N/Dec 2023 . £6 www.paf-media.co.uk also in this issue: Strength in numbers A groundbreaking report shows the impact of power-assisted exercise on the wellbeing of older adults Supply and demand Coming up with an accurate latent demand figure for your fitness facility Young at heart A look at how a new facility at the Eden Project is helping to support exercise for young people
paf-media.co.uk 3 leader Child’s play Nature’s Playground is one of the biggest outdoor play areas in the South West of England, covering nearly 500sq m. We talk to the design team behind the new facility at The Eden Project (P27-29) Editor Dan Colombini Sales director Julian Walter Production Nicola Cann Design Sandra Cid Managing director Toby Filby Publishers Stable Publishing Limited SBC House, Restmor Way, Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AH, England. t. 020 8288 1080 f. 020 8288 1099 e. info@stable-media.co.uk www.paf-media.co.uk The publishers do not necessarily agree with views expressed by contributors and cannot accept responsibility for claims made by manufacturers and authors, nor do they accept any responsibility for any errors in the subject matter of this publication. High-energy performance… WITH Christmas approaching, a new year upon us and the chance for fresh starts across the board, I am delighted to have taken the reigns as the new editor of paf. Firstly, I’d like to say a big thank you to previous editor Jo Makosinski who has been a great help in putting together this first edition under new editorship. Her hand in the process has been vital and you will recognise her contributions within, I am sure. I am a journalist with over 15 years’ experience across many industries and sectors. My background is in infrastructure financing however, and project development is an area close to my heart. So, I am looking forward to working with the leisure sector to develop a working relationship and to bring you informative and engaging content to help you to develop your businesses. I will be picking up where Jo left off and will continue to provide the information and service that you have come to expect from us here at Stable. This month we will be taking a look at how the industry can support the mental and physical wellbeing of people from both ends of the age spectrum. Exercise is a vital part of life for people of any age, but needs vary of course. Following the Government’s recently published Sports Strategy, which contains a core ambition for one million more children and young people to be physically active by 2030, we also take a look at the role of playgrounds in delivering this vision - speaking to the design team behind a new facility at The Eden Project. We also have features looking at differing aspects of this issue and what is being done to ensure healthy lifestyle choices are accessible for all. And last but not least, we will bring you a further update on Stable Event’s first overseas physical activity facilities forum in Switzerland. Inside you will find the latest speaker details from the upcoming event in February next year. I hope you enjoy this new edition and I look forward to working with you and getting to know you better in the future. Dan Colombini Editor dan.colombini@stable-media.co.uk SUPPORTED BY
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paf-media.co.uk 5 contents paf-media.co.uk 07 News Funding provided for VR walking game to promote exercise for older people 14 Event Preview: paf Europe 2024 Join us as we take the popular physical activity facilities forum international for this inaugural event in Switzerland. Find out who will be speaking and what exciting activities will be on offer in the Alps 18 Interview: Martina Calvey We talk to Martina Calvey, chief executive officer of Hello Good Life Wellbeing, leading distributor of Innerva’s power-assisted fitness equipment in Ireland 21 Fitness: Fitness roundup The impact of power-assisted exercise on the physical and mental wellbeing of older adults; coming up with an accurate latent demand figure for your fitness facility 27 Playgrounds We look at the role of playgrounds in delivering the Government’s Sports Strategy vision, speaking to the design team behind a new facility at The Eden Project 33 Swimming Pools New, assisted lifeguard technology promises to take safety in public swimming pools to unprecedented heights inside this issue
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Brighton & Hove unveils new playground equipment BRIGHTON & Hove City Council has unveiled the second-largest outdoor playground equipment refurbishment project in its history. The project comes with a budget of £543,000 for the redevelopment of the Hollingdean Park play area. The initiative, in collaboration with Proludic, will develop a popular community space but also introduce recreational facilities catering to teenagers and adults. Brighton & Hove City Council involved the community in the tender specification process and even went the extra mile by consulting with residents on-site to introduce the design and gather their invaluable feedback before commencing installation. Area Manager for the South-East, Tim Bird, collaborated closely with Proludic’s design team to produce a concept tailored specifically to the location and neighbourhood. EXERCISE bingo, a virtual reality (VR) walking game, and an online music and movement programme will help to boost the physical activity, health, and wellbeing of older people after receiving funding from the University of Stirling. Five small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), charities, and organisations have received £5,000 each to develop new technologies, product ideas, and design concepts to engage older people in physical activity. The funding has been awarded as part of the research project, Generating Older Active Lives Digitally (GOALD), led by Stirling health and ageing experts in partnership with the University of Plymouth and local community groups including Active Stirling and Memories Scotland. It aims to contribute to the challenge mission of ensuring people can enjoy at least five extra healthy, independent years of life by 2035. The new interactive tech has been developed with the input of older people and was chosen to receive funding following a Dragon’s Den-style process. The winning solutions are: • Triangular Pixels – A VR physical activity game, promoting natural movement like walking, allowing users to explore different environments • Mature Movers – An online platform making it easier to find and access local in-person and online live, group rehab exercise classes for those over 60 • Age Scotland – Body Boosting Bingo, a group game which randomly shuffles 30 strength and balance exercises • Motus VR Ltd (previously ROVR) – Relieve, a VR experience enabling shared social experiences • danceSing – a web-based platform hosting dancing and singing keep-fit sessions Dr Colin Shore of the University of Stirling’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport and a researcher on the GOALD project said: “We worked with care-home residents, charities, and other third-sector organisations to test and gain feedback on various technologies to help shape what older people needed to help them become more active. “We asked them what they liked and didn’t like, what could be improved, and took note of any barriers that prevented them from interacting positively with the technology. “Technology is a valuable tool to maintain health and improve quality of life and can offer a quick and easy way for people to meaningfully connect online. “However, poor connectivity and access to Wi-Fi, lack of confidence and technological know-how, plus not having access to things like smart phones and tablets due to economic disadvantages, can mean older people are at risk from digital exclusion.” Professor of behavioural medicine, Anna Whittaker, a lead on the project, added: “What’s important about these products is they encourage movement that is fun and enjoyable. “The activities don’t feel as if they are formal exercise – they encourage simple, everyday movements that provide good physical and mental challenges that should help towards older people’s independence in daily activities. “We received some insightful feedback from care-home residents that they wanted computer games with avatars that looked like them and relatable instructors that better represented people in older age.” The new technologies will be designed and trialled over the next five months. www.maturemovers.co.uk www.triangularpixels.com www.ageuk.org.uk www.motusvr.com www.dance-sing.uk Funding boost to keep older people active paf-media.co.uk 7 news
8 paf-media.co.uk news NEARLY 40% of leisure centres and other publicly operated fitness facilities are considering reducing services or closing sites entirely by March, due to ongoing high energy costs. The latest survey of ukactive’s members reveals the ongoing pressures of high energy costs on the physical activity sector. Some (38.5%) publicly operated leisure facilities say they are at risk of reducing services, such as opening times, pool temperatures or classes – and some of closing entirely – by March, due to high energy costs. Nearly one in five private operators from the sample have closed some or all their sites since October 2022. ukactive’s energy risk survey received responses from public-sector operators across 164 council areas in the UK and from privatesector operators representing a total of 801 sites. It found that three quarters of private facilities are extremely likely to have to increase their customer pricing in the next six months, with 87.5% having already been forced to raise prices over the past year to cope with high operating costs. Continued price increases would not be a sustainable solution for businesses or for consumers. In some cases, the rising cost of energy has increased operators bills by more than 200%. Nearly half (43.8%) of the privately owned facilities that responded said they will be forced to consider making redundancies within the next six months. Half of the respondents said they have already reduced their staff numbers within the 12 months prior to September 2023. Government support has been provided in the form of an Energy Bill Discount Scheme that was announced in April this year. However, only 9.6% of public-sector respondents that received support said the scheme had made a significant impact in improving the risk rating for their facility. Support for some public-sector operators came in the form of the Swimming Pool Support Fund announced in March. However, demand has greatly outstripped supply, with less than 50% of applicants successful. Many other providers, such as those in the private sector and those without pools, were not eligible. In August, the Government announced its ‘Get Active’ strategy for sport and physical activity, which laid out ambitious targets to get 3.5 million more people active by 2030. Yet, with continued financial pressures forcing operators to make staff cuts, reduce essential services such as swimming classes and health programmes, or even close permanently, the survey findings highlight the ongoing risk to the sector and, consequently, the nation’s health and wellbeing. Closures have been reported across the regions, with local communities rallying to call on MPs and the Government to do more to support local authorities and businesses. ukactive has shared its findings with the Government and has set out its asks in a letter to the Chancellor and a full submission ahead of November’s Autumn Statement. Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “The Government’s ambition to get millions more people active can only be achieved if continued business support is provided to gyms, pools, and leisure facilities, alongside detailed plans to drive growth in the use of services. “Our nation’s gyms, pools and leisure centres represent the engine room of physical activity in the UK, but our survey shows that many services remain under threat from high energy costs. “Operators are doing everything to avoid passing these costs onto customers, but continuing pressure means service reductions, price rises, and redundancies are highly likely, which will only exacerbate health inequalities. “If we do not ensure the survival and growth of these facilities with targeted measures, it will have serious implications for the nation’s health, the NHS, and the economy in terms of workforce illness.” Gym health and fitness services at risk
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paf-media.co.uk 11 news Planning for play A NEW report is calling on the Government to provide ring-fenced funding enabling all UK local authorities to afford every child in the country the opportunity to play in a local, safe, and high-quality playground. A Plan For Play has been published by the Children’s Alliance and demands multiple commitments from the Government, including for the Department for Education (DfE) to require and support all primary schools to devise a school plan for play, based on proven best practice and play work principles. The report, sponsored by Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL), aims to prioritise play and creative time for children as a component of early educational framework, rather than seeing active play as an additional benefit of childhood. Tamsin Brewis, director of the Children’s Alliance, said: “Play as a nourishing, necessary, and joyful activity - enshrined by the United Nations - is the birth right of every child. “It ‘levels up’ health and wellbeing life chances for children, wherever they live, and whatever their family income. “During the pandemic, children and young people from less-advantageous backgrounds, in particular, paid the price for being cooped up and this inexpensive ‘early intervention’ measure could save burgeoning health and economic costs and tap into the potential of a new generation.” Founder and director of OPAL, Michael Follett, added: “UK primary schools are wasting play times, staff time, and school grounds’ valuable development opportunities by failing to have a plan for play. “Our work in over 1,000 primary schools has demonstrated that a planned approach to play is highly effective at improving outcomes for children and is inclusive, fun, and low cost and I cannot understand why any school would fail to plan for 20% of their delivery.” www.childrensalliance.org.uk www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk Image: cherylt23 from Pixabay Social enterprise launches exercise suite for over 55s A HEALTH and wellbeing studio has opened at a Salvation Army site in Kirklees as part of a trial to make exercise more accessible for older adults. The Legacy Active Gold suite, which features specialist power-assisted exercise equipment from Huddersfield-based manufacturer, Innerva, has been developed by the social enterprise Legacy Sport to promote active ageing in the community. Targeting the over 55s, Legacy Active Gold is housed in the Salvation Army Community Hall in Mirfield. The self-contained suite has been supported with additional funding from the local NHS delivery partner, Locala, with an additional support from the Kirklees Council innovation fund. Local Councillor Martyn Bolt said: “It is important as we get older to maintain physical activity. I am grateful that Mirfield has been supported with this equipment and investment from all parties and I’m really looking forward to seeing the impact it has for our ageing population.” The suite features eight pieces of Innerva’s power-assisted equipment which cater for all abilities with settings and features designed to guide users through effective and safe exercise routines. Wheelchair accessible, the facility sits adjacent to a welcoming refreshment area where users can socialise after their exercise sessions. Kim Leadbeater, MP for Batley and Spen, and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Sport, was one of the first people to visit the site. The former college lecturer and fitness instructor said: “This is a fantastic facility which provides a great opportunity for people of all abilities to work on their mobility, strength and overall health and wellbeing, and is an excellent example of private and voluntary stakeholders working together to improve the health of our community. “Promoting mobility and exercise for older people works towards preventing more serious health complications later in life. And the Salvation Army is a great local facility which also provides a social space to make movement and exercise enjoyable with brilliant mental-health benefits.” Opening for a trial period of 12 months, the Mirfield suite will run five days a week with staff present at all times to support and guide users through their sessions. The trial aims to assess the impact of the Legacy Active Gold model on the community and its impact for rollout in other areas of Kirklees. “After 12 years of improving the health and wellbeing of young people, we are delighted to be working with Innerva to keep the over 55’s mobile, healthy and increasingly independent. We believe the combination of our powerassisted exercise suite and social space will ensure the Legacy Active Gold project makes a positive difference to the lives of our customers,” says Shaun Fox, CEO of Legacy Sport. Donna Oldman, Social Impact Manager at Locala, said: “Locala Health and Wellbeing are delighted to support Legacy Gold Active to create this much-needed health and wellness hub for older adults and those affected by long-term health conditions. As local healthcare providers, we understand how important initiatives such as this are for local people who want to keep active and stay connected. Supporting our communities to live well and age well is one of our key priorities and we are thrilled to be part of this exciting new venture.” The new site also forms part of the UK Health and Innovation (UKRI) project led by Innerva, which explores new solutions that promote active ageing. This is the second venue to take part in the UKRI trial following the launch of Everyone Active’s Active Wellbeing studio in Middlesborough this summer. “We are looking forward to working with Shaun and the team on the UKRI trial. This important project aims to give operators and community organisations the tools to help people remain independent and socially connected for as long as possible, while improving accessibility for older people and those with long-term health conditions,” says Jon Hymus, managing director of Innerva.
paf-media.co.uk 13 news REDBRIDGE Council has begun a public consultation exercise on plans to build a new lido in Valentines Park. The £4m project is subject to planning approval and local people are being invited to share their views as part of the process. The plan is for the new lido to be built close to the original facility, which operated between 1923 and 1995, and to utilise the latest technology to ensure it is sustainable and cost efficient to run. Councillor Kam Rai, deputy leader of Redbridge Council and cabinet member for finance and regeneration, said: “Our borough is a great place to live, work, and visit, and we’re continuing to invest in leisure facilities so local families and visitors can access everything they need right on our doorstep. “The new lido will provide a sustainable, fun, and social place for people to exercise in the great outdoors, while boosting our local economy and restoring the heritage of Valentines Park.” The new lido will include a 25m, six-lane swimming pool; children’s splash pad; changing facilities; a café; gym; meeting room; outdoor recreation/picnic area; and a car park. If approved, it is anticipated that the pool will open next summer. It is one of three proposed new lidos planned for the capital to reflect the surge in popularity for outdoor swimming in recent years. The other two are proposed in Leyton and Stoke Newington. Lido plans are unveiled for Valentines Park
The physical activity facilities forum Europe is launching in February 2024 for its inaugural year. The event will take place in Switzerland, providing the opportunity for a truly immersive business experience amid the backdrop of the Alps A FIRST of its kind, the activities on offer combine the thrill of the slopes, with unprecedented business and networking opportunities. Over two days and three nights the event will bring together leading buyers and industry suppliers from across the European physical activity spectrum, including dedicated 1-2-1 meetings. Our goal is to enable valuable, to the point strategic discussions, through a dedicated pre-arranged schedule. Work hard, play hard Opening the event, which will take place on 27-29 February at the luxurious Radisson Blu Hotel in the beautiful surroundings of Andermatt, will be a fireside discussion with Dave Stalker, President of Europe Active, Huw Edwards, CEO of UK ACTIVE, and Marcus Schwedhelm, Chair Commission Qualitop and board member at Swiss Active. “You must experience PAF,” says Stalker. “The thrill of the slopes meets the power of networking for a new kind of event, where physical activity facilities and business unite like never before.” Among key industry figures, they will be discussing the hot topics, trends and challenges in the industry with a deeper discussion on how different European initiatives are meeting the challenges of engagement and participation in physical activity. But there is more. The event will provide the opportunity for delegates to bond and inspire over a variety of winter sports after a productive working day. Activities will include skiing and snowboarding in stunning, scenic surroundings, relaxing massages and self-care at the onsite Spa & Wellness Centre. And of course, plenty of relaxation in comfortable and cosy rooms. Packages include a two-day ski pass, all ski equipment hire, as well as lessons for beginners and more seasoned campaigners looking to hone their skills. Furthermore, there will be a fondue party 2,222m on the mountainside, one of PAF Events’ renowned gala dinners, which will also include live entertainment and even more alpine activities to suit your tastes. Unprecedented opportunities “Gaining access to such tailor-made networking opportunities in such a scenic and stunning setting is an unprecedented 14 paf-media.co.uk event preview David Stalker, President, European Active Huw Edwards, CEO, UK Active Marcus Schwedhelm, Chair Commission Qualitop, board member, Swiss Active
paf-media.co.uk 15 event preview opportunity for the sector,” says new PAF editor Dan Colombini, who will be chairing the speaker session at the event. Join us as a complimentary buyer and stay at the forefront of the products and services across the rapidly evolving landscape of physical activity facilities. Meet with innovative suppliers and build better, stronger business relationships for the future. Join as a supplier and get unprecedented access to a host of key decision-makers involved in the operation, design, build and management of indoor and outdoor physical activity facilities. “Delegates can expect our usual dedicated one-to-one meetings with their selected professionals, which can include operators, local authorities, universities, architects, contractors, and consultants that are the driving force behind the latest innovation that propels the sector across Europe. It is an exciting time for the industry, so what better way to create new partnerships, business connections and friends than over two days in the Alps.” Stable Events MD Toby Filby adds: “We are thrilled to host this brand new forum, combining meeting rooms with mountain views. Our events wouldn’t be possible without the support from our event partners: Europe Active, UK Active and Swiss Active and our supporters IAKS and Elevate. In addition to welcoming many buyers and suppliers across Europe to the snowy Swiss Alps next year.” At Stable Events, we believe business is all about building strong relationships, our unique winning formula has created that for thousands of professionals, year after year – and this event will be no different. To find out more about next year’s event, contact julian@stable-events.co.uk to attend as a supplier or georgie.smith@stable-events.co.uk to attend as a complimentary buyer. www.paf-europe.com Partners: Sponsors:
16 paf-media.co.uk sport england Sport England launches £250m place partnerships expansion Sport England has announced a new investment plan of £250m over the next five years to expand its place partnerships scheme. THE organisation will provide £250m of National Lottery and Exchequer funding into its place-based work, with £190m of this focused on an additional 80-100 places which have the greatest need. An additional £35m will be invested to strengthen work with existing place partnerships, with a further £25m being made available to create a Universal Offer of key tools and resources, ensuring every area of England can access support. In November, Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England chief executive, joined Sports Minister Stuart Andrew at Waterside Leisure Centre on Canvey Island – one of the places that will benefit from the new proposals. This insight and expertise will help many more communities develop a Place-Based Systemic Approach to physical activity that reflects their unique needs, relationships and geography, according to Sport England. Greatest resource It will also target “the greatest resource to areas with highest inactivity levels and other social need indicators. This is where this commitment can have the biggest impact on our key outcomes”. This significant revenue and capital investment, which is central to Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy, builds directly on the learning generated by our LDPs since 2017. This insight and expertise will help many more communities develop a place-based systemic approach to physical activity that reflects their unique needs, relationships and geography. Physical activity data The plans will use a range of data sources to inform this approach, including physical activity data from Active Lives Surveys, as well as wider social data including IMD, community need and health inequalities data. Hollingsworth said: “Access to sport and physical activity in England is still not close to being a level playing field. Where a person lives and the environment around them has a huge impact on how likely they are to be physically active. Too often, people in low-income communities don’t have access to the same facilities or opportunities as wealthier areas. “This is manifestly unfair – and must be addressed as a real priority. That is why our expanded place partnership programme will unashamedly see us target our resources and efforts on communities that need the greatest levels of support and experience the greatest levels of inequality. “We will invest in those that need it most so that everyone has an equal chance to access the very real benefits of playing sport and be physically active.” Sport England will now talk to the Local Delivery Pilots and Active Partnerships about the need in their places and to explore the role they can play. A statement from the organisation said: “These conversations are just concluding and helping to inform some immediate priorities of where we will go next and where we will need a longer-term phased approach. “This intelligence will lead us to bring forwards stakeholders in targeted places to start a more detailed conversation around a system-based approach to tackling physical inactivity and associated inequalities. “It's important that we co-design the detailed approach so that resources are most effectively utilised based on local leadership and ownership. “Some places with low activity levels and poor wider outcomes are already clear on their own local priorities for getting people moving more and these places will likely be the first early ‘adopters’ in our expansion approach.” www.sportengland.org/news-andinspiration/place-partnershipsexpanded-help-those-greatest-need
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Please tell us about your background. My background is a unique blend of two distinct but equally meaningful paths: a teaching career and deep involvement in my family's well-known business in Ireland, which has spanned generations. These dual pursuits have not only enriched my life but have also taught me valuable lessons in leadership, education, enterprise and the importance of community. For three decades, I dedicated my time to the field of education, nurturing the minds of young individuals and helping them shape their futures. It was a fulfilling journey, and I cherished the opportunity to make a positive impact on countless lives. Outside of the classroom, my heart has always been drawn to the simple joys of life. I found solace in long walks and the tranquillity of gardening. These activities allowed me to connect with nature and provided a sense of balance in my life. Unfortunately, a debilitating flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis and a battle with breast cancer threw unexpected challenges my way, forcing me to re-evaluate my approach to fitness and mobility. My quest to find alternative solutions led me to Innerva and power-assisted exercise. These innovative approaches have not only offered me a way to recover some of the mobility I lost but have also empowered me to continue doing what I love for longer. They've become a critical part of my journey to maintaining my wellbeing and independence. Through this unique combination of experiences in education, business, and the lessons learned from personal health challenges, I've come to appreciate resilience and the importance of adaptability. My background has shaped me into someone who values both tradition and innovation, education and personal growth, and who seeks to make the most of life's opportunities, no matter the obstacles in the way. How did the Hello Goodlife Wellbeing brand take shape? It emerged from a powerful fusion of ideas centered around the notion of saying hello to a better life by prioritising one's health and wellbeing. At its core, "Hello Goodlife" believes in embracing a positive, fulfilling life by actively engaging in activities that are not just beneficial for physical health but also nurture social and mental wellbeing . The brand's journey started with the recognition that health and wellbeing are not isolated aspects of life but are interconnected, affecting our physical, social, and mental dimensions. "Hello Goodlife" advocates for an integrated approach to wellbeing, where individuals can make meaningful, sustainable changes by saying hello to a healthier lifestyle. Central to this concept is the incorporation of power-assisted exercise, a revolutionary approach to physical fitness that offers numerous advantages. This approach recognises that exercise doesn't have to be strenuous and difficult; it can be empowering and inclusive. Power-assisted exercise technology is designed 18 paf-media.co.uk play We talk to Martina Calvey, chief executive officer of Hello Goodlife Wellbeing, leading distributor of Innerva’s powerassisted fitness equipment in Ireland. She tells paf about the important link between health and mental wellbeing and how she is striving to make physical exercise more inclusive
to assist individuals in achieving their fitness goals, regardless of their current physical condition. It's a way of saying hello to a healthier you by making exercise accessible and enjoyable. Furthermore, the "Hello Goodlife" brand places a strong emphasis on the social aspect of wellbeing . It understands that humans are social creatures and that connecting with others is essential for a fulfilling life. The brand promotes group activities, support networks, and communities that foster social interactions and build lasting relationships. These connections not only enhance physical health but also contribute to mental and emotional wellbeing . Mental health is another integral element of the "Hello Goodlife" philosophy. It acknowledges that true wellbeing extends beyond the physical body and encompasses the mind. The brand encourages mindfulness, stress reduction, and emotional support through various wellness practices. By focusing on mental health, "Hello Goodlife" aims to help individuals find a balanced, centered, and happier version of themselves. How do you manage your busy workload? I utilise a combination of strategies and a range of digital tools while working from a prioritised work-list to help me stay organised, focused and productive. Also I limit time on social media and set realistic goals and deadlines. I also try to minimise distractions while working and I attend to what I can at the earliest opportunity. What is involved in Hello GoodLife Wellbeing products? We supply and distribute the innovative ranges from Innerva UK, known for its cutting-edge power-assisted exercise equipment designed to make physical activity more accessible and effective for a wide range of individuals, regardless of their age or physical condition. We also supply and distribute Hello Goodlife Wellbeing Hubs which offer a holistic and inclusive approach to health and wellbeing . The power-assisted exercise equipment from Innerva UK makes physical activity more accessible, and the Wellbeing Hubs provide a supportive, community-driven environment where individuals can focus on their overall wellbeing . Together, these components aim to empower individuals to lead healthier, happier lives. How do they benefit a user? Power-assisted exercise and Hello Goodlife Wellbeing Hubs offer a range of benefits to users, promoting their physical, social, and mental wellbeing . Here's a more detailed description of how these components can enhance the lives of individuals: Benefits of Power-Assisted Exercise: 1. Accessibility: Power-assisted exercise equipment is designed to be inclusive, allowing individuals with varying levels of mobility to engage in physical activity. It removes many of the barriers that might prevent people from exercising, such as joint pain, muscle weakness, or physical limitations. 2. Improved Physical Health: • Strength and Endurance: Users can build strength and endurance gradually without straining their muscles or joints, making it suitable for both beginners and those in rehabilitation. • Cardiovascular Health: Some machines offer low-impact cardio workouts, which are gentle on the heart and joints. • Flexibility: Power-assisted exercise equipment can assist users in stretching and enhancing flexibility, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with limited mobility. 3. Enhanced Mental Health: • Stress Reduction: Regular exercise, even with assistance, can reduce stress and anxiety, enhancing mental wellbeing . • Mood Improvement: Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which can boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression. 4. Customised Workouts: Users can personalise their exercise routines to match their fitness goals and needs, whether they aim to lose weight, build muscle, or improve overall fitness. 5. Safety: These machines are designed with safety features, reducing the risk of injury during exercise. This reassurance is especially important for users with physical limitations or those recovering from injuries. Benefits of Hello Goodlife Wellbeing Hubs: 1. Community and Social Support: • Sense of Belonging: Wellbeing Hubs offer a supportive community where individuals can connect with others who share similar health and fitness goals. • Accountability: The sense of belonging and the supportive network help users stay accountable to their wellbeing objectives. 2. Holistic Approach: • Physical wellbeing: Wellbeing Hubs provide access to power-assisted exercise equipment, promoting physical health by making it convenient and enjoyable. • Social wellbeing: Regular group activities and exercising promote social interaction, reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing social wellbeing . • Mental wellbeing: Engaging in social and physical activities in the hubs fosters good mental health and contributes to improvements in overall wellbeing . Power-assisted exercise and Hello Goodlife Wellbeing Hubs work in tandem to empower users in their pursuit of holistic wellbeing. Power-assisted exercise equipment makes physical activity accessible, while Wellbeing Hubs provide a supportive environment where users can focus on their physical, social, and mental health. Together, these components enhance the lives of individuals, helping them lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives. What were the difficulties in launching a brand such as this? It will take some time to build our profile and explain what is different about power-assisted exercise and its benefits to people in a variety of sectors and settings. The first Hello Goodlife Hub in Ireland will launch in January 2024 and this will enable interested parties to visit and see for themselves and to talk to the people using the hub. What advice would you give to people with health challenges? To join a hub and experience the often life changing benefits of regularly exercising with power-assisted equipment which can help to rehabilitate and recover some lost mobility and if possible to strengthen and tone the body to help manage the condition into the future. Do you have any advice to facilities that are seeking to improve their options to support such people? Review the science-backed knowledge and information available from Innerva UK regarding regular use and the improvements and benefits to the many different users living with a variety of health challenges. Informed by the science this equipment is designed with these users in mind. www.hellogoodlife.ie paf-media.co.uk 19 play
facilities forum - the physical activ Europe vity 27th - 29th February 20 Radisson Blu Hotel, Andermatt, Sw An immersive b i i 024 witzerland business experi paf Europe, held across three days, will bring buyers and suppliers from across the Europ activity facility sector. We value both work and play and have des agenda to take your newfound partnerships meeting room to the mountains, where you ience g together top pean physical igned an s from the can expand Atte If you of ph nd as a complimentary buy u are involved in delivery or hysical activity facilities, join yer operation n us as a your network Ap We have an exci attendees can e Pre-selected Informative s Ski pass All ski/board Lessons for b près Ski style. iting social schedule planned and expect the following: d 1-2-1 meetings seminar session d equipment hire beginners and intermediates Atte As a acce invol p com Secu geor nd as a supplier supplier, you will have unprecedented ess to a host of key decision-makers lved in the design build and management y y j mplimentary delegate. ure your space - rgie.smith@stable-events.co.uk Fondue party Fabulous ga Access to Fit beginners and intermediate y 2222m up the mountain! la dinner tness/Spa facilities es of ph Book julia Partne S lved in the design, build and hysical activity facilities. k your place - n@stable-events.co.uk ers: t d management ca Suppo ll now: orters: wwww.paf-europee.com
paf-media.co.uk 21 fitness The power of exercise The release of the End User Impact Report 2023 from Innerva documents the profound effect of power-assisted exercise on the management of long-term health conditions among the elderly, many of whom have previously felt excluded from mainstream health and fitness facilities due to their age, health, or lack of confidence. And the headline results demonstrate how the Innerva wellbeing solutions – which include seated climbers and cross cycles – help improve the five elements of healthy ageing – aerobic fitness, muscular strength, balance, flexibility and social wellbeing – to reduce the risk of falls and fractures, enhance coordination, maintain muscle mass, and boost mood and overall wellbeing. The research shows that: • 94% of users reported improved aerobic fitness • 88% felt stronger when getting up from a seated position, with 87% experiencing increased strength for lifting heavier items or carrying shopping • 80% reported improved balance, critical for falls prevention • 93% noticed enhanced flexibility, important for everyday mobility • 5% reported a positive impact on mental health Building on the findings of its previous report in 2020, the new research was conducted among six Innerva operators across the UK and generated a total of 853 end user responses, 80% of whom were female. With 94% of users aged over 50 years old, and 75% over the age of 60, it shows how operators are using Innerva’s power-assisted wellness solutions to engage older adults and forge links with health partners to service the UK’s growing ageing population. Warren Smyth, chief executive of Abbeycroft Leisure, which has an Innerva Wellbeing Suite, said: “This has been a fantastic addition to our facility in Brandon. “Not only has it added a new offer to our community, but it has also added a different dimension to our work with community health teams and other partners within the NHS.” The report also highlights the loyalty of older adults and their high levels of engagement. For example, almost half of individuals (44%) visit Innerva-equipped studios three or more times a week, while over three quarters (77%) use the equipment two or more times in a week. Jon Hymus, managing director of Innerva, said: “Our latest research shows the lifechanging impact of power-assisted exercise on older adults and those with chronic conditions. “As society grapples with an ageing population and people living for longer in ill health, we hope this report serves as a call to action and encourages more operators to create inclusive environments where everyone can take part in exercise to age well.” www.innerva.com A groundbreaking new report shows the impact of power-assisted exercise on the physical and mental wellbeing of older adults.
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paf-media.co.uk 23 fitness Immersive studio opens in Wales DENBIGHSHIRE Leisure Ltd (DLL) is bringing the first Future Studios immersive fitness experience to Wales as part of its ongoing investment in health and fitness facilities. The new Studio 360 will be the only immersive fitness space of its kind in the country when it opens next month. Delivered via the UK Leisure Framework, which is managed by DLL and Alliance Leisure, the health and wellness space will offer immersive, all-inclusive experiences to engage and inspire existing group exercise participants and attract new audiences. DLL has worked with creative agency, Flareform, to repurpose an existing exercise studio at Club Rhyl in Denbighshire to produce a one-of-a-kind exercise environment that uses 360-degree projection onto all walls of the room to create seamless animated scenes that transform with each class. The technology allows the operator to create unique settings tailored to specific workouts complete with soundscapes and visuals that react to sound. For example, DLL can run mindfulness sessions in woodlands and yoga on mountain tops, Zumba around dancing flames on a beach, and HIIT classes in a nightclub. The investment will not only enhance the health and fitness offer at Club Rhyl, but will allow DLL to provide experiences that appeal to people of all ages and demographics to help encourage more members of the community to take part in exercise. “Our aim is to deliver one of the mostinnovative and exciting fitness clubs in Wales”, said Jamie Groves, managing director of DLL. “Using the Future Studios technology, we can create any immersive environment that people want to exercise in and it means users can enjoy a different experience every time they visit a class, our instructors can deliver even-more-engaging workouts, and we can offer something for everyone. “As the first immersive group exercise experience of its kind in Wales, Studio 360 will take the DLL class programme to another level.” www.denbighshireleisure.co.uk www.flareform.com www.allianceleisure.co.uk
24 paf-media.co.uk fitness YOU might have found what feels like the perfect site for your new facility – but is it really? Will you attract enough members to make it a viable business? Should you go ahead? Alternatively, you might be operating an existing facility and feel you already have as many members as you’re realistically going to get – but is that assumption correct, or are there in fact more hot prospects just waiting for you to approach them? Step forward Leisure DB’s latent demand reports, trusted by operators, consultants, and agencies across the sector to accurately predict latent demand for any site, or proposed new site, in the UK. Behind every one of our latent demand calculations sits comparable data on 7,000 UK fitness sites, profiles of millions of members, 450-plus Mosaic data variables, and 20-plus years of experience. And our calculations draw in demographics and local competition and reflect the make-up of your existing, or proposed, club or centre: its size, price point, facilities, and many other factors. And it’s very precise: change one of these variables, change your intended target audience, and the latent demand number changes with it. The result: highly-accurate estimates of demand that enable decisions to be made with confidence. Here’s how we do it… STEP 1 – Creating a catchment We start with the catchment area – from how far away will people be willing to travel to use your facility, and how large is the population within that catchment. For every estimate of a catchment area, we run various options through our model to determine what is realistic, before also applying our 20-plus years of experience to factor in other variables that we know can influence catchments. Because this isn’t just about drive time, or even population clusters and where your competitors are; it’s about what you’re offering, and for what price. And it’s about geography, natural boundaries and man-made features. All of this factors into the catchment we create for your site. STEP 2 – Mosaic profiling Once your catchment area has been defined, it’s time to understand the make-up of its population, and this is where Mosaic comes in. Based on 450-plus data variables, Experian’s Mosaic consumer classification platform encompasses 15 groups that break down into 66 types. It presents a clear picture of who lives where in the UK – broken down to the level of individual postcodes – with groups offering an overall feel of an area, then types going into more detail. Our latent demand reports work at the detailed level of Mosaic types; this is what drives their accuracy and value, as it really allows us to dive into the specifics. The Mosaic profile we create for your facility – planned or existing – not only shows the dominant types in the catchment, but indexes all types to show their comparative weighting and importance for your facility. Accurately predicting potential What does it take to come up with an accurate latent demand figure for your fitness facility, whether planned or existing? How many, or how many more, members can you realistically hope to gain? Leisure DB’s Natalie Gibson shares her expert insight
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