The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazineFebruary 2010 No 197 £3

Fee revenuebreaks the£2b barrier By Mary Ferguson

LONG term prospects for the gymindustry ‘remain positive’ despite theeconomic conditions, according tonew research.

A major report by Mintel showed thatrevenue from membership fees hasbroken the £2 billion barrier for thefirst time in a year, and there is still ahuge market of potential customersripe for penetration.

However, it also showed an increas-ing number of people are cancellingtheir memberships, blaming the reces-sion. 23 per cent of consumers saidthey have already terminated theirpayments, with a further six per centplanning to do so.

The report – Health and FitnessClubs UK – revealed 11 per cent ofconsumers said they have reduced theamount of times they visit a gym, butsix per cent claimed to be exercisingmore to avoid doing expensive socialactivities like going to the pub. Nearlya fifth of private club users said theyhave switched to a pay-as-you-go gymor moved to a cheaper one.

Michael Oliver, senior leisure analystat Mintel, predicted budget chains willcash in because cost remains a major

issue for consumers. And he warnedoperators need to do all they can toattract new members.

“The price of home fitness equip-ment has fallen and other innovations,such as the Nintendo Wii fitness prod-ucts, have also encouraged people tobring exercise back indoors. So it’s akey time for operators to address whatwill encourage them back into the gymenvironment again.”

The report claimed there is still alarge market of consumers who can beencouraged to join, with just ten percent of the adult population currentlyusing health clubs. But it warned pub-lic leisure centres are the biggest rivalto independent gyms, attracting aquarter of exercisers, compared to onein six. And cheap ‘no frills’ style gymsare posing a further threat.

Michael added: “Operators need tolook much more closely at the factorswhich are acting as a barrier to mem-bership growth. They need to examinewhy people are not joining, or are leav-ing. The biggest factor is likely to beone of cost and, in this respect, theemergence of the budget health clubssector in the UK will help to breakdown this barrier.”

Celebritiesbring rise inPT demandTHE success of celebrity per-sonal trainers to the stars isbehind a ‘massive’ rise indemand for PT sessions ingyms, it has been claimed.

Research from Fitness Firstshowed both men andwomen want one-on-onetraining, emulating A-listerslike Britney Spears,Madonna and Taylor Swift.

Tom Eastham, FitnessFirst’s personal trainer of theyear said: “The effectivenessof personal training hasbeen highlighted by theincreasing number of celebr-ities who have regular ses-sions. While Madonna’sregime is rather extreme thefitness of many celebritieswho have a personal traineris a great advert for our workand the huge and positiveimpact we can have on peo-ple’s lives.’’

Model Kelly Brook has been revealed as thecelebrity women would most like to go to thegym with. 57 per cent of those surveyed bySuunto sports watches chose the model astheir ideal exercise buddy, while 35 per centsaid they would avoid standing next toMadonna while working out.

THE top song used by fitnessand gym instructors in 2009was ‘Beat Again’ by X-Factorrunners-up JLS.

Research by PRS for Musicrevealed the boys topped thelist of songs used to motivatepeople during workouts.Other popular tunes includ-ed Sweet Dreams by Beyonceat number two, followed byDizzee Rascal’s Holiday.

Top gym tunes

UK FITNESS SCENE 3

AdvertisingSales and marketingdirector:Tony Barry

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EditorialGroup Editor:Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 Fax: 01226 734705Email: ah@whpl.net

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www.workout-uk.co.uk

By Mary Ferguson

A PR savvy gym is enjoying wide-spread media coverage after display-ing a banner that claimed fat peoplewould be eaten by aliens.

Bristol-based theclub at CadburyHouse displayed an outside sign car-rying a picture of a little green manwith the tagline ‘When the aliensarrive they’ll eat the fatties first’,before listing details of a Januaryjoining offer. Within days they foundthemselves fielding calls from jour-nalists, making the front page of alocal newspaper and inside featuresin The Metro and The Telegraph.

Manager Jason Eaton has been int-erviewed on local radio stations andsaid the poster was even mentionedon Channel Five show ‘The WrightStuff’. He told Workout: “We came upwith the idea in the gym and allhelped with the design. We thought itmay be a bit controversial but didn’texpect things to go this far.”

Jason said he has received just onecomplaint about the adverts, from awoman branding them ‘outrageous’.But many members, he claimed,have said they think it’s a great cam-paign.

“The campaign was developed as atongue-in-cheek look at the fact that

people, generally, over the Christmasperiod do put on a little weight. Ourview is that people should not feelstigmatised by the use of the word‘fatties’ as it encompasses everyonewho might have overindulged duringthe holidays and now want to dosomething about it.

“At theclub we are doing all we canto combat the problems of obesityand our advertising has to get themessage over in a forthright but fun

way. We do not intend to cause anyoffense to anyone.”

As well as the banner – designed byHattrick Marketing – the alien fea-tures in a mail drop and newspaperadvert and Jason will soon be askinghis team to dress up as the littlegreen man to promote the gymaround the area.

He added: “The exposure has beenreally good for us and for themoment, the alien is here to stay.”

Alien adverts provea smash for Jason

Jason with the controversial banner

UK FITNESS SCENE4

By Mary Ferguson

A CUMBRIA leisure centre is boost-ing its local profile by sponsoring adisabled athlete who took gold at theDwarf World Games.

Dean Kelly was given free member-ship at The Park Lesiure Centre inBarrow-In-Furness after health andfitness officer Ian Jones thought hewould benefit from using their newyouth gym.

Ian approached Dean in the streetafter hearing about his upcoming

competitions and offered to let himuse the facilities as part of a sponsor-ship arrangement.

Dean now works out at the ClubMAX youth gym, supplied by Pulse,as well as the main fitness suite at thecentre.

Ian told Workout: “There are certainthings Dean can do in the adult gymlike using the free weights and Smithmachine for shoulder presses andsquats, but he does all his seatedexercise in the youth gym as the

equipment is so perfectly suited tohis size.

“He always thanks us in interviewsso it’s got our name out there in thelocal media and we were glad to beable to help him train.”

In August last year, Dean collectedfour gold and three silver medals atthe Dwarf World Games and receivedfurther accolades in his home townin November when he was nominat-ed for an award.

He was given reognition at the

Cumbria Sports Awards, after beingnamed Sports Person of the Year atthe Barrow Borough Sports Council Sports Awards. Dean collect-ed his accolades from triple jumplegend Jonathan Edwards and is nowusing the facilities at The Park totrain for The National Dwarf Gamesin May.

Ian added: “He is a very dedicatedand committed guy and always has a smile on his face. I’m pleasedhe is now getting the rewards hedeserves.”

Ian in the youth gym Dean collecting his award from Jonathan Edwards

Dwarf games success brings publicity for centre

UK FITNESS SCENE 5

Harryready tochangefitnessindustrywith toolBy Mary Ferguson

A PERSONAL trainer told Workout heis aiming to ‘revolutionise the fitnessindustry’ with the launch of a newmembership management tool.

Harry Stephenson, who runs FusingFitness from an exercise studio inWindsor, has developed theInteractive Fitness Manager (IFM) tobe used by operators, staff and mem-bers themselves.

He said: “It all started about threeyears ago when I realised there was agap in the market for a product thatallows members to have access totheir fitness details. It also helpsoperators keep in touch with clients,aiding retention.

“And for members, it’s a great moti-vational tool as they can access alltheir programmes and even uploadphotos so they can monitor theirprogress. I see it almost as aFacebook for fitness.”

Harry employed a team of expertsto build and maintain the system, following consultations with health clubs, gyms and personaltrainers about what their require-ments are.

“I honestly think this programmehas the potential to revolutionise theindustry. There are so many clubsthat can’t put a face to a name but byusing this, they can identify mem-bers, helping them interact.

“There are different documents

within it, for example if a Par Q formis positive, a letter will automaticallybe generated, and GPs can accessmember information from their sur-geries, meaning permission andadvice can be given within minutes –potentially saving a sale.”

Harry won £3,000 of dumbbells andracks from Jordan Fitness at the IOUraffle at last year’s Leisure IndustryWeek and has chosen to donate themas a prize as part of a promotion tolaunch the programme.

The first ten clubs to implement the IFM will be entered into a draw to win the products, as well asother prizes that will be presentedduring a dinner and prize giving cere-mony.

Harry Stephenson

Two moreacquisitionsfor newbudget chainNEW budget gym chain nuyuuFitness has taken over formerLA Fitness sites at Newburyand Stevenage.

The two gyms are the latestaddition to the chain whichlaunched in October last yearin a £2million venture spearheaded by Ben Silcox,former national sales managerfor LA Fitness, and backed by Dragon’s Den star JamesCaan.

The company has alsoannounced a major recruitment drive to attractstaff at all levels as it preparesto announce further site acquisitions.

Ben said: “We’re delighted toadd Newbury and Stevenage tothe nuyuu portfolio.

“They fit our model entirelyin terms of population densityand refurbishment potential tobecome part of the nuyuubrand which is all about valueand state-of-the-art equipmentin a clean, modern environment.”

UK FITNESS SCENE6

About-turnfor ex-officerJonathanBy Mary Ferguson

A FORMER army officer has swappedfighting for fitness and launched anew personal training business inSalisbury.

Jonathan Parrot has taken out alease on a converted barn and turnedit into a private studio, launchingChrysalis Fitness in time for the early2010 market.

He said: “I’d had enough of the armyand as part of my resettlement pack-age when I left, I was able to qualifyas a personal trainer.

“I’ve been involved within militaryfitness for 20 years and was responsi-ble for the fitness of soldiers but Ihadn’t thought of a career in theindustry until someone suggested it.”

Jonathan said he is looking forwardto helping a wide variety of people isaiming for the mid to high end of themarket, particularly those who maybe put off by busy gyms.

“I did consider trying to get a jobwithin a club but I’ve worked forother people in the army for 22 years,

so really wanted to work for myself.And I definitely believe the market isthere for this.”

The studio has been equipped withfree weights and accessories byJordan Fitness and Jonathan deliber-ately decided not to install CV equip-ment.

“I have one water rower but decidedthere was no point in a treadmillbecause there are so many beautifulrunning routes around the studio.And I suppose it’s a throwback tobeing in the army but I would preferto train alongside my clients, not juststand there pushing buttons on amachine.”

Jonathan added that he doesn’twant his forces background to putpeople off, because his training stylewill be very different.

“I have no desire to shout at some-one in a field. I’m not going to godown the military-style encourage-ment route because it doesn’t appealto everyone – especially the market Iam trying to attract.”

Pilates professional Min Grob has launched a new clinic in London dedicated to toning pelvic floor muscles.Min has been a Pilates expert for ten years and claims the discipline can help withurinary function and even love making.She said: “A toned pelvic floor can prevent incontinence, frequent urination and prolapses, and can even improve your sex life.”She added that there are also many benefits for men. “As well as being excellent forbuilding strength, improving your pelvic floor through Pilates can help after aprostatectomy in overcoming and improving incontinence and sexual function.”

Dean looks to the stars to helpclients achieve their goals ...INTERNATIONAL fitness pre-senter Dean Hodgkin is help-ing clients achieve their exer-cise goals by analysing theirstar signs.

Dean, a consultant toRagdale Hall and Energie,uses people’s zodiac signs tofind out more about theircharacter traits, helping himdevise effective workouts.

He said: “I've constantlysearched for a route to helppeople to stick to their exer-cise programmes and knowthat good personal trainers

will not only establish yourdesired goals but should alsoattempt to tap into your per-sonality and then tailorworkouts to suit.

“I’ve simply taken this astep further, by asking clientstheir zodiac sign so I canquickly gain an insight intotheir conscious and subcon-scious character traits and sorecommend ideal pro-grammes to follow.”

Sagittarians tend to be fun-loving, friendly and enjoysharing so activities such as

dance classes and teamsports would be advisedwhilst a sensitive, emotionalPiscean might prefer theescapism of a mind-bodyformat, such as yoga orPilates.

Dean added: “By matchingexercise options to signsof the zodiac there is muchmore likelihood the workoutexperience will be apleasurable one.

“If this is the case peopleare more likely to stick totheir programme.”

Call for gyms toshowcase classesGYM operators are beinginvited to showcase theirdance-based workouts aspart of a government cam-paign to get people healthythrough movement.

Let’s Dance Change 4 Lifehas been launched by the Department of Health,who have teamed up withthe FIA to encourage the fit-ness industry to getinvolved.

FIA members will be sup-plied with marketing mate-

rial and invited to showcasetheir classes over the weekend of March 6-7, giving existing and potential members thechance to sample what’s onoffer.

A central website will allow people to searchfor classes in their area, and a top dance act will be getting on board to help promote the initia-tive.

UK FITNESS SCENE 7

Swimming star and TV personalitySharron Davies MBE has installed a homegym to use whilst training for ITV’sDancing On Ice.The gym, supplied by EXF Fitness, hasbeen kitted out with equipment includinga Smith Machine, plate loaded leg pressand hack squat, Versaclimber, NordicTrackcross country ski machine, cross trainer,rower and bike.She has also replaced her treadmill,added further freeweights and upright

rack, an X-Bag and Freedom Trainer.EXF's Charles Burch said: “Sharron is a bit of a sporting legend and British institution and we are delighted to have supplied equipment to her already impressive home gym. She still embodies what sports participationand staying fit and healthy is all about.“And if it all helps keep her in the bestshape for her ice skating challenge thenso much the better.”

Why practising what they preachis paying off for Kami and LizBy Mary Ferguson

THE husband and wife owners of ablossoming gym in Scotland are look-ing forward to another successfulyear.

Enterprise Health and Fitness,based in Kirkintilloch, was opened 18months ago by Liz and Kami Kalsiand the pair said the business isgoing from strength to strength.

They ran two promotions in 2009,including a buy one get one free thatworked out at less than £15 per per-son and a £19.50 offer in January.Both promotions tied people in for12 months, but many have renewedand the gym is also benefitting froma tide of members sweeping in froma local leisure centre.

Kami and Liz juggle gym manage-ment with competing on the body-building stage and last summer Lizcame seventh in the British NABBAfinals in the toned figure class. Kamialso tasted success, being placedfourth at the UKBFF BritishChampionships.

Their training, he claimed, alsohelps them attract new members.

He said: “People know they will getgood advice when they come hereand they listen to what we saybecause we practice what wepreach.”

The busiest period for the gym last

year after the January rush was thestart of the summer, which coincidedwith the pair dieting in preparationfor their competitions. Kami admit-ted it was quite stressful, but said heenjoyed it and would love to seesome of his members up on stagetoo.

“The gym is still in its infancy and alot of the young guys are just findingtheir feet with weights but give it afew years and they will be up there.They are hungry for knowledge and Iget hounded when I’m in the gym,but I love it.”

Liz said she feels lucky that despitebeing sandwiched between twoleisure centres, they are the onlyindependent in the area.

But she claimed that because theyare now paying VAT, they may beforced to raise their prices to coverthe extra £7-800 that will be going outeach month.

She added: “It’s a lot for a smallbusiness and I’m worried that bycharging more, we will no longer beable to attract people by beingcheaper than the leisure centres.

“We knew we would get the pointwhere we would be successfulenough to pay VAT though and weare happy at the way things aregoing. We are very much looking for-ward to another good year in 2010.” Liz and Kami Kalsi

UK FITNESS SCENE8

THIRTY of the 500 members atBody Check have been there sinceday one and the staffing team has-n’t changed since 1990.

The most popular membershiptoday is £35 for a two-year contractand 20 years ago, it was just £5cheaper. And according to ownerGlenn Campbell, the personaltouch is why they are still goingstrong.

He said: “Technology may havechanged but one thing that hasn’tis what members want from a gym– and it comes down to service.They have seen the same four stafffaces for 20 years and I’ve triedemploying some personal trainersbut to be honest they just haven’tcared enough, so I do it all myself.

“We look after the members – weknow them all by name and theyalways tell us if something iswrong.”

Glenn said that despite manynew gyms springing up aroundhim, he has maintained his placein the market. But he has noticedgym usage changing as trafficproblems worsen in the town.

“People who work in Manchesterare having to leave early and gethome later to miss the jams, sosome are choosing to use clubs inthe city instead. But we are stillvery busy in the mornings andlater on at night, as people decideto work out later on.”

Glenn offers personal trainingfree as part of people’s member-ships but he said although no-oneabuses it, he does have to limit it.

And another way of keepingmembers motivated is to organiseregular fitness challenges on the

gym floor. But he said that organis-ing them only works if all the staffget behind them.

“It’s no good sitting behind a deskand waiting for members to getinvolved, you have to get on thegym floor and promote it. I don’task people if they want to take part– I know them well enough to beable to tell them they are.”

Regular social events are held,including sponsored pub walksand organised trips to take part in

10k runs.

The gym also organises an annualkids fun run for children fromthree months to 15 years. Thebabies that take part wear theirown little numbers and are pushedalong by parents.

Glenn added: “It’s really good forbrand awareness as it’s open tomembers and non-members andwe promote it through local news-papers and radio. I’d say it’s direct-ly helped us get more business.”

In two decades of operation, monthly memberships at Body Check have only increased by a fiver. To find outmore, Mary Ferguson paid a visit as the club celebrates its 20th birthday.

How Glenn keeps hismembers and staff

Glenn Campbell outside his gym Body Check in Glossop

UK FITNESS SCENE 9

By Mary Ferguson

A PERSONAL trainer and ex-Olympicweightlifter is promoting the sportshe loves within schools inNewcastle.

Vika De Giorgi is hoping to uncoverstrength stars of the future during herwork with the youngsters, whilst alsohelping improve their health, confi-dence and wellbeing.

Vika, who runs Vika Fitness, hasbeen teaching girls at WalkerTechnology College to develop pos-ture, muscular agility, synchroniza-tion, speed and coordination.

She is now hoping to gain access to

other schools in the area, but admit-ted that convincing the powers thatbe can be a challenge.

She told Workout: “I know it worksand that it’s safe but it’s hard to con-vince others of that sometimes.“There are so many benefits for thekids though – they only competeagainst themselves and they developdiscipline, which then leads toincreased confidence.”

Vika originally trained as a PEteacher and during her placement ata school, decided to introduce thepupils to weightlifting, with greatsuccess. She uses 5kg bars which lookauthentic, giving the youngsters a

huge sense of achievement whenthey lift them. Vika claims it couldwork in primary schools too, and iscurrently introducing the sport to hernine year old son.

Joyce Matthews of Newcastle SchoolSport Partnership introducedweightlifting to Walker TechnologyCollege after being convinced of itsbenefits. She added: “We are con-stantly striving for new activities toengage young people, and Vika hasthe same philosophy that we have inthe partnership. Sport changes livesand this could be one of these activi-ties that realises untapped potentialin our students.”

Vika with a pupil

Vika looking to liftstars of the future ...

Deliveringexpertise aswell asequipmentEXF Fitness are taking theirexpertise around the country todeliver a series of seminars onphysical conditioning and performance.

The equipment suppliers and manufacturers haveteamed up with American part-ner Perform Better USA to lineup a team of experts for theevents, which begin in Ipswichon February 20.

EXF's managing directorCharles Burch said: “We haveworked at the sharp end of elite sport for several yearsincluding work with bodies like GB Cycling and GBTaekwondo as well as top flight football, rugby and athletics.

“We feel this is the right timeto utilise our expertise and con-tacts in this field and take themto a wider public.”

EXF's 'Learn By Doing' seminars will take place inIpswich, London, Leeds,Manchester, Oxford andBirmingham.

UK FITNESS SCENE10

How important are government-ledhealth campaigns like Change4Lifein getting people to use health clubsand leisure centres?Health campaigns are extremelyimportant – they give people theinformation they need to live healthi-er lives. Change4Life works withmany partners including the fitnessindustry, whose More Active4Lifecampaign has done a fantastic job ofopening the doors of health clubsand leisure centres to thousands ofpeople.

What can realistically be done to getmore people to engage in fitnessactivities?Campaigns such as Change4Life areproviding the right balance of sup-port and information so that peoplecan take responsibility for their ownphysical activity and diet.

Research has also shown that one infour adults in England say theywould become more active if theywere advised to do so by their GP ornurse. That is why we have launchedthe Let's Get Moving programmewhich helps the NHS to supportinactive adults.

In addition, exercise referralschemes play an important role ingetting people to become more activeby giving people tailored pro-grammes. I want to see a shift in NHSculture, so that the benefits of exer-cise are actively promoted.

Will offering financial incentivesever really work? Activity levels fall dramatically afterthe age of 16 so, in partnership withthe Fitness Industry Association andlocal authorities, we are piloting anincentive scheme to offer 5,000 16 -22 year olds subsidised gym mem-berships. By reducing the member-ship costs of leisure clubs and pro-viding an incentive to go regularly,we expect to see an increase in exer-cise levels.

The pilot is targeted at those whoare at risk of inactive lifestyles andliving in less well off areas.

Should the Treasury be encouragedto offer tax incentives to health clubusers such as VAT reductions? This is a matter for the Treasury butanything that can make health clubsmore accessible whether it is cost,location or locally organised activitiescan only be a good thing.

A great deal has been made of the2012 legacy and its impact on thelevels on participation in sport andphysical activity. How realistic is itthat the Games will have a positiveimpact on participation levels and towhat extent?One of the reasons we won theOlympic bid was because we had avision for the long-term benefits thatwe can get across the country byhosting the Olympic and ParalympicGames. We set a new target to get twomillion more adults physically activeby 2012 by doing three or more ses-sions of at least 30 minutes’ exercise

per week. The target encompassessport and everyday physical activitysuch as walking, cycling, gardeningand dance. Too often in the past, gov-ernments have expected majorevents to bring automatic windfallbenefits. However, nothing is guaran-teed without careful planning fromthe outset as well as working closelywith partners.

What is the Government doing rightto encourage people to exercise?We are investing in many pro-grammes to get families and adultsmore active. We are investing inNatural England’s Walking for Healthprogramme, the development of 2012Active Challenge Routes, the £140mcross-government Free Swimmingprogramme and the launch of DanceChampions groups.

I am also determined thatChange4Life ‘comes to life’ on theground, offering tangible opportuni-ties for people to become moreactive. The campaign’s many strandssuch as Walk4Life, Play4Life andBike4Life help everyone to “eat well,

move more and live longer”. Earlythis year, the campaign will beextended to adults.

I also think the Let's Get Movingprogramme for healthcare profes-sionals is doing well to start a dia-logue with people about their physi-cal fitness. The scheme is alreadyshowing that GPs are extremely wellplaced to encourage their patients tobe more active.

Do you exercise regularly? Like anyone, it can be hard findingthe time to fit in exercise around abusy lifestyle. However, I like to runas much as I can in my local park andalways enjoy a kickabout with mychildren or taking them swimming.

In 2009 I took part in the GreatNorth Swim in Lake Windermerewhich was great fun and I’ll be look-ing to enter again this year. � To find out who will be interviewednext issue, follow Workout on Twitter– @WorkOutUK. What would you like us to ask the politi-cians? Email your questions tomf@whpl.net or call 01226 734712

In the first of our exclusive series of interviews with top level politicians, secretary of state for health Andy Burnhamspeaks to Andree Deane.

Andy Burnham Andree with Andy and his son at a football match

Why health campaignsare doing a fantastic job

UK FITNESS SCENE12

By Mary Ferguson

PEOPLE are put off from joininggyms because they are anxiousabout their body image, it has beenclaimed.

Research by Central YMCA, theUK’s activity for health charity,showed that negative thoughtsabout their lumps and bumpsstops many men and women exer-cising.

The charity also found that morethan three quarters of the publicwant health clubs to make theirgym environments more welcom-ing to people of all shapes andsizes.

Other findings revealed that:� 77 per cent of people think thatgyms should do more to attractpeople with a wider range of bodyshapes and sizes� 69 per cent of people think thatgyms and the people who use themcan be intimidating� 42 per cent of people say ifinstructors looked more like themthey would be more likely to go� 85 per cent of people blame thefitness industry for promotingbody image ‘ideals’.

Rosi Prescott, chief executive ofCentral YMCA said: “We operate

the largest fitness facility in centralLondon, and we have known forsome time that concern aboutone’s body image might intimidatepeople in the gym environment, ormight stop them from joining agym altogether.”

Lisa Clough, personal trainer atthe club said: “There is a lot ofpressure on people to look a cer-tain way if they work in the fitnessindustry. I find that being a morerealistic body size myself is oftenencouraging for a lot of peoplewho want to exercise. Just becauseyou aren’t the body image ideal, itdoesn’t mean you’re not fit andhealthy.”

Personal trainer Rich Leigh,founder of Fat Free Fitness,blogged about the issue on hiswebsite and told Workout he hadsome interesting responses.

He added: “I don’t think the fit-ness industry is to blame for pro-motion of body ideals. I think thatas fitness professionals, it’s ourduty to promote the healthy ideal –which means to me that we’re notendorsing extremes of obesity norultra-perfection.

“I can understand that membersmay feel more comfortable withsomebody who looks ‘more like

them’ as the YMCA reported, butthink that class instructors, gyminstructors and personal trainershave a responsibility to practicewhat they preach.”

Lisa Clough

Corey Springer, The Nark Side:“A trainer really can't win where thegeneral public is concerned. A rippedtrainer is 'intimidating', while a softone is 'unqualified to offer advice'. Tosay that gyms are to blame is justridiculous as far as I'm concerned.”

Angelique Kronebusch,Angelique Kronebusch fitness and personal training:“There are too many excuses outthere for people to not get in shapeand this reason of too many fit people

at your local gym is a very poorexcuse. People who go to the gym arethere to get into shape. When I seesomeone busting their butts to getinto shape, I have a lot of respect forthem for choosing a healthier lifestyle.I think we, as trainers are supposed tobe setting an example. I for one prac-tice what I preach and I am in greatshape and eat well.”

Paul Harrison, Vires Fitness:“I think it’s often a problem that peo-ple don't really know what they want

from their gym, and therefore don'tfind a gym that actually suits them. Working out of Fitness First, I can saythat, yes, we do have a few bodybuilders. but about 90 per cent of ourmembers are every day users there forhealth or shape reasons, and just try-ing to lose a little weight. However, ifI was to go to Golds around the cor-ner, that would be a very differentstory. It can however be the case thatthe serious users are the ones mostnoticed, which is where the miscon-ception may come from.”

What the fitness professionals say ...

‘Lumps and bumps stops manymen and women exercising’

THE owner of a club named after hisown hair colour is experiencingbooming business five months afteropening.

Andy Horne opened Club Ginger inLydney last summer and toldWorkout carrot-topped membersoften ask for a discount.

After a court battle to secure councilapproval for the high street site, hehas exceeded membership targetsand is now breaking even, securing apositive start to 2010.

He said: “There was a need for agym like this in Lydney as the otherclubs in the area catered for either CVusers, or bodybuilders. Here though,I’ve got everyone under one roof andhave a 72-year-old training alongsidea young guy with 22-inch arms.”

Andy furnished the gym with£100,000 of Panatta equipment, after

being flown out to Italy to see it inaction.

“I’d spent a year travelling up anddown the UK looking at differentbrands, but I was blown away bywhat I saw over there and am veryhappy with how it has benefitted thegym.”

26 classes a week take place and theSpinning sessions are booked up twoweeks in advance. Andy is alreadylooking at ways to secure retention,organising a ski holiday for 2011which members can pay for in instal-ments alongside their monthly dues.He added: “It’s already generated a lotof interest and it means I can organ-ise day trips to dry ski slopes andspecific workouts around it. I reallywant to look after my members, so Ican generate more business throughword of mouth.”

Members are nutsabout Club Ginger

Andy Horne

A lot of gym managers have been conscious of using kettlebells due to thefact that without proper instruction the client is open to injuries.Throwing aheavy kettlebell around in the gym is open to accidents and the damage togym floors with heavy kettlebells can be an enormous cost.

With the launch of the Kettlercise™ programme this now solves thoseproblems. Kettlercise™ brings kettlebells into mainstream health and fitnesstraining and it’s open to anyone. So what is it?

Kettlercise™ integrates the traditional kettlebell into a high volume, lowintensity, all over body work out delivered in a 50-minute heart pumping, fatburning, muscle toning routine. The kettlercise™ training system is particu-larly aimed at women as 85% of people that attend fitness classes arefemale. From our own research and trials it is where it has the most suc-cess. In one of ours trials one of our senior instructors started the kettler-cise™ class with 8 attendees, then 16 and now runs four classes a weekwith a waiting list of people wanting to participate.

Why put Kettlercise™ in to your fitness programme? In these challenging times of retaining and attracting gym members youneed to stay ahead of your competition. When clients find something new,fresh and exciting that really works their loyalty to you can be extremelytested to say the least.

Here are just a few of the many benefits of Kettlercise™:• It’s easy for you to implement and market• It can be an added profit opportunity• Its simple and fun to teach and clients will love it• It’s a brilliant cross selling opportunity into 1:2:1 PT

sessions• It has countless routine variations helping you to retain

client interest• No marking of gym floors with heavy kettlebells• It’s open to 90% of gym members• It’s an entire functional body work out

How much does it cost?A vibrating plate machine can cost upwards of £3k. A new treadmill cancost you anything up to £15k.To book a place for one instructor on aKettlercise™ course at any one of our training locations across the UK isonly £129 per person.

To book call 01282 698698 or visit www.RKPS.org

We have all heard the hype and the mythical legends of kettlebell training, how it was used bygladiators or Greek Gods thousands of years ago. However, up until now it seems to have beenexclusively aimed at the hardcore element of the fitness market, routinely used by PT’s or in somesort of bootcamp setting. One of the biggest issues of training with kettlebells is that you can’t take a mem-ber from the gym floor that hasn’t seen one before and put them straight into a class without them doing somesort of basic kettlebell training course.

Kettlercise™ kicks its way in to the fitness industry

March 2010

March Tba Kettlercise south Manchester

March 26th Kettlercise Beckenham London

March 27th Kettlebell instructor L Day one London

March 28th Kettlebell instructor L1 Day two London

April 2010

April Tba Kettlercise Harrogate Yorkshire

April 23rd Kettlercise north Manchester

April 24th Kettlebell instructor L1 day one Manchester

April 25th Kettlebell instructor L1 day two Manchester

May 2010May 21st Kettlercise London

May 22nd Kettlebell instructor L1 day one London

May 23rd Kettlebell instructor L1 day two London

For More dates and venues vist www.RKPS.org

Special Kettlercise™Instructor OfferThe first 9 companies that book 10instructors or more on aKettlercise™ Instructor Course willreceive a FREE starter pack of 16kettlebells worth over £269.

Depending where you are in theUK we can even send one of ourdedicated trainers to you!

Dates

Advertiser’s Announcement

Finally - How to integrateKettlebells in to your business!

UK FITNESS SCENE 15

JONO doesn’t look like an average 25year old but claims it never held himback during his time in the fitnessindustry.

Born with the rare conditionTreacher Collins Syndrome, his facialbones didn’t form in the womb,meaning he has experienced discrim-ination in most areas of his life.

But working as a personal trainerboosted his confidence and enabledhim to help other people with bodyinsecurities get the best from them-selves.

He said: “I always wanted to be a PEteacher at school so I started doing adiploma in sports science and decid-ed I should join a gym, so startedgoing to a small local one near myhouse and really enjoyed it.

“Friends and family started askingme for tips on how to get fit and Iended up doing a YMCA course whenmy diploma finished – I reallyenjoyed the training and passed withflying colours.”

Jono then spent eight monthsapplying for jobs and always took hisCV in by hand, so employers wouldsee his face straight away. Hereceived a couple of letters tellinghim there were no vacancies, but

most of the time heard nothing. Butthen he was asked to attend an inter-view at Fitness First in Wakefield.

“I was terrified. I had a big fear oflarge health clubs because I expectedeveryone to be perfect and beautifuland I have a phobia of mirrors. WhenI went to hand my CV in it took mehalf an hour to get the courage toleave my car and walk through thedoors.

“But no-one batted an eyelid aboutthe way I looked during my interviewand as soon as I started working Irealised that all sorts of people wentto the gym, not just those who wereperfect.”

Jono admitted he worried abouthow clients would react when theyfirst met him, and feared they wouldbe reluctant to open up to personalquestions during fitness assessments.

“I kept on telling myself that myface didn’t affect my ability to trainsomeone, but I still had this fear. Myfirst shift though was really enjoyableand all the other staff put me at ease,introducing me to the regular mem-bers. I realised all my worries andpreconceptions had been wrong.”

After he had been there nearly ayear, Jono’s manager asked him to

start taking group exercise classes,but initially he was too nervousabout standing in front of a big groupof people, with all eyes on him.

“I participated in a few classes andgradually began taking part of themmyself until I felt I could do thewhole thing. It worked wonders formy confidence in general life.”

As well as finding confidence atFitness First Jono also found love,after falling for Laura, one of his per-sonal training clients.

By this point, he had decided hewanted to run his own gym so to gainmore commercial experience, landeda job in membership sales at Xercise,part of the Xscape complex inCastleford.

“I struggled because I just didn’thave the personality for sales. I likedbeing on the gym floor in my trainersand shorts, not in a suit and havingto shave every day.

“But I was good at signing peopleup who were nervous about joiningbecause I just told them my story,and they realised if I could do it thenthey could.”

Eventually, his time in sales putJono off a career in the fitness indus-try and he now works with adults

with autism.But exercise is still a huge part of his

life and last month he competed inhis first Tough Guy challenge, wherecompetitors plunge into ice coldwater, run through burning bales andweave through electric fences.

“It’s the ultimate physical and men-tal challenge and I’d love to be able towork in a job where I had to take afitness test, like the army or firebrigade.

“But because my condition affectsmy hearing, unfortunately that willnever be possible.”� Workout’s interview with Jono wasfilmed for a documentary ‘Love Me,Love My Face’, due to air on the BBClater this year.

Born with a severe facialdisfigurement, JonoLancaster never thought hewould have the confidenceto set foot in a gym, letalone work in one. He toldMary Ferguson how heovercame his fear andbecame a personal trainer,helping others to feel betterabout their appearance.

Jono finds confidenceand love at the gym

JonoLancasterand his girlfriendLaura

Jono and Laura on This Morning

UK FITNESS SCENE 17

By Mary Ferguson

RESILIENT gyms across the UKhave been battling to stay opendespite heavy snow that broughtthe country to a standstill.

The annual January rush wasinterrupted and operating madedifficult for some clubs whobecame inaccessible to new andexisting members.

But Julie Broadway, owner ofAtlanta Health and Fitness in York,told Workout that despite the freez-ing conditions, they have managedto open up every day and havesigned up more new members thanexpected.

She said: “January is traditionallya quiet month for us anyway aspeople round here tend to waituntil they get paid in February, butwe have been pleasantly surprised.

“We’ve been busier during the daythan usual as a lot of the lads withmanual jobs haven’t been able towork, but in turn that’s made usquieter in the evenings.

“We are on an industrial estate sothe roads have been really bad butyou find ways to cope. Some of themembers helped me shift snowfrom the car park and when Icouldn’t get hold of any grit, I usedcat litter instead.”

Despite being hit by heavy snowin Hull, Peak Physique has seen a

steady stream of dedicated usersbrave the cold for their workouts,even turning up on push-bikes andon foot.

Co-owner Louise Bowering said:“We have a dedicated bunch herewho refuse to miss a session. Anddespite the weather and doing nonew year offers, we have had a lotof new sign-ups too. We’ve beenvery lucky.”

Not everyone though has been sofortunate. Sharon Roberts, owner ofFitness4Females in Gloucester, hasbeen disappointed with new yearbusiness.

She added: “I signed up four newmembers on the first working dayof 2010 so I thought things wouldbe good, but then the snow came.As well as stopping people comingin to join it caused problems for my

staff getting here too, so I had tocover a lot of shifts myself.

“It did have some benefits though– because my children couldn’t getto school I sent them out doingpromotional mail drops instead.”

� How have you been coping withthe bad weather? Let us know bycalling 01226 734712 or e-mailingmf@whpl.net.

Heavy snow has made trading conditions difficult for some gyms.

No snow excuses for gyms

UK FITNESS SCENE18

By Mary Ferguson

A GYM in Crawley treated its cus-tomers to a day of paintballing andfood as they hurtle towards theirmembership target.

Healthy Balanced Generationshelled out £1,000 for the socialevent, designed to reward membersfor their loyalty. And despite thesnow, fitness co-ordinator MarkMcKeganey said the day was a hugesuccess.

“We have turned the whole ideaof spending money on marketingploys and attracting new members

into concentrating far harder onthose users we already have. Theyare the ones who have paid theirmembership throughout the yearand will continue to do so into thefuture, so we wanted to thank themand show our appreciation.

“We are not like some of our bigcompetitors where we sign peopleup and then forget about them. 90per cent of our users live in thelocal neighbourhood so everyonetends to know each other anywayand we always have summer eventslike barbecues. We also let people

bring friends and partners, helpingus top boost membership.”

Over 50 people attended thepaintballing session and 40 tuckedinto the meal at a Chinese restau-rant, after the event was advertisedthrough newsletters and postersaround the gym.

The club now has almost 600members and management havedecided to cap it there, to preventthe floor getting too busy and themlosing out to competitors.

“When we ask for feedback frommembers, they tell us a big reason

they stay is because they canalways get on machines and intoclasses. But we’d been hearing mur-murs that’s starting to get busy soas well as looking at some new kit,we decided to cap the member-ship.”

The gym ran a promotion in thesummer that gave people Augustand September for £30, and accord-ing to Mark, 30 per cent of themthen became full members, helpingthem towards their target. Headded: “The champagne is definite-ly on ice for when we reach 600.”

Members during the paintballing

Paintballing reward for loyal members

Ladies-only gym boostssecurity after incidentBy Mary Ferguson

A LADIES-only gym in Gloucester hashiked up security by installing a fin-gerprint recognition system for itsmembers.

Sharon Roberts, owner ofFitness4Females, decided to addressentry issues following an incident inthe summer, when a man walked intothe gym and frightened some of theusers.

She told Workout: “It was a localhandicapped man who is harmless,but he appeared to be drunk and wasquite frightening.

“The swipe card system was costingme a lot and there were a few inci-dences of people passing on cards to

non-paying friends, so I decided todo something about it.”

Sharon was approached by Frenchcompany Easydentic, who offered touse her gym as a test site for its fin-gerprint recognition system.

Fitness4Females is now the onlyclub in Gloucester to operate thetechnology and Sharon said bothstaff and members now feel a lotsafer.

“Before, I used to have to get staff tolock the doors as soon as it got darkwhich then caused problems with let-ting users in and out.

“And often it will just be oneinstructor and a couple of ladies in atany one time. Also, we are based on a

housing estate so it’s not like thereare other businesses nearby to go tofor help if anything happened.”

Sharon said that despite a fewteething problems, the technology isworking well.

She added: “There have been somehiccups when the system hasn’trecognised prints straight away and alot of the older ladies have taken timeto get used to it, but it’s working outto be cheaper than the old system –and a lot safer.”

� Do you have problems with securi-ty? What security systems do youhave in place? Let us know by e-mail-ing mf@whpl.net or call 01226734712.

A new leisure centre has beengiven an ‘excellent’ rating by anindustry assessor less than a yearafter it first opened to the public.Blidworth Community LeisureCentre, opened by Newark andSherwood District Council inJanuary last year, gained its Questaccreditation following a recenttwo-day assessment. It came outwith a first-time score of 84 percent, putting the centre in the‘excellent’ category.

400% rise inmembershipsMEMBERSHIPS at Corby LeisureCentres have quadrupled in fivemonths following a new direct debitfitness scheme that covers both thetown’s sites.

The 400 per cent rise across LodgePark Sports Centre and Corby EastMidlands International Pool has beendriven by a five-year partnership dealwith Alliance Leisure, which has seenthe centres branded as a single identi-ty with one membership package cre-ated across both sites.

New fitness suiteopens at clubA NEW fitness suite has opened atEaling Squash and Fitness club, dou-bling in size and spanning two levels.

Three existing squash courts havebeen converted to create more spaceand 65 pieces of Life Fitness equip-ment have been installed.

TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

20

The owner of a pole fitness school in Swindon is celebrating her firstbatch of students passing their exams.Chrissie Davies runs Polefect and has now completed teaching pole fit-ness level one, a set of examinations recognised by the Open Collegenetwork.14 girls have passed and the majority will now go on to levels two andthree, hoping to qualify at instructor level after that.

Esporta Leeds has appointed Richard Beaumont as its new general manager.Richard’s previous roles include operations manager for The Village Hotel in Bury and general manager forGreens Health Clubs based in Shipley, Wakefield and Sheffield.He said: “Esporta has a great reputation in the city and my focus as its general manager will be to buildand strengthen that name.”

FITNESS expert Keith Morton haslaunched group fitness staff trainingcourses to help operators maximisemembership income and retention.

Keith, three times British heavyweight

karate champion and personal trainer toscreen tough guy Ross Kemp, has devel-oped the courses for the industry afterimplementing them in his own and fran-chised Morton’s Fitness Clubs.

Keith launches training courses

www.workout-uk.co.uk

21TRAINING – ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

By Alan Runacres, FCollP FISM.BSc Hons. DipHMan. MICM DipDirector of Training – WABBAQualifications

SO fitness fans, now the Christmaspudding is history many of you willbe pounding the streets and tread-mills or climbing for dollars (whatfilm was that shown in- answers on apostcard please) on the Versa-Climber to get back into shape forsummertime (yes it’s only fivemonths away!).

As you try intensely with your car-dio training you will be going anaero-bic and producing a lot of lactic acid,the chemical compound that plays arole in several biochemical processes.It accumulates in skeletal musclesduring extensive anaerobic exercisecausing temporary muscle pain.Blood lactate measurements are a

way to appreciate the equilibriumbetween the rate of lactate produc-tion and elimination, being deter-mined by the relative kinetics of gly-colysis, lactate de-hydroginase andmitochondrial activity.

However complex the sciencebehind the regulation of lactatemetabolism is, it does not preventgeneral practitioners or coaches frommeasuring and using blood lactatefor the prediction of exercise per-formance. The anaerobic threshold,commonly defined as the exerciseintensity, speed or fraction of VO2max at a fixed blood lactate level, (thetime when exercise burns in yourmuscles to me and you) has beenaccepted as a measurement ofendurance ability, and hence compa-rable increases in fitness.

The blood lactate thresholdexpressed as a fraction of VO2 max, isthe same in elite long distance ath-letes as for example swimmers whohave a blood lactate threshold veryclose to the velocity associated withVO2 max.

The measurement of the post-com-petition blood lactate in short eventshas found to be related to the per-formance in events lasting from oneto two minutes (400 to 800m) in run-

ning. Blood lactate measurementscan help when selecting the correctexercise intensity for training.However, to interpret the blood lac-tate profile modification after train-ing, the athletes nutritional state andexercise protocols have to be con-trolled. Moreover, improvement ofVO2 max has to be considered as anassessment tool like all the factors ofperformance.

So why can blood lactate testing beso important? While coaches havebeen very interested in measuringlactate production after a maximaleffort, many are now more interestedin controlling sub-maximal lactateproduction during training. This useof lactate testing is very important forrunners, cyclists and tri-athletes asthey spend much of their training onroads with uneven surfaces and fre-quent hills. It is important for therunner to know just how much lac-tate is being generated, but up untilrecently with the introduction ofmodern lactate monitors, this waspractically impossible. But now wecan do something called spot testing.

Spot testing (or the monitoring oflactate levels during exercise) hasbecome one of the more importantuses of lactate testing today. It is used

to help athletes identify the properpractice paces the coach wants andalso helps them with the proper paceduring a race.

Now mature athletes can be trainedto take their own lactates at someappropriate spot in their run or ride.This is especially important sinceheart rates can drift higher at con-stant lactate levels for some runnersand the athlete may not be puttingenough stress on the metabolism toget the desired training effect.Coaches not only have to make surethe athlete is producing enoughstress on the system but also have toprevent them from producing toomuch stress and use spot testing toachieve this. Just like Formula Onerace car teams find ways of tuningengines, which later become used byall car manufacturers, now we see thesame scenario evolving with sportscoaches using techniques which weretraditionally just for competitors, andnow personal trainers adapting themfor their high street fitness clients.Until next time, spread the word andkeep training real.� Alan Runacres has over 35 years’ gymexperience, been WABBA director of train-ing for 15 years and is the author of threebooks, and over 100 published articles.

Feeling fit? – try bloodlactate testing

Alan Runacres

VIRTUAL GYM AND REFURBISHMENT22

By Mary Ferguson

JUST off the main road in the centreof Long Eaton, a pavement signdeclares the new-look Clifford HealthClub open for business. And insidethe front door, Mark cannot stopsmiling.

When he started renting the formerlace mill in 2007, the existing clubhad just 80 members and took up aspace of 5,000sq ft.

Today, the business has spread overthree floors and boasts over 2000users, the majority of whom pay just£17.50 a month on a three year con-tract.

The ground floor now holds thereception, lounge area, femalechanging room and ladies-only gym.Exposed brickwork retains the old-style feel of the mill and a portrait ofAudrey Hepburn in Breakfast InTiffany’s adds a feminine touch to theexercise area.

Mark said the three leather couchesprovide a useful space to convertshow-rounds to memberships andthe introduction of a small cafe areaserving juices, coffee and paninis isexpected to generate useful second-ary spend.

The middle floor is now dedicatedto cardio equipment and Mark hascreated long windows to maximisenatural light. He has also installed aFreedom Climber climbing wall, sup-plied by Revolutionary Products.

The top floor now houses staticmachines, free weights, male chang-ing rooms and the studio, which hasalso been extended to double its orig-inal size. 45 new pieces of equipmentwere supplied by Fitness Systems.

Mark said a lot of people go for thethree-year contract but a 12-monthone is available for £25. And with rentfor the building set at £2 per sq. ft, heis able to keep prices down despite

investing £250,000 in the refurbish-ment.

“Long Eaton isn’t a particularlyaffluent area and there have been alot of redundancies but we have ben-efitted from people coming to usfrom other clubs.

“The old gym was a nightmare tomarket when I first took it overbecause of the 80 members, 79 weremen and it had a reputation as abodybuilding club. So I lowered allthe weights, changed the music andstopped offering pay as you train, as Ibelieve that if you get people to com-mit, they will be more respectful ofthe facilities.”

Mark has taken on a new memberof staff and his partner Keri Mounseynow helps out as manager. He hasalso hired a beauty therapist, whoworks from a room on the groundfloor.

He added the mix of members isnow just right – and he intends tokeep it that way. “If I’m showing amiddle aged lady around and there

are 50 users in the gym including onebodybuilder, it’s that one person shewill remember. So if someoneinquires about signing up and I don’twant them to, I just whack a highjoining fee on to put them off.”

Three years after smashing membership targets, Mark Clifford has defied therecession and doubled the size of his gym. Mary Ferguson saw the refurbishment andfound out why it’s been such a success.

Why Mark can’t helpsmiling at transformation

Ultim8 benefitsof Vibration PlateTHE potential benefits of incorporat-ing a Vibration Plate into your regularroutine, whether you are an elite-levelathlete, fitness enthusiast, or averageuser, are tremendous.

We see these benefits not only in theresults of independent research, butin the testimonials of our multitude ofusers. Vibration Plates can be part of agroup exercise plan, personal trainingregimes or a quick convenient fix forpeople with busy lifestyles. HavingVibration Plates in your gym couldgive you a great secondary spend rev-enue opportunity. It will also add vari-ation to a gym by giving the membersan alternative piece of equipment.

The three commercial models are:Body Shaper PRO, Ultim8 VibrationPlate PRO, Ultim8 Plate Pro+. All ourequipment is designed for the UKmarket place with the British con-sumer in mind. Thus during thedesign we tried to find the perfect bal-ance between quality, durability, sizeand power. The simplicity of ourdesigns and use of modern materials.

You should receive a call a couple ofdays after placing the order confirm-ing your delivery date which will beeither am or pm and then called againone hour before delivery. The deliveryteam will deliver the goods and mostequipment requires some assembly,but should you have any difficulties,just call our after sales team and wewill ensure we resolve any issues youmay have.

Enquiries: sales@ultim8fitness.co.uk0845 226 0067

VIRTUAL GYM AND REFURBISHMENT24

AS 2010 gets up and running, Yorkhave seen a huge interest in the com-mercial strength and sports perform-ance ranges. The only reasons theycan give for this is customers newand old are finally realising you can’tput a price on quality and service.

The York STS strength equipment isjust that, strong, durable, designed tobe used and York boast large UKstock holding facilities.

The range of pro-style dumbbells

are now used in gym chains such asNuffield Health and with the crossfitstyle training in the UK expanding ata rapid pace, the York solid rubberand bumper plates are selling in bignumbers.

Nearly 50 per cent of the GuinnessPremiership rugby teams use Yorkcommercial and performance equip-ment with two of them in the topfour (Northampton Saints andSaracens), this surely justifies the

quality and performance of theequipment.

Launched in 2009, The YorkPerformance Centre program is beingdeveloped in conjunction withnational governing bodies, trainingproviders and local councils, whilstworking closely with gyms, sportsteams and personal trainers to assistin developing future athletes and thefacilities available to them locally andfor their community.

‘You can’t put a priceon quality and service’

Maintaining the New Yearenthusiasm beyond JanuaryBy MatthewJanuszek

THE New Year isalways a busytime for the fit-ness industrywith everyonehaving big plansand high hopesthat this will bethe year that they ‘get fit’ or ‘loseweight’. All well and good in January.However, a recent poll of 4,000 peo-ple across the UK and Scotland foundthat only 20 per cent of men and 15per cent of women actually stuck totheir resolutions for a year or more.So, how are you going to keep yourmembers motivated as the New Yearenthusiasm starts to wane?

A refurbishment is a good way to re-energise your facility, but before youdo, think strategically about yourshort, medium and longer term goals.Quick fixes and gimmicks don’t workand can be costly mistakes.Introducing initiatives that set your

club apart from your competitors willnot only attract new members, theywill also give existing members a rea-son to stay.

While it’s important that membersfeel that you are investing in the facil-ity, you don’t need to blow the budg-et. In these current economic times,margins will be tighter than ever andthere be limited money available fornew equipment.

However, for a relatively smallinvestment, you can increase theexercise options and choose multi-purpose equipment that will appealto a wide range of users and also beused in a variety of different settings.The Move It! space, for example,incorporates a number of trainingelements and can be used by individ-uals, for one-to-one personal train-ing, in a small group environmentand also for large group sessions.

It has been specifically developed toensure a full body work out isachieved by encompassing speed andagility, strength, power, boxing andbalance components. It is highly

effective, gets the whole body movingand the underlying principle is abouthaving fun when you exercise.

This kind of initiative is great formembers – it avoids monotony andrepetition, it’s very sociable and pro-vides the support and encourage-ment associated with training in agroup. It is a huge bonus from anoperator’s perspective too.

A multifunctional area gives a veryhigh return on investment by opti-mising use of the gym or studio at alltimes of the day. It promotes greaterinteraction between staff and mem-bers, and can be very motivating forthe fitness team as well by givingthem new skills and more diversity intheir work.

Happy, motivated members achiev-ing their desired results aids reten-tion and the taster of activities moretraditionally associated with PTbased exercise, provides an opportu-nity to up sell other services withinthe club.� Matthew Januszek is customer solutionsdirector at Escape Fitness

Peakbody launchesspecially-manufacturedexclusive cardio range PEAKBODY FitnessEquipment Ltd are launch-ing their own specially man-ufactured, exclusive cardiorange.

Managing director AngeloCitrone has commissionedthe production of a highlyengineered quality cardiorange with the emphasis onreliability.

He said it’s taken years tobring the range to the mar-ket and gyms can install itwith peace of mind.

The company is confidentof the quality, which isbacked with a full manufac-turer’s 36-month parts war-ranty.

The range is available withthe latest electronic gadgetry

including 15”/18” high visi-bility screens and priced tobeat the industry’s fore run-ners, without compromiseon quality and reliability.

To launch the range,Peakbody is offering the fullrange of cardio with itsexclusive resistance/plateloaded equipment on 36-month interest free clientselectable packages throughits ‘FlexiRentals’ service,which includes delivery,installation and the warranty.

The treadmill motors also employ the latest energy consumption technology for substantial operational cost savings.

VIRTUAL GYM AND REFURBISHMENT 25

HUTCHISON’s pride themselves ondelivering top quality technical solu-tions, tailor-made to meet the moststringent of performance standards.Understanding that their clients havehigh expectations in respect of quali-ty and that their clients, in turn, haveequally high expectations.

Hutchison Technologies areextremely fortunate to have state-of-the-art research and developmentfacilities at their headquarters inDundee.

This valuable resource allows them

to offer their clients a bespoke serv-ice, in addition to a much-acclaimedstandard product portfolio.

Hutchison’s skilled in-house design-ers and engineers manufacture,install and maintain a wide range oftop quality, tailor-made technologicalsolutions, including TV systems forfitness centres and access control sys-tems for member control. Whetheryou’re an international hotel chain ora small private gym, you can counton Hutchison Technologies to providea first class service and offer anunparalleled choice.

Audio/visual solutionsfrom Hutchison’s

Wanted: personal trainerswho want to increasetheir own portfoliosINTELLIGENT Training Systems’ roleis to share the latest proven exercisemodels by vetting and educating suit-able personal trainers and specialistsports coaches.

Our desire is to provide affordableaccess to biomechanics techniquespreviously only affordable and available to world class sportsmenand athletes through institutions wehave trained like UK Athletics, thePGA, Irish Rugby team and FormulaF1.

The biomechanics techniquesimprove exercise prescription andreduce injury risk, and importantlyhave been proven to improve mem-

bership retention in health clubs aswell as client retention and increasedrevenues for personal trainers.

We are looking for personal trainersand sports coaches who are lookingto increase their own portfolio, who want be able to offer the bestworld-leading techniques to theirclients, who want to grow their client based and who have a businessattitude towards personal develop-ment.

Call Rachel for more information on 07976933113 and visit our web site on

www intelligenttrainingsystems.com.

£3m boost for campus gymsAN investment of £3 million hashelped The Manchester College refur-bish its campus gyms.

The college is located over 18 cam-puses around Manchester with fourof these housing fitness facilities.

The Northenden and Moston cam-puses have both been refurbishedwith around £100,000 being spent on30 stations of equipment fromCybex’s CV and resistance ranges.

In addition to the equipment, thefacility at Northenden has undergonesubstantial building work converting

workshops into a new fitness suite, aswell as the creation of a multi usegames area outside and a new cafete-ria.

At Moston, the old gym, which islocated in the basement of the build-ing, has been refurbished includinglevelling the floor and adding a spa.

A new hair and beauty departmenthas also been added, as well as arestaurant. All of the college gyms areopen to the local community as wellas staff and students.

VIRTUAL GYM AND REFURBISHMENT26

AN innovative new product set to rev-olutionise the way gyms and fitnesscentres fight bacteria is now avail-able.

GymGuard has been designed toreduce cross-contamination andinfection of both gym users and fit-ness staff and is believed to be thefirst product of its kind targeted atthe leisure industry in the UK.

The product was originally formu-lated for use by aviation giantsBoeing to clean and sanitise the highuse cabin fixtures and fittings onboard passenger jets.

It has now been adapted to protectgym equipment and its users fromthe spread of 99.999 per cent of allknown germs, and has been formu-lated to be effective against swine fluand the community-acquired MRSAsuperbug which has been contractedby over 100 men and women in gymsand sports centres across the UK inrecent years.

GymGuard is pumped onto a towelor piece of blue roll from a wall dis-

penser in the gym and wiped over thesurface of equipment before and afteruse, and can also be used as a skinsanitiser as it is harmless when incontact with human skin.

It then coats the surface of theequipment to neutralise all bacteriapresent and also provides a barrier tothe spread of germs and bacteria inthe gym which lasts for days unlikemany traditional sanitisers whichstop fighting bacteria as soon as theydry. The non-toxic, non-hazardous,polymer-based product offers unri-valled protection for gym users –killing a huge range of microbes, bac-teria, fungi and mould while reducingcross contamination and infectionbetween gym users.

Due to its hydrophobic properties,GymGuard forces itself into hard toreach bacteria breeding areas – likethe stitching on exercise bike seats –and then breaks down the developingbacteria. The product then forms aprotective film excluding further bac-teria from settling.

Revolutionising fight against bacteria

IN the health club industry, recruitingnew members is five to six timesmore expensive than retaining mem-bers.

Retention Management offers thefitness industry’s only automatedmember communication and reten-tion programme. Providing an afford-able, proven, research based reten-tion programme that utilises the lat-est technology, RetentionManagement is the only businesssolely dedicated to communicatingwith and retaining your members.

Providing informative targetedemail communication, developingnew member integration pro-grammes and then monitoring atten-dance patterns to prevent future can-cellations is like adding another fulltime job to your already busy sched-ule.

Retention Management analyseattendance patterns and then ensureyour members feel connected by pro-viding personalised, attendancebased emails with fresh wellness tipsand content. Template driven mar-keting and prospecting emails alsokeep your members coming backaswell as increase your revenues.

A few comments relative to whyRetention Management’s service has

done so well in the industry:

1. RM work with the major ISPs toadhere to 'standard emailing bestpractices'.2. You don't have to put much effortinto managing the service. No needfor new hardware, software or stafftraining.3. RM do for clubs what you want tobe doing in-house but simply don'thave the time or resources to man-age. 4. The service is based on the latestresearch related to retention. 5. It works!

Retention Managements automatedservice is the easiest and most costeffective method of making a dramat-ic impact on your bottom line whileat the same time improving your levelof customer care.

Nobody knows retention likeRetention Management do, clientsrange from independents and truststo Golds Gyms and Curves. Over thelast eight years their system hasproven to be highly successful, timeafter time, reaching millions of mem-bers every single week.

Improvements to retention varyfrom 2-15 per cent.

Highly-successfulsystem proventime after time

UK FITNESS SCENE 27

JORDAN Fitness products have beenassociated with the hit ITV1 show‘Biggest Loser UK’ in recent times.

So for the release of the new ‘BiggestLoser: New Year, New You’ fitnessDVD, Jordan were proud to be able tosupply the fitness equipment used bythe celebrity trainers during theirroutines.

Jordan rubber dumbbells and medi-cine balls were used by the trainers,Angie and Richard, as they guideviewers through their intensive, calo-rie crunching workouts.

These include cardio and resistanceroutines as well as intensive extras tohone in on trouble spots like tumsand bums.

The celebrity trainers demonstratetechniques using Jordan freeweightsto enable increased fitness levels andweight loss.

Motivation can also be an issue atthis time of year so trainers Angie andRichard give their top ten tips formaintaining motivation at all times.

The Jordan rubber dumbells fea-

tured in thisproduction arethe stylish anddurable blackrubber solidend dumbells.

The unique J-lock systemhelps preventloosening of thedumbell headand minimisesmaintenance.Jordan double-grip medicine balls, asfeatured, are ideal for adding varietyto upper body workouts. They areperfect for circuits and functionaltraining. With a premium quality tex-tured rubber surface for excellantgrip these medicine balls also haveweighted centres for good balance.

Sizes range from 5kg to 10kg andprices start at £25.34 x vat.

For the full range of JORDAN functional fitness equipment visit: www.jordanfit-

ness.co.uk or contact:zak@jordanfitness.co.uk

Jordan supplies equipment for DVD

Getting value fromyour trade bodyBy Dave Wright Creative Fitness Marketing

WITH most industries the inevitablequestion on whether there is valuejoining their professional trade bod-ies or not always gets asked.

For the fitness industry and in par-ticular for the independent operator,the question is as common as ever. Isthere value in my FIA membership?Well as an independent club operatorand owner of a company who dealswith independents around the globe,I'm lucky enough to have dealt withthis question first hand. And up untilnow, the answer has not been verypositive.

It's worth mentioning that somepeople reading this will already bemembers of the FIA so will havemade that decision in the affirmativeanyway. But there are many clubsthat still pontificate on the matterand it's exciting at what is on thehorizon in our industry both on amacro and micro level.

Firstly, the FIA have agreed to anexclusive membership for independ-ent operators called IOU(Independent Operators Unite) whichwill sit under the umbrella of the FIA.

Within this group there are over 60

companies that have pledged theirsupport for this sector with discount-ed services like never seen before inthe industry.

Basically, if you need insurance,want to buy a discounted treadmill orneed servicing of your equipment, byjoining the FIA under the IOU you'llsave your annual fee almost at once.

There is also a music licensing fightthat has threatened to bring

down the Australian and Canadianfitness industries and the FIA havemade an agreement that it will look after its members – a non-nego-tiable charge that will exist if you arenot in fact members of the tradebody.

Also, there now exists a phenome-nal health and safety document thatsupersedes all previous PAQ's thathas taken over 18 months to researchand produce included with IOUmembership – not to mention thespecial links and connections withgovernment to help boost member-ships, save costs, increase fundingand raise standards.

All these great initiatives will all bedesigned to provide information,support and a form of network tohelp all clubs of the fitness industry –especially the ones that had normallybeen forgotten about.

And finally and most importantly,the FIA are willing to listen. For manyyears its lack of true independentrepresentation has been engineeredby the fact that it's the multi-chainsthat have determined who representsthe specific sector. However, thisseems to have changed and I’mextremely excited about it.

Dave Wright

Memberscelebrate1st birthdayFOUNDER members of a hotel fitnesssuite in Sheffield are celebrating itsfirst year of operation.

The Copthorne Hotel's Gym Plus issituated within Sheffield United'shotel at Bramall Lane, and hasenrolled more than 500 members inthe first 12 months.

The first 150 members to the gymreceived discounted membership of£25-a-month for life, as well as bene-fits including complimentary train-ing sessions, free guest passes andadditional access to United’s secondGym Plus on the other side of the city.

The majority have renewed theirmembership and a few joined GymPlus staff for a celebratory drink anda slice of birthday cake.

Factory launchedHASLINGDEN Sports Centre haslaunched Alliance Leisure and Shape-master’s second Feel Good Factory.

A full £50,000 circuit of toning tableequipment has been installed at thecentre, which is run by RossendaleLeisure Trust, as part of the Feel GoodFactory concept. The scheme workson an income share basis where thefacility retains the initial income up toan agreed level, after which theincome share mechanism kicks in.

28KIDS’

FITNESS

Sponsored by:

A new sport and activity centre for childrenhas been opened at David Lloyd RaynesPark.A launch event transformed the club into acircus and local families attended to try outa range of new fitness activities includingthe new kids bowling alley.Other taster sessions included mini soccerand mini dance, gymnastics, active sessionsand a family disco.The club will also be running a DLKids children’s programmewhich offers activities for families with children aged under 11.Charles Jude, general manager, said: “Wehope the new facilities will help familiesmake the right start to the year, by gettingactive and having fun together in a safeand modern environment.”

Children in UK less fit than tenyears ago – studyBy Louise Cordell

CHILDREN in the UK are much lessfit than they were as little as ten yearsago, according to a new study.

Researchers at Essex University havestaged fitness test on 600 ten yearolds a decade apart in an area withlow levels of obesity.

They found that there has been asignificant fall in fitness levels andconcluded that the average ten yearold in 1998 could beat 95 per cent of2008’s youngsters in running tests.

The researchers also found that this‘large and worrying’ fall in fitness lev-els cannot be explained by increasingweight gain. This means that moni-toring children’s health by routinelyweighing them at school may not beenough to tackle the problem.

Fitness levels in children have beenfalling by more than four per cent adecade around the world, howeverrates in the UK are thought to befalling the fastest.

Until now this trend has largelybeen attributed to rising numbers ofoverweight and obese young people.

The children assessed in the studyattended schools in Chelmsford,Essex, a town that ranks among thetop 20 per cent most affluent areas in

the county. They were weighed andunderwent a 20 metre shuttle run testto assess their fitness levels.

Over the decade, the girls’ BMI didnot change and average weightamong the boys rose slightly.

However, cardiorespiratory fitnesslevels fell significantly in both boys(by seven per cent) and girls (by nineper cent) over the decade.

These findings backed up previousresearch, which had indicated thatEnglish children’s cardiorespiratoryfitness is falling at twice the predictedglobal average rate.

Dr Gavin Sandercock, leadresearcher, said: “In terms of chil-dren’s health, cardiorespiratory fit-ness may be more important thanBMI. This is because fitness lessensthe chances of the serious healthproblems and death associated withobesity. It is worrying, therefore, thatthe cardiorespiratory fitness of boysand girls in the present studydeclined significantly. Perhaps moreworrying is the rate of this decline.

“Measurement of BMI alone maynot be sufficient to monitory chil-dren’s future health, as health bene-fits associated with higher cardiores-piratory fitness are independent ofBMI.”

Kids would be more activeif their parents exercisedCHILDREN would be more active iftheir parents took regular exercise,according to a new study.

Research carried out by Fit ForSport in primary and secondaryschools around the UK has shownthat 98 per cent of teachers believe that kids with healthy parents are likely to follow in theirfootsteps.

The majority questioned – 66 percent – also agreed that while most

parents have an interest in theirchild’s fitness level, they do not haveenough understanding to translatethis into effective lifestyle changes.

Teachers believe that out of school activities are particularlyimportant for keeping kids fit,with more than half of those surveyed claiming they notice a drop in fitness levels after children return from inactive schoolholidays.

DANCE Machine from Pulse is aworld leading exertainment solution,using interactive technology toengage, challenge and motivate chil-dren to exercise.

Offering a full turnkey package,Dance Machine is a cost effective,easy to operate and space savingmobile product. Boasting manyunique software features to helpachieve active participation, includ-ing 25 multi-skill levels, split screenoption for players of different abilitiesto compete together on equal terms,

instant feedback during game playwith motivational graphics andinbuilt technology to monitor partici-pation and player’s improvementtowards health and fitness.

There is also instructor pause andplay option with easy to use remotecontrol, 3D graphics to add new visu-al challenges, over 100 licensed songs

specially composed for a natural beatand a fun, energetic and challengingstep chart design.

Based on the familiar 4-arrow prin-cipal and featuring unique in-storagerecharging, along with a three yearwarranty, dance machine is theworld’s best selling dance mat sys-tem.

Enquiries: 01260 294610 Website: www.pulsefitness.com

‘Exertainment’ solution from Pulse

29

COMBAT SPORTS

CIRCULAR strength training (CST) ishuge in America and has begun tomake waves over here.

The discipline uses a variety of exer-cises designed to ship nutrition,lubrication and shock absorption tothe joints through a ‘toolbox’ of body-weight movements including yogaand martial arts.

The system is made up of three‘rings’ including Intu-Flow, PrasaraBodyflow Yoga and Clubbell Exercise,which are all registered trademarks.

Founders claim clubbell swinging isthe oldest fitness tool in the world,combining traction to strengthenmuscle and connective tissue andgenerating maximum force becauseof the swinging of the club.

The discipline is the brainchild ofAmerican fitness expert ScottSonnon, who is now part of the USMartial Arts Team.

He is also one of the founders ofRMAX International, a global peakperformance community of teachersand students that offers professionalcertification courses, specialising inCST.

And according to UK-based instruc-tor Michael Addison, the system ismuch more than just swinging clubs.He told Workout: “I got involved withCST after I was diagnosed with osteo-arthritis in my hip joints and was

searching for an alternative methodof exercise when I read about CoachSonnon’s system.

“CST is easily accessible to everyoneregardless of age, gender or abilityand is gaining popularity across theworld on a daily basis.”

Equinox Gym, voted one of the bestclubs in the USA, hosts weekly CSTgroup fitness classes and has trainedits instructors to teach the circularstrength training group exercise(CSTGx) programme.

In the UK, CST is also rapidly gain-ing popularity, with the first instruc-tor certification course taking placein August last year. And in JanuaryVik Hothi – the only head coach inthe country – opened the first CSTgym over here.

Michael said it’s easy – and cheap – for operators to incorporate CST intotheir gyms, but they need to be quali-fied to teach it.

He added: “For less than the cost ofa treadmill it is possible to equip agym for all CST programmes andclasses. In a flagship facility you willfind clubbells, medicine balls, kettle-bells, gymnastic rings, sandbags,jump boxes, pull-up and parallettebars and no selectorised resistancemachines. 2010 is going to be a land-mark year for CST and RMAX in theUK and exciting times are ahead.”

IN March, Yorkshire-based personaltrainer Craig Lawton will travel toWashington to take part in a CSTcourse run by Scott Sonnon.

He already uses the technique withhis clients at DW Fitness in Barnsley,but said his ultimate aim is to openhis own studio later this year.

“I want to fly the flag for CST in theUK. All the RMAX courses in Americawere sold out last year and the near-est country I could find that hadspaces was Sweden, so I decided togo to the US and learn from Scotthimself.

“Everyone I train in the UK loves theclubs. It’s the challenge, the fat burn-ing effect, the improvements inspeed, coordination, power, musclegrowth, balance and it’s a massivecore workout. I use CST with most ofmy clients from 60-year-olds whohave never been in a gym before toconditioned athletes.”

Craig will be attending a three-daycertification seminar in Washington,where he will be required to completea 20-hour exam that includes a physi-cal test called The Clubbell Trial ByFire. The gruelling test involves per-forming 100 two-handed swipes fol-lowed by 100 mills on the left andright sides and finishing with 50 ham-mer swings both clockwise andcounter clockwise. The trial must beperformed in under 30 minutes andwith a constant technique rating ofover 80 per cent.

Craig said that during Scott’s lastcourse, out of 20 participants only sixpeople passed. He added: “Unlike alot of UK training courses, it’s not acase of paying and then automatical-ly passing. If you turn up unpreparedyou will fail so I’m working hard anddoing a lot of training to get throughmy Trial By Fire.”

Clubbell swinging was the first martial art in ancient Russia, Persia and India and forms part of red-hot exercisesystem CST. Mary Ferguson reports on a training method set to light up the UK fitness industry.

Craig wants to fly the CST flag

Scott Sonnon Michael Addison

CST – it’s easy and cheap for operators

THE newly-updated six-week FightFit course has been a great successamong members in top gyms andexclusive health clubs all over Lon-don, some of them surprised with thehigh demand and needing to keepwaiting lists for more than 8 weeks.

The course, designed by Fight Fit’stop team of fitness experts and box-ing champions undoubtedly standsout from the rest of classes that areout there, providing a safe step bystep guide to learning to box in sixsessions filled with dynamic boxingworkouts and fun cardiovascularexercises, that can be enjoyed byeveryone who wants to get in shape.

Phil Blacker, LBC Radio presenter,who currently attends the Fight Fitcourse in Waterloo, said: “I leave eachclass energised and confident. Theboxing is great fun and I enjoy thevariety of exercises I learn and inte-grate into my workout routines.Thumbs up for Fight Fit.”

On its popular two day course FightFit shows personal trainers and fit-ness instructors how to deliver theseunique six week boxing courses and

givestop tipsonattract-ingclients,fillingclassesandmaintaining a strong client base.

In an interview for the BBC MartinMcKenzie, founder of Fight Fit, wasasked why he thought the trainingprogrammes are such a success. Hesaid: “Because Fight Fit is an integrat-ed total body workout system thatworks the body as well as the mind. Itis dynamic, holistic and a great stressbuster. The courses sell very well andclubs have found they are a great,new offering to keep existing clientsexcited and attract new members.”

Clubs across the UK now have theopportunity to offer Fight Fit six weekcourses to their members and raisetheir membership by attracting newclients to their venues.

Enquiries: 020 7788 7825 Website: www.fightfit.co.uk

Fight Fit course proves hit in capital’s gyms

SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

30

Losing a leg didn’t stop Mark Riddington chasing his bodybuilding dream and earlier this year, he stepped out on stage in front ofa shocked crowd. He spoke to Mary Ferguson about training with a disability, proving people wrong and why he is campaigning toget more amputees involved in fitness.

‘I just trainthroughthe pain ...’IN June 2007, Mark was working on a loftconversion in Leeds when he slippedand fell out of the roof, breaking somebones in his foot.

After developing a number of infec-tions, he had to have his left leg ampu-tated below the knee, and further com-plications meant he spent a total of oneyear in hospital. But working out helpshim develop both physical and mentalstrength.

“I go through so much pain in the gymand come out of each session in tears. Istill train in the same way though – forexample when I’m laying on a bench lift-ing weights it wouldn’t matter if I had nolegs or three, and when I’m working onmy good leg, I just keep the prostheticout of the way. I just train through thepain.”

Mark also has Type One diabetes butsaid for the two weeks leading up to theshow, when he took in no carbohydrates,he was able to stop taking his insulin.

“Bodybuilding is the most fantasticsport for diabetics and also for ampu-tees. I’ve built one leg up so strong that Ihave the biggest calf in the gym and thathelps me when my prosthetic hurts and Ineed to transfer the weight. The upperbody strength also helps, for examplewhen I need to lift myself out of a chair.”

Mark chooses not to have his prosthet-ic modified to look like a real leg, andwears shorts to show it off whenever hecan. He added: “I went on holiday toEgypt recently and I got as much atten-tion as David Beckham would – peoplejust don’t expect to see someone with myphysique and a false leg. And loads ofguys were asking me for diet and trainingadvice, which felt great.

“I’ve met other people who have lostlimbs or are disabled and they would liketo be noticed too. I’d love to be able togive people just one tenth of the strengthI have – both inside and out.”

WARMING up backstage in joggingbottoms, Mark only revealed hisprosthetic leg as he stood under thelights at the UKBFF BritishChampionship Qualifiers in Leedsin September.

Mark lives in South Yorkshire andworks in London during the weekas a building site manager, stayingat Flex Lifestyles in Uxbridge, wherehe is trained by owner Dez Elliott –who accompanied him to the show.

He said he entered the competi-tion to cause a reaction, and claimsthat’s exactly what he did.

“When I was backstage in thepump room, I kept my joggers onso no-one could see the prostheticleg. I waited right until the lastminute to take them off and youcould have heard a pin drop it wentso quiet.”

When an accident at work result-ed in him losing the lower part ofhis left leg, Mark said he hit ‘rockbottom’. But when he came out ofhospital, he decided to chase afterhis bodybuilding dream, despite hisdisability.

“When I was at home one day, mywife made me strip off and stand infront of the mirror to convince memy stump didn’t look that bad.

“But I didn’t care about that – Iwas just shocked at the bad shape Iwas in from spending so long inhospital. I’d always trained, butthere and then I decided I wantedto get up on stage and win a com-petition.”

Mark wasn’t placed at the quali-fiers in Leeds, claiming he was

marked down because the pros-thetic leg ruined his symmetry, butsaid the judges were up until 3amarguing about it.

“I think I was in better conditionthan at least three of the guys in myclass and the comments I have seenon body building forums have allsaid I should have been in the topthree.

“Apparently, they will be introduc-ing a category for amputees nextyear, as well as a wheelchair catego-ry.

“But I’d actually prefer to competeagainst able-bodied people eventhough I know I would get markeddown for not having two legs.”

He is in talks about sponsorshipand his next competition is inLiverpool in April. Mark is hopingto secure a guest spot with DanSmith, the wheelchair-bound body-builder featured in Workout earlierthis year.

And his ultimate aim is to start anorganisation to inspire all disabledpeople to get involved with allsport, not just bodybuilding.

He is hoping to get a large fitnesscompany or gym chain on board, tohelp break down the barriers thatdisabled people face when it comesto exercise.

Mark added: “When disabled peo-ple sit at home feeling depressed,they end up getting fat. They feeltoo intimidated to join a gym, andit’s a vicious circle. But with theParalympics coming up, now is theperfect time to get the ball rolling.”

Mark’s determinedto break down the barriers

Mark RiddingtonPicture: Jon Davies (www.skiptotheend.com)

Sponsored by:

SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

32

SUPPLEMENT suppliers AffordableSupplements have moved into thetrade sector, using their experience toprovide the best deals and service tothe industry.

The Castleford-based company havebeen retailing for ten years and arelooking forward to supplying gymsand fitness professionals.

Director Ryan Millar said: “In the lastdecade we have grown massively andnow have a 10,000sq ft warehouse,with an open trade counter. Thedevelopments have been amazing –we are now amongst the top threeindependent retailers in the UK – andthis year our aim is to carry our retailexperience into the trade sector.”

For the last four years, AffordableSupplements have won awards forcustomer service and the companyhave appointed a dedicated contactfor trade customers in the form ofRyan Moore. For orders go towww.TradeSupplements.co.uk.

Ryan Moore

Suppliermoves intotrade sector

By Andrew Hamilton BScHons MRSC

IN terms of pure numbers ofsports drinks sales, the ubiquitouscarbohydrate-energy is undoubt-edly king. However for most gymusers, most of the time, it’s thelesser-known recovery drink thathas more to offer.

What are recovery drinks? As the name suggests, recoverydrinks are taken after training, andaim to supply everything neededby the muscles for recovery,including carbohydrate to replacemuscle glycogen used for high-intensity energy demands duringexercise, and amino acids fromprotein to help replace and rebuildthe muscle protein breakdown,which inevitably occurs duringhard exercise.

Some formulations also supplyother important nutrients such asthe mineral magnesium and the Bvitamins, both of which areinvolved in energy metabolism.

Why use a recovery drink?Studies have shown that musclesare best able to rapidly absorb car-bohydrate for the re-synthesis ofmuscle glycogen, and amino acids(from protein) to replace andrebuild muscle fibres in the periodimmediately following trainingand for up to about four hoursafterwards.

This time frame is like a ‘windowof opportunity’, during which themuscles behave like sponge, soak-ing up what they need to powerthem through your next workout.Recovery drinks aim to supply pre-cisely the right combination andratio of carbohydrates and pro-teins, at the right time and in aform that’s convenient to prepare,easy to drink and most important-

ly, rapidly assimilated.

Who can benefit from recovery drinks?If you train hard or long or both,the chances are that you couldbenefit from using recovery drinks.Studies have shown that followingresistance training for strength orpower, recovery is faster andstrength gains greater when carbo-hydrate/protein formulations aretaken immediately after and in thehours following training.Meanwhile, endurance trainers

such as runners and cyclists canalso benefit from recovery drinks;the need to continually replenishmuscle glycogen and avoid exces-sive muscle tissue breakdown iscrucial, especially where consis-tent day-in, day-out, week-in,week-out performance is required.

And while the needs of recre-ational trainers are less pressing,the fact remains that getting a real-ly well balanced meal down theneck immediately after training isan extremely difficult feat toachieve. A recovery drink can fillthat gap nicely.

What to look for in a recovery drinkCarbohydrate and protein – lookfor a ratio of about two to threeparts of carbohydrate to one partof protein, with mixed prolongedreleasing carbs (eg, dextrose, mal-todextrins and long chain glucosepolymers) and plenty of whey pro-tein (rapidly digested and assimi-lated).

More advanced formulas mayalso contain protein hydrosylate,which is partially chemicallydigested protein and which releas-es amino acids even more rapidlyfor hungry muscles.

Vitamins and minerals – theimportant nutrients for energy,growth and recovery are the B vita-mins, and the minerals calcium,magnesium and, zinc. In warmerconditions where sweating occurs,some added sodium may also beuseful.

Ergogenic co-factors – some evi-dence suggests that glutaminemay help maintain optimumimmune functioning after hardtraining sessions. Meanwhile,beta-alanine and creatine can aidintense anaerobic training andcreatine also appears to assist inthe process of muscle recovery, viamuscle rehydration.

Recovery drinks andhow to use them

Andrew Hamilton

SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

34

By Mary Ferguson

AN Essex gym owner told he would never liftweights again is celebrating being crownedMr Universe.

Neale Cranwell, owner of Krunch Gym inEssex, won the WPF Heavyweight MrUniverse title in Italy, against athletes from11 other countries.

His achievement came despite being diag-nosed eight months before the competitionwith a fractured spine and two slipped discs.And six years ago, he was paralysed from amotorbike accident.

He said: “I couldn’t move from the neckdown for two days. I had pins and plates putinto shattered joints and the surgeons toldme I would never be able to lift weightsagain. But I’ve got a positive outlook and Idon’t like to be beaten so I went into the gymwith my plaster casts on and had years ofphysio so I could compete again.”

Earlier this year, Workout reported on astrong man competition Neale organised atKrunch. Deciding to practice what hepreached, he attended a training camp,attempted a weighted lift with awkwardobjects and ended up fracturing his spine

and slipping two discs.“I’m lucky that I had private healthcare

insurance so I got all the physio, accupunc-ture and rehabilitation that I could. Ithought I’d be out of the game for at least ayear but my pain started going and mysports physio said I could train. I neverthought I would be able to enter the compe-tition, let alone win.”

Neale said he has noticed a change in hisgym since returning from the competition.

“The members are over the moon to havesomeone with that title owning their gymand they love telling their friends they arebeing trained by Mr Universe. I’ve seen anincrease in demand for personal training –it’s like everyone wants a piece of me.

“I now have two women in their fifties whowant to do physique competitions them-selves – people are really focused and it’squite amazing how motivated everyone is.There is a lot of buzz around the gym and Ithink people feel very proud.”

Since winning the competition Neale hasalso gained sponsorship from NRG and EXFand has been invited to compete on theBritish team next summer at the worldchampionships.

Neale defies surgeons’prognosis to take Mr Universe crown

Neale Cranwell

SPORTS nutrition company Science in Sport(SiS) has announced its official sponsorship ofworld and Olympic champion track cyclist, SirChris Hoy.

To kick off the sponsorship, Chris will befeatured in a series of online videos,which will give people an insight into histraining techniques, nutrition requirementsand the mental strength he takes on tothe track.

As the first athlete to officially represent thebrand globally, he will join a long list ofelite athletes and teams who currently use SiSproducts.

Chris said: “Nutrition plays a huge partin how well I do on the track and also in thegym, so if I want to be the best I can be,this has to be an important part of myritual.”

Pictured, rightabove, Chris withPete Slater,co-founder of SISand, right, Chriswith Tim Lawson,the other founder

Nutrition company announcessponsorship of champ cyclist

SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

37www.workout-uk.co.uk

UNDERWEAR designer turned fitness fanMichelle Mone has launched a ‘doublestrength’ range of slimming pills to help gymscash in on new year resolutions.

Michelle, creator of Ultimo underwear, hasbecome the new face of TrimSecrets follow-ing a six stone personal weight loss. She hasalso invested in the business, which suppliesthe tablets made from fat burning extractSinetrol Xpur.

The product was formulated by naturopathProfessor Jan de Vries, who claims the combi-nation of ingredients suppress appetite,speed up metabolism and target cellulite. Thetablets are available as individual orders andvia wholesale.

Professor de Vries said: “One of TrimSecretskey ingredients is Sinetrol Xpur, which is anamazing fat burning extract combined with aformula of fruit extracts, Guarana andVitamin C that will boost the metabolism andincrease energy levels resulting in excess fatbeing burnt off.”

Michelle added: “Not only does it feed yourbody with vitamins and minerals, but it givesyou masses of energy and targets your cel-lulite. It’s incredible and has absolutelychanged my life.”

Michelle drops six stone andlaunches new slimming pill

Michelle with Ultimo model Sarah Harding from Girls Aloud.

By Mary Ferguson

A GYM member recovering from aheart attack has won a strength com-petition just two years after beinghooked to a life support machine.

Mark Macey, who trains at Nobby’sGym in Sittingbourne, flexed his wayto success at the Masters One divi-sion of the South East PowerliftingChampionships.

He broke the squat record andsmashed the South East Powerliftingrecord in the 90kg weight category,which had stood at 242kg for sixyears, by lifting 250kg.

His success at the competition,which he won by also bench pressing137.5kg and deadlifting 215kg, meanshe has qualified for the British

Championships in March 2010.Less than two years ago, Mark suf-

fered a near-fatal heart attack andspent six weeks in hospital beforegetting permission from his cardiolo-gist to begin training again.

He said: “It was great to get backinto the gym. I would have been dev-astated if I could not have gone backto weightlifting. I love the challengeof it, trying to lift more than before.

“Winning the competition felt fan-tastic – at my age you don’t get tobreak many records and it was amaz-ing to do it after what I have gonethrough.”

Nobby’s Gym, which celebrates itstenth anniversary this year, is hometo a number of successful strength

trainers.Its onsite lifting team, Milton Regis

Weightlifting Club, was set up sixyears ago when owner Norman‘Nobby’ Clarke decided to extend thefacilities to cater for the members ofa nearby strength training gym thatclosed down.

He added: “Although the weightlift-ing club is part of the gym I have aseparate account for those membersand the money goes back into theclub. My gym is renowned for its freeweights, even though I’ve got a lot ofcardio equipment too.”

Norman took over the club with hisbrother ten years ago and the pairnamed it after their father, who wasalso known as Nobby.

Mark comes back from majorheart attack to win contest

SUPPLEMENTATION AND NUTRITION

39www.workout-uk.co.uk

CUTTING down on refined carbohydrates,increasing protein and doing more exercise helpspeople with type two diabetes, according to astudy.

A 12-week project, initiated by health and well-being coach Kate Walker, pictured top right,encompassed a behavioural change programmeto adapt diet and promote increased activity.

The participants involved in the clinical trialwere all pre-op gastric band patients. The studylooked particularly at the ratio of carbohydrate, fatand protein in the diet, with the aim of minimis-ing the amount of refined carbohydrates, replac-ing them with unrefined carbohydrates and alsoincreasing the ratio of proteins. Escape suppliedfit balls and bands to enable the participants toexercise at home.

The blood pressures of all those taking partreduced, the resting heart rates of all participantslowered and 40 per cent improved their fastingblood sugar levels, which enabled their medica-tion to be lowered. In addition, 89 per cent of theparticipants lost weight.

Kate has been working in the fitness industry for nine years and is trained in nutrition, functional training and neuro-linguistic programming.

She said: “I’m really pleased with the way thewhole project has worked out. I think it’s beensuccessful because we’ve taken the time to explainto the participants about what happens withintheir bodies and why, as well as listening to themand giving them a platform to share their viewsand experiences.”

Kate’s studyhelps typetwo diabetessufferers

Supplement suppliers JBC are helping launch the latest professional cycling team in the UK.The sponsorship with Pro-bike kit involves the Wales-basedcompany offering nutritional advice, testing and developingproducts.James Smith, team manager at JBC said: “Clearly as the 2012London Olympics approaches riders are scrambling to get ongreat teams and there is a market here for us that has notbeen fulfilled.“Cyclists are looking for research based nutritional products not just for on the bike but for recovery and musclebuilding. JBC is here to learn the cycling industry and thattakes time.”JBC launched in 2007 and sponsor athletes including competitive bodybuilders and champion fighters.

A young farmer has launched a range of fruit crisps for gym goerswho crave a healthy post-workout snack. Charlie Fermor grows theapples for his ‘apple crisps’ on Perry Court Farm in Kent and driesthem using natural air. At 76 calories per packet, they are beingmarketed to weight-conscious consumers keen to replace unhealthysnacks with natural alternatives.

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ELDERLY leisure centre memberLena Booth celebrated her 93rd birth-day with an Aqua Fit session.

Lena began the sessions at HoylandLeisure Centre in Barnsley in Aprillast year and now attends at leastonce a week.

Liz Pedley, swimming instructor atthe centre, said: “Lena is a joy to havein our Aqua Fit class.

“She is a great inspiration to peopleeverywhere and it just goes to showthat you are never too old to keep fitand healthy.”

Liz presents Lena with flowers for her birthday

Birthday splash for Lena

Bannatyne’s Health Club in Luton has appointed Neil Austin as its new general manager.Neil joined from a health club chain where he was responsible for several sites in theLondon area.He said: “Bannatyne’s has established a popular health club in Luton and I am really keento help take it forward for the benefit of our members and the local community. I haveenjoyed a successful career in the leisure and hospitality sectors and I will bring my expe-rience and a strong focus on customer service.”

British triathlete Diane Lee has added supplements from CNP Professional to hertraining routine.The golden girl of international athletics iscoached by Gary McCaffery, who said:

“With all the training Diane has to fit ineach day, there's little time for her body to absorb all the nutrients it needsfor peak performance in conventionalmeals alone.”

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