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International news


SoulCycle rumoured to be going public


SoulCycle LLC – the US-based boutique cycling studio operator – has hired investment banks in plans for an initial public offering, according to recent reports. Earlier this year it was reported that


founders Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler were looking to sell their remaining stake in the company to parent company Equinox Holdings, which has been the majority shareholder in SoulCycle since 2011. The boutique cycling studio chain has been a game changer in the market and now has over 40 clubs and 50,000 weekly exercisers in the US. There are plans to have up to 60 clubs worldwide by 2016. Details: http://lei.sr?a=Q2r3S_O


Blink Fitness launches franchise business


Blink Fitness, the low-cost chain started by Equinox in 2011, has launched a franchise programme with the intention of opening a further 300 gyms in the US by 2020. The brand already has 50 gyms either open or in development in New York and New Jersey. Interested candidates will need to demonstrate a net worth of US$1.5m and US$300,000 in liquid assets. Blink clubs measure 14,000–20,000sq ft (1,300–1,858sq m) and are designed to be bright and open, painted with colours that have a positive effect on mood. Executive vice president, Todd Magazine,


says Blink has perfected the model and is positioned for “immense growth”. Details: http://lei.sr?a=E3g3n_O


AAP report officially recognises exercise


In a recent clinical report, the American Academy of Pediatrics has acknowledged the importance of exercise in obesity prevention and the reduction of many chronic diseases among children. In doing so, it has advised pediatricians to take a more proactive role in promoting and prescribing exercise (see also p8). The report reviews existing research into obesity prevention in the pediatric care setting and gives evidence-informed practical approaches and targets for prevention. It also identifies important gaps in evidence that need to be filled by future research. Details: http://lei.sr?a=N2A7H_O


Vivafit to launch in Kazakhstan


Portugese women-only fitness chain Vivafit will shortly make its debut in Kazakhstan, with the launch of its first club in this market. In June, the company signed an agreement


to open a club in Atyrau, at a former state- owned swimming pool. This will be followed by a second site, in Almaty, next year. The club will follow the usual Vivafit


format, which has been conceived to help women achieve results in a safe, welcoming environment: the focus is equally on fitness training and nutritional programmes. A range of programmes will be on offer, including personal training and circuit training,


as well as a range of group exercise options such as Zumba, pilates, high-intensity interval training and Les Mills programmes. According to Vivafit CEO Pedro Ruiz, the


renovation work will be quick because much of the infrastructure is already in place. “The adaptations for Asian culture – mostly


involving adaptations to cater to the Muslim culture – have already been done for other markets in which we operate,” he says. “Now we must adapt to the Russian language, adapt the pricing structure for the market and find Russian-speaking fitness instructors.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=y2Z9P_O


Vivafit’s Pedro Ruiz (right) signs the agreement to extend the brand into Kazakhstan Oman chain opens women’s club


The Oman-based health and fitness chain Horizon Fitness launched a new ladies spa and wellness retreat – Al Jasmine – in June. Aiming to attract a discerning female clientele, the 3,900sq ft club offers a mix


of fitness and beauty services. There’s a dynamic functional training studio branded as The Engine Room, a pool, steamrooms, sauna, juice bar, relaxation area, hair salon, four treatment rooms, a cycling studio and group exercise studio. The gym is equipped with a range of Star Trac E-series cardio equipment. Horizon Fitness was


Star Trac cardio equipment is now in use at Al Jasmine 20 Read Health Club Management online at healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital


established in 1997 and has 24 sites and 20,000 members across Oman, including single- sex and mixed clubs. Owner Saleem Albarram says the new club is a one-stop shop for ladies’ fitness and wellbeing. The site will be able to create bespoke memberships to suit individual member needs. Details: http://lei.sr?a=C7a5f_O


August 2015 © Cybertrek 2015


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