WellNation

ICYMI: Are GLP-1s a threat or opportunity for the fitness industry? Cheryl Hersey, The Fitness NED, explores this topic in the latest WellNation. Thanks also to Duncan Jefford of Everyone Active - SLM, Andy Farr of Parkwood Leisure and Paul Ferris of Speedflex for their thoughts on the topic. #glp1 #ozempic #mounjaro #weightlossdrugs #weightloss Read more: https://bit.ly/41wz8y9

Clacton Leisure Centre is set to be redeveloped and transformed into a new Active Wellbeing Centre. Tendring District Council (TDC), which owns the centre, has entered into a new Community Regeneration Partnership with the central government after the authority was awarded £19.7million by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to help regenerate Clacton and Jaywick Sands. The council’s Cabinet is now set to approve a list of projects, which – in addition to the leisure centre work – also a £2.5million scheme to expand the Tudor Fields to Jaywick Sands walking and cycling route. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gyGb9s45 #PublicLeisure #LeisureCentre #wellness #fitness

ICYMI: Tara Dillon FCIMSPA (Ch), CEO of CIMSPA, talks about shaping a new look NHS through sport and physical activity - and why our sector must be at the heart of plans to increase active wellbeing and revive our healthcare services. Read more: https://bit.ly/3ZvxgD7

Facility operator, Horizon Leisure Centres, has revealed a new marketing strategy which includes using its members as “true faces of the brand”. Alexandra Pinhorn, Horizon’s Marketing Manager, said: “In an era where many images are created – or enhanced – with AI, showcasing authenticity is vital to our brand. “By prioritising honest relationships, we adopt realistic expectations about body diversity and celebrate what our customers actually look like, making fitness approachable, not intimidating. By April 2025 Horizon Leisure’s promotional materials will exclusively feature members.” The initiative looks for customers to represent Horizon Leisure in photoshoots, social media content, digital advertisements and more. Beyond being a visual representation, participants also share their stories, highlighting what Horizon means to them and how facilities managed by Horizon supports their wellbeing journey. “Professional modelling experience is not required,” Pinhorn adds. “In fact it’s preferred participants aren’t models. The focus is on personality, rather than perfection. Participants commit to at least four photoshoots per year, each earning them a month’s free membership.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/ga_bHD-Z #fitness #gym #leisurecentre #publicleisure #fitnessmarketing

ICYMI: The December issue of WellNation is now available! Packed with the usual mix of industry news, insight and opinion. Allan Casten, Tara Dillon FCIMSPA (Ch), Huw Edwards, Cheryl Hersey, Sean Nolan, Naomi Wilkinson-Baker Read it here: https://bit.ly/41jihNa

Improvements to a leisure facility in Cleator Moor, Cumbria, have taken another step forward following the approval of a planning application and the appointment of a contractor. Cumberland Council, which owns the Cleator moor Activity Centre, has been working with contractor Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd. under a design and build contract. Now, with planning secured, contract works will start in January 2025 with an anticipated 13-month programme. The improvements to the centre will include work on the four court sports hall, multipurpose studio space and changing facilities. A new health and fitness suite will be added to the centre, while there will also be a new base for Copeland Occupational & Social Centre (COSC), which provides dedicated outreach support to disabled people and groups. Once open, it will be operated by GLL. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eruKBCh8 #fitness #wellbeing #physicalactivity #wellness #gym

Worcestershire County Council has launched a new small grants programme to encourage more physical activity and active travel across the county. Voluntary and community sector groups can apply for grants to establish or maintain exercise groups or sessions – such as walking groups or Couch to 5k running programmes. Funding can also support fitness leader training, buying equipment or promoting exercise opportunities. Community organisations may bid for grants of up to £3,000. The money cannot be used for infrastructure projects and is only one-off funding. Therefore, applicants must indicate how they will ensure the sustainability of projects after the grant funding has been utilised. Applications close on 30 June 2025. Read more: https://lnkd.in/evM2-mW9 #activetravel #physicalactivity #wellness #sustainabletravel

Much of the talk about how tech is changing the fitness industry is focused on apps, trackers and other consumer-facing products. But the role of IT is important too and is often overlooked, suggests Allan Casten, CEO of Nomical. Read more: https://bit.ly/3BwlKiK

Fitness tech firm, EGYM, has partnered with fitness equipment maintenance specialist, Servicesport (UK) Ltd, to create an enhanced nationwide gym equipment servicing offer. EGYM currently provides smart machines at more than 160 locations – including health clubs operated by David Lloyd Clubs, Fitness First UK and Holmes Place International – across the UK. Matt Hoffman, Commercial Director, ServiceSport UK, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with EGYM and manage the maintenance of their assets by carrying out preventative maintenance services and ad-hoc repairs.” Steve Barton, EGYM Country Director for the UK, added:, “Partnering with Colin and the UK team will drive the highest service standards with minimum disruption to end users.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eNnVdnQ4 #fitness #healthclub #fitnesstech #fittech #gym

Ashford Borough Council has appointed Freedom Leisure to manage Tenterden Leisure Centre until 2035. The leisure trust has been operating the leisure centre on an interim basis on behalf of the council and has now secured a new long-term contract from April 2025. Tenterden will be the fourth leisure facility in the borough managed by Freedom Leisure, alongside with Ashford’s Stour Centre, Julie Rose Stadium and Spearpoint Pavilion. In total, Freedom Leisure operates more than 130 leisure and cultural facilities across England and Wales. The new arrangement will see significant investment into the centre from both Ashford Borough Council and Freedom Leisure, amounting to £2.6 million. The improvements will include the upgrading of the centre's gym equipment and group exercise studio. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e_AnGpyc Ivan Horsfall Turner #PublicLeisure #LeisureCentre #fitness #gym #healthclub