SNAP IT UP

Client: Snap Fitness Ebbsfleet
Supplier: Cybex International UK

As one of the fitness industry’s largest gym franchises, Snap Fitness operates over 1,400 clubs worldwide. In November 2014, it opened its fifth UK franchise – the second to be equipped by Cybex – in Ebbsfleet, Kent.

The gym is the only 24/7 access facility in the area and offers members state-of-the-art fitness equipment and affordable membership fees with no contracts. It’s home to 25 pieces of cardiovascular equipment from Cybex’s 625 and 770 series, including lower body and total body Arc Trainers – Cybex’s cross-trainer line that’s scientifically proven to be gentler on users’ joints, burn 16 per cent more calories than a standard elliptical and give a greater activation of large muscle groups.

Snap Fitness Ebbsfleet also offers its members an extensive range of strength training options. Selectorised equipment from Cybex’s new Eagle NX range was installed at the facility, becoming one of the first UK gyms to house the new premium line. Bravo Functional Trainers, plate-loaded equipment, power cage and multi-functional Jungle Gym were also installed, and in addition Cybex supplied dumbbells and benches for the gym’s large free weights area. To reinforce the Snap Fitness brand, equipment frames and upholstery were customised to incorporate the branding and logo.

Alongside the gym, members benefit from luxury changing rooms, an onsite nutrition consultancy service and Fitness on Demand, a virtual group exercise system allowing users to participate in a wide variety of classes and workout programmes at a time to suit them.

“We pride ourselves on delivering a state-of-the-art facility at a very affordable price. As the only 24/7 access club in the area, our members have maximum flexibility to train at their own convenience – without paying a premium to do so,” says entrepreneur Dip Dhillon, who owns the Ebbsfleet club.

“We worked closely with the Cybex team to determine how best to maximise the space available.

“In doing so, I believe we’ve created a fitness facility that meets the needs of a wide demographic. Feedback from members and staff alike has been excellent and we’re very proud to be a part of the growing network of Snap Fitness franchises in the UK.”

Cybex has a longstanding relationship with the Snap Fitness franchise, which has seen the supplier already equip a number of sites in the US.

Details: www.cybexintl.com

To reinforce the Snap Fitness brand, equipment frames and upholstery were customised to incorporate the branding and logo

SEAMLESS SERVICE

Client: Uplands Sports Centre
Supplier: Ez-Runner

Uplands Sports Centre is a not-for-profit community sports centre in Wadhurst, East Sussex, offering the latest Unity package from Technogym and with Ez-Runner managing bookings and memberships within the centre.

Uplands has recently been reviewing how best to service its community with enhanced products and services – and one of the key things all its members wanted was online booking. As members and non-members alike are able to use its facilities, the online booking system needed to take care of member and non-member pricing, including getting guests to sign any pre-activity questionnaires prior to booking – thereby saving a huge amount of time when checking in at reception.

EZ-Runner delivered this system, also ensuring the booking journey was flexible and integrated into the online brand of Uplands. Timetables are live, and users can also book personal trainers or bikes in group cycling classes.

“This is crucial,” says EZ-Runner’s Shez Namooya. “All leisure solutions worth their weight can do online bookings. What we want to ensure is our clients’ online branding is not interfered with by our booking engine.”

PT bookings also ensure time is optimised, leaving no gaps and also picking the right resource at the right time – based on the centre’s operational rules. There’s also an option to bring the booking process to life with the power of social media: videos can be added to allow PTs to talk to prospects, or show what classes are like before booking.

In addition, Uplands can link promo codes via Twitter or Facebook to offer special rates limited by time or volume.

And the online portal doesn’t end with bookings and signing up for membership. Uplands customers can also manage their account, looking at booking history and statements for example. They can change their details, renew or upgrade memberships, or pay off debts – the latter in particular being a win-win scenario. It reduces the time it takes for debts to be paid, by offering a convenient and discreet way to pay outstanding debts. Members are less embarrassed and can pay off any balance wherever they have internet access.

Memberships are also processed via the website – a process that takes care of any questionnaires, pro-rata, and validation of addresses and bank details within a few minutes. In just five minutes, you’re a member with validated information ready to be sent to the bank for Direct Debit. There has also been a reduction in the number of Direct Debit rejections that were processed due to human error.

Details: www.ez-runner.com

The EZ-Runner system at Uplands manages member and non-member bookings, and membership is also processed online

Timetables are live, and users can book specific bikes in group cycling classes

A CO-OPERATIVE VENTURE

Client: University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council and sportscotland
Supplier: Prospec

The brief for the new £22m Aquatics Centre in Aberdeen, Scotland – a joint venture between the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council and sportscotland – was extremely demanding. Sustainability was put at the forefront of the design, requiring soft strip demolition on-site; allowing up to 80 per cent of materials to be recycled; incorporating a sedum roof with 13 different species and rainwater harvesting; and using a bio fuel boiler for underfloor heating and an extensive BMS natural ventilation system.

Architects FaulknerBrowns were appointed to design this facility, which forms the cornerstone for swimming in the north-east of Scotland and completes a major wet/dry facility for the Aberdeen Sports Village. It offers a 50-metre, 10-lane Olympic standard pool with 3-metre, 5-metre, 7.5-metre and 10-metre diving platform, allowing for complete flexibility for events, training and community usage.

The facility – one of only 10 in the UK with full diving facilities and platforms up to 10 metres – was built by John Graham Construction, a firm that achieved a high 36 out of 40 on the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

FaulknerBrowns have a long-standing working relationship with changing room locker and cubicle provider Prospec, and Prospec was therefore involved from the very early concept stages to work closely with FaulknerBrowns on the design of the facilities.

The specification included the award-winning Cabrillant shower cubicles, plus the versatile, durable Marathon range of cubicles and lockers. The locker doors are manufactured from toughened and laminated glass, which allowed the architect to incorporate quality normally associated with high-end health clubs without compromising safety of use within this heavy traffic public facility.

The colour scheme is striking and modern thanks to the use of vibrant green and graphite grey laminates and glass. Quartz black Corian solid surfacing, for the vanity and grooming shelves, provides the finishing touch.

Jean Paul Colback, technical manager for FaulknerBrowns, comments: “To some, a locker is a locker and a cubicle is a cubicle. But even products that appear very similar can be constructed with components that will not meet robustness and security requirements over time. FaulknerBrowns have had a long working relationship with Prospec, and at times have assisted Prospec with the development of its products to meet the ever-changing demands of the sector. Collaborating with manufacturers is very important to us as designers.”

Details: www.prospec.co.uk

Prospec’s Marathon locker range and Cabrillant shower cubicles were specified

Prospec’s Marathon locker range and Cabrillant shower cubicles were specified