http://www.workout-ireland.com/ WorkOut Ireland is the perfect platform to target all the major decision makers within the ever developing health, leisure and fitness industry in Ireland. en-uk Copyright Wharncliffe Publishing Limited 2008 2008-03-03 11:13:55 2008-03-03 11:13:55 http://www.workout-ireland.com/ http://www.workout-ireland.com/images/rsslogo.gif http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2008-03 By Mary Ferguson A DEAF personal trainer from Belfast is celebrating reaching the final of a national awards scheme to recognise those who have beaten the odds and changed their lives through exercise. The Fitness First New You Achievement Awards were held at a ceremony in London, where Pamela Campbell was up for a staff award. Profoundly deaf and suffering with Ushers syndrome, Pamela, 20, became a member of Fitness First in Connswater after bullying made her turn to junk food and alcohol to escape her daily life. With help from fitness instructor Keith Shaw – who could already sign – Pamela gained confidence. She said: “I changed from the shy, unconfident person to the new me. Joining the club is the best thing that could have happened to me and I couldn’t have done it without Keith. “He believed in me and supported me the full way – he has been an inspiration and I’m so grateful for that.” Pamela’s personal trainer, Mary Rose, learned to sign specifically to support her and taught her all about her job on the gym floor, inspiring Pamela to pass her gym instructors course. She added: “I want to have a successful personal training business.  Mary Rose has inspired me to teach classes to deaf people and I want to travel the world and be an inspiration to others.” Now in their third year, the awards celebrated 16 finalists, split into five categories – Shape, Health, Fitness, Sport and Staff. Judges included GMTV’s Dr. Hilary Jones, Angie Dowds from Living TV’s Biggest Loser and John Gamble, managing director of Fitness First. He said: “I am immensely humbled to have been involved with this year’s tremendous event. Whilst the concept is just three years young, the incredible growth in awareness and member response to the New You Achievement Awards is hugely encouraging. “With entry open to each of our 440,000 members in the UK, we look forward to welcoming the next NYAA and demonstrating once again that through adversity there is hope.” WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-03-03 11:13:55 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2008-02 A CONSUMER watchdog is to take legal action against gyms with unfair membership contracts, Workout Ireland can reveal. The National Consumer Agency (NCA) has issued a stark warning claiming that gyms that fail to modify or remove any clauses which are biased against the consumer may end in court. The move comes after the government body launched a consumer investigation into the unfairness of terms and conditions of leisure sector contracts, following a number of complaints. The NCA is calling on these clubs to immediately review the terms and conditions of their standard contract or face the unessary consequences. Acting chief executive of the NCA, Ms Ann Fitzgerald said: "If these clubs are not prepared to cooperate, I will not hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to bring about a level playing field for consumers and for traders who have already included fairer terms in their standard contracts.  This may require court orders but I am ready to go down this road if necessary.” Irish gym owner and former supermarket boss, Ben Dunne controversially changed his membership contracts after being contacted by the agency. The fitness group has removed clauses from its contracts, including one which allowed the fitness group to cancel membership ‘at any time without giving reason’ and a condition which absolved it from responsibility for the ‘failure or breakdown of facilities, however caused’. The gym group also removed a clause which prevented members from getting a refund of their membership fee, as well as a condition which gave it the right ‘to vary prices at its sole and absolute discretion’. ILAM, the leading body for the Irish Leisure Industry is encouraging its members to comply with the NCA’s guidelines. A spokesman said: “The NCA have covered all aspects and have clearly explained the issues. Under the provisions of the European Communities (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts), Regulations, 1995, terms in standard consumer contracts such as those in gym membership forms must not be unfairly weighted against consumers. ILAM would promote self regulation and avoid possible legal action. “Mr. Ben Dunne is to be congratulated on his swift positive response to the NCA and it is ILAM’s hope that all other facilities will respond in like manner.” WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-02-07 14:58:02 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2008-01 THE luxury Rochestown Park Hotel and Leisure Club has become the first fitness centre in Ireland to install Cybex’s Personal Entertainment Monitors (PEM) to their gym equipment. The systems provide personalised viewing screens, allowing members to choose among six TV channels and two music channels to view while training. Deirde Counihan, leisure centre manager at Rochestown Park said: “We chose Cybex’s PEM solution to give our customers a variety of entertainment options to make their gym experience more pleasurable. “We have different age groups and we would like them to have some variation from the LCD screens, adapted to each individual taste. “We have had several upgrades in the equipment since the hotel opened in 1993, as we are always looking to offer something different to our customers.” Rochestown Park’s new enlarged facility also includes a dedicated free-weights training area, containing the latest in Cybex plate-loaded resistance equipment and a cable crossover. WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-01-02 15:25:42 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2008-01 A POPULAR Dublin gym is to offer 24-hour opening from September, claiming to be the first open-all-hours fitness facility in Ireland. The Fitness Dock, operated by Coral Leisure, will initially open around the clock for a trial period of four months, during it’s peak days of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Management are hoping the move will ease congested evening periods, and provide the club with a unique selling point to set themselves above the competition. The gym currently opens from 6.30am until 10pm Monday to Thursday, closes at 9pm on Friday and opens 10am to 6pm at weekends. Paul Hurley, membership consultant at The Fitness Dock, said: “There are a lot of professionals in Dublin who work long hours and haven’t always got time to fit a workout into their schedules. “There are also those who are really into their training and like to visit twice a day, so this will make things easier for them. “It also enables us to stand out from other gyms in the area – we already have a good reputation and we’re hoping that offering 24 hour opening will enhance this.” Paul said that if the concept is successful, they will increase their team to cover night shifts but for now, existing staff will work the extra hours. He said: ‘We’re a close-knit team and everyone is supportive of the idea. We asked for volunteers to cover the night shifts and everyone’s been happy to do this. “Big chain gyms would struggle to open 24 hours because their staff would refuse to do nights – as they tend to be unhappy in their jobs.” To market the new opening times, the gym posted an announcement on an online fitness forum and Paul said they have had an overwhelmingly positive response. Nearer to the time they plan to hold a promotional day to advertise the 24-hour opening, and Paul is confident the trial will be a success. He added: “The first few months are a test, but I expect the concept to be very popular amongst our existing members, as well as drawing new business in.” If the new hours work for The Fitness Dock, the concept may be extended to Coral Leisure’s other sites across the country. WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-01-02 15:25:39 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2008-01 PRIVATE sector gyms have hit back after being accused of being uninterested in the development and training of their staff. Northern Ireland manager for SkillsActive, Siobhan Weir, pointed out that the big chain gyms did not attend the SkillsActive and CLOA conference held in Northern Ireland in June. She said told workout that the David Lloyd Leisure’s and the Fitness First’s of the industry were absent from the event and suggested that this absence was perhaps due to a lack of interest. She said: “You don’t reach an end point all gyms have got to be competitive and encourage and retain staff. Private sector gyms have an high rate of staff turnover. Managers have to know what their staff’s aspirations and ambitions are.” But Derek Crawford, Divisional Fitness Manager for Fitness First Ireland, has hit back saying that he would have loved to have gone to the event but didn’t get an invite. However Siobhan says that they were sent an invite but it could simply be a matter of the invite going to the wrong person. She said: “It suggests a common challenge facing SkillsActive - targeting the right person in an organisation can be hit or miss. But I also believe that if managers etc are interested in developing their workforce, they don’t have to wait for us to make the initial contact – all you have to do is Google a few keys words and it signposts you to the SkillsActive web site.” An ILAM spokesman suggest that the lack of private sector at the event was probably due to the fact that SkillsActive have stronger links with the Public sector as historically the majority of leisure facilities in the North of Ireland were run by Local Authorities.  A spokesman for ILAM said: “SkillsActive are a fairly new organisation and while they are increasingly expanding their involvement with the private sector it takes time to develop these relationships.  “ILAM is working with SkillsActive on a number of European projects and are engaged in discussion with them to increase the involvement of  the private sector in both ILAM and SkillsActive.” WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-01-02 15:25:35 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2007-07 AN Ulster pole dancer who set up the first pole dancing studio in the province has represented her country in a UK-wide fitness competition. El Fegan from Co. Down represented Northern Ireland in the Pole Divas National Pole Fitness Championship Finals in Manchester and came fifth, after stomping home to victory in the recent professional heats. She said: “It went well, but the competition was really high – the girl who won has been dancing for ten years. For my first competition though, I’m very happy.” The 26 year old fitness instructor set up Polercise in 2005, the first purpose-built pole dancing exercise studio in the province. The business now has sites in Belfast and Londonderry. El added: “I’ve worked very hard over the last couple of years to introduce pole dancing as an exercise in Northern Ireland so it’s great to finally get some recognition. “It’s the best overall body workout, improving muscle tone and flexibility as well as being CV exercise. Pole dancing is taking off in Ireland in a big way and plenty of people are jumping on the bandwagon and opening up studios.” As well as holding her CNI fitness award, OCR ETM and Pole Instructors award, El continues her ongoing training with various schools in England and is a board member of The International Pole Federation UK. This years’ Pole Divas competition took place on 3 June at the Pure nightclub in Manchester, England. WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-07-02 11:42:35 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2007-06 THE third health club from NRG Health and Fitness has opened in Ireland at a cost of over three million euros. The gym, attached to the Jury's Hotel in Cork, includes an 18 metre swimming pool, whirlpools, saunas, a steam room and exercise rooms. It also boasts a 4000 sq ft fitness suite equipped with cardiovascular stations from Precor and Cardio Theatre personal viewing screens. The club also offers personal training and specialised exercise classes including Latin Aerobics, Thai Bo, Body Blitz, Aqua Aerobics and Hatha Yoga. Members are also offered free nutritional advice and weight management programmes. The third NRG Health and Fitness Club was opened after the success of its sister clubs at Cuirt Seoige, Bohermore and the Clybaun Hotel in Knocknacarra. Both these facilities are centrally located in Galway and now widely regarded as the city's premier health clubs. Noelle Kiely, chief executive of NRG Health and Fitness, said: "When it comes to health and fitness everyone's goals are different. Our newly opened club situated at Jury's Cork Hotel offers a wide range of services for all. Whether our guests are interested in weight loss, motivation, strength training, sports specific training, relaxation, toning or general well-being, we aim to cater for our members specific needs - the individual is our focus and the service they receive is of paramount importance." David Mahon, director of Precor Ireland, added: "Precor is delighted to support the member experience in this club and we look forward to working closely with NRG as the chain continues to develop and grow." NRG clubs also cater for children by offering teen aerobics, children's circuit classes and teen and junior kickboxing. WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-06-05 13:26:46 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2007-04 DAME Kelly Holmes has officially opened Queen's University's new multi million pound sporting facility. The double Olympic gold winner visited the £7million centre as part of her work as the first National School Sport Champion. The development has set new standards in regional fitness provision, offering world class sporting facilities to both students and members of the public. It is also hoped that the centre, located in Botanic Park, will play a key part in strengthening Northern Ireland's sporting infrastructure ahead of the London Olympics in 2012. Kelly said: "Queen's University Sport has achieved a double gold victory of its own today. "Not only has it opened a world class sporting facility but it is also providing a range of gold standard programmes. "Involving more people in sport at the level of their choice is exactly what is required and I am delighted that both students and the local community can share in the Queen's Sporting Experience." It is the latest stage in Queen's Vision for Sport which will see further developments and investment in preparation for 2012, including the development of the university's playing fields at Upper Malone and their boathouse at Stranmillis. Director of Queen's sport Maureen Cusdin said: "I am delighted that Dame Kelly Holmes, one of the world's most distinguished and successful athletes has joined us at Queen's today. Her career epitomises the pursuit of excellence, a concept we readily identify with. "Queen's is committed to the principle of 'best in class'. I hope that Dame Kelly's presence here today will further our goal of leading the way in encouraging greater participation in sport, both competitively and recreationally. I am confident it will secure our position as the premier university in Ireland and Europe for providing both sporting opportunity and fulfilment to our students and the community." The new facility will adjoin the university's existing physical education centre, which already caters for a membership of 8,500 and will enable the sports department to make physiological testing, exercise programming, sports medicine and accurate submaximal assessments of aerobic fitness available to all as a result of a new High Performance and Lifestyle Centre. The centrepiece of the building is a state of the art fitness area containing over 120 pieces of equipment, each with its own personal entertainment screen and motivation system. Other facilities include a strength and conditioning suite with the latest hydraulic assisted systems, an indoor cycling studio and two new exercise studios which will hold over 80 classes including dance, fitness and mind and body. Members will also be able to use the new StopGo Restaurant which features an outside decking area overlooking the River Lagan. During her visit Dame Kelly Holmes also met the recipients of the university's Sports Bursaries in a special seminar and took part in a sports leadership session with students from Girls Model School as part of her role as National School Sport Champion with the Youth Sport Trust. She also joined pupils from Botanic Primary School as they trained on the Centre's outdoor training facility. WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-04-26 09:31:05 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2007-04 A MULTI-million pound package has been allocated to the development of Irish sport, which aims to improve performance while providing direct support for athletes. The details of the financial package, which comprises of just over 5 million Euros for high performance plans and just over 2 million Euros under the International Carding Scheme, were unveiled by sports minister John O'Donoghue at an event in Dublin which was attended by a number of elite athletes and performance directors. Minister O'Donoghue said: "Today's allocation compliments the development of excellent facilities throughout the country funded under the Sports Capital Programme, a select number of which are specifically designed to support the elite performer. "The Programme, which is administered by my department, provided additional funding in 2006 for specific equipment needs for the elite squads. "2006 was a very good year for Irish sport. We intend to build on the progress being made with this substantial investment in our elite sports people and anticipate further significant developments from the Sports Council and the Institute of Sport in the coming year. "In that context, I am very pleased that we got the Institute off the ground in 2006 and that it will have an increasingly prominent role to play in Irish sport. Sean Kelly has immersed himself in his role as Executive Chairman with customary enthusiasm and is finding that there is much to be positive about in elite Irish sport." WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-04-26 09:27:42 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2007-04 GYM owners are being advised to cash in on the latest market trend - men-only fitness sessions. National company Franchise Direct claim that many men are now feeling the strain, with increasing numbers signing up to gyms in a bid to improve their bodies. A spokesman said: "Male-only gyms are highly popular as men are, unsurprisingly, also self-conscious about their bodies in the gym. "Men also require different things from a gym to women, meaning male-only fitness centres can concentrate on these and do away with unused equipment or areas that would appeal more to women and female bodies." One franchise already cashing in on the boom is Cuts Fitness which has a policy of encouraging a male-only clientele. A spokesman said: "The circuit is not suitable for women but we are located next to a women's gym and we work quite well together, hand in hand." But training and development manager on behalf of ILAM, Keith Hennessy, said: "The health and fitness industry must work on increasing the levels of participation in physical activity among all members of the public and not become engrossed in the layout of the facility. This layout is very much in the hands of each facility themselves. "The vast majority of the public are more interested in 'getting fit' and no so much in the appeal to the opposite sex. This is where we need to be focusing our efforts. "As an employee in the fitness industry for almost 10 years, as a fitness instructor, personal trainer, swim teacher, aerobics instructor and now as training manager, i've seen many changes in terms of layouts, equipment used, training methods etc. but one thing remains constant - people need to be more active more often, regardless of the type." WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-04-26 09:24:53 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2007-03 A LEISURE centre in Dundalk has celebrated its fifth birthday by holding a celebratory event for the local community. The Aura Dundalk Leisure Centre’s Big Birthday Splash included fun slides and inflatables in the pool plus free activities such as an obstacle course, face painting and a ball pool. The centre focuses on providing activities which the whole family can enjoy and includes an eight lane swimming pool, learner pool, gym, sauna and steam room. A series of courses including slimmers programmes and an extensive range of fitness classes are available daily as well as swimming lessons for all ages and all levels of abilities. WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-03-28 16:56:17 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2007-03 ALMOST 30 students have been awarded sports bursaries by Queen’s University, Belfast, in recognition of their achievements as top athletes. This year's Queen's Sports Bursary Awards, sponsored by Ulster Bank, were presented at a special event in the Physical Education Centre by Pro-Vice Chancellor, Gerry McCormac Andrew McBrinn from Ulster Bank and Dr Robert Gamble, Queen's Sport and Exercise Sciences Development Manager. Andrew said, "Ulster Bank is delighted to provide support to these high calibre athletes. “Sporting excellence is a special talent which requires careful nurturing and we hope that our support will help these students reach their full potential, in their sports and in their studies." Since its introduction in 1992, the scheme has awarded over 200 bursaries covering some 28 different sports. WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-03-28 16:55:22 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2007-03 A NEW learning hub is to be established for the health and fitness sector in Northern Ireland. It is hoped the pilot scheme will be good news for employers who are struggling to source appropriate, affordable and accessible training for their staff. Coaching Northern Ireland has been awarded a contract by SkillsActive to establish the pilot, which is being financially supported by the Department for Employment and Learning and SkillsPlus. Jim Gourley, chief executive, Coaching Northern Ireland said” “Skills gaps will be addressed through brokered training solutions using a ‘Learning Hub’ model that will have a direct impact on improving the skills levels of the Health and Fitness workforce.” WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-03-28 16:54:53 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2007-03 FITNESS industry music specialist Pure Energy is bringing some of the industry’s big name instructors to Dublin for a training roadshow. The company has chosen Total Fitness in Sandyford as the venue for its Pure Energy Live fitness roadshow in Dublin. The roadshow is designed for studio instructors to inform, educate and inspire in all areas of aerobics and fitness. With a national membership of over 6,000 instructors Pure Energy hosts three large events in the UK a year in Sheffield, London and Birmingham. Now, for the first time Pure Energy is bringing the roadshow to Southern Ireland. Stacey Jacques, event manager said: “Our events throughout the country are always well attended by not only our members but all those involved within the fitness industry, from studio managers and co-ordinators to the newly qualified instructor. WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-03-28 16:54:11 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2007-02 AN INDUSTRY expert has launched a campaign to get more gyms and schools to adopt a piece of fitness kit that encourages kids to get fit. Rossa McDermott, of Fitness Concepts, has joined the drive after statistics revealed as many as 300,000 children are overweight - a figure which is set to grow by 10,000 each year. He is pushing Trazer, the Cybex kit that pushes ‘stealth’ exercise because it interacts with a video game. He has approached the education department with his plans and has convinced one school in Dublin to try it out. He said: “Getting inactive children involved in physical games in a noncompetitive environment is essential if we want healthy new generations. WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-02-22 10:22:46 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2007-02 SPORTS minister John O’Donoghue has revealed that sporting facilities across Ireland will be supported by a €316.87 million boost this year. He said €49 million will be given for the Irish Sports Council - an increase of 20 per cent - with almost €90 million for sports facilities. It will also include an extra €2 million for Special Olympics Ireland and there will be new Stamp Duty Exemption for Sporting Bodies. He said: "This Government understands that sport and physical activity have huge potential to contribute to developing a more healthy society. “We want to ensure that all our young people are encouraged and given opportunities to participate in sport and enjoy all the benefits that sport can bring through developing a healthy lifestyle.” WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-02-22 10:21:55 http://www.workout-ireland.com/?page=news&monthyear=2007-02 THE huge growth in the popularity of gym membership is driven by the hunt for friendship and not just a way to keep fit, a study has revealed. University Professor Nick Crossley spent three years studying the world of gyms to shed some light on the activity to which 14 per cent of the population are now involved. Nick found that going to the gym is more than an effort to loose weight. He said: “Many people are unhappy about their weight but do not join a gym, but on the other hand, many young slim, fit and healthy people do. “Some people join a gym but leave after a few weeks, but it’s the people who stick at it who get the most from these other aspects.” The focus of Nick’s research is on the the regular gym goers he found that the regulars are still motivated by the physical gains but that they also identify other reasons as well, including friendships and a sense of community that they derive from their gym. WorkOut Ireland - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-02-22 10:21:03