ISSUE 1 May
WEEKLY
Issue 104 - 1 July 2022
YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE
Task force aims to drive improvement in physical activity for disabled people – page 5 Parkwood Leisure opens new £15m Tarka Leisure Centre in North Devon – page 6
2022
FRI DAY 18TH NOVEM BER 2022, THE ATHENA, LEI CESTER
NOMI NAT I ONSWI L LRE MAI NOP E N T HROUGHOUTT HEYE AR, CL OSI NGON F RI DAY26T HAUGUS T2022.
SPONSORSHI P PACKAGES ARE AVAI LABLE
Cal l01226 734605
oremai lt b@scr i pt medi agr oup. co. ukf ordet ai l s SPONSORED BY
NOMINATION FORM Category entered: Gym name: Gym opened:
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Email: Total size (in sqm) of the gym/centre (including pool, studios etc): What is the total of your current membership: What is the total number of staff (Full Time): What is the total number of staff (Part Time): How many studios (if any) do you have: Facilities provided: (tick all that apply) Gym facilities
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Please see overleaf for the rest of the form Please return to: Megan Prince, Script Events, Script Media Group LTD, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS
NOMINATION FORM
Please state, in 300 words or less, why you are entering the category indicated and why you think that your gym/centre/individual should be shortlisted:
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Please return to: Megan Prince, Script Events, Script Media Group LTD, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS
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WORKOUT WEEKLY
Task force aims to drive improvement in physical activity for disabled people ukactive has formed a cross-sector task force to help deliver its vision of a sector that is freely accessible and utilised by all, enabling everyone to be active and participate in whatever capacity they wish. The Everyone Can Task Force is made up of leaders from the sport and physical activity sector who will work together to help realise the full potential of gyms, fitness and leisure facilities in supporting disabled people to be active. The group forms part of the Everyone Can programme from ukactive, which is designed to improve inclusivity and accessibility for disabled people by bringing the sector together to grow the relationship with the disability sector, to raise awareness, and to convene operators and suppliers to share learnings and evidence. The Everyone Can Task Force will provide leadership on the agenda and also help to develop practical guidance for fitness and leisure operators to tackle the barriers and challenges faced by disabled people, while highlighting the demand from disabled people and the opportunities available through better engagement. Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “The physical activity sector has an essential role in narrowing the disparities
and inequalities faced by disabled people today. “We are delighted to launch the Everyone Can Task Force, which has a broad and strong membership that will help us to reach all parts of the sector – in partnership with the disability sector. “Our sector-wide consultations and new website are already helping our members to make further improvements to be more inclusive. “Through this task force we will redouble our efforts to make sure that barriers are further reduced, so that whoever you are, you will be able to take part in physical activity if you wish.” Alongside ukactive and public and private operators from its membership, the task force includes Activity Alliance, Sport England, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, and the Swimming Teachers Association. The Everyone Can Task Force: n Activity Alliance: Barry Horne, CEO. Helene Raynsford, Paralympic rowing champion; public health and sport consultant. n CIMSPA: Tara Dillon, CEO. n Everyone Active: Ben Beevers, group development director. n GLL: Andrew Clark, national sports and aquatics manager.
n Places Leisure: Sarah Roberts, head of fitness. n PureGym: Julia McMullan, director of central operations. n Swimming Teachers Association: Dave Candler, CEO. n Sport England: Adam Blaze, strategic lead, disability. n The Gym Group: Rachel Shinn, D&I and wellbeing lead, and Sarah Grime, head of format. n ukactive: Baroness Tanni GreyThompson, chair, and Huw Edwards, CEO. ukactive has undertaken a series of sector-wide consultations to examine the physical activity landscape for disabled people, with a focus on the sector’s services. The findings to date showed that the sector must enhance levels of customer service and engage better with disabled people, such as providing more (and accessible) information to consumers and communicating that facilities are open to all. It also underlined the importance of gathering and reporting usage levels and behaviours among disabled people. Based on the findings, ukactive has launched a new website to improve services for disabled people. Organisations with an interest in,
or remit of, increasing the inclusivity and access of gyms, fitness and leisure centres are encouraged to sign-up via the website for further updates and resources which will be developed with the support of the task force. Over the coming year, the Everyone Can Task Force will help deliver further insights, including the needs and motivations of disabled people and the recommended solutions for the sector to implement. The main themes to be explored by the task force in collaboration with the sector and disabled people include: n The disability landscape (an introduction to disability and our sector’s influence and potential) n Information and communication (generating a familiar journey for consumers) n Improving customer service and the confidence of the workforce n Facilities and the environment (including equipment) n Data capture and collection (understanding the audience and identifying ways to collect data about the customer to improve experience). The task force will have the ongoing support of Baroness Tanni GreyThompson, who will finish her tenure as Chair of ukactive at the end of July.
Swimming teacher takes on epic charity challenge A SWIMMING teacher and lifeguard at Your Space Bircotes Leisure Centre is raising money for two charities close to his heart by challenging himself to swim the equivalent width of the English Channel every month during 2022. Last year, Tony Gibbings set himself the task of swimming 50 miles, which he completed – raising more than £1,200 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in memory of his friend Ray Roche. Now he’s taking on an even more epic challenge – completing the equivalent of 12 Channel swims in 12 months. This time round, the money raised will be split between two charities, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Publishing manager: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Studio manager: Paul Hopkinson ph@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant studio manager: Scott Firth sf@scriptmedia.co.uk Sales and marketing director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 tb@scriptmedia.co.uk
www.workout-uk.co.uk
Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity; a charity partner of his employer BPL, which operates Your Space Bircotes Leisure Centre in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council. Tony, 60, has recently passed the halfway point of his challenge, having swum 143 miles out of a total of 252 – the equivalent of just over six Channel swims. He has been stacking up the miles by using the pool at his place of work and at sister site Your Space Retford Leisure Centre, cheered on by colleagues, fellow swimmers and pupils from his swimming lessons. He also plans to complete an outdoor
swim at Salford Quays later this summer. Tony said: “I’ve been swimming three to four times a week and had great support from the swimmers at the leisure centre who swim alongside me, as well as family and friends. “The children I teach have also been really interested, so I keep them updated with how far along the challenge I am. “Thank you to everyone who has donated and supported me so far – it is very much appreciated to support the work of these two amazing charities.” So far, Tony has raised just over £600 and hopes to meet his £2,000 target by the end of the year.
Tony Gibbings
Myzone wins App of the Year at FIT Summit Awards of Excellence
Myzone has been awarded App of The Year in the 2023 FIT Summit Awards of Excellence. At a ceremony in Singapore in front of fitness industry leaders from around the world, Myzone won the accolade against strong competition, as part of The FIT Summit World Health, Fitness and Wellness Festival. “We’re on a continuous journey to make products that get more people moving,” said Leon Rudge, global head of product at Myzone. There’s been so much hard work from the entire Myzone team in evolving the app, the in-club software and the accompanying hardware; it’s recognition such as this that cements our belief in leading the way for engaging experiences using innovative technology. “With a redesigned interface to improve UX/UI in 2022, Myzone movers
can take on individual or group Remote workouts with real-time data, and operators benefit from club branded app opportunities and open APIs. “There’s so much more to come and thanks to the FIT Summit team and award judges for this prestigious title.” The App of the Year category featured entrants from any fitness, wellness or
lifestyle app (B2C and/or B2B). The award was based on: an app’s positive impact on the consumer and/ or industry; strength and depth of content; UX design functionality and responsiveness; new growth in APAC; future growth possibility across APAC; and the potential impact of future iterations.
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WORKOUT WEEKLY
Parkwood Leisure opens new £15m Tarka Leisure Centre in North Devon NORTH Devon’s new state-of-the-art facility, Tarka Leisure Centre, opened in Barnstaple recently, combining the town’s leisure facilities into one site. Following a £15million investment, the new facility was officially opened by British Winter Olympic hero Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards, celebrating the new additions including an endless ski slope, which provides residents with the unique opportunity to try out skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing in North Devon. The new centre is owned by North Devon Council and forms part of a longstanding partnership with Parkwood Leisure which dates back almost 20 years. Glen Hall, Parkwood Leisure’s managing director, added: “This is a fantastic new facility, built through a longstanding relationship with North Devon Council. “Parkwood Leisure is focused on the health and wellbeing of the communities we operate in and the new Tarka facility will give the opportunity for everyone in the area to get active, try something new and offers something truly unique to the area”.
The site is part grant-funded and received £1.5million from the Coastal Communities Fund and £1.8million from the National Lottery via Sport
England. As part of the development the existing tennis centre, which already offered six indoor tennis courts, four
outdoor courts and a full-size artificial grass football pitch, was upgraded. The new site is now also home to a 25m eight-lane competition swimming pool with a movable floor, a 20m four-lane learner pool, a large 110-station gym with equipment supplied by Life Fitness, two multipurpose group exercise studios plus indoor cycling studio, as well as a four badminton court-size sports hall. A large indoor soft play, outdoor play area and cafe complete the multi-million pound leisure facility. North Devon Council leader David Worden said: “It’s been designed and built with customers in mind, who’ve helped to shape the facilities such as movable floors in the swimming pools, improved access for people with disabilities and skiing too.” Architects Watson Batty and contractors Speller Metcalfe have delivered the £15million project, whilst keeping the existing Tarka Tennis Facility and Falcons Gymnastics Academy fully open and operational for the duration of the build. Tarka Leisure Centre is now open and welcoming visitors.
Advertiser’s announcement
Gym Upholstery UK joins forces with award-winning College FITNESS Evolution, the award-winning fitness centre and gym at Burnley College, has partnered with Gym Upholstery UK to offer training for its expanding franchise network. Boosted with a host of exciting and innovative facilities and technology, the Burnley Campus features cutting-edge facilities and is continually investing in its £100million town centre Campus. The outstanding development really sets Burnley College’s sports centre and gym facilities head and shoulders above the rest to create a multi-functional hub that is widely accessible for all members of the local community and beyond. Since 2016, Fitness Evolution has been inspiring and motivating people in
Burnley to take up exercise and join a community with a passion for inspired fitness, sports, and wellness. The unrivalled, award-winning and industry leading elite sports gym is equipped with state-of-the-art resistance and cardio equipment as well as the very latest sport and fitness technology. As well as students, their facilities are being utilised by the College’s elite athletes, as well as visiting professional athletes and sports teams including Burnley FC women. The pioneering partnership will bring a wealth of expertise and skills to their current employees and franchisees. Thus far, the strong relationship and
links with the College has seen our latest franchisees complete major reupholstery work in the gym. Our latest franchisees covering the entire Lancashire area have recently completed repairs to the multi-adjustable benches as well as fit bespoke logo embroidered sweat covers to reinforce the gyms branding and enhance the overall look of the equipment. On-site training at the college will help new franchisees acquire the skills and knowledge they’ll need to succeed and prepare them for the realities of running their own franchise business. It also provides a chance for franchisees to dip their toes into the water and
receive first-hand experience before taking the full plunge and starting their first day on the job. Dean Boyle, managing director of Gym Upholstery UK, said: “We place a huge emphasis on ongoing support and development. In turn, this will ensure franchisees meet the high operational standards to help their business grow and become part of our global brand.” If you are looking for a lucrative career change and would like to find out more about our unique franchise opportunities, get in touch with our team today. Call 01282 831238, email email@gymupholstery.com or visit gymupholstery.com
WEEKLY WORKOUT
Webbington Hotel and Spa Axbridge, BS26 2HU Wednesday, September 21
Speakers to include Dave Wright, founder of Myzone and CFM
Dave Wright is the creator and global CEO of Myzone, the CEO and owner of Creative Fitness Marketing and the co-owner of the Voyage Fitness brand in Australia. Not only is he the chair of UKActive’s Supplier Council but his product, Myzone, is enjoyed in more than 8,000 facilities by more than two million people in 84 countries. A serial entrepreneur, and a Workout columnist for the past 20 years, Dave is a straight-talking Australian based in the UK who has the unique ability of being both a club operator and a supplier.
David Minton, founding director, The Leisure Database Company David is well known for his unique industry knowledge and is in demand for his expert media commentary and public speaking. Helping businesses and individuals with the invaluable intelligence needed to make key decisions, David leads them through analysis into action, achievement and competitive advantage. He also works with leading journalists and publications to spark debate within and create support for the leisure, fitness, consultancy and financial industries and is the recognised go-to for market trends, data and insight.
Charlie Horton, marketing and sales manager, Fitness Marketing Agency Charlie has always had passion for both fitness and business, having started his career in the fitness industry at just 18 years old, with a marketing role for a renowned Gym and PT Studio. After building up a wealth of knowledge and know-how, Charlie met Ben Davis (founder of Fitness Marketing Agency) and began the next stage of his career. Charlie has been with the Fitness Marketing Agency since its conception in 2015, working alongside Ben to grow the business to what it is today – a hugely successful agency that supports over 300 clients, from independent gym owners and corporate gyms to personal trainers and online coaches. FMA provides such businesses with marketing tools and resources to aid in lead generation, conversion, sales and ultimately, growth. As marketing and sales manager, Charlie oversees and nurtures the sales and marketing team whilst driving the marketing forward for FMA, as a business. Charlie can often be found speaking at leading industry events, including Independent Gym Owner Conference, where he shares his quick and effective marketing and sales tools. He specialises in generating leads and client acquisitions.
Mike Hind MBE, CEO of MAS Body Gym and founder of Macro Based Diner Mike has been training people for over 12 years, in that time he has been recognised as one of the most respected and renowned coaches in the UK being crowned ‘The Best Personal Trainer in the UK’ by the National Fitness Awards. His work has been broadcast across the globe and he became a household name when he took on “Dibsy” the 40 stone guy, Mike offered him a FREE life saving year-long programme. Mike was awarded the “Outstanding Achievement Award” in 2018 by the National Fitness Awards for outstanding contribution within the fitness industry. His client list includes Premier League and international footballers, European champion boxers, professional bikini athletes and TV stars. But with this, Mike’s main focus is always on the public… In 2019 at The National Fitness Awards, Mike and his team won an amazing three awards. With Mike being crowned ‘UK’s Best Personal Trainer’ for the third consecutive year which is something that has never been done. Mike’s client Dibsy walked away winning the ‘Member Achievement’ Award and Mike’s meal prep company winning the ‘Innovation in Fitness and Nutrition’ Award. In 2020 Mike was recognised in the Queens Birthday honours and was awarded an MBE for his services to his community.
Lianne Clark, Business development manager, Active IQ
Lianne Clark is an experienced business and fitness professional with a comprehensive industry background working for national gym chains, local authorities and equipment suppliers. She’s passionate about championing active wellness and has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities which face the sector. At Active IQ, Lianne works closely with her centres across the Midlands and east of England to help their businesses grow and their learners to succeed.
Book your free places today at https://tomorrows-workout.co.uk/delegate-booking/ Exhibitior opportunities are available by calling Tony Barry on 01226 734605.
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SEPTEMBER
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THE FITNESS EVENT OF THE YEAR Visit Tomorrow’s Workout 2022 Bristol and South West and find all you need in one place • Over 50 key exhibitors with the latest equipment and services • Speaker panel packed with ideas for your business • New products to improve your spend per member
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