60 Second UK Fitness News - 22nd April 2016

In this week's 60 Second News: It’s no surprise to us that the according to the European Health & Fitness Market Study 2016, the budget gym sector has again increased its share in the Fitness Market. You’ll be able to find out how this has affected the UK in our fitness report which is now due to be published mid-May. To register an interest in the report click here.

Here at LeisureDB we’re excited to announce this year we will be releasing a new report titled the LeisureDB Social Media Index. We will be comparing how well the top private brands in the industry perform on social media. And if you are wondering what platforms are right for you why not head to Action PR's blog and to find out.

And the world of online dating has arrived in our gyms, 1Rebel has teamed up with popular app Bumble with its latest offering of a combat-themed speed-dating class. 1Rebel is hoping to unite sweaty Betty with her prince charming during their rumble sessions.

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60 SECOND UK FITNESS NEWS - APRIL 2016

In this weeks 60 Second News; here at the LeisureDB headquarters we’re busy putting together our annual state of the industry reports. This year’s fitness report includes a new top operator in the private sector and is due to be published late April. Head to the publications section of our website to receive a notification when our reports are published.

After attending IHRSA last month our director, David Minton, will be attending FIBO in Germany this month. With more than 725 exhibitors from 40 countries there is everything from equipment suppliers to studio concepts and IT systems. If you’re one of the 138,000 people attending don’t forget to say hi if you see him.

Fitness First UK’s managing director, Martin Seibold, has reported a significant amount of interest in the chain from both investors and buyers. The number of clubs has gone from 185 to just 65 since Seibold took over in 2012, but membership has grown by 15% since May 2015. Fitness First Owner Oaktree Capital Management has said all possibilities remain on the table for the future of the company.

Lastly, Fit4Less in Derbyshire has come under criticism this month after an anti-bullying charity called its new ad ‘offensive’. The billboard poster showed Aliens abducting a person with the text ‘they’ll take the fat ones first’. Fit4Less said it wanted to create a “light hearted and humorous” ad. This isn’t the first time an industry ad has sparked controversy. Last year Protein World were called offensive and irresponsible with its ‘beach body ready?’ poster. We want to know whether you were offended by these ads? Send us a tweet to @TLDC_UK and use #AdvertWin or #AdvertFail to let us know your views.  

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