WorkOut January 2012

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January 2012

The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine

Fitness sector celebrates at awards event

By Christina Eccles THE entire fitness industry came together to reward excellence and achievement at the 2011 National Fitness Awards, organised by Workout.

Almost 600 people packed into the ICC in Birmingham for the ultimate end of year party, hosted by Coronation Street favourite Katherine Kelly and radio presenter Guy Harris, and attended by VIP guests including cage fighter Alex Reid and his partner Chantelle Houghton, nutritionist Caroline Pearce, winner of The Biggest Loser Wil Graham and leading fitness model Carly Thornton.

On the night, revellers were treated to a drinks reception and three course dinner, before 20 awards were handed out in categories including gym of the year, best newcomer, best gym based personal trainer and the coveted lifetime achievement award.

The evening’s big winners included Tops Fitness and Rehabilitation in Wakefield – which scooped two awards for northern gym of the year and the overall national gym of the year – and SD School of Martial Arts in Colchester, which was named best combat gym and best children’s facili-

ties. Representatives from shortlisted clubs and figures from the wider fitness industry attended the sold out awards – with many guests telling Workout what a fantastic time they had regardless of whether they picked up a trophy.

Award winner Carol Morgan of Wellow Fitness Centre said: “We are absolutely over the moon having won the customer service award in the National Fitness Awards 2011. It is great to be judged one of the best by an independent panel of experts and we’ll carry this with great honour and pride.”

Several hundred nominations were made from clubs up and down the country – with the Workout team visiting every shortlisted club before an independent panel of judges picked our worthy winners.

Event director Judith Halkerston added: “Thanks to everyone who attended and congratulations to all our winners. We are already looking forward to the 2012 awards and nominations will be opening in February.”

For a full list of winners and a round up of all the action from the night, see our awards special, starting on page 39.

No 220 £3

Olympic legacy the subject

Industry legend Ken Heathcote picked up the big prize of the night, the award for lifetime achievement.

Ken’s many accolades include being co-founder of the Fitness Industry Association, founder of the National Amateur Bodybuilding Association training course and working as a Mr Britain and Mr Universe judge for over 20 years.

Ken received his award from the event’s host, Coronation Street favourite Katherine Kelly.

OVER 350 people attended a conference in London to discuss how the fitness industry can create a lasting legacy from the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Delegates at the FIA and IMSPA Legacy Ready Summit heard from a range of speakers who emphasised the importance of working in partnership to use the Games to promote health and physical activity to the nation.

Speakers on the day included FIA chair Fred Turok, public health minister Anne Milton, Sport England’s Richard Lewis and shadow Olympic minister Tessa Jowell – with the day’s sessions chaired by presenter John Inverdale.

CEO of the FIA David Stalker said: “I honestly believe that on the back of the Olympics, this is the opportunity for our industry, and it is a time when we should all be working together. If we get it right and make a real difference, our industry will be at the top of the political agenda. The only people who can let us down is ourselves.”

For more on the conference see inside.

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Personal training demand to grow claims survey

By Christina Eccles PERSONAL training, Zumba and functional fitness will be among the key trends to watch out for in 2012, it has been claimed.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine’s worldwide survey of fitness trends, the demand for PT will grow this year as clients look for an increasingly tailored approach to their workouts.

The survey also names dance exercise class Zumba as another one to watch, as well as fitness programmes for older adults, functional fitness and core training.

CEO of Premier Global Debra Stuart said: “These trends are pleasing to see and mirrors what we are doing as a company in terms of the training we are delivering and the qualifications our graduates are gaining.

“The UK fitness industry is very forward thinking and is playing an influential role in the global fitness landscape. 2012 is going to be an exciting 12 months during which time I know the scene will have evolved even further.”

Manufacturers have also been sharing their predictions for the coming year – with group exercise and resistance training coming out on top.

Managing director of Star Trac Europe Matt Pengelly said: “Group exercise classes have led the way in 2011 and will continue through 2012 and beyond. Operators need to keep member interest high, so new class concepts are key to attracting new members and retaining existing ones.

“The Spinning brand continues to

Premier Global CEO Debra Stuart dominate group exercise programmes, with operators continuing to invest in this popular class.

Investing in training, education and first class kit is essential, which is why our relationship with Mad Dogg Athletics helps us drive forward in this category.”

Education and training manager at Power Plate UK Lars Harms added: “The current trend is about using your own body weight, a return to the roots of resistance training that everyone can benefit from. Gyms are creating functional zones focused on using your own body weight, which is also at the heart of how the Power Plate machine works.

Do you agree with the views of the industry professionals? Let Christina Eccles know by emailing ce@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734463.

Olympic champion Denise Lewis has opened a new David Lloyd Leisure club in Farnham.

Denise cut a ribbon to mark the opening of the £15m facility, which includes the group’s largest Amida Spa. Chief executive Scott Lloyd (pictured above) said: “The Farnham club demonstrates our efforts to invest in the best health, sports and leisure facilities for local communities. We are also proud that so many new jobs – some 70 – have been created, particularly during the current economic environment.”

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Miles Templeman

More emphasis should be put on training claim

By Christina Eccles THE fitness industry should place more emphasis on training and qualifications to ensure the UK can compete with the rest of the world and keep its best workers in the sector.

IMSPA chairman Miles Templeman was among the speakers at the FIA and IMSPA industry summit in London, which focused on how the industry can make the most of opportunities surrounding the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Speaking to delegates, Miles said operators in the physical activity sector must work together with IMSPA and other bodies, such as the FIA, REPs and Skills Active, to upskill their workforce.

This would mean the industry can compete with other countries and create a valuable, lasting Olympic legacy which improves the health of the nation.

Miles said: “We need to raise the profile of the industry, which is

undervalued at present. There is a huge potential to have a better, healthier nation because of the preventative value of exercise. Our legacy will only be as good as we make it.”

As of this month, the institute becomes chartered – and known as CIMSPA – and Miles added he would like to see feedback from the industry as what it can do for fitness professionals.

He also said to make sure the best candidates look for careers in health and fitness, operators need to encourage their staff to access training opportunities and pathways to move forward.

He added: “It’s vital we do a much better job to get people aware of what careers there are in the industry and give them the opportunities to train and improve their skills.

“We want this to be an industry where people can have a good career and a sense of progression and when they are really experienced, they can become a chartered member.”

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Gym gets employees into shape

By Dominic Musgrave A UNIVERSITY gym has been helping local employees to get in shape with a dedicated health and fitness scheme.

Fifty drivers, engineers and operations employees at bus company UNO took part in a programme at the University of Hertfordshire’s Sports Village, completing individual and team challenges designed to encourage regular exercise and healthy eating.

At the beginning of the project each participant completed a fitness, health and diet assessment with a coach – with many drivers found to have dangerously high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

When they were tested again after taking part, results showed 63 per cent of participants had achieved a decrease in blood pressure, 44 per cent a reduction in cholesterol, 47 per cent a reduction in resting heart rate and 63 per cent reported an increase in energy levels.

Project officer for sport, health and

wellbeing at the University of Hertfordshire Sports Village Rhian Crawford said: “We are overwhelmed by the results of the programme and are so happy that the participants and in particular the drivers, embraced the challenge and have improved their health.

“You can now see them walking around campus in their high visibility jackets and many have started using the University’s gym facilities.

“91 per cent reported an increase in their happiness and this for us is a fantastic result. The shift to healthier eating and increased activity and energy levels has meant that many are spending better quality time with their families, which is a fantastic additional benefit of the intervention.

A group even trained for and ran the Herts 10k, which they would never have completed before.”

The University will now support the participants to carry on exercising by offering reduced membership rates for them and their families.

Anna Montgomery and Sarah Cleave.

Two new faces at health club AN independent health club and spa has appointed two new members of staff to help with its ongoing growth.

Anna Montgomery and Sarah Cleave have joined the team at theclub at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House as sales advisor and senior sales advisor respectively.

Manager Jason Eaton said: “We have had another fantastic year in 2011 with more members joining and upgrades throughout the club. To support our continued growth we

have enlisted Sarah and Anna, who each have backgrounds within the industry.

“At theclub we are constantly upgrading our facilities and equipment with the latest technological advances. This is what makes us one of the leading health clubs in the region and so it is important for us to have the right team to back it up.

“We’re very excited to have Sarah and Anna on board and we’re looking forward to an even healthier 2012!”

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Studio is first for region A NEW independent Power Plate studio has opened in South Wales, with the owners investing £40,000 to turn a former office into a fitness studio.

Power Vibe is run by husband and wife team Tony and Helen Hoare and is equipped with five Power Plate pro5 machines.

Helen said: “I was first introduced to vibration training several years ago when a Power Plate studio opened near to where I worked.

“It was the ideal lunchtime exercise option as it allowed me to get a full body workout, without working up too much of a sweat.

“I quickly learned that Power Plate benefitted many people, from those looking to improve their fitness to those with health issues such as arthritis and cystic fibrosis. I decided I wanted to offer local people the chance to experience this revolutionary product themselves.

Power Vibe is the first such studio in South Wales, so we are looking forward to making it a success.”

Working with local groups enables gym to stay ahead of rest

By Christina Eccles WORKING with local businesses and community groups is helping an independent gym in Skegness stay ahead of the game.

Fresh Fitness joined forces with Chapel Swifts Community Group to offer people in the area the chance to get fit at a reduced rate.

Members of the group get a 65 per cent discount off the normal club membership price – meaning they pay £18 instead of £39.15 per month – and so far over 160 people have taken advantage of the offer.

The club also supports the community group’s events, which have been attended by famous faces including ex England footballer Paul Merson, and raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity as well as promoting the gym.

Fitness manager Mark Belton said: “I play football for a team that’s part of the community group and part of its job is to set up things to get people more physically active.

“Getting involved puts us out there

The gym at Fresh Fitness in Skegness. on the market and also makes people realise we are trying to provide something for the local community and are not just about making money.”

The gym has also forged links with other businesses and sports teams such as the local cricket and rugby clubs and Mark said creating these partnerships can be a win win situation for both parties.

He added: “Our overall membership three years ago was 391 and now we are above 700. We have done really

well but have never lowered prices.

“Instead we have targeted big groups and offered corporate memberships, which will bring more members in and allow us to give them a discount.”

Fresh Fitness is now gearing up for a busy 2012 – with plans in the pipeline including staging a series of Olympic themed fitness challenges for members in the run up to the Games in London.

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Keeping up with the times while making sure loyal members stay satisfied is the biggest challenge for a luxury London health club. Christina Eccles took a look around.

Joining fee and spectacular view the key for London gym WITH a new manager and exciting plans in place for this year, it’s all change at The Peak Health Club and Spa...

The club forms part of the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London’s affluent Knightsbridge, proving popular with both local residents and staying guests.

Costing £1,600 to join and with a £210 a month membership rate, being part of the Peak experience doesn’t come cheap.

But according to club manager Hugh Murphy, those who do join see it more as a ‘lifestyle choice’ rather than a straightforward gym membership, making the most of other areas such as the restaurant and lounge bar as well the fitness facilities.

He explained: “Membership is capped at 1200 so members are never queuing to get on a machine.

“About 70 per cent of members are over 40 and with the demographic of the area, there are a lot of influential, affluent people who use the club.

“We have an extraordinary retention rate – we are almost at the point of having to put people on a waiting list.”

The gym and restaurant and lounge bar at The Peak Health Club and Spa. The club believes its ability to retain members comes down to two key areas. One of these is the joining fee, the other its unique selling points of being able to offer spectacular views over the capital and a 20m stainless steel swimming pool and Jacuzzi area, filled with natural light.

The Peak has also recently benefited from a £120,000 investment to upgrade all its cardio equipment and plans are in place to refurbish the

treatment rooms and spin studio, as well as introducing a new functional zone and replacing all the blinds – all of which will improve its offering even further.

Hugh took on the role of club manager about three months ago, having previously worked for chains Virgin Active and Esporta.

But in a climate where other clubs may be struggling to retain members, the gym has a more uncommon

dilemma – how to keep moving with the times and encourage members who may have become quite set in their ways to try new things.

Hugh added: “The big chains are very innovative and move with the trends. Here, you have to evolve these things yourself.

“The challenge is keeping the product fresh and best utilising the space we have, while keeping standards high and our loyal members happy.”

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Professionals added to board of association

By Christina Eccles A GROUP of 10 industry professionals have been nominated on to the board of the FIA, each to serve a three year term.

The new appointments are: Supplier: Sue Anstiss – Promote PR. Operator – Independent: Pete Todd – Pontefract Squash and Leisure Club.

Operator – Multi-site: Scott Lloyd – DLL. Operator – Multi-site: Martin Long – LA Fitness.

Operator – Educational: Neil Mosley – Imperial College.

Operator – In-house DSO: Dave Pugh – St Helen's Council.

Operator – Trust: Malcolm McPhail – Stockport Sports Trust.

Operator – Trust: John Oxley – Active Nation.

Operator – L.M.C.'s: David Bibby – SLM. Operator – Outdoor: James Preece – BMF. The FIA’s CEO David Stalker said: “I

am delighted to welcome our new board members and I look forward to working closely with them over the next three years.

“They bring a great mix of different experience, expertise and insight, which will be an invaluable asset to the FIA and the wider industry as we approach what will be the most dynamic period in our twenty-one year history.

“Looking ahead, we are faced with the prospect of increasing our influence on public health delivery, where we are partnering with some of the world’s biggest brands and a whole host of other equally profound and far reaching initiatives, and of course the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

FIA board members have the unique opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the future of our industry.”

The new board members will attend four board meetings a year and act as ambassadors at FIA events and media opportunities.

The team at DW Fitness Llanelli.

Club celebrates birthday with charity fundraiser DW Fitness in Llanelli celebrated its fifth birthday by teaming up with local charity Support Our Soldiers.

The club held a military themed event, which included a drill style training workshop, 10 hour spinathon, birthday cupcakes and a raffle. Members could also bring a friend for free.

The event raised almost £300 and Llanelli coordinator for SOS Stephen Gorvett said everyone was delighted

with how it went.

He added: “I believe that they day was a great success for both Support Our Soldiers and DW Sports Fitness.

We had an outstanding response towards the charity and my words cannot express how much this actually means to us as a charity and in being able to fulfil our mission of supporting our troops overseas this Christmas.”

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Company makes £1.5m investment BARNSLEY Premier Leisure has invested £1.5m to improve facilities at the Metrodome Leisure Complex.

The club has recently opened a new bowling alley and is currently upgrading its gym and swimming facilities with a new water park and a transformed fitness suite which will now occupy two floors.

BPL chief executive Tim Wilson said: “Our fitness members are really important to us and we want to make sure that we can provide the best “If you look at the last six to eight months we have been extremely busy with different works; from the bowling alley to the gym and then the water park.

“We have always wanted to continuously improve our facilities but we wanted to do it in a structured and sustainable way; something that I think we have achieved.

“Managing multiple projects at a cost of nearly £1.5m is something that needs careful planning and we have been careful that every penny has been spent in a way that will benefit our customers and improve our leisure offering.”

Sector should work to promote active lifestyle

By Christina Eccles BRITS could improve their health if they exercised for the equivalent time each week as watching an episode of The X Factor, according to Sport England chairman Richard Lewis.

Government guidelines recommend people should exercise for two and a half hours a week, although according to Richard, only 36 per cent of the population play sport weekly.

Speaking at the FIA and IMSPA’s industry summit – Winning in 2012 and Beyond – Richard urged delegates in the health and fitness industries to work together to promote exercise and an active lifestyle – improving the health of the nation and creating a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

He said: “The Olympics will be a wonderful experience. Sport England’s job is to build on the success of the event.

“Look at the impact more sport will have on people’s health. The guidelines are two and a half hours of exercise per week – that’s equivalent to one episode of X Factor.

“The people who achieve this are 50 per cent less likely to develop chronic disease and 30 per cent less likely to suffer premature death.”

Richard says working with key part-

Richard Lewis

Anne Milton

ners such as the FIA is crucial to promote sport and exercise – with the two organisations having successfully collaborated on the Shift into Sports programme.

And he added there is more potential for gyms to get involved in promoting sport by encouraging their instructors to sign up to become ‘sport makers’, volunteers which help to deliver grassroots sport into the community.

He added: “There is a prize to be had greater than the Olympics and beyond 2012. Sport, fitness and health working together can improve people’s life chances – that’s a prize

worth working for.”

The event’s other speakers included parliamentary under secretary of state for public health, Anne Milton, who also emphasised the part the fitness industry can play in creating a legacy on the back of the Olympics.

She added: “You can play a role – getting people into gyms, onto the sports fields and out on to the pavements. It is a big challenge if we are going to change the £1.1b cost to the NHS for inactivity.

“The Olympics are the world’s most watched event. We want to see a lasting health legacy from the Games. No previous host has ever achieved that.”

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Disabled first for enterprise CHARITABLE social enterprise GLL has become the first leisure provider to adopt the Inclusive and Active two strategy for disabled people in London.

The project has been launched

by Interactive, an organisation working for disability equality in sport, in partnership with the Greater London Authority and NHS London. It sets out five strategic themes and identifies targeted outcomes, designed to increase the opportunities for disabled people to participate in sport.

Having signed up to the strategy, GLL has developed an action plan that will improve inclusivity within the 70 leisure centres it operates within the Capital. This will cover key areas including cultural change, inclusivity, participation and improving skills.

Marathon challenge for trainer PERSONAL trainer Liam O’Brien is taking on an epic challenge to raise funds for charity.

Liam is running the Sahara Marathon to raise money for Sandblast, beginning in Algeria at the refugee camps of the Saharawi people in the Sahara desert. As well as actually running the race, he will also be living for a week in the camps as a guest of one of the Saharawi families, to try and experience and understand their lives and living conditions.

Liam, who owns Pontefract Kettlebells, has previously taken part in other challenges including running the Limassol Marathon in Cyprus in aid of The Dogs Trust.

To sponsor him visit http://www.justgiving.com/sandin-my-shoes

Top tips for results with your clients in 2012 ...

By Allan Collins

How frequently does the average person need to change their programme? This is usually about six sessions.

Once you’ve completed your leg/arm/whole body session about six times, it’s time for an overhaul of different exercises, tempos, volumes, rep ranges and/or equipment.

EVERYONE is always looking for easy tips to follow during the New Year, as they or their clients start new exercise regimes or programmes.

Seeing as every other magazine has their top tips from experts, I thought I would follow suit with my very own expert hints and tips for exercise in 2012: Do the minimum amount required Sound stupid? Well this tip is the epitome of the overload principle of training, which means doing more than the body is used to in order to cause a change (or adaptation).

If you are used to lifting 10kgs dumbbells, then try 12kgs ones, as this should elicit the changes you are after.

Excessive overload does not equal greater gains; most of the time it just causes overreaching or overtraining (like excessive muscle soreness for four or five days).

More is not always better – just do the barest minimum to get the gains you are searching for, and as William of Occam said: “It is vain to do with more what can be done with less.”

Record your sessions and measure what you are trying to change Most clients want to lose weight/body fat, some will want to build muscle and others will want to improve cardiovascular fitness.

Allan Collins Whatever your goal, you need to measure it before you start and on an ongoing basis to know when you reach your goals.

Weighing yourself each week (although not as good as assessing body composition) will give you an idea about how you are progressing on a regular basis and keep you focused on your goal.

Just don’t be so detailed as to weigh everyday – daily fluctuations will only distract you.

Vary your training The training principle of acclimatisation means that your body will gradually get used to any type of training you undertake, so you will have to change it regularly in order to continue to benefit from it.

Cheat on your diet Yep, cheat! If you are following a nutritional programme to gain muscle or to lose body fat, you can’t follow a rigid or restrictive diet for too long.

Plan to have a cheat meal or cheat day every five - seven days and just enjoy it – or you will only find yourself falling off the wagon anyway and surrounded by empty pizza boxes and ice cream tubs.

Surprisingly there is actually a physiological benefit to having a cheat meal anyway to help prevent down regulation of your metabolism.

I hope these tips help you and your clients with your 2012 goals and remember – do less, record it, variety is the spice of life and cheating’s good!

Allan Collins is director of education at Jordan Fitness and author of ‘The Complete Guide to Kettlebell Training’ and the ‘Complete Guide to Functional Training’.

Thanks for facility use THANKS to a Barnsley gym which allowed the Workout team to use its facilities to film a video for The National Fitness Awards.

Staff from our editorial, advertising and design departments took part in the filming at DW Sports Fitness – using equipment such as treadmills and rowing machines, as well as taking part in a special group Spinning class.

The video was screened during the awards, which took place at the ICC in Birmingham.

A group of eight members and staff at an independent gym in Newport have taken part in the equivalent of 24 marathons to raise money for charity.

Exert in Newport held the challenge, where the volunteers rowed, cycled and ran the length of three marathons each to generate funds for The British Heart Foundation. The club regularly takes part in charity fundraisers and, over the last two-and-a-half years, has raised over £10,000 for charity. Gym owner Rus Smith told Workout he hopes the latest event will raise about £1,000 and he is already looking forward to planning his next challenge.

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Christmas Day opening keeps members on track THE manager of a gym in Wales has told why opening on Christmas Day helps members keep on track with their fitness goals.

The Living Well club in Newport opens its doors 365 days a year – including all of the festive season.

The gym welcomes members on Christmas Day from about 8.30am in the morning to 1pm in the afternoon, with its eight staff members taking a turn in working on the day.

Manager Rachel Holmes said: “We have been opening on Christmas Day for the last six or seven years and it has really grown member wise. At first we had about 10 people but last

Christmas it was rammed.

“Members are really pleased we do it and we do get new members asking about it. They like the choice of being able to come and do their normal workouts or having a swim and relaxing.

“I think other clubs should think about doing it. Gyms are usually quiet in December but this means we can keep people coming over Christmas and they don’t drop off.”

Do you open your club on Christmas Day? Let us know by contacting the Workout editorial team on 01226 734463, email ce@whpl.net or tweet us @WorkOutUK

Kim Kardashian has become the latest celebrity to release her own fitness DVDs. The star has launched two titles – Ultimate Butt Body Sculpt and Butt Blasting Cardio Step – working alongside fitness instructors Jennifer Galardi and NIKE elite fitness trainer Patrick Goudeau.

Picture credit: Simon Burchell / Featureflash.

London studio the first to teach new yoga classes A NEW studio has opened in London’s Covent Garden, with its instructors the first in the UK trained to teach the revolutionary Myo-Fit style of yoga.

The classes are based on the latest research on how the body is best trained to achieve greater flexibility, mobility and strength and are exclusive to Yotopia.

They take place alongside more traditional styles of yoga and Pilates, with the centre offering two state of the art studios including a hot studio for detoxing.

Owner Lisa Campbell said: “I only had to try this new style of Myofascia-Fit yoga once to know

that it could bring huge benefits to many people and could revolutionise the traditional practice.

“Having been a sports and fitness enthusiast for many years, including marathons, triathlons, and mountaineering, I started yoga over a decade ago and have since become extremely passionate about this practice, and the benefits it could offer in supporting an ongoing fitness regime.

“Yotopia is the culmination of months of planning to bring MyoFit yoga to Londoners, at a prime location, in a luxurious environment. We're very excited about it.”

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Centre offers members a chance to get in a Spin A FORWARD thinking leisure centre has been helping members learn a new skill by offering them the chance to train as Spinning instructors.

Woking Leisure Centre, which is operated by Freedom Leisure, ran the instructor course, opening applications up to members as well as staff.

It was advertised in the club’s studio and anyone with a keen interest and lots of experience of Spinning was invited to apply.

Five members and two members of staff were accepted for the course, which was offered to members at a heavily subsided rate.

Centre manager Jon Hames said:

“Not all staff have a passion for teaching Spinning.

“By offering the course to members we knew we would be training people who loved it, were passionate about it and would put the time and effort into becoming the best instructors they could be.”

Members had to work extra hard to keep up with the staff, studying additional modules in anatomy and physiology to get them up to speed.

All the members successfully completed their course and following a rigorous induction and further internal training now all have their own classes on the timetable.

A new workout CD has been released to help fitness fans get in shape following the festive season. Stars including Pixie Lott, The Saturdays and Girls Aloud all appear on Get Fit, designed by the team behind the best selling Workout Mix.

New manager for shortlisted club CLUB Moativation at the Crowne Plaza Nottingham hotel has a new leisure club manager, Chris Phillips.

With over 13 years’ experience in the industry, Chris has been with QMH hotels since graduating with a degree in leisure management.

His career has seen him work in health clubs across the country including Bedford, Doncaster and Peterborough.

As leisure club manager for Club Moativation Peterborough, Chris secured a number of accolades for

the gym, including the internal title of club of the quarter on two successive occasions, as well as reaching the shortlist of health club of the year in the National Fitness Awards.

Chris said: “I’m delighted to be joining and heading up the team at Nottingham. It’s clearly a well run club with loyal members and I’m keen to uphold that reputation as well as explore new ideas to help us be even more successful. It’s an exciting new challenge and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

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A prediction of the year ahead...

Technology such as MYZONE will effortlessly allow the club provider to make that connection with the medical and corporate communities by not only providing monitoring but also outcome based reports.

2012 will be the year for the consumer.

Never before will they have so many opportunities to be physically active provided by eager fitness professionals who have finally woken up to the realisation that if they can get members results in the quickest possible time then they will get and keep their custom for an even longer period.

The industry as a whole will realise the hypocrisy that even though they try and drive members into their clubs, they train differently themselves – thus for 2012, clubs will desperately look at ways of connecting both the inside and outside benefits of physical activity.

The answer will lie with the smart operators who will be able to monetise that opportunity.

In addition to this, there are a few other trends that we should see in 2012.

Marketing will be free With twitter, facebook, linkedin and google+, 2012 will be the year that the health club sector capitalises on this free form of marketing commonly referred to as social media.

Giving members a reason to ‘talk’ about their experience is going to be key, but more important is when clubs or CRM providers can easily and effortlessly provide the platform for their members to communicate their workouts at their facility to the world.

With this open form of communication, clubs will need to be actively supporting, responding and posting to keep that information fresh and the responses swift. Those that do will sell memberships like hot-cakes.

Consolidation and growth There will be continued consolidation of not only the big box clubs, but also of the low cost operators that have raced to open as many sites as possible in the past three years.

This will contribute as a catalyst of a huge boom with stand-alone 1-3,000 square foot facilities focussing on high intensity interval group training combining functional, cross fit and ‘strongman’ style workouts but charging three times that of a typical membership.

Banks no longer like the idea of lending huge amounts to our sector, so the low set up cost and low risk will tempt many operators and fitness entrepreneurs to fight to become ‘franchisors’ of this model of ‘club’.

Time will be more important than money The one precious commodity that we all suffer from is that of lack of time.

People will be ruthless in 2012 and they will go to the facility that will help them get the best results in the quickest amount of time.

Clubs that can convey that message and focus on helping their members get results quickly will prosper; clubs that allow their members to put in effortless workouts will struggle.

Information Information will be the future of the modern day club.

Recording and monitoring a member’s journey will be a necessity for clubs to understand the needs of their members and whether they walk the dog, run to work, swing a kettle-bell or actively participate in high intensity group activities, getting the whole picture of a member’s

Positive media stories Dave Wright physical activity output will be vital in this roll.

With that information clubs can have informed and relevant discussions with their members to help them stay on track to reach their individual goals.

A year of connections 2012 will also be the year of connections. There will be a connection of members wanting to train either outside or inside the facility.

There will be a stronger connection with sport and physical activity as a whole and not seen as two separate entities – encouraged by the Olympics and the desire to leave some form of legacy in the face of an obesity epidemic.

There will be a connection with the industry as a whole as governments look to collective solutions to combat obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s). Working together will be the only way.

Monitoring movement Accurate monitoring will also take its part for the year ahead and medical facilities will no longer accept swipes of membership cards, pedometers or accelerometers as credible data, but instead rely on individual output such as the beat of one’s heart.

Whether this is a hopeful wish or not, 2012 could in fact be that year when the media gives the fitness industry a break.

Rather than reporting stories of a negative nature such as the financial commitments of health clubs; journalists may wake up and realise that physical activity is actually good for you.

The fact that the consumer has so many choices and options to participate, the club operator can focus on changing body shapes, improving health and making the world a happier place.

These good positive stories will form a paradigm shift and the general population will be nudged into the desire to be physically active and as a consequence the sector will grow in its common goal to make the world a healthier place one happy member at a time.

And happy members getting great results in a purposeful sector re-enforces how it will be an exciting time to be in this great industry for 2012!

Dave Wright is the CEO of CFM, a company with over 300 staff that have served the international fitness industry for over 21 years in 10 different countries; focussing on either getting new members and/or keeping existing ones.

Dave is also the owner of 11 health clubs across two continents, a board director of the UK’s Fitness Industry, an IHRSA presenter and the creator and global distributor of a new monitoring device used by clubs around the world called MYZONE. He may be contacted on Dave.Wright@cfm.net

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Gyms around the country have been doing their bit for charity by taking part in a host of fundraising events for Children in Need. Workout takes a look at who did what...

Members at a Burnley health club took part in a special workout. Crow Wood Leisure held an ultimate circuit challenge, which raised over £150 for the charity.

A fancy dress day and cake sale at Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre raised over £300.

The cake sale was organised by head receptionist, Cheryl Rees, while all staff were involved in a day’s dressing up around the site. Westminster Lodge also held a free Zumba class to get people active while they were donating.

Activities day helps charity STAFF and members at Dunstable Leisure Centre raised more than £420 after taking part in a packed day of activities.

Fundraising ideas at the club included a spinathon, tombola, sponsored swim and cake sale.

Business manager Debbie Taylor said: “We are really proud to have been a part of so many amazing

fundraising activities at Dunstable.

“The staff and members at our centre have got so involved and have given up their own time to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.

“We’re excited for even more money to come in from the sponsored events, but more than £420 is a brilliant achievement.”

A team of fundraisers from Fit4less in Milton Keynes joined forces with the local shopping centre to raise £300. Gym staff filled a bath at Midsummer Place Shopping Centre with about 120 tins of baked beans, which club manager Jason Lombard-Jordan sat in for six hours to raise funds.

Annual run raises £800 A SPONSORED run raised funds at Dengie Hundred Sports Centre – generating over £800.

The Running Club based at Dengie and organised by Joanne Stenning, who works at the centre, was created two years ago and has now raised more than £10,000 for good causes

Joanne said: “I am so proud of The Running Club at Dengie and am so pleased that we were able to raise more than £800.

“We love supporting charity and good causes through running, and would like to thank everyone who has supported us.”

Staff at three independent gyms in Kent did their bit for Children in Need by transforming themselves into their super hero alter egos.

Workers at Reynolds Fitness Spa clubs in Bexley, Sittingbourne and Rainham raised just under £600 for the cause, also promoting their efforts via Facebook and Twitter.

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UK FITNESS SCENE

UK has lowest level of enhancing substance use

By Christina Eccles UK fitness centres have the lowest levels of performance enhancing substance use in Europe, according to new figures.

The European Health and Fitness Association – working alongside the FIA and eight other European health and fitness associations – surveyed over 10,300 consumers, exercise professionals and club managers from nine European countries, focusing on three areas: performance enhancing drugs, recreational/societal-based drugs and food supplements.

The survey found across Europe, 2.5 per cent of gym users take banned performance-enhancing substances such as anabolic steroids and recreational drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy.

The UK had the lowest levels of use (1.61 per cent), while the highest levels were reported in Bulgaria (12.6 per

cent) and Hungary (9.13 per cent).

According to the results, doping was more common among the 37 per cent of consumers across Europe who participated in another amateur sport, such as cycling, and the use of banned substances is lower in countries where the fitness sector is more developed, such as the UK. The survey also showed gym users take much lower levels of recreational drugs than the general population – but over half of club owners and exercise professionals in the UK would be prepared to support an anti-doping campaign in their club.

FIA CEO David Stalker said: “It is encouraging that out of the nine countries surveyed the UK has come out top, with the lowest levels of use of banned performance-enhancing substances, a finding that challenges the general speculation that doping practice is rife in the UK fitness sector.”

Operator trials new equipment

Celebrity personal trainer Elia Siaperas has joined forces with actress Jennifer Ellison for her new fitness DVD. Elia, who works as studio manager at independent gym The Laboratory in London, is best known for his work with ex Eastender Hannah Waterman and GMTV weather girl Claire Nasir, having appeared on both their best selling workout DVDs. Elia was also shortlisted in the category of best gym based personal trainer at the 2011 National Fitness Awards.

EVERYONE Active is trialling new equipment in three of its centres in the south east, ahead of a wider rollout planned for later this year.

The operator is installing Total Gym GTS equipment into its Spelthorne, Watford and Fanshawe sites, offering free small group training classes to members.

Southeast regional director Duncan Jefford said: “It’s the best workout I’ve ever had. The Total Gym equipment can cover so many different types of training it virtually guarantees us a decent return.

“It’s much more cost effective than a bulky, old fashioned pin loaded weight machine and the versatility of the exercises means there is something for everyone – we had to get them into a few centres to trial asap.”

Strip improves Frank’s health A SUPPLEMENT which counteracts high acidity levels in the body has been helping a personal trainer to improve his health.

Frank Barber turned to Pascoe’s pH test strip after regularly feeling burnt out and discovering sluggishness and low immunity could be down to his pH levels.

After testing himself with the strip, available from www.cressuk.com, he discovered he was very acidic, but using Pascoe’s pH Balance powder has brought his pH level to a neutral reading of seven.

Frank Barber

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The owner of a Yorkshire based business is defying the current economic climate by supplying his power assisted exercise machines all over the world – and running his own successful gym. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Why Howard’s business is in great shape ...

SHAPEMASTER is currently working on equipment orders from places as far afield as the South of France, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia and the USA. And back at home the company, managed by Howard Blackburn, is also involved with several exciting projects, including numerous councils nationwide installing the equipment in their leisure centres.

The range of products produced at the factory near Huddersfield offer people a full body workout in little over 30 minutes, and the idea is roughly based on toning tables that were popular in the late 1980s.

Howard said: “When toning tables came over here from the US it was all based on vanity.

People enjoyed it and more importantly lost weight and inches.

“What we have tried to do more recently is take that idea and make it more sustainable and appealing, but also make the workout more affective than concentrating on ladies’ midriffs.

“We reviewed our products five years ago and came up with the idea of making them multifunctional, so with ours you are getting four

Gym manager Rachelle Blackburn

The Feelgood Factory in Huddersfield machines in one.

“They are also the only machines in the world that are isokinetic, meaning that no matter how much effort is exerted, the movement takes place at a constant speed so nothing can go wrong.”

The machines are used in numerous care homes in America, while back in the UK, the firm is working closely with charity BASIC at Hope Hospital in Salford, which works with people who have suffered a brain or spinal injury.

Howard added: “We are currently working with the charity on bringing phase two of the machines out, which will give the operator more feedback on their workout.

“A hospital in Southport has also installed our equipment for its physios to use. Previously they had a queue of people to see for rehab or with mental disorders to get them mobile, but since using our machines they are managing to see more people.”

Thanks to work with a leading Leeds Metropolitan University lecturer, the company is now aiming its products at the overs 50s – the largest age demographic in the UK. A gym above the Shapemaster factory is open, which has also

recently installed the fish foot-nibbling treatment.

Howard added: “The over 50s are seen as the ‘golden seam’ by the fitness world and all the corporate gyms are doing all they can to attract them because they have the most disposable income and the most loyal members.

“This group of people, however, traditionally don’t go to the gym because they see them as intimidating and are wary and suspicious of them as they tend to be full of young people.

“What we have come up with here is an alternative that gives them a full body workout in just 36 minutes that is the best possible, which means they are getting great results. The machines are easy for the people to use and they also get a full health check every month and free access to a personal trainer.

“The Feelgood Factory name that we call it stuck after we worked with a counsellor who said the mental benefits of exercise outweigh the physical ones and that creating that ‘feelgood factor’ is what keeps people going. Once you have that the physical benefits follow. The average age of the 200 plus members who use the gym is 54.”

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B-FIT EXPO PREVIEW

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Familiar faces head to London for new event

By Christina Eccles A NEW fitness and lifestyle event is launching in London later this month aimed at anyone who wants to improve their fitness, body shape, diet and well being.

B-FIT Expo takes place at Excel on January 28 and 29 and will bring together expert trainers, nutritionists, sporting professionals and a range of exhibitors to inspire and motivate visitors.

The show is the first event which offers interactive zones for the latest health crazes such as dance for fitness, self defence and gym classes through to nutritional, holistic, physiology and psychology therapy seminars run by leading industry experts.

Visitors will also be able to rub shoulders with famous faces from the health and fitness world including top nutritionalist Caroline Pearce, martial artist Jason Baird, trainer to the stars Ramona Braganza, fitness guru Mr Motivator and top fitness models James St Ledger and Kirk Miller, as well as indulging in the sports and health shopping experience through exhibitors of the latest sports equipment and fashion products.

B-Fit Expo is the brainchild of Pioneer Shows, the force behind the wildly successful BodyPower Expo – one of the top three bodybuilding shows

Nutritionist Caroline Pearce and personal trainer Ramona Braganza will be attending B-Fit at the end of January. in the World and now in its fourth year at Birmingham’s NEC. Marketing director Ollie Upton said: “Although there was no London expo aimed at females and general fitness enthusiasts, our surveys revealed that ladies claim they would visit one. In the year of the London Olympics, we are especially proud

to be working with England Netball, The British Gymnastics Team and England Badminton – not to mention some of the World’s top personal trainers and nutritionists: people at the top of their game, who are in turn responsible for looking after some of the biggest names in the worlds of sport and entertainment.”

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Weekends introduce different exercise ideas 3NESS Fitness Pamper and Party Weekends introduce the many enjoyable and different ways to exercise to persons who have never exercised before to those who have fitness as part of their everyday life.

Our weekends’ main aim is to satisfy your personal needs whether you wish to workout all day, party all night or relax by having a massage, sauna, steam, Jacuzzi or dip in the pool.

Over a typical weekend break there are over 70 different classes to choose from including Zumba, Fit2fite, streetdance, aerobics, Pilates, step, circuits, indoor cycling, Yoga, body conditioning, running, aqua, swiss balls, walking, Kangoo, legs, bums and tums, combat and many more.

We do not only concentrate on the body as included are free seminars on nutrition, wealth and life coaching, as we feel it's as important to enrich the soul and mind, as it is the body.

As your stay also includes four star hotel accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner and two party nights you will have nothing to worry about except how to work, rest and play.

Carly Thornton 3ness presenter and The Biggest loser trainer Richard Callendar.

See www.3ness.com for more information and to book your place.

Workout will be among the exhibitors at the B-Fit Expo. Come and see us on stand B60 at the show on January 28 and 29.

Carly discusses lifestyle TOP fitness model and personal trainer Carly Thornton will also be at B-Fit – offering visitors advice on how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Carly – who was also a judge at Workout’s National Fitness Awards – said she was really looking forward to the event.

She added: “Fitness is further becoming extremely popular and it’s these events which help people seek

helpful information, motivation and inspiration to guide them in the right direction.

“When I first started my healthy lifestyle kick, I wished I had known about these events as you can soak up so much knowledge and different ideas, so I am really excited to be a part of it all and educate others to lead a healthier, happier lifestyle.”

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Visitors to the show will also be able to pick up some top tips on how to increase secondary spend in their clubs.

Some of the country’s top nutritionists, including Matt Lovell (pictured right), will be delivering a 45 minute lecture on the topic exclusively for gym owners and managers.

Pre-booked delegates will benefit from free entry to B-Fit plus refreshments and a light lunch.

Sessions will be held at 12.30pm on both days of the show.

Vibe taking UK by storm VIBE Cycle is the indoor cycling concept the whole world is talking about and is now featured at all the major conventions in the UK. Vibe Cycle has taken the UK by storm and has now trained instructors in Spain, Holland, Denmark and Norway.

Delvin Clarke and his team of presenters and trainers Bella Higgins, Lisa Cuerden and Jo Dandridge deliver Vibe Cycle instructor training courses all over the UK. Both the Vibe Cycle Level one and Level two instructor training courses are Reps Accredited with eight points.

Vibe Cycle is an indoor cycling concept driven by music, rhythm and a whole lot of fun. The philosophy is don't just ride...feel the vibe.

The ever popular Feel the Vibe Masterclass days are now showcased all over the country and going global soon.

There will be Vibe Cycle sessions and other Vibe Fitness Programs (Vibe Step, Vi-Box and Vibe Body) featured at the B-Fit Expo.

For more information email enquiries@vibecycle.co.uk Check out the You Tube footage online and Facebook.

New exercise classes to be launched at show A NEW range of group exercise classes are to be launched at the show, starring some of the world’s hottest instructors.

Throughout the event, there will be a number of taster sessions offered to give gym staff and personal trainers a glimpse into the classes – with the opportunity to also meet up with the world champions and personalities behind the courses.

Stars delivering the sessions will include 11 times world karate champion Jason Baird, TV celebrity Mr Motivator and MMA specialist Alex

Reid.

Angie Watson of B-Fit Training said: “After talking in depth to many instructors and gyms, we know that their main concern was full classes so we are keen to bring in addictive classes that everyone would want to come back to, again and again.

“We also know that they wanted help with the marketing aspect of their classes, so we have put together an unique package to help them promote their classes as well as on-line support through our website.”

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Features promise something for all A RANGE of other features have been unveiled by the organisers of B-Fit, in order to deliver an exciting experience for visitors.

Activities and areas on display at the show will include: Bollywood Dance Zumba Salsa Pole Fitness England Netball England Badminton British Gymnastics Team The Face of B-Fit B-Fit Kitchen B-Chilled B-Beautiful

Kettlercise to launch Challenge The first B-Fit Expo takes place at the Excel Centre, London on January 28 and 29.

Focusing on everything fitness and health, the two day show will be split into 10 interactive zones designed to showcase the best products, workouts and services in the industry.

Expert advice from world’s best on offer WITH 80 per cent of fitness and wellbeing dictated by nutrition, B-Fit will showcase expert advice from some of the World’s best.

400m hurdler, qualified nutritionist and top flight conditioning coach Ruben Tabares will highlight the benefits of wholefoods, while

nutritionists to the UK Olympic team, the RFU and FA Matt Lovell and Gavin Allison will deliver insights on increasing secondary spend income through nutrition advice. Nutrition brands present will include Easybean, Pulsin’, Getbuzzing and Sun Chlorella.

WITH a New Year comes a new you and Kettlercise are using the B-Fit Expo as a platform to launch their long awaited 2012 Body Transformation Challenge.

The challenge will see the biggest amount of cash prize money ever being given away– a massive £20.012.

Why not come and see us at the B-Fit Expo – stand F34 – for your opportunity to find out more about the 2012 Body Transformation Challenge and to find out how you can take part in a live Kettlercise class.

You’ll just love our 20 minute Kettlercise Express programmes scheduled throughout the day with the UK’s number one Kettlebell instructor Guy Noble.

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KIDS’ FITNESS

Three students from Bebington High Sports College were among a group of young people who have pledged to represent Wirral schools as role models and Olympic ambassadors in the run up to London 2012.

Eight local students will work collaboratively across all schools in the borough to spread the values of both the Olympic and Paralympics movements to children in Wirral.

Centres to make activities more accessible FREEDOM Leisure has joined forces with charity Albion in the Community to help leisure activities become more accessible to young people with disabilities and their families.

Trust operated centres across Brighton have been getting involved with the scheme by offering disability sports clubs and free swimming.

Those on board include King Alfred Leisure Centre, which hosts two disability clubs, wheelchair multi sports

and visually impaired football on Saturday mornings.

Group sports development manager Richard Bagwell said: “As a not for profit leisure trust, community sports provision is at the heart of what we do.

“We aim to offer accessible sessions for all community groups and so we are delighted to be able to support Albion in the Community by offering free facility hire for their sessions for

children with disabilities. The partnership benefits Freedom Leisure as it will encourage children with disabilities and their families to use our centres more often.”

The trust has also signed up to be a partner of the ‘Gully’s Day Out’ leisure pass, which allows families with disabled young people to have an active day out with free access to the facilities, including the pools.

Kids’ jobs scheme launched TRAINING and employment charity TAG has launched a new programme to help young people find jobs in the health and fitness sector.

The programme is aimed at jobseekers in London aged 18-24 and has been developed to help them bridge the skills and experience gap between looking for a job and full time employment.

TAG will use its contacts in the health and fitness sector to organise interviews for those on the scheme, who will also benefit from the support of a mentor.

Chief executive Howard de Souza said: “This recession and the crisis in business confidence has hit 18- 24 year olds disproportionately.

“But the real tragedy is that many of those one million young jobseekers face the very real prospect of a lifetime without a job.

“The prospect of losing this raw talent forever is what drove us to launch our job creation programme. Our ambition is to create almost 1,000 jobs between now and next December.”

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LADIES’ ONLY

Ladies only gym Simply Balance held a fancy dress Zumba class to raise money for Children in Need.

The club in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, donated all proceeds from the class to charity, raising £478 on the day. Those taking part included the Zumbatonic kids – a group of young people aged between four and 11, who attend a regular Zumba class at the club.

Jon Wright

Budget chain to open new site in Leeds

By Christina Eccles

Cheerobics taking UK by storm CHEEROBICS is the unique fitness programme that combines aerobics and cheerleading techniques, with the fun of pompoms.

Cheerobics is aimed at all fitness and skill levels, as well as all age groups so everyone is welcome. Not a regular “cheerleading” class, Cheerobics is designed to improve all aspects of fitness whilst taking part in an exhilarating activity.

Cheerobics is the latest fitness programme that is taking the UK by storm, with classes appearing in over 20 locations, an autumn DVD launch

and numerous features in fitness and lifestyle magazines.

All classes will get you working through one routine every week, and offers a very complete exercise to music class: 10min warm up.

30min cardio.

10min muscular strength and endurance.

5-10min stretch and relaxation.

Available on DVD from Amazon (with pompoms, of course.) and offering instructor courses worldwide. So hurry and pick up your pompoms.

BUDGET gym chain Xercise4less is to launch a new club in Leeds – complete with a dedicated ladies only area.

The company, which also operates clubs in Wakefield, Castleford and Stockton-On-Tees, has taken over a prime 40,000 sq ft site on Kirkstall Road, which will also become Xercise4less’ new head office.

As well as a separate section for female members to work out, the club will also boast a fitness studio offering over 40 free classes a week, a combat zone and additional areas for personal training and spin sessions.

Owner Jon Wright said:“We've been lucky enough to achieve great success with the first three gyms, and due to increasing customer demand the

acquisition of the Leeds site will allow us to provide our flexible, affordable gym memberships to a wider demographic of Yorkshire.

“I'm delighted that our previous sites have launched so well and we will roll out the same model for our Leeds site, which is based on charging as little as possible, not as much as we can get away with.

“We are truly revolutionising the industry. In these times of austerity, we feel we are providing an excellent facility with unbeatable customer service, all at a very affordable price.”

The Leeds gym is offering a preopening joining price of just £9.99 for a limited number of early sign ups, which will increase to £14.99 per month once the site is officially opened in February.

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Advertiser’s announcement

Course helps improve service How/where did you find out about the Level four Advanced Nutrition and Supplementation qualification?

At Leisure Industry Week I met Gary Mendoza at the Sportwise stand, I was talked through the outline of the course and shown some of the content on supplementation.

Needless to say I was very impressed so I reserved a place on the course that day.

Why did you decide this qualification was more beneficial to you than other similar courses?

Quite simply there are no similar courses, this is a first step towards breaching the gap from level three nutrition to degree level nutrition.

The greater detail regarding metabolism, nutrients and supplements was, to me, vital in ensuring the highest quality service to my clients.

What is the format of the course?

The course is run over four days, the first day throws you in at the deep end with an in depth look at the science of how energy is created in the body. From there you learn about carbohydrates and their uses, protein and lipids.

This takes you well into the second day of the course, from here we looked at analysing diets and activity levels then free radicals. On day three, vitamins, minerals, hydration and

Name: Chris Gidlow Lives: Coventry Sport: Triathlon Current representation: Rugby Triathlon Club Titles achieved: none Highest level performed at: Great Britain age group world championships (Beijing 2011) Employment: Personal Trainer Qualifications: Level 4 Phase IV Cardiac rehabilitation Level 3 Advanced fitness instructor Level 3 Exercise Referral Ante-Post Natal Exercise

looking at scientific studies were the main points.

Then on the last day we were assessed on presentations about our own diets and activity levels which we had been compiling over the duration of the course.

After this a look at supplementation finished off the course dates. From here we have an open book exam and a case study to assess, then the course is completed.

Do you consider the course to be value for money?

The things I have learnt and the contacts made on the course have made it excellent value for money.

How will you use the knowledge you have gained on the course in your employment and as a triathlete?

I will now be offering individual nutritional assessments to all my clients, this will be a separate consultation outside of training sessions. As a triathlete I have seen where I have made so many mistakes with my own nutrition, I have already made changes to my calorie intake and timings of specifics meals, the difference to my training performance and energy levels day to day has been very noticeable.

Describe the course in three words?

Scientific, interesting and invaluable.

Were your expectations of the course met?

The expectations I had for the course were immediately blown away with the in depth course material and teaching, most courses in the fitness industry tell you that something works however this course explains every reason for why it may or may not work. You also learn the knowledge to make your own assessments on the validity of nutritional recommendations and supplements.

If you could choose one piece of knowledge that you gained from the course which will make a difference to the way you do your job – what would it be?

The ability to assess activity and dietary intake levels quickly and confidently to give an accurate feedback to clients and create recommendations to improve their lifestyles.

Who would you recommend this course to?

I would recommend the course to any personal trainer who is interested in giving their clients the highest possible service.

I think this course should be encouraged to sports coaches in every discipline, the information you could pass on to your athletes will give them a great chance for success.

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INTERACTIVE MEMBERSHIP SOLUTIONS

Technology making fitness accessible THE CEO of budget chain Pure Gym has revealed how using technology to sign new members up is helping to make fitness more accessible.

The company, which has just hit its 100,000 member mark, allows members to complete the entire sign up process, purchase day passes or freeze membership online.

When setting up Pure Gym, the team undertook extensive research to discover the barriers which stop people joining a gym.

The research showed high membership fees, fixed contracts and lack of time are the biggest reasons people don’t go to the gym.

So as part of its plan to make keeping fit as easy as possible, the group has been utilising online technology, which means prospective members can join a club simply by using its website.

CEO Peter Roberts said: “Our survey also revealed that 52 per cent of people said protecting their long term health and preventing diseases in later life would motivate them to do more exercise, so we know the desire is there.

By breaking down barriers to fitness we aim to encourage those who have

Oxygen Fit’s owners Emma and Neil Godly at the National Fitness Awards where the club was named newcomer of the year.

Software helps gym win award

Peter Roberts never exercised before, in particular those over 35, and provide an affordable and flexible option for those who do. It’s also important to make people aware of the effects that regular exercise can have on their health, both now and in the future.”

INDEPENDENT gym owner Neil Godly has told how using the latest membership management software has helped his business win a top award.

Neil who owns Oxygen Fit in East Barnet with wife Emma, scooped the newcomer of the year trophy at the 2011 National Fitness Awards, beating off strong competition from five other shortlisted clubs.

The gym has been using software from Clubwise as a way of tracking which members could benefit from extra support or personal training and to improve retention.

And Neil told Workout, the time saving tool has been great for the club.

He explained: “The reason we went with the software was it is a great retention tool, which also helps us to keep track of our members.

“We get a report every seven, 14 and 21 days so if someone hasn’t been for seven days, they get scheduled a phone call.

“The key thing is retention. The software automatically schedules calls, which also helps staff to prepare their day and identify clients which need help or could benefit from personal training. It’s like having a fail safe way of doing admin which helps us with retention, organisation and with tracking staff. Every business should have one.”

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INTERACTIVE MEMBERSHIP SOLUTIONS

Club Manager sponsored the customer service award at the 2011 National Fitness Awards.

Four finalists in National Fitness Awards for ClubManager WHAT a great night at the National Fitness Awards it was, with great achieving businesses all lined up as proud finalists, excited to see if they would be the lucky winner.

All fingers were crossed on the Club Manager table as well because four of their clients were finalists in various categories on the night.

Club Manager’s Wayne Heath said: “We are overjoyed that four of our clients are finalists in the awards, which we feel is a fantastic achievement for them as well as us.

[At the 2010 awards] we were sat where the four finalists were waiting to see if they had won. The team at ClubManager won the ‘Innovation Product of the Year’ at the 2010 National Fitness Awards.

So now one year later we are here as an award sponsor rooting for our customers.

“I do not think many people appreciate how much hard works goes into becoming a finalist at an event like the NFAs and to be honest to even be considered to be judged shows your business really is something special. Then to be selected after some very tough judging to be a finalist really is something to shout about.”

So who were those finalists...?

Warehouse Gym Holmfirth – Gym of the Year North Award Gymophobics Chesterfield – Customer Service Award Phoenix MMA Bournemouth – Combat Zone Gym of the Year Award Gymophobics Redditch – Community Involvement Award

The Club Manager team have a very different approach compared to conventional software companies as they truly know how a gym works at grass roots level, because Wayne and his wife still own a gym and therefore fully appreciate what gym owners need from a software system.

Wayne added: “Of course we cannot take any of the credit for our customers becoming finalists, but what we can say is that ClubManager has gone some way to allowing them to be in better control of their business so that the owners could devote more of their valuable time with their customers.

“We work hard to ensure that everything we develop has a purpose for the end user allowing them to do what they are best at and most passionate about: their members. Increased customer support and customer interaction is what ClubManager brings to a gym.

“Well done to all the finalists and the winner of the Customer Service Award that we sponsored: Wellow Fitness Centre Romsey.”

ClubManager is all about providing the tools that allow gym owners to manage and spend more time with the most important people in their gym: the members and it is through this philosophy that leads to greater customer satisfaction.

If you are interested in finding out more about ClubManager call Wayne and the team on 01245 352 000 or visit www.clubmanagercentral.com

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INTERACTIVE MEMBERSHIP SOLUTIONS

Web portal provided automated revenue stream for leisure clubs MOST readers of this article will already have a web-site which is hopefully doing a good job of showing off your company’s services to the world at large.

However, would it not be a marked improvement if it could also take membership renewals and even join new members. This would not only give you a 24/7 revenue stream but also free up your staff time at reception.

Add to that the capability to book classes and activities and you have an even larger revenue stream, which is also fully integrated with your inhouse point of sale and access control systems. If that is not enough, add a content management system which enables you to keep the web-site upto-date with your news, photos, events and other content, such as advertising, and this also means no bills for updates to your web-site.

SportSoft has developed such a sophisticated web portal to provide leisure clubs with a simple, costeffective means to advertise and sell their services.

The portal can either be used standalone as a complete web-site solution or integrated into an existing website. The addition of a secure, credit card payment system, or a PayPal channel allows customers to pay online to join, renew or make leisure bookings. This all adds up to a better service for the members, and cost savings at reception.

Paul Duncalf, Sportsoft managing director, said: “Most sales revenue in a health club comes from membership fees.

“So having a round-the-clock advertising and sales mechanism where the majority of the club’s revenue goes directly into their bank account is essential. All successful clubs will have this capability within the next few years”

Contact them on 01423 873873 or go online and try out their new portal at www.sportsoft.co.uk/eleisure

New referral scheme an instant success CLUBWISE have seen the launch of their InterActive Referral scheme prove to be an instant success.

Not only have some owners seen as many as 90 members a month joining their clubs through the process, but one club has boosted its Direct Debit run by over £1,200 per month in just two months… and directly attributes this to introducing InterActive Referral.

Enabling clubs to offer members a reduction on their monthly direct debit for introducing a new member, InterActive Referral not only increases new member sales, but also ensures

that retention rates are boosted as well, as members lose the benefit if the friend they introduce leaves the club. ClubWise have also seen that prospect conversion through this scheme is at a staggering 95.5 per cent.

The fully automated process devel-

oped by ClubWise also helps clubs to reduce expensive marketing spend as members become marketers for the club whilst at the same time saving themselves money on their membership.

For more information call ClubWise on 0800 072 6411.

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PRODUCT NEWS

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New partnership announced DATACARD Group, the world leader in secure ID and card personalisation solutions, has announced a new partnership with DED Limited, a UKbased distributor of point-of-sale equipment, plastic card printers and specialty printers.

The partnership will help expand the reach of the Datacard standard desktop ID solutions throughout the UK and Northern Ireland.

EMEA regional channel manager for Datacard Group Sigera Yeoman said: “We are very pleased to announce our new partnership with DED, as they have a depth of experience in card solutions within a variety of vertical market sectors.

“Adding DED to our UK channel network will extend the reach of our distribution, giving us access to an

extensive network of resellers throughout the UK. “This will play a pivotal role in securing the position of the Datacard SD260 and SD360 desktop card printers within the region.”

For more information visit www.datacard.com

Awards recognise excellence DELIVERED by the FIA for over 15 years, the Fitness, Leadership And Management Excellence (Flame) awards are our crème de la crème industry awards that recognise excellence and best practice within the health and fitness sector.

The strict Flame award criteria and in-depth three stage Flame assessment process offers clubs and centres a rigorous independent business assessment to help benchmark their facility and honour the people who make such a profound contribution to their communities and organisation.

The 2012 categories are: Centre of the Year.

Club of the Year (under 1,000 members).

Club of the Year (1,000-3,000 members).

Club of the Year (over 3,000 members).

Corporate Club of the Year.

Future of Flame, in recognition of outstanding achievements or performance.

Operator of the Year.

Spark of Innovation Operators.

Spark of Innovation Suppliers.

Educational Club of the Year – Schools and Colleges.

Educational Club of the Year Universities.

To enter or find out more contact the FIA Flame team: T: 020 7420 8564 E: flame@fia.org.uk www.fia.org.uk Twitter: #Flame

Hydration the natural way WHETHER you are a fitness fanatic, gym bunny or extreme sports fan, Vita Coco 100 per cent natural coconut water is just the tonic for fast effective hydration.

The handy re-sealable 500ml carton is ideal for use during sports and is packed with naturally occurring potassium and five essential electrolytes.

With no colourings, preservatives or flavourings and not from concentrate, Vita Coco offers a natural hydration alternative.

Champion surfer Kelly Slater, the new face of Vita Coco, said: “I drink Vita Coco on a daily basis; it's just part of my life. I love natural coconut water, and Vita Coco is straight from the fruit, just a little easier to open.

I'm hooked.”

With strong sales already showing across the UK, Vita Coco is the perfect choice whether you are just balancing life’s every day demands or running your next marathon.

For more information visit www.vitacoco.co.uk

Jordan add Kettlebells to range COMPETITION Kettlebells are the latest addition to the extensive range of performance equipment designed, manufactured and supplied by Jordan Fitness, the UK’s largest stockists of kettlebells.

Already popular in CrossFit and mixed martial arts gyms, Jordan Fitness’ range of Competition Kettlebells has been designed for maximum resilience, durability and support as part of any functional training workout programme.

Also suitable for outdoor use, the range has been manufactured to competition standards, meeting specific requirements for handle diameter and bell dimension.

Designed with a larger base than other kettlebells, the Competition range ensures greater levels of stability allowing the user to carry out floor exercises such as press ups and dips in a safer and more efficient way.

The uniform design of the shape and size of each kettlebell across all weights also ensures that the products are suitable for both male and female use.

Competition Kettlebells are available in a variety of weights from 8kg – 40kg, all of which are colour coded for ease of identification.

The full range is available from www.jordanfitness.co.uk - Prices start at £27.93 + VAT (excluding delivery).

Machine launched at Medica AT the Medica show in Germany, Seca launched their mBCA machine, medical grade body composition analyser.

A large unit aimed at the commercial sites, spas, clinic and health related sites.

At £8,000 it places itself in at the top end of the weight management market, and being honest it fits well in this sector.

Its design and operation runs as smoothly as you would expect for such a high end product.

The software on t he unit and pc based software all links in, connection from the BCA machine, optional height meter and software is all wireless.

The unit measures segmentally and uses multiple frequencies to achieve accurate results which can be displayed in a variety of ways depending on the target user.

For more information contact www.idass.com on 0845 800 9310.

Sunbeds a perfect combination IT has been proved in many markets that sunbeds are a perfect combination for both fitness centers and beauty salons.

Even a small salon for nails or hair can normally fit a single vertical unit and this will with limited work give a second income well enough to defend the investment.

This is for sure a challenge especially for salons with big beds and high pressure lamps that will not be easy to comply and still keep the benefit of vitamin D. Normally a Alisun, Sunquest or a Ultra Tan bed available at www.bluetanningandbeauty.com can be made compliant quite easy by merely changing lamps and HP filters.

This means that it will be possible to make these units compliant at a rea-

sonable price.

This is of course also a good opportunity to change old beds into new that are specially designed for 0,3 and thus has a better effect.

The investment will be paid off especially if the option is closing down and losing income.

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COMBAT

MMA to become a trend says owner

Cage fighter Alex Reid and MMA specialist Jason Baird have launched new training courses for fitness instructors.

The pair have joined forces to help instructors improve their group exercise offering and broaden the range of MMA classes available in gyms. Jason explained: “We have been working on this for a while and I’ve been running some classes at my own MMA schools, which have taken off really well. I’ve now taught some master trainers so instructors who book on the course will be taught by them and can then teach it in their gyms. It’s something different for clubs. We’ve been looking and there’s nothing out there like it.” Alex and Jason told Workout they are both very excited about the courses, which will be officially launched at the B-Fit Expo in London later this month.

MIXED martial arts will become a major trend for gyms in 2012, according to a successful club owner.

Khalid Ismail currently operates two clubs in Essex under the Lions Den brand, with a third due to open in March.

As an experienced MMA fighter himself, Khalid opened his first club in Chadwell Heath in 2006 after failing to find a gym which fully met his training needs.

He then opened a second site in Romford in 2010 to meet demand from people who were travelling to the club from other towns.

He explained: “I was training at one gym for fighting, another for cardio and another for weights and was getting really frustrated there wasn’t one place where I could do everything.

“Because I train myself, I can put myself in the members’ shoes and what appeals to them.

“We have now got 3,000 members there and had a lot of people coming from Romford and Hornchurch asking for somewhere closer.

“I thought Romford would be a good spot to open another club as it was still close enough for me to be able to manage.

“We opened with the same concept and that has also taken off brilliantly.”

After the success of his first two clubs, Khalid is now returning to

Khalid Ismail Chadwell Heath to launch a third.

And he told Workout he believes it will do just as well because he has noticed a big increase in demand for people wanting to take part in MMA classes.

He added: “MMA is going to be massive for 2012. We have had a big increase in people wanting to do the classes.

“It’s a great way for people to train as there are so many different elements. You are constantly learning – that’s what keeps people coming back.”

Khalid is now looking forward to opening the new club and is currently working on a marketing strategy to get the word out there in the local area.

COMBAT

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Hotel introduces new class

Ross receiving his MTQ Instructors award at MSA Headquarters Stockport.

FIT2FITE – the exciting new martial arts based group exercise class – has arrived at the world famous Celtic Manor.

Following the success of the classes in Newport Council Leisure Centres, the premier UK hotel were keen to expose their members to this new phenomenon.

F2F founder Greg Francis said: "Fit2fite is proving popular wherever it is scheduled. It is attracting interest nationally and is one of the fastest growing fitness classes.

“This success has seen the take up over the last month as phenomenal with both Nottingham and Newport Council on board and courses booked

throughout the new year.”

Fit2fite Four Step Format is easy to learn and fantastic to teach. The emphasis on toning, through tension, technique and timing provides long term results and a sense of achievement.

For more information visit www.fit2fite.com

BOXERCISE is proud to announce that they have acquired the rights from Muhammad Ali Enterprises to run a boxing related course bearing the name of the great man himself.

Director of Boxercise Andy Wake said: “We are delighted to be chosen

by Muhammad Ali Enterprises to deliver this exciting project. Boxercise is recognised as the world leader in boxing related fitness with the result being a collaboration between the biggest name in boxing fitness and the biggest name in world boxing.”

The Muhammad Ali Boxing Trainer course launches in January to coincide with celebrations of Ali’s 70th birthday. Instructors who complete and pass the training course will be

able to use the Muhammad Ali name to promote their classes, PT sessions or Bootcamp. The course focuses on a more ‘unorthodox’ method of boxing including skills Ali used such as looping overhand rights, rotational footwork whilst crossing the feet and of course the Ali shuffle. The course will also feature specific combinations used in Ali’s fights.

Gym aims to change sport’s perception Boxercise to run Ali course A NEW gym has opened in Croydon which aims to improve the perception of Thai Boxing and make the sport more accessible to the wider community.

The Master Sken Academy, owned

by Ross Dimmock, opened at the beginning of January after Ross – who previously worked as a trainer for British Military Fitness and at the Harbour Club in London – fulfilled an ambition to open his own gym.

Ross has been holding classes since June in a local studio but, as numbers have increased, he is looking forward to having more space in his own club.

He explained: “People have the wrong idea about Thai Boxing. I want

to make it more accessible. 95 per cent of people don’t want to fight, they want to learn the skill and enjoy it. It’s much more than boxing – you can learn skills such as stretching, balance and fitness.”

Ross has also approached a neighbouring school about allowing its pupils to come in and take part in the classes and has been promoting the venture through Facebook and word of mouth to generate interest ahead of its opening.

He will be officially celebrating the launch of the club later this month with an open day for the local community.

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SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION In the second part of Workout’s chat with Strictly Come Dancing star Natalie Lowe, she reveals her typical daily diet and what supplements help her to stay in shape.

Why Natalie never stops learning about nutrition What is your typical daily diet?

I really do enjoy eating so I have to be strict with myself here! Long hours and erratic timings when working on Strictly or touring can make exact eating routines tricky so I stick to the principle of 'little and often'.

I also go for as much natural and organic product as possible.

Breakfast might be poached egg on crumpet with baby spinach and avocado whilst protein consumption during the days comes in the form of: chicken, turkey, fish, walnuts, almonds, cottage cheese and protein bars.

So several small meals of 200-300 calories keeps me going through the longer days.

Where do you go for advice on nutrition and healthy eating?

My personal trainer Ricardo Macedo is so good at explaining everything in a manner that is easily understood and just makes sense.

Natalie Lowe

Picture: Simon Howard

Following his advice is simply a case of doing the right thing and it never feel like a chore. I also read a lot and listen to what works for others. We can always learn more!

Do you take any supplements and why?

I do – Krill oil, potassium, Vitamin C and Tresos B Multivitamins.

I believe that any extra help, even if it makes a one per cent difference in performance and/or appearance, is beneficial to what I do.

I take my role very seriously on Strictly, we all do. I am hugely privileged to live in the UK and feature on one of the biggest TV shows here.

My job is to be the best I can be for the show and for my partner on Strictly. And this all starts with looking after myself and being in the best condition to do the best job.

As a result I'm definitely in better condition that I was a few years ago when I was winning national titles and picking up Australia's 'Dancing With The Stars' trophy. And I shall keep working hard and hopefully take a partner to the Strictly Come Dancing title!

Drinks firm strengthens with new products GATORADE has launched a new range to strengthen its appeal in the sports nutrition market.

The G Series Pro range includes a choice of products designed to help athletes prime, perform and recover ahead of, during and after exercise.

Head of Gatorade marketing at Britvic Jon Evans said: “The launch of the Gatorade G Series Pro gives us a great opportunity to reposition Gatorade to an audience of athletes who are passionate about exercise and elite level sport.

“Gatorade is famous for changing the game, it was the first sports drink of its kind and now we’re changing the sports nutrition game once again, with G Series Pro.”

A list of the top five celebrity diets to avoid in the New Year has been unveiled by the British Dietetic Association.

The top five worst diets, according to the BDA, include the baby food diet, reportedly fololwed by Gwyneth Paltrow (pictured above), the raw food diet and the blood group diet. The Dukan diet, reportedly followed by the Duchess of Cambridge, Jennifer Lopez and Gisele Bundchen, was named the worst.

Picture: cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com

Company improves website BODYBUILDING Warehouse has boosted its online presence by improving its website to engage with target customers and increase sales.

The company has been working

with SiteVisibility to drive growth in leads, unique visitors and traffic to the site using a variety of content, search engine optimisation and social media.

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SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

Register recognises trainers who work with elite athletes

By Christina Eccles

Gym’s menu rewarded A GYM in Dudley has been rewarded for its healthy menu and standard of food preparation.

David Lloyd Leisure scooped a silver Dudley Food for Health Award for its DL Cafébar restaurant, in recognition of its efforts to serve nutritionally balanced dishes using high quality ingredients.

To gain the standard, businesses also have to secure at least a threestar food safety and hygiene rating, maintain a satisfactory standard of record keeping in this area, and have taken action to protect the environment, such as the recycling of cans and bottles.

General manager Wayne Isaac said:

“I’m very proud of my staff who are dedicated to making sure that our members are served quality, healthy and nutritious meals every day. This award is deserved recognition for all of their efforts.”

Group food and beverage manager Andy Lowe added: “We’re delighted to learn that our Dudley club has received this important accolade.

“David Lloyd Leisure has worked hard on developing our menus based on feedback from our members. We use the highest quality ingredients and offer many healthy options, and are continually looking at ways of improving our offering further.”

A NEW register has been launched to recognise nutrition professionals who work with elite athletes.

The Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register has been created to accredit qualified and experienced individuals who work as sport and exercise nutritionists with performance-orientated and elite sports people.

This category of registrant will eligible for full registration, while those who have undertaken studies in this area of work and aspire to work at the highest levels will be eligible for graduate registration.

The register has been developed and created by The British Dietetic Association and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, with the support of UK Sport.

SENr chairman Clyde Williams added: “Registered sport and exercise

nutritionists play a vital role in ensuring our athletes and sportspeople are maximising their performance by providing evidence-based advice and support. As we enter our Olympic year 2012, this is more important than ever for the many competing athletes and sportsmen and women.

“Diet and nutrition significantly affect sport performance. What an athlete drinks and eats before, during, and after training not only affects health and body composition but also physiological adaptation and recovery from the effects of the training programme. Carefully planned and practised nutrition strategies can enable an athlete to maximise performance during competition.

“There is therefore a growing need for sound advice on sport and exercise nutrition, across a wide-spectrum from amateur to elite professional levels within sports and SENr fills this massive gap in the market.”

Station benefits operators from secondary spend GO Protein’s innovative Go.Pro.Station is continuing to be in demand.

Nick Mills, head of UK sales told WorkOut: “It’s proving to be great success, in a little over five months we have installed over 70 stations nationwide. From independent operators to national chains we’re really pleased with the positive feedback.

“Over the moon”.... “Flying out the door” ......”it’s the best thing we’ve done”....”Tastes great”.....”Highest quality”......”Great margins”... are typical comments the UK manufacturer receives.

“Our system gives the gym members what they want, a fresh great tasting high quality protein shake at an affordable price, typically £2.00, whilst at the same time giving gym operators sensible margins.

“You can blend and serve a fresh shake from start to finish in less than 20 seconds, and because you blend in the serving cup, you have no washing up. Who wants to blend a shake that creates more work, with the ‘Go.Pro.Station’ you simply blend and go.”

Whilst the Go Protein brand may be relatively new, it is a wholly owned brand of Be-Well Nutrition. They started out 25 years ago managing the nutritional programs of athletes; many who went on to become World and Olympic champions.

This grew into the business today that designs, formulates and contract manufactures for supplement brands

Cheryl and Dave Steele

SportsArt help gym owners claim titles sold worldwide.

Nick added: “We used our product knowledge and experience to develop ‘GoProWhey’, our signature whey protein supplement designed for the GO.PRO.STATION. “Gym operators are benefiting from additional secondary spend with the GoProStation, but their members were also asking where they could buy Go Protein products for use when they are not at the gym, being the manufacturer we were able to react and meet that demand fast.

“So, due to demand, we now also offer the Go Pro Range of supplements in tubs for retail sales from participating ‘Go.Pro.Station’ gyms.”

For further information contact GoProtein on 01778-560868 or Nick Mills directly on 07894-619686.

Email: nickmills@goprotein.com

BREATHING new life into Oxygym, David Steele and wife Cheryl decided to invest in new SportsArt cardio and strength fitness training equipment back in 2010, including the very first new SportsArt S770 Pinnacle Trainer in the UK. We went back to see how Blackpool’s hardcore bodybuilders and Oxygym members were taking to using SportsArt equipment and to find out if it played a part in training and sculpturing championship bodies.

Three times Mr Britain champion David and wife Cheryl, who has also won the coveted titles of NABBA's Miss England and Miss UK enthused about the SportsArt fitness equipment and revealed their success in 2011, with Dave fighting off competition to win the ultimate title of masters Mr Universe and Cheryl taking first place in the Miss UK competition.

Dave said: “At the outset, we got a lot of help and personal advise from Mark Turner, MD at SportsArt. He had experience of bodybuilding and fitness training, so because of this, he knew exactly what Oxygym needed and supported us in our selection.

“When we installed the SportsArt S770 Pinnacle Trainer some members had mixed feelings and found the station hard to use, but think that this may have been down to the fact that their fitness levels were not as high as they assumed.

“However, with some perseverance, they began to notice major improvements both in fitness and muscle tone. Now they love the SportsArt S770 and the station is in regular demand even by our hardcore trainers who are very impressed with the excellent workout.”

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SUNBEDS

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Equipment company Keiser UK is sponsoring British judo champion Andy Burns as he prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games.

The support enables Andy to fund his training at Bath University, where he has been coached since 2004. He said: “I have used Keiser equipment in the gym at Bath University throughout my time here, so when I was introduced to the company by the British Athletes’ Commission as a potential sponsor, it was a great fit.”

WANTED

WANTED

ID CARD SUPPLIES

New Forest Health and Leisure rewarded some of its most loyal members with Christmas gifts of free six month membership packages.

Seven senior visitors – all aged between 89 and 94 – were given the passes to celebrate their inspirational commitment to regular exercise. *Photo shows some of the senior users who received membership passes.

SAUNAS

MAINTENANCE

AUDIO/VISUAL

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