her an email at neena@clubright.co.uk To speak to Paul, you can contact him on 07399 642316 or send an email to paul.dunn@clubright.co.uk To see ClubRight in action visit www.clubright.co.uk/demo

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Ryan primed for success with gym launch A STATE-of-the-art industry-leading fitness and strength sanctuary has opened in Retford near Nottingham, owned by Mr Olympia Ryan Terry.

The new space, named RT Fit, is fully kitted with innovative strength and conditioning equipment from PRIMAL, and exclusively showcases new world exclusive products.

It also includes a number of wellness and lifestyle offers including a barber shop and tattoo parlour.

During the launch, Ryan was joined at the 20,000 square foot super-space by a host of famous names in the strength building industry, including PRIMAL’s ambassadors and World’s Strongest Man champions Tom and Luke Stoltman, and fitness coach Adam Collard.

State-of-the-art equipment, including a comprehensive range of free weights and resistance machines, have been carefully selected to deliver exceptional performance and versatility.

From a spacious and fully equipped strength training zone to a cutting-edge cardio area that boasts the latest in fitness technology, each space has been strategically

planned to offer a seamless flow and maximise efficiency for every aspect of a workout.

The new space will showcase world-exclusive PRIMAL workout platforms designed especially in accordance with Ryan’s specifications, including the Performance Series Plate Loaded machines which have been made with highest grade materials, with some being the first of its kind to launch in the UK. The one-stop, all-encompassing emporium boasts several other facilities, some which have never been seen before in a UK fitness arena, including studios, a recovery suite with ice baths, saunas and compression machines.

There’s also a ‘posing room’, a café serving protein shakes and Ryan’s custom coffee, a seminar space, and treatment areas including a barbershop, and tattoo parlour.

Ryan said: “This is the next chapter in my career. I love the performance range from PRIMAL, so it made perfect sense to partner on this project and collaborate on designs and biomechanics of equipment and the overall layout.

Advertiser’s announcement

“RT Fit isn’t just a gym; it’s a community for transformative fitness experiences, offering groundbreaking equipment, expert trainers, and bespoke recovery spaces. This is a place which will empower people to achieve their fitness goals, foster a sense of community and elevate the standard of strength, health, and well-being. Let’s embark on this fitness journey together.”

In this latest project with Ryan, PRIMAL has collaborated on every aspect of RT Fit’s design – from concept to creation.

Steven Rinaldi, founder and CEO of PRIMAL, added: “Working closely with Ryan on this project has been a thrilling and exhilarating journey for PRIMAL, from conceptualisation, to design, and manufacturing, even down to the very last brush stroke.

“Every aspect has been crafted for an immersive fitness experience, cutting edge equipment, dynamic spaces, and personalised touches.

“It’s not just been about creating a gym; it’s about creating a lifestyle hub, and we are certain it will be a huge success now the doors are finally open.”

Setting the standard: ServiceSport UK’s expertise redefines gym equipment maintenance in 2024 AS A gym owner you’ll understand that ensuring that your gym equipment is in peak condition becomes paramount within the early months of this new year.

Every equipment malfunction, whether minor or major, can disrupt the flow of your members’ workouts, hindering their progress and, ultimately, your business’s success.

This is where ServiceSport UK stands out as your reliable partner in maintaining and repairing gym equipment. In the competitive fitness industry a well-maintained gym with top-notch equipment not only attracts new members but also retains existing ones.

The beginning months of a new year are the perfect time to assess the state of your gym equipment and invest in its longevity.

ServiceSport UK, emerges as the ideal solution for gym owners looking to elevate their facilities and provide an exceptional fitness experience.

One of the key reasons to choose ServiceSport UK is the unparalleled expertise of our engineers.

Our team boasts extensive experience in servicing a wide range of gym equipment, from state-of-the-art machines to traditional weights.

Our engineers undergo rigorous training, staying aware of the latest technological advancements in the fitness industry.

This ensures that they are well-equipped to handle any issue that may arise, offering you peace

of mind and uninterrupted operation of your gym.

What sets ServiceSport UK apart is our commitment to prompt service. In the fastpaced fitness environment, downtime can have a detrimental impact on member satisfaction and overall business performance.

Our rapid response time minimises disruptions, allowing your members to continue their workouts seamlessly. Moreover, ServiceSport UK takes pride in our impressive 90 per cent first-time fix rate.

This means that our skilled engineers diagnose and resolve issues efficiently during their initial visit, reducing the need for multiple callouts.

This not only saves you time and money but also ensures that your gym equipment is back in action swiftly, delighting your members with uninterrupted access to their favourite pieces of kit.

As we continue into the new year, consider ServiceSport UK not just as a maintenance and repair service but as a strategic partner invested in the success of your gym.

Our commitment to excellence, experienced engineers, swift response times, and high firsttime fix rate are all designed to contribute to the seamless functioning of your fitness facility.

Investing in ServiceSport UK is an investment in the satisfaction and loyalty of your members.

A well-maintained gym with reliable equipment is not just a selling point; it’s a testament to your commitment to providing an exceptional fitness experience.

Elevate your gym business this year with ServiceSport UK, where expertise meets efficiency, and success becomes a shared journey.

Call us on 01257 264 738 or email info@servicesport.co.uk

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Oldham Active partners with local college to provide specialist support OLDHAM Active (Oldham Community Leisure) is partnering with Oldham College to upskill its staff to provide specialist health and fitness support for local children and young people, ahead of the launch of new young people-only group exercise classes.

The partnership will initially see 30 members of Oldham Active’s workforce completing the specialist Level 2 Qualification in Leading Physical Activity for Adolescents at Oldham College.

The collaboration follows a boom in the number of young people signing up for a Young Person’s Membership, with 20 per cent of Oldham Active’s total members now aged 11-18 and one third of new members being a young person.

The college will be putting the Oldham Active staff through the training to help the charitable leisure provider meet the demands of the community.

Lauren Connis, group health and fitness brand manager, said: “We are excited to further expand our offer to young people in the area. However, to do this safely and effectively we need to ensure our staff have the correct qualifications.

“The expert training Oldham College is providing means our staff will have the key skills to adapt physical training for young people, taking into account their specific physiological needs.

“It will help our staff to teach, plan and advise young people on how best to exercise, plus support them on how to best communicate with teenagers.

“Our staff, aged 20 to 68, are

thrilled to go ‘back to school’ to help with their own personal career development.”

Edimar Malu, an Oldham Active fitness instructor who recently completed the training, added: “Through this qualification I gained valuable insights into adolescent development and their specific physical requirements. A lot of emphasis was placed on maintaining a high level of professionalism and fulfilling the duty of care when working with young people.

“The course has not only enhanced my confidence in working with adolescents but has also equipped me with the skills required for training and supervising them effectively during my shifts.”

Oldham Active first introduced its Young Person’s Membership in October 2021 and is further developing the membership, launching young people-only group exercise classes, including its unique class, BLAST, using Technogym’s specialist curved treadmills, Skill Mills, SKI ergs, which replicate Nordic ski function movements, rowers, free-weights and other pieces of functional training kit.

Advertiser’s announcement

Creating successful gym promotions – from New Year’s resolutions to summer shred challenges

By Dean Godfrey

Offer special promotions for those who participate, enticing them to join your gym for a more comprehensive fitness experience.

Collaborate with influencers or local fitness enthusiasts to promote these events and attract a wider audience.

IN THE dynamic world of fitness marketing, timing is everything.

As the fitness industry experiences peak seasons, savvy gym owners and marketers seize the opportunity to attract new clients and retain existing ones through irresistible promotions.

From the surge in New Year resolutions to the pursuit of a summer-ready physique, strategic seasonal promotions can set your gym apart. In this article, we’ll explore creative ideas and effective marketing campaigns tailored to each peak fitness season.

New year, new you: Kickstart resolutions with inclusive promotions The beginning of the year is synonymous with resolutions, and gyms witness a significant influx of individuals eager to embark on a fitness journey.

To tap into this enthusiasm, consider crafting promotions that resonate with diverse fitness goals.

Offer personalised packages, free trial classes, or discounted memberships to cater to various preferences and fitness levels.

Utilise social media platforms to highlight success stories from your gym, creating a sense of community and motivation.

Love your body: Valentine’s Day fitness challenges As February rolls around, capitalise on

Dean Godfrey the theme of love and self-care.

Launch Valentine’s Day fitness challenges that encourage members to embrace self-love through their fitness journey.

Partner with local businesses to provide prizes, such as spa treatments or healthy meal plans, enhancing the overall experience.

Leverage social media to create a buzz, encouraging members to share their progress and experiences with your hashtag, and fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Spring into action: Outdoor fitness events With the arrival of spring, people are eager to enjoy the great outdoors.

Organise outdoor fitness events such as boot camps, yoga sessions, or running clubs in local parks.

Pre-summer shred: Targeting beach-ready bodies As summer approaches, many individuals intensify their fitness routines in preparation for beach season.

Launch a pre-summer shred challenge that focuses on achieving a beach-ready physique.

Incorporate nutrition counselling, personalised training plans, and progress tracking to make the challenge holistic.

Create an engaging hashtag for participants to use on social media, generating buzz and showcasing the effectiveness of your gym’s programmes.

Summer sweat series: Beat the heat with exciting classes During the scorching summer months, people look for ways to stay active while avoiding the heat.

Introduce a Summer Sweat Series featuring unique and fun fitness classes.

From aqua aerobics to outdoor yoga, offer a variety of options to cater to different preferences. Implement a flexible membership structure for those interested in trying multiple classes, ensuring that your gym remains the goto destination for summer fitness.

Back-to-school boost: Targeting post-summer motivation As summer winds down, seize the opportunity to boost post-summer motivation.

Launch back-to-school promotions that emphasise getting back on track after the holidays.

Offer special rates, loyalty programs, or exclusive classes to re-engage members who may have taken a break during the summer.

Utilise email marketing to communicate these promotions directly to your audience, reinforcing the value of staying committed to their fitness goals.

In the competitive landscape of fitness marketing, creating successful gym promotions requires a strategic blend of creativity and timing.

From harnessing the energy of New Year resolutions to sculpting beach-ready bodies for the summer, understanding and capitalising on peak fitness seasons can significantly impact your gym’s success.

By tailoring promotions to align with the evolving needs and aspirations of your target audience, you can build a loyal community that thrives all yearround.

Embrace the seasons, get creative with your campaigns, and watch your gym become the go-to destination for fitness enthusiasts. n Dean Godfrey is the chief operations officer at Creative Fitness Marketing. https://uk.cfm.net

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UK FITNESS SCENE Advertiser’s announcement

SUPER HORIZONTAL LEG PRESS DUAL SYSTEM

The Super Horizontal Leg Press Dual System is a specific machine for lower limb training that reproduces the pushing movement of the legs from a sitting position along a horizontal work surface. Effective for strengthening the anterior and posterior muscles of the legs.

The pushing platforms, one for each leg, can be mutually locked and unlocked thanks to a special lever, to make the movement between the two legs independent and distribute the load in a symmetrical and balanced way between the right and left side, highlighting the real strength of each leg and promoting a more harmonious muscle development, eliminating the possible muscle compensations that can occur during the exercise at the Leg Press with a single pushing platform. The lever system that connects the footpads modulates the resistance produced by progressively increasing the load during the push of the lower limbs, developing an upward load curve that is in line with the natural strength of the main muscles involved in the exercise; this allows for a physiological muscle contraction kept high and constant throughout the ROM. The entire seat and backrest set is longitudinally adjustable to suit users of all heights. The backrest can also be adjusted in three different angles that determine the greater or lesser excursion made by the hip joint.

The Super Horizontal Leg Press Dual System thus offers various modes of execution with multiple possibilities for training the lower limbs. n BIPODALIC EXECUTION WITH LOCKED FOOTRESTS The exercise carried out with the thrusting levers locked, typical of common presses, allows the lifting of high loads and lends itself to maximal and sub-maximal force work. n BIPODALIC EXECUTION WITH INDEPENDENT PLATFORMS By unhooking the reciprocal locking lever of the thrusting platforms, the load becomes independent between the two legs with a particular involvement of the proprioceptive system that stimulates coordination, rebalancing the strength of both legs. n MONOPODALIC EXECUTION WITH SINGLE PLATFORM It is possible to perform the pushing exercise with a single leg, for greater concentration and muscle isolation on the hamstrings and glutes. The monobreech execution is used both in fitness to give greater muscle emphasis, and in functional and re-education fields to correct possible muscle asymmetries of the lower limbs by restoring levels of strength, power, and coordination. n ALTERNATING BIPODALIC EXECUTION WITH INDEPENDENT PLATFORMS An alternating pushing movement between the two legs is possible, performed dynamically with a high executive speed that is functional to sports enhancement where it is required to develop strength, power, endurance, and coordination in an integrated way.

The variable density of the backrest padding ensures maximum comfort for the user, while the linear sliding system of the seat/backrest assembly allows the machine to adapt to any type of user.

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Pilates brand launches in the UK amidst £1bn network sales for parent franchisor CLUB Pilates, the largest network of premium Pilates studios globally that offer a range of low-impact, full-body Reformer-based workouts, has launched two new UK studios in Bankside and a flagship site at Fulham Broadway.

The news comes amidst network sales of £1.04bn in the last 12 months for Club Pilates’ parent franchisor Xponential Fitness in North America alone – an 85 per cent increase since 2021 – and the long-term ambition is to launch up to 75 UK Club Pilates studios in the next three to five years.

It is expected this will create up to 900 new jobs nationwide across key territories such as London, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast as membership and studio visits also soar across Xponential Fitness franchises globally; the parent franchisor now has some 720,000 members across its full portfolio – up 62 per cent since 2021 – and studio visits neared 40m (39.2m) in 2022, buoyed by more than 500 new studio openings.

Richard Uku, the master franchise holder for Club Pilates UK, and founder of fitness and wellness firm Deblankson Fitness Group, said: “The opening of our

Bankside and Fulham Broadway studios kickstarts an exciting period of growth.

“We are passionate about the extensive health benefits Pilates in all forms can provide. I’m excited to introduce our accessible concept to a UK audience who we know have a rapidly growing interest in Pilates.”

Founded in 2007, Club Pilates has revolutionised the global fitness landscape by offering full-body

Reformer-based workouts that innovatively integrate a mix of cardio, strength and interval style training, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Breaking away from the elitist perception of Pilates, the brand offers accessible and diverse class options with nine different formats and four levels to choose from.

Their most popular classes are Reformer Flow, Cardio Sculpt and CP

Suspend. Club Pilates distinguishes itself by enhancing the 50-minute class experience with 11 different pieces of equipment, including the EXO Chair, Bosu Ball, Triggerpoint, TRX, Barre,and more.

Club Pilates is also the first Pilates organisation to introduce a proprietary 500-hour teacher training programme, ensuring Pilates is accessible to everyone, fostering community and delivering holistic fitness experiences.

Richard added: “Not only are the benefits to be had for members and clients substantial, but also franchisee’s average annual revenue after two years can be in excess of £400,000.

“The support we provide is industryleading too, from assisting franchisees with site selection and build out, through to instructor and management training, pre-sale member build, ongoing monitoring, and operational support tapping into extensive data analytics capabilities.

“Having spent such a big part of my life in the UK, it’s incredibly exciting to be launching here, and we truly believe we can revolutionise the Pilates landscape in the UK.”

ReferAll is reducing its pricing this year in a bid to help leisure operator customers who are finding it difficult to cope with spiralling costs.

With the physical activity industry under immense pressure and budgets particularly tight, ReferAll has adapted its pricing structure for 2024 to ensure its exercise referral software is accessible to anyone who wants to use the system.

It has introduced a new tiered pricing structure, which allows operators to opt for variable or flat pricing models, to help make budgetary controls easier.

“We wanted to serve our customers better at a time when many operators are struggling in particular due to

spiralling energy costs,” said ReferAll’s managing director Stuart Stokes.

“We embarked on a project to look at our processes and costs to strive for greater efficiency.

“Our aim is to bring value to our customers when they need it most, without needing to increase pricing.

“ReferAll is striving to do things differently and to help operators to focus on improving health outcomes in their local communities by reducing our costs.

“Our new pricing structure supports existing users, while making entry level affordable for new customers.”

In Autumn 2023, ReferAll reduced initial installation costs by 50 per cent

and the price of several of its main features, including ReferAll’s webform and questionnaire solutions.

It has also created a new ‘lite’ user licence at a significant discount – this allows users to efficiently complete all tasks related to the referral process, but restricts access to reporting and system configuration.

The new tiered pricing bands reward investment in growth. Previously, pricing was calculated per user, which worked well in smaller operators with fewer staff.

ReferAll’s new enterprise level pricing band means multi-site operators can grow their services without worrying about the cost of adding new users.

ReferAll also builds commonly requested integrations into its software at customers’ request at no charge, to bring extra value to its partnerships.

Stuart added: “We are not the experts in everything and don’t claim to be. We like to do what we do well.

“This means we embrace integration with other organisations that fit with the product roadmap, rather than trying to do everything ourselves, which pushes up costs.

“Integration adds value to the ReferAll product for all customers and makes the journey seamless.”

ReferAll will continue to introduce new integrations with leading leisure management systems.

ReferAll cuts prices to help operators struggling with budgets

Advertiser’s announcement

Choices Health Club welcomes 410 new members in just six weeks CHOICES Health Club in Grantham has been making waves in the fitness community with a remarkable surge in membership during its recent marketing campaign.

In a span of just six-and-a-half weeks an impressive 410 individuals joined the health-conscious community, setting a new benchmark for the club’s growth.

With an overall campaign projected profit for the club of over £150,000, this was no small feat. Choices is an establishment that is committed to helping its clients with every aspect of their health, fitness, and well-being.

With a wide variety of ways to train and a friendly team of fitness staff, their facilities have been carefully developed to support their clients wherever they are in their journey.

With a large gym area including a cardio and strength zone, over 50 in-studio and virtual classes per week, a spin studio, a swimming pool and a relaxation zone, Choices has a lot to offer.

Duncan Foster, who also has three additional locations, wears multiple hats as the club’s owner and understands the importance of effective marketing in the competitive fitness industry.

While he actively engages in various marketing activities, including corporate outreach and social media efforts, he recognises the value of outsourcing certain functions.

The synergy between Choices Health Club’s consistent marketing efforts and the impactful six-week campaigns orchestrated by CFM has proven to be a winning formula for business growth.

Katie Harper, group manager for Choices, said: “I would highly recommend CFM, they always bring in a significant amount of members and ensure we have a great campaign.”

While CFM has consistently delivered positive results over the years, the most recent campaign has been a standout success.

CFM business development manager Harry Ainslie attributes this success to innovative marketing methods, including a blend of traditional, digital, and AI technology.

CFM, offering its services across the UK and Ireland, has proven that strategic marketing can drive outstanding results even in a competitive market.

Choices Health Club in Grantham looks forward to welcoming more individuals on their fitness journey, guided by the winning partnership with CFM. To explore more about CFM and the range of services they offer visit www.cfm.net or contact Jonny or Harry at 0115 777 3333.

UK FITNESS SCENE

14

Long Covid pathway extended into Suffolk IN RESPONSE to the evidenced success of the long Covid pathway launched in October 2022 by Sport For Confidence CIC in partnership with the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, the programme delivery is to be extended beyond Essex, into the neighbouring county of Suffolk.

According to the Office for National Statistics there are an estimated 1.9 million people, representing 2.9 per cent of the population living with selfreported long Covid.

Most common symptoms include fatigue, cognitive issues, anxiety and depression.

Sarah Fowler, co-clinical lead at Suffolk and North East Essex Long Covid Assessment Service, said: “Long Covid is a complex condition which typically presents as a cluster of symptoms which can change and recur unpredictably over time.

“Symptoms vary from person to person, meaning treatment and support needs to be flexible, easy to access and person-centred.

“This is exactly the model Sport For Confidence has created in Essex and will now roll out in Suffolk.”

Established to support and facilitate the recovery of people experiencing long Covid through swift referral and access to occupational therapists, the pathway first launched in Colchester at

the Colchester Leisure World in October 2022 and then extended to Clacton with Clacton Leisure Centre as host venue.

Since the pathway launched, Sport for Confidence has supported more than 70 individuals, with outcomes measured through participant surveys six weeks into the programme and on competition at 12 weeks.

Participants have demonstrated an average 22 per cent increase in perceived health and wellbeing after taking part in the pathway.

In addition, participants have expressed an improvement in the presentation and impact of symptoms they are experiencing such as reduced fatigue and breathlessness.

This has resulted in participants being able to return to work, engage in increased levels of physical activity and take part in more social interactions.

Jamie Squires, occupational therapist at Sport For Confidence, added: “This pathway recognises everyone’s experience of long Covid is different, creating a fully supported, unique recovery journey for every participant.

“Once referred, every participant completes a one-to-one assessment with a Sport For Confidence occupational therapist.

“This is used to determine an appropriate intervention route which may include educational sessions,

physical activity sessions, clinical referral or a mix of all options. Every case is different so every pathway is unique.

“Also, the service provision provides an alternative to assessment and support traditionally offered in clinical environments.

“Service provision within local leisure centres integrates people back into their local communities, whilst also providing the clinical expertise that they need.”

Based on the success of the pathway in Essex, the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust has now funded the extension of the programme into Suffolk.

Sport For Confidence continues as delivery partner, working out of the Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich, owned and managed by Ipswich Borough Council and the Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket, owned

by Suffolk County Council, managed by Everyone Active.

The pathway will welcome its first participant cohort in March.

Following the protocol in Essex, participants will be referred through the Suffolk and North East Essex Long Covid Assessment Service.

Ian Cotton, group aquatics and activity manager at Everyone Active, added: “Our mission is to enable everyone, along their entire life journey, to lead an active lifestyle that promotes health and

wellbeing.

“By hosting this proven long Covid pathway at the Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre we are supporting people who might otherwise struggle to access services and expertise that help them tackle this debilitating condition.

“Sport For Confidence is already a known and trusted partner to Everyone Active so I’m really looking forward to welcoming the team into the Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre to deliver this important work.”

Connah Lloyd, senior development officer (health and wellbeing) at Active Suffolk, has been instrumental in extending the long Covid pathway into Suffolk.

He said: “Having understood the success of the pathway in Essex, I was immediately convinced that people in Suffolk could and should also benefit from the service.

“I set about facilitating introductions to make this possible.

“As an Active Partnership we are focused on facilitating opportunities that empower people to live active, healthy lives.

“This pathway does exactly that for those who might otherwise find it hard to access services.

“I am delighted to have played a small part in bringing this vital service to Suffolk.”

The importance of ‘soft skills’ to personal trainers

By Katie Bulmer-Cooke AFTER four years of purely teaching group fitness, when I first qualified as a personal trainer, I don’t think I ever imagined how broad the role could be.

Over the years I’ve been privileged to have had countless clients not only come to me for programming, nutrition advice and workouts, but they’ve confided in me too.

They’ve trusted me with their emotions, challenges and concerns, and used me as a sounding board, and for me, this is where the skill of knowing when to lean in more to the ‘personal’ in personal trainer is needed.

These are the soft skills, the listening skills and the ability to ‘read the room’ that separate the ‘trainers’ from the ‘personal trainers.’

Great personal trainers listen well and can think on their feet, adjusting the session where needed, to accommodate what the client needs.

Katie Bulmer-Cooke There are some situations where what you had planned needs to be edited on the spot.

For example, a client comes into the

gym and has something they’ve been struggling with and wants to ask some questions about, let’s say they are trying to hit a new 5km PB but they are feeling stuck and frustrated.

You may have planned a warm up of dynamic stretching with some movements that are new to the client, but now perhaps a better option is to get them warmed up on a treadmill or cross trainer, which is super simple, and allows time to chat, answer questions and help the client find solutions.

There may also be times when the workout needs to be more focused on the mind than the body, and vice versa.

Let’s imagine a client has had a really stressful day at work.

We know that all forms of exercise will always make you feel better, but a session with some games and fun drills in there could brighten up the client’s day even more.

Assessing and gauging how a client is feeling at the beginning of the session

is key and will help to establish if any modifications need to be made.

Asking some open questions upon greeting the client is a great place to start.

For example, ‘how are you feeling today?’ ‘how has your morning been?’ ‘what kind of day have you had so far today?’ ‘how was your sleep last night?’

As more and more personal trainers enter the industry every year, it will become increasingly important for PTs to work on their soft skills in order to build relationships and offer truly personal service if they want to stand out and have a long career in the industry.

With this in mind there is opportunity for training providers to offer more education in this area and also for successful personal trainers to mentor those who need to grow and develop these skills. n Katie Bulmer-Cooke is an awardwinning fitness trainer, speaker and consultant.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

Short bouts of yoga may help prevent diabetes, University research reveals THREE-minute bouts of yoga have been found to significantly lower blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of diabetes, a study from Glasgow Caledonian University has revealed.

The research carried out by a team of physiotherapists investigated the effects of breaking up sedentary behaviour with short bouts of yoga and Tai Chi on glycaemic control, concentration, and wellbeing in healthy individuals.

The study, which involved 15 adults aged 26 to 28, found that the effects of short bouts of yoga to break up the working day significantly lowers glucose levels to reduce the risk of diabetes without compromising concentration or wellbeing.

However, Tai Chi did not provide the same significant effect on glucose levels but allowed better maintenance of concentration and wellbeing.

The research concluded that these interventions provide effective ways to combat the harmful effects of prolonged sitting while maintaining concentration and wellbeing.

Lead author of the study, Alex Colvin, said: “Through this research, I want to make people aware that you can break up your sedentary time with things that are good for your mental and physical wellbeing, and to reduce the risk of diabetes.

“There has been a lot of research into the benefits of yoga and Tai Chi, which show favourable effects, but this is the first research that I am aware of that investigates the use of shorter three-

Greater Glasgow and Clyde specialist physiotherapist.

He began the research during his studies with fellow students Lynne Murray and Jillian Noble, under the supervision of Professor Sebastien Chastin, but results were delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The study, entitled Effects of Breaking Up Sedentary Behavior With Short Bouts of Yoga and Tai Chi on Glycemia, Concentration, an Well-Being, was published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, which is part of the Human Kinetics Journals.

Alex added: “We took finger-prick glucose readings every half an hour throughout a seven-hour working day and standardised the participants’ diet

as much as we could, along with that we broke up the sedentary time and the groups with either three minutes of yoga or Tai Chi, or just sitting for the whole time and measuring their glucose.

“Although the study involved a small number of 15 mostly healthy adults aged between 26 and 28, it doesn’t change the fact that the glucose levels were still lowered.

“By using this group it might even be more beneficial to people who are prediabetic and the results might even be more significant.”

Professor of Health Behaviour Dynamics Sebastien Chastin, from the University’s School of Health and Life Sciences’ Research Centre for Health, added: “Clearly we all spend far too much time sitting in the office or working from home.

“This shows that short bouts of yoga that can be done anytime during the day and it has the impact we expected that it can be turned into one of the interventions or reduce the risk of diabetes.

“What’s also really important about this research is that it demonstrates that it doesn’t reduce the productivity of workers. That’s always the worry of the bosses.

“Allowing them to have that time shows that it actually doesn’t reduce productivity at all, if anything it probably increases productivity so there’s not just a health incentive for the workers to do it but also for the employers to support that and implement it.”

Dance teacher Samantha Babooram with specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist Hattie Devereux and technical instructor Dan Reveley at Castle Leisure Centre. to live long, healthy and more active well as working with other NHS Trusts lives. to help scale this model and reach many “Gyms and leisure facilities are key more patients.” community hubs across the UK and we’re The project combines the expertise of looking forward to supporting Guy’s and the Trust’s specialist staff with highSt Thomas’ to continue this project as quality gym equipment at Castle Leisure

Centre in Elephant and Castle, and Brixton Recreation Centre and Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre.

Patients are able to benefit from more space and a much wider range of equipment than at the hospital gym sites. These include mats, benches, steppers and cross trainers that can better support specific rehabilitation as well as general fitness, confidence and mental well-being.

The initiative also lowers transport costs for patients and reduces travel time to and from appointments as they tend to be closer to their home or work.

This helps make it easier to attend appointments and reduces health inequalities, with early data showing that the pilot has reduced ‘no shows’ by around six per cent.

As an added bonus, patients are able to use the wider gym facilities –including pool, sauna and steam room facilities – for free on the days that they are attending physio services.

It is hoped that by accessing treatment in a local gym, patients will gain confidence in using equipment and possibly take up a membership – making them more likely to exercise regularly.

Patients are able to access discounted gym memberships once their treatment finishes.

minute bouts to break up a working day and shows results that this can help to reduce the risk of diabetes.

“This is also good news for employers who dislike the use of physical activity to break up sedentary time because they have this misplaced perception that it will negatively impact on production, as we have found it’s quite the opposite.

“We measured concentration and wellbeing throughout the study.

Although there wasn’t a change with yoga and Tai Chi, at least it didn’t get any worse, which disproves that doing these types of things is bad for worker productivity.”

Alex graduated with a Masters in Physiotherapy in 2020 from Glasgow Caledonian and became an NHS

Patients to benefit from NHS physiotherapy in gyms under innovative new joint pilot PHYSIOTHERAPY patients are being offered treatment in gyms and leisure centres in an innovative pilot which aims to make care more convenient by bringing it closer to home.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ has partnered with ukactive to improve access to musculoskeletal rehabilitation and therapy services in the community.

Around half of the team’s referrals are for patients suffering from lower back pain, for which regular exercise is key to recovery.

The majority of other patients need to improve their fitness and muscle strength due to underlying conditions such as injuries, arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Across the 18-month pilot, around 25,000 patients are expected to benefit.

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “Our partnership with Guys and St Thomas’ is a clear example of how the physical activity sector is stepping up to support the NHS and the major health conditions which impact our nation’s health and cause pain for millions of people.

“We know musculoskeletal conditions cause the third largest spend for the NHS and with such increasing pressure on the health service, our sector is providing accessible facilities and equipment to help patients get the therapy they need

PHOTOGRAPHY Thanks to everyone who attended the event, it was a wonderful evening and we’d like to congratulate all our winners plus those runners up who were all worthy of being winners, there was a lot of tough decisions for our judges!

If you had your photo taken and would like to see this and purchase copies to share and remember the occassion, please visit our online photography portal: www.script-events.co.uk/nfaphotos

You can view a low resolution, watermarked version of your images on our online platform.

Any images purchased will be supplied as a high resolution print or digital copy, with no watermark present.

If you’d like to purchase images please visit

script-events.co.uk/ nfaphotos or by scanning the QR code on the right.

Get in touch on 01257 264 738

The wear and tear on gym equipment can be as relentless as the workout routine itself. Ever wondered why your cherished machines seem to give up the ghost too soon? Prevention is not just better than cure; it's the key to running a successful gym and satisfying your members.

ServiceSport UK champions proactive care, offering tailored maintenance programs designed to keep your equipment in peak condition. From routine check-ups to targeted interventions, our engineers are strategically positioned across the UK, ensuring swift response times to keep your fitness momentum uninterrupted.

Being attentive when cleaning is essential to ensure the removal of sweat, dust, and debris from equipment surfaces. Utilising appropriate cleaning solutions not only maintains cleanliness but also ensures a hygienic workout environment. Regular lubrication is a simple yet vital step in reducing friction and enhancing the longevity of your equipment. Focusing on moving parts, such as treadmill belts and elliptical joints, is particularly important.

Periodically calibrating machines is necessary for accurate performance and data readings. Calibration not only prevents discrepancies in workout metrics but also contributes to an overall enhanced user experience.

Tightening loose parts, including bolts, screws, and other fasteners, is a regular maintenance task that prevents

instability and, more importantly, mitigates potential safety risks. Monitoring wear and tear on components like cables, belts, and padding is crucial. Timely replacement of worn parts not only prevents further damage but also ensures optimal functionality.

Success is built on well-maintained equipment.

Embrace these top tips for proper maintenance to elevate your gym. Trust ServiceSport UK to be your partner in this journey, offering regular services and maintenance that guarantee to be the best. Call us on 01257 264 738 or email info@servicesport.co.uk today for your service and repair requirements!

“Hats off to Dale, very efficient in his work and always advises what jobs he has carried out. Working at Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing, I always get notification of when he is coming in to complete jobs, he always arrives with a smile .”

Nuffeld Health “I work as one of the managers at JD gyms Salford and just wanted to say one of your engineers ( Lee ) has been a top notch guy today helping us out with all the work he has done, all the members are buzzing in regards to seeing the equipment being fixed to such a great quality standard. Super work mate Nice one Lee” JD Gyms

��

“I would like to thank Dale for his good and professional manner on his visit to Reckitt corporate gym in Slough couldn’t be more happier with his work today. Once again thank you.”

Reckitt Corporate Gym

Maintaining and preserving the life of a Concept2 rower is crucial for both the longevity of the equipment and the satisfaction of your gym members. To achieve this, follow a comprehensive maintenance routine that covers cleaning, lubrication, monitoring, and user education.

Regularly wipe down the rower with a damp cloth to remove sweat, dust, and dirt, paying extra attention to the monorail and seat rollers. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for lubricating moving parts, ensuring that the chain is properly tensioned and applying a light coat of chain oil.

Regularly inspect the chain for wear or damage and keep it clean and well-lubricated. Periodically check all bolts and fasteners to ensure they are tight, promptly tightening any that are loose.

Educate users on proper rowing technique to minimise stress on the rower, encouraging them to treat the equipment with care and report any issues promptly.

Establish a regular maintenance schedule for all rowing machines in your gym. Wipe down the display regularly, ensuring it functions correctly and replacing any malfunctioning parts promptly.

By implementing these tips, you can ensure that Concept2 rowers in your gym remain in optimal condition, providing a reliable workout experience for your members. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of the equipment but also contributes to a positive and professional gym environment.

Have you seen the new Workout website?

Packed full of the latest news and developments in the UK fitness industry, it’s an essential for all fitness professionals.

View the latest issues of the magazine and find contact information for top suppliers and companies in the industry.

Visit us at: www.workoutuk.co.uk

Scan below to visit

UK FITNESS SCENE

Musculoskeletal Health Hubs launched to help people living with chronic joint pain CHARITABLE leisure trust Mytime Active has launched its Musculoskeletal Health Hubs to support people living with chronic joint pain.

The MSK health hubs will provide exercise, rehabilitation and wellbeing support to help people maintain mobility and reduce pain, as well as improve the health of patients before and after surgery.

The hubs will operate in Bromley at the Spa at Beckenham and Walnuts Leisure Centre in Orpington, and at Hatchford Brook Golf Centre and Gym in the Midlands.

The launch forms part of ukactive’s

Diane Friday

two-year research project, led by a health and fitness consortium including Good Boost, ESCAPEpain, Orthopaedic Research UK and Arthritis Action, which aims to identify how to transform leisure facilities into MSK hubs that can be accessed in every community.

Local residents can join the sixweek health programme through self-referral or via a health or social prescriber.

The programme consists of a digital health assessment followed by targeted exercise sessions both in the gym and in the pool.

Diane Friday, active lifestyles programme manager at Mytime Active, said: “We take great pride in contributing to this project and see a significant potential for leisure facilities to enhance healthcare access, thereby alleviating the strain on the NHS. “Mytime Active started delivering ESCAPE-Pain in 2018, commissioned by the Health Innovation Network with Sport England Active Ageing funding, in order to bring the programme, normally delivered within a hospital setting, out into community venues.

“Mytime Active has already seen hundreds of local residents successfully complete the programme with positive outcomes.

“It therefore made sense for us join the ukactive MSK hub pilot programme, allowing us to help even more people going forward, using both the ESCAPE-Pain and GoodBoost methods.”

Mytime Active has upskilled five members of its team, with further staff due to complete the training shortly, to help the leisure trust to deliver both the GoodBoost and ESCAPE-Pain programmes, both dryside and in their pools.

Diane added: “MSK conditions are the primary cause of disability among older adults, with more than 20 million people in the UK experiencing related problems, such as arthritis, back or

knee ache and chronic pain.

“Whilst this initiative can’t cure these conditions, it does go a long way to help people manage their pain and improve their mobility. It is an alternative to surgery for the estimated one million people who are waiting for NHS orthopaedic treatments.

“Patients describe first-hand, positive experiences of the ESCAPEPain programme including becoming more confident in their ability to use exercise as a self-management strategy.

“When struggling with chronic pain, exercise can sometimes seem scary, as people can worry it might cause more damage, but on the contrary, targeted exercises led by our health experts can help alleviate symptoms instead. The programme will monitor participants’ progress and report back on the health benefits, looking at their increased mobility, their reduction in pain and their overall wellbeing.”

On completing the six-week long programme, participants will be encouraged to continue with their exercise by joining one of Mytime Active’s other supportive programmes, such as Fresh Start Friendly, with a discounted health membership.

Advertiser’s announcement

How to invest in your gym’s team

By Wayne Heath

RICHARD Branson once said “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”

And he’s right. Your staff are your greatest asset, investing in their training and development is a strategic decision proven to boost employee satisfaction, increase productivity and ultimately, better service for your members.

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how you can effectively invest in your staff’s training and development so that you can ensure long-term success at your gym: Assess training needs Start by identifying the specific training needs of your staff.

Conduct surveys, one-on-one meetings, or performance reviews to understand where your employees might need improvement or additional skills.

Set clear goals and objectives Assess what you want to achieve from staff training and development.

These goals should align with both the individual career growth of your team and the overall objectives of the gym.

Do you want to improve productivity so that the team can get more jobs done during a shift?

Or maybe you want to eventually upscale the level of fitness support you offer - either way, make sure your team is on board from the beginning.

specifically for the fitness industry.

While there are likely resources out there that apply to several industries, more tailored programmes tend to have better results.

Wayne Heath Allocate budget Determine a budget for training and development initiatives.

This budget should cover expenses such as course fees, training materials, and any other necessary resources. There are many training methods out there depending on your staff’s needs and preferences.

Options include workshops, seminars, online courses, in-house training, mentoring programs, and more. Select the methods that align best with your goals and budget.

Identify training resources Usually, you can find suitable training resources or providers online. Look for reputable organisations, institutions, or professionals who have proven experience in delivering high-quality training and development programmes

Develop a training schedule Once you’ve selected your resources or training provider, create a schedule that outlines when and how development sessions will take place.

Will they be in-person workshops?

Do they need to be completed outside working hours?

Ensure that it doesn’t disrupt the day-to-day running of your gym and that employees have enough time to complete their training without causing unnecessary stress.

Track progress Be sure to keep an eye on progress and assess how effective the training has been.

That might look like setting milestones for development or perhaps gathering feedback from employees and members.

It’ll make sure the investment into staff training has made a positive impact on business operations and member satisfaction.

Encourage skill application Offering staff training at your independent gym is one thing, but your team must apply it to their day-to-day roles.

Give them the space and encouragement to show what they’ve

learned on their own.

Then, make sure you acknowledge and reward staff members who have demonstrated growth and development.

Think promotions, pay raises, or other incentives that show your team their hard work is recognised and appreciated.

Foster a learning culture Finally, aim to create a work culture that values learning and development at your gym.

Encourage open communication where employees feel seen and heard so that they know you have their best interest at heart.

From there, it’ll be easier to assess the overall impact of investing in staff training and allow you to revisit certain areas if needed.

To summarise, investing in staff training and development is an investment in the long-term success of your gym. Not only does it benefit your employees, but it also enhances the level of service provided to your members, leading to increased member satisfaction and retention.

Looking to expand your independent gym?

Speak to ClubRight. We’re the go-to member management software for independent gyms, health clubs, studios and more; trusted by more than 850+ fitness businesses Have a quick chat with our product experts by giving us a call on 0203 884 9777 or book a free online walkthrough of how ClubRight could help your fitness business.

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