My sporting journey began on a trampoline, but I was forced to quit as I kept passing out mid-air!
Laura Trott, cyclist & double Olympic gold medallist
Laura Trott believes elite sport can inspire the general public to be more active / PHOTO: HUW WILLIAMS
When and why did you first take up cycling? I’ve always been really keen on sport from a young age. My sporting journey began on a trampoline, but I was forced to quit as I kept passing out mid-air! I then began to go down to my local cycling club with my mum, who was trying to lose weight.
You’re now a double Olympic gold medallist and part of the Matrix Fitness pro cycling team. What is the team hoping to achieve this year? It’s our first year, so it’s important to set realistic targets. We have a great group of girls who each bring something different to the team, and collectively it would be great to gain enough points to race in the new world tour series next year.
What’s next for you personally? I’m doing a few of the tour series races with the girls. My short-term goals are to win the team pursuit at this year’s worlds, alongside the girls. I’d also like to try and retain my national title. Long-term I want to try and retain both my titles at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.
Do you believe elite sport can be used to inspire the general public to have a go? I believe elite sport can inspire the general public, especially with the excitement and build-up of large sporting events.
The London 2012 Olympics was an opportunity to reach out to those who might not have given cycling a go, or even known much about it. For example, the Olympic velodrome now offers time on the track for beginners, school children and local clubs as well as elite athletes.
There’s a particular issue around inactivity among women, with a big drop-off among teenage girls especially. How can gyms help? Health club operators need to address the barriers some girls face when they hit their teens. Is it time, money, other plans getting in the way? It’s really important to keep activities fun and social, while also emphasising the importance of being active for a healthy lifestyle. Clubs could offer taster sessions and discounts – including ‘bring a friend for free’, as girls might feel more comfortable exercising with friends.
Trott and the Matrix pro cycling team are aiming to compete in the new world tour series in 2016
Elevate is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style this June, with organisers
confirming the event’s largest-ever drinks reception as registrations continue to run more
than 10% ahead of last year. [more...]
As healthcare continues to shift towards prevention, there’s a growing focus on helping
people stay active, independent and feeling good for longer. [more...]
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ukactive
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My sporting journey began on a trampoline, but I was forced to quit as I kept passing out mid-air!
Laura Trott, cyclist & double Olympic gold medallist
Laura Trott believes elite sport can inspire the general public to be more active / PHOTO: HUW WILLIAMS
When and why did you first take up cycling? I’ve always been really keen on sport from a young age. My sporting journey began on a trampoline, but I was forced to quit as I kept passing out mid-air! I then began to go down to my local cycling club with my mum, who was trying to lose weight.
You’re now a double Olympic gold medallist and part of the Matrix Fitness pro cycling team. What is the team hoping to achieve this year? It’s our first year, so it’s important to set realistic targets. We have a great group of girls who each bring something different to the team, and collectively it would be great to gain enough points to race in the new world tour series next year.
What’s next for you personally? I’m doing a few of the tour series races with the girls. My short-term goals are to win the team pursuit at this year’s worlds, alongside the girls. I’d also like to try and retain my national title. Long-term I want to try and retain both my titles at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.
Do you believe elite sport can be used to inspire the general public to have a go? I believe elite sport can inspire the general public, especially with the excitement and build-up of large sporting events.
The London 2012 Olympics was an opportunity to reach out to those who might not have given cycling a go, or even known much about it. For example, the Olympic velodrome now offers time on the track for beginners, school children and local clubs as well as elite athletes.
There’s a particular issue around inactivity among women, with a big drop-off among teenage girls especially. How can gyms help? Health club operators need to address the barriers some girls face when they hit their teens. Is it time, money, other plans getting in the way? It’s really important to keep activities fun and social, while also emphasising the importance of being active for a healthy lifestyle. Clubs could offer taster sessions and discounts – including ‘bring a friend for free’, as girls might feel more comfortable exercising with friends.
Trott and the Matrix pro cycling team are aiming to compete in the new world tour series in 2016
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Researchers in the US have identified an antibody which could greatly reduce the loss of lean
muscle mass in people who are taking weight-loss medications.
Crunch Fitness has announced the launch of Crunch Reform Pilates – its own reformer concept
designed to bring this fast growing, but rather expensive, modality into the mainstream.
The 20th State of the Industry Report reveals a resilient, expanding and competitive
sector, the
importance of differentiation and the ongoing challenge of tackling inequalities.
Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously
and is committed to meeting all legal obligations after news of a tribunal has made national
headlines.
Technogym has announced the launch of the Run X World Treadmill Championship, the first
world championship for running on connected treadmills over five kilometres.
Elevate is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style this June, with organisers
confirming the event’s largest-ever drinks reception as registrations continue to run more
than 10% ahead of last year. [more...]
As healthcare continues to shift towards prevention, there’s a growing focus on helping
people stay active, independent and feeling good for longer. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
ukactive ukactive is the UK’s leading trade body for the physical activity sector, bringing together more tha [more...]
