ISSUE 1 May
WEEKLY
Issue 17
11 September 2020
YOUR REGULAR ONLINE UPDATE FOR THE UK FITNESS SCENE
£4.2m leisure centre redevelopment completed page 2 Myzone installed across UFC GYM Australia sites page 3 At the heart of the virtual revolution page 4 Connexus - quarter pg - WOM - PR.pdf
1
08/09/2020
15:35
Scan to see Connexus in action Connexus is the space-saving solution that lets you offer a wide variety of functional training programming and speciality classes in one training space. Multiple adjustable attachment points offer maximum versatility and easy transitions between exercises. Choose from wall-mounted and freestanding stations, with optional expansion kits to build exactly what you need for your space, your members, and your budget. CONNEXUS: It’s the system that really shows your strength
www.matrixfitness.co.uk
2
WORKOUT WEEKLY
Hidden pandemic: the IFBA encourages the UK’s independent gyms to unite against food poverty
By JC Vacassin
WITH the COVID-19 pandemic still very much front of mind for most of us, many people are unaware of a second pandemic affecting much of the UK; food poverty - a pandemic that could span generations if we don’t take action now. Earlier this year, we saw the Government cancel free school meals for vulnerable children and families in the midst of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Immediately recognising the devastating impact this would have on families across the UK, Marcus Rashford campaigned to lobby the government to reverse its decision which he achieved. The Manchester United and England forward has raised well over £20m to supply more than three million meals to vulnerable children and families. Football and political bias aside, what Rashford was able to do was incredible but I wanted to take a break from talking about how we can drive more revenue and instead, take this opportunity to highlight another initiative that I am hoping will inspire, unite and enable the independent fitness sector to come together to create positive change.
JC Vacassin It’s estimated that as many as 1.8 million school-age children in the UK are at risk of hunger in the morning. As well as threatening their physical development, this affects children’s ability to concentrate, causing devastating knock-on effects later in life. In a bid to tackle this issue head on, the IFBA – the voice of the independent gym sector – has committed to raising more
than £500,000 to help support Magic Breakfast, a charity devoted to ending child hunger for good. IFBA member gyms are being encouraged to donate £2 for every monthly membership payment – and to ask their members to match this. However, we want to open this up to non-IFBA member gyms and ask the wider community to throw their support behind something worthwhile and which could have positive, life-changing consequences. For just 30p, Magic Breakfast can give a child a healthy breakfast and wraparound support at school. If the fitness industry can unite to address a cause so pivotal to the health and wellbeing of our nation, the result could be truly transformational. I appreciate times are tough, and commercial revenue might be down for some of us, but it’s important we can come together to affect positive change and this is a great initiative to bring clubs and operators together as well as engaging and involving our members and clients in something positive. If a club and its 1,000 members supported this cause, we could provide
more than 13,000 breakfasts for children living across the UK. We have numerous independent clubs signed up but we need more. Magic Breakfast is doing something real to help our children, our communities. Some children come to school with the scraps of yesterday’s takeaway in their lunch box: this should not be happening. Children need to be nourished to learn and grow – which is why we have committed resource, time, and effort to help put an end to child hunger. Please reach out to us at the IFBA for more information and support to join the initiative. With your help, we can ensure child hunger stops. The IFBA was set up to make the fitness industry the best it can be: for PTs, for independent gym owners, for fitness professionals, and ultimately for the fitness consumer. Uniting some of the biggest changemakers in the global fitness scene, the IFBA is the incubator for learning, growth, and excellence in the health and fitness professions. n JC Vacassin is founder of the IFBA and W10.
£4.2m leisure centre redevelopment completed AS LEISURE centres across the country re-open for business, Newton Le Willows Health and Fitness, Merseyside, has revealed a modernised Selwyn Leisure Centre, completely repurposed by Alliance Leisure to realign the facilities and services to the needs of the local community. The phased project, which saw leisure, design and build specialist Createability acting as principal contractor, completely overhauled the centre to introduce a mezzanine floor in half of the existing sports hall to create a 90-station gym (equipped by Precor). The addition of a multi-functional exercise studio and a dedicated Les Mills Immersive group cycle studio completed the health and fitness transformation. The remainder of the sports hall facilitated a new adventure play area for under 11s along with three party rooms. A Sport England grant of £335,000 funded improved access to the swimming pool and gym for people with disabilities as well as a new Village
Change area. All other areas of the centre were renovated including the café, reception area and the changing areas serving the outdoor pitch. The site has undergone a complete mechanical, electrical and plant replacement to significantly extend the lifecycle of the building, along with the introduction of new carbon efficient technologies. With the addition of children’s activities and innovative fitness solutions, the facility now serves a broader demographic and it is hoped these enhancements will improve local health outcomes. Prior to the development, health in the borough was worse than the national average, reflected by the higher than average cost of physical inactivity. “The facility was dated and the type of activities available were clearly not attractive to the local community, which created a barrier to participation in exercise,” said James Foley, commercial director at Alliance Leisure.
“Memberships pre-development was 1,000, with a latent demand of 1,948. “Since the investment, memberships have increased to 2,300, which is a fantastic result for St Helen’s Council and local people,” Starting in March 2019, the project was completed in five phases to keep the centre open to the public throughout the redevelopment. Final works completed in early August, with works continuing during the challenges presented by lockdown. David Boocock, service manager at St. Helens Council, added: “The council took the brave decision in 2019, in what was a challenging financial climate, to invest in the site. “The impact of this investment has far exceeded our expectations and more importantly those of the communities which we serve. “Working with the Alliance team we have repurposed space and broadened the appeal of the activities the building is able to accommodate. “Their advice has been sound and, if
anything, their forecasts for usage have been conservative. Within six months the site is hitting its three-year targets. “The building has gone from a tired 90s sports centre to a facility which provides affordable leisure and fitness activities in a high quality environment for people of all ages and abilities.” Ian Cotgrave, managing director of Createability, concluded: “This project was a real team effort by all concerned, and delivered in challenging Covid times. “The results are spectacular, and the transformation needs to be seen to be believed.” The project was secured under the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned by Denbighshire Council and managed by Denbighshire Leisure. Following its success, Alliance is starting work on a second project for St. Helens Council. The scheme will look to bring the swimming pool at Sutton Leisure Centre back into use, six years after it was closed to the public.
WORKOUT WEEKLY
3
Piper invests£11.5m into leading smart indoor bike brand PIPER, the leading specialist investor in consumer branded businesses, will invest £11.5m into Wattbike, creators of the world’s first smart indoor bike brand independently verified as the most accurate, reliable and measurable trainer in the world. Wattbike was founded in Nottingham in 2007 by former world champion rower Ian Wilson in collaboration with British Cycling with a mission to create the best performing indoor training bike, differentiated by its exceptional accuracy and patented technology that supports scientific quality data collection through the Wattbike Hub. The brand has become a firm favourite among elite sportspeople, with teams such as British Cycling and England football squad training on its bikes, along with sporting champions such as Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Anthony Joshua and Chloé Dygert. Although initially to be found in the UK’s leading gym chains, Wattbike’s direct to consumer offering has seen rapid growth over the last few years, with the business forecasting total sales in excess of £21m in 2020. The company has experienced particularly strong growth in recent months with sales orders rising 192 per cent YoY in April. Based in Nottingham, it currently employs 64 staff. With the ambition to become world’s most popular indoor smart bike, Wattbike has invested significantly in developing its range of products and recently launched three new smart bikes – the Nucleus and Atom X for the B2B market and the Atom Next Generation, the latest Wattbike model for the consumer market. Alongside these launches, Wattbike has continued to develop its supporting technology. The Wattbike Hub app enables riders to collect detailed data for training and performance improvement, while the bike is software agnostic allowing riders to race and train with friends in a virtual world by connecting to other providers such as Peloton or Zwift. Piper’s £11.5m investment (subject to 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
“We are very excited to be backing the Wattbike team for the next stage of growth.”
FCA approval) will help the business to continue growth in the UK and further penetrate the US and Asia, capitalising on the global rise in connected at home fitness and cycling. It is the sixth investment from Piper VI, its £125m fund. Rich Baker, CEO of Wattbike, said: “Since first meeting the Piper team in 2016 they have consistently helped and supported our business. “We are confident that their investment and expertise will help us realise our global ambitions for the Wattbike brand.” Dusan Adamovic, technical director of the brand, said: “We are very excited to have the backing of Piper who are such experienced and focused investors with a clear understanding of the opportunities we have for Wattbike to help more and more consumers improve their performance and health.” Dan Stern, Piper’s investment director, who lead the deal, added: “We are very excited to be backing the Wattbike team for the next stage of growth. “Indoor fitness training alongside the rise in consumers cycling and participating in triathlons make this is a very attractive market sector and Wattbike is in a league of its own when it comes to high-performance indoor bikes. “We’re looking forward to working with Rich and the team over the coming years.” Ian Wilson stepped down as chief executive in 2018 but remains a non executive director and shareholder. Gordon Baird, former chairman of sports footwear brand Inov-8 and swimwear brand Zoggs, will join the business as non executive chairman. Ashcombe Advisers and Houlihan Lokey advised the company on the transaction.
Myzone installed across UFC GYM Australia sites UFC GYM Australia has partnered with Myzone to roll the wearable technology platform out across its estate. Myzone has worked with the team over the last few months to integrate the technology into the UFC offering. The digital platform was installed at UFC’s Paramatta club in New South Wales during lockdown in preparation for reopening in June. Following the success of the installation, the technology is currently being rolled out throughout the group. Offering functional fitness, group fitness, one to one training as well as group, private and youth MMA training, the rapidly expanding fitness brand currently has 10 sites located throughout Australia with another 10 locations in the pipeline. Myzone will help to maximise the member training experience with large video walls in the clubs, while live heart rate feedback and video programming through the Myzone software will facilitate the delivery of popular UFC programmes such as the Daily Ultimate
Training classes, a high intensity interval training boot camp focusing on speed, agility, core strength, body weight and circuit drills. Additionally, the social platform and challenges will be used to engage UFC members, both those training in the clubs and at home. “UFC GYM already offers a diverse and unique range of training programmes to its members; adding the digital platform will bring a new element to the training including the signature UFC programmes while supporting its ‘Train Different’ mission,” said Mike Beeney, director of Myzone Asia Pacific. Maz Hagemrad, CEO of UFC Gyms Australia, added: “Our staff were more excited than anyone else. Our team immediately adopted the belts and started an internal unofficial competition amongst themselves. This level of engagement with our team will translate in multiples to members. The Myzone belts will become an integral component of our programme delivery in years to come.”
the amazing work they are doing at first hand but 2020 has been such an extraordinary year that we feel that this isn’t appropriate in these current uncertain times. However, the date is set, the venue booked and the glittering National Fitness Awards’ evening will be back at the fabulous Athena in Leicester on Friday November 26 2021. Despite the obvious disappointment, we are excited to have a full 15 months to ensure that next year’s celebration of fitness excellence is the biggest and best yet. All nominations for this year’s awards will be carried over to next year – and nominees will have the opportunity to update their nominations should they wish to ahead of the closing date. Nominations will remain open throughout the year closing on August
31 2021. Thank you for all your nominations and support and we look forward to celebrating your achievements again in 2021. Thanks too to our sponsors for your continued loyalty and support. In the meantime, in view of the massive challenges that the industry has faced this year and the sheer hard work, innovation and determination that has been needed to keep going we will be launching our 2020 Roll of Honour in the coming weeks. We want to hear all your stories about selfless individuals who have gone above and beyond during lockdown, as well as your stories of innovation, bravery and survival. Watch out for details on our social media pages, in WorkOut Weekly and in WorkOut magazine.
National Fitness Awards postponed WE ARE so sad to announce that we have taken the difficult decision to cancel this year’s National Fitness Awards. It’s been a year like no other for the fitness sector and the wider world and we would have loved to have recognised the stoicism, determination and sheer hard work of our industry professionals at our end-of-year awards celebration. But after careful deliberation and discussions with the venue and our sponsors, we feel that the most responsible course of action to protect the health and safety of our nominees and sponsors is to cancel this year’s awards and look ahead to 2021 and brighter times. It is usually a wonderful time of the year when we are visiting all our finalists, meeting them and seeing
4
WORKOUT WEEKLY
At the heart of the virtual revolution
HUTCHISON Technologies’ virtual solutions are helping operators expand their virtual offering and get motivated members back into the club. Having been at the forefront of the virtual revolution from the start, Hutchison Technologies is the undisputed heavyweight integrator of virtual fitness solutions. We know virtual. It’s all about combining a great sound system, the perfect visual solution, phenomenal lights and content from the likes of Les Mills, MyRide, Fitbox Virtual and Myzone to create a motivating and memorable workout experience. Hutchison Technologies had the technical know-how, operational means and passion to make the best virtual experience possible. AV to the max – Virtual integration ensures clubs get the most out of their AV, even at off-peak times. Run spectacular pre-programmed and automated audio visual and lighting sequences to the best virtual content to keep members coming back for more. More classes – Virtual means clubs can run more classes each week, which not only compliments the live classes but also helps to take the pressure off, meaning members never miss out on their favourite group exercise classes. Flexible studios – From large screen displays and projection, to video walls and wrap-around immersive projection, we can offer solutions for all budgets and can integrate virtual solutions into just about any space. Endless options – With a host of virtual
content providers to choose from including Les Mills, MyRide, Fitbox Virtual and more, clubs have a range of providers and classes to choose from – ensuring members are always engaged. Ross Patterson, technical sales consultant, said: “We’ve been approached by many operators who
have utilised previously unused floor space to maximise the class timetable. “This has helped them to retain member engagement while adhering to social distancing guidelines. ”We are now actively supporting the digital livestream boom, helping operators to record, stream and upload
their content to a hosting platform which they can make available as a virtual class and deliver through their existing AV set up.” If you’d like to know more about how we can help, speak to Ross today. sales@hutchison-t.com 0333 240 7369 (option 1)
WORKOUT WEEKLY
5
Stoke Park invests in latest fitness technology upgrades from Matrix STOKE Park is steeped in history and remains one of the most prestigious estates in the country. With a reputation for the highest quality, Stoke Park decided to refurbish its 4000sq ft gym earlier this year with the latest in fitness technology from Matrix Fitness. Sarah Westbrook-Burr, head of fitness at Stoke Park, said: “The driving force behind this installation project was to provide first-class, but easy to use digital fitness upgrades to enhance the
experience for all of our members and visitors, giving them a seamless and connected member journey through their workout. “Stoke Park is renowned for the highest of standards, so it was imperative that we worked with the perfect supplier partner.” As part of the upgrade, Stoke Park opted to install the latest Matrix Fitness 7xi cardio range to provide a digital, fully connected way to link users to entertainment, effective fitness tracking
and brand-building communication whilst they work out. The project also incorporated the Matrix Magnum Mega Double Rack functional frame which is a combination of two racks and custom connection elements so that sites can tailor their functional training options to their facility and audience. Sarah added: “We have had really positive feedback from both members and our fitness team. “They all love the connectivity, visuals
and entertainment options that the new Matrix cardio range brings. “The style of the equipment is in keeping with our premium offering and Matrix were fantastic to work with throughout the entire project, supporting us from start to finish.” The upgrades to the fitness suite reinforce the premium offering that Stoke Park provides its visitors and members across the entire estate. www.matrixfitness.co.uk
BORN TO MOVE to help schools and families get involved in Great British Week of Sport ukactive has announced the backing of Les Mills for the Great British Week of Sport, in a partnership which will help children, young people and families get the most from the campaign. The celebration takes place from Saturday September 19 to Sunday September 27, forming the bedrock of the UK’s delivery of the European Week of Sport, and celebrates the power that sport and activity has on our physical, mental and social wellbeing. When children returned to school recently, classes and physical activity sessions look quite different, with schools having to work hard to ensure children do not miss out on their physical activity sessions due to social distancing restrictions. The Great British Week of Sport is a great way to kick off activity both in schools and at home, and to ensure that children and families can get involved, Les Mills is providing a selection of its globally recognised kids programme, BORN TO MOVE™ for free to schools across the UK, until October. BORN TO MOVE Schools is a virtual platform offering fun-filled classes for children, encouraging them to use their imagination as they engage in physical activity. The workout programmes have been
curated, filmed and presented in a way that allows kids of all age groups to take part. Justine Williams, global business development manager for BORN TO MOVE™, said: “We are really looking forward to supporting the Great British Week of Sport by helping more children
and families to be active. “We hope that by offering these selected BORN TO MOVE sessions to schools for free, we can give teachers and parents, confidence and resource helping make the school day fun and engaging, even under the current restrictions.”
Harriett Jones, head of projects and campaigns at ukactive, added: “We are delighted to have Les Mills and BORN TO MOVE on board for the Great British Week of Sport. “It’s so important that children, young people and families across the UK are able to participate and celebrate the fun and benefits of being active together, so we’re excited to see schools make use of this fantastic opportunity.” Schools will be using the platform on Thursday September, 24 which is the day of the Great British Week of Sport focused on children and young people. They will also be able to enter a prize draw to have free access to the full BORN TO MOVE Schools platform for a year. For more information about the week, and to register your events, visit the Great British Week of Sport website https://gbwos.com Familiar faces including Team GB Hockey gold medallist Georgie Twigg; Paralympic gold medallists Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and David Smith; Nike triathlete John McAvoy; RED Together founder Hannah Beecham; and Football Beyond Borders coach Debra Nelson will help to promote the events.
In partnership with
FRIDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2021,
THE ATHENA,LEICESTER
We are so sad to announce that we have taken the difficult decision to cancel this year’s National Fitness Awards. All nominations for this year’s awards will be carried over to next year – and nominees will have the opportunity to update their nominations should they wish to ahead of the closing date. Nominations will remain open throughout the year closing on August 31 2021. Thank you for all your nominations and support and we look forward to celebrating your achievements in 2021. Thanks too to our sponsors for your continued loyalty and support.
WWW.NATIONALFITNESSAWARDS.CO.UK
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE
Call 01226 734605
or email tb@scriptmedia.co.uk for details