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WORKOUT WEEKLY
ukactive unveils recommended framework for reopening the fitness sector safely UKACTIVE has published the recommended operational framework for gyms, leisure centres and the wider fitness industry to reopen safely in the UK – once they are permitted to do so by the Government. The framework has been reviewed by independent medical experts and ukactive’s Scientific Advisory Board to ensure that fitness and leisure operators base their operational decisions on the best possible scientific evidence and guidance. The document has also been informed by best practice from international markets where the sector is at different stages of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, and is endorsed by the UK’s leading operators. Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “The timeline for reopening gyms and leisure centres has not yet been confirmed and ukactive continues to work with the Government on this important issue. “We hope the development of this framework provides the Government with the support it needs as it plans the reopening of our sector. “It will also offer crucial support to our members as they plan their emergence from lockdown by putting the safety of members and staff first. “In shaping this guidance with us, our members have demonstrated their collective unity to address this crisis together, and their shared responsibility for the nation’s health and wellbeing.”
A framework for the safe opening of gyms and leisure centres has been published. ukactive will use the framework to of all sizes, and both public and private inform ongoing discussions with the sector. Government on the proposed reopening Anticipating the Government’s of the sector, providing the Government requirements for continued social with the best insight and expertise from distancing once reopening commences, the sector. the framework covers the following areas Designed to provide the basis for for the safe operation of facilities: individual operators to develop their n General operations, such as public own required technical operating information, staff wellbeing and hand guidance for customers, staff and sanitising. supply chains, the framework has n Cleaning undergone intensive consultation with n Reception area representatives from across the ukactive n Changing room/showers/toilets/gym membership – considering organisations n Studios
n Courts/sports halls n Swimming pools and wet side facilities n Cafés and restaurants n Outdoor fitness n First aid and lifeguards n Miscellaneous n Specific operational needs Huw added: “While this framework offers immediate support for operators as they plan for the future, our members continue to face major financial pressures – from paying rent and utility bills, to accessing funding for furloughing staff and negotiating terms with local authorities. “This framework needs to go hand in hand with clarity around continued financial support from the Government as part of its reopening plans for the sector, so that businesses can remain financially viable. “It is important the Government understands the unique role these facilities play in our society, with public leisure alone contributing £3.3bn towards our population’s health and wellbeing, and gyms and leisure centres employing around 189,000 people.” The framework will be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary, in accordance with any changes to the Government’s guidelines and partners’ guidance. Visit www.ukactive.com/wp-content/ uploads/2020/05/COVID-19-Aframework-for-the-re-opening-of-thegym-and-fitness-industry-ukactive.pdf
Operator launches Les Mills on Demand workouts BANNATYNE Health Clubs has joined an increasing number of fitness operators pivoting to digital with the launch of both live and on-demand group exercise classes from Les Mills, the group fitness expert behind classes such as BODYPUMP™ and BODYCOMBAT™ . Through the Bannatyne Health Club app, the operator’s more than 200,000 members across 72 clubs can now access Les Mills on Demand, free for 60-days. The content includes more than 800 Les Mills on Demand workouts, alongside fitness and goal tracking capabilities. Les Mills on Demand enables users to stream, cast or download worldleading workouts at home or on the go presented by the world’s best instructors and supported by expert training guides. Since launch, there has been more than 10,000 sign-ups, helping Bannatyne members stay connected while all clubs remain closed due to COVID-19. “We’ve been blown away by the support from the Les Mills team during this unprecedented time,” said Peter Wilkinson, national sales and marketing manager at The Bannatyne Group. “Our goal is to keep members moving and Les Mills on Demand plays a key part in that. “Within a matter of weeks, we were able to completely update our app with Les Mills on Demand and communicate
the 60-day offer to members, thanks to their support. “The production quality of the content is second-to-none and as close as you can get an in-person experience. So far, the member feedback has been phenomenal both from regular group exercisers, but also from those that have never done it before. It has given them the confidence to come and try a live class when we reopen. “Les Mills digital will also continue to play a part going forward to complement the fantastic range of fitness equipment and classes within our health clubs. “
Alongside Les Mills on Demand, Bannatyne’s has also launched a live timetable of group exercise classes including Les Mills programmes via its YouTube channel. Led by qualified Les Mills instructors, the classes have proven so popular that the account has grown from just 600 subscribers to nearly 11,000 in the span of a few weeks. Themed days, such as the recent “Les Mills Lockdown”, generated significant member engagement with upwards of 400 members joining live and thousands watching the replays afterwards.
“Supporting our club partners and instructors during this time remains our number one priority,” added Martin Franklin, CEO of Les Mills Europe. “We’re working with each club to provide vital support during the lockdown and we’re thrilled to see the response to Les Mills on Demand from Bannatyne members. “We believe that people will be back at the gym for live workouts once the lockdown is lifted. But the shift to digital fitness is helping to break down barriers to fitness for people you might not typically see in the gym, and that’s really exciting. “With this expanded member reach, we will continue to support Bannatyne members through their fitness journey, now and once they can reopen.” All Les Mills club partners have the option of providing their members with a free 60-day trial of Les Mills on Demand to keep them active and engaged if they can’t make it to the club. To further help club partners during this time, Les Mills has created a new weekly club support webinar series with a variety of topics available live or on-demand. In addition to the LMOD offer and webinar series, Les Mills has also provided instructors with access to more than 20 royalty-free workouts that can be live-streamed to members from home with more content being added weekly.
