AUGUST 11 LETTERS write to reply
Do you have a strong opinion or disagree with somebody else’s views on the industry? If so, we’d love to hear from you – email:
healthclub@leisuremedia.com
the mental benefi ts of – and barriers to – participation In response to the editor’s letter on ‘Mindapples’ (HCM June, p3), it’s clear our sector has an big part to play in enabling individuals live happy, healthy lives. One of the challenges (and
opportunities) that Mindapples highlights is how important it is for us to reach out beyond the low-hanging fruit – the actively engaged members who are already reaping the benefits of an active lifestyle. We need to exercise our imagination and create opportunities and services that appeal to a much wider, more diverse audience. Central YMCA has recently launched
the Campaign for Body Confidence to address a major barrier to participation. Body image anxiety can prevent people from getting involved in physical activity and yet, as Mindapples illustrates, exercise can play a vital role in boosting self- esteem, confidence and mental wellbeing. Our research indicates that one in
Functional training: Great spaces, but issues remain in programming, says Jack
group functional training: more systems and support needed
I read your recent article on functional training zones with great interest (HCM May, p34). This is something I’m focusing on heavily at the moment, trying out different approaches to delivering this type of programming – I designed the LA Fitness ‘Accelerator’ programme, for example, which launched in January. I’ve come across a host of issues on
the programming side, both in design and roll-out, with many gaps still to be filled. For example, while many companies are creating great functional spaces, I don’t think there’s anything out there yet that brings the sort of ‘plug and play’ approach to functional group exercise programming that Les Mills has brought to studio-based group exercise. However, I’m involved in some
interesting developments with Pavigym, which creates functional zones based around specially designed floors:
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we’re currently developing and testing programming to use within these zones, including music programming. I agree with the experts in your article
who say that programming needs to be tailored to meet specific needs – weight loss, performance, rejuvenation and so on – and our programmes will focus on weight loss, with key elements of nutrition combined with functional exercises. We’re also developing management courses for the owners/ operators; as Greg Sellar pointed out in your feature, very often it’s the management that gets in the way of the trainers, who are already fully engaged with this in their one-to-one sessions. We need better structures, systems
and support to make functional zones and small group training work well together. steve jack consultant, speaker, programme designer
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four people feel depressed about their bodies. In addition – and perhaps of more concern – in spite of all of our efforts, 70 per cent of adults still find the image of gyms and the people who use them intimidating. We’re hoping to work with others in our sector to address this issue in a positive and constructive way. Challenging some of these barriers to
participation will, we hope, enable more people to live happier, healthier lives. rosi prescott ceo, central ymca
Gok Wan (centre) at the launch of the Campaign for Body Confi dence
august 2011 © cybertrek 2011
AUGUST 2011
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