ISSUE 1 May
WEEKLY
Issue 24
28 October 2020
YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE
Jamie is our second lockdown hero page 3 Boost flexible booking efficiencies with Fisikal page 4 Freemotion launches the 22 SERIES powered by iFit® page 6
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Technogym launches Let’s Move Week full of fitness challenges TECHNOGYM’S worldwide social campaign promoting wellness and fight sedentary lifestyle is back with a new format developed for fitness and wellness clubs. Let’s Move For a Better World is the most awaited event of the year for thousands of fitness facilities around the world, and 2020 will not be an exception. Technogym, a world leader brand in fitness, wellness, sport and health, announces Let’s Move Week 2020, a new format full of fitness events, challenges, online and offline activities. From November 9 to 15 people from all over the world will join forces to promote wellness in all its forms and places. Let’s Move Week 2020 announces itself as one of the most attended fitness events of the year. During Let’s Move Week 2020, fitness clubs by joining the global campaign will be able to engage their members with custom on site events, create live and on demand workouts thanks to the new streaming opportunities offered by mywellness 5.0, promote the event with social media activities and challenges and take advantage of Technogym workouts available on mywellness and Technogym social networks. Technogym will offer the clubs joining the campaign the possibility to download the Let’s Move Week marketing kit with all the promotional contents artworks: images, videos, posters and more. Within the actual scenario, the aim of the campaign is also to support the fitness industry to regain momentum after these months, involve members and activate new ones, promote the physical and mental health of people by expanding the fitness community. Whether working out in the facility or at home, it is possible to take part in Let’s Move Week. The engaging aspect of the initiative also shows how it can help in increasing customer loyalty, motivation, and attendance. By focusing on the community of Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia. co.uk Group production editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia. co.uk
Sales and marketing director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 tb@scriptmedia. co.uk Sales manager: Louise BristoweHarrison Tel: 01226 734699 workout3@ scriptmedia.co.uk
Studio manager: Stewart Holt sth@scriptmedia. co.uk
www.workout-uk.co.uk
European Congress goes virtual in 2020 each centre, the campaign helps in boosting team spirit by encouraging the achievement of a common goal. The 2019 edition led to important developments for the participating gyms showing how attendance increased on average by 26 per cent, new memberships by 15 per cent and 86 per cent of the people involved in the centre (trainers and staff) noted an improvement in team spirit during trainings, which consequently enhanced the working environment and ensured a better atmosphere among customers. Alongside its important social message, the campaign also represents a very effective tool for fitness centres to increase activity. Thanks to the online communication plans, both on the web and social media, the campaign has proven to attract new members through participants sharing their training experiences online. The “Let’s Move for a Better World” campaign perfectly sums up the Technogym mission of spreading Wellness on a global scale. Technogym believes that educating the younger generations is essential to reach this goal and to create a more sustainable society that has well-being as one of its founding values. More info on www.technogym.com/ letsmove-week-2020/
THE International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association has announced that its annual European Congress will debut a virtual edition from November 18-20. The event will build on the popular elements of the in-person gathering, such as offering six language translations and tours of some of the most interesting health clubs in the world. The event, structured over three half days, will consist of two days of approximately four hours of programming, with global club tours— complete with interactive Q&A—on the third day. Sessions will be translated from English into six languages, and discussion groups will be presented in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, and Russian. The IHRSA European Congress is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Given the nature of virtual events, this year’s edition will not only allow the Association to connect with its European members, but also its global audience, which reflects IHRSA’s vast international membership from over 70 countries, and multiple language offerings. IHRSA board member Anastasia Yusina, founder and CEO of FITSPACE Studios and Strata Fitness Holding in Moscow, and a former recipient of IHRSA’s European Club Leadership Award, said: “As we experienced with the recent IHRSA Innovation Summit, club operators and industry suppliers really
appreciate the opportunity to come together to exchange ideas and share best practices.” IHRSA board member Alan Leach, CEO of West Wood Clubs in Dublin, added: “The IHRSA Congress has always been a great return on investment. “Our managers and staff value the vast amount of knowledge and experiences that IHRSA offers. Best of all, there are no travel costs and we can send more managers and staff!” Maria Angeles de Santiago Restoy of Management Around Sports, based in Madrid, is confident that the Spanish fitness market will participate in the Congress. “Everyone has been asking for details about the event,” she said. “There is a lot of excitement to get everyone together and, of course, the global club tours will be very popular to see.” IHRSA’s experience with virtual events combined with the association’s relationship with MCI Benelux, the hosting platform, will ensure that the Congress is a high-calibre affair. The event will be user-friendly and easily facilitate global networking opportunities. IHRSA interim president and CEO Brent Darden said: “It was great to see the participation of so many industry leaders and stakeholders in the development of this year’s Congress programme. I’m really looking forward to it.” To register or learn more visit ihrsa.org/congress
Jamie is our second lockdown hero WE have received a number of nominations from his members for Jamie Kirk, owner of Diamond Fitness in Edinburgh to be in the Roll of Honour 2020. These are just a few comments that his members sent us: “Jamie has done an amazing job before, during and after lockdown to protect all of his clients, while at the same time keeping us exercising with live online sessions, videos of these live sessions, to do at a convenient tine, and sending us PDFs of workouts to do at home “He very cautiously re-opened the gym a few weeks ago when it was allowed, with numbers attending limited to 10 at a time, rather than the usual 25 or so in a class. “He is constantly cleaning the equipment and reminding us to sanitise our hands. “Jamie did a brilliant job at keeping us engaged and motivated during the
weeks of lockdown, which was vital for our mental as well as physical health. He is still protecting us all, as we are back in the gym. I feel totally safe in his gym “I feel that with the amazing amount of work and care Jamie has demonstrated that he certainly deserves to be included in your Roll of Honour.” Jennifer Somerville “ I am privileged to be a member of Diamond Fitness gym in Edinburgh. Jamie Kirk the owner and founder has worked tirelessly before, throughout and since lockdown to keep all his members safe, and to keep us motivated and exercising “He has moved classes online, storing video workouts. I got up every morning during lockdown at 6.30am, “did a Jamie”, either live or recorded every morning. Got me up and motivated every day, and for this I will always be grateful “ Since gyms have reopened Jamie is
limiting the members to do only 3 classes each in the gym each week, keeping class sizes down, and keeping us all safe. He has invested in the ClubRight system for us all to use. “He also invested in a lot of new technical sound equipment during lockdown so he could give us all the best experience while doing his online classes “I can not recommend Jamie highly enough - please enter him into your Roll of Honour. I cannot think there will be any more deserving nominations.” Ruth Davis Please send your nomination to events@scriptmedia.co.uk and we will be featuring some more of your stories in WorkOut magazine, and our WorkOut Weekly digital newsletter. Closing date for entries is Friday December 4. Ready, steady, get nominating …
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Advertiser’s announcement
Boost flexible booking efficiencies with Fisikal AT A time of social distancing and capacity restrictions, having a flexible booking system has never been more important to manage inclub, livestream and on-demand classes whilst maintaining a seamless, user-friendly member experience. Fisikal, experts in digital business solutions, enable advanced flexible bookings via web or app-based platforms, allowing you to configure exercise timetables to suit both the facility and member requirements. Rob Lander, Fisikal CEO, said: “Our booking solution simplifies the member journey and gives access to their entire fitness timetable, both classes and PT, together in one place. “We can even allow them to find and book classes by bespoke filters including favourite instructor, spot bookings of specific equipment or even to suit their selected mood at the time.” This solution can be custom branded and colourcoded to highlight specific categories of classes. It can also be built to include specific tags to identify variabilities including types of booking peak or off-peak, classes type – gym, pool, studio or even special promotions.’ Fisikal can provide full operational control of booking schedules by streamlining bulk or finite administration processes at just the touch of a button. Whether it be to restrict advanced bookings or last-minute cancellations, schedule specific release times for classes or to set a closing time pre-class. The solution can provide advanced waiting
list controls, manage a strike system to remove permissions from members for non-attendance and set bookings to inclusive classes or as pay-asyou-go options. The platform also allows for communication to members via email and push notifications. “Working with Fisikal enables the setting of
bespoke performance indicators to create a more tailored solution,” Rob added. “Data can be automatically fed through to a single dashboard, enabling a real time snapshot of performance anytime, anywhere. “This enables changes to me made quickly to positively impact business.” www.fisikal.com
ENVIROSOL has been specially formulated to kill/ inhibit both bacteria and viruses (including enveloped viruses such as coronavirus) on a variety of surfaces such as handles, handrails, doors, tables and desks, and other areas of frequent contact, with a single coating. It is ideal for offices, conference centres, sports clubs, educational and care facilities and motor vehicles, as well as entertainment and hospitality venues, including restaurants and pubs. It is safe to use on the skin and alcohol free, meaning that there is no drying or irritation to the skin. Active biocides present in the formulation provide a longer lasting protection than alcohol based preparations. It does not stain, is non-corrosive and will give a streak and smear free finish to most polished surfaces including glass and stainless steel. We recommend you try the product on all surfaces before proceeding with mass sanitisation.
Keep gym equipment clean and sanitised with these fantastically economical, user-friendly wipes. The unique formula is mild enough to use on hands and skin whilst killing 99.9% of all viruses, fungi and bacteria. Use on all multi-use equipment to keep your workout safe and help prevent the risk of cross infection.
0151 424 2919 www.chemcareliverpool.com info@chemcareliverpool.com Chemcare.indd 1
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Advertiser’s announcement
Freemotion launches the 22 ® SERIES powered by iFit FREEMOTION has announced the global launch of its new iFit®-powered 22 SERIES – a revolutionary full cardio range that provides the first truly interactive, connected fitness experience for commercial fitness facilities. By seamlessly integrating best-inclass product design and industryleading, on-demand, digital content, users experience an immersive and personalised virtual training like never before. Totally interactive and responsive to the user, the one-of-a-kind Freemotion 22 SERIES is set to change the way fitness operators and businesses connect ingym and at-home fitness in the modern day. The 22 SERIES will feature industryleading products including the REFLEX™ Treadmill, Incline Trainer, and CoachBike™ and will be available from late 2020. This launch comes hot on the heels of the announcement that ICON Health and Fitness the world leader in innovation, design, and distribution of connected fitness equipment and software, received a $200million growth investment led by L Catterton, the most global consumer-focused private equity firm, paving the way for Freemotion Fitness to become the leading connected fitness brand in the global commercial market. The investment further accelerates ICON’s unique growth strategy of delivering its expansive range of interactive fitness products powered by iFit, including this launch of the Freemotion 22 SERIES. Connected fitness is not new; it’s been around for years, but the pandemic has thrown it centre stage and accelerated its growth as we head toward 2021. With operators looking to invest sooner rather than later in this booming trend to give members the content-driven experiences they desire and expect, Freemotion has completely ripped up the rule book, creating something new, inspired, and completely unique. An unrivalled interactive, connected fitness experience. Dan Toigo, senior vice president and managing director for Freemotion Fitness, said: “We have put people at the heart of the development of this new 22 SERIES range of cardio equipment. “Each piece has been meticulously designed and developed to deliver a fully interactive, engaging, immersive, and personalised experience.” Immersive global and studio workouts All of the content powering the 22 SERIES comes exclusively from iFit – the world’s leading, on-demand streaming fitness platform – providing users with access to an unparalleled, ever-expanding library of thousands of incredible, coach-led workouts. Available in multiple languages and filmed in breathtaking locations across the globe from Paris to Patagonia, as well as in-studio, the Freemotion 22 SERIES offers limitless training options to excite, motivate, and inspire members. Redefining what it means to be
There are no upfront costs or ongoing subscription fees associated with the new interactive 22 SERIES from Freemotion. With fresh content constantly being added, your investment just keeps on growing in value, delivering more and more to users. Dan added: “When developing the 22 SERIES, no stone was left unturned to ensure we created the most immersive, interactive, results-driven workout experience available in the market. “Everything about the engineering and content is geared toward enabling the user to be at one with the workout, so they can achieve more from every gym visit and develop a true passion for fitness, in turn, driving attendance, engagement, and retention.”
“content-driven,” each product within the Freemotion 22 SERIES features interactive, auto-adjusting technology that controls the speed, resistance, incline, or decline in sync with the coach’s command. By accurately simulating the topography of the iFit Global Workout, this leading-edge technology makes the user feel as though they are running, walking, or cycling alongside their coach; living every step or pedal stroke for a uniquely immersive and true-to-life experience. By removing the need to manually adjust the machine, this allows the user to focus on their workout and make every second count. Users can even select world-renowned race routes, such as the 2020 Tour de France, which consists of 112 different rides that recreate the 21 stages of this year’s Tour. Taking on real-life challenges keeps the user motivated and “locked-in” – helping them to build up those all-important fitness habits and achieve more than they ever thought they could. “It’s not just connected fitness,” added Dan. “The 22 SERIES delivers an interactive, connected fitness experience where you feel part of the workout. “The equipment truly interacts with the content, so you can escape to a far-off land, running amongst the Easter Island statues with iFit Trainer Tommy Rivers Puzey or cycling along the Echi River in Kyoto, Japan with iFit Trainer Ashley Poulson, and feel like you’re actually there. “Users can explore the world without leaving the gym floor, living every footstep or pedal stroke with their coach. “And with a near-endless selection of workouts to choose from, the Freemotion 22 SERIES is the perfect way for operators to keep members coming back for more.” Hyper-personalisation at the push of a button An unprecedented number of filter options further enhance the user
experience by providing them with the unique ability to select workouts by duration, coach, category, intensity, target area, continent, and location. A level of hyper-personalisation only found with the 22 SERIES which allows users to freely access and enjoy workouts that are perfectly suited to their fitness levels, personalities, preferences, and goals. Go further with Google Maps™ Another stand-out feature of the Freemotion 22 SERIES that boosts interactivity is the ability for exercisers to map their own routes – or select prestigious race routes – using Google Maps™. The equipment automatically adjusts to match the on-screen terrain. So, if the user wants to take a trip down memory lane and run around the area they grew up in, or explore a part of the world they’ve been desperate to visit, Google Maps makes the world their workout zone. From a trainer’s perspective, they can use the Google Maps feature to set exciting, demanding, or goal-specific challenges, for example, running the London Marathon route or recreating the Milan–San Remo – which could be a facility-wide event. Connecting the dots between home and gym With this trailblazing cardio line, a facility is able to provide immersive, content-driven experiences that delight and motivate members while staying “connected” outside the gym through the members’ iFit-enabled home fitness equipment. This creates a consistency that helps members to develop healthy fitness habits and better results, leading to an increase in retention and lifetime value. World-class content that’s free for operators What makes the Freemotion 22 SERIES a true opportunity and game-changer for the sector is that all the content is completely free of charge to the operator and the users.
A unique blend of interactive personal training It’s not just the beautifully shot footage that makes the Freemotion 22 SERIES such a groundbreaking cardio line; the diverse and comprehensive selection of more than 100 world-renowned trainers, professional and Olympic athletes, are second to none and take the workouts to another dimension. By combining top-quality, face-toface instruction and motivation with captivating storytelling – sharing insightful information about the location and its history, talking to locals along the route, and providing glimpses into their lives that mimic those true-to-life interactions – the user is drawn in by their coach’s personality. “These superstar iFit coaches offer way more than just workouts, and really do bring the sessions to life,” said Dan. “Because of this unique style of interactive personal training, soon, you feel like you know these people, and because workouts on the Freemotion 22 SERIES are progressive, the beauty is, you grow together – developing a sense of connection along that shared journey. “From an operator’s perspective, this drives attendance, engagement, and retention because users can’t wait to get back on the equipment and continue their rewarding journeys with their favourite iFit coaches.” Personal trainers can also benefit from harnessing the coach-led power of the 22 SERIES. By directing a client to a specific workout – or workout series – aligned to the individual’s program and goals, PTs can keep them on track and heading toward their desired results, while also empowering them with the confidence to exercise between sessions. “The industry is becoming more technology-driven by the second; it’s not a matter of when we embrace it – but how,” said Dan. “We truly believe that by focusing the interactive connected fitness experience – delivered through the 22 SERIES – operators are placing themselves in prime position to meet the challenges of the new fitness age and capitalise on the opportunities, setting themselves up for long-term success.” To learn more about the 22 SERIES visit www.freemotionfitness.com/22-series
REIMAGINE TOMORROW. ACT TODAY IHRSA has replicated the special European Congress experience with an exciting new virtual edition from 18 - 20 November. Join your peers and leading thought leaders from around the world for three half-days to reimagine your business and outlast the COVID-19 economy.
What makes the IHRSA European Congress the MUST-ATTEND virtual event for fitness professionals? • Tour 10 of the most avant-garde clubs in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, complete with an interactive Q&A. • Attend 11 engaging education sessions, panel discussions, and keynote presentations, all simultaneously translated from English into French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. • Discover actionable next steps that you can implement in your business right away. • Make valuable AI-driven business connections with a global audience of club operators and industry suppliers.
DAVID BARTON
Founder & Owner, TMPL Gym & DavidBartonGym, USA
“Through the Looking Glass: A Review of Club Design”
Sandra Dunne Managing Director, Gym Plus, Ireland
“Staffing Impact of Covid-19 on our Teams and Business”
Guy Griffiths Director, GGFit, Ltd., United Kingdom
“Planning for Your Club’s Future: Innovation Strategies for Success”
José Teixeira
Head of Customer Experience, SC Fitness, Portugal
“Digital Transformation for Fitness Clubs from Offline to Online Offerings”
REGISTER TODAY! Full details available at ihrsa.org/congress.
All sessions will be recorded and available on-demand post-event until 31 January!
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
The 19th Annual IHRSA European Congress was sponsored by Advagym/Sony, American Council on Exercise, Core Health and Fitness, Fabiano Designs, Freemotion Fitness, FunXtion International BV, GANTNER Technologies, Gruppo P&G - Fit interiors, GYMIX Radio, Gympass, HydroMassage, Johnson Health Tech. Co., Ltd. / MATRIX FITNESS, Keiser Corporation, Les Mills Shared Services Ltd, Life Fitness, Myzone, NASM / AFFA, Ojmar, Perfect Gym Solutions S.A., Precor, QualiCert - Qualitop International, Technogym SpA, TrainAway, True Fitness, TSG, Virtuagym, Wexer Virtual and Zumba Fitness LLC.
International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association | +32 (0)2 320 2501 • ihrsaeurope@ihrsa.org
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Roll of
HONOUR 2020 WO R KO U T M AG A Z I N E
Have you nominated your lockdown hero? Nominate your lockdown hero who has gone over and above in these most testing of times in the WorkOut Magazine 2020 Roll of Honour. We want to hear from you, if you know someone who has gone above and beyond in 2020, to make a difference and help their members and colleagues get through these harrowing times. The WorkOut Magazine 2020 Roll of Honour will appear in our January 2021 issue Send your nomination to events@scriptmedia.co.uk and we will be featuring some of your stories in WorkOut Magazine and our weekly WorkOut digital newsletter. Closing date for entries is Friday December 4.
We can’t wait to read your stories ‌ Sponsorship opportunities are also available by calling 01226 734 605