March 2018
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Gyms urged to do their bit for Sport Relief By Christina Eccles THE fitness industry has been encouraged to harness the power of physical activity to change people’s lives by getting involved in Sport Relief. This year’s event takes place from March 17 to 23 and organisers have urged gyms to do their bit by hosting a charity fitness event in their club; engaging members while raising money for the cause. Interim executive director of commercial and partnerships at Comic Relief Alan Gosschalk said: “Sport Relief is all about raising money and changing lives by getting people active so engaging gyms and the wider fitness sector is a perfect fit. We also know that gymgoers, irrespective of their level of fitness, are more than ready to take on a challenge. “In the past, gyms have really stepped up their game when it comes to raising money for Sport Relief and we are sure this year will be no different.” To give gyms a head start in their fundraising efforts, Sport Relief has created a resource pack designed specifically for them, which can be found at sportrelief.com/gyms. Alan added: “There are lots of ways for your gym to get involved with
Sport Relief 2018. You could host a Have-a-Go-Day to interest new members and excite existing ones to try new activities and classes. “You could take on an endurance challenge on an exercise bike or on a static rower. Or you could organise a treadmill relay and try to cover an epic distance over the course of a day. “No matter what the activity, you’ll need to encourage participants to make a donation or, even better, to get sponsored for their hard work.” According to Alan, getting involved with Sport Relief offers a great way for clubs to motivate staff and current members, as well as attracting new people through their doors. He added: “Your own fundraising activity will bring staff and members together to raise some cash to help people both here in the UK and across the world to live happier, healthier and safer lives.” The nation as a whole has also be challenged to come together to beat one billion steps a day during Sport Relief – another initiative which operators can promote to their members. n What are you doing for Sport Relief? Send us details and pictures to ce@scriptmedia.co.uk or contact us on Facebook or Twitter. We’ll print the best in our round up.
No 294 £3
Ben Dunne Gyms UK acquired by JD Gyms
TV sports presenter Alexandra Legouix is achieving success with her first yoga DVD. Alexandra, who is a qualified fitness professional and yoga instructor, travels the world as a motor sports TV presenter and credits yoga for helping to keep her fit and healthy. Her DVD, Yoga Made Simple; For Beginners and Improvers is aimed at anyone who hasn’t done yoga before or who needs a refresher or confidence boost. *For full story, see page 18 where Workout editor Christina Eccles tries out the DVD for this month’s ‘challenge’ feature.
THE UK division of Ben Dunne Gyms has been acquired by JD Gyms in a multi-million pound deal. The three sites will reopen as JD Gyms following full redesigns and refurbishments. One is located in the heart of Manchester city centre and the other two are on the outskirts of Liverpool city centre. After strong growth in 2017, this acquisition will see JD Gyms reach 19 operational gyms by the end of Q1, with a further 10 sites legally committed to open within the 2018-19 financial year. Managing director Alun Peacock said: “This exciting acquisition helps to fuel our wider growth plans. “Our skilled team are now fully redesigning and refurbishing each of the sites to be ‘typical’ of the award winning JD Gyms brand standard. “Our first acquisition is a milestone in the development of the brand and we are open to approaches from independent gyms or small chains that would help to further grow our expanding portfolio.”