GROUP CV
Integrated technology
Virtual classes, networked bikes and heart rate monitors: how can club operators make use of today’s technology to maximise the impact of group exercise classes? Kath Hudson reports
Going virtual
OPERATOR: Edinburgh Leisure SUPPLIER: Les Mills
L
es Mills believes virtual classes can broaden the audience: its research found that 92 per cent of the participants enjoyed the convenience of doing a virtual class when it suited them, while 89 per
cent said it would encourage them to go on to try a live class having built confidence during the virtual programme. It has therefore invested in this area with the recent launch
of Les Mills Virtual – a Les Mills masterclass offering with classes delivered on-screen by international trainers. Five programming options are currently available: Body Pump, Body Combat, Body Balance, CX Worx and Sh’Bam. “We can’t escape from the speed at which technology
is progressing, so we’ve decided to embrace it,” says Les Mills CEO Keith Burnett.
Virtual classes can act as a feeder into live classes Edinburgh Leisure has been trialling Les Mills Virtual at
Craiglockhart Leisure Centre since April. “Attending a live class can be daunting for those who have never been before,” says fi tness manager David McLean. “The virtual class offers a taster and many people then progress to live classes. The sound, lighting and clarity of the fi lm is incredible: the classes are so immersive that you really feel you’re in a live class.” McLean also believes running virtual classes will prove a
cost-effective way to help retention: “We offer 15 virtual classes a week with an average of two participants per class. That may not sound like much, but it’s 30 more people who we’re able to offer a class to at a time that suits them. If we have more than 12 regularly attending any virtual class, we consult with customers and replace with a live instructor.”
The social aspect
OPERATOR: Hartham Leisure Centre SUPPLIER: Trixter
H
artham Leisure Centre uses Trixter XdreamV2 bikes – with their integrated screens
allowing for virtual reality cycling, including ghost racing and live multi- player mode – to add an element of competition and to spice up small group training, with regular race nights and interclub challenges. “The element of competition adds
something new. It brings the gym fl oor to life and is a huge motivator for many customers,” says Ian Ling, Everyone Active fi tness manager at Hartham Leisure Centre. “Providing a social element to
training is the key to keeping people
Providing a social, competitive element brings members back for more
involved and coming back for more. Customers want something fun, different and engaging – they want to be motivated and stimulated both physically and mentally.”
82 Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital The centre offers a class in the
morning and afternoon, and has found many customers plan their workouts for the week around the sessions, with around 10 people in each class.
October 2014 © Cybertrek 2014
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