Workout Weekly December 22

ISSUE 1 May

WEEKLY

Issue 161 - 22 December 2023

YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE

New Hackney fitness studio opens its doors – page 2 Alliance Leisure appointed to deliver new build leisure and sport complex – page 3

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WORKOUT WEEKLY

Tool is launched to help accelerate sector’s ambition to become most inclusive industry ukactive has announced the launch of its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion selfassessment tool to support its members to improve services for all users. ukactive’s Vision 2030 strategy set out an ambition for fitness and leisure facilities to engage more than five million new members from a greater diversity of backgrounds, by 2030.

The new self-assessment tool will be instrumental in helping to drive the development of the sector to provide a more inclusive service.

It will be open to organisations across the sector and involves answering 40 questions focused on current practices relating to equality, diversity and inclusion.

After completing the assessment, facilities, providers, and suppliers will receive an instant score to show how inclusive they currently are. This is for their internal use and is not published externally. They will then be signposted to recommendations to help improve EDI practices.

The scores are created through a weighting and ranking of key criteria on areas such as governance and leadership, data and insight, programming, provisions and partnerships, and workforce and training.

Timothy Mathias, strategic lead for equality, diversity and inclusion at ukactive, said: “For our sector to grow

and perform its fullest role in society, it is fundamental that our services are as inclusive as possible so that physical activity can be accessed and enjoyed by all.

“This self-assessment tool will provide our members with simple measures and advice to improve their approach to equality, diversity and inclusion, and will also help us to track the sector’s progress.

“We want the health, social and wellbeing benefits of an active lifestyle

to be felt across the entire population, and this tool gives us the perfect opportunity to understand what more can be done to make our sector as accessible and inclusive as possible.”

The physical activity sector plays an essential role in narrowing the disparities and inequalities faced by people today, whatever their age, ability, or background.

Enabling access, enjoyment and participation within the sector starts with the experiences users have and

the commitment the sector makes to furthering meaningful change.

The EDI self-assessment tool will help to understand the sector’s current position on EDI and set a benchmark based on the priority areas for improvement – with a full national sector report of the anonymised scores due for publication in March 2024.

The self-assessment will complement ukactive’s wider EDI programme, which includes: n Everyone Can, a programme that aims to narrow the disparities facing disabled people within the physical activity sector. n The collaboration with This Girl Can, an initiative helping to engage more women and girls in physical activity and creating safer spaces for them to be active. n Life In Our Years, a programme that identifies what over 55s want from the fitness and leisure sector with recommended steps to promote their participation. n And the musculoskeletal health hubs programme, a pioneering programme transforming leisure centres and facilities into health hubs for those with MSK conditions.

To complete the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion self-assessment and receive your individual report visit https://edi.ukactive.com/ preview/welcome/

Over 1,000 playing fields protected in 2021 and 2022 NEW figures released show Sport England’s continued commitment to protect and enhance playing fields across the country, with 1073 protected between April 2021 and March 2022.

Sport England’s role as a statutory consultee on planning applications means work to protect playing fields, which are vital spaces for communities to get active in, is part of its mission to get the nation more active.

From April 2021 to March 2022, 95 per cent of all concluded planning

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

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applications involving a playing field resulted in the protection or improvement of facilities.

Sport England’s head of planning Nick Evans said: “The figures released today once again highlight Sport England’s firm commitment to protecting and enhancing playing fields across England.

“Playing fields are critical for supporting local communities to take part in sport and physical activity, allowing them to reap the benefits of movement for their physical and mental health.

“They continue to play an integral part in our work supporting government to get 3.5 million more people active by 2030.”

As part of planning processes, councils are required to refer cases to Sport England when any proposed development would affect or lead to the loss of a sports playing field.

Sport England objects to all applications unless the developer can prove it will improve or protect community sports provision.

The data for April 2021 to March 2022 shows:

n 95 per cent (1,073 out of 1,120) of concluded planning applications affecting playing fields resulted in improved or safeguarded sports provision. n Of the 121 applications where Sport England maintained its objection, 74 (61 per cent) were either withdrawn by the applicants or refused planning permission. n In 59 per cent of the cases where Sport England originally objected to an application, further negotiations led to an overall improvement in sports provision.

HACKNEY’S new Body Fit Training studio has welcomed its new gymgoers.

BFT Hackney will offer high-intensity group strength and conditioning programmes for the North East London fitness community.

Founded in Australia by Princess Diana’s personal trainer Cameron Falloon, BFT offers personal training in a group setting.

The workouts are based on sciencebacked programmes previously reserved for elite athletes, but now made accessible for everyone, regardless of their fitness level.

The sessions are delivered through progressive 50-minute functional strength, cardio, and conditioningbased classes across 14 different programmes.

The new Hackney state-of-the-art studio is being launched by three new certified personal trainers, Emile Kerim, Frankie Nieto and David Irvine.

With a combined 50 years of fitness experience, the co-owners are bringing an inclusive, motivating and safe space for everyone to get stronger and healthier.

“We’re really excited to introduce BFT to the vibrant community of Hackney and to offer something very unique to other fitness gyms in the area,” said Frankie. “Having worked and lived in the area for a long time, our goal has been to create an exciting new fitness community where people can build friendships and have fun whilst working out. We really believe BFT is setting new standards in the fitness industry.”

BFT is based on a methodology

and combines cardio with resistance programmes to train different energy systems every session.

The bespoke technology used in the studio includes a bespoke heart rate monitor system – ‘BFT³’ – which allows members to track their progress and compare their performance to previous sessions, ensuring they are getting optimum results from each class.

“We want to revolutionise the fitness industry in the UK,” added Emile.

“We aim to provide the perfect environment for the community of Hackney, and with our accredited team of coaches, we will inspire, educate and push members so they can achieve their fitness goals.

“We will also be looking to support our community by running an eight-week challenge three times a year. “

New Hackney fitness studio opens its doors

WORKOUT WEEKLY

Horizon Leisure opens ‘blood pressure pod’ at its Wellbeing Hub in Havant

CHARITABLE trust Horizon Leisure has launched a SurgeryPod at its Wellbeing Hub in the Meridian Shopping Centre in Havant.

The equipment will take blood pressure readings that will feed directly into local GP’s databases Hosting the SurgeryPod in this non clinical setting is a new concept in Hampshire and enables local people to test their blood pressure in a safe, convenient, familiar location.

Residents don’t need to make an appointment, they can turn up, use the ‘pod’ to take their blood pressure and the results will automatically be fed back to their GP practice via a secure computer system.

The SurgeryPod has come about as part of NHS England’s Innovation for Healthcare Inequalities Programme.

The programme has been coordinated by Health Innovation Wessex in a joined up approach with local GP practices, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, plus the Hampshire Public Health team, who have funded the SurgeryPod. Local GP surgeries in Havant are inviting patients to the Wellness Hub who have not had a blood pressure check in the last five years to encourage better cardiovascular disease prevention locally.

The installation of the SurgeryPod

follows the opening of the Wellbeing Hub last year, which is conveniently located on the ground floor of the shopping mall.

Mike Lyons, CEO of Horizon Leisure, said: “Horizon Leisure is committed to inspiring healthier and happier communities and since opening our Wellbeing Hub last summer, we are already providing our local community with health checks, health interventions, exercise

orientation and small group exercise programmes out in the community.

“The SurgeryPod is the next step in our joined-up approach to health and wellbeing, with leisure providers being well equipped to provide help and guidance on people’s overall wellness.

“The pod enables people to conveniently take a blood pressure reading without clinical supervision.

“It’s is very simple to use, with clear

instructions, and is a great alternative to trying to get an appointment at their GP surgery. Plus our team of health experts will also be available should anyone require help or have any questions.

“By being conveniently located in our Wellbeing Hub at the shopping mall, people can pop in to get their blood pressure taken on the way to the shops or whilst meeting a friend – it takes the anxiety away from getting a blood pressure test.”

Councillor Gwen Robinson, deputy leader and cabinet lead for communities and housing at Havant Borough Council, added: “It is heartening to see Horizon Leisure building on the success of the Wellbeing Hub with the SurgeryPod. “Working in partnership with Havant Borough Council and the Meridian Shopping Centre helps deliver real benefits for residents, and I look forward to seeing this latest offer thrive and develop.”

In time, the SurgeryPod, made

by Microtech, will be able to help people quit smoking, monitor weight management and deliver contraceptive pill reviews.

The aim is to allow better use of clinical time and to provide a better service for patients, allowing patients to be empowered to monitor and achieve better health.

Alliance Leisure appointed to deliver new build leisure and sport complex ALLIANCE Leisure has been appointed to deliver a new build leisure and sport centre at Wilsons Playing Fields, Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire following a successful planning application by Hyndburn Borough Council.

The new £12million development being delivered in partnership with Sport England will include a four-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a fitness suite, sauna and steam room, group exercise studio, café, large changing village and dedicated changing facilities that will service teams making use of the various outdoor sports facilities.

Funding for the project has been allocated by Hyndburn Borough Council as part of the borough’s leisure transformation plan.

Councillor Marlene Haworth, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “The development of the new leisure and sports centre is part of our ongoing commitment to provide everyone in our community with the leisure and social opportunities they need to prosper.

“The modern building will complement the existing outdoor sports facilities creating opportunities for the whole community to enjoy a wide variety of activities both as participants and as spectators.

“This investment will provide a

community facility that drives health and happiness for many years to come.”

In addition to creating a modern activity and sports hub designed to meet the specific needs of the community, the new building will be designed to optimise energy efficiencies.

Air source heat pumps, solar panels and the utilisation of the very latest low and zero carbon technologies will all support the council’s ambition to achieve net zero by 2030.

All works are to be delivered through

the UK Leisure Framework, managed

by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd and led by leisure development specialists Alliance Leisure, working in close partnership with ISG to deliver the construction works, in full consultation with Hyndburn Borough Council and Hyndburn Leisure.

Marlene added: “Every effort has been made to ensure the finished centre will answer the specific needs of our community.

“Alliance Leisure has been instrumental

in supporting us through the planning application and development of the project, undertaking detailed surveys and reports, and assembling a best-inclass project team to see this concept through to completion.

“Working with Alliance through the UK Leisure Framework, we will ensure efficiencies and expertise at every stage of the build, ensuring every penny invested delivers a positive return to the community.”

Works on the new leisure and sport centre are scheduled to begin early in 2024. It is anticipated the new facilities will be completed in the Spring of 2025.

Tom Gardner, business development manager at Alliance Leisure, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership and leisure development journey with Hyndburn Borough Council and Hyndburn Leisure.

“This is a hugely exciting project that reflects our commitment to enhancing community wellbeing and creating innovative, sustainable leisure spaces.

“This project is not just about recreation; it is an opportunity to provide facilities that are not only fit for purpose, but also environmentally conscious, and will create social value through its development to further benefit the local community.”

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Technogym Skillup – cardio and power for upper body training TECHNOGYM – the world’s leading brand in the world of sport, fitness and wellness – presents Skillup, the ergometer to train the upper body in the most complete and intense way.

Skillup is the result of the brand’s experience in performance training, developed also as official supplier to the last nine Olympics.

Athletes at Paris 2024 will also have the opportunity to train with the widest range of digital products and technologies, covering all areas of athletic preparation such as cardio, strength and functional training.

Skillup will be an important innovation to support the dry warmup of swimmers and athletes in many other disciplines.

Technogym Skillup is designed to target the entire body, focusing on all

upper muscle groups by simulating the athletic gesture of cross-country skiing.

Thanks to MULTIDRIVE TECHNOLOGY, Technogym’s unique dual resistance technology, Skillup can integrate a cardio workout with a more powerful one, for a complete and effective workout through quick and convenient adjustment via the selector located in the upper position.

Moreover, thanks to its functional, barrier-free design, Skillup is designed to fit into any space and layout, while ensuring easy accessibility for the end user.

Skillup is equipped with unique differentiating features, among them the high-contrast display for monitoring performance metrics, with an intuitive and highly readable

display of all parameters.

The display is totally self-powered by user movement and requires no power consumption.

Skillup is also an environmentally friendly product because it is the only one of its kind to use a rechargeable, non-disposable battery, limiting the amount of maintenance required.

Connected to the Technogym Ecosystem, Skillup allows users to access exclusive content through the Technogym App. This includes learning exercise techniques, discovering a variety of workouts, and tracking and displaying results to monitor progress.

Skillup stands out as the only product integrated into a digital group-training solution.

For an immersive functional

training experience, operators can incorporate Skillup into Teambeats, the digital group-training solution that helps users train easily without distractions, have fun and get better results faster.

Participants will be guided from station to station, motivated by their metrics, for high-intensity training with variety, effectiveness, and fun.

Skillup is part of the Skill Line, Technogym’s line designed side by side with athletes and sports champions from all around the world and in collaboration with prestigious research institutes and universities; Skill products are for those who want to train like a professional athlete, whether at home or in the gym, and achieve their peak athletic performance.

Parkwood Leisure and LEX Leisure add Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex to portfolio of leisure centres LEISURE management operator Parkwood Leisure and its sub-contractor LEX Leisure are the new operating partner at the Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex in Boston, Lincolnshire.

Working with their community partners, Parkwood Leisure run 80 leisure facilities on behalf of local authorities throughout England and Wales, including the Princess Royal Sports Arena in Boston, after recently acquiring 1Life Management Solutions.

Glen Hall, managing director of Parkwood Leisure, added: “Working with our sub-contractor Lex Leisure, we are excited to begin operation of the Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex in Boston and look forward to supporting customers, local partners and the Council over the next few years.

“The planned redevelopment will help to assure long-term high-quality provision of local opportunities to be active, which is critical to maintaining the health and wellbeing of our local communities.

“We would also like to thank the Council for their professionalism and positivity during the procurement process, which provides a great basis for our future partnership.”

Parkwood Leisure was founded in 1995 and is one of the most experienced providers of leisure management services in the UK; with a mission to create and maintain sustainable, lasting partnerships which help build happier and healthier local communities.

They specialise in the development

and operation of leisure facilities, visitor attractions, golf courses, heritage sites and theatres on behalf of local authority and public sector clients.

Following a thorough process, Parkwood Leisure will now assume full responsibility for operating the leisure complex with the award of an initial

three-year contract starting at the beginning of December.

The move is an important first step in Boston Councils’ major transformation project that will deliver a modern leisure centre and community space, with much improved facilities and a continuously improving customer leisure and health experience.

Councillor Andy Izard, portfolio holder for communities (place) including leisure services at Boston Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to have Parkwood Leisure as our new provider and have been impressed with their enthusiasm and dedication to getting this right throughout the initial processes.

“They’re very experienced and bring a huge amount of knowledge to our leisure centres so I’m convinced that customers will benefit from that, and we are very much looking forward to working with them.”

Customers can expect a seamless transfer with membership arrangements, venue programmes and classes continuing as normal.

In the early part of 2024 the Council will begin its programme of redevelopment of the centre, thanks in part to the Town Deal funding that that has been secured.

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

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

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

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

If you’d like to purchase images please visit

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

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CELEBRATIN G EXCELLEN CE

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THE NIGHT A HUGE SUCCESS TO GET INVOLVED AND BE A PART OF NEXT YEAR’S AWARDS EMAIL DOMINIC MUSGRAVE DM@SCRIPTMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK