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PDF! - The country`s only B2B magazine for
1 | 2014 FIBO 2014 Of events, equipment and innovations at world’s largest fitness trade show p 13 Training Concepts Functional Movement Screen: Trainer’s pride and a marvellous marketing tool p 42 Exclusive Interview ‘The Governator’ Arnold Schwarzenegger talks on fitness and fame p 28 Agents of change for India’s shift to a health-conscious nation p 12 Published by: body LIFE 1 I 2014 I1 2 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 FROM THE EDITOR A coming of age Dhananjay Sardeshpande The focus on wellness and fitness in India since ancient times has been on diet and nutrition. Where health practices and medicine – notably yoga and Ayurveda – are concerned, it a holistic approach to mind and body. Perhaps a sign of prevention being better than the cure? Somewhere down the line, we seem to have neglected this wisdom, and are in many ways re-discovering it in bits and pieces. Before we realised it, our lifestyles have changed considerably. We have better opportunities and geographical mobility, greater buying power and avenues to spend it, heightened awareness of civic responsibilities and personal ambitions. But we lost sight of the obvious: physical fitness, mental health and spiritual robustness. Our (largely) desk-bound lives at the work place and at home have spawned a clutch of ailments and illnesses that now threaten to turn into epidemics: obesity, diabetes and cardio-respiratory diseases among them. Given that Pradeep Devaiah and Associates (PDA) has been a successful specialist in sector-specific businessto-business enterprises for more than a decade, it was but natural that the wellness and fitness business sector attracted its attention. Despite the unorganised and unregulated nature of the industry, PDA Trade Fairs sees an opportunity in every difficulty! And so it was that the joint venture with Health and Beauty Holding (HaB), Europe’s leading niche publisher and events organiser, came to fruition. ‘bodyLIFE’ magazine and the India Fitness and Wellness (IFW) Expo are born out of the need for a medium for the industry and its stakeholders to come together for a more responsible dialogue on the problems and challenges facing their growth and wellbeing. It is as much a platform to showcase advances and concepts as it is to share your knowledge and accomplishments. Gym owners & managers, trainers & instructors, club dieticians & nutritionists, equipment manufacturers & distributors, specialists from the physical rehabilitation and nutracetical sectors, ‘bodyLIFE’ is your magazine. I invite you all to the contents of this inaugural issue and look forward to your response: email me (editor@ bodylifeindia.com) your comments, suggestions, corrections, problems, accomplishments and ideas. Let us together make fitness a ‘happening’ thing! body LIFE 1 I 2014 I3 CONTENTS 06 | Inside Industry: 13 | FIBO 2014: An overview of the Indian wellness and fitness industry... Events, equipment, interviews and innovations at the world’s biggest fitness trade show ... 28 | Feature: Wellness icon, Arnold Schwarzenegger, on fitness, fame and looking forward to his sunset years... INSIDE INDUSTRY 06 An overview of the Indian wellness and fitness industry IFW EXPO 10 India’s first international B2B wellness and fitness expo takes off in Mumbai in October ADVISORY COMMITTEE 12 Luminaries drawn from the entire spectrum of the Indian fitness industry help us steer the upcoming bodyLIFE IFW Expo FIBO 2014 13 The 4-day global event counts a record number of visitors, crossing the 6-digit mark, with extremely positive signs in the industry 22 Indian industry leaders welcome bodyLIFE and the IFW Expo to the country 24 Head honchos of global fitness brands shed light on the future 4 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 COMPANY SHOWCASE 26 India’s largest gym chain, the Talwalkars, are taking the fitness business to the hinterland FEATURE 28 Wellness icon, Arnold Schwarzenegger, on fitness, fame and looking forward to his sunset years PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS 32 Technogym’s Kinesis One offers all-in-one solution 34 FreeMotion hopes to set the benchmark in cardio training 36 Life Fitness takes functional training outdoors 38 Matrix gives a new high to ClimbMill, TreadMill experiences TRAINING COMMUNITY 40 A new functional training platform by Perform Better and IFAA rocked at FIBO 2014 40 | Training Community: A new functional training platform by Perform Better and IFAA rocked at FIBO 2014... 55 | Nutrition: India has graduated from ‘akhadas’ to air-conditioned gyms, but what of our nutrition awareness?... Publisher PDA-HaB Media & Tradefairs Pvt. Ltd. 32/2 Spencer Road, Frazer Town, Bangalore - 560005, India www.bodylifeindia.com Directors Georg von Griesheim Email: [email protected] Pradeep Devaiah Email: [email protected] Srinivasan S. Email: [email protected] Chief Editor (Indian Edition) Dhananjay Sardeshpande Tel.: +91-80-4250-5035 Mobile: +91-9008-290-066 Email: [email protected] 42 Functional Movement Screen is catching up as a marketing tool and to cement client relations TRAINER INTERVIEW 48 A former financial consultant, Swetha Subbiah turns fitness master trainer at a prestigious club BUSINESS BYTES 50 Leena Mogre provides an overview of trainer education and certification in the Indian fitness industry 52 Snap Fitness makes ‘big’ sense of small gyms, expands exponentially NUTRITION 55 India has graduated from ‘akhadas’ to airconditioned gyms, but what of our nutrition awareness? SNIPPETS 57 News from Acme Fitness, Talwalkars, Precor and TAC Copy Editor Suraj Uprety Tel.: +91-80-4250-5044 Mobile: +91-9986-512-463 Email: [email protected] Vice President - Publications Binesh Viswanath Tel.: +91-80-4250-5059 Mobile: +91-9986-014-770 Email: [email protected] TRAINING CONCEPTS Editor-in-Chief Max Barth Tel.: +49-721-165-112 Mobile: +49-1713-101-583 Email: [email protected] Sales Enquiries (India) Zindal Kumar Tel.: +91-80-4250-5054 Mobile: +91-9986-074-978 Email: [email protected] Art Production GM - Design Infant Vikas Tel.: +91-80-4250-5055 Mobile: +91-9886-044-338 Email: [email protected] Layout Wageeshwari Tuljapurkar Email: [email protected] Govindaraju S Email: [email protected] Subscription Karthik K Tel: +91-9986-600-036 Email: [email protected] International Sales Team Spain Laia Cachinero Tel: +34-933-238-028 Email: [email protected] Switzerland Bernd Schuster Tel: +41-414-170-770 E-mail: [email protected] Poland Malgorzata Szulc Tel: +48-228-587-955 E-mail: malgorzata.szulc@health-and-beauty. com BENELUX Jordey de Joode Tel: +31-243-738-505 Email: [email protected] Printed in India at Repromen Offset Printers Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, India. bodyLIFE Indian Edition is published by PDA-HaB Media & Tradefairs Pvt. Ltd. The publisher and its staff cannot be held liable for the contents of this magazine and statements and/ or its advertisements do not necessarily reflect its editorial views. Greatest care is given to the accuracy of information given in this publication and verified wherever possible. However, the publisher and the editors explicitly contest any liability for any inaccuracy and insufficiency of the information provided. body LIFE 1 I 2014 I5 INSIDE INDUSTRY AN OVERVIEW The unorganised, unregulated and unrecognised fitness and wellness industry in India is at a crossroads. As it prepares for the anticipated boom of gyms and wellness centres across the country, it will have to address issues like education & awareness, quality & standardisation, competition & accountability. The market is beckoning and the stakeholders are thrilled with anticipation, but will the industry be able to deliver? A hoary poster advertising an upcoming wrestling contest in a traditional ‘akhada’. A revolution in the making A largely agrarian economy, such as India of yore, had evolved its own distinct socio-cultural and spiritual wisdom to cater to its needs for wellness and fitness. Thus it is that we have concepts enumerated in scriptures and day-to-day practices – such as Ayurveda and yoga respectively – that pre-date modern scientific knowledge of good health and its maintenance. As India evolved and progressed towards an industrial, and now service-oriented economy, this ancient wisdom remained stagnant and hence outdated. Our changing lifestyles and their new demands outpaced traditional wisdom and brought with it a slew of new symptoms, diagnoses and solutions for unheard-of ailments and illnesses. 6 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 Fortunately, the globalisation of business and industry, commerce and tourism, education and mass communication have brought about a re-awakening to the concepts of wellness and fitness on Indian shores. From the world’s diverse cultures, we have absorbed greater awareness of good health practices and a better understanding of their values. This has given rise to an entire ecosystem of consumers, providers and facilitators, which is said to be growing at an exponential rate of 20%, year-on-year. It has also attracted a large number of domestic entrants and international players to cater to this burgeoning demand. There is a visible explosion of information relating to wellness and fitness in daily newspapers, periodicals and even dedicated television channels. The year 2015 is being bandied as a milestone, where the Indian bite of the global pie will be significant; where the wellness sector alone will be able to generate 3 million jobs. These developments herald of the coming of not only technology and manufacturing, but also education, investment and enterprise... Exciting times indeed! Big Picture The rising health consciousness and fitness awareness among India’s under-40 population, its greatly enhanced buying power (relative to a generation ago) and the consequent demand for health and fitness resources and services is propelling the industry boom. It is a whole new generation that wants to AN OVERVIEW look good and feel good. This attitude has also provided the stimulus for adjunct sectors – among them health care, media, gaming, hospitality and education – to generate additional revenue streams and generate employment by offering products and services. Multi-national corporations, the information technology industry and business process outsourcing sectors in particular have already provided the stimulus to the industry by way of meeting in-house fitness training and entertainment needs of its well-travelled employees. Catering to a similar demand, the hospitality industry is following suit. The recessionary trends notwithstanding, star hotels and international chains have several projects in the pipeline in India. Even their country cousins now deem it necessary to cater to the requirements – gyms, if not spas – of their demanding customers. These days it would be no surprise if a couple were presented a gym subscription or even fitness equipment at their wedding! Community housing (apartment complexes) and realty sectors are the largest growth areas, and hold the biggest prospects for expansion. Far from being a phenomenon limited to metropolitan centres, it is spreading like wildfire across the country: each Tier-II and Tier-III city and town is host to half a dozen gyms. Leading fitness chains and gyms are taking the franchise route to India’s hinterland... Keeping in mind India’s humungous high- and middle-class population, there is space for plenty more. Small gyms are also sprouting in the privacy of the homes of more and more business heads, sports and movie stars, socialites and fitness freaks that can afford the price and the space. There are now custom-made gyms to meet their specifications and fancy. Established entities are already diversifying their product and service portfolios. The more ambitious among them have sought and successfully acquired public equity to feed their growth plans. In a market as diverse and unorganised as India, franchising seems to have caught on as a way of scaling up operations and reaching out to a larger clientele. To give the devil his due, it must be mentioned that rising costs of health care and specialised medical and surgical interventions have Fitness in India has always been associated with wrestling, traditional sports and balanced nutrition. INSIDE INDUSTRY also acted as a catalyst for people turning to prevention, rather than pay through their noses for the cure! In Perspective But it is time to stop rubbing our hands in glee to see what lies beneath these self-congratulatory figures. A study by the Stanford Research Institute is ever-sofrequently quoted as pegging the global wellness industry market at US$ 2 trillion. Of this the Indian wellness industry is said to account for US$ 9.8 billion, not even 2% of the world’s total! As much as there is a huge business potential waiting to be tapped, there are glaring deficiencies in service. In a largely unorganised sector, unscientific planning and management of gyms is a matter of utmost concern. There are freebies and promises galore, not all of which are honoured. Hygiene is not a given. The customers end up paying for and endure substandard facilities, poor infrastructure, uneducated staff and ineffective or harmful products and accessories, thereby casting a doubt on the service providers’ reliability and the industry’s reputation for fair practices. Training and certification is another grey area, resulting in unscientific conduct of operations, disgruntled or unsatisfied customers and failing businesses. The lack of government regulations and recognition makes it all the more difficult for the operators, providers and facilitators to act in unison. body LIFE 1 I 2014 I7 INSIDE INDUSTRY AN OVERVIEW A survey carried out in 2013 by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) notes that the paucity of skilled and trained personnel is the biggest challenge to the industry’s expansion. It projects a requirement of 6,00,000 additional skilled personnel over the next 5 years, and casts doubts over availability. Growing Up In an unorganised, unregulated and unrecognised business, investors and gym owners are grappling with competition from unscrupulous operators; shortage of skilled manpower and rising capital and operational costs; investment in brand creation and long payback periods; not to mention the price sensitivity of Indian customers. The lack of awareness among prospective investors and in the employment market also acts as a hurdle, the Ficci survey reports. Governments at the Centre and in more than our 29 states and Union territories have adopted a ostrichlike stance! Nobody knows who should deal with issues relating to this industry: the ball has been thrown back and forth between the ministries of health and sports. In the meantime, the tourism ministry has pounced upon the opportunity to promote business through “exotic” health treatments and practices such as Ayurveda and yoga. More than two decades after modern fitness concepts made India their home, it would be fallacious to call it a “nascent” industry. It is high time the stakeholders – from gym owners, franchises, equipment and nutrition Gym Jokes A elderly man, not in the best shape, asks a trainer in the gym: “I want to impress that beautiful girl there. Which machine can I use?” The trainer replies, “Use the ATM outside the gym.” 8 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 Ever wonder? Exercising would be so much more rewarding if the calories screamed as you burned them. manufacturers and distributors, trainers and educational institutions, professional associations and the government machinery – come onto a common platform to identify problems and find solutions. – Dhananjay Sardeshpande The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, sidestepping responsibility, and pushing their luck! Overheard at a dinner party: “You know, it’s really sad. When so many people are out of work, here I am, living off the fat of the land.” “How do you manage that?” “I’m an aerobics instructor.” The best thing about CrossFit is that it will be feeding ‘Funniest Home Videos’ and YouTube with great ‘FAIL’ content for years to come. body LIFE 1 I 2014 I9 India’s 1st international B2B expo in October The three-day bodyLIFE IFW Expo, scheduled to be held in Mumbai from 9-11 October this year, aims to address the equipment, training and nutritional segments of the burgeoning industry in India. T he fitness industry in India has a huge growth potential: as of now only 1.5% of the urban Indian population regularly works out in gyms or maintains a fitness regimen. Related industries such as health care, real estate, media, retail, gaming, hospitality and education are converging on the wellness space to capitalize on its growth. Looking at this burgeoning, but unorganised, industry in India, a coming together of various synergies was but a question of time. That opportunity – of identifying the ecosystem, unifying resources, aligning aims, channelling efforts and setting up a platform for planned growth – has been taken up as a challenge by Bangalorebased PDA Trade Fairs, a division of Pradeep Devaiah & Associates Pvt. Ltd. (PDAPL) and Health and Beauty Holding GmbH (HaB) from Karlsruhe, Germany. 10 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 Both the entities have launched themselves in a joint venture (PDAHAB Media and Trade Fairs Pvt. Ltd.) into the unfolding fitness and wellbeing scenario in the country. The first fruit of their endeavour is in your hands: the inaugural issue of the B2B magazine, bodyLIFE Indian Edition! Coming up next? The bodyLIFE India Fitness and Wellness (IFW) Expo, to be held between October 9 and 11, 2014, in Mumbai. It is positioned as an international B2B trade fair that will address India’s growing need for the best of fitness training equipment and content, wellness concepts and sports nutrition. Says Deepak Dewan, Chairman & Managing Director of Cardio Fitness, “I remember speaking about it to bodyLIFE 18 years ago. At that time I thought it was way too early for India; but I think it’s a good decision now. To really bring international flavour to Indian trade shows, we need something like this in India very much.” Rajiv Wallia, President & CEO of Proline Fitness, adds: “I think we could look forward to a lot of exposure to the fitness industry with regard to equipment. I think bodyLIFE can do a great job if it brings at least a part of what is being done over here (FIBO) to India. It will be a good platform for all of us.” The expo aims to catalyze the The bodyLIFE advantage bodyLIFE, Europe’s leading fitness magazine, is published in five languages in nine countries. bodyLIFE Indian edition will be the official media partner and co-organizer of IFW Expo, providing the ideal vehicle to reach out to the Indian fitness industry, all year round! As a trade publication it will be in a unique position to connect and continuously engage with the Indian fitness industry and will offer the event a distinct advantage by contributing towards creating top notch workshops for members of the Indian fitness industry. NEWS growth of the fitness and wellness industry by being the country’s most comprehensive show to bring together the entire ecosystem on one platform. IFW Expo Objectives • To provide a platform that will catalyze the growth of the fitness industry by engaging the entire fitness ecosystem and driving it towards becoming an organised sector • To promote fitness as preventive health care and to showcase the latest technologies and services in the fitness industry • To provide a unique business platform that will bring together the entire fitness ecosystem under one roof • To bridge the gap between the growing Indian fitness industry and developed markets. Exhibitors & Visitors Prashant Talwalkar, CEO & Director, Talwalkar’s Better Value Fitness has this to say: “I come (to FIBO) year on year and I take back something: perhaps a machine which allows me to open studios, or a programme that allows 3,000 people in India to get trained... Each time it is something more. “We travel all the way to Europe or America for such trade fairs. Now, when it is coming to India, why not? Indians should take full opportunity of the upcoming event and visit such an exhibition. Please visit it (IFW Expo) when it comes to India.” As the key audience of bodyLIFE IFW Expo, gym and health club owners, franchisees, fitness studio & sports consultants, trainers & physiotherapists, administrators from hospitality centres (hotels & spas), rehabilitation centres, medical institutions, social clubs, educational institutions, sports federations, corporate heads, property developers & builders, and fitness equipment dealers and importers will be invited to attend. The exhibitor profiles would include manufacturers and distributors of fitness equipment, accessories and apparel, including yoga, aerobics and martial arts. Nutrition will be another important aspect to look forward to: from energy bars and gels to dietary & nutritional supplements. Others among solution providers would be interior designers and furniture makers for flooring, lockers, shower capsules, air-conditioning, sound & lighting – not to mention providers of maintenance and hygiene services. Among the technology providers at bodyLIFE IFW Expo would be global suppliers of software for administrative (membership, accounting, material and man management) and training purposes (fitness & body fat calculators, workout & nutritional guides and goal tracking). Of course, who can miss out on the accompanying workshops: club location and membership growth for owners/ managers, and Speedball or Latin Explosion for trainers?! Successful Parentage Health and Beauty Holding GmbH (HaB) is a leading German trade show organizer and publisher of xxx magazines in five languages across Europe, with bodyLIFE acting as its flagship brand. It also organises Europe’s leading beauty show, ‘Beauty Forum’. PDA Trade Fairs organises South Asia’s leading bi-annual woodworking trade show, IndiaWood, which has grown over the last eight editions, attracting Why Mumbai? Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment capital of India. It is among the world’s top 10 centres of commerce in terms of global financial flow. Mumbai is also home to many of India’s large fitness chains, making it the largest consumer of fitness equipment and training content. It is fast emerging as India’s fitness capital and already boasts of the largest number of premium gyms, fitness centres and spas in the country. The growth factors of the business can also be attributed to the influence of Bollywood and other industries, where physique and photogenic quotient are accorded considerable weight! IFW EXPO IFAA convention for trainers, gym owners In conjunction with the trade fair, a three-day convention for trainers and congress for gym owners would be organised jointly by IFAA, the academy for fitness, wellness and health industry in Germany, and Markez Consulting. Trainers would be given theory and practical training on bodyweight exercises, suspension training, functional training, plyometrics, kettlebell, core training, manual resistance, traumatology, training principles & nutrition. Group exercises would include Labooca, Latin Explosion, dance Aerobics, highintensity group exercises and MTV Moves. The congress for gym owners will focus on topics such as setting up a gym, identifying the right location, positioning of the gym, business models, target groups, sales growth, member acquisition and retention. 580 exhibitors from 25 countries displaying machines, technology, materials, products and innovations, spread over 40,000 square metres. Its success has resulted in equally successful regional woodworking shows such as DelhiWood and MumbaiWood. PDA Trade Fairs also has a string of industry-recognised national and international conferences and trade shows in sectors as diverse as banking technology (IBEX), airport infrastructure & security (Aerodrome India). bodyLIFE IFW Expo is the need of the hour: a fitness and wellness industry trade show that will not only act as a catalyst to the health-conscious movement, but also provide a platform to foster partnerships in the sector and convert the potential to commerce. Madhusudhan Seenappa, Regional Director for GeoSpaFitness-India, says it for the industry, “In India we have so many shows happening for everything. But we don’t have fitness shows. I wish bodyLIFE all the very best to kick-start this exclusive show in Mumbai.” – For more information, or participation in bodyLIFE IFW Expo, contact Sandeep (sandeep@ pdatradefairs.com) or Srikiran ([email protected]). body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 11 IFW EXPO NEWS Guiding Lights for bodyLIFE IFW Expo Industry-specific, current and topical inputs are required from experts from within the industry to organize a meaningful trade show. Such inputs are essential to showcase trends & technologies and to deliberate on subjects that are relevant to industry. An advisory committee comprising of experts and luminaries drawn from the entire spectrum of the Indian fitness industry steers the upcoming bodyLIFE IFW Expo, in line with the industry’s requirement. The advisory committee is chaired by Mr. Madhukar Talwalkar, Executive Chairman of Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Ltd. The other distinguished members are: Gyms/ Clubs/ Studios: Mr. Prashant Talwalkar Managing Director & CEO: Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Ltd. Mr. Vinayak Gawande Director: Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Ltd. Mr. Abhimanyu Sable Founder, Managing Director & CEO: ABS Fitness & Wellness Club. Mr. Kaizzad Capadia Co-Founder & Director: K11 Fitness Academy. Mr. Dilip Heble Founder & CEO: Gayo Fitness Academy. Ms. Leena Mogre Director: Leena Mogre’s Fitness Academy. Mr. Nikhil Mogre Director: Leena Mogre’s Fitness Academy. Ms. Brinda Vikram Director -Operations and HR: Snap Fitness. Mr. Sudhir Ramdas Managing Director: Focus Fitness. 12 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 Mr. Tushar Ramanan Owner: Tushar’s Fitness Studio. Ms. Zarin Watson Director: Watson Fitness. Ms. Kalyani Capadia CEO: K11 Fitness Academy. Mr. Vikas Jain Managing Director: Anytime Fitness-India. Dr. B.M. Vikram Managing Director & CEO: Snap Fitness. Mr. Rohan Pusalkar Director: Gold’s Gym. Equipment & Software: Mr. Deepak Dewan Chairman & Managing Director: Cardio Fitness India. Mr. Madhusudhan Seenappa Regional Director: Technogym. Mr. Nithij Arenja Director: Trinity Health Tech. Mr. Sarabjit Singh President: The Indian Association of Health and Fitness. Nutracuticals: Mr. Samit Gupta Director: NeuLife. Consultants: Ms. Kezban Klein Co-owner and Managing Director: Markez Training and Consulting. Mr. Sunil Kudva Mr. Martin Klein Director: Elite Fitness. Co-owner: Markez Training and Consulting. FIBO-Highlights 2014 FIBO this year was again the venue for the latest products, concepts and services for the fitness and health industry worldwide. We took a close look on all the four days (3rd-6th April) of the trade fair (in Cologne, Germany) to introduce you to a selection of the presented innovations: body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 13 FIBO sets new records More exhibitors and visitors than ever before The development and growth of FIBO is an extremely positive sign. This view was echoed by Hans-Joachim Erbel, CEO Reed Exhibitions, Germany. “The move to Cologne has put FIBO firmly in the world class exhibitions category, which was clearly underlined by this year’s results,” he said at the conclusion of the 4-day event. Internet, was a total sell-out. Almost 1,00,000 tickets (58,000 for private visitors) had already been sold before the world’s biggest exhibition covering fitness, wellness and health opened its doors on a Thursday. Rarely does an exhibition enjoy such a run prior to the opening day. Increase over last year O n the days of the exhibition from April 3rd to 6th, a total of 1,16,000 trade visitors and fitness fans from all around the world were counted, which is 15 per cent more visitors than last year. This was, according to Reed Exhibitions Deutschland, an almost 50 per cent increase from just 2 years ago. The weekend for which end-users were obliged this year to order their entrance tickets in advance via the 14 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 But it was not only the visitor numbers that beat last year’s figures for the first time with 1,00,000. The number of exhibitors also showed an increase. Last year there were 670 exhibitors, while this year there were 697 companies from 38 countries showing their trends and innovations. At an international level, FIBO is also gaining in importance. With almost 60,000 trade visitors, the exhibition, with its position and profile, was able to build its place as the world’s number 1. “The position of FIBO as the number 1 fitness market, covering the whole spectrum of fitness, wellness and health, gets stronger and better every year,” said head of FIBO, Ralph Scholz, at the closing ceremony of this year’s event. This was also really underlined by the results of the visitor survey, which made it clear that the interests of the trade visitors are now focussing very much on the themes covered by FIBO Med and FIBO Wellness & Beauty. The next FIBO will be at the Cologne exhibition centre from April 9th to 12th, 2015. For more information, go to www.fibo.de. More Information (Interviews with Hans-Joachim Erbel, CEO, Reed Exhibitions-Germany, and Ralph Scholz, head of FIBO, at www. bodylife.com/themenportal). body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 15 FIBO 2014 NEWS Innovation Award 2014 There were 12 products in four categories nominated for this year’s Innovation Awards. Here we bring you details of the winning products: Training devices The Slack Nut device consists of a rocking frame over which several straps are attached. The exercises are carried out selecting various positions on the straps which, as well as balance, promote strength, coordination and mobility. The exercises help mainly the strength of the legs, the posterior and arms, More Information For further information on the winners of the Innovation Awards and the nominated products, plus useful facts about FIBO, visit www.bodylife.com/ fibo on our micro-site. There is a video clip about the Innovation Award and interviews with the winners. and also the other musculature is defined. Training concepts Pixformance is a training concept that is fitted with a digital fitness station. It analyses the movements carried out and evaluates them. The device automatically establishes a training programme based on the analysis and continues to offer ongoing support of the learning and development processes. This means that the training needs of the client are always exactly as required. Health promotion Flexxvib offers a softer solution to the relief of back pain. Vibration sensors are used to enable identification of the precise position where the circulation and local metabolism need to be promoted. New features include the local control and introduction of the vibration onto the muscle anchors. To reduce the sense of pain Flexxvib combines stretching and vibration. Equipment, fittings and design Within the XBody Newave EMS devices, new types of EMS electrodes are used. These are located in positions where the person using the device cannot see them. The device also includes shoulder electrodes with which the whole musculature can be addressed. With the integrated system a total network of the devices can be set up, so that each device being used by each client can be accessed. The XBody Newave EMS is available in different designs with different locations and adapted to individual requirements or applications. The bodyLIFE team continues to grow... Alongside the German edition of bodyLIFE we also have editions for Switzerland, Benelux, Spain, Portugal, Poland and the UK. The latest members of the bodyLIFE family are India and China. bodyLIFE goes to China and India F IBO was bigger and more international than ever this year, and the bodyLIFE team had never been so busy. Our team of, in all 30 people, were for the first time supported by colleagues from India and China. Shortly before the prize-giving ceremony, they were able to use their visit to FIBO as an introduction to the latest novelties in the fitness sector. 16 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 In May the first bodyLIFE China will be issued as an on-line version. The first print issue is planned for August this year. Also new: bodyLIFE India enters into a joint venture between India’s PDA Trade Fairs and Germany’s Health And Beauty. The inaugural print issue in English is in your hands. The next issue is planned for September. In addition, from October 9th to 11th, the India Fitness & Wellness (IFW) Expo – an international trade fair for fitness, wellness & sports nutrition – takes place at the Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre, Mumbai The Indian team (L-R): bodyLIFE-India Editor Dhananjay Sardeshpande, IFW chief Nazeeba Zarin and bodyLIFE-India marketing head, Binesh Viswanath. Further information on bodyLIFE Indian Edition can be found on our internet micro-site: www.bodylife. com/india. Double representation The focus of the main stand of IFAA in Hall 8 was on personal counselling of professional and general visitors, who learned about a hundred different training and advanced training options. IFAA presented for the first time its functional training forum through product launches, activities and lectures. The debutants Aerobis, a specialist in functional training equipment, introduced the Revill One for the first time, which was nominated for this year’s FIBO innovation award. Along with the aeroSling, the blackPack and the Verso-360, the entire portfolio of products was introduced. Playground for adults Escape Fitness presented the visitors, a “playground for adults”, which captivated visitors at regular intervals with product demonstrations and music. The focus of the concept was the Octagon System, on which the functional training was carried out. Two innovations Star Trac introduced, among others, the series of Spinner Bikes, which is complemented by all-black Spinner NXT Black Belt. Another new addition presented was TurboTrainer, in which the user can decide whether s/he cycles or works on arms, or combines both. Optimal training control The new Tomahawk IC7, which was awarded the Red Dot Design Award, was the highlight of the indoor cycling group stall. The bike exhibited a few innovations, such as ‘Coach by Colour’ training controls. body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 17 Design & technology InBody 570, which won the Red Dot Award for its product design in the category of ‘medicine and life science’, was another highlight of FIBO. The device precisely analyses in less than a minute, the fat and muscle as well as protein, mineral and body water content of individual body segments. The system can be connected to a computer through WLAN or Bluetooth. Expanded circle Credible service In addition to the comprehensive range of strength and cardio equipment (including AMT and Discovery Line), at Precor, results of an independent telephone survey were another main feature of the trade fair. The result: Counselling, Competence, Friendliness are all very good. At Dr. Wolff’s stand, two new stations of the agility circle, Get Flexible, grabbed the limelight at the trade fair. While the first station allows the stretching of adductor muscle from sitting position, the Piriformis muscle can be stretched with the Gesäßtrainer. Studio management With HW-fit, HW-engineering showcased a system for the management of fitness studios and chains. HW-fit is based on software and latest technology. For example, a multi-functional RFID card is used as personal ID card, which can be used simultaneously for identification for access control, as money card and can be used in conjunction with circuit training equipment. Simply moving Excio offers studio solutions for physiotherapists and fitness studios. At FIBO they unveiled new product, the Dehnzirkel. The circuit comprising five devices enhances agility and elasticity. Excio offers a complete package that includes course, preventive as well as rehabilitation sports concepts. 18 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 RevolutionD KBL unveiled the successor of the world’s first Collariums, the revolutionD. It caters to the needs of sportsmen with regard to performance, regeneration and prevention of injuries. It also provides detailed and welldeveloped success guidelines on marketing to the proprietors of fitness studios. New stations Schnell presented its synchro-Circuit, which now consists of 15 weight machines. Among the new equipment were synchro-Abduktion, synchro-Adduktion and synchro-Butterfly machines as well as the synchro-Butterfly ‘reverse’ machine. Thanks to the simple menu navigation, now seating position, training arm, start angle and weight can be adjusted and stored. Successful premiere eGym Trainer App celebrated its premiere at FIBO. They designed workflows for trainers and had extensive member information to offer in mobile form. As a visual symbol for the ease of use, a 2-minute film was produced in cooperation with Moonstruck Entertainment, which is now available on the website of eGym. Back-n-joint concept At a stall visitors had the chance to test the individual stations of back and joint concept. Their team presented a Parkour with 15 devices. The concept can, depending on the desire of the respective club operator, consist of six, eight or ten devices. Stay fit economically Gantner introduced its novel high-tech solutions. Interested parties could get first-hand impression of the integrated multi-application systems that are suitable for, inter alia, access controls, cabinet locking organisation, cashless payment and time recording. body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 19 Bluetooth technology At Keiser’s stand, the innovation showcased was M3i, which is equipped with Bluetooth wireless display. In order to be able to optimally use the technology, Keiser has developed a new dynamic projection system called iKeiser. The aim is to retrieve the training data and to project it on the display. Meet the Malocher The Gelsenkirchen-based company, 4E Intenza, surprised everyone with a symbolic replica of the production line. The aim was to show the visitors how the devices are manufactured step by step. It included the entire range of products that includes motorized cardio equipment, functional training with the IQ Iron Qube, Sygnum Medical devices and the new Glute Builder. German premiers Children in the age group of 4 to 12 years presented the new funoriented Children and Youth course at Les Mills ‘Born To Move’. Five of the world’s most popular Les Mills Live classes were introduced, which are now offered as virtual courses. EMS training At the stand of Miha Bodytec, visitors had the opportunity to test EMS training. The preloaded programmes and exercises, which are clearly displayed to the trainees on the consoles, can be adjusted by the trainer to his/her individual trainees. 4 new concepts MoveToLive presented the Marken Cybex, Schwinn, Tue and Free Motion concepts at four different stands. Among others, the Eagle Kraftlinie by Cybex, A.C. Performance Plus carbon blue bike and 900 Cardio Line were presented as new products at FIBO. The new Kabelzuglinie Genesis DS was presented by Free Motion. Real eye-catcher Pavigym was represented at two stands simultaneously. The 10-minute live demos, in which the demo team Prama was introduced, grabbed many eyeballs. The system, which was introduced this year, combines short, intense functional training units with lots of fun. 20 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 +91 98407 11173 body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 21 INDIAN INTERVIEWS FIBO 2014 NEWS ‘Bring fitness education to India’ Deepak Dewan, Chairman & Managing Director, Cardio Fitness You have been in the Indian fitness market for decades. Tell me more about this. What are you doing in India? We are actually the pioneers in the fitness industry. I feel quite proud about it because we help people lead a healthier lifestyle and that gives us a sense of satisfaction. I tell my team that it’s a blessing, every time you turn a life in to a better, healthier life, you’re doing a good deed. So, from that point of view we’re really happy that we’re in this business, and the business is growing. Unfortunately, at this point of time, India as an economy is going through a bad time. We’ve had the worst scenario in 2013 in terms of the rupee devaluation that happened (by about 30% in six months), which is not such a favorable thing for people involved in the import business. But I think we’re fighting that. This year (2014) is a very crucial year because it’s an election year. Hopefully we’ll have a government that will be more open to liberalization; because that will help the economy in getting back on track. Can you say something about the fitness market: where it is and where is it going? Everybody talks about the size of India and its population. But India is not where it should be, or where it can be. So it still has tremendous potential. But Indians’ mindsets are not inclined towards fitness and outdoor activities. However, we’re pushing it and we see more and more people getting into the fitness world, becoming more and more conscious about it. The younger generation and also the ageing population is realizing the importance of fitness in their lives, to improve the quality of life they live. So, the next two years (2014 and 2015) are crucial, so that the economy gets back on track, the business sentiment improves. I think that will lead to a good growth for the fitness industry. We are here at FIBO, where we have a lot of training systems and trainers. What do you think about the challenges about training in India? To answer the first part of your question, I think it was a great move by FIBO to move from Essen to Cologne last year, and I already see a huge improvement. Undoubtedly FIBO is one of the best fitness trade shows in the world, if not the best. It gives representation to a wide spectrum of exhibitors: the profiles that it presents here really cover the entire industry very well. As to the trainers and the kind of training schedules that we have here, it is a very important issue as far as India is concerned. We were one of the first ones to bring education into the country, almost 18 years ago. But we got a very lukewarm response at that point of time, because people were not really ready to invest. But I’ve seen a great change since then. Trainers are doing much better; they are very keen to keep up with the current trends in the world. So bringing that education into India, and the kind of training scenario that you have in FIBO, is something that is really needed in India. That would improve not only the potential for business, but also user experience, and therefore a higher level of satisfaction! Veteran looks for innovation who work with me, my staff, and my family. I value FIBO very high, by all means. Prashant Talwalkar, CEO & Director, Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Ltd. How do you find your presence at this FIBO? I don’t miss FIBO year on year. This must be my seventh visit. I enjoy it thoroughly, I look forward to it every year. I try to see that I just don’t come alone, I bring my people 22 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 How have you found FIBO different this year, as compared to your previous visits? There is always change I see, and for good. The most important part is you get to see innovations yearon-year. So even if it is one small innovation, putting India into the fitness category as of now, then I find that one change, one innovation good enough for me to carry on for the next couple of years. So, I also look forward to visit the innovation booth, where you get to see something new. Of course, they are very expensive at this given time, but we keep it on the list to get them in India. What is useful to us can be software, equipment, trainers and training content. Europe’s No.1 magazine that caters to the B2B segment of the fitness industry is coming to India, what are your thoughts on that? I think it’s like bringing an exhibition to your house. It is going to be on your shelf, on your table. A magazine like this will provide Indians with insights into the fitness industry. It’s a brilliant move, and I think you will also get a good response in India. FIBO 2014 NEWS Madhusudhan Seenappa, Regional Director, GeoSpaFitnessIndia How do you find FIBO? have you been here before? We’ve been here for the last couple of years. FIBO is always a festival for us, it’s a Kumbh Mela of fitness fanatics and fitness enthusiasts, and it’s always a pleasure to come back here! This is the second year in Cologne; earlier FIBO used to be organized in Essen. It’s much bigger here, many more new products and new companies... It’s wonderful. You are representative for Technogym in India. What makes INDIAN INTERVIEWS Business spreads only with knowledge you stand out manufacturers? against other One thing I would like to say is, we are an Italian product. As you know, anything coming out of Italy comes with passion. At FIBO you can see the new line, the artist’s line, the launch of 30 new products. This year marks Technogym’s 30 years in the fitness business. We are far ahead in technology and design. Are all these new products also being introduced in India this year itself? Very soon, sometime in the middle of this year. You know about bodyLife, and you know we’re entering the Indian market with the magazine and also with a fitness expo later this year. How do you think it would affect the Indian market? The Indian market is an emerging market in fitness, and it’s very important for us as companies manufacturing equipment and doing business. Business starts with education. So a magazine with a global footprint, such as bodyLife, is very important to the business. I am looking forward to bodyLife to come to India and have a large circulation. That would help increase the knowledge base of trainers and business operators. Growth in India will exceed current trend Rajiv Wallia, President & CEO, Proline Fitness How does it feel to be back at FIBO? Great! I think they are having a lovely show here! The attendance here is absolutely full, and I think the show is a great success this year. bodyLife, the leading magazine for the fitness industry in Europe, is now coming to India. What do you have to say about that? Oh, I wish them success. It will be a great platform for all the fitness equipment companies and clubs to interact through that magazine. I believe you are planning also to have some trade shows along with that. I think it will be a great platform to work on for the fitness industry! Tell us something about your company. Our company is Cravatex Ltd., a public listed company in India. Proline Fitness is one of the divisions within the company. We have been in the fitness business now for 18 years. We’ve been with Johnson Health Tech for 17 years, which is now the 3rd largest fitness company in the world. When we tied up with them they were number 15. They’ve been the fastest growing fitness company, and we are very happy to be associated with them. We look after both retail as well as commercial equipment. We have 51 retail stores where we exclusively sell Horizon Fitness equipment from the Johnson stable. We also have a commercial team where we supply Matrix equipment to major health clubs, like Talwalkars, Gold’s Gym, Snap Fitness, Fitness First. etc. Our differentiating factor is service: we have more than a hundred people across India in service itself to maintain our equipment. That’s what has made us the leaders right now in the fitness industry in India. India has already a population that exceeds a billion, but a very miniscule percentage actually goes to gyms, or even participates in sports. What do you think is happening vis-a-vis fitness in India? I think the exposure to fitness and health is increasing; people are becoming more aware of health related diseases, like diabetes and heart ailments. I think the trend towards fitness is increasing. As you rightly said, in the US approximately 15% of the population is actively involved in fitness and exercise. In India they say this figure is approximately 0.6%. So it’s a very small percentage. But if that grows, it can take the industry to a different level altogether! Do you have any predictions for the growth of the industry over the next 5-year horizon? Well, it has been growing at about 17% per annum. But I think the growth rate is now steadily going to increase with the exposure that is happening in the industry. I am sure it will be much bigger, and much better. body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 23 CEO INTERVIEWS FIBO 2014 NEWS Towards Fitness Industry 2.0 bodyLIFE spoke to head honchos of global players in the industry... about the recession, competition, group fitness, trend and innovation: Richard Hauser: CEO, Milon Industries GmbH Daniel Clayton: Vice-President, Johnson Nerio Alessandri: Founder and CEO, Technogym We want to get more people into fitness studios: that is our common target. We do not fight for the cake, we do not quarrel over who will get the biggest piece of it. But we do have to work jointly to bake the cake! And for that we need new technologies, to be able to approach new people, to meet their requirements more specifically. The recession, I think, is probably one of the best things that could have happened to the industry, because it has created some new players, mainly from the budget sector... If you look at the members they are bringing, on average around 30 percent of them have never been in a health club before. It has challenged the mid-market to really add value to improve. Every edition of FIBO is better than the last year... very great new project development – very great new contacts in term of health management, not only in fitness but also healthy lifestyle. I think we have a new era in front of us. We have the new opportunity for developing the fitness and wellness industry 2.0. Rob Barker: President, Precor Actually it (older people train more and more) kind of started in the US. Every industrialized country, every country that was involved in World War II, has this aging group of what we call “baby boomers”... For this group it is very important to start learning how to train safely. Dustin Lee Grosz: President, Star Trac We are coming out of the recession areas very strong in a lot of countries. Even if some of the countries are not doing very well economically, they have really started to spend more money on fitness. They know that fitness improves people’s life and health. Chris Clawson: President, Life Fitness We have to look to all the different customer types. We should find out what is in their heads and get there before they get there... You create products nobody asked for, but they need it. 24 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 In terms of growth, I see it really happening in most places. And even in low-cost it’s growing very fast - this is still a big topic on everyone’s list. I actually predict the bounce-back of the middle market. During the next three to five years the middle market will rebound. Bernd Pürschel: CEO, Indoor Cycling Group Group fitness, especially indoor cycling, is not any more a trend sport. This is a firm established sport. It is up to the industry to accept it and to take it forward. Dennis Keiser: President, Keiser Corporation Frank van de Veen: Vice-President, Life Fitness The industry is growing and you can see that the industry is broadening. You have now many more segments, not just the club segment. So yes, it’s definitely growing and growing... body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 25 COMPANY SHOWCASE TALWALKARS Madhukar Talwalkar, Executive Chairman, Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Ltd. Grand ‘Young’ man takes fitness to the masses I ndia’s oldest and largest chain of wellness centres, Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Ltd., has been a pioneer in many respects. Under the guidance of the ‘Grand Young Man’ of the organized gym business, Mr Madhukar Talwalkar, the brand has mushroomed from the suburbs of Mumbai into a panIndia chain that offers the most modern and scientific gyms, spas, training and nutrition consultancy. Madhukar recalls his father’s penchant for body-building and fitness, which he picked up as a teenager from the ‘akhadas’ of Kolhapur and Mumbai. A great 26 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 fitness enthusiast himself, Madhukar has driven his business – and helped those of his contemporaries and students – from a “cottage industry” to the swank gyms of today. Not content with resting on his laurels, the senior-most of the family-operated gym chain has a vision to make fitness accessible to everyone. This has resulted in an ambitious expansion of his dream: the HiFi (Healthy India, Fit India) franchise model with the inimitable value of the Talwalkar brand attached to it. Where did he get the business motivation from? The Indian fitness industry, according to Madhukar, was valued at Rs. 800 crore in 2010, and estimated to be growing at a compound annual growth rate of 12%. He says, “One of the oldest nations in the world is probably the youngest, with more than 60% of its population under the age of 30. Even that population (of the young) is growing at 8% per annum.” The rising population, higher disposable incomes, healthconsciousness and greater awareness of fitness standards the world over have led to the emergence of a new consumer TALWALKARS class, which spreads over 80 million middle-class households. “There is a new India out there,” Madhukar tells bodyLIFE. “Out of 80 million middle class households, 55 million (69%) reside in TierII and Tier-III cities and towns. They also account for 70% of total consumption in India.” By the year 2038, there will be 68 cities with populations of more than a million each, he reckons. Today, that number is 42. In comparison, Europe has only 35 such cities. The intrinsic part of HiFi’s success hinges on a host of initiatives on education, information on health and fitness, public-private partnerships, community building – from senior citizens, women to the executive class – and creating sustainable employment and business opportunities for people connected with fitness and sports in the country. Each HiFi centre is executed in the style and manner of a turnkey project. All that a potential franchisee needs is premises measuring a minimum of 1,500 square feet (up to 3,000 square feet) and a capital investment of up to Rs 95 lakh. HiFi undertakes to set up projects, organisation, management systems, undertake recruitment and training. Madhukar notes: “Statistics reveal an 85% success rate for franchiseeled businesses, as opposed to a 15% success rate for self-started ventures.” It also means lower investment and saving of up to 40%; prenegotiated deals and pricing with top equipment and interiors (furniture, fixtures) brands; annual maintenance contracts; centralized pricing strategy and faster payback; higher profitability due to operational efficiency and assured profitability and returns on investments; and additional revenue generating opportunities through merchandising. It offers entrepreneurs and fitness enthusiasts in Tier-II and Tier-III cities and towns an opportunity COMPANY SHOWCASE for assured returns and low investments, custom-designed for clients in each region. “Our business model is developed to offer returns on investment in excess of 35% and a payback period not exceeding 3 years. It is backed by a very rigorous and passionate approach to delivering fitness to every Indian,” Madhukar adds. HiFi has a top-notch team of management professionals, backed by architects, design consultants, contractors, material suppliers, etc. This saves time in rolling out new projects. HiFi franchisees also get a specially designed signature line of strength equipment: these have a smaller footprint and are ideal for small gyms. On the fitness movement, Madhukar says it is not just for individuals, but for the entire community. Gyms, he stresses, must not just add members, but build coherent and cohesive communities. Talwalkars expanding chain First gym set up in Mumbai in 1932 More than 145 ultra-modern branches Spread across 75 cities nationwide Largest clientele: 1,50,000 members Introduced NuForm (electro-muscular stimulation) EMS gives body workout in 20 minutes per week ‘Reduce’ diet-based weight loss programme Includes tele-counselling and reduced visits David Lloyd Leisure Consulting for sports clubs Aims at high-end residential, corporate campuses Talwalkars Training Academy in Thane, in 2007 Practical and theoretical classes Corporate Membership Gym, spas & weight reduction NuForm & Zumba classes Gym set-up & facility management Designer equipment for HiFi. body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 27 bodyLIFE EXCLUSIVE FEATURE ARNIE’S WORKOUT AMMUNITION BODY LIFE EXCLUSIVE 28 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 FEATURE Perhaps the most prominent figure in the history of mainstream bodybuilding and fitness, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s inimitable career has already been memorialised with a namesake bodybuilding competition, The Arnold Classic, in recognition of his contribution to the profession. We speak exclusively to the living legend about the reputation of the industry, future projects, and keeping in shape as a ‘senior’. bodyLIFE EXCLUSIVE A s an Austrian schoolboy, Arnold Schwarzenegger resolved to pave a path to America through the weight of his own muscle. Aged 20, he first tasted success when winning the title Junior Mr Europe. Now, some 46 years on, Arnie can look back on five Mr Universe titles, seven Mr Olympia successes, a double term as Governor of California, and the small matter of a profitable acting career. “It’s all worked out okay, hasn’t it?” he jokes, as we sit down for an exclusive interview with one of the defining faces (and voices) of modern entertainment. “I had this vision of becoming a world champion in bodybuilding and everyone told me it couldn’t be done. But I just trained every day like hell and did it. So, the message is that if you really believe in something, you can do it. One victory leads to the next, and that leads to the next victory, and so on. You’ve got to pick your battles, but when you’ve done that, you’ve got to battle hard.” Arnie reveals. The schoolboy’s quest for gym glory propelled him to Los Angeles’ infamous Muscle Beach, and the workout haven’s proximity to Hollywood, where “everyone who was working out in one way or another was involved somehow in the movie business. It made perfect sense that I’d go into the movies,” Arnie recalls. “I wouldn’t have done that without the confidence that bodybuilding gave me, though,” he explains. “Muscle definition is one thing, but it has to represent something. For me, that was belief. I was powerful in my body and powerful in my mind, and that’s what we all want to achieve when we stand in front of the weights.” Arnie’s film repertoire provides body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 29 bodyLIFE EXCLUSIVE FEATURE Even as Governor of California, Arnie worked out at least 30 minutes each day, five days of the week. the perfect archive of his killer 1980s physique. With fighting scenes “just part of the job” in taking the eponymous role in Conan the Barbarian, the muscle man steadily rose to become the American champion of the action movie. Box office hits The Terminator and Predator secured him status outside of sport and within the film circuit. In the following decade the Olympic weightlifter even afforded the freedom and the confidence to navigate towards comedic roles… include in that description, if you will, his stint in politics. “Doing eight years as Governor of California was quite a feat for an Austrian émigré,” he smiles. “But I never wanted to let go of what got me there – I still had to be working out for at least 30 minutes every day. And when I say ‘every day’, I mean probably five days a week.” There were some days when it just wasn’t possible. “But exercise has always been an addiction of mine; an addiction that has kept me happy and sane. It was the physical release to all of the stress that a career brings, and I think we all need that,” he adds. Perhaps constrained by his minimal workout time – “30 minutes is never enough, but a minimum” – Arnie has now turned his back on government to return to the big screen. At age 66, ‘The Governator’ may classify as a senior citizen, but he certainly doesn’t fit the old-age stereotype. “Ageing sucks!” he laughs. “There’s really no upside that I can see. I mean, you get wiser, you get better. But overall, there’s no benefit there.” Rather, he opts to acknowledge his ascending years and make fun of them. “If you don’t,” he continues, “it’s kind of an elephant in the room. It’s ‘is Arnold trying to think he’s a 30-year-old action hero?’” For a man once hailed the perfect physical specimen, routinely bench pressing 525, it must be hard to accept he isn’t quite as young and agile as he once was. – Richard Aldhous Ageing sucks, says Arnold. You get wiser and better, but there is no benefit there. 30 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 (In the second part of our exclusive interview we speak with Arnold about ageing – and how workouts and fitness are helping getting along with it. Arnold Schwarzenegger exclusive, soon back in bodyLIFE. body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 31 PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS TECHNOGYM Kinesis One Technogym’s all-in-1 H ectic schedules and busy lives leave no time for people to spend hours in the gym for a workout. The conscious consumers are now looking for effective whole-body workout in minimum time: they thus prefer a single machine to help them ease their workout time with the same effectiveness, be it in a commercial gym or at home. The latest innovations in this concept have been developed by Technogym, which introduced its latest equipment, Kinesis One, to 32 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 the market, taking the fitness freaks to new dimensions and higher imaginations. Kinesis One is special because of the unique design and conceptual training, which allows one to perform different exercises for the whole body with a single machine, constraining all gym equipments into one and saving time! With its two weight stacks hidden SPECIFICATIONS Weight: 365 kg Height: 2120 mm Length: 1650 mm Width: 1405 mm from view, Kinesis One leaves one free to explore an infinite range of natural movements and exercises. It offers up to 300 zero-impact exercises for wellness-seekers of all levels of fitness and ability, whether they are working on their balance, strength or flexibility. One can also create a whole new range of programmes with the involvement of their trainers. Its ‘FullGravity Technology’ is a patent-pending innovation that allows users to move tridimensionally while providing resistance to every possible movement of the human body. It incorporates a 360° rotating pulley system which enables movement on three planes, allowing the user to move freely without cable interference. The handle is always ready for use and does not require any prior setting or adjustment. This allows users to start their workout and enjoy the Kinesis experience immediately. It is certified for medical use and rehabilitation and is a powerful endorsement for facilities which want or need to address the needs of users who are recovering from injuries or have limited mobility. For all your answers, visit www.wekinesis.com. TECHNOGYM PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS Artis: world’s first Google Glasscontrolled treadmill W earable smart-computers represent the next stage in computing; and Google Glass is the most hotlyanticipated gadget in that space. Technogym, the leading producer of design and technology-driven fitness equipment, has launched the world’s first Google Glass-controlled treadmill, ‘Artis’. This avant-garde technology will create a rage in the fitness industry! The treadmill allows the Glass wearer to control the speed of the treadmill using voice commands. They can also see running data on their headset and communicate with a personal trainer via a webcam. Thanks to the brand new ‘Unity’ technology, the first Android-based console display platform for cardio training equipment, Artis is open to Google Glass along with other applications. The features are designed to provide each user with a fully personalized experience on their personal training programme, data and favorite entertainment options. Unity is the first and only console in the fitness industry that offers users the ability to communicate with their personal trainer or friends via webcam, enabling any Google Glass user to experience real time oneon-one communication along with experiencing the bliss of running outdoors. When users log into Unity, all of their performance data is fed back to a cloud computing platform called mywellness cloud, allowing them to keep track of their progress over time. Unity is part of “Wellness on the Go”, Technogym’s complete experience that allows users to engage and connect with others on any piece of its equipment, anywhere in the world. Unity is an Android 4.0 open API platform with apps available in the Technogym app store, a place where fitness and wellness operators and global app developers can connect. It is already compatible with the main social networks and with leading mobile fitness and lifestyle tracking apps such as MapMyFitness, RunKeeper and Withings, providing users with real-time connectivity through Google Glass. SPECIFICATIONS Max. user weight: 220 kg Max. speed: 25 km/h Incline: 05% to 15% About Technogym Founded in 1983, Technogym is the world’s leading international supplier of products, services and solutions in the wellness and fitness industry, with a complete range of cardio, strength and movement equipment alongside networking solution and programs. More than 65,000 wellness centers in the world are equipped with Technogym and 35 million users train on Technogym every day. Technogym was the official supplier for the last five editions of the Olympic Games: Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Turin 2006, Beijing 2008, and London 2012. www.technogym.com or www.geospafitness.com. body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 33 PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS FOCUS FITNESS Incline Trainer is foremost in cardio training T he FreeMotion Incline Trainer is the single greatest piece of cardio equipment available today. Whether your fitness goals are related to weight loss, building strength, increasing endurance, or simply finding a workout that you actually enjoy, the Incline Trainer will get you there faster, safer and more enjoyably than any other cardio machine in the fitness industry. What sets the Incline Trainer apart from traditional treadmills is its range of incline. Where traditional treadmills will typically go from 0% incline to 12% or 15% incline, the FreeMotion Incline Trainer goes from a -3% decline to a 30% incline. The research behind incline training shows that considerable differences, in the way our bodies react to the physical activity, happen at 18% and above. There are five fundamental differences that inarguably make the Incline Trainer the cardio machine to have at your gym: Heart rates: Research shows that walking only 2 mph at a 24% incline yields greater heart rates than running 6 mph at zero incline. Meaning that incline training is a highly effective way to get in shape and train your heart, without painful joint impact and jarring. Fat utilization: Walking at a 21% incline, again at only 2 mph, is the most effective way to improve the way your body looks. Research shows that walking 2 mph at 21% incline burns approximately 6.8 kcal 34 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 per minute, which comes from your fat stores. The calories you burn running, with no incline, come from your energy stores. In other words, the fat you burn training at an incline will come off the unwanted fatty areas of your body, as opposed to the food you ate that day. Biomechanics: Walking or running on the Incline Trainer forces the user to use proper biomechanics (e.g. correct foot strike). Therefore it forces the body to move more efficiently, reducing FOCUS FITNESS wasted energy and lessening chance of injury. Decline training teaches the muscles to decelerate, greatly reducing chance of injury when faced with a difficult, uncontrolled environment. The opportunity to walk or run at a decline allows for specificity of training in a controlled environment, which is ideal for the elderly as well as female athletes. Muscle activation: When walking at a 27%-30% incline the glutes are activated 100% (more than when performing squats); the hamstrings are activated 73% and the calves are activated 90%! There is not a machine available that will activate those three muscle groups at that level of intensity at the same time. If you are looking to tone and strengthen your lower body, the Incline Trainer will get the job done faster and safer than any other machine out there. Variation: Performing different movement patterns on the incline trainer (skipping, side shuffles, lunges, hops, etc.) allows for creativity, enjoyment, progression and specificity of training. Best of all, it makes getting a great workout enjoyable and fun. • • • • Features of FMTK74810: • 10” full-colour touch screen with browser powered by Android. You can get online while you work out! Check the news, read emails, watch sports highlights, get on Facebook and more with this touch screen • iFit Live technology built-in: get smarter workouts and faster results with iFit Live technology, featuring workouts powered by Google Maps, training with Jillian Michaels and automatic speed and incline controls. This wireless technology is the ultimate workout experience! • 5.0 HP AC commercial professional motor: Dynamically spin-balanced and extensively tested for superior performance in vibration and noise, this brushless AC motor is the smoothest, quietest motor available today. • Compatible music port for iPod: Move to the beat of your favourite music with this built-in music • • • • PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS port with charging station. Plug your iPod, or MP3 Player, and headphones into the Interplay music port and for unbeatable sound quality. Audio coaching overrides music during an iFit Live workout. 0 – 12 MPH 1-step speed control: Make precise interval changes to your workout speed. Simply touch a single button for whole mph changes, or key in the exact speed to suit your stride. -3% to 30% 1-step incline and decline control: Adjust incline and decline from -3% to 30% with the simple touch of a button. 34 built-in workouts: Take the guesswork out of your workout with these built-in programs. Choose from high intensity, incline, calorie-burn or workouts powered by Google Maps to start your fitness journey. CoolAire workout fan to stay cool and fresh during your workout with the innovative CoolAire fan. It’s built right into the console, just like the AC in your car, allowing you to quickly adjust the settings. Dual-grip heart rate monitor: Pulse information can be displayed on the console via contact sensors or Polarcompatible wireless chest strap. Option to upgrade to 17” FreeVision HDTV: Add motivation to your workout with this HDTV. This upgradable feature has a wide viewing angle and was designed with dynamic contrast and colour saturation for a beautiful picture. Warranty: Lifetime on frame, 3-year on parts and labour, 1-year on console and TV. Maximum user weight: 400 lbs or 181 kg. FreeMotion is represented in India by Focus Fitness Pvt. Ltd., based in Mumbai (www.focusfitness.in). FreeMotion’s Incline Trainer, the FMTK74810 body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 35 PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS CARDIO FITNESS Hot trend: Outdoor functional training T he fitness equipment industry is approaching a new and exciting era of innovation and evolution. Life Fitness, the global leader in commercial fitness equipment manufacturing, is leading the charge with new products that help ensure that a workout is both exciting and effective. Life Fitness launched an abundance of groundbreaking products this year and expanded its offerings to give exercisers the new training options they want. This was done by taking training outdoors and enhancing indoor workouts with state-of-theart technology. Outdoor exercise is a popular fitness trend, largely because it can enhance an exerciser’s mood and energy level. The new Synrgy BlueSky from Life Fitness is a functional training system designed specifically for outdoor use. It can be configured to accommodate any size of outdoor space and can be used by groups as varied as health clubs, colleges and the military. Twelve body weight training stations include a press, row, step-up platform, dip/lat raise, ab station, pull-up options, short and long cargo nets, arc ladder, high rings, monkey bars and an arc traverse. These stations can be combined to create a variety of versatile designs that fit into nearly any outdoor scenario. The Synrgy BlueSky system combines outdoor exercise with small group training, another one of the leading trends in fitness. This method continues to gain popularity among fitness professionals and exercisers because it encourages camaraderie, accountability and intensity, while still allowing trainers to offer individualized attention. Group training creates an energetic workout atmosphere, and exercisers benefit from the fun and supportive environment. With Synrgy BlueSky, exercisers get the best of both worlds: the energy boost from working out in the great outdoors, and the inviting, but challenging, small group training atmosphere. “The stations and connectors on Synrgy BlueSky empower trainers to create fun, energetic classes that can incorporate circuits and interval training,” says Deborah McConnell, Global Master Trainer for Life Fitness. www.cardiofitness.com 36 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 CARDIO FITNESS PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS Enhanced engagement for exercisers T echnology is a huge part of our everyday lives. Technologyassisted workouts empower exercisers and let them take control of their fitness. Life Fitness provides cutting-edge solutions for both exercisers and facility owners. From wireless connectivity during workouts to facility management, this year the company is unveiling abundant technology products that create engaging experiences for exercisers, and also help fitness facilities maximize RoI and learn about the exercise habits of their users. Leading the way is LFconnect, the hub of Life Fitness cloud technology, and LFopen, which was the first truly open API in the fitness industry. Says Matt Brennand, Director of Cardio and Technology Products of Life Fitness, “LFopen and LFconnect lay the groundwork for endless possibilities that create a completely connected experience for exercisers and smart business solutions for facilities.” When exercisers keep track of their workouts, they are more likely to stay motivated and reach their personal fitness goals. Life Fitness cardio equipment allows exercisers to create a personalized experience by logging into their LFconnect. com account and accessing their own workouts, music playlists, and website favorites. It also lets users track and save their workout data. LFopen makes it possible for the world’s leading fitness apps to sync directly with Life Fitness equipment. Exercisers can be motivated by their favorite apps, like FitBit, Runtastic, Lost It!, SoFit, Paofit and many more, to track data or create fun and engaging workouts. Life Fitness expects this list of compatible apps to continue to grow at a fast pace in the future. Life Fitness is the first manufacturer in the industry to connect its entire cardio portfolio to cloud technology. This detailed product data allows managers to make decisions on product mix based on which machines are being used and how often. Managers can also adjust staffing schedules based on peak usage time. www.cardiofitness.com body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 37 PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS MATRIX Engaging content at just a touch T he Matrix C7xi ClimbMill’s touch interface was thoughtfully designed for fitness. Its clean home screen is the easiest way users can access content. From built-in social media apps to Virtual Active to ondemand music videos, engaging content is just a touch away. A user completing a Virtual Active workout feels incline changes as the terrain changes and hears ambient noises, and they can post their workout data to social profiles with a single touch for a truly integrated experience. For added peace of mind, its Control Zone features a sensor that stops the step rotation when triggered by an object or person. All Matrix ClimbMills feature an access panel that can be quickly removed using a common coin for easy serviceability. An integrated service light provides visibility of internal components. The Ergo Form grips with integrated pause/stop and resistance controls enhance comfort and make it easier to make workout changes on the fly. FEATURES Step Depth 25.4 cm / 10” Step Height 20.31 cm / 8” Contact & Telemetric HR Yes Delineated Steps Yes Handlebar Design Ergonomically designed handrails and horn Remote Buttons Yes Ethernet Port Yes Matrix’s C7xi ClimbMill CONSOLE Display Type 41cm/16” class projective capacitive touch screen LCD Display Feedback Time Elapsed, Time Remaining, Time of Day, Total Program Time, Total Steps, Calories, Calories per Hour, Average SPM, SPM, Floors Climbed, Heart Rate, METs, Watts, Dynamic Profile Display, Static Profile Display User-defined English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Multi-language Display Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Swedish, Finnish, Russian & Arabic. Resistance Range 1-25 Workouts Manual, Training workouts (rolling hills, interval training, calorie training, goal training), fat burn, target HR, fitness test (sub-maximal test, WFI test, CPAT), constant Watts, time goal, distance goal, calorie goal. CSAFE Ready-FitLinxx Certified Yes Netpulse Compatible Yes - included FitTouch Technology Yes Instant On Technology NA - powered One-button Start Yes On-the-fly Program Change Yes Integrated Vista Clear Television Technology Yes Fitconnexion Ready No Wi-Fi Enabled Yes 38 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 Multimedia Playback Yes - compatible with most tablet and smart phone systems iPod® Compatible Yes Nike + iPod Compatible No Personal Fan Yes USB Port Yes Virtual Active Compatible Yes - included Asset Management Compatible Yes - included Web Connectivity Yes - custom app interface in addition to web browser Facility Communication Portal/Calendar Yes - programmed through Asset Management Pause Function Yes RESISTANCE SYSTEM Resistance Technology ECB w/ flywheel TECH SPECS Power Requirements Assembled Dimensions Max User Weight Assembled Weight Shipping Weight 100v-240v - 50/60Hz AC 165 x 85 x 212 cm / 65” x 33.5” x 83.5” 182 kg / 400 lbs. 158 kg / 348 lbs. 167 kg / 368 lbs. MATRIX The ultimate deck system PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS Matrix’s T7xi Treadmill T he Matrix T7xi Treadmill enables a user completing a Virtual Active workout feel incline changes as the terrain changes and hear ambient noises, and they can post their workout data to social profiles with a single touch for a truly integrated experience. The 7xi’s touch interface was thoughtfully designed for fitness. Its clean home screen is the easiest way users can access content. From built-in social media apps to Virtual Active to on-demand music videos, engaging content is just a touch away. The impact absorption system provides the ultimate feel for all users, and offers over 40,000 km/ 25,000 miles of maintenance-free performance. Its exclusive drive system is coupled with controller technology that continuously monitors and adjusts to user footfall to ensure a perfect stride. For lasting durability, the Matrix 5 and 7 series treadmills are equipped with cast-aluminum end caps. TECH SPECS Power Requirements 20-amp dedicated circuit required, non-looped grounded Electrical Receptacle & Plug 200 - 220v Assembled Dimensions 215 x 93 x 161 cm/ 84.6” x 36.5” x 63.5” Max User Weight 182 kg/ 400 lbs. Assembled Weight 181 kg/ 399 lbs. Shipping Weight 200 kg/ 440 lbs. FEATURES Deck Type Ultimate hard-wax reversible 1” deck Belt Type Habasit, 2-ply commercial grade Running Area 152 x 56 cm / 60” x 22” Step-on Height 24 cm / 9.5” Cushion System Ultimate deck cushioning system Incline Range 0-15% (590-kg / 1,300-lb. thrust elevation motor) Speed Range 0.8 - 24.1 km/h/ 0.5 - 15 mph** Contact & Telemetric HR Yes Crossbar Controls Go, stop, cool down, speed and incline control Ethernet Port Yes ** 24.1 km/h/ 15 mph rating applies to users up to 159 kg/ 350 lbs CONSOLE Display Type 48 cm / 19” class projective capacitive touch screen LCD Display Feedback Time, Distance (Kilometers or Miles), Calories, Calories per Hour, Speed, Incline, Pace, Heart Rate, METs, Watts, HD Dynamic Profile Display User-defined English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Multi-language Display Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Swedish, Finnish, Russian & Arabic. Workouts Manual, Rolling Hills, Fat Burn, 5k, Target HR, Gerkin Protocol, Calorie Goal, Distance Goal, Time Goal, Army PFT, Navy PRT, Marine PFT, Air Force PRT, Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) CSAFE Ready-FitLinxx Certified Yes Netpulse Compatible Yes - included FitTouch Technology Yes One-button Start Yes On-the-fly Program Change Yes Integrated Vista Clear Television Technology Yes Fitconnexion Ready No Wi-Fi Enabled Yes iPod Compatible Yes Multimedia Playback Yes - compatible with most tablet and smart phone systems Nike + iPod Compatible No Personal Fan Yes USB Port Yes Virtual Active Compatible Yes - included Asset Management Compatible Yes - included Web Connectivity Yes - custom app interface in addition to web browser Facility Communication Portal/Calendar Yes - programmed through Asset Management Pause Function Yes Reading Rack Yes Drive System Matrix 5.0 hp AC Dynamic Response Drive System body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 39 New: Functional Training Forum The new functional training platform by Perform Better and IFAA, powered by bodyLIFE magazine, rocked at FIBO 2014 H all 9 at FIBO 2014 was redesigned and restructured especially for functional training. This move proved very popular, with the stage in the centre of the event attracting a lot of interested people, throughout the duration of the international trade show in Cologne, Germany. On all the four days of the trade fair, from morning to evening, the functional training forum provided FIBO visitors a complete programme and thrilled them – starting from the early morning workouts (Crosstube with Stefanie Rohr), over a number of workshops, individual and group workouts, to professional presentations on the latest sports 40 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 Trainer-Editor Maren Lenhard (L) in conversation with Speedball SM fitness trainer, Barbara Spritzendorfer. science findings. No matter what time people came by, the functional training forum was always full. Other highlights included Eberhard Schloemmer’s lectures on Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the new face of IFAA, Barbara Spritzendorfer. The cynosure of all eyes was Eberhard: he explained FMS and demonstrated the process of determining the strengths and weaknesses of fundamental movement patterns. Despite the complexity and high demand, he remained the object of interest of the countless trainers and amateur sportsmen present at the venue. FIBO 2014 COMMUNITY & LIFESTYLE Neurology on the move! What is FMS? That is a difficult question to answer. Often it is easier to say what the FMS is not! FMS is not a diagnostic tool. It is not a test, but a pure risk check. We check if a risk exists when the person becomes active. Eberhard Schlommer What are the prerequisites for FMS training? Most importantly, one should have the passion to become a trainer or a physiotherapist or a doctor. The theme of neurology and movement is on the rise, and every day we are learning more about it. What has been the response to FMS at FIBO? This is our third time at FIBO in the Speedball SM Fitness and MAX (muscle activity excellence), both power-packed course programmes, impressed many of the visitors. These programmes activate the muscles and enhance performance of the trainee through functional exercises. In Speedball SM Fitness, as the name suggests, one works functionally with a ball. Presenter Barbara Spritzendorfer has been an instructor since 2011 and continues to be passionate about it, more so as it is gaining popularity. “This training is effective and diverse. The participants quickly learn how they need to work with the ball. The ball is perfect as a training tool,” she stresses. MAX refers to a 30-minute group fitness format which is based on structured exercise sequences. It is a high-intensity fitness training module that pushes the participants to their limits. FIBO visitor Andreas Mueller has done it. “MAX is definitely recommended! It is fast and it gets you exhausted!” he says. form of lectures and presentations on FMS. We are noticing that it is increasingly gaining more popularity and is very well-received. We are getting many queries and we are happy about it! How did you become aware of FMS? A friend of mine came from the USA and recommended it to me. Initially, I laughed it off, but later I was convinced by it. Eberhard Schloemmer holds a degree in Sports Science. He has been working in the field of fitness for more than 10 years, advises large corporations and works as a trainer. He is committed to FMS. Coming soon to INDIA too The training formats FMS, MAX and Speedball SM were very well received at FIBO. They are also on their way to India! As part of the first bodyLIFE IFW trade fair, scheduled in Mumbai in October this year, the integrated IFAA-India convention will offer these attractive modules to local professional trainers. Speedball SM fitness at the functional training forum during FIBO-2014 Eberhard Schloemmer tests Trainer-Editor Maren Lenhard with FMS body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 41 FMS TRAINING Photo: Andrey Burmakin/shutterstock.com Just how fit are Ten good reasons for a Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Fitness trainers are finding FMS more and more popular, and more and more useful. For studio owners it is still, however, a whole new world. Yet, FMS can also be used as a marketing tool and help to cement client relations. 42 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 A lot of trainers have already discovered the FMS for themselves. In just a few minutes, in seven simple movements, it is possible to pick up reliable information about the overall quality of the client’s activity. Any limitations on stability and mobility, and/or limited mobility on one side, as well as possible unrecognised problems with pain, can all be covered with the FMS method and, using correctional practice and movements, can be measurably improved within a few days or weeks. With the results viewed on the screen the trainer can keep a close watch on the client, identify what s/ he needs, what would be sensible and targeted exercise, and which exercises, equipment or fitness programme would be best to recommend at the time – or not to recommend. More and more often one hears about the poor quality of fitness clubs. In Germany, one newspaper article reported: “A lot of German people exhaust themselves to a serious degree in fitness clubs.” Tackling weak areas Fitness clubs, unqualified trainers, and very successful fitness programmes are held responsible for long-term physical damage and excess physical stress among some club members. Unfortunately, it says a lot more to a lot of people – that fitness and sport are bad for us – and encourage such people to feel confirmed in their avoiding of activity and movement. For years, or even decades, the fitness and quality of movement of millions of people, has been made worse because of lack of exercise TRAINING FMS your members? 10 advantages of FMS Undiscovered pain locations, functional bodily imbalance, or restricted movements can be recognised Protects the client from physical damage or overload Additional evaluation/expansion to meet one’s own training philosophy Fast and simple integration of the FMS system in the fitness studio and day-today training business Perfect initial check for new members at low cost, little time for club owners Attractive revaluation of the starter pack Additional training possibilities with new and effective exercises Tool to check, manage training progress via repeatability of measurements Maximum client loyalty through trust and competence Gaining members’ trust by individual assessment of their health or unsuitable training programmes. Limitations in mobility and/ or stability when using exercise apparatus can lead ultimately to compensational or evasive movements and micro-trauma. Minor injuries and non-physiological mechanism of the joints are the result. It is exactly these people who visit the fitness, yoga and pilates gyms, or health clubs, around the world, millions of times, day in day out, in the hope of somehow making things better. In effect only a few fitness clubs and trainers are really ready for this growing problem of dysfunction, physical imbalance and specific weak areas. The FMS and its successful training philosophy can help here. “Until just a few years ago we had no system in use to tell us about the quality of the various movements before deciding on the quantity to apply,” says Gray Cook, one of the two developers of the FMS, and one of the world’s most successful and recognised physiotherapists. The screening (checking and assessing) of certain basic movements today is a central element in the work of professional trainers, coaches, personal trainers and physiotherapists. In professional sport – such as American football, basketball and ice hockey, as well as soccer clubs such as FC Bayern, Chelsea, etc. – the FMS has been used successfully for years. And now the possibility of lifting a fitness club above all others by using an efficient piece of measuring equipment, in just a few minutes, and at a low cost, and to be able to repeat the findings, has not been discovered only by sports body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 43 FMS TRAINING professionals, but also by fitness clubs and personal trainers. Worthwhile training The FMS and a functional training system are, for many people in this sector, completely new territory. They can open up a whole new world of undreamed of possibilities and will also, of course, raise the value of the business. The system works well and many clubs have tested the equipment world-wide. Increased membership figures, additional personal trainer lessons, client loyalty and increased trust in the level of attention and care, are the results. The FMS is useful as an initial client evaluation, and for follow-up tests. It can be integrated into every fitness establishment and every fitness concept. It will supply, in less than 15 minutes, important information for the trainer and the client. The exercise programme based on this information (the “Corrective Exercise Strategy”) and a cleverly organised work-out programmes with attractive exercises nicely round-off the “key in hand” system. With a few additional exercises the client will achieve noticeable and measurable results. In Germany the FMS has been known and used by physiotherapist Oliver Schmidtlein and the athletics trainer Mark Verstegen as part of their work with the German national soccer team. Since November 2012 there is a course, available in German, to enable users to become qualified as ‘FMS-Certified Exercise Professionals’. in order to bend and stretch hips, knees and ankles together in a kinematic chain. In addition extensions and stability of the spine and rear musculature, as well as flexing and abduction of the shoulders are required. in all kinds of sport disciplines such as running, jumping and various games. In the one-leg stage it is also possible to evaluate the closed kinematic extensor for maximum hip extension and dynamic stability. THE SEVEN SCREENS 1. Deep Squat (DS) The ability to bend the knees is a fundamental everyday movement, also for sport and leisure activities. Bending the knees is a basic component of several functional movements. When done correctly the deep squat promotes the whole mechanics of the human body. 2. Hurdle Step (HS) In the hurdle step movement the coordination and stability between the hips and posterior, as well as standing on one leg, are measured and checked. For correct execution of this movement it is necessary to show optimum mobility in the ankle, knee and hip joints in their open chain movement and an optimum This screen supplies information on bilateral motion, motional symmetry, functional mobility and stability of the hips, knees and ankles as a kinematic chain in bending and stretching. The beam located overhead allows the symmetrical movement of the shoulders and thoracic spine to be measured. The correctly carried out deep squat demands good timing 44 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 balance in the single leg stance, plus stability in the spine and posterior. The hurdle step is met every day (for example in climbing stairs) as well as 3. In-Line Lunge (ILL) The start position for this screen places the body in an asymmetric step position which is commonly found in sport and day-to-day movements when walking, running, starting off, slowing down, rotational movement, and lengthways movement. Here not only the balance is checked, but also the mobility and stability of the ankles, knees and hips. The small steps taken mean that the upper body, the shoulder girdle and the lower extremities must be able to withstand a slight to medium body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 45 FMS TRAINING rotary force. In addition an optimum alignment of the mechanical axis and upper body is required. Contractions and imbalance (e.g. quadriceps, hip abductor, seat, belly and calves) must be able to withstand light or average rotation forces under extreme conditions in the shoulders and hip flexors, which make this exercise somewhat more difficult. 4. Shoulder Mobility (SM) The test for shoulder mobility returns data on the client’s bilateral freedom of movement and possible limits to the shoulder muscles, the rotation sleeve, the shoulder blades and the thoracic spine. To be able to carry out this extensive movement bilaterally it is also necessary to carry out extension tests, internal rotation and adduction, as well as external rotation with abduction of the shoulders at the same time. Limitations, for instance in the control of the shoulder blades and/or the spine, cutting short the motion of the pectoris minor muscle, the latissimus dorsi and several others can have a serious impact on the shoulder movement, and thus return a low score in this area. 5. Active Straight-Leg Raise (ASLR) The Active Straight-Leg Raise, lying on one’s back requires the ability to move the lower limbs independently of each other while the pelvis and posterior remain stable. It is a test less about motion of the upper thigh 46 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 of the raised leg, but much more about seeing whether the legs can be moved independently of each other. Here the quality of the flexing of the active thigh of the stretched, raised leg while at the same time the hip extension of the resting leg under retention of the posterior stability, are crucial factors. A structural hip mobility or restrictions, hypertonic reduction in length and in the complex of gluteus maximus, tractus iliotibialis and ischiocural muscles, as well as reduced activity of the lower belly muscles can have a negative effect on the client’s performance and so return a low score in this area. Asymmetric and other dysfunctions in this region can lead to injury, sensitivity problems and stress. 6. Trunk (TSPU) Stability shoulder and posterior it can often lead to an inefficient use of kinematic power, which ultimately leads to compensatory movements. This can hinder the full functional performance and lead to microinjuries and overload traumas. 7. Rotary Stability (RS) Here one checks the ability to stabilise the posterior during simultaneous arm and leg movements, and to maintain posture control. This complex movement demands correct neuromuscular control of the pelvis, posterior and shoulder girdle at several levels in order to combat any rotation power and energy transfer. In almost all sports movements and Push-Up This screen has nothing to do with conventional press-ups. Because of the special requirements and challenges in the start position this movement can, with just one repeat, check the ability of the reflectory posterior stabilisation by a closedchain upper body movement. Symmetrical energy transfer and reflex-type stabilisation of the shoulders, rump, hips and spine at several levels is called for here. Almost all of the movements require, from the local and global posterior stabilisers, a functional power transfer from the upper extremities, over the posterior, to the lower extremities, and vice versa. In cases of lack of rump stability and/or a lack of functionally coordinated working of the arm, in daily life power is emanated from the extremities and transferred to the posterior or vice versa. If this is not carried out properly, kinetic energy is misdirected and so will lead to a lower power development and possibly lead to the risk of personal injury. – Eberhard Schloemmer The writer is a qualified sports scientist, FMS expert and official trainer in Europe for the Functional Movement Screen. Further information on FMS training and in-house programmes is available at www.perform-better.de. SOFTWARE FOR GYM ADVERTORIAL Fitness Manager is at the heart of healthy gyms. Being the most trusted and preferred vendor in the fitness industry, it is at the heart of healthy investments, too. Over the years, Fitness Manager has performed – both in the offline and the online version (since 1999 & 2007 respectively). Fitness Manager is the most comprehensive ERP software for gyms, fitness clubs and wellness centres, serving the Indian fitness industry since 1999 and it works in a very defined manner. It senses your thoughts and delivers exactly what you are looking for and so their clients recognize Fitness Manager for its stability, and not without reason. In spite of recent upheavals in the fitness industry, Fitness Manager’s popularity touched an all time high. When there are a host of dubious software products available in the market at half the price, they still insist on Anayan’s reliability, stability & trust. Some key features are: • Time Attendance Readers Seamless Fingerprint Member Attendance Attendance front-desk integration with Readers to capture and Employee with our live PopUp enables the to monitor every person entering and exiting the gym floor. • iPhone and Android apps Your members get to see their progress or post a feedback using our feature-rich iPhone and Android apps. • Integration with Tally accounting software Fitness Manager integrated with Tally. No duplication of accounting entries, no need to refer Excel sheets. Just a click of button updates all the ledgers and A/c heads into Tally. Accounting made simple ! THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED The most comprehensive ERP software for gyms, fitness clubs and wellness centres, serving the Indian fitness industry since 1999. Biometric Time Attendance Fitness Tips To capture Members' Usage and Employee Discipline. Our Face book page shares Fitness Tips. Everybody gets to benefit from the knowledge we share. Paperless Documents Member Cloud Day Close Report Fitness Map Tally Integration Customer Feedback Be an eco-friendly gym. Log Book For internal office communication. Management gets the Day Summary, Statistics and Analysis in their email IDs. The entries from FM get posted directly into Tally at Day Close. Every member can log in remotely to check the progress. Assessments, Diet Plan, Workout Schedule, Medical History Courtesy Calls made by Fitness Counsellors can be trapped to gather feedback from disgruntled members. CONTACT US Anayan Software Consultancy C/9, “Dream”, Babhai, L.T. Road, Borivali (W), Mumbai 400 092, India Telephone Email : +91 9320016286 : [email protected] body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 47 TRAINER INTERVIEW Married to business, wedded to fitness Swetha Subbiah is a highly qualified personal trainer and head trainer at the premium gym ‘Zela’ in Bangalore. She received her qualifications in the UK. Even before Zela started (in October 2011), Swetha was responsible for creating, promoting and launching the remarkable brand. Before that she initiated quite a few successful promotional partnerships with leading brands like Puma, Mont Blanc, Chanel and Volkswagen. The skills for business projects like this were already in place: Swetha studied Economics at York University, Toronto (Canada), and had worked for business and consulting companies; among them Ernst & Young. bodyLIFE decided to find out what makes Swetha tick as a personal trainer... Swetha, which world is more difficult to survive: the world of high performance business, or that of high performance training? Both worlds offer their own set of challenges; but since the area of fitness and training is somewhat of a new industry in India, there are fewer guidelines one can follow in order to create or run a successful business. From that point of view there are far more ‘unknowns’ in the training industry, and I would say that, in a sense, it is more challenging. Swetha in action at Zela in Bangalore. 48 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 How did you experience this big change in your life? I was in the right place at the right time! Sports and fitness have always been my first love, and I was fortunate enough to find my way back to it. When I was looking to make a move from the corporate to the fitness industry, I had the good fortune of meeting an entrepreneur who had a vision for the fitness industry in India that very much complemented my own personal vision. That made my transition quite seamless. INTERVIEW TRAINER Everybody sees the difference between these two universes. But maybe there are also some parallels? At the end of the day they are both businesses, and in order to grow and be successful in any business it must make economic sense. From that point of view both the corporate and the training worlds are similar. You are familiar with both industries, not only in India but also in Europe and the US. From your experience, what are the differences between these three continents? The big difference between the fitness industry in India and the West (Europe and North America) is simply the level of maturity. In India educating the population on the benefits of fitness is very much the first order of business. The West is far more mature; and developing cutting-edge fitness techniques and solutions are in the forefront. You undertook personal training education with (among others) Nico Schmitz (famous German fitness trainer of the national football team). How do you think his skills and concepts fit into Indian needs and market? Nico Schmitz’s skills and concepts are very much applicable in the Indian fitness industry, as they are in any other country in the West. If I could use an analogy, it would be like a new drug in the market that can cure a cold. Anyone, anywhere can use it, and it works! What do you think about the possibilities of Functional Movement Screening (FMS) in Indian gyms? FMS is a fantastic tool for trainers to identify, explain and correct movement-based compensations in the body. However, since the Indian fitness industry is so young in many ways, sometimes the information that the FMS tool gives the client maybe overwhelming and uninteresting to them. More often than not, in India ‘weight loss’ is the only concern of the client. What are matters of priority for the Indian gym and fitness industry? Education and a central authority The Germany-trained fitness enthusiast in conversation with bodyLIFE Editor-in-Chief, Max Barth. for certification. The Indian fitness industry is very unorganized; there is no central body that awards certifications. This makes it very hard to hire trainers because it is hard to judge how good and relevant the local certifications are. From the trainers’ point of view, they struggle to find good educational facilities with recognized certification. What are the inherent assets and strengths of the industry in the country? India has a large upwardly mobile middle class that is becoming interested and able to invest in personal fitness. There is enormous scope for growth. Moreover, now we are seeing people from the middle and upper strata of society that are seriously considering fitness as a career option. This means that there is a massive talent pool that is untouched. This is what the Indian fitness industry can tap into and grow from. Trainers abroad can get tough on their customers, in order to overcome their inner barriers. But trainers in India fight shy of psychological support to their clients. Why is that? This seems to be a classic case of a bad hangover from India’s colonial past and its caste system, where social hierarchies and expected behavior within them were clearly defined. But we now see people from across the social spectrum joining the fitness industry in India. This trend is breaking down social barriers; so we can definitely look forward more aggressive and hardcore training in India in the coming years. You turned to professional training as a career. How did your relatives and close friends react? I am very fortunate because my family is very supportive of my decision, but they’re definitely a bit confused about the exact nature of my work. The community I belong to and the social group I am a part of are quite forward thinking, so there was very little resistance. However there were definitely reservations about doing work that was considered more manual in nature. What is your personal wish for the Indian fitness market? I think India is in a unique place where the scope for growth and the opportunity to learn from the mature markets of the West is massive. It is my personal dream that India sees an upsurge in fitness and training spaces that cater to all segments of society. I also hope to see a more organized industry, where certification is of a high standard and is recognized. body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 49 BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICE FITNESS EDUCATION Lead, guiding light... Leena Mogre, training guru to many sports and cinema stars, is a celebrity in her own right. She is India’s first certified woman personal trainer and gym owner, and a pioneer in fitness education. She tells bodyLIFE what fitness training certification in the country is all about... O ne fine day, when Ms. Leena Mogre was called upon to conduct aerobics classes in a newly launched fitness centre in a club in Vile Parle (Mumbai), she was at a loss for words. The reason for her unease was that although she practiced aerobics as part of her personal fitness regimen, she was not a qualified instructor. The year was 1993. Fortunately for Leena, she could count on some certified aerobics instructors among her friends, who helped her out of her dilemma. The scenario is not changed much in 2014. In this span of two decades, the wellness and fitness industry in India has grown by leaps and bounds 50 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 – in terms of technology, scientific concepts, nutrition awareness and eager customers. But the scarcity of educated trainers and instructors continues to dog the growth of the business of gyms, spas and physical rehabilitation centres. Supply Gap This gap between demand and supply of certified trainers was even more acute in the ‘80s and ‘90s, when gymming took roots and spread rapidly across the country. That was what prodded Leena to set up a training academy in her Bandra gym in 1994. The pioneering Leena Mogre Fitness Academy has since given to the industry more than 3,000 trained and certified instructors. Its alumni have spread far and wide and become celebrity personal trainers, fitness and nutrition consultants – even successful gym owners! It now has branches in Khar (Mumbai), Baroda and Bangalore. Far from the days of its origins, the LM Fitness Academy today has on its faculty a bevy of specialists in the fields of food & nutrition, sports & training, hotel management & catering, physiotherapists & orthopaedic doctors. They are the ones that educate and polish fitness enthusiasts into knowledgeable trainers, sports instructors and facility managers. The courses at LM Fitness Academy impart knowledge of physiology, human anatomy, injuries, biomechanics, weight and strength training, obesity and sport-specific assistance. It involves project work and compulsory in-house internship, which are important milestones in a candidate’s journey to certification. “Inter-personal communication and presentation skills are what differentiate a mediocre candidate from the bright ones,” Leena notes, stressing that these are equally essential to a successful career as a fitness trainer. “For some, we recommend personality development courses to improve their chances of success.” In tune with industry requirements, she is soon introducing refresher courses for already certified trainers, dieticians and instructors. Her academy presently offers part-time courses in power yoga, kick boxing, aerobics, fitness management, diet & nutrition FITNESS EDUCATION and advanced personal training. For candidates that are talented, but unable to afford course fees, scholarships are offered by the academy. Setting Standards What type of people generally enroll for certification? “We have always had a mix: fitness enthusiasts, sportsmen without a career, graduates from physical training institutes – even housewives! It helps that our courses are part-time. And yes, the age profile is getting younger each passing year,” Leena informs us. How does one differentiate between group, personal and sports trainers? “Personal trainers have it the easiest, since it is a one-on-one interaction. Sports trainers must have sportspecific field knowledge.” It is the group trainer that needs more energy and talent, because s/he is leading a diverse group, Leena says. She takes an aerobics instructor for example who, in addition to training skills and leadership qualities, “needs to understand music and choreography”. (This is already sounding as much fun as it seems challenging!) What about the authenticity and recognition of the plethora of courses and certification institutes that have mushroomed under the growing umbrella of the expanding industry? “There is no government regulation, nor recognition, for these courses. Even in the West, industry associations (such as IFAA, ACE, IHRSA and ASCM) accord recognition to training education,” Leena says. She agrees that there should be regulations and standards within India; but that is possible only after recognition by the government to industry associations. The recentlyestablished Mumbai Gym Owners’ Association is an attempt in that direction. “Otherwise, one has to go by industry recognition accorded to market-proven certification that we offer. As of now that suffices our requirements,” the veteran trainerturned-gym-owner-turned-educator says. BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICE Fitness Management Course: 10 weeks (3 days a week) + 8 weeks internship Syllabus Anatomy Study of skeletal muscles & bones (placement and movement) Exercise Physiology Study of energy, metabolism and cycle Injuries Precaution before injury and basic knowledge to recognize injury Fitness Testing Ways to test clients’ fitness levels before putting him/her on a training programme Weight Training Planning All about weights (free hand, machines, etc.), forms, understanding body type Schedules and planning training programme) Basic Nutrition Knowledge about macro and micro nutrients, basic nutrients in percentage to be provided for various activities Supplements Knowledge of supplements, administration of supplements, brands & how they work Special Exercises Exercises to be done and avoided during injury, recuperation, pregnancy, diabetes, etc. Certificates accorded 1. Fitness Management Theory 2. Exercise Technique 3. Internship 4. Work Experience Diet and Nutrition Course: 3 months (2 days a week) + 5 weeks internship Syllabus Basics of Nutrition Macro and micro nutrients, calorie count, natural food, importance of balanced diet Physiology of Nutrition Metabolism of various nutrients in different activities, source of nutrients and availability in our body during various workouts Planning of Diet Planning of diet for general public, in obesity, pregnancy, weight training, for marathon, etc. Certificates accorded 1. Fitness Nutrition Consultant 2. Internship 3. Work Experience *Trainees would be learning to plan diet on the basis of exchange lists based on Indian food Power Yoga Course: 8 days (Sundays) Syllabus Module I Surya Namaskars Module II a. Flexibility training b. Strength and functional training Integration of Module I & II Various functional training exercises that can be incorporated during the basic asanas Certificate accorded Basic Power Yoga For more information, visit www.lmthefitnessacademy.com body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 51 BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICE FIRST IMPRESSIONS At Snap Fitness, every inch of space is for workouts, not lounging. Small makes ‘big’ sense It is probably the fastest growing fitness franchise chain in India. In the six years of its existence, Snap Fitness has clocked up 46 clubs across the country so far... and we are still counting! What makes it tick? 52 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 S nap Fitness is a US-based (Minneapolis) global player, with a footprint that spreads from Canada, the US and Europe, to Australia and New Zealand in the East, with Egypt and India in between. It has more than 2,500 clubs signed up in 1,450 locations. In India, it aims to clock 300 franchises across the country in the next five years, providing franchisees with a low-cost, proven business model with streamlined operations and value-added franchise services. According to Srileka Reddy, DirectorMarketing, all consumers the world over are united about one thing: value for money. Snap Fitness has been able to deliver this, not only in India, but across geographies. She says, “We do not compromise on the equipment, service, hygiene, customer service or technology; but we price it at very affordable rates. The value box is huge compared to other fitness clubs.” Snap Fitness offers top-of-theline equipment, personal training FIRST IMPRESSIONS good quality fitness programmes accessible to all at an affordable price. The 13,000-square-foot Fitness One club taught the duo the difficulties of setting up shop: from selecting and buying the right equipment and accessories to hiring qualified trainers and managers. But running a big club wasn’t such a smart thing for profits, they realised. The operating overheads were huge because of commercial rents for multiple floors, along with staff salaries and retention bonuses. Non-revenue areas – such as lounges, showering areas, saunas and jacuzzis – were not helping the bottom line either. But the response was huge; and that got them cracking at the franchise business. They soon arrived at Snap Fitness, which offered a perfect fit: smaller fitness gyms, greater flexibility, but with no frills. More importantly, the Snap Fitness model did not compromise on values or equipment, but reduced overheads. “In a big gym, rent and salaries alone would add up to Rs. 15 lakh per month. These are fixed costs in running the place,” notes Srileka. Marketing Strategies programmes, nutrition counselling, convenient timings and easy accessibility. Yet, it provides perhaps the cheapest membership to its clients. bodyLIFE asked Srileka: How do you work that magic? The Entrepreneurs An MBA in finance from London University and with a Masters in Marketing from Sydney University to boot, Srileka could have ended with a bank or financial consulting job; but a chance meeting saw her take up the role of a fitness club manager in Bangalore! “I pounced on it mainly because fitness was always a passion for me,” she smiles. During another chance meeting with Dr B.M. Vikram, the entrepreneurial bug bit her. Vikram is a trained dentist, but has a bigger enterprising appetite, having successfully ventured into real estate and HR consulting! Together they decided to start their own fitness club that would make “Getting membership is all about how you locally conduct marketing activities. You have to market in the area where people will come in, so we focus on local marketing activities. Once we have the people come in, our whole focus is about ensuring people get their results” “To make more than Rs 15 lakh month after month is impossible.” Location, Location! Srileka says Snap Fitness makes sure the rent is no more than Rs. 1.5 lakh per month. “The floor space is small, not exceeding 5,000 square feet. We choose the second or third floor. It has to be a residential area. Since the number of machines are limited, we don’t need an army of trainers. That way we reduced our fixed operating costs to one-third of what bigger gyms have to shell out,” she reveals. BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICE Srileka Reddy: Say ‘Snap’ and another gym is ready! For a gym spanning three floors, you need three sets of people. All Snap Fitness franchisees are singlefloor gyms. There is no wastage of space: the lounges, reception and shower areas are done away with. Every square foot of area is used for customers’ workouts, and there are enough trainers to go around. “Why do people come to a gym?” Srileka asks, then answers herself: “To work out – not to chat over a cup of coffee, or browse in a Wi-Fi lounge. If we offer these facilities, then customers lose focus.” She goes on: “If our customers want a spa, we recommend a good one. We don’t mind anybody opening a spa next to our gym. But we don’t want to take up the additional responsibility of running a spa.” What if the membership starts adding up? “There is no dearth of space. People choose different times of the day to visit their gyms. In any case Snap Fitness gyms are open 24x7, so there is no ceiling to the members we can enrol,” Leka clarifies. body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 53 BUSINESS & BEST PRACTICE FIRST IMPRESSIONS business on their minds,” Srileka reveals. No compromises on equipment, training and focus. Delivering Results “If people come to Snap they have to think about the results they get. So how do they get results? They have to follow a certain workout and nutrition format. These are very closely tracked: we have an in-built processes to make sure that people come back to their workouts. Once they see the results, they refer other people. They actually stay with us!” There are peak periods (four hours each in the morning and evening), but the way trainers scheduled their customers’ workouts, there are no more than 50 customers on the premises at any point of time. “Everybody does not come to the gym every day anyway,” Leka throws in for good measure. But visibility has to be good. Srileka and Vikram check out about 10 locations before they zero in on one! “Location is very crucial for us. It is either close to home or close to work. Nobody wants to drive to their gym through city traffic; so we choose a high street in a residential area. We do not open in our gyms malls or downtown areas. Our gym should be across the road, or round the corner – in any case not more than 3 km,” Leka insists. Franchise Model Is there a compromise on equipment then? “Absolutely no!” Leka interjects. Snap Fitness has a global deal with the likes of Cybex, 54 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 Matrix and Star Trac, among others, to supply the latest machines for cardio, strength and functional training. “All the brands you get to see in ‘bigger’ gyms, you get to use with us,” she stresses. What of training software loaded on to the machines? “It is usually an add-on, and it just adds to the cost of the equipment. What we ensure is to get the best quality of equipment with whatever necessary configurations. The bio-mechanics have to be good.” So it all boils down to low fees? “Yes, much more affordable. We pass on whatever savings that we make on rentals, salaries and other overheads back to consumer. If you keep membership fees at about Rs 1,200 a month it works,” the manager-turned-gym franchise says with authority. What does it take to approach Snap Fitness for a franchise? “Investment in the region of Rs 1.7 crore”, says Srileka. That would not only include rental of the premises but also the cost of interiors, the equipment, even the initial marketing funds. Snap Fitness takes the whole responsibility of recruiting a team, training trainers as well as managers, undertakes marketing activity, plans customer loyalty and retention programmes and branding. “Above all, what we look for in a franchsee is someone with a passion for fitness. We have seen that people with a passion run our gyms more successfully than those with only ‘Dilli Chalo’ What would be the gestation period between a person getting a franchise to the time of the gym’s opening? “Three months,” Srileka says nonchalantly. That means when a person comes s/he has already identified the premises? “No,” she pipes in. “Once the agreement is signed, we make a 90-day calendar, which includes scouting for location, renting premises, order for machines is processed, our architect goes to work on the interiors, recruitment and marketing activities begin, the launch is planned – all in parallel!” After tasting success in Bangalore, the National Capital Region and Delhi is the next big market for Snap Fitness. It already has three franchisees operating in the territory; another four are planned before end of 2014. Membership fees are a tad higher, reflecting the rentals of commercial property. But why Delhi? “The response to Snap Fitness has been extremely positive. Our Gurgaon gym actually did Rs 46 lakh in the pre-sales period, and in Janakpuri we almost reached Rs 56 lakh. Those are the kind of numbers we haven’t seen even in Bangalore!” Srileka informs bodyLIFE. The last word? “We ensure that whoever takes our franchise shouldn’t see losses. It’s a cashpositive business from day one,” she signs off. Holding Attention “We build communities within the gym where members, their families and friends bond. During the recent IPL, we had teams like the Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, etc. We did a series of fitness team events, at the end of which we announced the winners. “We also have contests like Snap Chef for women. They bring in their dishes; all the members taste them and rank them; then we announce the winners. We also have special events like the Biggest Loser challenge, Snap inter-club football, Snap Marathon (5k and 10k), Mr. and Mrs. Snap Fitness, fashion show, etc.” TAKING STOCK NUTRITION Dietary dictates for performance or for vanity? A rising economy has seen Indians bombarded with nutritional info and advertisements, promising us a better quality of life. The buzz word is ‘healthy’, and it is good for business too! But has it really improved our nutritional wellbeing? Or were our ancestors better off when they lived on unprocessed foods? T raining for fitness in India has been practiced since ancient times, whether in the form of yoga, pehalwangiri or even martial arts such as Kalari. But nutrition intake designed to enhance performance in fitness has been around only in the more recent past. Stories of Indian pehalwans – such as the legendary Gama and the more recent Dara Singh – spoke about their monstrous appetites to build and maintain such physiques. These legends inspired stories around them of drinking ten litres of milk in a day, and consuming 100 eggs for breakfast alone! Whether these diets were fact or fiction, people always understood that to build truly strong and good-looking bodies, special diets were very important. Dara Singh was without a doubt the first national macho hero. But it was in the early ‘80s that Hollywood movies started making Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone the new international hotbods. Arnold being a former professional bodybuilder also brought the sport of bodybuilding to the world, and to India. Nutrition evolved in India into predominantly two distinct areas: muscle building and predominantly male-centric nutrition, and holistic and ‘natural’ nutrition aimed predominantly at women. By the ‘90s, Bollywood also got its own brand of muscular heroes and gradually people started realizing that something extra was needed to build great looking physiques. Macho Mania This is where the two ‘S’s began making their way into mainstream nutrition in hardcore gyms around India: Steroids and Supplements. Those wanting to build massive, muscular and strong bodies began experimenting with anabolic steroids and started seeing amazing results. Of course, they also brought some dire side-effects such as male pattern baldness, acne, testicular shrinkage, etc. But, probably the worst side-effect of steroids is that the massive body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 55 NUTRITION TAKING STOCK muscularity that is built using them is lost once one goes off steroids, no matter what one does to keep the look. This was also the time when international nutritional supplements began making their foray into India on a large scale. Among the tricks used by most supplement manufacturers then (and even now) is that they used professional bodybuilders to endorse their products, implying that supplement usage was how they built their championship physiques. What most people training in India don’t realize is that massive physiques are a result of years of training, plus great nutrition, plus supplementation, plus recovery protocols – and of course mainly due to steroid usage. A clear fact is that, no matter what training or nutrition or supplements are used for no matter how many years, massive muscles cannot be built without using anabolic steroids. Interestingly, the other side of nutrition that evolved over the years to target women – even men interested in weight loss and slimmer physiques – is the natural foods and holistic one. Almost all major newspapers carry a supplement on health and nutrition, where you often find the benefits of green tea, blueberries or some other natural food espoused in them. Yoga and Tai Chi seem to go well as exercise forms to accompany such regimens. The ‘Size Zero’ figures achieved by some Bollywood heroines is often attributed to such ‘natural’ nutrition and exercising. Whether such bodies are only slim to look at or are also strong to function in real life is another question! Grey Areas There is also a third aspect of nutrition which is possibly the most important, but has somehow never evolved to higher levels in India. What we are talking about is sports nutrition. Specific diets, supplements and nutrition geared towards excelling in sport have been a big area of neglect in India. This is probably also because India 56 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 doesn’t have many great sportsmen that have achieved success in actual physical sports such as swimming, athletics, basketball, etc. Though cricket is a craze in the country – and skilfully the Indian cricket team has always been one of the best – their fitness has always been suspect. Also, because Indian cricket doesn’t provide any physical specimens on the lines of a Rafael Nadal, Kobe Bryant or Usain Bolt, there really aren’t any physically strong heroes for the masses to look up to. This lack of physically strong and superior sporting icons for the Indian population, especially for the youth, has led to a grey area in building sporting and functional physiques through the use of sport nutrition. Sports icons can be great motivators for everyone, because they achieve their performances and physiques through drug-free nutrition. This is also the major difference between bodies of models (display oriented) and those of sportswomen (performance oriented). Aesthetics-driven nutrition and training can cause individuals to follow unhealthy dietary practices to build impressive looking physiques. Male models and competitive bodybuilders are known to avoid salt and also go on drastically low carbohydrates and water intake while preparing for a photo shoot or contest. This is done so that the muscles stand out more, and so that the body looks more chiselled! Food For Thought When it comes to performance driven sports such as swimming and athletics, the need for optimum nutrition becomes even more important as contests draw near. Competitive sportspeople from most Olympic events are regularly dope-tested: that makes it all the more important for sportsmen to stay clean in their approach to nutrition. The lack of performance of Indian sportspersons in Olympic events, which require physical superiority, could possibly be attributed to the lack of an essential level of sports nutrition which forms the basis of any performance. Just as a racing car needs the best quality fuel to perform at high level, so do sportspersons need the best nutrition to be able to perform at their best. Perhaps it is time young Indians revert to their roots, where strength is built by eating nutritious food to build a realistic and long-lasting physique of a sportsman, rather than a chemically enhanced and shortlived physique of a professional bodybuilder. Women should realize that nutrition is about building strong and healthy bodies that take them through the various natural processes that their bodies are designed to go through. They need to shun the ‘size zero’ and bikini-body concepts because they are unhealthy notions. A six-pack or a tiny waist are no guarantees of optimum health. Perhaps it is also time for the Indian fitness and nutrition industry to finetune a uniquely Indian approach to nutrition for the typical Indian physique? – Deckline Leitao The writer is a sports performance enhancement specialist, has studied sports science in the UK and South Africa, and is a certified personal trainer & yoga teacher. Check him out on www.decklineleitao.com. AROUND THE WORLD SNIPPETS Gympac upgrades its Bangalore presence Gympac, the authorised distributor in India for Precor gym equipment, opened its second showroom on 100 Feet Road in Indiranagar, Bangalore, in May. According to Gympac’s Chennai-based Managing Director, Mr Mohan Gupta, the next five years will see an explosion in the number of gyms opening across the country. “There are more than 450 hotel projects in pipeline right now. In the next five years it is going to be a very significant sector,” he explained. TAC offers ‘Hot Deals’ Austria-based The Assistant Company (TAC) IT GmbH, renowned for its products, Reservation Assistant and Club Assistant, is presenting ‘Hot Deals’, a new module for the last-minute promotion of available treatments in spas and fitness clubs. Managers in the wellness industry are familiar with the problem: Staff and rooms are ready, but the guest is a no-show. Or worse: There was no appointment scheduled at all. To increase the utilization rate of appointments, Hot Deals comes up with special offers that can be booked on a specific day. They can be promoted in advance, but reservations can only be made on the specified date of the offer. It is possible to offer several hot deals on the same day. Guests learn about the special offers by visiting the web shop or through a digital screen at the spa or club. Reservations are made fast and easy. Real-time interfaces prevent from double reservations for a single appointment. The software automatically recognizes booked appointments as Hot Deals and considers predefined discounts. The daily quota is individually definable and can be adjusted any time. www.tac.eu.com Talwalkars to go clubbing India’s leading fitness chain, Talwalkars Better Value Fitness, is venturing into the sports club sector. According to its Managing Director, Mr Prashant Talwalkar: “For us the next level would be to get into premium quality clubs. We plan to open sports clubs that will have all the facilities: from swimming to tennis and table tennis, squash to badminton to billiards...” He is aiming to install the best of equipment and facilities, including restaurants. “We will also have the best of trainers, be it in tennis, squash, or anything else. I feel that is the next level for us as a brand to climb up,” Prashant adds. Acme Fitness flexes muscle in Bangalore Chennai-based Acme Fitness, which has nearly a dozen international equipment brands in its distribution kitty, inaugurated its fourth showroom in Banaswadi, Bangalore, in June. The two storey premises stocks and displays all its products: from treadmills and cross-trainers to cycles and other gym accessories. body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 57 Put your business in front of a highly targeted fitness audience by placing a BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADVERTISEMENT Europes No.1 Business Magazine BOOK THIS SPACE for just Rs. 4,500 9(W) X 5(H) cm BOOK THIS SPACE for just Rs. 8,000 18.5(W) X 5(H) cm For Advertising, please contact Zindal Kumar Tel: +91 80 42505054 Mobile: +91 99 860 74978 E-mail: [email protected] Advertisers Index: Company Names Page No. Anayan Software 47 Bharat Fitness System 58 body LIFE IFW Expo 2014 2 Cardio Fitness 31, 45 Cravatex 25 Focus Fitness 9 Gympac Fitness 21 IFAA - India 59 Physique India 15 Technogym60 58 I body LIFE 1 I 2014 SUBSCRIBE NOW! Readers can subscribe to this most versatile and informative trade magazine for the fitness industry. To subscribe online, log on to: bodylifeindia.com/subscribe 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 4 Issues: Rs. 400 12 Issues: Rs. 900 20 Issues: Rs. 1,300 body LIFE 1 I 2014 I 59 60 I body LIFE 1 I 2014