Workout Weekly December 01

ISSUE 1 May

WEEKLY

Issue 159 - 01 December 2023

YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE

Alliance Leisure delivers Peterlee Leisure Centre redevelopment – page 3 Why hybrid training is the fitness style of the future – page 4

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WORKOUT WEEKLY

ukactive launches Sustainable Futures programme to support leisure sector’s move to net zero ukactive has announced the launch of Sustainable Futures, a programme designed to support the physical activity sector’s transition to net zero.

Energy usage and sustainability present one of the biggest challenges facing the sector and ukactive has been working with partners across industries to support its members on their journey towards decarbonisation, helping them to reduce their energy costs in the shortand long-term.

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “The UK’s physical activity sector has become one of the most innovative and resilient markets in the world; home to some of the most forward-thinking organisations on the planet – and in this respect, it has all the characteristics to take on the huge environmental challenge facing us today.

“The UK Government has set a target for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet its net zero target by 2050 and the physical activity sector has a major role to play.

“Our ambition is to drive environmental standards for the sector in the same way we are driving standards for health and safety, digital transformation, and inclusion and diversity.

Huw Edwards “Our Sustainable Futures programme will bring together the organisations, experts and resources to support our sector’s facilities, manufacturers and supply chains to put decarbonisation at the heart of their strategies for growth.”

Climate change is a global threat and in the UK the Climate Change Act commits the Government by law to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 100 per cent of 1990 levels (net zero) by 2050.

Many local authorities have committed to reach net zero sooner, by 2030.

Sustainable Futures mirrors the blueprint of ukactive’s Digital Futures programme which has been supporting operators to improve their digital strategies and services over the past three years.

The multi-year programme will focus on providing educational resources and tools to support ukactive members of all sizes to make informed decisions that will both reduce their carbon footprint and their energy costs.

The Sustainable Futures Steering Group has been established to guide the development and rollout of the programme and is made up of operators from both the public and private sectors, sector suppliers, and external experts from organisations including Ofgem, Sport England and Net Zero Hubs.

The group will help to progress the agenda, share learning, inform lobbying, improve education, measure progress, and ultimately, to accelerate change.

A new survey has also been launched today, asking organisations a series of questions designed to establish the potential for an ‘energy basket’ which would allow operators to group together to achieve greater savings on their energy costs.

The programme forms part of ukactive’s ongoing work to drive change.

Last month, ukactive hosted a special event which brought together energy experts and members of the ukactive Strategic Partners Group to discuss the challenges and share best practice.

The event followed October’s launch of a new educational resource for the sector, the SECC Resource Hub, which was conceived by ukactive, the British Association for Sustainable Sport and sector partners, as part of the Sport Environment and Climate Coalition’s ongoing commitment to drive change. ukactive has also been working with the pan-European consortium, Green Sports Hub Europe, to identify barriers in sustainability in sport and physical activity, sharing knowledge and research findings with global partners.

Recent months have also seen intense lobbying from ukactive based on its Energy Risk Register, which has been recording the risk status of the sector’s facilities and services based on ongoing cost pressures caused by the global energy crisis.

To complete the Energy Basket survey visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ energybasket2023

Centre breaking down barriers to physical activity A COMMUNITY sports facility is providing greater opportunities for locals to try out new activities - and develop their coaching and leadership skills.

Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre in Cudworth, South Yorkshire, is offering a range of sessions, including Glow in the Dark Dodgeball and Kurling, as well as karate, cricket and goalball sessions for blind and visually impaired children.

The centre has also been working in partnership with England Athletics to deliver Funetics.

These are fun, engaging activity sessions designed to encourage kids aged four to 11 into athletics and create potential pathways for them to progress through Barnsley Athletics Club, which is based at Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre.

The project also linked up with

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

www.workoutuk.co.uk

Barnsley College to offer interested students the chance to improve their coaching skills, supported by tutors from England Athletics.

Award-winning community leisure trust BPL, which operates Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre, appointed Connor Pickles into the new role of community sports development officer earlier this year.

Connor’s remit involves identifying opportunities to deliver different activity sessions for the community, including those which will encourage local kids to be more active.

He works with the community to gain valuable feedback on what they might enjoy and help to break down any barriers to participation.

He said: “As a centre which is such a big part of the community, it’s important

that we’re not just offering a gym and that there are opportunities to do more activities, especially for kids.

“Athletics, for example, is a great way to get young people involved in sport and learn new fundamental skills, such as throwing and running.

“These can then also be useful in other sports.”

Connor is also looking at ways to further strengthen links with local schools to be able to go in and speak to pupils and deliver activity sessions.

He added: “I’m really enjoying the role and helping to grow the reputation of what BPL can offer in terms of community sport.

“It’s been amazing so far. Everyone has been so welcoming and I’m excited for what’s to come in the future.”

DYACO UK has successfully won the brief to complete the installation of state-of-the-art cardio equipment across 11 Halo Leisure sites, enhancing the fitness experience for members and reinforcing Dyaco’s commitment to offering a one stop solution to fitness brands.

The newly installed cardio equipment is due to be installed across the 11 Halo Leisure sites from next month, with the work to be completed by the end of January 2024.

The 11 Halo Fitness sites include Highworth Recreation Centre, Hereford Leisure Centre, Hereford Leisure Pool, Ogmore Valley Life Centre, Ynysawdre Swimming Pool, Garw Valley Life Centre, Bromyard Centre, Lady Hawkins’ Community Leisure Centre, Leominster Leisure Centre, Ledbury Swimming Pool and Ross Swimming Pool.

The install will see Dyaco UK provide a range of cutting-edge cardio machines, including treadmills and stationary bikes, all equipped with the latest technological advancements to provide an engaging and effective workout experience for Halo Fitness members.

Dyaco UK’s collaboration with Halo Leisure marks another milestone in the company’s efforts to support fitness facilities in offering cutting-edge commercial equipment.

By leveraging Dyaco’s expertise in fitness equipment and facility design, Halo Leisure will aim to create an inspiring atmosphere for its members to achieve their health and wellness goals.

“We are thrilled to partner with Halo Leisure and contribute to the transformation of their fitness facilities with our premium cardio equipment,” said James Denniston from Dyaco UK.

Connor Pickles

Dyaco UK wins brief to kit out 11 facilities

“We are confident that our collaboration will provide an exceptional fitness experience for Halo members.”

Jamie Bryant, Halo operations director, added: “As a leading social enterprise and registered charity, we are passionate about creating healthier communities.

“Working with Dyaco will allow us to provide the very best experience for our customers. The exciting range of equipment from Dyaco will be enjoyed by our visitors as they work out and wind down and will help us to get more people more active more often in our community venues.”

The newly installed cardio equipment reflects Dyaco UK’s dedication to helping gym facilities develop their kit mix and deliver its vision of empowering individuals to lead more active lives.

WORKOUT WEEKLY

Alliance Leisure delivers Peterlee Leisure Centre redevelopment AN IMMERSIVE bowling centre – the first of its kind in Durham – has opened at Peterlee Leisure Centre as part of a £4.5m redevelopment to widen the appeal of the venue.

Leisure development specialists Alliance Leisure Services is leading the project to revitalise the centre for Durham County Council.

Procured through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, the centre has been significantly redeveloped to improve the leisure and wellbeing offer for the community, particularly for local families.

Ben Kelsey, senior manager – projects and performance, culture, sport and tourism at Durham County Council, said: “The transformation of the venue, including the new bowling facilities has been really well received by local people.

“We’ve been really busy since opening and the blend of traditional sports and fitness facilities alongside activities such as bowling and play are giving the venue an even greater appeal.

“This transformation follows earlier investment by the council to collocate the library within the leisure centre and refurbish the changing facilities.

“The council is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our residents through delivery of leisure services and the creation of new, modern and exciting facilities and the changes made at Peterlee and those at our other leisure centres is clear evidence of that continued commitment.”

Following consultation with residents, a range of exciting new facilities have been introduced including an eight lane bowling alley, which now occupies half of the original sports hall.

Four of the bowling lanes feature an immersive, interactive scoring experience from Bowling Vision which uses augmented reality, light and sound to give guests fast, fun and engaging games.

Users can select their experience, choosing from more than 15 animation themes and even project their own photos onto the lane.

“The new bowling centre exemplifies

how we consult and co-create solutions with our local authority partners to provide tailored solutions that meet local needs,” added Sean Nolan, business development manager at Alliance Leisure.

“Open to the public and leisure centre members, the 10-pin bowling alley will allow the venue to tap into the local and wider visitor economy to drive uncreased footfall and revenue.”

Other new facilities at Peterlee include a soft play adventure area for children and the centre’s first café serving healthy food and drink options.

Improvements have also been made to

the centre’s fitness offer.

The gym has been relocated to a larger space and now features Technogym equipment and technology, while the introduction of another fitness studio – bringing the total to three – allows the centre to provide dedicated cycling and mind-body spaces as well as virtual exercise classes. It can also expand the range of health services it offers including rehabilitation and smoking cessation sessions.

A wide range of activities are also available in the four court sports hall.

A range of energy efficiency measures have been installed across the site after the council secured funding from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

These include high efficiency LED lighting throughout, water saving devices and solar panels to produce electricity as well as replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps.

These measures are expected to reduce carbon dioxide usage by 300 tonnes a year.

The project forms part of the council’s wider Leisure Transformation Scheme, which has already seen Alliance successfully deliver the £3.5m redevelopment of Abbey Leisure Centre in July this year.

Works to replace the pipework at Peterlee’s swimming pool is ongoing and is expected to complete in early 2024.

The project team included contractors ISG, GT3 Architects and Axiom Project Management.

Milestone achieved for new football and community hub at Derby Racecourse AN IMPORTANT milestone has been reached in the creation of Derby’s new state-of-the-art football hub.

Contractors Universal Civils and Build have announced they have reached the topping out stage of the build at Derby Racecourse, which signifies the completion of the roof on the building.

This new sports building will regenerate football, providing fantastic sustainable facilities for allyear use, ensuring a long-term future for grassroots football.

This project has secured collaborative funding from Derby City Council, the Premier League, The FA, and the Football Foundation.

Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, Derby City Council’s cabinet member for communities and street pride, said: “Reaching the topping phase of the development of the Derby Racecourse Hub is a real milestone, and we’re now well on the way to seeing the completion in early 2024.

“This development will offer a remarkable state-of-the-art building and pitches for grassroots football in

Derby, but it extends beyond football; it will also create inviting community spaces where residents can come together and enjoy Racecourse Park.”

Upon its completion, the facilities will be under the management of the National Football Trust on behalf of Derby City Council, with day-today operations overseen by Leisure United.

The new facilities will include three new full-size 3G football turf pitches, as well as refurbishment of the existing FTP, a new community building with a community café, reception area and meeting spaces have been extended onto the existing Football Foundation funded changing room pavilion.

In addition to the enhanced pitch

provision, the Hub development will include increased parking spaces, improved entry and exit to the site along with improved foot and cycle paths through the park In March 2023, Universal Civils and Build commenced construction of the Football and Community Hub after being appointed to the project by the Council’s leisure development partner Alliance Leisure.

The announcement of the topping stage completion is a significant achievement in finalising the external structure and roof of the community building.

In parallel, TigerTurf, the appointed contractor for the 3G football turf pitches, has confirmed that their work is proceeding as planned.

The project remains on schedule and will officially open its doors to the community in early 2024.

As planned, the site’s grass pitches have been back in use since early September, meaning football players have been able to return to the Racecourse for their local league matches.

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WORKOUT WEEKLY

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Why hybrid training is the fitness style of the future IN RECENT years the fitness industry has witnessed a seismic shift towards hybrid training, a multifaceted approach that combines various exercise styles and methodologies.

This innovative approach is not just a fleeting trend but is rapidly becoming the preferred choice for fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

Cameron Falloon, founder of global fitness brand Body Fit Training, aims to shed light on the reasons behind the growing popularity of hybrid training and its potential to redefine the landscape of personal fitness and wellbeing.

What is hybrid training?

Hybrid training is an approach that simultaneously enhances strength and endurance by using two or more training techniques at the same time.

It means you don’t focus on one single area of the body but work towards being the most rounded athlete possible.

Whilst a triathlete may focus on different training areas, swimming, cycling, running, all of these have an endurance focus.

Hybrid training typically involves a combination of resistance training, cardiovascular exercises, and flexibility or mobility work.

A more apt comparison for a hybrid athlete is closer to a decathlete or heptathlete.

The fitness industry has recently seen a

significant trend towards hybrid training.

Influences like CrossFit and HYROX have played a part, but the comprehensive physical and mental benefits offered by hybrid training are also key driving factors.

What are the main benefits of hybrid training?

The large number of benefits from hybrid training is part of what is driving its recent rise in popularity. Not just physical benefits but mental ones too.

On the physical front, it helps you avoid the common pitfalls associated with focusing exclusively on one type of training while neglecting others.

This balanced approach ensures that all areas of fitness are addressed, leading to a more well-rounded physical condition.

This also helps with injury prevention by allowing different areas of the body to fully rest and recover, which greatly increases your chances of staying fit and healthy.

Hybrid training is also good for mental wellbeing. It acts as a safeguard against burnout and the monotony that often comes with sticking to a single training routine.

By encouraging variety and new experiences, hybrid training keeps you mentally stimulated and open to exploring new avenues in fitness.

It keeps workouts and programmes fresh and exciting, and the exposure to different workout styles, sports, and even new social circles and locations

keeps the training journey dynamic.

Finally, hybrid training is highly efficient, especially when it involves combining cardio and strength exercises within a single workout session.

This approach allows you to enjoy the benefits of both types of training simultaneously, maximising the effectiveness of your workout in a limited time frame.

This efficiency is particularly appealing for those with busy schedules, as it provides a comprehensive workout that addresses multiple fitness components without the need for prolonged or separate training sessions.

By embracing hybrid training, you not only enhance your physical and mental fitness but do so in a time-efficient manner that can easily fit into a hectic lifestyle.

What the experts are saying Cameron said: “Now making up around a third of our sessions, hybrid training is swiftly becoming a leading trend in the fitness industry and with good reason.

“The science and data behind it mean this isn’t going to be a passing trend but will quickly become recognised as one of the most efficient ways to train.

“At BFT, we believe we have an obligation to give our members across our global studios the very best opportunity to develop, evolve and be successful. Incorporating hybrid training into our offering does exactly that.

“The rise of events such as HYROX is driving the trend even faster. Hybrid training isn’t just functional but fashionable as well.

“We’ve recently partnered with HYROX and now deliver regular sessions focused purely on training for these events because there is such a high demand for them in the fitness community.

“I’ve spent my life working with professional athletes, and hybrid training mirrors the same science, knowledge, and processes they use. You don’t focus on one area; the goal is to create as well rounded an athlete as possible.

“The core philosophy of a hybrid athlete centres on the belief that achieving optimal fitness requires more than just one training style or technique.

“Everyone has their own sets of goals, and nobody’s training will be the same, but hybrid training gives you the best platform to achieve individual success.

By diversifying training, it also helps to keep sessions fun, fresh and engaging as every day is a new challenge.”

Whilst it may not be the optimal method of training if you are pursuing one specific goal such as strength or muscle gain, if your fitness goals are broader, it’s easy to see why hybrid training is gaining in popularity so quickly. Hybrid training might be one of the newer trends, but it doesn’t look like it will be going away anytime soon.

For more information about Body Fit Training visit www.bodyfittraining.com/

Operator’s London studios acquired by Digme Fitness ORANGETHEORY Fitness has announced its London studios will be spearheaded

by WIT Fitness co-founder and fitness entrepreneur Dan Williams following the acquisition by London-based boutique operator, Digme Fitness.

The landmark partnership adds to Digme’s four studios in London, and is a continuation of Orangetheory Fitness’ strategy for international growth, expanding its 1500+ strong global studio base by empowering local franchisees to drive expansion within their territories.

In leading the integration and long-term strategy for Orangetheory London, Dan brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in the London fitness scene, as Orangetheory seeks to expand its UK studio base with 20 new sites by 2026 through a combination of owned and franchised studio openings.

Orangetheory London currently operates four studios, in Fulham, Wandsworth, Islington and Bromley, with

a membership base of over 1,200.

Following the acquisition, alongside Digme CEO Geoff Bamber, Dan intends to expand with four more studio

openings before the end of 2025.

“The reason Geoff, myself and the Digme team were so attracted to this partnership is because Orangetheory

appeals to a broad audience, being one of the most accessible options for anyone, regardless of where they are in their fitness journey,” said Dan. “From what we’ve seen of the brand’s success globally and here in London, through a combination of its training style, coaches and community spirit – it genuinely changes lives.”

Since its founding, through a combination of corporate and franchisee investment, studio capital, marketing investment, operational costs and corporate support, Orangetheory has spent over $30million in the UK to grow franchise opportunities.

As a result, it is now one of the world’s fastest-growing franchise companies – with the UK a cornerstone for continued international growth strategy.

Franchising will remain a key component in the expansion plans.

The total initial investment required to begin operating an Orangetheory franchise starts at £415,000.