interiors
Studio 1Life Milton Keynes - Group Exercise Facility of the Year
Challenge: Transform the dated Woughton Leisure Centre into a group exercise centre of excellence, to drive increased membership and engagement.
for is key. Screens also need to be close to life- size for the full experience – like going to see a movie. A well-equipped studio, with the right AV equipment can be a big driver for operators looking to cater for millennials, who want to exercise on their own terms. Even if virtual fitness is not an option, a
quality sound system combined with a great programme can make all the difference to the workout experience.
low lighting Adjusting the lighting scheme is one of the easiest ways to change the atmosphere of a studio. A small investment in cost-effective adaptive LED lighting allows operators to create a bespoke experience for each class.
mood-lifting graphics Staring at plain white walls isn’t very motivating. Instead, operators are introducing wallpaper and wall graphics to create impact, energy and to bring brands alive. Using images that resonate with the company ethos and colours helps to extend their brand image throughout the club. The key is to select warm, colourful wall coverings with a blend of motivational messaging and/or ‘hero’ images to promote health, movement and wellbeing.
size matters Studies show that the bigger the studio, the more attendance a club can expect in group exercise classes. Group exercise can be the most profitable element of a club. It’s much cheaper to run classes, both live and virtual, than to invest in new gym equipment. If studios are too small, classes become over- subscribed and those that don’t get in get fed up and don’t come back. It’s a missed opportunity. Consider if you can move a wall, rearrange space within the club or reorganise storage to create larger studios.
endless options With very little change in studio design in the last 30 years, it’s an area that is ripe for innovation. For operators looking to build a new studio or redesign an existing one, the key is to find the right mix of technology and aesthetics to create an environment best suited to their offering. With so many options available, operators
can now create a completely bespoke member experience. When done right, it has the potential to greatly impact engagement and retention, ensuring members return again and again.
www.lesmills.com/UK pactfacilities.co.uk 29
Solution: The building was stripped back to bricks and metalwork as part of a £1.2m refurbishment. In addition to a new social space, 30 new gym machines, revamped reception area, and new changing facilities, a steel structure was created to support a new mezzanine which created four group fitness studios, including the largest in Milton Keynes, and the UK’s largest TRX studio. In collaboration with Les Mills, one studio was equipped with Les Mills The Trip, an immersive indoor cycling class complete with cinema-sized digital screen and sound system. The other studios allow 1Life Milton Keynes to offer over 300 group exercise classes per week
Results:
• Membership has grown from around 200 when originally under the MK Council, to 2,500 since the transformation
• Group exercise participation has grown from around 800 per month to 10,500 a month
• Attrition is around 3.5 per cent, well below the UK average
• Weekly group exercise attendance is three times higher than the national UK average
• The centre was awarded Group Exercise Facility of the Year 2017 at the National Fitness Awards
• 1Life Milton Keynes membership base averages six group exercise classes/ week. The UK average group exercise attendance is 1.6 times a week
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