TogetherIssue 15 Winter 2017 Th e offi cial journal of ukactive

More people, More active, More often | www.ukactive.com

Th e miracle cure for 2017; Physical Activity NHS CEO - Physical activity can transform the NHS

Inside: Featuring new ukactive events, our skills overview and the 2017 miracle cure

Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of Preventing or delaying Looking ahead NHS England confi rms how to spread the need for social care by at Workforce 18 the miracle cure to the masses 20 Professor Muir Gray CBE 24 Development

Untitled-2 1 18/01/2017 14:37 FREE TO ATTEND REGISTER NOW

10-11 MAY 2017|EXCEL|LONDON THE ARENA OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, HEALTH & PERFORMANCE

EXHIBITION FLOORPLAN

THE STAGE NEW INNOVATORS RESEARCH UNCOVERED A variety of live performances and keynote RESEARCH UNCOVERED Research Uncovered will host talks will be delivered on The Stage - a THE VIP leading academic institutions and STAGE LOUNGE platform to share ideas, stimulate innovations organisations. and inspire. Supported by NCSEM England

NEW INNOVATORS GROUP EXERCISE TECH LAB

Those interested in new approaches will TECH LAB TechLab has been curated to highlight experience the latest thinking, technology and some of the very latest technologies to innovations from those who challenge the make a positive impact on physical activity status quo. levels.

GROUP EXERCISE TECHNOLOGY WALK This area will enable you to speak to brands Technology Walk presents the latest TECHNOLOGY WALK that offer group exercise classes. Many SKILLS PAVILION developments in fi tness technology including

will be demonstrated within the Stage FACILITIES wearable devices, data management and other programme. software. CENTRAL FEATURE FACILITIES CENTRAL HUB Discover new management software, fl ooring Lead supporters of Elevate will host the solutions, audio, access control, hygiene, central meeting place during Elevate, this energy management and more by talking area is designed to encourage cross-sector

direct to the suppliers ACTIVE AQUATIC pollination.

EVIDENCE BASE ACTIVE AQUATIC EVIDENCE BASE A selection of research will be shared Active Aquatic will present the latest in pool throughout the two days via the Evidence and open water swimming, equipment,

Base. PERFORMANCE PATH research, monitoring and performance. Sponsored by Renew Health

PERFORMANCE PATH SKILLS PAVILION Performance Path will focus on the solutions Dedicated to those who are responsible which have helped athletes and sports people for raising standards and delivering achieve their goals. education. Supported by EIS Supported by CIMSPA ENTRANCE ENTRANCE

Featuring 4 seminar streams throughout the 2 days SEMINAR PROGRAMME including 38 sessions and 150+ speakers

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UKA.Winter17.002.indd 1 17/01/2017 13:02 Welcome May I wish all our members and partners a very happy and active new year. It’s always hard to stay active over the Christmas period but in December ukactive staff and members joined forces to remain physically motivated by participating in the MyZone challenge. Heart rates soared, eff ort levels were Contents maxed and most importantly MEPs were calculated. ukactive captains did a sterling job motivating their teams away from festive lethargy into physical Regulars fi nesse, congratulations to Active Al (Alex Bowman from Icon Training) who won the MyZone crown. 6 Member news ukactive took a well-earned Christmas break and have returned to ukactive HQ with new vigour, new computers and some new faces. It is my pleasure 10 Strategic Partner news to welcome Steven Scales, Jack Shakespeare and Joe Robinson to the team; I know they will help us achieve our 2017 priorities outlined on page 4 and 12 Public Aff airs update page 12. Both Steven and Joe are part of the 2016 alumni Future Leaders programme, with Joe making his journal debut regarding his experience 14 Research update of Future Leaders “fi rst date nerves” (page 29). We are looking forward to hosting our second Future Leaders programme in July. 16 Health and Safety update Our National Summit in November captivated all 550 delegates who attended. With keynote speaker NHS England CEO Simon Stevens placing 43 ukactive events diary the onus on our sector to seize this chance to make exercise the miracle cure. Page 20 and 21 highlights some memorable Summit sound bites to inspire you in your day job and entice you to attend the 2017 Summit. Features Another Summit keynote speaker Muir Gray provides a feature article on Forward view delaying the need for social care. I implore you to take up Muir’s mantra for 4 2017; get moving and encourage and support others to move more. 15 Positive outcomes A few weeks after our National Summit, ukactive chair Tanni Grey- Th ompson attended the Active Training Conference. As a valued asset to 18 National Summit our sector, investing in people and skills remains a core priority, Tanni looks ahead to our workforce development on pages 24 and 25, and on pages 26 Activity Th erapy – Preventing or and 27 we celebrate our Active Training Award winners. 20 delaying the need for social care New for 2017 and kicking off our jam packed events calendar in March is our Th e importance of good boutique event Sweat at which business owners and instructors can engage 23 fi nancial housekeeping with experts to Sweat both members and their assets (page 40 and 41). Th e Duke of Edinburgh’s Award ActiveLab Live also takes place in March, page 37 unveils our cohort dozen, 42 – Keeping young people active aiming to revolutionise the way we move. Adding to the renowned Flame Conference and Awards is Flame Ignite, our new insight and development training day; Operations Director Geraldine Tuck talks you through our expansion of Flame 2017 on page 38. Not so new, but defi nitely bigger and Th e Skills section better than ever and slightly later – 27th September is National Fitness Day. Looking ahead: We know we can supersede the 1 million people moving record set in 2016, 24 Workforce Development but not without our members, so make sure you save the date and take part. Myself and the ukactive team look forward to working with you over the 26 Active Training Awards coming year, raising a glass of detox water, and off ering a fi nal wish of health and happiness to everyone for 2017. 28 Future Leaders Programme 30 LeadAbility programme Steven Ward Executive Director, ukactive Personal Training: A reassuring 32 Comprehensive Process 34 Raising the bar @_ukactive Getukactive ukactive 2017 events Editors ukactive journal has been published by Redactive 36 ActiveLab Tel: 020 7880 6200 Editor Ruth Woods 17 Britton Street London EC1M 5TP 38 Flame Ignite Deputy Editor Luke Holland www.redactive.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication National Fitness Day Contact and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, 39 [email protected] the publishers and the promoters will not accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication 40 Sweat Th is communication is from ukactive. without permission is strictly forbidden. Registered in England with company ukactive and the publishers make no recommendations in respect no. 2589238 of any of the advertisers and no recommendation may be implied ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 3 by way of the presence of their advertisement.

Untitled-1 3 17/01/2017 17:42 Forward View 2017 by Steven Ward

As we bid farewell to an encouraged activity providers to their own physical and mental state, eventful 2016, now is the proactively seek out local hospital, tracking energy levels and mood, perfect time to look ahead to community trust and ambulance as much as heart rate and calories services, presenting a major burned. We are embarking on an what’s in store for 2017 and the opportunity for our sector to grow era where we will be certain when exciting raft of opportunities its capacity and carry out workplace we should grab that mid-afternoon for the physical activity sector. programmes on behalf of Europe’s banana, when we ought to stay in and largest employer. sleep or whether that blocked nose Despite the economic uncertainty is the result of sinus problems or a Th e growing alignment between surrounding Brexit, the sector saw nasty cold. Th e challenge for gyms the physical activity sector and strong growth over the course of and studios is to harness these new health agenda off ers greater scope 2016, with overall value increasing by sources of information and put it to for funding and closer co-operation £1.1bn according to ukactive’s Rise good use; understanding customers’ between activity providers and of the Activity Sector Report. Th is workout demands and tailoring their local authorities. Th is presents both was the fi rst to place a truly accurate experiences appropriately. In the great prospects for growth, but also fi gure on the health and fi tness same vein, employers must look to a challenge to meet local authority component of the physical activity use this information to construct aims. I believe that regional and sector and laid the groundwork for better and more eff ective work local operators have the home- prospective investors eager to gain environments, making sure workers fi eld advantage in meeting this a more comprehensive overview of are healthy and happy. value and potential. I expect growth challenge, given their ties to the local to continue this year, with major communities in which they are based Virtual reality will also begin to play operators shaking off the wider and understanding of the issues a more principal role in the physical economic anxieties and pursuing facing these areas. Th at said, there activity sector, as the technology continued expansion. Indeed, in light are also signifi cant opportunities for becomes more widely and readily of the successful IPOs of Basic Fit larger operators to use their scale and available, and the sector begins and Technogym last year - as well as expertise to bring big-impact projects integrating virtual reality into Th e Gym Group’s listing in 2015 - it is into play on a national level. It’s also classes. 2016 saw the fi rst steps reasonable to anticipate another big- worth bearing in mind that if we can along this path, but I feel that this name IPO in the UK next year, most create a positive experience for NHS year will see the pioneers give way probably from outside the budget staff at our centres, they will be far to the mainstream, revolutionising gym sector. more likely to refer either verbally or the way we work out by bringing VR into the spin class, the treadmill 2017 is brimming with opportunity and HIIT session. In summary, 2017 is brimming for the physical activity sector. with opportunity for the physical activity sector, centred on increasing prescriptively the dozens of patients investment interest, collaboration Last November’s ukactive National that they come into contact with on a with government and cutting-edge Summit - and the keynote from daily basis. Opportunities abound. NHS England CEO Simon Stevens technology. It is vital that as a sector in particular- demonstrates a Looking ahead, new technology will we leave no stone unturned in our sector whose aims are becoming become increasingly central to the march towards an active nation and increasingly intertwined with the prospects of the physical activity I see 2017 as the year when we take health agenda, and we will see a sector and wearable technology decisive strides towards our growing role for activity providers will continue to be at the forefront ultimate goal. to help deliver the new Government of this step change. Consumers strategies. Mr Stevens himself will be more informed than ever of www.ukactive.com

4 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

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UKA.Winter17.005.indd 1 17/01/2017 14:09 England Athletics appoints Promote PR Move it or Lose it! Helping to motivate the 11.4 million people over the age of 65 in the UK to be more active

As the sport of running continues its huge growth in popularity, England Athletics, the sport’s National Governing Body, has appointed Promote PR to increase public awareness and encourage thousands more people of all ages to Having taught thousands of older pull on a pair of trainers and enjoy the benefi ts of a regular run in 2017. people, fi tness expert and founder of Move it or Lose it! Julie Robinson Sue Anstiss, Promote’s MD said: “Running now ranks as the second most knows how to combine exercises popular sport in England, fuelled in part by the huge reach of campaigns like that really work and appeal to Th is Girl Can campaign and England Athletics’ running specifi c extension of the exercise avoiders. She is looking for campaign, Th is Girl Can Run. like-minded people to join her to We’re thrilled to have been chosen by the team at England Athletics to deliver change the way we age. this exciting project in 2017, helping them towards their goal of getting one In collaboration with Th e Centre million more people regularly participating in running and athletics by 2020. It’s for Healthy Ageing Research at completely aligned to our agency’s own underlying mission to get more people, University of Birmingham, Moveit more active, more often.” or Lose it have developed a unique training course called FABS – www.promotepr.com Flexibility, Aerobic, Balance and Strength – the four vital components for health and wellbeing as per CMO FitgroupUK sets strategic direction to double group guidelines, for this diverse but often exercise participation overlooked age group. Instructors are trained to deliver FitgroupUK, an organisation founded classes that are fun and inclusive by the Exercise Movement Dance which leads to high levels of loyalty Partnership (EMDP) has held its fi rst and adherence. Underlying the Executive Panel meeting to identify light-hearted approach is the ability the organisation’s strategic aims and to improve functional ability to aid agree activity to help realise its vision everyday living and to bring about of getting seven million people active long-term behaviour change for each week through group exercise improved health and wellbeing. by 2022. and images used in promoting group fi tness to inactive adults. Along with community classes, Move Confi rmed members of its Executive it or Lose it! classes are now being Panel include senior representatives Professor Rob Copeland of the delivered in GP surgeries for patients from Les Mills, Active IQ, EMDP, David National Centre for Sport and Exercise with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Lloyd, CIMSPA and ukactive. Th e Medicine & Th e Centre for Sport and Disease (COPD) in the West Executive Panel agreed three core Exercise Science at Sheffi eld Hallam Midlands. Evaluations have shown strategic aims to shape the design University and Chair of FitgroupUK, the programme to be so successful, and implementation of improved said: “Th rough FitgroupUK there is a that they are looking to roll out the access to group exercise, to celebrate signifi cant opportunity for the group initiative for other conditions across the value of group exercise and exercise sector to lead on engaging the the UK. elevate its importance within the least active by ensuring movement is sector in targeting the inactive fun, social and easy to do.” www.moveitorloseit.co.uk population. Finally it is looking to re- examine the sector’s use of language www.fi tgroupuk.co.uk

6 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 6 17/01/2017 17:42 Key updates from ukactive Members members since the last edition

New study fi nds TRX workouts lower heart disease risk by 89 per cent

Direct Exercise: Th e UK’s fi rst recognised online coaching workshop for fi tness professionals

Direct Exercise have developed a comprehensive online coaching platform specifi cally for fi tness professionals. Th ey believe nothing will ever fully replace traditional face- to-face training. However, with the use of the internet and new technology, Th e American Council on Exercise training produces metabolic fi tness professionals will be able to (ACE) sponsored an independent responses that improve and maintain off er a modern and more effi cient study to evaluate the eff ect of TRX cardio-respiratory fi tness, improves way of training existing face-to-face training, which leverages gravity and muscular fi tness and is now proven clients as well as reaching others who the exerciser’s own body weight to to positively impact cardiovascular prefer to train on their own but would enable performance of hundreds of disease risk factors. It’s perfect for like the help of a professional, no exercises. TRX is most commonly a full-body workout and as the core matter where they are. known in the fi tness world for its yellow is challenged in every exercise, this Some may fi nd IT and the online and black suspension trainer bands. works the pelvis, abdominals, back world a little overwhelming, therefore and chest muscles – improving body Th e research team recruited 16 Direct Exercise has put together a stability, balance and fl exibility. healthy men and women, who were comprehensive Online Coaching considered low-to-moderate risk Th e peer-reviewed ACE study Workshop which at the end of and were physically active. Scientists found that combining the biological 2016 received an endorsement and evaluated a range of strength, balance, markers tested before and after professional recognition from Active fi tness and health metrics before the eight-week programme, TRX IQ - the fi rst of its kind in the UK! and after participants performed a training proved 89.2 per cent clinically Direct Exercise has also applied to standard eight-week TRX programme. benefi cial in improving participants’ become a CIMSPA skills risk of dying from cardiovascular Th e fi ndings highlighted how eff ective development partner. disease in the next 30 years. TRX Suspension Training is to making real changes to not only your fi tness, www.directexercise.com www.trxtraining.co.uk but to your overall health. Suspension

Pulse’s exemplary service promise wins repeat business

Pulse have won two new contracts due Pulse completed an installation 90% fi rst time fi x rate. Th is ensures to their exemplary service promise at Kingston Maurward College in equipment downtime is reduced and and dedicated warranty package. Dorchester in early September 2016 member experience is maximised. and an £80k refurbishment at Abbey Th e dedicated service promise also off ers Stadium Sports Centre. the fl exibility to report faults and order Kingston Mauward College and parts online or via Pulse’s dedicated Redditch Borough Council were highly service support team, to ensure the impressed by the fact that Pulse site receives a quick response. employ their own UK-based service engineers, and off er an unsurpassed www.pulsefi tness.com

ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 7

Untitled-1 7 17/01/2017 17:42 ukactive members continued... Further investment into Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions

Everyone Active wins organisational fundraiser of the year award at the Anthony Nolan supporter awards 2016

Th e Sporting Champions scheme demonstrates the importance Everyone Everyone Active has supported Active places on talent development; from supporting grass roots athletes Anthony Nolan since March 2015 through to Olympic medal winners. It aims to help sports men and women of after two members of staff received all ages achieve national and international sporting success by off ering them stem cell transplants; Chris Spencer, gold, silver or bronze tiers of sponsorship. Everyone Active’s General Manager at Hornchurch Leisure Centre, received Double-gold-medal winner Max Whitlock and two-time Paralympian Jade his second stem cell transplant in 2013 Jones are gold level Everyone Active Sporting Champions, along with Olympic to treat bone marrow failure. diver Tonia Couch, Alyson Dixon, (who went to Rio after becoming the fi rst British women to cross the line at this year’s London Marathon), and triple In gyms across the country, staff jumper Nathan Fox. Th ere are also more than 100 other athletes supported and members have participated in through the silver and bronze tiers. Th e packages provide them with funding a range of fundraising challenges, for training, equipment, travel and competition costs, as well as access to over including a 24-hour swim which 140 Everyone Active leisure centres. attempted to break the world record, zumbathons, spinathons and fancy “I’m proud to be involved with a scheme so dedicated to supporting athletic dress exercise classes. In addition, talent from grass roots up”, says Max Whitlock. “When I was starting out there sixty staff members cycled in the weren’t many top athletes in my sport to look up to, so it’s important we have 100km NightRider challenge, and schemes like this that help our young prospects achieve their dreams and give a number of members and staff them access to mentors.” participated in RideLondon100 cycle Everyone Active has pledged to invest a further £1million into the scheme over challenge, Tough Mudder and Iron the next four years with the aim of having another 500 athletes signed up by Man. Th ey have smashed their original the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It will provide support for all types of Olympic and fundraising target of £100,000, raising Paralympic sports and is working with the ambassadors to provide mentoring over £130,000 to date. opportunities for athletes. www.everyoneactive.com www.everyoneactive.com

Street Defence – Taking Functional Training to the next level

give everyone involved an amazing business models: workout. Th ese two elements make Street Defence Kids – Street Defence the most functional Self Defence for Kids (Ages 6-14) class to enter the health and fi tness sector. Th e Street Defence system Street Defence Fitness – Self improves fi tness, confi dence, reactions, Defence Pad Strikes/Conditioning assertiveness and co-ordination. Class (Free timetable class)

While Street Defence helps people Street Defence currently teaches 3 Street Defence Combat – feel safe by teaching participants diff erent class concepts to cater for Cutting Edge Self Defence Class how to defend themselves, the drills all gym members and are designed incorporated in the classes also to be fl exible to suit all gym www.streetdefenceuk.com

8 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 8 17/01/2017 17:43 Kids fi tness programme Animal FU

With a long standing passion for message to share, from calmness to fi tness, dance and martial arts and focus, from strength to confi dence. with the desire and passion to inspire By having fun and being engaged young people to be active, Linda in Animal Fu from an early stage, Hall has created Animal Fu - a new children will learn healthy habits Animal Fu are busy meeting activity fi tness programme which translates to guide them through life. Th e aim providers and their training instructor learning martial arts into fun, music is not to create experts in Martial programme is fully under way. To led activities to keep the children Arts but rather to create the building become an Animal Fu instructor there engaged and enthused. blocks of physical fi tness, balance, is no need for martial arts skills, only fl exibility, stamina and good all-round a qualifi cation in teaching children’s Animal Fu’s core philosophy is about coordination. All of these building fi tness, a love of stories, music and teaching children to understand the blocks are essential within any activity of course an ability to enthuse the importance of the values needed be it dance, gymnastics, walking or children to enjoy fi tness and have fun! for leading both a healthy and a any other physical movement we respectful life. It uses fi ve animals, make in our day to day lives. www.animalfu.com each of which has a core value and Places for People leisure signs up to the mental health charter for sport and recreation

to the Mental Health Charter for Sport Sandra Dodd, CEO of Places for People and Recreation. Established in 2015 Leisure said: “By signing the Charter Th e Mental Health Charter for Sport we recognise our responsibility in and Recreation sets out how sport helping to raise awareness of mental can use its collective power to tackle health and by putting procedures mental ill health and the stigma that in place we want to make sure that surrounds it. Th e Charter has brought everyone feels welcome to come and organisations together to support the be a part of the activities we off er so establishment of a pan-sport platform that the true benefi t of sport can be to work closely with the mental health experienced by all.” Places for People Leisure has joined sector to develop and share networks, over 200 organisations by signing up resources and best practice. www.placesforpeopleleisure.org

Physical Company extends Apex range with the launch of ‘KIDS’ and ‘FUSION’

Physical Company has extended its in Yoga/Pilates fusion classes. As successful range of Apex 30-minute with the rest of the Apex series, programmes with the launch of KIDS they are designed to be completed and FUSION sessions. Th ey have in 30 minutes, making them both been developed respectively in direct accessible to consumers and easy to response to requests from the sector accommodate on the gym timetable. to help clubs engage with youngsters and maximise the growing interest www.physicalcompany.co.uk

ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 9

Untitled-1 9 17/01/2017 17:43 Active IQ Personal Training Qualifi cation

Following extensive employer engagement, Active IQ has redeveloped and refreshed the content of its personal training qualifi cation. Th e new Diploma in SCL growing sports provision in schools to get Personal Training employer-led qualifi cation includes the softer children fi t for the future skills the sector expects from fi rst class PTs. It has a signifi cant focus New research shows that after school clubs can improve the academic on client counselling, motivation performance and social skills of children throughout their school life. As a and behaviour change strategy result, there has been a growing demand from parents to children’s activity skills together with sales, enterprise, providers to off er a broader range of after school services. business acumen and how to SCL has recently launched its new After School Care Club which combines embrace developments working parent’s need for childcare with the nation’s drive to get more kids, in technology. more active, more often. SCL is working in partnership with over 130 primary Additional Anatomy, Physiology and schools to provide physical activity sessions and school sport services to Nutrition content has been included hundreds of thousands of children each year. Th ey specialise in looking at the to cover a PTs understanding of ways in which schools can help to ensure that children get their 60 minutes lifestyle, health, wellbeing and of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day, both within school time and common medical conditions. beyond the school gates. Clear guidance is provided to ensure Th e funds available for the Primary PE and Sport Premium were signifi cantly the trainee PT can understand this increased as a result of the soft drinks industry levy. Th ese extra funds and the new content and fully appreciate welcome measures in the new Childhood Obesity strategy mean that schools where it fi ts into their professional are well-placed to increase physical activity and sports provision. Th is off ers the scope of practice when working with physical activity sector a fantastic opportunity, and SCL is working hard to help clients with specifi c conditions and to ensure that all children are provided with an active start in life. considerations. However it is also vital that funding from the Primary PE and Sport Premium Active IQ has also updated the is available outside of the school gates, as new research has shown that British assessment criteria to make it schoolchildren are losing up to 80 per cent of fi tness gained during term time specifi c to individual trainees. Th is through lazy summer holidays. aims to help each learner develop and Lewis Field, SCL Education Group CEO and co-founder said “Th is near half- apply their theoretical knowledge in billion-pound boost to increasing children’s activity is a fantastic opportunity to practical situations, ensuring they are provide a fi tter future for our children. At SCL we strive to keep developing as an ‘work ready’ upon completion of the organisation, collaborating with others in the sector to develop our sports off erings Diploma, whether as a self-employed for children to help them lead healthy lives.” or employed personal trainer. Th is increase in funding has led SCL to build on their current sports based “We spoke to a number of operators services within schools. SCL has developed ‘Th e Breakfast Club’ and ‘Th e After and employers and discovered School Care Club’, which off ers a fl exible service for working or busy parents continued concerns about the to drop their child off at 8am and pick them up at 6pm safe in the knowledge lack of soft skills among newly that their children are being active, having fun and learning new skills with SCL’s qualifi ed personal trainers,” says experienced tutors. One parent commented that “my son has been very happy at Jenny Patrickson, managing director SCL - the childcare they provide is well structured and the coaches are really friendly at Active IQ. “Th ey also felt that and take the time with each child.” additional knowledge about working with special populations would help SCL is constantly looking to expand its school sport provision and extra- PTs deal with the rising number of curricular clubs to ensure that children have more opportunities and choices clients with medical and healthcare to get active in school and after school. needs. I’m confi dent our refreshed Russell Young, Director of Primary Education said “It is fantastic to work in Diploma will help to fully prepare partnership with so many schools. We have helped them to utilise the School new personal trainers for work in our Sport Premium in a way which promotes physical activity and healthy eating, dynamic industry.” and we have seen a clear improvement in children’s health and lifestyles”.

www.activeiq.co.uk www.wearescl.co.uk

10 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 10 17/01/2017 17:43 Key updates from ukactive Strategic Strategic Partners over the last few months Partners

ICON Training Celebrating 20 years in business

Th e Company took the opportunity of this signifi cant milestone to look closely at how it was performing and contributing against the backdrop of a fast-shifting sector and challenges faced across education as a whole. Gary Denton, Managing Director explains: “Th e sport and leisure sector is at a crossroads in terms Swimming Nature works with Future Fit Training to of the pressure being placed on the delivery of sport and fi tness ensure quality assured swimming teachers programmes in view of recent government initiatives, lack of clear Swimming Nature, the largest standard, we hope to raise sector measurement and major independent provider of personalised standards across the industry changes happening across education. swimming tuition in the UK, is and engage more people in the working closely with Future Fit enjoyment of swimming.” “Our primary goal at ICON is to bring Training, the UK’s leading provider of about a real step-change in the way Swimming Nature has a unique quality assured training courses, to in which training is delivered. A new personalised approach in teaching implement quality assurance across type of infrastructure is required and swimming that bring results fast. its suite of training courses. we are the fi rst UK providers to support All instructors are trained to make and begin delivery of the vision of a Over the past year the two sure only the correct mechanics are highly trained Leisure workforce able organisations have worked in taught and their methods of teaching to progress from Level 1 (often NEET) partnership with the common aim are meticulously applied. Classes through to Level 7. We are responding of raising standards and developing are taught in either small groups or to this vision set by our Chartered quality assured training and one-to-one environments in order to Institute (CIMSPA) to raise professional skills development for swimming maximise teaching contact time. standards within the sector to align teachers. Future Fit Training has also “We are committed to raising the bar with other health related sectors.” helped to create a new professional in terms of the quality of teaching development mentoring programme ICON was named Apprenticeship across the leisure industry and for all Swimming Nature teachers Provider of the Year at the recent recognise that the provision of to ensure staff are kept continually ukactive 2016 Active Training Awards swimming lessons to both children up-to-date with the latest regulations and previously won Training Provider and adults is a key activity in the and processes. of the Year three times. ICON is sector,” says Rob Johnson, Managing also one of the only Ofsted Grade 1 “As the largest independent provider Director at Future Fit Training. “We Training Providers who deliver within of personalised swimming tuition, were only too pleased to work with the Leisure Sector. we want to ensure all of our staff Swimming Nature to help fulfi l their are trained to the highest standard goal of off ering quality assured “We are committed to continually possible, which is why we chose training to their instructors and, in pushing the boundaries of our to work with Future Fit Training turn, top quality teaching to their industry and believe we have a to develop a kite mark for quality customers. Having a ‘kite mark’ responsibility to not only provide a assured swimming instruction and for swimming instruction is a great service for our partners and learners, training for our staff ,” says Founder initiative and we are looking forward but also to have an impact on the and CEO for Swimming Nature, to supporting Swimming Nature to health, wealth and wellbeing of our Eduardo Ferré. “At Swimming Nature implement this.” citizens and the way in which we see our vision is for everyone to be able and respond to activity.” to swim beautifully. By ensuring our www.swimmingnature.com staff are all trained to the highest www.icon-training.com

ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 11

Untitled-1 11 17/01/2017 17:44 Th e pursuit of happiness by Huw Edwards

A New Year, new ambitions, receipts, together with a reduction in As argued by our Chair Baroness NHS costs from fewer GP visits and Grey-Th ompson, there needs to be a hopes and aspirations. hospital A&E admissions. paradigm shift from a health system that treats illness to one that supports Some may feel the door In short, greater focus should be wellness, and the issue of wellness on 2016 couldn’t be closed placed on preventing the issues was at the heart of the policy calls that lead to many of the social and quick enough, with an she made on the day. economic problems we now face. unrelenting wave of events Th e three main areas of focus – a Furthermore, ‘GOD’ has spoken on regeneration scheme to transform that have caused so much this issue... the UK’s leisure centres into new political, social, and cultural Gus (now Lord) O’Donnell - former community wellness hubs, greater upheaval. Th e evening Cabinet Secretary and key fi gure emphasis on addressing the growing news being watched in our politics lives over the last 20 issue of workplace health, and a years, is arguing that politicians fundamental review of how children’s through our fi ngers. need to pay more attention to voters’ activity is supported - are united For many this has been an unsettling sense of wellbeing if they want to win by their focus on what’s best for time. Many unknowns in our daily elections, and also urged ministers people: whether it be the child in lives leading to sustained levels of to take on board the importance of the school playground, the stressed anxiety, worry, and unhappiness. children’s wellbeing in schools. He offi ce worker, or the retired pensioner argued ‘if you want to enhance long- wishing to maintain an active life. A recent study led by a team of run, sustainable wellbeing then help Elevating this agenda will remain researchers from the London School children to become more resilient, crucial to us in 2017, and we want of Economics (LSE) substantiates this more fulfi lled adults.’ view and believes that on average to garner support from all political parties in the process. Norman On average people have become no happier Lamb MP’s call for a “cross party commission” on social care is an in the last 50 years, despite average incomes example of how politicians could come together to look at what’s best more than doubling. for the country, and not just the short people have become no happier in Our Government – under the term opinion polls. stewardship of Prime Minister May the last 50 years, despite average Th e pursuit of a happier society isn’t – is facing many challenges right incomes more than doubling. misty eyed rhetoric. It’s one that now as they manage the implications impacts the economic and social Th e report lead, Lord Layard, believes of BREXIT, the impact of strikes on fabric of our society. ukactive – with that measuring people’s satisfaction vital national infrastructure, and its partners and members – can play with their lives should be a priority the pressures on the NHS and social an integral role in supporting this for every government. Th e Peer and care to name a few. But the issue of agenda and work hard to make our economist argues that ‘this evidence how people “feel” – both physically policy calls a reality to help build a demands a new role for the state - and mentally – in order to conduct happier, healthier country. not wealth creation, but wellbeing their daily lives impacts on almost creation’. Th is would especially be the everything they do. case with mental health where extra [email protected] spending would be self- fi nancing Th is theme was something that because it would be recovered by ran through our National Summit the government through higher in November and will be central to employment and increased tax ukactive’s work in 2017.

12 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 12 17/01/2017 17:44 The science of BODY COMPOSITION MEASUREMENT

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UKA.Winter17.013.indd 1 17/01/2017 10:05 in England ever conducted. Th e Promising resultant ‘Identifying what works for local physical inactivity interventions’ Practice 2 - report contained an evaluation of the programmes and featured as part of Identifying ‘what the national Everybody Active, Every Day framework published by Public are excited to see what progress has works’ for getting Health England. been made, and hope organisations step forward with interventions with Th e latest initiative will seek to build people more active. evidence of impact and outcomes.” on this process, taking a rigorous, objective look at local physical Promising Practice 2 submissions With Britain’s physical activity interventions across the are currently being reviewed and inactivity epidemic UK to identify ‘what works’ and classifi ed by a senior academic board examining the progress programmes made up of members of the ukactive costing £20bn each year have made since 2014. Th is time Research Institute, the National Centre and causing 37,000 deaths, around, although evaluation will for Sport and Exercise Medicine and still feature, the focus is identifying Public Health England. Promising Practice 2 aims and championing eff ective activity Programmes and projects deemed to identify and stimulate programmes that can move the ‘good’ or ‘promising’ will be considered nation and transform lives. scalable solutions to one of for a range of opportunities. Th ese society’s biggest challenges. Dr Steven Mann, ukactive Research include showcasing their practice at Director, said: “Th rough Promising ukactive’s National Summit 2017 and Building on the recommendations of Practice 2 we want to identify and forthcoming Regional Roadshows, the All Party Commission on Physical scale the most successful featuring in reporting to and with key Activity, the ukactive Research initiatives so that they can bring stakeholders, such as Sport England Institute has collaborated with the the benefi ts of physical activity to and Public Health England, as well as National Centre for Sport and Exercise communities nationwide. being able to use their submission as Medicine and Public Health England to entry to the ukactive Flame Awards 2017. identify physical activity programmes “Our report will provide practical that demonstrate good and promising guidance on how the physical activity Th rough the Promising Practice 2 practice in local communities. sector can consolidate good practice report - due out in February - we can and build an evidence-base around raise standards and build the growing By highlighting eff ective physical what works and signifi cantly improve case for the wider commissioning of activity initiatives that - if scaled the standard of physical activity. physical activity programmes across up - could contribute to shifting the country. Th e report will off er “To build the case for wider the population towards making practical guidance on how this sector commissioning of physical activity ‘everybody active every day’, the can consolidate good practice and build programmes, it’s essential that we researchers hope to uncover exercise an evidence-based on what works. solutions that deliver the associated are able to demonstrate our impact health, economic and social and the return on investment of our [email protected] improvements for local communities. services in the same way as other public health services.” Promising Practice 2 is the second iteration of this project and aims to Dr Justin Varney, National Lead for build on the valuable insight and Adult Health and Wellbeing at Public recommendations produced by Health England, said: “Th e previous Promising its predecessor. Promising Practice process highlighted the wealth and diversity of programmes In July 2014, a total of 952 survey across the country, but also the limited Practice responses were submitted for the evidence of what is eff ective. initial Promising Practice project, In Physical Activity making it one of the largest surveys “Since 2014, there has been a real of physical activity programmes drive across the physical activity sector on data and evaluation. So we

14 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 14 17/01/2017 17:44 Positive outcomes

As the NHS budget “Consequently there is an increasing need for systems such as ours, continues to be squeezed, which can support the provider in fi tness and lifestyle administering their service effi ciently, services are coming under while also demonstrating the eff ectiveness of the programme to increasing pressure to commissioners in terms of meeting Dispersing best practice KPIs and making a diff erence to the demonstrate their impact Launched in 2010, ReferAll’s online lives of participants.” on community health in data collection system is now used by 120 services across the UK, return for funding. Making an impact representing 120,000 referrals. While A direct consequence has been Developed in partnership with its data methods are based on NICE the rapid growth of outcome community health provider Everyone guidance and standard evaluation management software, refl ected in Health – sister company to Everyone frameworks, the company works an upcoming launch from software Active – Gladstone’s solution is now closely with every client to develop supplier Gladstone and the evolution available to Gladstone customers as a bespoke ‘data collector’ specifi c to of existing software from exercise a module called Health, and is also their KPI needs. referral specialist ReferAll, which has being marketed as a standalone For each provider, three diff erent seen demand soar in recent years. product for non-Gladstone customers groups of data are collected: relating “A number of our customers are under the brand name iMPACT. to the initial referral, relating to engaged by local authorities to deliver As well as enabling providers to individual outcomes (with input health intervention schemes; it’s a demonstrate that intervention from referrers, instructors, service big growth area for operators, and to schemes are meeting objectives, the administrators and clients) and secure funding for these programmes software can help managers identify relating to the performance of they need to provide hard evidence areas for improvement and allow the service itself, which feeds into of the diff erence they can make,” participants to review their progress. analysis and reporting of KPIs. explains Gladstone’s managing It includes tools for planning, To meet ever-increasing demand, the director, Tom Withers. evaluation and management of company is constantly adapting, says “Th is is more important than service delivery, as well as business- Stokes: “We are continually refi ning ever following the release of the specifi c KPI dashboards, tailored the whole customer ‘on-boarding’ government’s Sporting Future reporting and integrated presentation process to make it more effi cient; we strategy in December 2015, which tools. Th ere are also secure portals, can now get a fully bespoke solution identifi ed physical wellbeing and which allow funders, commissioners up and running within seven days. mental wellbeing as two of fi ve and referrers to review results, “We are also working hard within the key outcomes that will be used to statistics and outcomes. industry to promote and disperse best measure the impact of sport and According to Georgia Dowdeswell, practice and standardised outputs. leisure participation, and will infl uence senior product design lead at While we can and do support local what organisations receive funding Gladstone, the solution’s strengths variations, there is an increasing pool for in the future.” include its use of embedded logic of industry-based knowledge that we Stuart Stokes, commercial director models incorporating contract- want to make available to the benefi t of ReferAll, agrees: “Th e increasing specifi c outcomes, plus the fact the of everyone.” pressure on lifestyle services to software is mobile-responsive: In line with this, ReferAll is working address the burden of lifestyle- “Th is gives staff easy access to all with the ukactive Research Institute related health conditions on the NHS the information they need to manage on a new project to build a pool of has fuelled fi ercer competition and their sessions. It also means they evidence from exercise referral a greater focus on the performance can use mobile devices to capture schemes across the UK (see ukactive of those services. Gone are the days performance, videos, pictures and journal, Issue 14, Autumn 2016). Th e of ‘the annual report will suffi ce’; comments as evidence, and tag project is intended to inform future commissioners are looking for these to agreed contractual practice and engage bodies such transparency and real-time updates outcomes for the course.” as Sport England and Public Health on service performance. England in facilitating a nationwide rollout of schemes.

ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 15

Untitled-1 15 17/01/2017 17:45 Health and Safety Update Setting the standards for trampoline parks

Trampoline parks, with a weekly basis. With the industry still in its infancy it has been a challenge to wall to wall bouncing keep up with its speed of growth and areas, are springing up pass on the knowledge that the more all over the country and established operators have gained. enjoying great success. In order to provide a collective approach to concerns regarding However, some centres accidents and consistent standards, have been a focus of an industry working group, including park operators, representatives concern with high rates of from local authorities and British injury and hospitalisation. Gymnastics, was formed. Th is Peter Brown, Chair of UK then moved into a committee of the International Association of Sub Committee IATP and Trampoline Parks (IATP). Th e UK technical author of the Sub Committee of the IATP focus is to share best practice and accident BSI PAS, looks at the key data and to look into how best to A key task for the group is the drafting of issues and what is being ensure the safety of trampoline a publicly accessible British standard. done to raise standards. park customers across the UK. Th is Led by a cross section of operators, group shares knowledge and practice members of UK-IATP and RoSPA, it is Trampoline parks off er a great way internationally through its links hoped this will be available within the for children and adults to play, have with the International Association of next 12 months. In the interim period, fun and, importantly, take part in Trampoline Parks (IATP). the UK-IATP recommends that an physical activity. First arriving to the independent inspection of the facility UK in 2014, the parks have enjoyed An early task was to hold the UK’s is a sensible approach to formulating huge growth. fi rst operational conference, attended a safety case for the design and by over 75 people from all aspects of construction of a park. Many hundreds of thousands of the industry, including constructors, customers have safely enjoyed operators and insurers. All aspects It is the group’s intention to help trampoline parks and the activities of park design, construction and all interested parties to better they contain. However, they are a high operation were touched upon during understand the design, construction risk environment and it is impossible the day. A second conference was held and operation of a trampoline park, to completely remove this risk. As of in June 2016 with approximately 90 allowing the industry to go from February 2016 there were about 60 participants representing all sectors strength to strength. parks in the UK, with more opening on of the industry. RoSPA’s leisure safety manager, Dave Walker, said: ‘‘Trampoline parks have seen an explosive growth over the past few years and unfortunately some communities have seen a rise in A&E visits as a result. It’s heartening to see the sector organising and sharing good practice and we are supporting the International Association of Trampoline Parks and the British Standards working group to draft nationally recognised operational guidelines. Th is should provide a clear framework for parks and regulators to work towards.’’

www.rospa.com

16 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 16 17/01/2017 17:45 Turning ambitions into reality

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UKA.Winter17.017.indd 1 17/01/2017 10:03 Spreading the ‘miracle cure’ to the masses

Late last year, at the type 2 diabetes, and cut the falls that Concluding his speech, Simon ukactive National Summit in our parents’ generation (more than a Stevens reiterated his challenge to Westminster, Simon Stevens third of them) experience each year.” our sector and urged us to pick up the gauntlet now. stood before leaders of the “If you could pack all of that into a physical activity sector and magic pill, it would be a worldwide “Experts at the Academy of Royal pharmaceutical blockbuster,” he Medical Colleges estimated that began shaking a bottle of continued. “But the label on the more than £18bn of headroom in pills at them. side of this treatment here is activity the NHS national budget could be and exercise.” created if we actually got serious Th is unexpected gesture marked a improvements in physical activity Th e message was clear: we know seminal moment for the physical across this country,” he said. activity sector. Here was the head the power of your product, now of NHS England - the man show us how we can use it to its “My plea to those of you working in responsible for a yearly budget of greatest eff ect. the leisure sector, in gyms or local councils, is to proactively go seek out £120bn throwing down the gauntlet What Stevens was saying, that your local hospital, community trust to our sector. physical activity is a miracle cure or ambulance service and begin this dialogue with them about you too can help advance this agenda.” Th e opportunity is there. Now the onus is on our sector to seize this chance to make exercise - the miracle cure - the most potent and widely-prescribed treatment in the NHS armoury.

Simon Stevens – Chief Executive of NHS England Simon Stevens is CEO of NHS England, overseeing more than £100 billion of annual Health Service funding. His 27 year health career to date has spanned front line NHS leadership of hospitals, mental health and primary care; seven “Th e pharmaceutical industry,” he which represents the best chance years as the Prime Minister’s Health noted, Dreams of discovering “a of saving the NHS from bankruptcy, Adviser at 10 Downing Street and the treatment that could cut 3 per cent was nothing new to any of us in the Department of Health; and a decade of strokes, prevent 30 per cent of room. What was signifi cant was that running international health services cases of dementia, 30 per cent of he and the rest of the health service in Europe, the United States, Brazil, osteoporosis, radically reduce the are now prepared to listen. Th e ball is Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. number of breast cancers and bowel well and truly in our court. cancers, not to mention prevent depression, reduce stress, eliminate

18 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 18 17/01/2017 17:45 We need to reintroduce yard games to youth culture Jane Ashworth OBE, Chief Executive, Street Games

We want parks to be viewed as the hub of the community. We need a socio-economic model providing the value of activity in parks. “buzz” Paul Sinton-Hewit, Park-Run around the day Over the course of our National Summit we held a number of breakout sessions; here are a few sound bites from the day;

Young people are more eff ective and learn better when active. School’s core business is education so we need to prove that physical activity has a role to play in that. Th e pressure and diffi culty of secondary schools leads to young people becoming less and less active. Ali Oliver, Chief Executive Youth Sport Trust

Activity doesn’t have to be gym led, just incorporated in part of the Local delivery and day. We are so busy at home - the partner driven solutions workplace IS the place to be active. are key for Sport England. Marcus Hunt, Health and Wellbeing We want to fi nd a broad Manager, Unilever range of partners moving forwards. We need to re-think “our” off er, for example put physical activity sessions in libraries to engage older Working with a certifi ed exercise professional would support adults. I like the idea of Doctors to prescribe exercise. Doctors need to know that the co-locating GPs in sector is regulated to hand-over patients. leisure centres. Dr Roger Wolman, Fellow, Royal College of Physicians Mike Diaper, Sport England

ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 19

Untitled-1 19 17/01/2017 17:45 Activity Th erapy – Preventing or delaying the need for social care by Professor Sir Muir Gray, CBE

ukactive National Summit Disease becomes more common the thirty-three pages of articles on the keynote speaker Professor Sir older we get with the proportion of health impacts of urban design and Muir Gray, CBE and ukactive people having one or more long term the need for active transport. Some health problems increasing every diseases may be related to ageing Strategic lead for Health decade: 40% of 40 year olds, 50% of and are not at present preventable, and Wellbeing Kenny Butler 50 year olds, 60% of 60 year olds and Parkinson’s disease for example, but provide some valuable insight. so on. the majority of disabling diseases, In all the furore about the social care crisis no-one has mentioned, let alone emphasised a key fact, that although some problems that necessitate the need for social care are not preventable, most of the problems that necessitate the need for residential care usually become a need as a result of preventable problems. It is possible to delay or prevent the need for social care, not through medical therapy (important thought that is) but through Activity Th erapy. Th e evidence that physical activity can reduce the risk of disease is getting stronger and getting through to people. NICE guidance published in 2015 emphasised that the risk including dementia, can have their risk of disease and dementia can be However it is important to emphasise reduced because they are not caused prevented or delayed by a range of that most of these diseases are by ageing. actions, including increasing physical not caused by ageing. Th e fact the activity. Equally exciting is newer disease occurs more commonly in In understanding the contribution evidence that physical activity can older age groups is a result of the that activity therapy can make to play a very important part in coping fact that we have lived longer in a helping people with long term health with disease, both in preventing certain environment or with a certain problems, it cannot be denied that disability and in maintaining a lifestyle or a combination of both. there is something called the ageing good quality of life. Th e Academy It has been customary to present process which is a normal biological process. Th e ageing process has two main eff ects. One is the loss of ability Th e four aspects of fi tness all begin with the other the loss of resilience. s – stamina, strength, suppleness and skill. Ability declines because of physical changes, for example a decline in maximum possible heart rate. Loss of of Medical Royal Colleges summed diseases such as heart disease or resilience means that the eff ects of it up in the title of their 2015 report, cancer as “lifestyle diseases” it is ageing make it more diffi cult for us to ‘Exercise the Miracle Cure’; we need just as relevant to think of them as recover from challenges, for example to add Activity Th erapy to drug environmental in origin. Th e Lancet from changes in the environmental therapy, so clearly spelled out in recently carried a special edition with Th e British National Formulary. temperature, a loss of balance or

20 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 20 17/01/2017 17:46 a period of inactivity. One way of rate of decline but what we see all understanding the eff ects of ageing too often is that the fi tness gap gets alone is to look at people who have wider faster after the onset of disease kept themselves as fi t as possible, not only because of the eff ect of Bradley Wiggins for example who set the disease itself but because of the a new world record for the hour at the social and psychological eff ect the age of 35. Even Sir Bradley may have disease has on other people who Promoting the diffi culty in bettering that, assuming often over-compensate. right beliefs he can still retain his motivation for Rest is certainly important in acute top level training in his late thirties, and attitudes illness, immediately after myocardial because the maximum heart rate infarction or a bout of the fl u for So, the problems we have assumed does decline because of ageing. example, but with all long-term to be of ageing are much more due Most of us however do not take up health problems there is a need to pay to loss of fi tness and disease, alone or keep up full time training until our additional attention to loss of fi tness or in combination. If you survive to late thirties and for most people the because the evidence is that a loss the age of 90, have kept reasonably decline in ability actually starts in the of fi tness is responsible for much of fi t, reduced your risk of preventable early twenties, or to be more precise, the disability that we have assumed disease and been lucky enough when we get our fi rst job that involves to be due to disease and the more to avoid diseases that are not us in six or eight or ten or more hours conditions that a person has, the preventable you will be independent sitting a day. From that point the gap more encouragement and support and even helping other people. All opens up between the best possible they need, so with every diagnosis of this of course depends on beliefs, rate of decline and the actual rate that is made more attention should be attitudes and the challenges we have of decline and this gap is called the given to prescribing and dispensing at present, that the beliefs about the fi tness gap. Activity Th erapy. At the ukactive eff ects of ageing and disease are National Summit the proposal was muddled and wrong and therefore Mind the fi tness gap made that that the attitudes that people have towards what happens to us as we So, it is loss of fi tness that leads to Some people with long term grow older are over pessimistic. many of the changes that we have conditions should be supported by previously ascribed to the process means other than drug therapy Get moving is the key message but of ageing. Loss of fi tness has two it does require not only knowledge characteristics; loss of ability and a Some people who might eventually but encouragement and support. loss of resilience, just the same as the need long-term drug therapy Get moving more with every year eff ects of ageing. Th is is one reason should have non-drug therapy as and with every diagnosis is a why the two processes are confused. their fi rst off er, and new message that needs to be promulgated and reinforced in every For people in their twenties and All people on drug therapy for long consultation and when collecting thirties this is not particularly relevant time health problems should also every prescription. perhaps but from forty onwards, have non-drug therapy the environment we live in, the environment dominated by the car, Publicise the message; moving more is the computer screen and the desk part of your therapy for your long-term job, require us to pay more attention to fi tness and because ageing causes health problem. loss of resilience this means that we need to do a little more every year. All Th e key to this is to build Activity Professor Sir Muir Gray, CBE entered four aspects of fi tness are relevant Th erapy into everyday clinical the Public Health Service in 1972 after to people who are ageing and all practice for example by building it qualifying in medicine in Glasgow. begin with s – stamina, strength are into the last nine seconds of a GP He now works as a consultant in particularly important for people from consultation or the dispensing of a Public Health in Oxford Universities forty on, suppleness and skill, for prescription in a pharmacy. However, NHS Trust to improve the health of example the skill of recovering your this would of course have to be older adults. Muir has been working balance if you trip on the pavement. complemented and supplemented with both NHS England and Public It is now clear that all four aspects of by both the handing over of Health England to bring about cultural fi tness are very important in help us something such as a wellness change and the development of cope with the eff ects of disease. prescription accompanied by an Population Healthcare and Population electronic link to a digital reminder Medicine. Muir has a long standing Reducing the impact of disease prompt and encouragement. interest in ageing and is the author of Dr Gray’s Walking Cure and Sod70! Th e physical eff ects of many diseases does accelerate the best possible Look out for Sod Sitting, Get Moving! By Muir Gray and Diana Moran published in spring 2017.

ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 21

Untitled-1 21 17/01/2017 17:46 FREEDOM TO FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST: YOUR MEMBERS

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UKA.Winter17.022.indd 1 13/01/2017 12:55 Th e Importance of Good Financial Housekeeping for Gym Owners

If you’re consumed with the and understand the levers you can “KPMG have a good reputation and day to day of running your pull to improve them, it’s easy to get the mix of technology and the wrap gym or leisure club, then the stuck in a cycle of hard work and around service makes doing my small rewards. accounting that little bit simpler. Th e accounting requirements are reporting and analytics from KPMG One of the big decisions you’ll unlikely to be at the forefront Small Business Accounting is also have to make is whether to fi nd an very visual and not limited to only of your mind. accountant, take on a bookkeeper or fi nancial metrics which is important do it all yourself. It is possible to track However more than just a legal for management decisions. For sales, outgoings, do back receipts, requirement, good fi nancial example, I’m able to see how each but it can suck up your time and can housekeeping as a priority is an individual club is performing at any distract from the all-important task of essential part of your ability to given period of time and use this as steering the business and attracting manage your business eff ectively. a basis for decisions around training, new members. Crucially, when it comes to tax and marketing and staffi ng.” Isaac compliance, if you get it wrong with An accountant looking after the Buchanan, Chief Executive Offi cer, an underpayment, you could be fi nancial admin for your club can Snap Fitness UK off er insights in all kinds of business in for a big shock when it comes Th ree months free service off er for critical areas, from working out cash to cash fl ow. Not to mention lack ukactive members. of awareness around certain tax fl ow to providing real time fi nancial legislations could mean you fail information and advising on sources Hear from Bivek Sharma to capitalise on some of the tax of fi nance. Th at way you can be Partner, Head of KPMG Small effi ciencies you may be legally equipped with up to date fi gures Business Accounting Services entitled to. from which to base some of your at Sweat on 2nd March (see page bigger business decisions, such as 41 for more details). Good fi nancial housekeeping also whether or not to take on new staff , www.kpmgsmallbusiness. means you’re able to actually track open a new branch or even off er a co.uk/leisure-fi tness.com your progress and have greater clarity new service. as to how your gym or leisure club is performing at any stage. It’s all too easy to focus on getting income in the door, in the form of new members, but unless you know the profi t margins at work in diff erent areas

ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 23

Untitled-1 23 17/01/2017 17:46 Looking ahead: Workforce Development in Physical Activity by Baroness Tanni Grey-Th ompson

In November, I was fortunate getting more people, more active, We know GPs still feel ill-informed enough to open my fi rst Active more often. on what options are available, and cannot refer patients to activity Training Conference as Chair At our National Summit, we saw professionals with confi dence. But Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of of ukactive. Th is was the largest our greatest strength is our ability to NHS England, challenge our sector ever ukactive Conference transform lives through the power to play a pivotal role in the much- of exercise. Th e ability to inspire that focused on championing the needed transformation of the health person who makes their fi rst visit skills, training and workforce sector. Th is requires a concerted shift to a facility, develop a lifelong love of development of the physical to focusing on prevention over cure, activity sector and was complete with a full day of We must constantly push ourselves to make discussion and expert analysis use of the experiences and the expertise on the most pressing issues from people of all backgrounds. of this area. creating a system that promotes Th e Conference itself drew a fi tting activity, is one of the strongest tools wellness over treating illness. Th e end to what has been a momentous we have at our disposal. message was clear: we know the 2016 for the physical activity sector. power of your product, now show us Th is is vital to the future health of our We have seen the importance of how we can use it to its greatest eff ect. nation, and it is vital to the future of activity to government skyrocket – our economy. We can substantially grow the size of the physical activity sector, and what’s more, we can be the driving force behind a more productive economy, powered by a fi t and healthy workforce. Key to this will be the distillation of our sector’s skills, knowledge and undoubted potential. From my own experience over the previous eighteen months since I joined ukactive as their Chair, I have witnessed the hard work, the passion and the commitment that characterises our workforce. Now, we must ensure we have the structures in place as we look to support its increased professionalisation. Th e Active Training Conference set out to answer the most burning questions in the training and with a series of high-profi le reports Th e opportunity to realise this vision development landscape. How do and strategies now focused on is closer now than ever before – but we embed the highest standards tackling this top-tier, national priority. there still is much to overcome before of attainment and delivery into the It has made a clear commitment to we deliver a healthier, happier nation training of employees? How do we achieving our sector’s mission of with physical activity at its core.

24 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 24 17/01/2017 17:47 streamline progression from the I’ve witnessed the incredible As Chair of ukactive, I always gym-fl oor through to the boardroom, progress made by the sector since challenge my team to go further so that our brightest and best are I joined ukactive. But with a growing and look beyond the challenges we fast-tracked to the top. How do we profi le and great opportunity comes face today. Ensuring that talent is seize a competitive edge by a need to make sure our own house fostered, promoted and retained, attracting, inspiring and retaining is in order. in a culture that inspires everyone world-class talent? to succeed, will be vital if we are Sport England has thrown down to navigate the choppy waters of We heard from policy experts, the gauntlet to our sector with its Brexit, and maximise the impact of and leaders in the training and new Code of Governance, designed the government’s new approach to development community. But to bring much-needed diversity to activity. And, in turn, we will be best the Conference also served as an our Boardrooms. Th is is something placed to grow as a sector – both in opportunity to explore what we can I care passionately about, and an scale, and in reputation. learn from representatives from other opportunity we cannot aff ord to miss. sectors and successes elsewhere. We must constantly push ourselves Soon, we will be at the point where to make use of the experience and becoming a personal trainer is a Already, we know we are on the the expertise from people of all springboard to a lifelong career in right track. Th e government and backgrounds. It will unlock up new physical activity. Where exercise Sport England have given a ringing streams of funding to tap into, and professionals work alongside endorsement of our call for a single open the door to new, collaborative nutritionists, physiotherapists and body to oversee the workforce of the ways of working. And central to this, doctors to improve the health of those physical activity sector. Th ey have thrown their weight behind CIMSPA, our Chartered Institute, becoming Th e ability to inspire that person who makes the sole custodian for skills and their fi rst visit to a facility, develop a lifelong workforce development. Central to this is the new Professional love of activity, is one of the strongest tools Standards Matrix – which will raise we have at our disposal. the bar and defi ne the skills needed to thrive through levels one to seven. is ensuring we can fully capitalise on who need it most, and where exercise Th is new system will empower this brave new world of opportunity. is the natural choice for GPs - so they employees to take control of their reach for the gym pass, before they We also learned what organisations own career and proactively seek out reach for the medicine cabinet. named as some of the best places to the vital skills needed by them and work in the country have in common Th ese are the questions we tackled the sector to progress. – and how we can emulate their throughout the Active Training But we’ve only just begun this success. How we too can develop Conference, but all the while focusing journey. We must accelerate the a workplace culture that inspires on the role that the leaders in skills, work of CIMSPA - and ensure it has loyalty, rewards ambition and fosters training and workforce development the tools and support to deliver on our personal development. Winning play in driving forward the size shared goal. We must ensure a full set workplace cultures are becoming and prestige of our sector, and how of standards are in place so we can ever more important, in our own together we can achieve even more reap the latent opportunities of the sector and across the economy. over the coming year. apprenticeship levy. And more must Th ey are what separate the good be done to make the physical activity organisations from the great, and [email protected] sector as diverse and inclusive as they can be the diff erence between a modern-day Britain. thriving, dynamic business and those stuck in the mud.

ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 25

Untitled-1 25 17/01/2017 17:47 Active Training Awards

Th e Active Training Awards 2016, in their third year, were delivered by ukactive and CIMSPA and celebrated the exceptional performance and commitment in the Physical Activity sector, specifi cally that of vocational education, training and development. Over 200 delegates from the sectors top training companies, employers, higher education providers and commercial vocational providers attended the event held at Hilton Hotel in Reading.

Jean-ann Marnoch, Les Mills Instructor Experience Director, commented: “We’re thrilled to have been named winner of the Supplier Learning and Development award and would like to say a huge thank you to all our Instructor Training team. As a business, we are dedicated to helping our instructors achieve greatness. Th eir skill and talent is what keeps members coming back and getting the results our world-class instructors want them to achieve.

A huge well done to all of the winners and fi nalists.

26 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 26 17/01/2017 17:47 Congratulations to all of this year’s winners

Supplier Learning & Development Provider of the Year Les Mills UK

Innovative Training Programme of the Year Body Transformation Academy

Best Use of Technology Train Fitness International

“It’s particularly poignant as this providers to lengthen and broaden Apprenticeship Provider of the Year year Les Mills marks 25 years of their training to ensure a professional ICON Training BODYPUMP™ which underlines and eff ective workforce. We are our commitment to continuous absolutely committed to delivering Activity Champion of the Year development. Having started out the best possible training to ensure Richard Scrivener, Train Fitness as a simple class in a small gym, standards are raised and upheld in the International Limited BODYPUMP has turned into a global leisure industry. Th is Award shows our fi tness empire and marks its 100th commitment is valued by the industry Training Provider of the Year release in January 2017.” and we feel both privileged and proud to have won this accolade.” Future Fit Training We feel both privileged “Th e Active Training Awards off er Health and Wellbeing - and proud to have won a great opportunity to take stock Targeted Population of our progress and recognise the Places for People Leisure this accolade. success of those companies and “We are absolutely delighted to individuals who are leading the Employer of the Year receive this Award which shows way,” said Steven Ward, ukactive that our work to raise standards Executive Director. “I’d like to say a GLL Supervisor’s Academy, GLL and promote professionalism within huge well done to all of the winners the industry is both recognised and and fi nalists, who together have Outstanding Achievement valued,” says Rob Johnson, Future demonstrated a real commitment Active Nation Fit Training Managing Director. “We to building a better workforce and Jubilee Hall Trust are working tirelessly to improve driving our sector forward.” Lifetime Training standards of training, engage and Tara Dillon, Chief Executive Offi cer, excite our students and deliver CIMSPA: “I am very pleased to see skilled, professional trainers to award winners duly recognised the leisure industry. Th e recent for their eff orts in terms of publication of our Raising the Bar [email protected] professionalising our workforce, 2016 report in partnership with building a winning culture and ukactive and CIMSPA revealed a continuing to improve our training desire among operators for training and skills base.”

ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 27

Untitled-1 27 17/01/2017 17:47 Chay Pickford Customer Support Manager at Johnson Fitness An alumnus of the 2016 Future Leaders Programme

Time is more valuable than money

Amazing; that was the fi rst Th e programme made me realise transaction, but when you devote word that came into my that I can’t do everything myself and your time, people appreciate your head when I was asked without my team I’m nothing. You eff orts on a personal level. need to trust your staff ; they are the Take this scenario for example. You what I thought of the Future people with their fi ngers on the pulse are moving home, a friend gives you Leaders Programme. of the business. I also found that it’s £100 to help with moving costs, so my duty and responsibility to ensure At the opening meeting I thought you can hire a van, buy boxes etc. that they understand what the it was going to be yet another Another friend comes to your house, company’s values and goals are. programme repeating the same old helps box up your belongings, load tired teachings that we’ve heard time Most importantly I recognised that it is it, travel to your new home and then and time again. As someone who my job to make sure they feel wanted, unload and unpack your belongings. is sometimes mistaken but never loved and safe in the knowledge that In 6 months time, both friends ask wrong, this truly was a fi rst, I couldn’t although as individuals they perform for a favour on the same day. Which have been any more wrong. well, it is within our team they make a one do you help? I’ll let you answer real diff erence. Th e IESE Business School Campus the question but I know which one I was out of this world, and it quickly Th e programme taught me that would help; the friend who dedicated became apparent while learning at the the key is investing time in people, and committed time and eff ort. University that anything below world listening to them and guiding them. I believe that our customers are the class standard wasn’t welcome. Th e Time is of equal worth to everyone; companies’ heart, but it’s the staff that Professors were absolutely incredible, we all have 24 hours in a day and ensures it beats. Th e more respected the programme material clearly had so 7 days in a week, regardless of and guided the staff feel, the better much thought behind it and you could individual wealth and social status. they will interact with customers, and tell a lot of research had gone into People may thank you when you give therefore the happier the customer. creating the programme. them money but this is a business Th e heart will beat strong.

28 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 28 17/01/2017 17:48 Joe Robinson Creative Director at ukactive An alumnus of 2016 Future Leaders programme

Future Leaders 2016 Review

When applying for the Future IESE portal and can access support are beautiful and the atmosphere is Leaders Programme I was from the tutors from day one onwards. relaxed, off ering the perfect learning nervous. First-date nervous. Th ey are incredibly helpful and readily environment. Th e course is intense available to you via email and Skype but the quality of the content and the Th e programme had promised to study conference calls. In 2016, there way this is delivered is perfect. As for be amazing and at this point in my were fi ve of these study sessions and the lecturers, they are world class and career I felt ready. each one was engaging to be working in some cases you would not even on in solo and fantastic to apply be able to buy a ticket to see them Once my application had been during the lecture. speak, such would be the demand. confi rmed as successful, the University delivered my cherished When it came to the Future Leaders Outside of the lecture hall, the free programme documents approximately week itself, arriving on the Sunday time is packed with fun items like a 4 months prior to arriving. was perfect. It gave me time to settle bike ride through Barcelona and an down and relax at the hotel prior evening meal on the beach. Th is time I’d estimate there was around 20 to our fi rst session in the evening. is just as valuable as the time spent hours’ worth of work to be done in Th e accommodation is ideal, with in the Lecture theatre for networking advance, but the content is well- plenty of space to work and relax. It with peers and comparing views and prepared and very easy to get into. is also conveniently close to both the opinions on the topics at hand. It’s designed to be this way. Obviously University and the City. your professional and social lives are Looking back, the Future Leaders still going on around you so being programme has left me feeling able to dip in and out of the pre- Breaking the Frame empowered. Rather than worry course work is key. But it’s absolutely Led by Professor Miquel Llado, this about my career, I now look forward vital that you put this work in! session was delivered to us all at the to where it will take me next. Th e programme has made me more Th e programme is run at such a pace hotel on the Sunday evening. It set confi dent in creating designs as that the only way you will benefi t the tone for the programme and we well as in the management of these from the work in the breakout were introduced to the IESE staff who projects. After the course, I was able sessions is if you have already read would be working with us during the to complete projects I may otherwise the notes. You are required to form week. I met with the other students not have had the confi dence to carry fully-fl edged opinions on the case in on the programme for the fi rst time out. Th ese projects had outstanding advance and then discuss these with and this session really put me at ease. results one after the other, and I fi rmly your group in the session. Arriving at the University, you get believe this was down to the power of In addition to the pre-course an instant and very real feel for the the lessons learned from the Future materials, you receive links to the excellence that it fosters. Th e grounds Leaders programme.

Future Leaders Shaping the leaders of the future.

ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 29

Untitled-1 29 17/01/2017 17:48 LeadAbility programme to inspire new generation of disabled leaders

ukactive has launched a new which is a national charity that “LeadAbility provides a fantastic scholarship initiative designed works mainly with people who have opportunity to diversify our to help fast-track talented been paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury. workforce by helping disabled people land senior positions in the physical Th e pioneering LeadAbility disabled people into senior activity sector based solely on merit.” leadership positions across the programme aims to ensure the physical activity sector takes the “It also demonstrates another physical activity sector. lead in developing inclusive and proactive step towards being the all- Th e Matrix LeadAbility Scholarship representative leadership. Th e inclusive sector that we aspire to be, Programme, which will be sponsored latest Sport England Active People whether it is in our teams or growing by Matrix Fitness and co-ordinated Survey fi gures show that disabled our market by attracting new people by ukactive in conjunction with people are half as likely to be active through our doors who might have Aspire, seeks to proactively address as non-disabled people, often previously felt our services were not the under-representation of disabled because exercise opportunities for them – both disabled people and people in senior leadership positions. are inaccessible, unappealing or the wider population. Th is is a perfect inadequately marketed. A signifi cant opportunity for employers to get Statistics show that despite making step towards rectifying this will be behind the scheme and help shape the up 15 per cent of the workforce, ensuring that industry jobs are more future, rather than being part of the disabled people remain signifi cantly accessible to disabled staff , from past sector we are leaving behind.” less likely to be in some form of the boardroom right through to the Jon Johnston, Managing Director of employment. Th ere is a particularly weights room. stark contrast at the senior Matrix Fitness UK, said: leadership level, where non-disabled Minister for Disabled People, Work “For a long time, providing inclusive people are three times as likely and Health, Penny Mordaunt, added: fi tness solutions has been of to earn over £80,000 as disabled “Everyone deserves the chance strategic importance to Matrix people, and twice as likely to be to fulfi l their potential and pursue Fitness UK, as is supporting and board level directors. their goals, and I’m delighted to see encouraging the future leaders of Th e LeadAbility scheme will initially LeadAbility supporting young talent the industry. Members of the Matrix provide fully funded places on the and creating opportunities for more management team have already 2017 Future Leaders programme for disabled people to reach senior graduated from the Future Leaders the brightest and best disabled up leadership roles.” course and have championed its value as well as taking inspiration and coming leaders in the physical Hilary Farmiloe, National Manager from it. Th ese bursaries will give activity sector, where they will of the InstructAbility programme at disabled people access to a fantastic receive expert teaching, training Aspire, said: training programme that will fast- and mentoring during a week-long “Th e bursary scheme is exactly the course at the IESE Business School track them to senior positions and type of intervention that is needed hopefully support their long-term in Barcelona, leaving with a lasting to remove the fi nancial barrier and network of peers that will serve career goals and aspirations. We encourage companies to invest in are delighted to be supporting them well for the rest of the development of disabled people their careers. this scholarship programme that as industry leaders.” will enable a rewarding training Th e LeadAbility candidates will be Legendary Paralympian and programme to be available for all.” selected by a talent identifi cation ukactive Chair Baroness Tanni panel led by ukactive and Aspire, Grey-Th ompson added:

30 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 30 17/01/2017 17:48 TVS Sports Surfaces

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UKA.Winter17.031.indd 1 13/01/2017 12:56 Personal Training: A Reassuringly Comprehensive Process by Jak Phillips

How hard can it be to be a learning is eased signifi cantly A quick and deserved digression personal trainer? A lot through Future Fit’s accessible and should go to Jacqueline - a harder than I fi rst thought, highly supportive online learning bodybuilding grandma who has portal. Th rough my daily bus journeys carved an impressive career in our it soon transpired. (occasionally I run) to ukactive HQ industry through many years of hard Within minutes of logging into my in Holborn, I gradually progressed graft and improvement. She now online learning portal with Future Fit Training, I was surprised at the Th e reality is that the process of becoming sheer amount of information one must ingest in order to even start a fully qualifi ed exercise professional is the practical aspects of coaching refreshingly comprehensive. someone through the wonderful world of exercise. through the early learning stages, dedicates many of her weekends slowly committing to memory the to passing on her encyclopaedic As somebody who has worked in the inner workings of the aorta and knowledge of personal training to health and fi tness industry for several getting to grips with the SMARTER intrepid newbies such as myself. Over years, I’m not ashamed to admit that principles of goal-setting. the course of a three-day intensive I’d fallen into the trap of assuming course, Jacqueline coaxed and cajoled Th anks to this thorough process that obtaining my personal trainer our cohort through the early stages of knowledge acquisition and qualifi cations would be a doddle. of exercise instruction with a fi rm but consolidation, I approached my fi rst I’m happy to report that I could not fair hand, while managing to retain weekend of practical PT learning with have been further from the truth. Th e her sense of humour throughout the long weekend, which was made slightly longer by our group’s earnest and irregular digressions. Happily I was able to pass the four initial exams of my Level 2 PT course and am now knuckling down in preparation for my fi nal two practical exams next month. Like a novice half-way through an underestimated mountain climb, I fi nd myself with new-found respect for the sobering diffi culty of the task at hand. I can’t wait to get stuck into my assessment, carrying a new-found appreciation reality is that the process of becoming a fi rm grip on the basic principles of the level of work that one must a fully qualifi ed exercise professional of training the body. Any lingering put in if they wish to conquer their is refreshingly comprehensive. nerves and apprehension I had were PT course. Th e challenge is well and quickly quashed by the welcoming truly underway and I’m now glad to Fortunately for me - and many others nature of my fellow course mates and say I’ll be redoubling my eff orts in who seek to gain these new skills the patient, reassuring presence of anticipation of the task ahead. while holding down a demanding our tutor Jacqueline Hooton. full-time job - the process of remote

32 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 32 17/01/2017 17:49 With over 160 years of heritage, innovation and leadership, the Life Fitness health, fitness and wellbeing brand family continues to grow.

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UKA.Winter17.033.indd 1 13/01/2017 12:57 Raising Th e Bar by Rob Johnson

Th e Future Fit Training 2016 overweight clients and 80% believe Raising the Bar report, published special populations training should relevant qualifi cation. Th ere are serious in conjunction with ukactive and be included as standard in the Level skills gaps with communication with CIMSPA, revealed a clear message 3 PT qualifi cation. 84% of employers parents and children and behaviour from operators that change is believe it should take no less than six management and group dynamics needed in training and assessment months to complete a PT qualifi cation causing most concern. standards. Employers feel fi tness and 100% say that practical professionals are ‘ill equipped’ to assessments using real clients is vital. cope with the demands of the job and What is the fi rst priority action are calling for industry support. Rob What encourages you most to be taken? Johnson, managing director of Future about the Report? We must set higher standards of Fit Training, explains what needs to training and bring all Level 3 Personal Th e report reveals optimism among be done next… Training qualifi cations in line with operators and a clear desire to see the exacting CIMSPA Personal revised training and assessment What does the Raising the Bar Training Trailblazer Apprenticeship. A standards. I am encouraged by the Report set out to achieve? Minimum Assessment Strategy must overwhelming commitment to be implemented to meet operators’ Raising the Bar tracks the sentiment CIMSPA by employers who recognise demands: 100% asked for practical of senior leaders, human resources it is capable of delivering the unifi ed, assessment using real clients, 88% managers and training managers in long-term strategy required: 91% of want a clearer grading system (Pass, the physical activity sector regarding employers surveyed are working with Merit, Distinction) and the same the capabilities and competencies CIMSPA or planning to do so in the next percentage demand a minimum of their front-line fi tness staff and 12 months. number of gym experience hours in a workforce development strategies. trainee’s assessment. It off ers both quantifi able and What concerns you most qualitative information to support about the Report? what would otherwise be largely What do you hope the industry anecdotal evidence. It gives Having a workforce that is ill- can achieve in the next year? equipped to help people bring about operators a voice and provides us Th e changes will be operator-led sustainable improvements to their with tangible data to take to the as they govern who they employ health. We can turn this around but industry to encourage focused and what they’ll accept in terms of it will take time and my concern is and meaningful action. standards from their PTs and staff . how we address the issue in the short By defi nition, more in-depth courses term. Training providers must step What were the topline will take longer to complete and up and ensure their CPD and skills fi ndings of this report? delay better-trained staff entering gap courses are up to the job and PTs the industry. Th is coming year, Th e fundamental message is that must make every eff ort to upskill while we wait for the ‘new breed’ PTs are ill-equipped and poorly and improve. of PTs to come through, we must prepared for the challenges of today’s support our existing workforce by workplace. Customer demand Did the Report look at any investing in CPD to build their skills has changed but training has not. new areas this year? and confi dence to deliver services of Operators are employing PTs who which they, and we as an industry, aren’t yet up to the job with 100% Yes: with increasing demand to can be proud. saying they have to provide some tackle childhood inactivity, we asked additional training to ensure fi tness employers about their children’s www.futurefi t.co.uk/ staff are work ready. Signifi cantly, activity provision. 78% said they’re personal-training/ 88% of employers believe PTs aren’t uncertain of the robustness of resources/news-and- equipped to engage with special children’s fi tness training and views/2016/12/15/how- populations, including children, older employers admitted only 57% of staff we-are-raisingthebar/ adults, pre/post-natal, diabetic or currently working with children hold a

34 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 34 17/01/2017 17:49 THE NEW PREVA® USER INTERFACE TOUCH SCREEN CONSOLE

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UKA.Winter17.035.indd 1 13/01/2017 12:58 Are these health and fi tness startups the answer to the UK’s £20bn inactivity crisis?

ActiveLab unveils 12 focused on improving customer Matt Merrick, ActiveLab judge and experiences, mobilising inactive former Virgin Active European COO physical activity populations and re-imagining facilities. and UK Managing Director, said: disruptors confi rmed for As part of the initial selection process, “Th e health and fi tness market is on startup accelerator which ukactive engaged with over 150 the brink of a digital and customer aims to revolutionise the potential entrants and received 70 experience revolution, with projects full business plans. like ActiveLab having a crucial role way we move. to play in profi ling and facilitating ActiveLab aims to identify, nurture growth of innovative concepts. Th e rise With the UK’s physical inactivity and accelerate the growth of truly of an emerging startup community epidemic costing £20bn each year innovative products and services that - dedicated to changing the way and causing 37,000 deaths, the need will shape the future of the health and we move - will create unique and to fi nd innovative ways to inspire physical activity sector. Th e 12-week engaging activity experiences which active lifestyles has never been more programme will accelerate startups will help to grow the wider market and pressing. Backed by founding partners and put them on the path towards enable us to lead healthier lives.” AXA PPP and Tech City UK, ActiveLab revolutionising health and fi tness, aims to stimulate scalable health following in the vein of global success Matthew Ward, ActiveLab judge solutions that can help to overcome stories such as Fitbit and MYZONE. and AXA PPP healthcare Head of one of society’s biggest challenges. Innovation, said: Steven Ward, Executive Director of “AXA PPP healthcare is thrilled to have Developments in data, social media, ukactive, said: virtual reality and wearable tech are completed the initial judging process “As physical activity, fashion, health having a major impact on the physical for ActiveLab and was impressed by and technology continue to converge, activity landscape, which is expected the high calibre of companies that we’re entering a brave new world of to grow by £1.1bn (17 per cent) we assessed. innovation with exciting opportunities according to a recent ukactive report. to get more people, more active “Th e physical activity landscape ActiveLab will harness the sector’s more often. continues to be a key focus for AXA latent potential through its fi rst PPP healthcare and we will continue cohort, comprising fi rms “We want ActiveLab to become the to help lead innovation in this space for from across the UK global launchpad for innovative and the benefi t of our members and the scalable physical activity businesses, wider health of society.” so I’m hugely excited by the dynamic group of companies that have ActiveLab will culminate in a high- made it through to the fi rst octane event on 15 March, 2017, which cohort. will bring together leading speakers, partners, and infl uencers from the “Th e hard work starts here physical activity and technology and over the next 12 weeks spheres. Teams will showcase at the the cohort will work with event and take part in a series of live our unparalleled panel of pitches, with the winner receiving the private investors, expert top prize of a premium accelerator mentors and coaches to toolkit worth £25,000 - comprising a develop their concepts suite of products and expertise to fast- ahead of the grand fi nal track their concept. on 15 March.” www.activelab.co

36 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 36 17/01/2017 17:49 Th e 12 companies to be supported through the accelerator’s fi rst cohort are:

imovesdance - Online tools to get kids active in school and home

Connected Fitness Labs - An app breaking down the four walls of the gym by supporting a health club operator to become a true fi tness brand by off ering digital support to consumers iPrescribe Exercise - An app that uses an algorithm to provide the user with an automated, yet individualised EveryMatch International - A white- activity programme that will label mobile Software as a Service gradually build them up to their (SaaS) solution for building fi tness optimal but safe level of activity member communities

LiveSmart - UK wide, dynamic, evidence based health assessment Gymetrix - Th e fi rst company in and improvement programmes. Silverfi t - Weekly Fun And Fitness the world to start attaching sensors sessions for older people to gym equipment to measure customers usage of the equipment and then use the data to optimise Over the course of the programme, operators equipment purchasing these companies will receive a Stepjockey - Smart signs and series of networking opportunities gamifi cation platform to enable with investors and leading physical employers to quickly make their activity fi rms, as well as tailored buildings healthier and more active. mentorship and expert workshops on the challenges of scaling a business.

You can see all of this year’s Shapelog - Described as ‘Fitbit for ActiveLab companies at ActiveLab strength training’ VRGO Chair - An active chair that Live! Join ukactive as we explore can be used for movement within the future of innovation for physical virtual reality. activity. Hear from leading speakers, partners and infl uencers as we unearth the impact future trends and Amaven - An online platform to technology will have on the sector. help measure, track and improve the Open Play - Online booking system 15th March 2017 physical development of everyone Th e Crystal, E1, London through fundamental movement and marketplace for sports facilities and activities. Book your place today, skills and sports skills. visit www.activelab.co

ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 37

Untitled-1 37 17/01/2017 17:49 New for 2017 – Ignite Operations Director Geraldine Tuck answers your need to know questions on ukactive’s newest addition to the Flame schedule - Ignite.

What is Ignite? Who should attend? Ignite is an insight and development Ignite is aimed at junior and mid- day providing valuable leadership and level managers. By focusing on this management skills for all 400 delegates infl uential audience, the event will who attend. Delegates will leave take key messages, sector trends Ignite with insight of best practice in and management knowledge, closer customer service, leading community to the frontier of operational delivery engagement, as well as opportunities while contributing to the ongoing in the wider sector. Th e day will ensure professionalisation of the sector. you are maximising the potential of your clubs and your teams. Why is ukactive delivering Ignite? When is Ignite? Ignite expands the Flame Ignite will take place on 27th June development programme and allows 2017 at the Telford International us to broaden our outreach to staff Centre. Th e insight and development delivering physical activity on the day will precede our Flame front line. Conference and Flame Awards held at the same venue on 28th June. We What to expect on the day? Flame Insight would encourage all Ignite delegates to stay for the additional two Ignite will bring together key voices and Development renowned events and ticket packages from both within and outside the will be available for those who wish to sector to share best practice and Day - Ignite attend Ignite, Conference and Awards. insight and create a valuable learning environment. th Th e day will include networking, 27 June 2017 keynotes and workshops exploring the following topics:

Leadership skills, workplace culture and recruiting for success

Physical activity landscape - 2017 meeting community needs and integrating into local frameworks

Exceeding customer expectations and consumer trends Th e event will also serve as a platform for networking and sharing experience and insight. CPD points will be allocated to attendees, it really is a must attend insight and development event.

[email protected]

38 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 38 17/01/2017 17:50 Save the date

#fi tnessday Wednesday 27th September

National Fitness Day provides staff and customers in celebrating local centre. Other events going on ukactive members across National Fitness Day. GLL in Swindon throughout the day included the fi tness and leisure sector set a challenge within their local store business wide ‘plank off s’, a mass to see which staff and customers Hula Hoop class, a 12 hour treadmill the platform to promote their could take on the power hoops, steps challenge, high-street HITT classes brand and create a real buzz and skipping rope challenge in the and much more. quickest time. while celebrating the fun of National Fitness Day 2017 promises fi tness and physical activity. “National Fitness Day was a big to be bigger and better yet with a “National Fitness Day is a vital success for us and all involved. We much wider reach. Taking place on countrywide initiative that 1Life were able to raise awareness of the Wednesday 27th September it will successfully uses at all its leisure importance of fi tness as well as continue to provide a platform to centres to reach and engage local showing the general public that it promote and celebrate the fun of communities, thanks to all the tools can be fun to get active, which was fi tness and physical activity. fantastic!” Jake Hamblin, GLL Oasis and support ukactive provides.” Look out for more details on how to Leisure Centre, Swindon Neil King – 1Life Managing Director get involved in the coming months, In 2016 our members not only opened In Stoke-on-Trent, Nuffi eld Health for now though save the date! their doors to people across the ran outdoor exercise classes in front UK but they worked with National of their local Argos store, to promote [email protected] Fitness Day’s headline partner Argos, physical activity and give people a to support their local Argos store taster of what they can do at their

ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 39

Untitled-1 39 17/01/2017 17:50 Top Tips - Sourcing Your Boutique Fitness Site

Boutiques are revolutionising Beware of planning issues the street) are so often in basements,” our approach to fi tness; (and hire an expert to help) says Goldstein. “If you fi nd a basement successfully tapping in a commercial area, you have a very “Planning can vary according to good chance of being able to discuss a into consumer trends for borough - local policy varies, so it’s fi tness space with planners.” fl exibility and personalisation best to contact the borough directly while exceeding customer on this,” says Sykes. “In some areas Consider space and sound experience expectations. (particularly outside London) a fi tness studio might be deemed a Th ere’s a lot about choosing a site Businesses are seeing many positive addition to the area and thus that can get very complicated, fast. opportunities in this growing allowances are made, whereas in One example is the issue of sound: market for consumer products more saturated locations, resistance if you’re off ering high intensity, and services that enhance the can be fairly great.” Th e existing use high octane fi tness classes, for example, you may wish to make a customer experience. bit of noise and that can cause big Whether you’re completely new problems with neighbours (residential to the boutique fi tness fi eld or an ones in particular). “Th ink about existing provider, fi nding a suitable priorities,” advises Goldstein. “If new site is always challenging. you’re determined to choose a space Goldstein Ween, the architects behind where you must keep the noise ‘Another Space’ - the newly-opened down then you could make your boutique fi tness concept from Th e space soundproof. But that costs a Th ird Space – provide the inside track lot of money, so you might want to on sourcing a killer site. not choose that space and spend the money on equipment instead.” Do some big picture thinking before you even look at sites. Create a crackpot team (because brand, building and What’s the sort of space you want to create? Is there going to be an design are all connected) entry system? A private space? Do Find good architects, designers you want to be seen when you’re and builders you trust. Th is can be inside? Do you want empty frontage? as simple as visiting health clubs Considering these things from the whose design and interiors you like get-go should help you avoid lots of the property is also important; and just asking who did the work! of wasted time looking at sites what the building was and what it “Some architects can also work on that just aren’t suitable for your will be turned into has an impact on interior design and even help with brand or concept, suggests Kenny decisions that are made. (Building small elements of branding / brand Sykes, Architect and Associate at use categories range from leisure to discussions,” says Goldstein. “It’s a Goldstein Ween: “Th ink early on residential, offi ces, and more.) “Th at’s chicken and egg question: where does about whatever it is that’s going to why we’d advise hiring a Planning design begin and branding end? If you separate your boutique outfi t from Consultant - often retired planning hire someone good, whom you trust, the rest. If the brand is right, it informs offi cers,” says Goldstein Ween you could help your business to fl y everything else, from what the stairs Director, Mark Goldstein. “It’s a good from the outset. “We are responsible will look like - should they be glass or value way to discover what’s possible for getting people in the doors on the spiral for example? - to what kind of and educate yourself about the fi rst day,” says Goldstein. “But nobody yoga mat you use.” infrastructure.” Another thing to bear comes back if the training is awful. in mind: “Lots of boroughs don’t like You have to have really good people having ‘empty’ frontage (with little and good training that inspires.” happening), hence why health clubs (where people disappear into studios www.goldsteinween.com and showers that can’t be seen from

40 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 40 17/01/2017 17:50 Sweat is the ukactive’s What’s included in an inaugural boutique afternoon ticket? fi tness extravaganza. Can’t make the morning sessions? also be some practical advisory An afternoon ticket, targeted at We’re really excited about this sessions as well as some time for instructors and PTs gives you the new addition to our calendar, invaluable networking opportunities. chance to attend Sweat from 1.30pm a one-day event aimed at All attendees can expect to go home onwards, including all afternoon educating and empowering with insights on the following: sessions as well as refreshments. all those engaged in this Operational excellence & [email protected] maximising opportunities rapidly-developing sector. www.ukactivesweat.com Our mission is both focussed and Exceeding customer expectations 2nd March 2017 energetic: to bring together hundreds Growth, expansion & investment of infl uencers, entrepreneurs and Th e Warehouse Studio Space, business owners from all around Public relations, social media & London, E1 the UK and off er them the chance to broader marketing opportunities become even better at what they do and have more impact on their market. What’s included in a full day ticket? What’s on? Serious about taking your boutique We’ve put together a day-long fi tness business to the next level? agenda that’s both informative and A full day ticket includes, lunch and inspirational, including exclusive refreshments as well as access to appearances from keynote speakers all educational talks, panel debates and thought-provoking panel and networking opportunities debates. During the day there will throughout the day.

ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017 41

Untitled-1 41 17/01/2017 17:50 Keeping young people active in the New Year

Th e start of the New Year is the Elliott Peach who achieved his Gold senior school off ered the chance to perfect opportunity to remind Duke of Edinburgh’s Award whilst sign up, I decided I liked the idea of ourselves of how important working for British Gas, said: challenge and opportunity.” it is to continue to encourage “I chose white water kayaking as it Hannah learnt what Th e Duke of was already a huge passion of mine young people to get active. Edinburgh’s Award required and but I hadn’t had much time to pursue quickly realised that she already As the world’s leading youth it because of work commitments. took part in activities that she could achievement award, Th e Duke of Th e Physical section gave me a count for a few of her sections, but as Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) enables reason to get back into it. It’s been a she grew into her DofE programme, young people aged from 14 to 24 to great experience and I’ve defi nitely she found that she changed with it take on a transformative programme refreshed the freestyle moves I used and her section choices helped her of activities, including physical to do fi ve years ago!” develop as a person. challenges, at Bronze, Silver and In a recent survey that went out Gold Award level. to Bronze, Silver and Gold Award A DofE programme encourages a holders, 74% of young people said young person to make a regular that they will continue with their commitment of at least one hour physical activity now that they have per week to physical activity and completed their DofE programme. this commitment is a great way Participants have to complete all to encourage young people to sections to achieve their DofE continue with their activities after Award. For someone that may be completing each section. Th ere really musical but not into sport are three levels of programme you at all, they still have to complete can do which, when successfully the Physical section which means completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver pushing themselves outside of their or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. comfort zone and trying something Th ere are four sections to complete new. With the end goal of achieving “My DofE made me a lot more at Bronze and Silver level, and fi ve an Award that is recognised by top accepting of my disability and my at Gold; Volunteering, Physical, Skill, UK employers, many young people newly found abilities. Th is self-belief Expedition and Residential for Gold realise the importance, and stay has seen me go on to represent Great DofE participants only. motivated. Britain at two Paralympic Games, Research by YouGov for Sport bringing fi ve Gold medals back to our Th e physical category is so broad; it great nation.” England, published in 2012, found allows anyone from any background that a strong personal interest in to give it a go. It includes team Doing a DofE programme leads sport while growing up is the most sports, individual sports, water young people to make a sustained important driver for taking part in sports, racquet sports, dance, fi tness, commitment in a number of areas, later life. extreme sports and martial arts. providing a range of benefi ts for their physical health and wellbeing. For the Physical section of a Duke of Hannah Cockcroft MBE, Great British Edinburgh’s Award, a young person It is well recognised that regular Paralympian and Bronze Duke of participation in physical activity can doesn’t need to be super fi t but it Edinburgh’s Award holder said; is important to do something that have numerous benefi ts on young “My Duke of Edinburgh’s Award interests them or that they have always people and the DofE can help young was my gateway to freedom and wanted to try. A DofE programme people to develop skills and attributes confi dence. At 15 years old, I had allows a young person to explore they need to help stay fi t and healthy never been away from home on my what they really enjoy and this is what for now, and in the future. own and I had never really travelled allows the programme to be specifi c or explored the world, so when my www.DofE.org and relevant to each individual.

42 ukactive journal Issue 15 Winter 2017

Untitled-1 42 17/01/2017 17:50 Upcoming Events ukactive events bring together our members, partners and stakeholders to network with key decision makers, engage in discussion, and keep up-to-speed with developments that aff ect our sector. Sweat 2017 2nd March 2017, Th e Warehouse Studio Space, London, E1 A new event to galvanise and profi le boutique fi tness. Th e day will be split into two halves; the morning will be aimed at business owners to sweat their boutique assets, whilst the afternoon session will tap into the lively boutique debate, hosted by a panel of renowned speakers on how to create desire and a following. A must attend event for anyone interested in getting into the boutique space or extending their current off ering.

Book your place www.ukactivesweat.com

ActiveLab Live! 2017 15th March 2017, Th e Crystal, London A fast-track programme for the best and brightest physical activity businesses. ActiveLab will develop, connect and scale in order to promote, foster and accelerate innovation in the sector, culminating in a fl agship event.

Book your place www.activelab.co

Flame 2017 27th and 28th June 2017, Telford International Centre Day 1 - Ignite A day of training and insight providing an expanded development programme at Flame. 2017 Day 2 - Flame Conference and Awards Join over 800 delegates at the leading education and networking event for the sector, followed by the ukactive and Matrix Flame Awards Night, celebrating outstanding innovation and excellence across the sector.

Book your place [email protected]

Future Leaders 2017 16th-21st July 2017, IESE Business School, Barcelona Th is bespoke executive training programme and year-long alumni, aims to steer future leader careers and personal leadership skills. After the success of the inaugural programme, at IESE Business School ukactive are developing the programme to further equip candidates with the tools and strategic insight to make an even bigger impact to the sector.

Become a Future Leader www.ukactivefutureleaders.com

Align your brand, stimulate debate, solve inactivity To become a ukactive event partner, contact [email protected] “National Summit was an excellent forum for public and private operators to www.ukactive.com/events learn and collaborate, we’ve made some great connections since the event... [email protected] We found it a great opportunity to demonstrate our approach of delivering measurable outcomes from exercise, in both the private and public sector.” Jochen Michaelis Managing Director UK, eGym Headline Partner, ukactive National Summit 2015

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