TALKBACK
Kath Hudson • Journalist • Health Club Management EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT . . .
Calorie counting A
ll but the most mindful of us have probably been guilty of gorging on food or drink after a workout, believing
that we’re entitled to it. However, this becomes a problem when people routinely reward themselves with a post- workout latte and muffi n, swiftly imbibing over and above what they burned off at the gym. Such behaviour can mean that, within a couple of months, their gym membership has resulted in them gaining weight, so they cancel their membership and complain that gyms don’t work. According to psychological studies,
people consistently overestimate the amount they do when they exercise and underestimate the amount they eat. It’s
so easy to consume 200 calories, but burning it off takes hard work. Many of those who join gyms in a bid to shape up simply don’t understand the calories in / calories out equation, and therefore don’t get the results they expect. With the nation getting fatter, the
fitness industry needs to step up its game to help members lose weight. In doing so, it will not only improve retention and attract more people, but will also play a greater role in improving the health of the nation. It would appear that providing the means to exercise is not enough. But how far should operators go in
this direction? Is a quick pep talk at induction and a recommendation to download an app such as Calorific (see
DR PAUL CHADWICK Clinical director • Momenta
“I
f health and leisure operators want to influence their clients’ health,
they need to understand that they are in the business of changing behaviour. A behavioural perspective starts by
understanding that behaviour occurs in the moment, and that habit and environment are the strongest determinants of what people do. The eating and activity habits in this scenario are most likely learned habitual behaviours that people do without being consciously aware of how these relate to other more conscious goals, such as weight loss. Changing behaviour to break unhealthy eating and activity
habits involves making someone think about a behaviour that’s normally under automatic control. Any cue that draws people’s attention to the fact they have a choice will increase the likelihood that they will behave differently from normal in the moment. There are many simple, inexpensive opportunities, such as ensuring cafés and vending machines have healthy snacking options, and highlighting the calorie content and nutritional value of all products on offer. Despite the commercial and operational implications, creating
an environment that’s supportive to clients who are making positive choices to live healthier lives must be considered.
”
DR RACHEL PRYKE GP • Winyates Health Centre
“I
f people start exercising for weight management, it’s crucial for clubs to
give them some information and support on their journey, unpicking myths and misconceptions and ensuring they have realistic expectations. I think that’s the difference between retaining them or losing them when they don’t lose weight. It needs to be explained that we have an evolutionary
gene to store fat and the body is brilliant at auto-regulating. Subconsciously, the body will compensate for the calories burned off in a workout unless people consciously limit their intake. Instructors need to flag up that new members will feel hungry after working out, but if they don’t give in to the hunger, the body will get used to it within a couple of weeks. Food plans would be a very positive thing for clubs to offer,
but members should at least be encouraged to have a structure to their eating. Advise people to eat slow release foods and plan workouts to take place just before meals, so they will be eating afterwards and therefore won’t be tempted to snack. Clubs also need to be mindful of the food they have on offer
and ensure healthy choices are available. Gary Lineker has encouraged the nation to link junk food with sport, so gyms need to work hard to encourage people to make healthy choices.
” 28 Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital February 2015 © Cybertrek 2015
With obesity a growing problem, how can the health and fitness industry help people understand the calories in / calories out ratio, so that a workout isn’t followed by a pig out?
comment below) enough? Or should there be more hand-holding than this? Many operators don’t even offer gym programmes any more, but should this and a food plan become standard? Should specific weight loss memberships, with nutritional advisors, be offered? And what about the food and drink on
offer within health clubs? When I take my kids to their swimming lessons at the local leisure centre, I have to resist the heavily advertised new range of cakes in the café and march them past strategically positioned vending machines selling crisps and chocolate. Is this a supportive environment for those trying to lose weight? Does the industry need to change its tack? We ask the experts....
HAVE YOU HELPED YOUR MEMBERS TO LOSE WEIGHT? EMAIL US:
HEALTHCLUB@LEISUREMEDIA.COM
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