HEALTH & FITNESS Les Mills: New virtual reality classes


Les Mi l ls International has launched a brand new “immersive fitness” product in an initiative called Te Project. Working in partnership


with Reebok, The Project brings together group exercise with cutting-edge entertain- ment to create a product which, in an exclusive inter- view with Health Club Management, Les Mills CEO Phillip Mills described as “transformational for fitness”. The concept comprises


a three-walled room onto which video content


is Te Reebok-Les Mills box will tour globally to showcase Te Project


streamed throughout a class. “It’s like being inside a computer game – a vir- tual reality that changes each song,” says Mills. Les Mills has made a significant investment


over the last year in producing video content, working with digital special effects experts to create three classes for the launch: cycling class Te Trip, a BodyCombat/GRIT workout, and a combined BodyBalance/BodyJam class. “In the cycling class, for example, one min-


ute you’ll be cycling through the stars in the universe, the next it’s as if you’re in the Tron


computer game, then suddenly you’re climbing a mountain or cycling across the sea,” says Mills. “We’re cautiously excited about how we can


commercialise Te Project. Te cost of putting an immersive studio into a club is currently very high, but cycling is most likely to be the first to take off: these are smaller studios and subse- quently won’t cost quite as much. I believe this is as big as when we added exercise to music – it may be the biggest thing Les Mills has ever done. Details: http://lei.sr?a=z3S8J


Te former lobby is now a thermal spa énergie signs five-club Fit4less deal in London


Te énergie Group has signed a new franchise agreement to open at least five of its Fit4less branded health clubs in London over the next three years, as part of a deal with operator Gymstar. Te first site will open in Bethnal


Green in June, with two further sites planned this year. Gymstar will also, with partners, regenerate two existing énergie Fitness Club sites in Leighton Buzzard and Liscombe Park. “We have committed to at least five


Fit4less sites to start with, but are inter- ested in opening as many as possible as we know Fit4less is a hugely viable financial investment.” said Gymstar operations director Chris Djuric. Work has begun on the rural


Ageing Bridgend Rec gets 21st century facelift


Bridgend Recreation Centre has been given a new lease of life following a £4.5m 18-month leisure development project. Work began on the then-creaking 1970s


site in October 2012, and the facility has been given a dramatic makeover, with development partner Pulse overseeing the design, build and equipment fit out. Te fitness suite has been relocated and


énergie Group CEO Jan Spaticchia wants more Fit4less gyms


Liscombe Park health club, which has already seen the introduction of new equipment and alterations to the tune of £250,000, with a fur- ther £2.25m to be invested over the next two years. Te changes will include the build of tennis courts and corporate function facilities for weddings and conferences, with the over- all objective of transforming the complete site into what would be a health spa destination.


© CYBERTREK 2014 “We are delighted that Chris and com-


pany are not just further expanding our Fit4less portfolio but also investing in two clubs that have significant historic value to the group,” said énergie Group CEO Jan Spaticchia. “The transformation of both will be exceptional and they will have my full support throughout the journey.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=p4p5y


Twitter: @leisureopps


enlarged to 100-stations to meet mem- ber demand. Te gym is kitted out with Pulse Fusion cardiovascular equipment, Evolve strength equipment, an X-Cube functional rig and a free weights section. It also features Pulse’s SmartCentre interac- tive technology, which stores personalised gym workout programmes and provides users with feedback and guidance. Te most striking development at the


Halo Leisure-operated site has been the addition of a thermal suite and spa. Te former first floor lobby has been converted to create the new facility which includes a steamroom, ice igloo, sauna, heated ceramic beds and experience shower. rooms. Details: http://lei.sr?a=C8F4v


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital 5


REPs announces its 2014 SE Fitness Convention


The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) has announced its 2014 South East Convention will run in conjunction with FitPro Live from 18-19 July in London. Te convention will give fitness profes-


sionals the chance to learn from a selection of experts in the field and experience the latest fitness technologies first-hand. Tis year’s event expects to attract over


5,000 fitness professionals from across the world, who will take part in a series of workshops. Te programme will focus heavily on Level 4 content and will seek to address some of the most pressing challenges currently facing the industry. Details: http://lei.sr?a=p7h3x


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