The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazineFebruary 2012 No 221 £3

New TV showsparks outcryfrom industryBy Christina Eccles

A NEW TV show filmed in a Londongym has sparked outcry from fitnessprofessionals who claim it portraysthe industry in a bad light.

The Fat Fighters, which has beenshowing on Channel Four, follows fourpersonal trainers at Gymbox – MattMiller, Dalia Mikneviciute, DanCorbett and Tamaya Adams – and theclients they train.

But their unconventional workoutmethods and classes have led to criti-cism from other trainers who are wor-ried the show may put people offgoing to the gym. Comments Workoutreceived via social networking siteTwitter included: “It’s entertainmentbut doesn't do PTs any favours”, “(Theshow is) giving a dreadful impressionof the industry and PTs” and “Four selfobsessed show off trainers trying tomake a name for themselves.Rubbish.”

Personal trainer Dean Callis alsojoined the debate, offering Gymboxmembers looking for a new PT, a freeintroductory session.

And he told Workout he believes theshow could give people an unrealistic

picture of what goes on in gyms.He added: “I felt it has completely

portrayed the industry in a bad light.Certain comments made by the train-ers could completely make someonefear joining a gym.

“I’m not someone who believes fit-ness shouldn’t be fun. But walking around the gym in a catsuit with a whipmakes it look like a circus. It’s in reallybad taste. A lot of personal trainers Iknow who have worked really hardfeel a bit let down by it. A lot of it’sdone for TV but I don’t understandwhy – maybe to gain more viewers?”

But trainer on the show Matt ‘Millerthe Pillar’ has hit back at negativecomments – saying The Fat Fighters ismeant to cause debate, but moreimportantly inspire. He added: “It’snot the Active Channel, it’s prime timeTV. You have got to take a bit of alicense to get people interested in fit-ness at all. If we can, then that’s thereal message of the show.

“There are a lot of trainers watchingthe show and they’re not understand-ing it’s meant to be silly to draw peo-ple in. Inadvertently, this draws theminto fitness and personal training.”� For more see Page 8

Awards night tobe thebest yetLOOK out for the next issue ofWorkout where we will beunveiling exciting plans aboutthis year’s National FitnessAwards.

After two sell-out years, theawards promise to be evenbigger and better in 2012 –recognising the very best ofthe UK fitness industry at theultimate end-of-year party.

Almost 600 people attendedthe 2011 event, which tookplace at the ICC inBirmingham, with guestsincluding cage fighter AlexReid, nutritionist and TV pre-senter Caroline Pearce andWil Graham, winner of hit TVshow The Biggest Loser.

2011’s winners representedall corners of the UK – withgyms from Anglesey,Greenock, Devon and Essexall scooping trophies – so nowis the chance to think abouthow your club could join thisprestigious list.

You can also keep up to datewith the latest information onthe event by visiting the dedi-cated awards websitewww.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk or follow us on Twitter@FitnessAwards

Diet and fitness guru Rosemary Conley has takenon a new challenge – starring in the latest seriesof hit TV show Dancing on Ice.Rosemary – who has been skating with professional partner Mark Hanretty – has over 40years’ experience working in the industry and isbest known for her successful weight loss classes. Picture: ITV Pictures

The day that WorkOut welcomed a Prince ... Full story and pictures, Page 3

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AdvertisingSales and marketingdirector:Tony BarrySales manager:Daniel LloydTel: 01226 734699dl@whpl.netAssistant sales manager:Danielle HornbyTel: 07860 522 230dlh@whpl.netField sales executive:Chris HartleyTel: 01226 734709ch@whpl.net

EditorialGroup Editor:Judith HalkerstonTel: 01226 734639jhalkerston@whpl.net

Chief reporter:Christina EcclesTel: 01226 734463ce@whpl.net

Reporter:Helen WilliamsTel: 01226 734694helenw@scriptmedia.co.uk

www.workout-uk.co.uk

Official media partnerof the Fitness Industry

AssociationScript Media47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS

WORKOUT had its first Royal visitor lastmonth when Prince Charles visited us andmet the team behind the UK’s Number Onemagazine for independent gym owners.

His Royal Highness met managing directorMichael Hewitt, group editor JudithHalkerston and sales director Tony Barry whoshowed him our portfolio of magazines as wellas new technology associated with ScriptMedia’s corporate video division.

Digital media producer Simon Rodmandemonstrated some of the techniques used, including green screen, to produce

broadcast quality videos.Judith also spoke to him about Script Events

and the success of the National FitnessAwards. She said: “It was a real honour for usto welcome the Prince to the WorkOut officesand we were all thrilled to meet him. Heseemed genuinely interested in the work thatwe do and was very friendly and put everyoneat ease.”

Prince Charles also visited other divisions ofthe Acredula Group, Script’s parent company,including the Barnsley Chronicle, Pen andSword Books and Yorkshire Web.

The day that WorkOutwelcomed a Prince ...

Right: PrinceCharles chats toScript mdMichael Hewittand sales direc-tor Tony Barry

Above: Managing director Michael Hewitt explains the green screen technology to HRHPrince Charles. Below: Group editor Judith Halkerston chats to the Prince about the success of the National Fitness Awards and, right, Prince Charles meets Script staff Stewart Holt and Bev Green.

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By Christina Eccles

A SHROPSHIRE health club chain isexpanding its successful brand byoffering the business model as a fran-chise opportunity.

Bodytech, which has five clubsacross the county, was founded in1998 by Jeff Anderson when heopened his first gym in Shrewsbury.

In 2006 Jeff, along with businesspartner Peter Metcalfe, opened thesecond club in Market Drayton, fol-lowed by Whitchurch and Chester in2007 and Oswestry in 2009.

Now following the success of thebusiness, the company is looking tofranchise and hopes to roll its modelof affordable fitness with a personaltouch out to the rest of the UK.

Jeff explained: “This is a greatopportunity for anyone seeking tostart their own business with a provenbusiness model, backed by very expe-rienced business professionals.

“Having built our chain over thepast 14 years we have created a pow-erful, well-known brand and haveaccumulated a great deal of experi-ence.”

The Bodytech franchising team hasaround 70 combined years of busi-ness experience. Jeff was a director inthe petrochemical industry prior tostarting the gyms. Peter was in the

Royal Navy and a fitness manager oncruise ships, and fellow director NickBlackbourn was a successful seniormanager in the food, drink and filmindustry and now runs his own lawfirm.

Jeff added: “What we offer is verydifferent to the big gym chains andthat’s why people like us.

“Our success is down to offering a

unique service to a specific marketand we are excited about sharing thatformula with others who have thesame beliefs and motivation as our-selves.

“We already have several interestedparties on board and we would like toinvite others to contact us shouldthey be keen to join us on this ven-ture.”

Health club expandsby offering franchise

Bodytech’s directors Nick Blackbourn, Peter Metcalfe and Jeff Anderson.

Chain trialspadel tennisat ChigwellfacilityDAVID Lloyd Leisure is triallingclasses of one of the world’sfastest growing sports at its clubin Chigwell.

The operator has teamed upwith the Padel EnglandAssociation to launch padel tennis– a fast paced game popular inSpain and Latin America.

Three indoor padel courts havebeen installed at Chigwell wherecourses for members will be runby an expert team of tenniscoaches specially trained by thePadel England Association.

Head of sports, health and fit-ness Rob Beale said: “We’re veryexcited at being the first nation-wide company to bring padel tothe UK with capacity to roll out toother clubs.

“We pride ourselves on beinginnovative and developing new,exciting and fun products andprogrammes for our members,delivered by highly-qualifiedcoaches.”

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Marc Heywood after his sky dive in aid of Cancer Research

Tributes torespectedkit supplierTRIBUTES have been pouring in fol-lowing the death of Direct Fitness’owner Marc Heywood, who was killedin a car accident.

Marc, who was 27, set up the Boltonbased equipment supplier sevenyears ago – starting the business outof his home garage before building itup to a £1.5m turnover company sin-gle handedly.

He was also a keen supporter ofcharity, taking part in fundraisingevents including a sky dive in theLake District in aid of CancerResearch.

Colleague Lisa Harvey-Vile said:“Marc was always life and soul ofeverything, he was well liked andrespected within the fitness industry.

“Personally I have lost not only mycolleague but my best friend, and Ithink a lot of people will feel that wayabout him.”

Many other friends within the fit-ness industry have also paid tributeto Marc, including Ian Thorpe fromFitness Systems who told Workout hewas ‘devastated’ by the news.

He added: “Marc worked for mefrom 16 years old. He was a great lad,always had a smile and extremelydedicated and motivated.

“We had a lot of fun working togeth-er and I was sorry when he left at 22years old to further his career butcould only wish him all the best at thetime. Since then we have kept intouch weekly by phone or by textwhich he liked to do. We would talkabout family and personal things aswell as work.

“I saw him in Curry’s Electrical Storelast week and we had a laugh. He wastalking very positively about thefuture, in fact he joked about meretiring and taking over my businessand looking after me and my wifeKaren in our old age.

“This was the kind of guy he was – agood friend. I will miss him dearly.The industry has lost a superstar.”

CFM’s Dave Wright added: “Marcwas one of the good guys in theindustry. He supported independent

operators with passion, professional-ism and integrity and really under-stood their challenges with their busi-nesses.

“He acted more like a consultantthan a kit supplier. He was a fun lov-ing, gregarious bloke who had a laughwith life but took his business veryseriously.

“The industry and anyone who hadthe pleasure of doing business withhim will truly know that he will besadly missed.”

Servicesport (UK) sales managerRick Fowler also paid tribute: “Marchad fantastic energy and drive andloved his part in our industry. A com-plete workaholic who would alwaysmake contact late in the eveningwhen most of us wanted to winddown.

“He wanted to make sure he got thedeal or purchase. Not only was he acolleague to me and many of us atServicesport, but a friend. He will bemissed by many in the industry as hewas certainly one of the good guys,full of new ideas. Our condolences goout to all his family and especially histwo young sons. RIP Marc.”

Marc leaves two sons, Oliver, agedthree, and six-month-old Dillon,mum Kaye, dad Joe and sister Emma.

Proud dad: Marc with his sons Oliver andDillon

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By Christina Eccles

FAT Fighters trainer Matt Milleradmits the show has caused contro-versy but claims it should be recog-nised for getting people talking aboutfitness and exercise.

Matt, who describes the series as a‘bit of something from the ActiveChannel mixed with something fromTOWIE’ spoke to Workout followingcriticism from fellow trainers that theprogramme may put people off gyms.

He explained: “The whole conceptwas sold to me on two things – mak-ing the show fun and inspiring. Theywere always my two requirements.

“I knew it was going to be 80 percent good and 20 per cent cringe butI’m ok with that. Would I ever say, I’mthe best trainer? That’s not me – butit’s a controversial thing to say.

“I really wanted to present this anddo something to inspire people. I lovewhat I do and if I can spread thatmessage bigger then even better.”

Matt also said he believes there isroom in the industry for differentapproaches to personal training aswhat appeals to one client may not bethe same as what appeals to another.

He added: “Our approach is not nec-essarily their approach but I’m con-stantly trying to throw other thingsinto my training. It’s my job to look atsomeone and think about what type

of activity would be beneficial forthem and think outside the box.

“It’s very easy to mock anothertrainer and say I would do it different-ly. But they have clients and are earn-ing money and if the client wasn’twith that person they would not bedoing anything physically active.”

The programme is also supported bya dedicated website where people cansign up to complete a fitness task

every day for a month – with onlinesupport from the trainers – and Mattclaims this proves they are seriousabout getting people fit.

He added: “The whole concept isactually wanting to change someone’slife everyday. It’s not just a show.”

� Have you been watching The FatFighters? What do you think? Sendyour comments to ce@whpl.net orcontact Workout on 01226 734463.

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Channel 4 show ‘deservesrecognition’ says trainer

The Fat Fighters trainers.

‘An amazingexperience’says Salley SALLEY Farquarson appeared onan episode of The Fat Fighterswith her daughter Jenai and saidit was an amazing experience.

She added: “The trainers werewonderful – so much of theirwork was not shown and theyreally probed you to find out theroot of our weight problem.

“So they got to understand usfirst, we were assigned a maintrainer who then made their rec-ommendations for diet and exer-cise. Initially we worked mainlywith Dalia doing transformation-al Pilates which I believe reallytransformed both mine andJenai’s body shape as well asdeveloping stamina.

“The trainers motivated me bytheir belief that we could achieveour goals, then motivating us byincreasing in our routines to keepstepping up the pace and encour-aging us to push ourselves whenwe felt we wanted to stop or rest.

“This programme shows that nomatter what your age or level offitness you can always improveyour health. I am truly grateful forthe experience and all the excep-tional people we met. I feel moreconfident, have lots more energy,I’m more focused now and lessstressed even though many oflife’s problems remain the same.”

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By Christina Eccles

‘SPIN dating’ could be among thetrends to hit gyms this year as clubslook at new ways to interact withmembers.

According to industry experts, moreclubs could look to hold events suchas singles’ nights where memberscould meet each other in a moresocial environment – and possiblyfind love in the gym.

Bristol based personal trainerMichelle Day runs her own studio,mi-gym, in the city centre and saidthis was something she would consid-er introducing.

She explained: “Networking eventshave maybe got more legs than theywould have had a couple of years agobecause of the popularity of socialnetworking.

“‘Fitness dating’ could become pop-ular – some people do go to the gymto see who is there. I would certainlythink about doing it where I am.”

The debate also continued onTwitter where followers of Workout

also shared their opinions.Personal trainer Julie Boyle said if

she owned her own club, she wouldalso think about including datingevents as some people may join thegym hoping to meet someone.

She added: “I would consider if Iowned a gym. People have manymotivations as to why they join, tomeet someone, look and feel betteretc.”

But Michelle was more scepticalabout the prospect of ‘sweatworking’– combining a workout with a busi-ness networking opportunity in a gymenvironment.

She added: “I personally do not seeit catching on but if it did, a small stu-dio like mine would be ideal.

“It would be lovely if it did take off,but I don’t really think this one will bea big trend.”

� Do you hold social events in yourgym? Would you consider introducingspeed dating or ‘sweatworking’? Sendyour thoughts to ce@whpl.net or con-tact Workout on 01226 734463.

Spin datingpredictedto hit gyms

Current World Ironman champion Chrissie Wellington (pictured above) has released newtraining programmes for triathletes and runners.She has teamed up with sports music expert AudioFuel and Universal Music to create thefour Tri Harder programmes, which are designed for use on MP3 players. She said: “I feelvery strongly that as a professional triathlete my impact and message should be widerthan my performance on the race course, and last longer than my athletic career. TriHarder is one way I can take my philosophy and learning out to a wider audience and helpencourage people to participate in sport.”

Darren to speak at conferenceQUEST’S national conference willtake place on March 1, with speak-ers including Darren Campbell andMiles Templeman.

The event takes place at HolywellPark in Loughborough and will alsoinclude the first Quest and NationalBenchmarking Service awards.Operations director CarolineConstantine, said: “We are launch-

ing the Quest and NBS Awards torecognise the fantastic work beingdone by leisure centres across thecountry.

“The award winners are ambassa-dors for Quest and NBS provingthat, particularly in the current eco-nomic climate, improvement toolsare essential to drive quality andefficiency.”

CHARITABLE social enterprise GLLhas entered the budget market withthe opening of its newest gym.

Gym Bexleyheath in south eastLondon comprises 92 pieces of thelatest Technogym cardiovascular andresistance equipment, a dedicatedfree weights and stretch area, plusmodern changing facilities.

The gym is staffed with qualified fit-ness professionals at all times whilethe reception area is self-service inorder to keep costs to a minimum.

Monthly membership costs £19.95and there is also a special off-peakmembership for teens (aged 11 to 15)which costs £12.50 per month.

GLL operations director AndyMcCabe said: “The aim of this newventure is to offer a ‘no frills’

approach to fitness, but without com-promising on standards. And unlikemany other fitness facilities, we aredelighted to welcome younger mem-bers during off peak periods.”

He said that GLL was a new entrantto the budget gym market but added:“The concept behind GymBexleyheath sits well with our corpo-rate commitment to making highquality fitness and leisure facilitiesmore accessible, while we alreadyoffer a low cost, discount member-ship – gym London – within many ofthe leisure centres we operate.”

Outside its core portfolio of publicleisure centres, GLL also runs spaLondon, a chain of affordable dayspas.

The exterior of the new Gym Bexleyheath.

Leisure operator entersbudget gym market

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By Christina Eccles

VIBRATION training has the potentialto improve the strength, flexibility andcoordination of people suffering fromMultiple Sclerosis, a pilot study hasrevealed.

The eight week study was run withthe support of Borders Sport andLeisure Trust, Power PlateInternational and the MS Society, fol-lowing the results seen by MS suffererSandra Hay, who is a member atBSLT’s Tweedbank Sports Centre.

Trainer David Johnston, who sug-gested she try using the Power Platemachine, explained: “When Sandrastarted training with us, I wanted toensure that her programme wouldhelp to improve her condition.

“Power Plate sent me researchpapers showing the positive effectsthat Power Plate has had for otherpeople with MS, which helped medevelop a training routine forSandra.”

Sandra used the machine for a yearand was so pleased with the resultsshe contacted the MS Society to shareher success story in the hope otherscould also benefit.

10 people with MS participated inthe eight week study, who were all

assessed at the start to provide abaseline to measure the resultsagainst.

The study investigated how a specif-ic exercise programme on the PowerPlate machine could improve partici-pants’ muscle power, strength andcoordination, mobility and functionalmobility, and functional reach.

It also used the Multiple Sclerosisimpact scale and pain effects scale tohelp assess the effect on quality oflife.

The results showed eight of 10 par-ticipants progressed to a point wherethey could both increase the intensityof vibration and perform exercises forlonger.

Only 20 per cent of participantscould perform all the assessment testsat the start of the trial but 80 per centcompleted all the final assessmenttests.

Arm and leg power was also foundto improve, or remain the same inseven participants, while nine partici-pants improved in the strength andcoordination tests and six partici-pants improved in the mobility tests.

Nine participants improved theirMSIS-29 score, and six participantsimproved, or stayed the same, in thePES for pain.

Vibration traininghas benefits forMS sufferers

Two stars of hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing will be taking to the stage at a leisure cen-tre in West Sussex next month.Katya Virshilas and Pasha Kovalev (pictured above) will be appearing at The Triangle onMarch 31, showcasing popular routines including the Rumba, Waltz, Foxtrot and Jive.The show will also feature up to 40 young dancers from a local dance school and give theaudience chance to question the pair on what really goes on behind the scenes of Strictly.

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UK FITNESS SCENE14A new studio and functional training area has given an independent health club in Rainham a new lease of life.Christina Eccles found out more.

Makeover enables club toexpand offering to members SITUATED in a converted parsonage,the Reynolds Fitness Spa club is oneof three around the area which comesunder the brand.

The site has been open for over 10years and has recently undergone amakeover – including a new studio,fresh decor, and an improved gymlayout – bringing the club right up todate and expanding its offering tomembers.

General manager Roi Larrettexplained: “Over the course of the last18 months, the company has beenvery busy. Last February we had a stu-dio installed at the Rainham club,which meant we could offer a rangeof up to date classes.

“In December, we had the wholeplace redecorated and re-carpetedand moved the gym layout around soit flows a lot better.

“Because the building is a convertedparsonage, the rooms are quite small.We created more space by putting thecardio equipment on one side of thebuilding and weights on the other.

“Upstairs we have moved our powerPlate and installed a TRX to create afunctional area and place to do core

and floor work.”The work was carried out over the

traditionally quieter December peri-od, ready to be unveiled in time forthe new year, and feedback hasalready started coming in from mem-bers who are enjoying the upgradedfacilities.

Roi added: “The club has been openfor over 10 years and we still have alot of our original members.

“It had started to look a little bitworn and tired and the refurbishmentshows members we do appreciatethem and will invest money back intothe club.

Creating the studio has also meantthe club can offer a full classtimetable for the first time, startingsessions in everything from Zumba toVIPR.

“We used to have some people leav-ing to join clubs which offered class-es. Now a lot of them have comeback.

“We have always had that friendli-ness in the gym and now we canextend that service through to ourclasses.”

The gym at Reynolds Fitness Spa.

Reynolds Fitness Spa is situated in a converted parsonage.

THE club has also signed up to a newOlympic themed campaign after read-ing about it in Workout.

The Our Greatest Team campaignencourages gyms to back GreatBritain’s Olympic athletes by askingmembers to make healthy pledges oftheir own – from promising to go tothe gym a certain number of times aweek to eating more fruit and vegeta-bles or being more active with theirchildren.

Gyms which sign up can benefitfrom Olympic themed branding fortheir club, will be featured on anonline map which tracks all thepledges and get the chance to win theactual Technogym equipment used byathletes in the Olympic Village gym.

Roi added he is also looking at set-ting up some fitness challenges ongym equipment such as the rower,themed around Olympic disciplines.

Roi joins Olympic schemeThe new studio has proved popular with members.

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How to attract members andkeep hold of existing ones By Dave Wright

THE year has started and hopefullythe new members have started to‘flood’ into your club.

Here is a quick reminder of sometop tips for you to continue toattract new members and to keepthe existing ones. 1. Give out guest passesClubs are intimidating places. We allknow that the hardest step for anew member is the one through thedoor for the first time.

If we can alleviate that intimida-tion by getting prospective mem-bers to attend with friends then thiswill make that first step easier. Sosimply make sure that your mem-bers have plenty of guest passesthat they can give to family andfriends. Obviously it is only valid ifthey are from the local area and areprospective members but it has nomajor cost and gets potential mem-bers to ‘try’ before they buy. 2. Have a referral programmeProviding incentives as a thank you

for members that recommendfriends or family to join your club isa must. Obviously you will need tokeep a tab of who is recommendingwho, but when you know who isbringing you in members then givethem free months, club clothing ora £1 off their monthly membershipsubscription. Anything that says‘thank you’. 3. Have a loyalty programmeDon’t just look after the new mem-bers, but add attention to the oldones too. Provide offerings based onthe amount of activity that they do.You want to reward people on theprocess of exercise rather than justthe end result. T-shirts, proteinshakes, massages etc. are all easygiveaways to ‘regular’ members. 4. Find what makes you differentand shout it from the rooftopThis is marketing at its most basicform, but find out what makes youdifferent from every other gym inyour market and then market thehell out of it.

Brain storm with your staff so that

you can work out what sets youapart from the competition andthen make sure you deliver that. 5. Treat your staff rightYour staff are the representation ofyour club. They get in and close toyour members and often can dodetrimental marketing if they areunhappy.

Obviously it starts from the initialhiring and the training, but makingsure your team are a positive repre-sentation of your club is imperative.If they are not, then cut the tiesquickly – it may not be a reversiblesolution.

� Dave Wright is the CEO ofCFM/MYZONE, a company withover 300 staff that have served theinternational fitness industry forover 21 years in 10 different coun-tries; focussing on either gettingnew members and/or keeping exist-ing ones.

Dave is also the owner of 11 healthclubs across two continents, aboard director of the UK’s FitnessIndustry, an IHRSA presenter and

the creator and global distributor ofa new monitoring device used byclubs around the world calledMYZONE. He may be contacted onDave.Wright@cfm.net

Look out for the rest of Dave’s toptips next issue.

Dave Wright

By Helen Williams

THE owner of a new gym near Telfordis looking at expansion following a‘fantastic’ response to his New Year’sDay launch.

Vishav Singh, who is just 24, signedup 20 members on New Year’s Daywhen he opened the doors of TheFitness Factory – formerly an emptyunit on Bridges Business Park inHorsehay.

By January 18, membership hadtopped 100 and those now workingout in the gym include an 83-year-oldwoman and a young fitness fan train-ing for a half marathon.

Customers were offered a free tastersession and induction and the first 50people to join paid £15 a month.

Vishav said he did not make peoplesign a contract or pay a joining feeand that he also offered one-to-onepersonal training.

He has been promoting the gym onFacebook, his website and the localpress.

He said: “The thinking behind open-ing on that day was that it is a newyear and a new start.

“If you start a new year staying inbed or having a drink then you will

probably spend the rest of the yeardoing the same.”

Vishav, who invested £50,000 intoThe Fitness Factory, said there wasplenty of scope to expand into theupper floor of his premises and isdeciding whether to have martial artsclasses, cardio or weights.

He added: “The fitness industry willgrow even bigger, especially whendoctors continue to tell people to getfit, lose weight and change theirlifestyles.

“We try to give people advice. Frommy reception area I can see every per-son using the gym and we immediate-ly go over if we see someone is a bitunsure.

“For example, we have some 17-year-olds who don’t know what to doin a gym, but we encourage people ofthat age. They have to start some-where.”

Vishav, from Priorslee, also toldWorkout people in the nearbyHorsehay, Lawley, Dawley, Lightmoorand Ironbridge areas had not had agym so close before, and that conven-ience was attractive.

The gym also has a dedicated ladiesarea in a separate room and a pay-as-you-go scheme for £3 a session.

Vishav looks toexpand followingsuccessful launch

LEISURE Connection has introducedthe Gravity Training System into StokeMandeville Stadium, offering it toboth disabled and able bodied users.

The operator has introduced theequipment at the club, which is thehome of disability sport, following asuccessful trial period where over 200users were asked their opinions.

The results showed 98 per centwould use the equipment again, 97per cent would recommend the work-

out to a friend and 83 per centdescribed the training as great or bet-ter.

Head of retention and marketingKevin Yates said: “We’ve had greatresponse from our members.

“ The revenue stream is constantlyworking for us because the equip-ment has so many applications andcan be used by everyone regardless offitness level or physical ability.”

New system installedat Stoke Mandeville

The Gravity Training System will benefit both disabled and able bodied users.

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UK FITNESS SCENE20Exercise referral is a growth market but not always an easy area for clubs to get involved with. In the first of a twopart series, Nichola Curran shares her top tips with Workout readers.

UNLESS you have been living under arock you are probably fully aware ofthe state of the UK’s health.

We hear how the fitness sector hasan important role to play in gettingpeople physically active, so ratherthan wait for the powers that be tofinalise the funding streams let’s stopcomplaining and be more proactiveand take matters into our own hands.

Firstly, let’s determine which condi-tions we are talking about. I referback to Lord Darzi’s report in whichhe highlights there is a growth in theprevalence of many long-term condi-tions including diabetes, hyperten-sion, depression and coronary heartdisease and of course let’s not forgetthe obesity epidemic.

All of these can be attributed tolifestyle choices including beingphysically inactive.

There is much evidence to supporthow physical activity can slow downthe progression of these conditionsand reduce the risk of further compli-cations.

These conditions, therefore, seem tobe a good place to start, although Iwould like to point out I am not dis-

missing other long-term conditionswhich can also benefit from physicalactivity.

If you are a gym owner or a personaltrainer and you are looking to tap intothis market, here’s my top tips onwhat you can do to get started.

1. Find out which conditions aremost prevalent in your area. You cango to the Public Health Observatorieswebsite (www.apho.org.uk) and lookup the health profile of a particularpost code; the profile will show youhow your area compares to thenational average.

If you find your area has a signifi-cantly higher percentage of peopleliving with diabetes for example, thenyou may wish to focus your efforts onthis condition first. If you are a clubor centre, perhaps you can extractthis type of data from your member-ship database? Or perhaps conduct asurvey on your members (includetheir family members and friendswho live in the same area)?

2. Find out where you can reachthese people, where do they go?There are many expert patient groupsacross the UK so check in your area.

Contact your local GP’s, health clinicsand hospitals.

Don’t forget the corporate compa-nies; they should have a health andwellbeing policy in place and youmay be the perfect partner for them.Find out how you can fit into theirstrategy, just offering a corporatemembership is not really going to cutit anymore.

3. Be clear on your message, speaktheir language. As fitness profession-als we can sometimes be guilty ofspouting off about how you need toexercise at least three times per weekat a moderate intensity blah blahblah...

To the majority of people you aretrying to attract this translates into‘you are going to be subjected to painand misery three times per week – nothank you’. Start connecting withthem on their level. How exactly canyou help them? What will they beable to do in their daily lives that per-haps they cannot do now? What fur-ther complications are they at risk ofand how can exercise reduce this risk?How will the positive effects of takingpart impact on their loved ones too?

� Nichola Curran is the founder ofEvolve Leisure and works with fitnessprofessionals who want to be quali-fied personal trainers and exercisereferral specialists. She has just pub-lished a guide for those who wish towork with clients with medical condi-tions, available at www.knowthelim-its.co.uk

Look out for the rest of her top tipsin next month’s Workout...

Time for the fitness sector to stopcomplaining and be proactive

Nichola Curran

20 24/1/12 10:02 Page 1

21 Talugym 23/1/12 16:19 Page 1

UK FITNESS SCENE22

Budget gym chain ownerreveals ambitious growth planBy Helen Williams

THE owner of a budget gym whorecently opened his third site inPlymouth has unveiled ambitiousplans to have a total of 11 clubs upand running by the end of this year.

Parm Singh opened his first gymunder the trugym brand inMaidstone in 2010, offering mem-bership for £14.99 per month andno contract.

It was so successful that a secondsite – more than double the size –swiftly followed in Peterborough.Plymouth opened in November lastyear and a further site in Bromley ison schedule to launch at the end ofthis month.

Trugym now has 10,000 membersover the four sites and has alsoincreased staff from four to 17.

Parm said he had been confidentfrom the start that the brand wouldwork but added that the ‘austerity’mood of the nation meant competi-tion was now tougher in the budgetsector.

He said: “People are fighting forthe same properties to develop andwe have been forced to pull out ofsome deals because the price hasbeen driven up so high. That makessome locations not viable for ourkind of model.”

However, he added that demandwas strong, with more people look-ing for a lower cost and flexible gymoption with no contract and nojoining fees.

He added: “We have slightly differ-ent price points at each sitedepending on market conditionsand the competition – for example,there’s an offer of £9.99 for amonth’s membership at Plymouth –but in general, people can’t believeour prices. We had a phenomenalresponse in January.”

Parm has been promoting thebrand via social networks and thishas also had a positive impact.

“We’ve got customers inMaidstone who are, say, going tostudy in Plymouth and they intendto join our club there.”

And he and his senior staff keepan eye on quality by visiting thesites at least once a week.

“I have a workout, a shower, andexperience the whole customerjourney. We also have a firm policy

on gym etiquette.”� Have you got a story for

Workout magazine? Let ChristinaEccles know by emailingce@whpl.net ore telephone 01226734463.

The new gym at trugym Plymouth.

A new leisure centre has opened in Horley at a cost of £9m. Facilities at Horley LeisureCentre include a 25-metre six-lane swimming pool with ramped access for disabled users, ateaching pool, fitness gym with 45 exercise stations and free weights, four-court multi-usesports hall and an exercise and dance studio. The new centre, replaces the ageing HorleyAnderson Centre, which opened in 1974, and will be run by GLL.

New drive launchedto increase numbersOLDHAM Community Leisure isleading a new drive to increase par-ticipation in sport.

The organisation is workingalongside Oldham AthleticCommunity Trust, Community 1stOldham and The Oldham College todeliver the Energize programme,which offers a host of sportingactivities, as well as volunteeringopportunities and training.

OCL’s Health and outdoor devel-opment officer Alan Keane said:“This is a great example of Oldhamorganisations working together tomake taking part in sport and phys-ical activity easy, enjoyable, and

affordable. Increasing participation in sport is

just one element – we are aiming toimprove the health and wellbeing ofthe people taking part, as well asoffering them volunteering andtraining opportunities, which couldlead to paid employment.

“Whilst our main target group isyoung people from 16 to 25 who areoften less likely to participate insport, we are also offering activitiesfor families and older people.”

The project has a target of 10,000new attendances at new sport ses-sions between January and July.

22 24/1/12 10:02 Page 1

23 CFM 23/1/12 16:19 Page 1

UK FITNESS SCENE24

AS the country warms up for whatwill be the most significant event inLondon’s history, businesses in thesports and fitness industry need toprepare themselves to capitalise onwhat’s set to attract over millions oftourists and new custom over thesummer.

The 2012 Olympic Games has thepotential for brands to expose them-selves to a wider captivated audiencesharing common interests, and this isparticularly relevant for brands suchas gyms, personal trainers and sportsclubs.

With mobile messaging, businessesin the fitness industry can encouragenew customers in emerging marketsto opt-in to receiving marketing com-munications, like offers, updates orreminders and even refresh appeal incore markets. The advantage of

mobile messaging is the flexibility itgives you to engage with a mass audi-ence instantly.

For example a gym could advertise ashort code in a prime Olympics loca-tion, inviting people to text in toreceive discounted offers for up andcoming training sessions throughoutthe year.

The same can be said for gyms taking full advantage of the usualNew Year post Christmas rush to getfit.

Mobile is the only medium thatallows for capturing data whilst a tar-geted audience is only present for ashort time, getting them to opt-inwhilst at a game, or get them to signup in January to lose the Christmaspounds, you can promote offers at alater date.

INDEPENDENT gym owner DeanEddy has told how the industry hasmoved on since he signed up to bethe first ever member of REPs 10years ago.

Dean started off as a fitness instruc-tor before moving into personal train-ing and eventually opening his ownclub Activ Health Fitness Centre inHavant.

As member number R00001, hewas the first person to join the regis-ter – signing up because he wasattracted by the idea of a body whichcould raise standards and act as abenchmark of fitness industry excel-lence.

He said: “I always wanted to be per-ceived as someone who was doing agood job.

“When I heard about REPs, at thetime, there were a lot of ‘cowboys’working in the industry who didn’thave a professional understanding ofthings like nutrition.

“I perceived REPs to be a bodywhich would give the public confi-dence in trainers.”

Dean also said although bodies likeREPs have made a big difference, hewould still like to see trainers reward-ed more for their hard work.

He added: “In future I would like tothink personal trainers will receive abetter deal and be recognised for thebenefit they bring to clubs.

“Instead of them paying a fee, clubsmay be in a position to provide PTswith incentives to be at their clubs.

“Personal training is a very powerfulretention tool, which gives peopleanother reason to come to a club.”

Dean’s gym has been open justover two years and currently hasabout 450 members – the majority ofthem workers in the offices locatedon the same business park as thefacility.

He said in future he hopes toexpand and offer other servicessuch as occupational therapy andbelieves future trends to watch outfor will include a growth in the num-ber of clubs offering core and func-tional training, GP referral schemesand more small group exercise class-es.

Dean Eddy

Register’s firstmember looksback on decade

Prepare to capitalise onthe Olympic Games

24 25/1/12 15:25 Page 1

25 bodypower 24/1/12 16:20 Page 1

UK FITNESS SCENE26

UK gyms could be losing out onpotential new members because ofclubs’ poor handling of telephoneenquiries, according to the resultsof a survey.

The findings from Leisure-netSolutions latest National call-FocusSurvey – which tests and scores allaspects of a telephone membershipenquiry against industry standards– revealed the national averagescore is down by eight per cent thisyear, making it the worst score inthe survey’s five-year history.

Leisure-net’s managing directorMike Hill explained: “This year’ssurvey results are certainly disap-

pointing, and as sample sizes andmixes were very comparable to pre-vious surveys it’s reasonable toassume we’ve actually got worse asan industry in answering member-ship enquiries by phone.

“The reasons for this drop in per-formance are likely to be varied, forexample, staff reductions in termsof reception cover due to cost cut-ting, lack of good quality customercare training, and more enquiriescoming in by email and via anoperator’s website so perhaps lessfocus on the reception/telephone.”

According to the survey, morethan a quarter of all enquiries could

be lost at the initial call answeringstage because the phone isn’tanswered in time, in a professionalmanner or because it isn’t passedon to a person trained to handle theenquiry.

And half of potential sales couldbe lost because staff are not askingwhether enquirers would like totour the facilities.

The survey also revealed the gapbetween the performance of theprivate and public sector is widen-ing with the private sector answer-ing calls significantly quicker on aregular basis than the managementcontractors and leisure trusts.

Mike added:“From the sur-vey resultsoverall, itappears thatthe privatechains are get-ting relativelybetter at bothprocesses andsystems andtrying to buildgreater rapporton the phonethan the trust or management con-tractors. Their product knowledgeis also greater and more detailed.”

Gyms must ring the changes – survey

Mike Hill

Players from a Welsh rugby team have been making a Power Plate machine a regular part of their workouts at a studio in Caerphilly.Senghenydd rugby team have been using the equipment at ActiveVibe Studio, owned by Mark Denton and Christina Rees.The studio, which opened just over a year ago, has built up a loyal customer base, with 1,000 clients now using its facilities regularly.

New venturewill allowstudentsto workand learn ...THE énergie Group has opened its first commercial venture at North Hertfordshire College, whichwill allow students studying health and fitness qualifications to learn in a real world environ-ment.

Fit4Less by énergie in Stevenageopened late last year and marks the16th Fit4less club in the énergie port-folio.

Once qualified, students have theopportunity to utilise facilities at thegym and start their own personaltraining, sports therapy, sports massage or beauty treatment busi-nesses.

General manager James Luscombesaid: “With unemployment at recordlevels, our partnership with theCollege is a great opportunity for students to gain invaluable knowledge and understanding before leaving their education envi-ronment.

“We are keen to work with the stu-dents and give them all they need toachieve the best start in a career aspossible.”

Staff at the college and studentshave been offered membership forjust £10.99 per month when signingup for a 12-month contract and thepublic can also use the facilities for£14.99 per month on a 12-monthcontract or £19.99 a month on arolling contract.

James added: “The commercial ven-ture has presented us with a fantasticopportunity to link with the localcommunity.

“In addition, we’re giving customersstate of the art equipment and facili-ties for a fraction of the traditionalcost of going to a gym.

“The response to us opening hasbeen incredible.”

FREEDOM Leisure has been awardeda new contract to operate localleisure facilities on behalf of WealdenDistrict Council.

The leisure management contract,which includes four centres inWealden, East Sussex, will secure a£7m investment to make majorimprovements to facilities – including£1.8m which will be spent on newequipment.

Managing director Jeff Hart said:“Freedom Leisure was formed tooperate the Wealden District Councilcontract ten years ago so we aredelighted that the council felt weshould be appointed for anotherterm.

“As well as a substantial investmentin facilities we have committed toincreasing participation year on yearthrough affordable and accessiblecommunity based schemes.”

The contract will be for at least 10years and will come into effect fromApril 1.

New leisure managementcontract is awarded

Jeff Hart

Success forfour-yearcampaignA FOUR-YEAR campaign to raisemoney for new squash facilities at aSussex leisure centre has reached itstarget.

Work has started to construct threecourts at East Grinstead Sports Clubafter a combination of grants anddonations helped the centre raise the£390,000 needed to fund the develop-ment.

The centre, which is operated byFreedom Leisure, will also be the newhome of Dunnings Squash andRacketball Club and the courts willbe available to use from July.

Have you got astory for us?

Call the newsdeskon 01226 734463

26 26/1/12 10:36 Page 1

27 Kettlercise 27/1/12 09:48 Page 1

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT28

Introducing the NEWNautilus K2 ClimberIN 1970 Arthur Jones revolutionised the fitnessindustry when he designed his first piece of exer-cise equipment.

What was true then, is still true today: superiorequipment equals superior results.

Jones’ innovated patented machine using a camdesign was the foundation for a fitness revolu-tion. In an era of barbells and universalmachines, the resistance curve generated by acam, was the first design that effectively trainedand worked each muscle group up to its maxi-mum potential throughout the entire range ofmovement.

On February 19 2010, Med-Fit Systems Inc.acquired Nautilus Commercial products and hashad a front row seat as one of the largest distribu-tors of Nautilus commercial products in theUnited States. Med-Fit have been trading for 23years in physical therapy and senior care and arethe manufacturer of the Nautilus One, NautilusNitro, Evo and Nautilus Nova, SelectorisedStrength Lines: Xpload plate-loaded strength andF3 free weights; and now the NEW Nautilus K2Climber.

Amazon Leisure is supplying and supportingMed-Fit Systems and has the UK SoleDistributorship.

The new Nautilus K2 Climber features a less aggressive step up height and wide treads.Although it caters for new exercisers, the climberoffers 500-watt peak resistance to challenge eventhe fittest members.

Designed from the ground up to be quiet anddurable, the K2’s poly-V belt drive, oversizedshafts and reinforced stress points help ensurereliable operation while its self-powered capabili-ty saves energy.

Its advanced braking system senses the user’sweight and provides appropriate proportionallevels of resistance enhancing their exercise expe-rience. Treated with mPale Antimicrobial for pro-tection, the K2 Vertical climber is manufacturedin Independence, Virginia.

Amazon Leisure’s sales director Mark Chapmansaid: “Med-Fit Systems have been able to designthe K2 to be the innovation and quality leader inthis product group.

“Manufactured in their Virginia factory it is theonly product in this category not made in China.”

The K2’s belt drive reduction system requires nolubrication (no chain or gear boxes), is smooth,quiet and reliable.

Resistance mechanism and control boards are

positioned in a separate compartment above thesteps, assuring protection from perspiration andare easily accessible through the front hood.

The rail and shielding mechanism direct perspi-ration to the base of the unit, minimizing mois-ture damage. The Nautilus K2 Vertical Climberfeatures 20 levels of resistance, from 20-165 stepsper minute.

V-Grip handles with integrated heart rate moni-toring offer additional grip options. Med-Fit’sunique in the industry integrated cooling fan fea-tures high, low and auto settings, with autoadjusting the fan velocity as a function of exerciseeffort. Transport wheels are built in to facilitaterepositioning within the facility.

Functions are operated from either a 7” touchor 10.2” entertainment touch screen. Both dis-plays are multi-language capable, permit chang-ing start up defaults, and feature built-in diag-nostics.

The 10.2” display adds iPod connectivity andcharging capability and integrated analogue anddigital TV.

For more information please contact Amazon Leisure:Telephone 01953 4980980

or email: Tom@amazon-leisure.co.uk

The entertainment touch screen comes in two sizes - either 7” or 10.2”.

The new Nautilus K2 Climber.

“Med-Fit Systems have been able to design the K2 to be theinnovation and quality leader in this product group.

“Manufactured in their Virginia factory it is the only productin this category not made in China.”

- Amazon Leisure’s sales director Mark Chapman

28 24/1/12 10:07 Page 1

UK FITNESS SCENE 29

Owner Dave Crossland in reception at The Brickhouse Gym A member of the gym working out in a boxing class

Owner’s monthly eventswarn of steroid dangers By Helen Williams

THE owner of an independent gym inCarlisle is working with health profes-sionals to educate people about therisks of performance enhancingsteroids.

Dave Crossland is owner of TheBrickhouse gym which opened inFebruary last year and specialises inbodybuilding and powerlifting. He isnow hosting monthly open eveningsat the gym with the NHS-fundedCarlisle Harm Reduction Team wherebodybuilders can discuss with healthprofessionals any concerns aboutsteroid use and how to keep safe.

Among forthcoming guests at one ofthe events is Martin Chandler fromLiverpool John Moores University.Martin has presented at internationalconferences on the use of perform-ance and image enhancing sub-stances.

He also provides training to healthprofessionals around anabolicsteroids.

Dave, who already had contactswithin the Carlisle Harm ReductionTeam, was prompted to take actionafter some of his gym customersraised concerns.

He said: “I have had 40 to 50-year-old guys who have no knowledge ofperformance enhancing substancesasking me about growth hormoneand testosterone. My concern isabout the health risks and side effectson casual users.”

He added that interest in steroidswas often stimulated by so-called‘broscience’ – word of mouth knowl-edge passed off as fact among body-builders and weightlifters.

Dave is gaining a reputation for hisspecialist advice on hardcore training.

He added: “People come to me, forexample, when they have problems

stimulating various muscle groups orwhen they are trying to work aroundan injury.”

At the time of going to press, thegym was preparing for a ‘power meet’to raise money for the charity Helpthe Heroes. Guests included body-building forums Testosterone Muscleand MuscleTalk.

A previous meet last April featuringstrongman celebrities like AndyBolton attracted over 500 people.

The gym is steadily building itsmembership and seeing increasingnumbers of women taking part inclasses, especially boxing.

“They like coming here becausethey know they won’t be standingnext to a gym bunny.

“We also have a couple of gym own-ers who come here because our cir-cuit training is such a tough chal-lenge.”

Virgin Active has tapped into a new fitness trend, which could become one of the hottest new exercise classes of 2012.Beaming, founded by fitness entrepreneur David Mesirow, is a barefoot core-based, whole body workout, where participants performexercises on a 5ft long, 6” wide and 2” high functional beam. National group exercise manager Gillian Reeves said: “Beaming is a form ofelevated training where the entire body is constantly engaged. This type of training increases a person’s ability to correct posture andbalance as while performing challenging exercises they are enhancing their overall body awareness. Beaming is a very unique class whichis why we wanted to offer it to our members.”

29 25/1/12 11:36 Page 1

UK FITNESS SCENE30

KEISER UK has appointed a new salesexecutive to develop sales of its M3bike in independent clubs.

Samantha Crosby has over 10 years’experience in the fitness industry andwill be working alongside the existingsales team.

Her previous roles include salesmanager at Cannons Health andFitness in Newbury and senior salesand membership consultant for DavidLloyd Leisure in Oxford. Samantha Crosby

Samantha appointed todevelop M3 bike sales

MEMBERS at David Lloyd Leisurehave been offered the chance to win amoney can’t buy prize by raisingfunds for children’s charity Right toPlay.

The operator has joined forces withGold Challenge, the UK’s onlyOlympic and Paralympic sport-basedcharity challenge, to offer membersthe opportunity to test themselves infive new sports while raising moneyfor the cause.

The highest fundraisers will then

have the chance to win a race placeon the Olympic track – taking part ina nine-lane 4x100m relay.

Chief executive Scott Lloyd said:“This is a great opportunity for ourmembers to have lots of fun learningsome new sports, while supporting afantastic cause.

“What’s more, our highest fundrais-ers will be given the incredible oppor-tunity to race on the OlympicStadium track and be part of all theexcitement.”

Members offered money can’tbuy prize as charity incentive

OLYMPIC medallists Steve Backleyand Roger Black have devised anonline training programme to helppeople keep on track with their newyear health and fitness resolutions.

The programme, which is accessiblevia smartphones, provides users withexercise routines, challenges andgroup games that can be carried outon a range of play equipment.

It has been created in conjunctionwith outdoor playground equipmentspecialist Proludic to highlight thebenefits of exercising outside.

Managing director Michael

Hoenigmann said, “These new chal-lenges are designed to showcase howour virtual coach works regardless ofwhether you have access to one of ourSports Legacy Zones or not.

“Steve Backley has set a challengethat anyone can undertake and thiscampaign really helps potential cus-tomers to visualise how fun andengaging our virtual coach pro-gramme can be when integrated aspart of our latest play equipment.

“This is the future for play, sport andfitness provision in parks and outdoorspaces.”

Steve Backley, Michael Hoenigmann and Roger Black.

Medallists’ onlineprogramme keepsresolutions on track

30 24/1/12 10:09 Page 1

31 Badgemaster 30/1/12 09:10 Page 1

THE BIGGEST LOSER32As hit weight loss programme The Biggest Loser returns to TV screens, all eyes are on this year’s contestants andthe people tasked with whipping them into shape. In a special feature, Workout takes a look behind the scenes ofthe show and speaks to some of its new – and familiar – faces.

NEW Biggest Loser trainer Charlotte Ord has beenusing her experience as a PT and gym owner toeducate and inspire contestants on the show.

Charlotte has joined regular trainer RichardCallender and fellow new recruit Rob Edmond tohelp those taking part in the contest to lose weight,get fitter and improve their lifestyles.

Charlotte, who also owns her own gym PhoenixPro Fitness in Godalming, got involved in TheBiggest Loser after signing up to a sports modellingagency which encouraged her to audition.

During their time in the Biggest Loser house, shehas been working with the group every day – withthem taking part in four daily training sessions aswell as challenges and sessions on nutrition.

She said: “It’s really hard work but I’m loving theexperience. You don’t get the opportunity very oftento work with people really intensively.

“I’ve been seeing them Monday to Friday for fourtraining sessions per day – two one hour and twoone and a half hour sessions daily.

“It’s not just about the training – the contestantshave a really strict schedule and it’s difficult forthem leaving friends and family. It’s a really intenseexperience.”

Charlotte also told Workout as many of the con-testants are not used to exercising regularly, it hasbeen important to devise programmes which suittheir needs and give them a positive experience offitness.

Although she prefers to be gym based, she hasbeen doing a variety of different workouts withthem – utilising both gym equipment and takingthem outdoors.

She added: “They realise I am very experiencedand already established as a trainer who can getresults, which gives them confidence.

“Some of them are really new to the gym environ-ment so we want to make it a positive experience.

“It is slightly different being involved in a produc-

tion like this as they are making a TV show so youdon’t always get the last say. But I have quicklylearned to enjoy it.

“My ambition is not to be a big celebrity but if ithappens then fantastic. At the end of the day I am atrainer and I’m really passionate about doing that.”

Charlotte hopes to inspire

The Biggest Loser trainers Rob Edmond, Charlotte Ord and Richard Callender. Picture: ITV Pictures.

32 & 33 Jordons 25/1/12 09:28 Page 1

THE BIGGEST LOSER 33

By Helen Williams

LAST year’s The Biggest Loser runnerup Paddy Cunningham has toldhow he is ‘manic busy’ helping oth-ers get fit since becoming a quali-fied personal trainer.

Paddy, who lost over eight stonebefore and during the show, hasalso been running fitness sessionson national TV in Ireland and isawaiting publication of his ownself-help/motivational book.

He told Workout: “I started study-ing to be a personal trainer in Aprillast year, qualified in October andlaunched in January. I’m manicbusy.

“On Mondays, for example, I getup at 4.15am and do two personaltraining sessions in Dublin where Ilive and then drive to Sligo – theother side of the country – and dosix more sessions.”

Since appearing on The BiggestLoser, Paddy has had a fantasticresponse via Facebook and Twitterfrom people sharing stories andasking for hints and tips. He has8,300 followers on Twitter and a

popular website. He added: “The whole personal

training idea came 100 per cent outof the show. It was very much downto me being fired up by the trainersAngie Dowds and RichardCallender, particularly Angie. Now

I’m a personal trainer that ties in sowell with my desire to spend timein Ireland and with my family – it’slovely to be able to pop in and seemy mum and dad in Sligo.”

Paddy was waiting for the title ofhis book to be finalised as Workout

went to press but said he has aimedto make it different from othersalready on the market.

“I’m focusing on how to start yourweight loss journey and motivation,and there will be sample workoutspeople can do at home. There’s anawful lot of diet and exercise booksout there but very few people havebeen through the emotional andphysical journey that you gothrough on The Biggest Loser.”

The book will have supportingcontent – like tips on nutrition – onPaddy’s website and fans havealready been asking about the pos-sibility of an accompanying DVD.

In the meantime, Paddy is runninga fitness series on Ireland AM, theIrish equivalent of ITV’s Daybreakshow.

In his personal training career, heaims to make training more accessi-ble and affordable, especially topeople trying to keep fit at home.

He added: “I’m working for myselfand doing so well that I can evenkeep my weekends free. I’m veryfortunate.”

‘Manic busy’ Paddy helpingothers to get fit in new role

Paddy Cunningham when he appeared on The Biggest Loser and as he is today.

32 & 33 Jordons 25/1/12 09:29 Page 2

34 Cybex 23/1/12 16:51 Page 1

THE BIGGEST LOSER 35

IN an extension to Cybex International’s existingpartnership with the US version of The BiggestLoser, Cybex has again provided a range of cardio-vascular and strength training equipment for theUK version of the hit television series.

Installed last September in advance of filming atStanford Hall, Lutterworth, the equipment includ-ed three 750C upright and four 750R recumbentcycles, four Total Body Arc Trainers, four 625Ttreadmills and two Bravo functional trainers.

Supporting the contestants on their quest toachieve maximum weight loss, the Total Body ArcTrainer has been scientifically proven to burn morecalories than any other cross trainer or elliptical.The reverse arc motion engages specifically withthe quads and glutes, which demand high levels ofenergy from the body therefore encouragingincreased calorie burn.

The arc also ensures legs move in a biomechani-cally correct pathway; because the toe is neverplaced behind the knee, the movement preventsany stress being placed upon joints in the hip, knee

or back. The arc is also load dependent, meaningthat the resistance is scaled to the user’s weight.

This ensures that each contestant can achieve thesame level of workout intensity when using a spe-

cific workout programme, regardless of theirweight.

Following the success of the last series of theshow, Cybex named 2010 runner up PaddyCunningham as an ambassador. Paddy has repre-sented the company at a number of industryevents, whilst also writing a monthly blog on hisprogress since leaving the Biggest Loser.

Attributing his significant weight loss in part tothe innovative nature and superior quality of theCybex equipment, Paddy also owns his own homeArc Trainer and regularly blogs about his activity onthe arc.

Commenting on why Cybex was chosen, seniorproducer for the Biggest Loser Aaron Kidd said:“Cybex equipment is held in high regard by thecontestants and trainers alike.

Cybex has helped shed the pounds off of count-less contestants over the past few series and we’repleased to have Cybex back in our gym to helpensure this year the contestants do even better.”

Cybex supply equipment for both the US and UK versionsof The Biggest Loser.

Supporting Biggest Loser teams on their quest

FOR the second year running the Concept2Indoor Rower has been chosen by The BiggestLoser as the only indoor rower used by thecompetitors in the show.

The Concept2 has long been one of themachines of choice for people looking to loseweight and tone up. The rowing stroke uses allthe major muscle groups in the body making ita very time efficient form of exercise, burningcalories fast. As the rowing action is weightsupported it is much kinder on the joints thanrunning or using a cross trainer. Using theConcept2 Indoor Rower is also very motiva-tional as the data from the monitor is accurateand repeatable so that you can see yourimprovement as it happens. Concept2 are alsooffering some special weight loss packs and afree weight loss training guide through theirwebsite at www.concept2. co.uk/weightloss tolink in with their relationship with The BiggestLoser.

Richard Gowlerwho has beentraining withthe Concept2Indoor Rower.

Rower chosen again

JORDAN Fitness has provided aselection of equipment for use onhit TV programme The BiggestLoser.

Products used in the showinclude the company’s chromeand rubber kettlebells, medicineballs and fit balls as well as arange of combat equipment andropes.

Contestants have also been putthrough their paces with sledtraining drills – dragging, pullingand pushing the equipment aspart of their intensive workouts.

A spokesman for Jordan Fitnessexplained: “Sled training drillshave become increasing popularfor achieving fat loss and increasefitness on the Biggest Loser in theUK and US, as well as many of theother related shows like the FatFighters.

“Dragging, pulling and pushingdrills can all be performed whichwill challenge the upper and lower

body, as well as the core.

“Some trainers use tyres insteadof the sled to achieve the sameresult, but the sled allows for moreprogression as weight can beadded or taken to achieve theoptimal load.”

The company also supplied ply-ometric platforms to the show andsandballs – an integration of a ket-tlebell, medicine ball and sandbag–which can be used for swings,snatches, cleans, throws or slams and is popular both forindoor and outdoor training ses-sions.

Another popular piece of kit hasbeen the hex bar, which chal-lenges many parts of the body inan all over workout.

The spokesman added: “One ofthe more unusual bars for the gymbased sessions, the hex bar (alsoreferred to as a trap bar, shrug baror diamond bar) is great for per-forming deadlifts, walking dead-

lifts, shrugs and farmers walkdrills.

“These whole body exercises willchallenge the grip, core, upperand lower body stability andbecause of the large amount ofmuscle mass engaged, will also beperfect for achieving body com-position changes.”

The Jordan Studio Powerbag isalso a staple on the Biggest Loseras part of both the gym-based andoutdoor sessions.

The tubular bag is filled withsand and challenges the stabilis-ers of the body – like the core – toa greater degree when lifted,caught or thrown. With three han-dles it can be used with two handexercises such as a squat or clean,or single hand drills like a highpull or farmers walk. Bootcampexercises including runs with abag on one shoulder also becomepossible where barbells or dumb-bells are unsuitable.

Kit company helpingput contestantsthrough their paces

35 25/1/12 15:30 Page 1

REFURBISHMENT

36

By Christina Eccles

A BARNSLEY gym is reaping therewards of its investment after signingup almost 500 new members follow-ing an extensive refurbishment.

The Metrodome, operated byBarnsley Premier Leisure, has recentlyundergone a facelift to improve itsoffering and open up more space inthe gym.

Changes include an upper level, cre-ated with the addition of a mezzaninefloor, as well as an improved range ofequipment, supplied by Pulse.

The new look club has gone downwell with both existing members andnew ones – with almost 500 peoplesigning up in December and January– many of them taking advantage of aspecial £9.99 per month offer valid fortheir first three months.

Fitness manager Joni Millthorpesaid: “In the last 18 months, we haveseen a 30 per cent increase in mem-bership and we were struggling withcapacity.

“We have a members’ forum and thefeedback from them was that ouroffering was great but there weren’tenough stations.

“We had two options – to cap mem-bership, which we didn’t want to do,or create more space.”

The improvements took threemonths to complete but with over3,000 members, the challenge was tocarry out the refurbishment withoutinterrupting their regular routines.

The club managed to stay open bymoving gym equipment into its threestudios and holding classes inupstairs office space.

As BPL also operates several other

sites in the local area, members alsohad the benefit of being able to useother clubs, which made things easi-er.

Joni added: “It was quite challengingbut our members have been great.

“We made sure they could see thevisuals and know why the changeswere taking place so they wouldunderstand.

“We’ve had a lot of good feedbackand everyone’s really happy with it.The gym has a completely new feel.”

The second phase of the develop-ment work is the opening of a newwater park, due for completion laterthis month.

� Is your gym currently going undera refurbishment? Let Christina Ecclesknow by emailing ce@whpl.net ortelephone 01226 734463.

An artist’s impression of the new gym at The Metrodome.

Refurb reaps rewardsas 500 people sign up

Gym usedby Jessicaupdated

School getsnew suite

A SHEFFIELD gym used byOlympic athlete Jessica Ennis hasundergone a major transforma-tion.

The English Institute of Sport –Sheffield has been fully refur-bished with the latestTechnogym fitness equipment, anew group fitness studio andchanging rooms.

General manager Paul Hudsonsaid: “We pride ourselves on atotal commitment to customercare and our aim is to providefacilities which exceed our cus-tomers’ expectations.

“New and improved gym equip-ment and a group fitness studiois exactly what our membershave asked us for so we aredelighted to be able to deliverthis project.”

The club is operated bySheffield International Venuesunder its Fitness Unlimitedbrand.

A HIGH school in Rochdale hasbenefited from a newly refur-bished gym, including the latestequipment from Precor.

Matthew Moss High School’sprevious gym has been turnedinto a learning resource centre,with the old conference roomnow transformed into a fitnesssuite.

Students will have use of thegym during the day and theschool is planning to hire out thefacility to personal trainers forexclusive use during non-schoolhours.

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REFURBISHMENT

37

TEK Fitness have been supplying newand refurbished fitness equipment,parts and servicing across the UKsince 1999.

With an increasing demand in good,refurbished cardiovascular equip-ment they’ve used their own gym toshowcase the standards that theywork to. They transformed part oftheir premises into an independentgym operating under the 13Fitnessbrand which opened to the public inApril last year.

The gym allows customers to useequipment from the Tek Fitness rangeof products which it markets all overthe UK and sells to clients whichinclude schools, large commercialgyms, the police and fire services,hotels and rehabilitation centres. The

main area of the gym features a largeselection of Life fitness cardio equip-ment and resistance which has beencompletely refurbished by Tek Fitnessto their usual high standards.

Company director Mark Simms said:“It was a natural progression to showoff the quality of the equipment wecan provide as well as providing amuch needed local service.”

Gym showcases firm’s workEquipment offers space saving,revenue generating solutionHOW do you attract and retain newmembers to your facility? Do youneed to maximise existing space andincrease revenue?

EQ’s Fluid Interval Training equip-ment can offer you this solution. It islightweight, portable and has a spacesaving footprint. It is user-friendlyand non-intimidating and a 13-piececircuit will fit neatly into your unusedsquash court, gym space or exercisestudio.

Fluid Interval Training (F.I.T) offersyou the opportunity to change yourtarget market depending upon thetime of day.

What do you have currently in yourfacility that will cater for special pop-ulations, ladies only, adolescents, eliteathletes or the de-conditioned in a30-minute workout?

F.I.T provides this solution and hasbeen installed in over 15 countrieswith a total of 2,150 installations sinceits inception. F.I.T is the onlyhydraulic line to have dual use con-trols and requires minimal mainte-nance. Your member doesn’t evenhave to get off the piece of equipmentto change the resistance.

How many new members would thisattract to your facility?

Open weekend gives peoplechance to view £1m refurb AN open weekend at a leisure centrein Surrey gave potential and existingmembers the chance to look aroundthe facility following a massive £1mrefurbishment.

Rainbow Leisure Centre in Epsomand Ewell has been completely over-hauled, with the nine-month projectincluding the installation of over 140pieces of Technogym equipment, a

new spa facility, dedicated aerobikingzone and studio.

Changing rooms throughout thecentre have also been updated withnew lockers, benches and showercubicles.

The revamp was funded by GLL, thecharitable social enterprise that oper-ates Rainbow Leisure Centre onbehalf of Epsom and Ewell Council.

The new dedicated aerobiking zone and studio at Rainbow Leisure Centre.

NEW equipment, carpet and decorare among the changes at a gymwhich has recently upgraded itsfacilities.

The changes at Cottenham SportsCentre also include introducing arange of new Precor equipmentsuch as treadmills, upright andrecumbent bikes and crosstrainers.

Centre manager Chris Smith said:“Our equipment was old and frag-mented and the centre was badly inneed of being updated. We decided

to have a big upgrade of equipmentespecially as it was difficult to getparts for some of the pieces we had.After a lot of research we chose toinstall a range of Precor equipmentas it suited our needs perfectly, andwe were extremely impressed withthe AMT and crosstrainers.

“We are really pleased with thenew gym and the refurbishmenthas already attracted new mem-bers, which we are sure will contin-ue.”

Upgrades at sports centre

Graves Tennis and Leisure Centre has opened a second gym area in order to help the busi-ness grow. The centre has recently become part of the Sheffield International Venues port-folio and with a spare room sat empty, transformed it to create more space for new mem-bers and provide extra equipment at peak times. Equipment in the new gym includes fourextra treadmills, three cross trainers, four upright bikes, a leg extension and chest press,as well as an IFI Recline bike and arm bike. The original gym has also been given amakeover with new paintwork.

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COMBAT38

By Christina Eccles

A NEW boxing and free weights area hasenhanced the offering at an independent gym inCaerphilly.

Quest Fitness opened the extension at thebeginning of January – just in time to capitaliseon the New Year membership boom – after spacenext door became available.

The club moved its existing free weights andadded new equipment, as well as putting in amezzanine floor to house a boxing academy –altogether adding an additional 3500sq ft to thegym.

According to managing director Ryan Nicholls,

the improvements have been well received byexisting members and he’s looking forward tohopefully attracting some new faces through thedoors over the coming weeks.

He said: “We always had an eye on the spaceand it came available in November, so we spentNovember and December kitting it out. There’s abig call for free weights and boxing in the areaand nowhere else nearby does boxing.

“The members are chuffed to bits and we wantto get the word out to others. We’ve spent the lasttwo months investing in that area so now wewant to concentrate on getting a return on ourinvestment.”

The club has also recently opened a ladies only

area and Ryan also said having that plus the box-ing area and traditional gym floor means the clubcan tap into a wide range of people in the localcommunity.

He added: “The new area completes us and aswe have all this within one club, we can cater forthree different markets.

“We named the weights area ‘The Pump House’and the ladies area ‘Shapes’, which gives themtheir own identity and means we can marketthem as separate areas.

“We currently have about 850 to 900 membersbut there’s room to go up to about 1,500.Hopefully this will help us to grow the business.”

The newly extended boxing and free weights area at Quest Fitness in Caerphilly.

New areas increase gym’s offering

Hospice benefits fromkickboxing challenge A GYM in West Sussex has raised over£600 for charity by organising a kick-boxing challenge.

Nick Brewer, who runs Gym Xtremein Worthing, organised the competi-tion, which involved him taking partin 101 competitive rounds of kickbox-ing in the club against over 60 oppo-nents. As part of the challenge, Nickwas only allowed a maximum of aminute’s break between fights – takingpart for four-and-a-quarter hoursaltogether. The money was raisedthrough sponsorship from gym mem-bers and donations on the night and

with money still coming in, the clubhas already reached a total of £662,which will be donated to local charity,Chestnut Tree children’s hospice.

Nick said: “The members loved it.The people who took part reallyenjoyed it, but the biggest thing forthe gym is that people could see whatwe are doing there and that it can beused for a purpose and to do somegood.”

Following the success of the event,Nick is already thinking about organ-ising another challenge to take placelater in the year. Nick Brewer with a cheque after raising £600 for charity.

38 24/1/12 10:12 Page 1

39 sportsart 24/1/12 16:01 Page 1

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SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

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By Christina Eccles

A NEW qualification has beenlaunched to help trainers give theirclients sound advice on nutrition andsupplementation.

Active IQ and Sportwise Educationand Training have teamed up todeliver the Level four certificate inAdvanced Nutrition andSupplementation for Sport andExercise, which is tutored by a PhDregistered nutritionist.

The course covers all aspects ofsports nutrition and supplementa-tion, taught and practical skills ses-sions and the use of dietary analysissoftware – giving level three qualifiedpersonal trainers the skills to manageand devise effective and efficient

weight loss programmes on behalf ofclients.

Business development manager atSportwise Education and TrainingEmma Waring said: “We’re delightedto be providing a bespoke Level fourqualification to improve the nutri-tional knowledge of our Level threepersonal trainers; Active IQ hashelped to make this a reality.

“We wanted the course to be fullyaccredited and we know that ActiveIQ qualifications are synonymouswith quality and credibility. It was theperfect partner to help us deliver thiscourse.”

Executive director of Active IQ SuzyGunn added: “We’re supportive ofany new qualifications that are

designed to enhance a health and fit-ness professional’s knowledge andexpertise, especially those that focuson effectiveness.

“The new Level four qualificationthat will be delivered solely bySportwise Education and Trainingwill enable PTs to offer their clientsan additional service; the nutritionalknowledge they come away with real-ly will be second to none.”

The course, which carries 20 CPDpoints for REPS, is supported bySkills Active and accredited byOfqual, has been developed bySportwise Education and Training inpartnership with Dr. Gary Mendozaand plans are in place to roll it outnationwide this year.

New qualification helpstrainers offer good advice

FITNESS model and nutrition expertAlexandra Wilson has joined forceswith celebrity personal trainer MarkAnthony to launch his latest piece ofexercise kit.

Alexandra, a sponsored athlete forsports nutrition company Gaspari,will model Mark’s new Body Trainer –

appearing as the face of the producton its packaging and demonstrationleaflet.

Mark is best known for working withfamous faces including Billie Piper,Katie Price and Caroline Flack andalso owns his own studio in London’sNotting Hill.

Alexandra launches kitAlexandra Wilson with Mark Anthony’s new Body Trainer. Photo: Shane Pitchford

THE British Dietetic Associationhas urged people to be aware ofthe difference between dietitiansand nutrition therapists.

The BDA, which is the profes-sional association for registereddietitians in Great Britain andNorthern Ireland and the nation’slargest organisation for food andnutrition professionals, has pro-duced a comprehensive leafletexplaining the differences whichcan be accessed online.

BDA vice chairman Siân Burtonsaid: “In a nutshell, members ofthe public should be aware thatanybody, overnight, can set upshop as a nutrition therapist, withno qualifications and no regulato-ry body to monitor how they work.

“Registered dietitians working inthe UK are educated to degreelevel and must be registered withthe Health Professions Council(HPC) to ensure public safety byadhering to standards of profes-sional training, performance andconduct. In addition, the workingtitle ‘dietitian’ is a legally protectedtitle and cannot be used by any-one else who has not met the edu-cation and HPC standards.

“Dietitians interpret the scienceof nutrition into practical evi-dence-based advice for peoplewhile nutrition therapists do notuse evidence in a robust fashionand their advice is often based onpersonal opinion.”

The leaflet can be found athttp://www.bda.uk.com/publica-tions/dietitiannutritionist2010.pdf

BDA leafletexplainsdifferences

LEISURE Connection is maximisingsecondary spend at its sites by intro-ducing a new range of nutritionalsupplements.

The Daily Wellness range – fromUltrabody Direct – has been rolledout across the operator’s 39 sites withthe aim of also improving retentionby offering members extra support ontheir fitness journeys.

Leisure Connection’s operationsdirector Peter Howells said: “We arecommitted to offering our membersthe best range of services and prod-ucts available to support them intheir fitness and training needs andare therefore excited to partner withUltrabody Direct and bring their DailyWellness range to our membership.”

Operator introduces new range

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SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

42

Personal trainer Rob Cannon has beaten off tough competition to win a top bodybuildingcontest. Rob (pictured above), who works as a trainer at Fit4Less in Canterbury, wascrowned the under 90kg intermediate UK bodybuilding champion at the UK Bodybuildingand Fitness Federation Championships.

A NEW programme which encouragesparticipants to reach and maintain ahealthy weight through exercise andsensible eating is being piloted in 10clubs.

Momenta has been developed inline with the strategic objectives andmission of MEND, (Mind, Exercise,Nutrition ... Do it!), which empowersfamilies to become fitter, healthierand happier.

The new programme is tailored for

adults and will cover nutrition, physi-cal activity and behaviour over a 12week course, with support pro-grammes and a website being devel-oped to help participants continuetheir learning afterwards.

Pilot programmes are now runningacross 10 health club sites, with newpartnerships due to launch with pri-vate and local authority gym opera-tors over the next 12 months.

Programme encouragesexercise and sensible eating

New role for rugby starRUGBY star Ben Foden has becomesports nutrition companyMultipower Sportsfood’s newestambassador.

The deal will see NorthamptonSaints and England full back Ben usea range of Multipower bars, gels,powders and drinks to help powerhim towards a successful second halfof the season.

Multipower’s UK marketing manag-er Steve Kessell said: “We are delight-ed to confirm the signing of such a

high profile rugby player as Ben.“Our Sportsfood team will be work-

ing closely with him to ensure he hasthe necessary sports nutrition tohelp prepare for, compete in andrecover from matches at the highestlevel.”

To celebrate the deal, Multipowercommissioned acclaimed food artist,Prudence Staite, to produce a mosaicof Ben made purely from MultipowerSportsfood products.

The Ben Foden mosaic made purely from Multipower products.

A NATIONWIDE campaign has beenlaunched to encourage families toplan affordable, healthy meals.

Change4Life’s Supermeals cam-paign will offer money off healthyingredients such as fruit and vegeta-bles across over 1000 supermarketsup and down the country.

100,000 copies of a new cookbookby celebrity chef Ainsley Harriottwill also be published, containing amonth’s worth of popular, healthyrecipes all for under £5 to helpfamilies make the most of the dealsavailable at their local stores.

Family eating plan launched

Cold Feet actor John Thomson has got behind a new online weight loss programme aimedat men. LivSmarter aims to tap into the traditionally female focused diet market to helpmen achieve their fitness goals. The plan has been launched following the company’sresearch, which claims 42 per cent of men in the UK would not have the courage to askanyone for advice if they wanted to lose weight and 20 per cent instead prefer to lookonline for information.

Are you a gym owner who has introduced a healthy cafearea or supplements shop into your club?

If so, Workout would like to hear from you...Let us know how you are helping members to stay on track

with their diet plans or using supplement sales to boostsecondary spend by contacting our editorial team on

01226 734463 or emailing ce@whpl.net

42 26/1/12 10:38 Page 1

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SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

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GLUTEN free and vegan eating planswere among the top celebrity sportsdiets of 2011, according to experts.

Dairy and soya free drink RiceDream took a look at the eating habitsof some of the world’s leading sportsstars including last year’s SportsPersonality of the Year cyclist MarkCavendish and top tennis playersAndy Murray and Novak Djokovic –who have both switched to a glutenfree diet.

Expert nutritionist Fiona Hunterexplained: “There is thin line between

success and failure for our UK ath-letes performing at the highest level.

“A planned diet is a must for topsports people and is a major part oftheir training programme. Manyexperiment with different combina-tions until they strike the optimumbalance between comfort and per-formance.

“I would expect this trend to contin-ue in the future and we will see moresports stars switching to a person-alised diet programme.”

Sports stars opt for glutenfree and vegan eating plans

By Christina Eccles

MORE men are turning to supple-ments and a protein rich diet in orderto help them achieve their ideal bodyshapes, research has revealed.

The study – a collaboration betweenexperts at the Centre for AppearanceResearch at UWE Bristol, the SucceedFoundation and Central YMCA –examined British men’s attitudes totheir appearance.

Key findings included the discoverythat more than 35 per cent of menwould sacrifice a year of life toachieve their ideal body weight orshape and the majority of men sur-veyed were unhappy with their levelof muscularity – most didn't thinktheir arms (62.8 per cent) or chests(62.9 per cent) were muscularenough.

The results also showed one in fivemen questioned is on a high proteindiet and nearly one in three – 32 percent – use protein supplements.

Chief executive of Central YMCARosi Prescott said: “Historically con-versation about your body has beenperceived as something women do,but it is clear from this research thatmen are also guilty of commenting onone another's bodies; and in many

cases this is having a damaging effect.The high levels of body talk that wehave found in men are symptomaticof a growing obsession with appear-ance.

“The fact that one in three menwould sacrifice a year of life toachieve their ideal weight and shapeis a worrying sign and suggests thatmen are placing more value on theirappearance than on other things,including life itself.”

Karine Berthou, founder of UK-based eating disorders charity TheSucceed Foundation, who co-com-missioned the survey, added:“Negative body image is a seriousissue in our society and is a key riskfactor in the development of eatingdisorders. 17.4 per cent of men had adefinite fear that they might gainweight every day and 31.9 per cent ofmen reported that they had “exercisedin a driven or compulsive way” as ameans of controlling weight.

“This sort of disordered eating andexercise behaviour is deeply concern-ing and highlights that men must beincluded in eating disorder and bodyimage programmes. Succeed is com-mitted to providing such programmesfor everyone.”

Men turning tosupplements toget ideal body

Personal trainer and body-building champion MarinaCornwall has joined forceswith a new supplementscompany.The Vitamin Shop has justopened a new branch inSouthampton, oppositeMarina’s workplace FitnessFirst.As part of the deal, thecompany will sponsorMarina’s training wear forher bodybuilding competi-tions.

Mark Cavendish Photo: Alexander Gordeyev / Shutterstock.com

Reality star’s shop ideaREALITY TV star DinoGeorgiades has revealedambitions to open his ownsupplements shop after turn-ing his love of fitness into acareer.

The star of The Only Way isEssex has enrolled on anadvanced personal trainercourse with Future Fit afterbecoming interested in play-ing sport and keeping active.

He now hopes to pass hisexpertise on to others andsaid he is looking forward todeveloping a career in thehealth and fitness sector.Dino Georgiades

AN innovative independent gym iskeeping members happy – andhealthy – by offering them free fruit.

Fresh Fitness in Skegness providesthe snacks every month – leaving abox on display in the club wheremembers can take what they want.

Fitness manager Mark Beltonexplained: “On the first week of everymonth we provide free fruit, which we

put on the reception desk so peoplecan help themselves.

“We have set up an arrangementwith a local farm shop where we puttheir business cards out and a signsaying where the fruit is from andthey give us a discount.

“It’s a nice little touch for our mem-bers.”

Fruit keeps members happy

44 26/1/12 10:39 Page 1

45 25/1/12 15:59 Page 1

PRODUCT NEWS46

LEADING international supplier ofname badges, Badgemaster, is citingtechnological advances as the reasonbehind its new, lower prices.

For over 20 years the company hasplaced keen emphasis on investing inthe most up to date manufacturingand order processing systems which,coupled with consistent volumegrowth, has always enabledeconomies to be passed on to cus-tomers.

MD John Bancroft said: “We’re nowin a position to complete even theshortest runs extremely cost-effec-tively so we’ve overhauled our pricelist to make lower quantities ofbadges accessible at the same dis-counted rate previously reserved forhigher volumes and are able to offer

further significant savings for largerusers – and the product quality is bet-ter than ever.

“Every order is backed by our bestprice guarantee, and we never com-promise on quality. We are confidentof providing the best value and thebest service in the marketplace,because we’ve invested in theresources which support competitivepricing long term.”

For more information contact 01623723112 or visit www.badgemaster.co.uk

Badgemaster’s lower price challenge

OVER the last few years Talurit havebeen developing a system that can beused for repairing or replacing gymequipment wire on site.

This was to meet the challenge ofseveral service companies whorequested a safe/tested system. Theywished to be able to quickly repair orreplace the wire on-site without beingtied to the original equipment manu-facturer. Sometimes taking weeks toget a replacement wire, cost prohibi-tive and resulting in a minimum oftwo visits to site. Talurit’s challengewas to come up with a safe, simplebespoke system that could be appliedto a minimum of 95 per cent of appli-cations in any gym.

During research they were aston-ished to find that no regulations/

method of inspection was in place forgym equipment wires even thoughthis part of the machine takes most ofthe fatigue during its working life.Often the wire is only replaced after ithas failed, leaving the machine use-less while a replacement wire can beobtained.

Having no regulations to work withTalurit has its reputation to thinkabout so decided to make a systemthat would be good enough for thegeneral lifting gear industry. This hasresulted in a ultra safe system, simplemethodology. Training takes less thantwo hours. All the components aredesigned/tested and manufacturedin-house in its Barnsley facility.

For more information contact 01226369960 or email kerry@talurit.co.uk

GO Protein’s innovativeGo.Pro.Station is continuing to bein vast demand.

Head of UK sales Nick Mills said:“It’s proving to be such a great suc-cess, in a little over five months wehave installed over 70 stationsnationwide. From independentoperators to national chains, we aredelighted with the positive feed-back.”

Leisure Connection is one nation-al chain who has started to installthe system throughout their estate.

John Foster of Leisure Connection

added: “The Go Protein concept isexactly what the customers want.Simple, tasty and an effective prod-uct, delivered at the point of thirst.We will certainly roll out more unitsacross our fitness estate.

“You can blend and serve a freshshake from start to finish in lessthan 20 seconds, and because youblend in the serving cup, you haveno washing up. Who wants to blenda shake that creates more work,with the Go.Pro.Station you simplyblend and go.”

Nick added: “Gym operators arebenefiting from additional second-

ary spend with the Go.Pro.Station,but their members were also askingwhere they could buy Go Proteinproducts for use when they are notat the gym, being the manufacturerwe were able to react and meet thatdemand fast.

“So due to demand, we now alsooffer the Go Pro Range of supple-ments in tubs for retail sales from participating Go.Pro.Stationgyms.

“At last gym operators are able tomake sensible margins, selling ourtubs enables you to compete with“on line” prices, it’s a major advan-

tage when buying direct from themanufacturer.

For further information contact 01778-560868 or Nick Mills directly on 07894-

619686. Email: nickmills@goprotein.com

It’s all go at Go Protein ...

Firm develops an ultra-safe repair system

CHARTEX Products International arethe premier manufacturer of educa-tional wall charts and manuals for avariety of topics in the fields of medi-cine, sports science, health and fit-ness.

Distributing all over the UK andinternationally, Chartex works withknowledgeable specialists in order toset high standards of presentation.

Visualisation, as displayed in thecharts, plays an important part insupporting the role of the fitnesstrainer or gym instructor.

The anatomy and physiology rangeof products provide essential infor-mation on how the muscular, joint,nervous and cardio-respiratory sys-tems work.

The health and fitness charts pro-

vide adviceon how toexercise safe-ly and thehealth seriesdeals withissues such ashealthylifestyle, dan-gers of drugs,alcohol andsmoking.

MakeChartexcharts anintegral part of your fitness facility,providing your customer with usefulinformation relevant to their exerciseregime.

Find out more by visitingwww.chartexltd.co.uk

Designed to educate ...

Let the Body ... see the Power!THIS year’s BodyPower Expo isbursting at the seams with newand exciting features – with theshow also extending to threeaction packed days.

The event takes place at the NECin Birmingham from May 18 - 20and new areas include the beachbody zone, complete with sand.

On display in the zone will be abeach volleyball court with a tour-nament taking place over the

weekend, as well as the UK’s ver-sion of Venice Beach featuringappearances from some of theworld’s leading fitness modelswho will be offering tips andadvice on how to achieve the per-fect beach body.

Marketing director Ollie Uptonsaid: “BodyPower has surpassedall our expectations, yet we con-tinue to drive the expo forwards toensure we cater for all fitnessenthusiasts.”

Installation ‘a great success’CARDIO equipment supplier SCIFITUK is working with HUR UK in offer-ing age-friendly fitness equipment.

SCIFIT UK sales director BobWhitlock explained how a recentinstallation with HUR has been agreat success.

He said: “The installation atWillowfields in Colesley, a MidlandHeart Extra Care Housing facility forthe over 55s, was the first of several.

“The residents at Willowfields nowhave a complete gym on-site andevery machine is appropriate to theirage group. Features include easyaccess, low start resistance andwheelchair accessibility.

“To the casual eye fitness productsdon't vary significantly between onemanufacturer and another, yet it isthe small differences that can oftenhave the greatest impact in deliveringthe most appropriate functional

applica-tion.

“HURresistancemachinesare per-fectlyaligned tocomple-ment ourown car-diomachinesand, as atotalsolution,SCIFIT and HUR are the perfect fit forthe active ageing market.”

SCIFIT will be exhibiting alongsideHUR at the World Congress on ActiveAgeing in August.

For more information visitwww.wcaa2012.com

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CLASSIFIED 47EQUIPMENT

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CLASSIFIEDEQUIPMENT

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MANAGEMENTWATER FILTERATION

AUDIO/VISUAL

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CLASSIFIEDDIRECT DEBIT COLLECTIONS

UPHOLSTERY

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LOCKERS

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CLOTHING AND MERCHANDISE

CLASSIFIED 51

SOFTWARE

SUNBEDS

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SUPPS & NUTRITION

SUPPS AND NUTRITION

INSURANCE

INSURANCE

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FINANCE

BADGES

FLOORING

MARKETING

TRAINING

TRAINING

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FOR SALE

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ID CARD SUPPLIES

WANTED

MIRRORS

READERS’ LETTERS54

MAINTENANCE

SAUNAS

Nichola Curran,director, Evolve Leisure:

IN response to Anne Milton’s com-ments in the article ‘Sector shouldwork to promote active lifestyle’.

I cannot believe what I am reading –we know all about the health epidem-ic and how physical inactivity is cost-ing the NHS £1.1b.

To suggest it is our sector who needsto play a role in promoting activity ispatronising.

What I cannot get my head aroundis why are exercise referral pro-grammes being cut across the UK? Ifind the comment quite offensive tobe honest, as an industry we do pro-

mote activity but when a ‘potentialhealth club member’ visits their GPare they prescribed with exercise?

Absolutely not, they are often givenanother drug (for which the GPreceives payment) or told to rest. It isnot our sector who need to promoteactivity it is Anne Milton’s.

Considering there is less than twoper cent of the total health expendi-ture being spent on prevention of dis-ease, when will the situation everchange? Shame shame shame onthem! I believe as a sector we are ableto offer the solution to the problemand we just need to take a differentapproach, be more proactive and cre-ative in order to find a solution.

Different approach is thesolution to activity issues

Christmas day openingkeeps members’ routineSam Dudgeon, dual-site healthclub manager, Spirit Health Club– Holiday Inn Rochester &Holiday Inn Maidstone:

AFTER reading your article on theLivingwell club in Newport openingChristmas day, my two clubs in Kentalso open on Christmas Day 7am-12.00 pm with other opening timesfor Boxing Day and New Years Daytoo.

We are part of the Spirit Health ClubChain within Holiday Inn Hotels.

We have opened on Christmas Dayin all my six years with the company,although quieter than normal we willsee 30+ members in both clubs whobring Christmas presents in for thestaff (usually chocolates or wine) andmany regulars see it as a way of keep-ing their routine going 365 days ayear, as five -10 people are religiousswimmers who will be at the door7am every day. We will also cater forhotel guests who have decided tospend Christmas away from home orvisiting family.

Carol Morgan, Wellow FitnessCentre:

JUST received our copy of Workoutmagazine and what a great spreadabout the awards!

The features looks really glossy and

classy and I think you’re going to getan even more massive response forthis year!

Thank you for featuring our quoteon the front page – and great to seeour photo and mention in the sepa-rate article.

Praise for Fitness AwardsIf you want to comment on a story you’ve read inWorkout or on a wider industry issue, send your

comments to ce@whpl.net or Tweet us @WorkOutUK

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55 Preditor 23/1/12 16:20 Page 1

56 Vydex 24/1/12 17:30 Page 1