Issuu

June 2009

The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine

‘Industry has responsibility over addicts’ By Mary Ferguson THE fitness industry has been urged to take more responsibility for helping members who put their health at risk by getting hooked on exercise. Eating disorder charity Beat has called for gym operators to adopt policies and safe working practices that would reduce the risks to people with compulsive exercising conditions, often linked with illnesses like anorexia and bulimia. Susan Ringwood, chief executive of Beat, told Workout: “Our aim is to raise awareness of the problem of excessive exercising amongst the fitness industry. If gym staff suspect that someone has a problem, they should approach them, even though I appreciate that it can be difficult. If someone had a heart condition and were doing the wrong exercises for it they would tell them, and this is no different. Staff in the fitness industry should have training to include information about compulsive exercising, and how to identify the early signs and symptoms.” The charity has called for gyms to include questions about eating disorders and exercise habits in the questionnaires they ask new members to complete.

Susan said compulsive exercisers can be identified by their body shape and the frequency and intensity of their workouts. And following the call from Beat, The FIA is putting together its own guidelines for operators on how to identify and deal with those who may have a problem. CEO Andree Deane said compulsive exercise has been an issue for a long time, with the association regularly receiving letters from operators unsure of how to deal with it. She has even witnessed a member being expelled for continually exercising in the sauna, believing the heat would burn more calories. Fainting during exercise is also a risk, both to the sufferer and others around them. But Mario Pederzolli, owner of Fitrooms in Fulham, told Workout there is a clear responsibility on the member to follow advice given to them by the gym. He added: “In extreme cases of overtraining I agree we have a duty of care to highlight the associated risks, should that behaviour be observed within the club. However, we cannot be held ultimately responsible for an individual's actions, particularly if they have chosen not to follow the advice given.” I Exercise addiction: Page 21

No 189 £3

Sector is booming despite recession

Ripped gym in Harlow welcomed the TV star of Last Man Standing when he stopped by to train at the facilities. Wolé Adesemoye, pictured above, won series two of BBC show after travelling to ten different countries, canoe racing in Brazil, climbing mountains in Nepal and foot racing in Siberia.

THE health and fitness sector is booming despite difficult economic times, according to a survey. The FIA State of the UK Fitness Industry survey has revealed the sector has grown by three per cent in the last year – with revenue up to an all time high of £3.77bn. The survey – conducted by The Leisure Database Company – also revealed like-for-like membership numbers had grown by 0.8 per cent to 12.1 per cent and 114 new public and private facilities opened over the 12 month period between April 1 2008 and March 31 2009. Director of The Leisure Database Company David Minton said: “The Government’s health messages are being taken seriously by consumers who value their gym memberships perhaps over other leisure spend. “The fitness industry has maintained its performance levels and gained new members despite the difficult trading conditions. It’s also heartening to see the industry realise sustainable growth without resorting to price cutting.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Vernon Montgomery, owner of The 24 Hour Gym, seized the opportunity when The Pink Gym became available

Vernon’s tickled pink by his ladies’ club By Mary Ferguson THE owner of an independent gym in Swindon has rescued a sinking ladies only club by buying it and moving it upstairs – for just £5,000 plus VAT. Vernon Montgomery, owner of The 24 Hour Gym, seized the opportunity when The Pink Gym, based down the road, went into liquidation. He made the administrators an offer and the same day, moved all the equipment to the little-used studio above his main gym. Within two

weeks, the new women’s gym was making a profit. Vernon said: “The girl that owned the gym rang me and asked if I could do any special deals for the members that would be losing their facilities. I had 2,000sq ft of studio space that wasn’t getting much use so put an offer in. “The concept and the equipment was fantastic, but the overheads proved too much, which is the only reason it failed.” 50 of the original members have moved to The 24 Hour Gym, which is

branded in pink, and are paying a reduced rate of £20 a month. For an extra £5 a month, they are able to use the mixed gym downstairs too. As well as the equipment, pink sofas and database that came with the deal, Vernon also took on the club’s manager, Kayla New, who is responsible for operating the new gym. The club operates on a circuit basis, using hydraulic equipment that appeals to women afraid of building muscles, as well as those needing rehabilitation.

Kayla said: “Many women lead very busy lives, which is why the 30 minute circuit system works for them. “We do have a few who choose to use the main facilities downstairs too but for most, the appeal is that there are no men around up here.” As well as the circuit equipment there is a punch bag, hula hoops and skipping rope for women to add variety to their workouts. And because it is open 24 hours – but not always staffed – a panic button has been installed in the new area, along with CCTV.

New range launched to UK market MATRIX Fitness Systems has launched a new range of cardiovascular equipment to the UK market. The Seven Series includes treadmills, ascent trainers, ellipticals, hybrid cycles, upright cycles, recumbent cycles and steppers, which are available in both the 7xe and 7x models. Managing director Jon Johnston said: “The launch of our new cardiovascular range brings a number of A South London gym catering mainly for the corporate market has dropped its joining fees for people who return to the club after leaving. Independently operated Solutions Health and Fitness, based in Croydon, has seen some of its customers – many who work in the area – cancel their memberships after losing their jobs in the recession. So to encourage them to return once they have found new positions, manager Davis Advertising

Editorial

Sales and marketing

Group Editor: Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 Fax: 01226 734705 Email: ah@whpl.net Reporters: Louise Cordell Tel: 01226 734694 Email: lcordell@whpl.net

director: Tony Barry Sales manager: Lucy Hill Tel: 01226 734615 Sales executives: Daniel Lloyd Tel: 01226 734699 Daniel Parker Tel: 01226 734668 Danielle Hornby Tel: 01226 734707

Christina Eccles Tel: 01226 734463 Email: ce@whpl.net

advantages for the customer including ease of maintenance and advanced connectivity features. We are delighted to be raising the bar and changing customers’ expectations of high specification CV products in the market. We can now offer a premium fully integrated entertainment solution with a user friendly interface and a lower total cost of ownership than our competitors.”

Le Grand has dropped the joining fee of £25. He told Workout: “If someone has lost their job there’s not a lot I can do to encourage them to stay, so I want to make it easier for them once they decide to come back.” David added that despite the economic downturn the club is still doing well and since he took over as manager in 2006, membership has trebled.

Mary Ferguson Tel: 01226 734712 Email: mf@whpl.net

Production Group Deputy Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734458 Email: jhalkerston@whpl.net Wharncliffe Publishing Ltd. 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS.

www.workout-uk.co.uk

‘The day Sheffield moved more’ SHOPPERS did a double take as more than a hundred people took part in a mass fitness class in Sheffield city centre. Crowds gathered outside Sheffield City Hall for the flash-mob event which sees people meeting up in the

same place to do unusual things. The ‘Day Sheffield Moved More’ was organised by sport and leisure operator Sheffield International Venues (SIV) through social networking sites such as Facebook, Bebo and Twitter.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Gym shorts Charity call ... FITNESS First is encouraging its members to get involved in a big fundraising campaign for the British Heart Foundation. The Million Miles Challenge is a two-month campaign to raise funds to help beat heart disease and around 35,000 members and nonmembers are involved, pounding the treadmills and clocking up one million miles on cross trainers, rowers and bikes. Fitness First managing director John Gamble said: “Our members are great supporters of the BHF and I know they will do all they can to help us raise as much money as possible for this very worthy campaign.”

Trio join Pulse PULSE has appointed three new sales managers to drive fitness equipment sales during 2009. Steve Grapes, formerly of Life Fitness, and Ken Wattam, formerly of Technogym, have joined the company as territory sales managers. Darren Murphy, who has taken up the position in Ireland, used to be sales executive for O’Neills International Sportswear. Steve Grapes has taken control of Pulse’s existing client base in Wales whilst Ken will be responsible for customers in the North of England.

Pilates expert Angie Stirland is celebrating landing a prestigious role within a leading Pilates organisation. Angie, who is the regional Pilates coordinator for Bannatyne’s health clubs in the north east, has begun work for Body Control Pilates as one of only seven UK regional student support teachers. She will be responsible for carrying out students’ initial practical assessments and provide workshops for the students to practice their teaching skills and develop their knowledge. Nigel Armstrong, managing director of Bannatyne Fitness, said: “Being selected by Body Control is clear recognition of the skills and experience Angie possesses.”

Festival spreads the word about martial arts By Louise Cordell A LEICESTER gym owner has staged a huge festival to educate people about the benefits of martial arts. Kwoklyn Wan, owner of the Urban Martial Arts gym, decided to hold the event after seeing the popularity of his classes rise over the last few years. He said: “We opened five years ago and by providing access to many different styles of martial arts we have attracted over 700 members. “With this festival we wanted to provide something that would give people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to see and try out many different styles, some of which they might never have heard of.” Kwoklyn is a senior Jeet Kune Do instructor and his club offers classes from boxing, kendo and Thai kickboxing to wrestling and an ‘Urban Dragons’ freestyle karate class for kids. The April event was held at Parklands Leisure Centre in Oadby and included fight demonstrations, a display of Shastar Vidiya – an ancient Indian system of armed and unarmed combat – tournaments, workshops and a range of fund raising stalls. There were also appearances from

several celebrity guests like Kwoklyn’s brother, Gok Wan of ‘How to Look Good Naked’ fame, who turned up to support the event’s charity, Kidscape. He helped to raise funds by giving a talk on how martial arts can help anti-bullying campaigns through developing confidence and self esteem in young people. Other guests included Chris Crudelli of ‘Mind, Body and Kick Ass Moves’ and film star Silvio Simac who appeared in the film ‘Unleashed’ with Bob Hoskins and Jet Li. Kwoklyn added: “I think it is important that people know that there is a big difference between what is taught in many clubs – which is more ‘martial arts inspired fitness’ than true martial arts. “But people don’t realise how many different options are out there for them, and how widely they are available – we had people attending the festival from as far afield as Cornwall and Scotland. So everyone can find something that appeals to them.” He now hopes to make the festival a yearly event, as well as introducing a series of smaller, spin-off events including a Bruce Lee convention later this year.

Pounds to shed pounds in new scheme THE NHS has launched a scheme offering financial incentives to help overweight people slim down and shape up. Those who sign up to Weight Wins, a 13-month slimming programme run by East and Costal Kent Primary Care Trust, could be paid up to £450.

They have seven months to get down to their target weight, with monthly weighings at their GP surgery or health clinic. Six months after that they have to show that they haven't increased their weight again.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Tony’s hoping students will get industry buzz By Christina Eccles THE owner of an independent gym in Northumberland has committed to giving local students work experience to encourage them into the fitness industry. Tony Hall – who owns The Buzz Factory in Prudhoe – takes on about four students a year in work placements from Prudhoe Community High School and says it is a good way for them to get a feel for a career in health and fitness. And Tony, who is also a former teacher and youth worker, told Workout that he wants to do as much as possible to encourage local kids into the gym environment. He said: “We take an average of four kids every year and this is something I like to do as it exposes young people to health and fitness in the community. “I used to work at the school with disengaged kids, helping them get back into the classroom. The gym is a fantastic environment and I am really pleased the school is sending kids down.” As part of his commitment to the project, the gym also offers cut price gym sessions for sixth form pupils at the school costing just £2.50 – some-

Gym shorts Space to stretch A LONDON leisure centre has introduced dedicated stretching zones to encourage people to stretch during their workouts. Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre, operated by GLL, has installed two distinctive areas equipped with Pavigym’s body mind flooring as well as accessories including medicine balls, Swiss balls and bosus. The areas were created by Escape Fitness. Gary Dark, Camden partnership manager for GLL said: “We wanted to reintroduce the importance of stretching to our members as it had become a forgotten part of a workout. The area is in constant use now and has exceeded our expectations.”

Coe guests at dinner The gym’s owners Tony and Shirley Ann with Denise Welch. thing which Tony said is proving popular. He added: “Kids can’t afford to take out a yearly membership so they pay £2.50 on the door. “We have got quite a few who come in and it’s good to see young people in the gym.” The gym also recently held a relaunch event so Tony – who took over about two and a half years ago –

could showcase to the local community the changes which have been made while at the same time attracting potential new members through the doors. The event included an appearance from actress and TV presenter Denise Welch – a friend of Tony’s who trains in the gym when she is in the area.

OLYMPIC champion Lord Sebastian Coe was guest of honour at St Albans School's 17th sports tours dinner. Lending his support to sporting youngsters who hope to tour the UK and overseas, he spoke about his experiences in the worlds of athletics, politics and the arrangements for the London Games in 2012. He was joined by David Bedford, race director for the London Marathon, whose son Tom was a successful runner for the school.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Gym shorts Opportunity knocks MORE than 100 public sector professionals discussed how they can maximise opportunities presented by new government initiatives at SIBEC. Held at The Belfry in North Warwickshire, the business forum for UK education and public leisure centre operators focused on the New Health Agenda. The speakers, including FIA operations director David Stalker, examined how operators of leisure facilities in local authorities, universities, schools and colleges can benefit from the new government and industry initiatives relating to physical activity.

Princess move WOMEN’S fitness company Fit for a Princess has added a new venue for its outdoor workout classes. There will be three mid morning classes per week at Wimbledon Park as well as the Fit for a Fiver Saturday morning class. The company is also hoping to persuade the council to open the gates earlier than 8am so that it can hold bootcamps and early morning workouts at 6.15am.

Splashing free offer A LEISURE centre in South Yorkshire has offered a free taster session to help both adults and children who want to learn to swim. The session was held at Dearneside Leisure Centre in Goldthorpe – which is operated by Barnsley Premier Leisure – and participants had the opportunity to sign up for lessons afterwards. A similar open day was held at nearby Wombwell Swimming Pool which was attended by 38 children – over 20 of them signed up for lessons afterwards.

Loot to limber

A Brighton-based sports festival is giving people money for doing something that celebrates active living. The TAKEPART sports festival has announced a grants scheme for local groups and community, offering up to £250. The money could be used to organise taster sessions in a new sport, a health walk or group cycle ride, or to purchase equipment.

Andy Hackney

Andy and client Marina Ibrahim

Andy’s studio offers a laid-back alternative ... By Louise Cordell A PERSONAL trainer in Ludlow has launched a fitness studio that aims to provide an alternative to the area’s mainstream gyms. Andy Hackney opened Pulse Health and Fitness last month and is already attracting a wide range of clients hoping to get fit in a laid-back environment. He said: “I spoke to a lot of different people and found that while many wanted to get fit, they were intimidated by the big clubs or frustrated at having to wait for machines, especially during crowded periods. “So I wanted to offer something that was completely different to what was already available and that was appealing to anyone who was inexperienced or overweight and who

wanted the chance to get in shape.” People can either book one on one training sessions, or can hire the place out by the hour with a group of friends or colleagues. Andy added: “The group sessions are particularly popular because you can get all the benefits of personal training, but you also get to share the costs. Working out with people you know also means you are more relaxed, work more effectively and even have fun at the same time.” There are also no membership fees to pay for access to the studio, which has a full range of cardiovascular and resistance machines, free weights and punch bags. People pay as they go. Andy added: “I think that this is the best way of doing things, especially in the current climate when

people don’t want to be careless with money - they only want to pay for results. “This model offers value for money because while many people feel that in traditional gyms they pay up once a month and are then left to themselves, here I am always on hand to offer advice and make sure everyone gets the best possible workout.” Andy is also offering more intensive training packages to give people the opportunity to get in shape for a holiday or wedding, or to get fit for a particular event. He currently has a group of ladies training weekly before they compete in this year’s Race for Life and several teenage boys who are joining the army and want to make sure they’ll have no problem passing their fitness tests.

New member package aimed at those hit by redundancy ESPORTA have found a new way of cashing in on the recession by launching a membership package specifically designed for people who have been made redundant. Fresh Start allows qualifying new members to pay reduced rates for their first three months’ membership. It has been designed for people who

want to use their additional free time to invest in their health and wellbeing and to help them return to the job market with revitalised energy and renewed focus. Esporta’s CEO, Glenn Timms, said: “Fresh Start is one of a host of value initiatives that Esporta has recently introduced in response to the current

economic climate and is our way of offering a 'helping hand' to people that have been unfortunate enough to have lost their jobs. While the initiative may not be appropriate for everyone, for many in the right circumstances it might help turn what was potentially a short-term negative into a lasting lifestyle change.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Why David chose the exclusive path By Mary Ferguson A NEW fitness facility has opened in Surrey, designed to be totally exclusive. Wentworth Personal Training Studio, based in Virginia Water, was opened by David Richardson and his business partner. To maintain exclusivity, group exercise classes are limited to eight members and no more than four personal trainers work out of the facility at one time. David, who has 13 years’ experience working as a personal trainer and gym manager, said: “It was always my dream to open my own studio. Everyone always asked whether it concerns me that we are opening in the middle of a recession, but business has been good so far and I’m not worried.” The studio is rented to five personal trainers and a limited number of general memberships are

being sold. “We are restricting memberships to keep the experience personal so members get the full attention of staff and the very best level of service. We want our clients to feel like they are having a personal training session every time they use the studio.” The 9,000 sq. ft studio has been equipped by Matrix Fitness Systems, including Tomahawk spinning bikes and the Functional Trainer. The class timetable includes box fit, Swiss ball, spin and tone, street dance for adults and Pineapple group training. Giant plasma screens show structured exercise sessions that members can follow, or they can work out on their own. David added: “People get one on one contact during every visit here, whether they are having a personal training session or not.”

This year’s FIBO trade show took place in Essen, Germany and reached a new exhibitor record. 517 companies showcased their products and services and there was a three per cent growth in visitor numbers. An independent economic survey conducted at FIBO showed that more than 12 per cent of trade visitors placed orders and next to training equipment, demand was particularly high for studio and practice equipment and furnishings in the health promotion and wellness segments.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Gym cashing in on weight plan By Mary Ferguson AN independent gym in Somerset is reaping the rewards of a weight loss programme designed to introduce members to personal training. Images, based in Yeovil, offers the 28-day packages to both new and existing members as a way of keeping them on track and encouraging extra secondary spend. Manager Della Alonzi said: “The programme has been successful for quite a few years and although we have tweaked it here and there, it has pretty much remained in the same format. “Most use it as a kick start when they first join the gym, but many members stay on it month by month too. “It’s been working for us well and has helped many members achieve success, bar the odd few who don’t stick to the diet side. “The personal training sessions help build confidence so they can use the gym by themselves. It’s a good vehicle to get people into the gym and to encourage them to book further personal training sessions in the future.” The weight loss programme costs £50 a month and includes four one hour personal training sessions as well as dietary advice and weekly weigh-ins. It claims to help users lose up to a stone in one month.

Della Alonzi An ‘elite’ membership, sold separately from the weight loss programme, includes two one hour sessions a week and costs £75 a month, on an annual contract. Individual personal training sessions are sold for £10. Della said one of the most successful members went from a size 24 to a size 12 on the weight loss plan and there are many others with similar stories.

Although it appeals mainly to women, men sign up to the package too. She added: “The programme isn’t designed to be a quick fix – we see it as a sustainable and safe way to lose weight, with the personal touch of one-on-one training. It’s about encouraging people to make a lifestyle change and giving them the confidence and motivation to kick start it.”

New product aimed to help independents THE FIA have launched a new product designed to save independent gym owners money on energy bills. The Energy Efficiency Audit has been developed in response to members’ concerns about rocketing utilities bills and the FIA claim the audit can cut bills by at least 25 per cent. It covers every aspect of a facility’s energy consumption including heating, lighting, power, ventilation and water. David Stalker, operations director, told Workout: “We have been looking at how we can do more for single site operators. “The audit has already been trialled with some sites and there have been some enormous savings made.” One small group saved 90 per cent on their electricity, which saved them £12,000 over the year. The audit will also check for overpayments. David added: “In these hard times, operators are concentrating on what they do best – offering good facilities and service . “A lot of people are so busy they perhaps miss the little golden opportunities around the edges, so this is a really good way for them to save some money.”

WORKOUT PEOPLE

After 12 years at Westside Health and Fitness, assistant manager Annette Griggs has been recognised in a prestigious awards ceremony. Claire Lodge reports.

‘Behind every good manager there must be a good assistant manager’ ANNETTE, who worked her way up from part-time crèche minder, was named runner-up in the Employee of the Year category in the Mercury Business Awards. She was nominated by the club’s general manager Duncan McSporran and admits that she was surprised but delighted by the recognition. She said: “It was definitely the best experience of my working life, nothing like this has ever happened to me before. It was like something you’d see on the TV, I was interviewed for a video clip that was shown to all the finalists and it was such a different thing for me it was brilliant. All the staff here are great so to be picked out and chosen as a candidate for the award was just an honour for me.” After working at the club’s crèche Annette moved to the main reception desk where she worked full time and eventually led a team of three other receptionists before taking the role of assistant manager in 2006. “I enjoyed working with the chil-

dren in the crèche but this job is more me. It’s not pressured and I work alongside lovely people every day. It’s also given me more confidence – I get to meet new members all the time and the members that are already here, I am already good friends with. ”I was taken out for a meal by them to celebrate my runner-up prize which was good fun. I know I’ll probably sound sad for saying this but I really do love my job.” The awards were for businesses in all industries and over 100 entered this year, with three finalists chosen over six different categories. General manager Duncan McSporran, who nominated Annette, said: “There’s a saying, ‘behind every good man there’s a good woman’, well equally behind every good manager there must also be a good assistant manager and never has that been more true than in the case of Westside. I can honestly say that having the support and backing of such a hardworking and loyal work colleague as Annette is worth its weight in gold.”

Annette with her award

Bodybuilder Spencer keeps on training at 80 A HERTFORDSHIRE gym is helping an 80-year-old bodybuilder keep in shape, almost 60 years after he competed in Mr Universe.

The man nicknamed ‘Muscles Unlimited’ has competed in body building championships since the second world war and represented Britain in 1950 at the Universe Show.

Spencer Churchill, who used to train with former Mr Universe Reg Park, works out at the Monster Gym in Waltham Cross every day alongside 20 year olds, giving them advice and tips.

Steve added: “The equipment that he uses is exactly the same as what the young lads use, there’s no specially adapted equipment or anything like that, so he’s still got it.

By Mary Ferguson

Steve Collins, who owns the gym, said: “Spencer has been training with us for a couple of years now. “He trains everyday for about one and a half hours and goes on the bike, does weights and then a bit of cardio work.”

“He used to train with Reg Park who was like the British version of Arnold Schwarzenegger so there’s obviously a lot of admiration and respect from everybody at the gym.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Essex gym to offer new programme By Claire Lodge

A member working out during a CrossFit session at ConceptFitness

AN independent club in Essex has become one of the first in the country to offer members a new training programme designed to change the way people exercise in the gym. ConceptFitness UK has been affiliated with CrossFit, a workout programme that incorporates unconventional exercises and has been used to train police forces and elite athletes across the world. The idea behind the workout is that anyone of any age can do it, regardless of experience. But because CrossFit is so different to a conventional gym session, the club is insisting that all its members undergo two free CrossFit induction sessions to teach basic theory and movements. Owner Brett Sizeland said: “CrossFit is hugely popular in the States at the moment and is on the brink of breaking into the industry the same way in this country, so we decided to send off for some information to try to bring it to Essex and it went from there.

FIA summit heads north THIS year’s Fitness Industry Association industry summit has moved out of London and will take place at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton. Part of the brand new FIA Flame Conference, the summit will run on June 10 with the theme ‘Stepping up to the mark – the time is now.” Professor Alan Maryon Davis, president of the Faculty of Public Health, will be leading the team of speakers. He will be joined by experts including Dawn Primolo, minister of state for public health, Mike Penning, Conservative shadow health minister and Sue Tibballs, chief executive of the Women’s sport and fitness foundation. Andree Deane, chief executive of the

FIA, said: “We are pleased that we have got the politicians involved, especially as we will not be in Westminster. The summit will have the usual government flavour and the aim, as always, is to ensure the industry is lined up with government policies and focused on community engagement.” Andree is urging more independent gyms to get involved with the summit and said it has a lot to offer single site operators. She added: “Often independents don’t see the relevance of a government agenda to them, but it’s small businesses that the government is focused on. The grants on offer and the ability to engage with local PCTs is a fantastic opportunity.”

Olympic pentathlete Greg Whyte officially opened the country’s first ever drop-in fitness and health advice centre, based in a Luton shopping centre. Promoting the Change4life message from Government, the centre is run by Active Luton and offers on-the-spot health MOTs and advice, guidance and support on a

wide range of fitness and health issues. Greg – who trained Chris Moyles and his team of celebrities to climb Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief – was joined at the opening ceremony by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and the Mayor of Luton. Pictured: Greg (right) opens the centre with the Mayor of Luton

“CrossFit is a strength and conditioning programme designed for the masses and we say the speciality of it is that it doesn’t specialise. It tends to cover people’s differing wants and needs, for example at the gym we have a 72-year-old woman and an eleven-year-old girl so it is – and will be – diverse.” ConceptFitness UK has only been in business for a year and a half but already has regular customers coming through the door and this latest offering means the company has big plans for the future. The family run business in Epping is also hoping to add to its first year success by expanding in the future. Brett said: “We do hope to expand, certainly within the next two to three years or so. I don’t know about a new site though as I think we’d look to expand on the premises that we already have. “We haven’t been massively affected by the credit crunch, but we don’t ask for money upfront either so that’s helped a lot.”

Gym shorts In the zone ... A LEISURE centre in Watford has become the first in the country to launch a reaction trainer zone from Escape Fitness. Sports and Leisure Management (SLM) has introduced the concept to Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside – as part of a £23m refurbishment with its sister site, Watford Central. Located on the gym floor, the interactive zone comprises four reaction trainers set in a square. Each one has three vertical poles with sensors and lights that move randomly to indicate the targets that users should punch. Members can work out in the zone themselves or in a 30-minute class.

Summer shape-up CELEBRITY personal trainer Phil McDonnell has devised a new sixweek workout package to shape clients for summer. The programme, run from his studio in London, is based on his military training and includes a consultation with a nutritionist, who will go through the client’s fridge and throw out anything unhealthy. Phil has trained WWF superstar wrester Stone Cold Steve Austin and his technique is based on a circuit of weights based and floor exercises combined with aerobic exercise.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Damon gets ready to expand after complaints over ‘too busy’ gym By Mary Ferguson

Damon said the entrance may put women off.

THE owner of a South Yorkshire gym that moved premises three years ago is making plans to expand following complaints the club is too busy at night. Damon Brown, who operates Temple Gym in Barnsley, has had plans drawn up to extend the gym floor by 3,000 sq ft, after losing payas-you-go customers put off by the number of people training in the evening. The leg area will be extended and a new row of dumbbells will be created, to cater for the many members that come to use the free weights. Damon said: “I really need to free some space up. It’s too busy in the evenings and I see people come, look through the door and then leave. “I have to wait and see if I’m granted planning permission but if so, I’m hoping to start work on the extension in September.” When Damon moved the gym into the town centre, he increased membership by a third due to an increase in parking facilities and its central location.

However he admitted he is still struggling to attract women, who make up just a tiny percentage of the overall membership base. “I went to see a medium and she told me I would end up with more women than men when I moved, but she was obviously wrong. “I think the entrance puts them off so I’m thinking of changing it to glass doors and I deliberately put the CV equipment on the upper floor, so they could look down on the men.” Damon said he did think about converting the bottom floor – currently used as a ‘leg dungeon’ – to a ladies only gym. But instead he has decided to start running daytime classes that he hopes will be popular with women. He added: “They will have to walk across the main gym floor to get to the studio so hopefully they will realise it’s not that scary. “At the moment I see women look through the door, see all the men and walk away – and that needs to change.”

Damon Brown

Customer First award for centre SOUTH Yorkshire leisure centre Barnsley Metrodome has secured the Customer First award in recognition of its customer service. The award took seven months to complete, less than the national average, and covered customer relations, market awareness and people. It also looked at how an organisa-

tion builds long-term relationships with customers and finds creative ways to retain existing customers and to win new ones. James Starbuck, chief executive of Barnsley Premier Leisure – who operate the venue – said: “Customers have always been our top priority and we have formed some great relationships with them over the years.” Edward Lim has been appointed to the position of swimming development manager for Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL), which runs several leisure venues throughout the borough. Edward’s responsibility will be to oversee the new free swimming initiative, in conjunction with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, which now provides all under 18s and over 60s with free swimming at any BPL swimming venue.

Project helps failing US gym owners ONE of America’s most successful fitness professionals has launched a new project helping failing US gym owners turn their businesses around. Celebrity personal trainer Jackie

Warner will whip struggling gyms into shape for a new television series, helping with equipment, decor, marketing, classes and staff. Jackie’s Gym Takeover will be shown on Bravo.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Why Caroline weighs in and measures up for her regulars By Mary Ferguson THE owner of a gym housed in a converted pub claims the loyalty of her members means she won’t lose out to local authority run leisure centres. Caroline Thomas, who originally ran Weights and Measures from her garage, has operated the gym singlehandedly for 18 years – because members refuse to come when she is not there. She said: “I left someone else running the club a couple of times when I went away but the members just didn’t go. “Because they are used to seeing me here everyday they come to associate the gym with my face and they don’t like change. “I’m going away this summer for a week and I’ve decided just to shut it up while I’m gone – it’s just not worth paying someone else to run things if no-one will be using it.” Caroline lives above the gym and compares her role to that of a pub landlady, with people expecting her to be there. “I’ve got at least ten members with me who first joined when I was operating from the garage and because I offer the personal touch, I know they won’t leave just because someone

charges a little bit less. “I offer something totally different from the local authority run centres and many of my clients are over 50 and wouldn’t feel comfortable in a leisure centre environment anyway.” Caroline said that over the years she has managed to fine-tune the gym’s opening hours to suit the members

but also to give herself some time off. Because the gym is located on a commuter belt, quiet weekends mean she can shut up shop, without upsetting too many people. She added: “I’m not worried about competition from local authority run centres and I’m not finding the recession is affecting me – it just means I have to keep an eye on things.”

Caroline, who used to compete in bodybuilding competitions

Fitness professionals make a date with FitPro Over 1,400 fitness professionals attended the FitPro Spring Convention, held at Loughborough University. International presenters including Robert Capuccio and Nic Jarvis shared stages and lecture halls and the opening address was

delivered by Paul Chek. 50 exhibitors showcased their products during the trade show and a gangsters and molls’ themed evening event provided a networking opportunity for delegates. I Pictured: Paul Chek delivered the opening address

UK FITNESS SCENE

Gym shorts New series with style LIFE Fitness have launched a new strength training solution that adds 20 pieces to their product range. The Optima series offers single and multi-exercise machines as well as benches and racks. The first 13 pieces in the Optima Series line were debuted at the 2009 IHRSA trade show with seven more strength-training machines that will be introduced later this year. John Stransky, president of Life Fitness, said: “Through research we found that facilities were looking for a strength solution that was not only easy-to-use and space efficient, but was also durable. “The Optima Series integrates style and reliability into a comprehensive range of strength equipment that can be configured to meet any space requirements.”

Membership offer TOTAL Fitness Leisure Clubs has launched a new offer to get people through the doors. The company – which operates 24 gyms around the country – is offering special membership packages for those signing up to 18-month contracts. The deal involves paying full price for 12 months membership and getting the next six months half price.

The best sales and marketing technique ever ... By Dave Wright Creative Fitness Marketing THERE are few members in the world who have ever cancelled their membership because you’ve helped them get into the best shape of their life and have solved the problem that they had when they first joined your club. You see in our industry where generally 80 per cent of new members come from word of mouth, it’s clear to ascertain that the best sales and marketing technique that you could apply to your club is quite simple – get members results. Let’s face it, if we remember the basic equation of sales being `if value outweighs cost then you get the sale every time’ then it’s easy to understand that people never buy on price alone, but merely on value. And when I mean value, I’m talking about the emotional reason for achieving what they want – can you put a price on someone whose doctor has told them that they will die from obesity unless they lose ten stone? Same goes when referring to cost, this is not only the financial implications of the transaction, but more so (particularly in our industry) down to ‘motivation, procrasti-

Dave Wright nation and intimidation’. Put simply, if you had a sign out the front that said ‘free’ would we as an industry get a 100 per cent penetration rate rather than the 10-15 per cent that we currently have? I think not. Anyone providing a gym service in a low socio-economic area would also notice that booze, cigarette and fast food sales are excep-

tional. Someone smoking a £5 packet of cigarettes a day would be investing £1,825 per year on that activity – that’s £152.00 per month. If their goal was to stop smoking, and you helped them get that result, then you could charge £150 per month and it would be a ‘cheap’ membership for them. Do you know how much it costs for the Tesco diet, cabbage soup diet, the blood type diet, Special K diet, Weight Watchers, Slimming World or the two day diet? The point is ‘who cares?’ if it promotes to get results, then people will pay and subsequently that is why this small selection of ‘result programmes’ together earn more revenue than our industry as a whole! Thus the focus has to go back to the root of the problem in that if we help people get results, then they stay longer, tell their friends, and our revenues increase. People will never complain about price if they are getting the desired results they want, however, irrespective of whether you are £9 per month or £150 per month, if people aren’t getting those results, then good luck in keeping them as clients or attracting new ones.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Gym shorts Visits soar after refurb A MASSIVE refurbishment of a university gym in South Yorkshire has resulted in an extra 2,000 visits each month. The Club Hallam Fitness Suite at Sheffield Hallam University’s Collegiate Crescent sports facility has received a £2m investment, which included the addition of free weights, flooring and functional training equipment including barbells, weightlifting bars, rubber matting, x-racks, dumbbells, stability balls and Olympic bars. Equipment was provided by Escape Fitness. The fitness suite also offers a SAQ and plyometric area which includes a cable motion dual adjustable pulley, speed ladders, integrated force plate and plyometric platforms.

Studio in a spin A POLE dancing studio in Hull has celebrated its refurbishment with an open day. Visitors were invited in to look round the Pole 4 Fitness facility and watch demonstrations in pole dancing and martial arts. They were also given the opportunity to sign up to its new pole dancing course.

Garry’s complete health and wellness service attracts new members By Louise Cordell A WELLNESS centre in Birmingham has attracted new members by branching out from personal training into a complete health and wellness service. Osmosis has recently expanded to cater for customer demand and now offers a one-stop shop for members, giving them access to physiotherapists, doctors, psychologists and specialised trainers. Manager Garry Davis said: “Having all this expertise to hand means that we can get the job done. “There is no waiting between appointments and referrals, and so successful treatment and recovery can be achieved much more quickly. “We want to offer a holistic

approach because that is what gets the best results and our members know they are getting the best possible care.” There are a range of membership options available and clients can take advantage of everything from personalised training and nutrition programmes to full health and fitness screenings. The club has a state-of-the-art studio gym, recently refitted by Fitness Systems, a salon for beauty treatments and spaces for its range of rehabilitation treatments. Garry added: “Lots of people are coming to us from other clubs because they can’t believe the quality of care they are getting for a competitive price.

“We hand pick the best trainers who are able to get results – so we can always give members an honest answer when they ask us what they can achieve.” The club is now set to launch a series of radio and print marketing campaigns to bring its unique approach into the public eye. It has corporate memberships starting from just £17 a month, but also wants to let people know there is no compromise on quality. Garry added: “What we want to do is bring as much expertise as we can together for the benefit of the members. Having the right information will always help people get the best results – and great results are the best kind of advertising.”

Sarah Kinniburgh, GymPlus general manager, with Tracy Archer, Alice Maher and Victor Bonett from Malta Tourism Authority.

Challenge works out well for lucky gym-goer Tracy A LUCKY gym-goer is set to swap dumbbells for seashells after winning a Mediterranean break to Malta. Sheffield-based Tracy Archer scooped the prize in the GymPlus Malta Challenge, after completing a series of health and fitness challenges designed to encourage members to try new ways of keeping fit. The competition was a joint venture between Sheffield United FC, the Malta Tourism Authority and

GymPlus, the club’s new fitness facility based next to their ground. Tracy took part in a five-week programme of activity at the gym before having her name pulled from the hat in a draw of fellow successful members. Almost 300 people took part in the challenge, which included simple methods of getting fit, including eating their five-a-day and attending the gym at least twice a week.

UK FITNESS SCENE

Charity claims operators have duty of care to exercise addicts As gym operators come under pressure to identify members with exercise addiction, Workout investigates the signs to look out for. EXCESSIVE exercise is often linked to eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia and according to the charity Beat, the fitness industry has a responsibility to intervene if they suspect a member is suffering. They claim operators have a duty of care to protect a member’s health and that they should act in the same way they would if a member had any other health condition such as asthma or diabetes. A Beat spokesman said: “Compulsive exercising is potentially dangerous if a person is in a physically weakened state from a

restricted diet or excessive purging. Bones, heart muscle and kidney function can all be seriously damaged, and the harm can be long term or even fatal.” The charity is calling for operators to include extra questions in the health questionnaires they ask new members to complete, so they can identify those who may be potential exercise addicts. They suggest questions including: I Do you continue to exercise when you know you are ill or injured? I Do you often exercise to com-

pensate for eating too much or instead of having a meal? I Do you feel very anxious if you can’t take exercise when you have planned to? Beat claim that answering ‘yes’ to two or more of these questions could indicate a risk of compulsive exercising, and say it would be good practice in these cases to ask for a GP’s approval to exercise. The spokesman added: “We know that exercise has benefits beyond physical fitness, but the potential risks to those people affected by compulsive exercise are high, and need to be addressed urgently.” Psychotherapist Adrianna Irvine specialises in addictions and told Workout that asking the fitness

industry to take some responsibility for members who over exercise is ‘as mad as asking an off-license to take responsibility for alcoholics’. She said: “A major symptom of addiction is denial, so staff approaching someone when they don't even think they have a problem just won't work. “As a member of a gym myself, if I thought someone else there had a problem I wouldn't march up to them just because I'm a psychotherapist.” She added: “Gym staff are not qualified in psychology and I think it would cause untold distress to someone and could result in them cancelling their membership.”

Claire Harris – not her real name – is a recovering exercise addict and anorexic. She said despite daily workouts lasting up to four hours, instead of intervening, gym staff encouraged her to do more. She shared her story with Mary Ferguson

‘I was actually rewarded for being one of the club’s highest users’ “I HAVE battled anorexia for 19 years and began lying about how much exercise I was doing at 11. At 16, I was using my local authority run centre to swim for 90 minutes followed by 45 minutes’ cardio work in the gym, every day. I weighed five stones and one day a member of staff approached saying someone had expressed concern that I may have an eating disorder. “Then she laughed and said she had told her that couldn’t be true, as I could swim and work out at such a good pace. I was pleased, as it meant I could keep exercising without staff thinking I had a problem. When I moved house I joined a large health club and spent four hours a day exercising there, swimming and doing cardio work. Despite my low weight, because I could run on the treadmill for two hours at a time, staff kept asking me to join the running club,

triathlon team and swimming clubs. But I was below six stone and obviously unwell. “I was actually rewarded for being one of the club’s highest users of the year by receiving free guest passes, coffee and merchandise. “When I was persuaded by family to see my GP, I explained I had a problem with anorexia and exercise addiction and they offered me a free gym pass to my local leisure centre. So I’d do classes there, and cardio work at the health club. “Two years ago I was admitted to The Priory for ten months and had to suspend my membership while I was there. I told them why and yet had regular voicemails asking when I was going to come back. “While I was there they told me if I had carried on exercising the way I was I would be in a wheelchair within three months because I had

osteopencia. “When I was discharged I did go back to the club and they offered me personal training. I explained my problems to the trainer and said I wanted to stick to weights. “But eventually I began doing cardio again, without my trainer, and although he saw me doing it he never intervened. “I’m recovering now but I don’t know how I would have reacted if gym staff did approach me back then, asking if I had a problem. Because I didn’t really think I had one, I imagine I would have been angry and defensive. “But everybody is different and I think it is worth staff stepping in, even if it’s just to make them aware of the damage that too much exercise can do to your body. I believe that is part of their job.”

Launch of UK survey THE sixth UK Working in Fitness Survey – the largest annual survey of people working in the health and fitness sector – has been launched. Working in Fitness gives an insight into how the fitness industry rewards its workforce by examining salary levels, job satisfaction and spending on training and development. The survey is conducted online by SkillsActive and the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). Liz Smith, research manager at SkillsActive, said: “In previous research for our Sector Skills Agreement we estimated an average 8,500 job openings a year in the fitness industry to meet staff turnover and the creation of new positions. One of the survey aims is to find out whether the industry is doing enough to attract new, as well as retain existing staff to meet these future demands.”

New strategy invitation for independents INDEPENDENT gyms have been invited to get involved in a new strategy to introduce inactive people to exercise. The MoreActive4Life campaign has been designed by the Department of Health and the FIA and will run for three years, targeting those who do little physical activity. It is hoped that by running walking groups and ‘taster’ gym sessions, operators will be able to attract new members who may not have previously thought about joining. Matt Reents, public affairs and policy officer at the FIA, told Workout they are hoping to get 81,000 people to take part during the two months the campaign will run over the summer. He said: “The aim is to attract those who may be alienated by the gym but after taking part in this programme, may have gained the confidence to consider joining.” FIA members can sign up to the campaign for free and will receive promotional material which can be joint branded with their own logo.

UK FITNESS SCENE The popularity of indoor cycling will continue to grow at the same pace as it has over the last 20 years according to one industry expert. Workout caught up with Schwinn Master Trainer Stefano Ruggeri to find out more.

Why studio cycling has reached everyone ... Why is group indoor cycling so popular? Since it was launched in Europe and the UK from USA, indoor cycling has had a great impact on the cycling world and it has shifted all those who took part in group studio classes from pounding (impact) the floor to a non-pounding (no-impact) movements. Another reason is because it reaches everyone, not just the conditioned athlete and sporty person but also the low fitness level and also allows people to use it as part of rehabilitation after coming back from injuries. How does a gym operator benefit from adding studio cycling to the timetable? There is no doubt that more and more health and fitness clubs, gyms or even private studios are adding the programme to their timetable, and the main reason is the demand to the popularity indoor cycling is having. How important is it to get the equipment right and how should an operator go about it? Very important indeed. To have good equipment in your club is like

Schwinn Master Trainer Stefano Ruggeri having good foundations when building a house. Unfortunately some clubs have made or are going to make wrong decisions when buying new or replacing gym equipment. The main issue is quality versus cost and very few choose quality. What are the most common misconceptions about indoor studio cycling? Where shall I start? For many years it has been said that you are not doing it properly if you don't sweat buckets or if you don't pedal at

100mph or do some press ups on the handle bar or riding with one hand on the bar and the other behind your back while standing. The bike should be used like a bike. If we need to strength the upper body then we go to the gym and use the right strength equipment, or core training equipment. Will its popularity continue do you think? I have no doubt. In the last several years I have seen more and more new Schwinn instructors coming out from our ranks of all ages.

Treat your members like friends says Mark By Claire Lodge TREATING members more like friends than customers is the way to a successful business according to an independent gym owner. Mark Hockin, who has owned The Fitness Mill in Gloucester for 14 years, says little touches such as arranging bowling nights and meals out with gym users pays off. Mark Said: “I think a large part of why we’ve managed to be successful

is because of the relationship we have with our members. We socialise together, go out on bowling nights and have even gone out for meals as a group. When they come to the gym we even have chats over cups of tea and give advice on what kind of training they want. We rely completely on customer closeness.” The family-run gym is also home to some of the country’s up and coming sports stars. Olympic runner Dan Robinson uses

freeweights at the gym, which has proven to be one of the most popular areas for the company, as well as professional and academy rugby players. “The freeweights are definitely the most popular thing at the gym, we do beauty treatments such as facials and manicures which isn’t a massive area for us but we do like to try to add something different. In fact the atmosphere is quite funny at times because at one side there will be the professional rugby players lifting

weights and at the other end there will be 75 year old women doing their thing, so there’s always a good contrast.” Mark said of the recent recession: “If I’m honest, it’s not affected us that much, business is pretty much the same as always. Saying that though, we have tried to make it easier for others who may be struggling to carry on coming to the gym by lowering certain prices and offering special deals to help out if need be.”

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Half of the members at The Fitness Club are students, with some paying just £10 a month. Mary Ferguson spoke to owner Stuart Baywater to find out how he makes the model work.

Stuart offers degree of flexibility ITS city centre location means the gym attracts professionals and city dwellers but with two large universities in Sheffield, over 50 per cent of members are students. Heavily discounted prices and its proximity to halls of residence makes it attractive to young people aiming to offset their unhealthy lifestyles and Stuart is reaping the rewards. He said: “We actually fell into the student market – at first we weren’t really bothered by it and were not going out of our way to sell to students. But we realised the university intake to the city was growing every year so being a businessman, I thought it would be a good idea to try and get a percentage of them.” Despite the success that came from that, Stuart said he builds the business on its full-paying members and sees the student stream as a bonus. “Our aim from the beginning was not to differentiate between students and ‘regular’ members – we want to treat them the same. The £10 membership gives students the same access to everything as everyone else, we just wanted to make it affordable for them.” The £10 membership is only available on a 12 month contract and other packages are set

around the term dates. Full membership for non-students is £26 a month and Stuart said the heavily discounted student rate reflects the fact that they are not always in the city for the full year: “We appreciate that many go home for the summer but will still be paying for the gym, and £10 a month hurts a bit less than £30. “In the summer months the gym’s use goes down by 50 per cent but during term time, the students keep the gym busy during the day when many other clubs are quiet. Because they have more time, it means the club is then clearer for the city workers who want to work out in the

evening.” The Fitness Club’s main competition comes from the gym run by Sheffield Hallam University, based a few hundred yards away. They charge similar prices, but Stuart said a lot of students like to have choice and are put off by how busy it gets. The University of Sheffield’s gym, S10, charges three times the price. Stuart added: “We don’t expect student members to stay for more than a year as they are so transient, often moving across the city. So when it comes to September, we always start with a clean slate.”

‘We know that we live or die by our service’ STUART and his partner Christine Greenfield-Day took over the gym in 1998, after working as leisure centre consultants in London. Previously called The Fringe, the club had changed hands numerous times and eventually shut, leaving people out of pocket and a bad reputation in its wake. Stuart said: “After it went bust, the club was bought by some members and I came up here with the view of helping them make it work, but

ended up buying it off them instead. The place was basically falling apart and although we didn’t have huge amounts of money to throw at it, we knew it needed a fresh look.” Over the last ten years, Stuart said the aim has been to modernise the club and move with the times. “The first two years were tough and the wolves were at the door all the time. We spent a long time building up its reputation, changing its name and trying to rebuild the

brand. Our objective was to create a club we would like to work out in ourselves, with a big emphasis on customer care. We know that we live or die by our service.” The gym floor has been extended into what used to be a large bar area, the Jacuzzi has been modernised and a comprehensive class timetable now operates in the studio. A beautician and hairdressers upstairs provides extra revenue. The gym is housed in a listed

building, rented from the pub next door, so there is little chance of an extension. Instead, light colour schemes and large mirrors installed on the gym floor create the illusion of space. Stuart added: “Because there is nowhere to expand to we have to make things look as light and open as possible. We want to continue modernising but I like to think we have created a good model here and the aim is to keep on tweaking it.”

UK FITNESS SCENE

Greg keen to take ‘It shouldn’t be a case of one size fits all’ street scheme in new direction By Mary Ferguson

By Christina Eccles A FITNESS instructor who launched a pilot scheme to get a local street into exercise has revealed the changes he would make if the programme was repeated. Greg Lourens – fitness manager at EZE Fitness in Redditch – created Fit Street with the aim of encouraging local residents to take part in a sixweek exercise programme to boost their fitness levels. However, he was disappointed with the number of people who took part and the lack of media coverage generated by the programme and he told Workout that although he is keen to do it again, he will be making some changes. Greg said: “We decided personally to contact local streets to get people into the campaign but we found that we could not get enough people from the streets to make the campaign effective. Our aim was to get 20-30 people, but only managed 10. “I would definitely like to try it again but would like to get involved with places like Tesco and Sainsburys and market it from a different angle.”

‘We decided personally to contact local streets to get people into the campaign but we found that we could not get enough people from the streets to make the campaign effective’ Greg added that after not being able to recruit sufficient numbers, the gym decided to focus specifically on the over 50s market and achieved greater success in this area. He added that if the gym was to do this again, he would consider marketing it at one particular group rather than everyone on a street. He added: “This was received quite well. “Sometimes the gym is quieter in the morning or afternoon and they could come at that time. “I think from that angle it worked quite well and we have generated some membership from the scheme and had some good feedback.”

GYM operators are not spending enough time with their clients to be able to offer them effective nutritional advice, it has been claimed. Cain Leathem, director of GB Fitness and a practicing nutritionist, told Workout that when it comes to diet advice, trainers are still simply handing out general guidelines. He said: “It shouldn’t be a case of one size fits all. Everyone is different and I don’t agree with a lot of methods, for example metabolic typing, that simply try to pigeonhole people. “It’s not necessarily about doing lots of expensive tests, but simply spending more time talking to your clients will help you understand more about their lifestyles and eating patterns, enabling you to give better advice. More time needs to be invested and standards need to be raised.” And when it comes to training staff, Cain said learning about nutrition face to face is the only way to do it. “I don’t believe in the current trend of correspondence courses, it’s important to sit in front of someone and interact, like you will do with a client. In order to gain that trust with someone you also need to learn about reading body language and how their mind works when it comes to their eating patterns. The two areas being hugely neglected in the fitness industry are psychology and nutrition.” To get enough information from a client, Cain recommends spending

Cain Leathem a total of two hours with them, exploring the principles of nutrition so that they understand why you are asking them to make changes to their diet. The problem, he said, is that not many gyms can afford the time or money to do this. Cain suggested a way for gyms to educate both members and staff in nutrition is to hold seminars within the club, hosted by experts, for both to attend together. Empowering clients with knowledge about nutrition will help them make their own choices, meaning they will see quicker results. He added: “I tend to only see my clients once or twice as I give them the tools to make changes themselves. If someone keeps coming back to you with the same problems, then you haven’t done your job properly.”

Study leave pupils to get free gym membership PUPILS on study leave in North Lanarkshire Council secondary schools will get free gym membership and access to swimming and classes to help them cope with the stress of exams. North Lanarkshire Leisure has teamed up with the council to offer free all-inclusive health and fitness memberships at 11 leisure facilities, through its Access NL scheme, for those on study leave in school years S5 and S6.

Although the free membership period will come to an end after exams, pupils will be able to continue their programme by taking advantage of a special promotional offer. Chief executive of North Lanarkshire Leisure Blane Dodds said: "We are confident that pupils will benefit hugely from this scheme, both in terms of their physical fitness and from the added mental edge that can come from exercise during their all important study period.”

New fitness suite opens at hotel The Royal Chace Hotel in Enfield, Middlesex has recently opened a new fitness suite featuring SportsArt Fitness equipment. The cardio-vascular room has nine individual fitness stations including treadmills, cross-trainers, exercise bikes, a stepper, a rower and Power Plate. A resistance multi-station machine, free weights and a stretching area are located in an adjacent room. Brian Nicholas, hotel MD, said: “The new fitness suite was part of our long term expansion plans to maintain our regular clientele and also to attract new customers, by providing additional facilities

and a perfect venue for residents to exercise without having to leave the hotel.”

Sponsored by:

TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Course delegates during training

Academy’s on the ball By Mary Ferguson AN independent health club with adjoining training academy is pushing forward plans to promote its courses. Simone’s, based in Stroud, has been working towards an official launch of the academy for two years and the courses have now been recognised by Central YMCA Qualifications and REPS. The first ever winner of REP’s Lifetime Achievement award in 2004, Simone Price has also worked as a tutor for Fitness Wales and has been running the health club for six years. She said: “I used to do some work in adult education and someone I met said that because I knew so much, I should set up an academy by myself. I thought it was about time I shared my knowledge.” The courses have been advertised within the gym and some of the trainees are members who have taken an interest in the industry. One of the academy’s most recent recruits is an 84-year-old gym member training for a level one qualification in lifestyle management. “We had one guy with an injury who started exercising with us as part of a rehabilitation programme and

Simone Price after completing one of our courses, he is now working as a fitness instructor himself. It’s a great result and hopefully his story will be one of many.” The first aid programmes have attracted interest from the local council as well as the fitness industry, and Simone has even worked training funeral directors.

She added: “We would ideally like REPS points attached to the first aid courses but I know it’s a very long process and being a small business, we don’t have the administration support to do that.” Courses on offer at the academy include exercise to music, studio resistance training, circuit training and Pilates mat instruction.

Bid to attract more people SIMONE is aiming to offer more level one qualification courses in a bid to attract more people to the industry. She said: “Many training providers don’t bother with level one but I want to get that side of the academy flying. There are a lot of people out there who are very practical but don’t have the maths or English skills that they need to get them into level two successfully. By offering level one, I’d like to think I’m opening up the industry to more people – for example gym cleaners or receptionists, who would like to dip their toes in the water.” Simone said ultimately, she would like to be able to employ some of the people who pass through the training course. She is working on making a formal link with the local college and said she has already had interest from students there. She added: “Some pupils doing BTECs come to me on their own accord saying their courses don’t concentrate enough on gym work. Some of them have done the CYQ’s with me and then been ahead of others doing the BTEC. They have had to pay for it themselves but they will be the ones out working while the rest are thinking about applying for yet another free course.”

TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

New additions to Academy team THE National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure has announced two new additions to its regional business development teams. Peter Cooke, pictured above, has joined as business development director for London and Julia Whitehead has joined as business development manager for the South East. Peter has over 25 years’ experience in the sector, holding various sports development roles at Sport England in London and the North

West for 13 years, before joining an NGB for disability sport where he helped set up the EFDS (English Federation of Disability Sport). He said: “I have experience of working across the industry and this has given me a good understanding of the key partners and stakeholders in London and the political environment in which they operate. I hope this will be invaluable for the development of the Skills Academy and the delivery of a highly relevant programme of work.”

www.workout-uk.co.uk

From left, Charlie Coleman (student), Steve Blaney (Harlow College), Ben MacIntyre (Ripped Gym personal trainer) and Chloe Fisher (student).

Harlow gym teams up with local college By Lyndsey Smith A GYM in Harlow has partnered up with a local college to help students on fitness courses understand the industry before entering employment. Ripped will help students with practical areas of their course and they will be allowed to use the gym for their own college assessments. Owner Michelle Meade said: “I contacted the college and discovered they run levels one, two and three health and fitness diplomas, and there are plans to begin personal training courses too. “We have teamed up and now have two groups of 26 students coming in when one of our personal trainers will deliver a fitness assessment

demonstration – one session where they are shown and perform the tests themselves, and another where they deliver the tests to each other. This will complete part of their unit on fitness.” The tests they have to do are sit and reach, the Havard step test, BMI, skinfold, one minute sit-up test, one minute press-up test and the V02 treadmill test. The two top marked students will have the opportunity for work experience, shadowing the gym’s personal trainers, and Michelle added: “We are delighted to be able to help out and put something back. We will do whatever we can to ensure the quality, knowledge and experience of the students who are studying in sports and leisure achieve the best possible grades.”

Students will be allowed to use Ripped for their own college assessments.

TRAINING – ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Improving your size and strength By Alan Runacres, director of training, WABBA Qualifications IN this article, we are going to look at some of the most important aspects of training and nutrition used for building mass. Undoubtedly, the concept is open to many interpretations, which may lead to over training or zero results. Advanced training strategies play a highly important role in the cycle of training progression, and as always we are assuming the client has no contra-indications to undertaking the programme, and will have been shown correctly how to perform the relevant exercises and strategies in a slow and controlled manner. Firstly as nutrition plays a massive role in both energy provision and repair processes, let’s ensure clients are getting at least two grams per kilo of body weight in quality protein each day as an absolute minimum. This should be equal to between 30 per cent of the daily calorie intake, with between 50 & 60 per cent of calories coming from carbohydrates. Supplementation should be treated as just that, and not a convenient replacement for most meals each day. I have personally seen people having as many as four or even five supplement meals each day and only one actual food meal, which defeats the whole value of quality food intake. Branch chain amino acids have been proven to assist in the prevention of muscle tissue breakdown

from intense anaerobic exercise and if used should be ideally consumed them between 30 and 45 minutes before exercise and again immediately afterwards. In the first month taking a protein and carbohydrate blended drink one hour before and again immediately after the intense training and one more elsewhere making three shakes per day plus also a minimum of three quality meals per day would be a good starting point. Consuming protein drinks during a workout actually detracts from exercise performance, as the digestive system recruits 40 per cent of the total blood volume to function efficiently, whereas when not being utilised only five per cent of blood volume goes through the intestinal tract, leaving an additional 35 per cent of blood volume to be directed to the working muscles. To compensate for larger than usual amounts of protein intake and the subsequent excess Nitrogen production in the body, it is wise to increase your fluid intake of low sodium water to a minimum of between two and three litres per day to reduce kidney filtration stress levels when the nitrogen fractions pass into the Uric Cycle before excretion. The training should primarily be based around heavy traditional compound weights for around eight weeks before changing to overcome adaptation to overload principles. At this stage bring in isolation exercises

Alan Runacres before compound movements for the next 8 weeks to create a more intense stimulation on the compound exercises. It’s not really any good just saying I’ll keep adding more weight. There comes a time when this is just not possible each week or month, so a new kind of muscle stimulus is needed. During the next eight week training phase we could bring drop sets on the last set and eventually the last two sets of each major compound exercise after the Isolations with never more than two pyramid sets before the two drop-sets on this part of the training cycle. Finally for the last eight week training cycle we could dump the drop sets strategy and bring in pre-exhaust

super sets onto certain exercises. These will give an intense ‘barbecue effect’ on your aching muscles. Now when you go back to your basic compound – heavy weight training with low reps your recovery will be awesome and after about four weeks your strength will shoot back up and overtake where you had got to the previous year. This almost creates a complete new ‘cheat’ on the muscles to do more than they have been able to do anytime before. Watch your results improve and better still watch people watching you. Until next time, spread the word and keep training real. I Alan Runacres has over 35 years’ gym experience, been WABBA director of training for 14 years and is the author of three books and over 100 published articles.

TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

First SMART training summit THE very first SMART Fitness Functional Training Summit took place at The Falcon’s Stadium in Newcastle. Over 30 strength and conditioning coaches and fitness professionals made the trip to the North East to hear top speakers share their knowledge. After a brief introduction from SMART Fitness managing director Nick Grantham, the summit kicked off with a threehour presentation by coach Robert Dos Remedios. Throughout the weekend EXF supplied the equipment for all demonstrations whether Olympic lifting, speed training or core conditioning.

www.workout-uk.co.uk

Uniting education with disability sports BRITISH Wheelchair Sport has launched a brand new facility, designed to unite education with disability sports. The Stoke Mandeville Institute of Sport and Education will provide a programme of sports, education and training opportunities for disabled people working in the industry. The aim of the facility is to enable them to become involved in sport as athletes, coaches, administrators and officials in order to contribute to the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Andrew Marshall, managing director of the Stoke Mandeville Stadium, said: “We are proud to be a partner in this project which promises to open many doors for those passionate about inclusive sports and encourage newly disabled people that there are plenty of opportunities out there for them within disability sport.” Educational courses available will include ‘An Introduction to Disability Sport’, ‘Certificate in Sports

Pictured, from left: Prof Chris Kemp, Lee Mason, Blair MacGillivray and front: Martin McElhatton Leadership’ and ‘Wheelchair Basketball Coaching Assistant Grade 1’, as well as technology based modules that will allow students to attend ‘virtually’. Martin McElhatton, chief executive of WheelPower, said: “The Institute will support sports bodies to develop their

workforce and provide an educational pathway from NVQs up to degree level courses. “Through these wonderful opportunities, disabled people and those who want to get involved in disability sport will be able to enhance their skills.”

Life Fitness renews official sponsorship agreement LIFE Fitness has renewed its official sponsorship agreement with higher education sports sector British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS). Under the terms of the partnership Life Fitness has been named the ‘Official Fitness Partner of BUCS

Professional Advisory Groups’. This agreement enables Life Fitness to work closely with experts from the university sport and physical activity sector, understand their needs and deliver tailored fitness solutions. Lawra Joseph, marketing manager at Life Fitness, said: “We believe it is our

responsibility to help individual universities and colleges achieve a healthy campus and to meet their participation and performance targets. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with BUCS and to work closely with the university sector in meeting these goals”.

SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

‘Sports drink benefits without swallowing’ EXERCISERS can gain benefit from sports drinks without even swallowing them, new research has revealed. Investigations by the University of Birmingham and Manchester Metropolitan University have shown that if athletes simply swirl the drink around their mouths then spit it out, their performance is still boosted – because the sugar sends pleasure signals to the brain. Researchers believe that chemical receptors in the mouth respond to carbohydrates in the drinks by sending signals to the brain that make exercise feel easier. As a result, athletes are able to work their bodies harder. Researcher Dr. Ed Chambers and his team not only showed that sugary drinks can significantly boost performance in an endurance event, but so can a tasteless carbohydrate – and they do so in unexpected ways. The researchers prepared drinks that contained either glucose, maltodextrin or neither, then carefully laced them with artificial sweeteners until they tasted identical.

Firms unveil strategic alliance as part of growth plans

Richard Eggington (silver medal men's eight in Beijing), Annie Vernon (silver medal women's quad in Beijing) and Anna Bebington (bronze medal women's double in Beijing) chatting to Pete Slater from Science in Sport in the boathouse at the GB Rowing training base in Caversham.

Firm lands rowing deal It is claimed that sports drinks still work even if they are not swallowed. Dr. Chambers said: “Much of the They asked endurance-trained athbenefit from carbohydrate in sports letes to complete a challenging timedrinks is provided by signaling directtrial, during which they rinsed their ly from mouth to brain rather than mouths with one of the three concocproviding energy for the working tions. muscles.” Athletes given the glucose or malTheir findings support the theory todextrin drinks outperformed those that it is not the muscles, heart or on ‘disguised’ water by two to three lungs that ultimately limits performper cent and sustained a higher averance, but the brain itself – based on age power and pulse rate, even the information it receives from the though didn't feel they were working any harder. body.

Robin Holiday

NATROL UK Limited has announced a strategic alliance with CLF Distribution, the Wiltshire-based health food and pharmacy wholesaler. They will help the company achieve its long term plan to take Natrol products, especially sports brands Prolab and MRI, to a wider audience. Robin Holiday, managing director of CLF Distribution said: “This alliance fits in perfectly with our growth and expansion plans. Retailers can rest assured that continuity of service and any fixed term agreements already in place will remain unaffected.” As part of the alliance, Karen Wilson, marketing manager and

www.workout-uk.co.uk

James Baker, product training manager, have made the move to CLF. Robin added: “They bring with them excellent industry knowledge that not only complements our organisation but will help to ensure brand support and continuity for Natrol branded lines.” CLF Distribution has added the multi award winning CytoSport to its sports nutrition portfolio. The company has produced some of the most recognisable sports nutrition products on the US market and the range – including signature brand Muscle Milk – will be available in the UK via CLF from the end of June.

UK sports nutrition company Science in Sport has partnered with GB Rowing and the Amateur Rowing Association (ARA) to supply its range of energy and sports drinks. The four-year agreement sees Blackburn-based Science in Sport become the official sports nutrition partner for GB Rowing and will supply its range of energy, hydration and recovery products until March 2013. Peter Slater from Science in Sport, said: “Rowing is extremely demanding physically and requires hours of training on a daily basis – therefore sports nutrition is essential to performance.”

38 SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

www.workout-uk.co.uk

With an onsite supplements shop and online store, family-run New Image Gym is squeezing the most out of secondary spend. Mary Ferguson reports.

Business goes from strength to strength OVER the last year, Mark Dawson and wife Helen have been concentrating on boosting revenue for their club through sales of supplements. And after five years of experimentation, the pair claim they have finally got things right and business is booming. Mark said: “When I opened the gym five years ago I started selling bits and pieces but I set the prices too high so was forced to drop them. “Now we are doing really well with

sales, especially online. At the start of the year I wondered whether we would be affected by the recession because supplements are not essential, but it’s not turned out that way and business is actually getting stronger. “We have put a lot of work in though and have spent a lot of money sponsoring various online forums, including UK Muscle. It works for us because we are quite active, posting comments and advice. We don’t just

The place for supplements ... MUSCLE Finesse is the place in the UK for discount bodybuilding supplements.

ers including EAS, Met-Rx, CNP, MuscleTech, Reflex Nutrition, USN, Maximuscle and BSN.

They stock whey protein, meal replacement powders (MRPs), protein and energy bars, creatine, weight loss aids and much more, from the most reputable bodybuilding and fitness nutritional supplement manufactur-

Visit their website to enjoy the best products, great discount prices and free for the UK mainland on all orders. Enquiries: 01733 553420 Email: info@musclefinesse.com

stick our banner on the sites.” 70 per cent of the gym’s supplement sales come via the website but the onsite shop also does a good trade in both gym members and others. “We are located in a small market town so don’t get tons of walk inbusiness but we get orders nationwide on the website. Everyone seems to buy online these days, so I keep the prices on the site and in the shop the same, and don’t charge for post and packaging.” Mark said that supplement sales make up around 20 per cent of his overall income from the gym and he is hoping to boost the percentage by the end of the year. As well as supplements themselves, the gym sells branded clothing by the manufacturers, as well as customised t-shirts and vests designed by Helen. The gym and site stock a wide variety of products and Mark claims they are the cheapest place to go for CNP professional products. “I have a friend who is a distributor and he carries thousands of lines so if I don’t have something I can get it from him. a lot of it is about making connections and having good working relationships with people.”

Mark and Helen Mark said his enthusiasm shows when he is talking to prospective customers about the supplements and said he genuinely cares about helping people get the most out of their training. He added: “If making money was my main objective I would never have made it this far – I’m just in love with the iron.”

PRODUCT NEWS

Technical solutions from Hutchison Technologies ...

Steamy new design for centre DALESAUNA have helped redevelop the swimming pool at Whitley Bay Leisure Centre. North Tyneside Council have recently spent £6m on redeveloping the facilities as part of the £30m overall investment on sport and leisure in the area. The old facility included a traditional sauna suite complete with two Aerotone baths, more suited to the antiques road show than a modern fitness facility, and when it was decided to completely refurbish the suite, Dalesauna were invited to become involved in the design process.

The interior design for the spa area was worked on by Dalesauna’s own specialist, Lynn Russell-Hanson who managed to provide a design that is both contemporary whilst still maintaining a subtle theme of the seaside with pebbles, sand and colours of the sea. To replace the Aerotone baths, Dalesauna were asked to supply two “state of the art” Caracalla Hydrobaths. Enquiries: 01423798630 Website: www.dalesauna.co.uk

Top of the range vibration plate THE Ultim8 Pro + is the top of the range vibration plate and designed for use in fully commercial gyms, studios, sunbed centres, beauty salons, clinics and hospitals and has a full professional warranty. It is made from solid steel and not plastic and has a large wide plate to enable you to have a full workout. The computer allows the choice of a wide range of frequencies and there are 2 large motors

to ensure the vibrations are strong enough to stimulate the largest user. Corporate customers receive a full ‘train the trainer’ programme inhouse or at a training centre. Buy the best solid steel Vibration trainer available today. Buy the Ultim8 Vibration Plate. Commercial leases are from £110 a month over five years. Enquiries: 0845 226 0067 Email: sales@ultim8fitness.co.uk

Splash out on a water fountain ... Drinking Water Fountains and Plumbed-in Watercoolers from Glug Glug Glug. We offer reliable, modern designs at extremely competitive prices. UK local call centres. One monthly fixed cost. We pride ourselves on our exceptional service and professional installations. Contact us for a quote for a new machine and pay less than you currently do now. Enquiries: www.glugglugglug.com or call 01932 873366.

AS one of the UK’s leading suppliers of audiovisual, telecom, datacom and access-control solutions, Hutchison’s pride themselves on delivering quality technical solutions, tailor-made to meet the most stringent of performance standards. Hutchison Technologies have research and development facilities at their headquarters in Dundee, Scotland. This resource allows them to offer a bespoke service, in addition to a much-acclaimed standard product portfolio. Research and development work plays a vital role in ensuring that their clients have access to state-of-the-art technology which has the potential to make their facilities the envy of the health, fitness and hospitality industries. Hutchison’s skilled in-house designers and engineers manufacture install and maintain a wide range of technological solutions, including: I Telecoms and IT networks ranging from small business to enterprise IP communication solutions I TV and video distribution systems

delivered over RF, HDMI and IP network infrastructure – CAI Approved I Audiovisual solutions ranging from background, foreground, and studio solutions I Access control systems for member control, security and convenience at any entry point. Hutchison have a wealth of experience and knowledge and can expertly deliver solutions across a wide range of different sectors. They are specialists within the health and fitness, spa, hospitality, premium restaurant fine dining, education and retail sector. Whether you’re an international hotel chain or a small private gym, Hutchison Technologies provide a service and offer a choice of innovative IT, audiovisual, lighting and access – membership control solutions. Enquiries: 01382 835007 Website: www.hutchison-t.com

A sunny recession beater for Workout readers WITH increased concerns about member retention and decreased cash flow but with increased costs, Helionova have come up with an interesting proposal for Workout readers. Helionova will deliver and install at no charge (to a suitable and electrically prepared site) one of its stand up sunbeds, which complies with the new regulations (0.3 watts per square metre output) for a nominal, refundable deposit on a fixed charge of just £10.00 + VAT per hour usage. So if you charge 50p per minute, you will take £30 per hour, or if you charge 75p per minute you will take £45 per hour. Helionova have been supplying top quality Ultrasun sunbeds for over 25 years and have their equipment with LivingWell Health Clubs, Esporta, Energie Fitness and Parkwood Leisure. Richard Warden, managing director of Helionova and chairman of the UK’s Sunbed Association said: “Like gym equipment and weights, sunbeds work, if used. There is a big opportunity for gyms and fitness centres to install sunbeds into their complex now as many of the stand alone tanning shops have closed down due to their high street locations and too specialised appeal. “Clients want to go to a centre where they can work out, relax, have a sunbed and a swim or sauna if they are available.”

For further information please telephone 01603 789 010, quoting ‘Workout offer’.

CLASSIFIED

40 LOCKERS

FOR SALE

INSURANCE

FLOORING

NUTRITION

To advertise in Work Out please call: 01226 734615

EQUIPMENT

CLASSIFIED EQUIPMENT

staffsfitness.com FOR SALE

SUNBEDS

Are you looking to: Open a new gym or fitness centre? Acquire finance and CAD design? Have your equipment serviced? Expand or update and existing centre? Re-upholster tired looking equipment? Train your staff You need to contact us. We are leading suppliers of service and re-manufactured fitness equipment including Precor, Cybex, Life and Technogym. Tel: 01538 387999 E-mail: sales@staffsfitness.com

FINANCE

Finance solutions for the fitness industry… As the fitness industry’s preferred finance partner, Shire has designed innovative leasing packages that allow you to acquire new equipment to expand or upgrade your facilities right now, rather than waiting until you can afford to pay cash.

Call Phil Morris on 07968 452061 for free confidential help and advice SHIRE LEASING PLC Company Registration Number: 02476571. VAT No: 55889480.

MEMBERSHIP COLLECTION SOLUTIONS • Credit Agreements • Instalment Collection • Cash Advances

Tel: 01444 449157 www.harlandsgroup.co.uk MARKETING Supplied and fully integrated with Clubrunner Management Software

To advertise in Work Out please call: 01226 734615

42 MEMBERSHIP CARDS

MANAGEMENT

DESIGN

CLASSIFIED TRAINING

SAUNAS

WANTED

To Advertise please call 01226 734615