TALKBACK


Kath Hudson • Journalist • Health Club Management Everyone’s talking about . . .


Olympic Legacy L


ondon won the chance to host the Olympics with the rather grandiose promise that it would use the Games


to create a legacy to encourage more people to get more active, for life. The massive spikes in interest reported by many National Governing Bodies of Sport during and post-Games is encouraging, but as the memories of the Games fade, how do we make sure the enthusiasm doesn’t also wane? At the moment there’s still


momentum to capitalise on. The government launched its 10-point legacy plan in September, including the pledge of £125m a year of UK Sport funding


for elite sport, and £1.5m to the English Federation of Disability Sport to increase participation in sport by disabled people. Over the next fi ve years, £1bn will be pumped into the Youth Sport Strategy, linking schools with clubs to build lifelong sporting habits. This is the point at which the health


and fi tness industry needs to reach out assertively. Speaking at Leisure Industry Week in September, FIA CEO David Stalker threw down the gauntlet, encouraging the sector to work in partnership to bring strategies together. He said the aim of all legacy plans should be to make the UK the most active nation in the world.


Greg Searle Men’s eight rower • Olympic medallist


goal: to ‘inspire a generation’ and host the greatest show on earth. We came together and we did it. To achieve the legacy potential, I believe gyms need to make their members feel part of a team. Health clubs need to create activities that bind members together – for


“W


example, taking on another gym in a swimming, rowing or cycling challenge. Or organising a fun game of handball or volleyball using a badminton court or dance studio. Team GB set targets: British Rowing wanted 20 medals and I


wanted one of those, which motivated me to get out of bed at 6.30am to train, as well as eat and drink healthily. It’s the fact that it’s hard which makes it worthwhile: if it’s easy, there’s no satisfaction. Gyms need to help individuals define their goals, and encourage them along the way to keep pushing themselves. For me, the next step was the Olympics, but for others it could be taking part in a 10k run, or rowing 2k under a certain time. The feeling of crossing the line and winning a medal is the


same feeling as putting your all into a tough training session and completing it well: it’s hard, but it’s worth it.


” 28


hat made London 2012 special was that we all had a common


The summer of sport – why did it have to end? Both the Olympics and Paralympics ignited a positive spark which swept across the UK. So can the health and fitness industry help keep it alight?


“To all businesses in our sector,


I say that if you don’t have a legacy strategy, in a few years we will have missed the biggest opportunity, and it will all come tumbling down,” he said. “We will lose the chance to be seen by the government as the people who can make a difference. There is lots that we can do, but we need the whole sector to get behind it. Together we can achieve more.” So what practical steps can


gyms be taking now to ensure they are maximising the legacy. More programming? (Ennis Abs anyone?) Partner sports clubs? Perhaps more sessions for kids? We ask the experts.


HOW IS YOUR GYM CONTRIBUTING TO THE LEGACY? EMAIL US: HEALTHCLUB@LEISUREMEDIA.COM


Jean Watson English Institute of Sport • Performance operations manager


are good at their sport, but lacking in strength. They need gym-based training to improve their performance. If the health and fitness industry could become involved, it would help ensure the legacy. In my role at Bisham Abbey, I have frequently had to go out to health


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clubs to negotiate free access for athletes, because the sports clubs they train with don’t have access to appropriate gym equipment. This arrangement can work well for both parties. For example, a club in Cambridge has given rowers free access to the gym, and in return the rowers have taught correct use of the rowing machine to members. This could be taken further, with free or discounted sessions offered at the athletes’ club, whether that be rowing, canoeing or hockey. This would add value to the gym membership. Adopting a team can create a buzz at the gym, which is great


marketing. Rubbing shoulders with athletes is inspiring for members too. In my experience, people love being on a cross- trainer and having the likes of a future Katherine Grainger next to them. It also makes them work that bit harder.


” Take part in the Health Club Management reader survey: www.surveymonkey.com/s/NQDN2R6 November/December 2012 © cybertrek 2012


any of the athletes in our talent/development pathways


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