During the COVID-19 enforced lockdown, Club Kingswood, an independent 2,800-member multi-activity club in Essex, froze all its gym memberships with
no charge, uncertain of what the effect would be on the future of its membership
EGYM’s automated set-up has enabled the club to create a non-intimidating, accessible environment
Fortunately, nine weeks post-reopening, over 85 per cent of gym members have returned and general manager, Alex Owen, says EGYM is an integral part of this success.
“The EGYM Smart Strength Series has been an integral part of our offer since 2019,” he explains. “We realised, long before the pandemic, that well-managed, bespoke, progressive strength training provision could play an important role in the promotion of many health benefits, not just for those who want to become physically stronger, but also for a much wider demographic that simply wants to live a longer, more mobile and fulfilling life.
“EGYM’s automated set-up, with visual cadence coaching from the high-resolution, integrated screen, has enabled us to create a non-intimidating, accessible environment where anybody – even those completely new to strength training and the gym – can feel comfortable and able to complete regular, effective and safe resistance programmes.
“The science-based, pre-installed training plans, such as Metabolic Fit, which is designed to tackle diabetes and the recently added Immunity Boost, which has been designed to strengthen the body’s defences against infection, also enable trainers to administer effective, health-oriented programmes that are progressive, safe and effective, without having to fully understand the complex science behind the prescription,” he says. “These features have enabled us to attract a much more health oriented demographic.
“People in this market segment prioritise attendance at our club because they value the contribution our provision is making to their overall quality of life through the promotion of better health,” explains Owen.
“As a result, when we re-opened our doors, in the first month, 83 per cent of our EGYM users returned, despite much of the industry reporting general trepidation. Now, nine weeks post reopening, 86 per cent have returned, making an average of 4.9 visits per month.
“EGYM has also helped us manage a safe environment, through automated on-screen messages, both via the Smart Strength Series and the Branded Members App, that reminds members to wipe down equipment and carry out regular hand sanitisation. This all helps improve member confidence that the club is COVID-19-secure and helps us encourage more members to return.
“Over the last 18 months, we’ve introduced the Trainer App and Branded Member Apps, which are provided as part of EGYM Digital. These provisions have enabled us to provide a wraparound service of care, giving members access to advice and coaching – helping them to maintain exercise habits even when unable to visit the club in person. This provision has helped us maintain relevance to our members and meant that when we were permitted to re-open, a visit became a natural progression.
“EGYM has been a significant factor in our club’s post-lockdown bounceback,” says Owen. “I’m confident the software driven solution will continue to help us build business resilience moving forwards, thanks to its focus and support of health-oriented goals.
Panatta brought together four of the most influential figures in bodybuilding history on the
stage of RiminiWellness 2026: Phil Heath, Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman and Hany Rambod. [more...]
During the COVID-19 enforced lockdown, Club Kingswood, an independent 2,800-member multi-activity club in Essex, froze all its gym memberships with
no charge, uncertain of what the effect would be on the future of its membership
EGYM’s automated set-up has enabled the club to create a non-intimidating, accessible environment
Fortunately, nine weeks post-reopening, over 85 per cent of gym members have returned and general manager, Alex Owen, says EGYM is an integral part of this success.
“The EGYM Smart Strength Series has been an integral part of our offer since 2019,” he explains. “We realised, long before the pandemic, that well-managed, bespoke, progressive strength training provision could play an important role in the promotion of many health benefits, not just for those who want to become physically stronger, but also for a much wider demographic that simply wants to live a longer, more mobile and fulfilling life.
“EGYM’s automated set-up, with visual cadence coaching from the high-resolution, integrated screen, has enabled us to create a non-intimidating, accessible environment where anybody – even those completely new to strength training and the gym – can feel comfortable and able to complete regular, effective and safe resistance programmes.
“The science-based, pre-installed training plans, such as Metabolic Fit, which is designed to tackle diabetes and the recently added Immunity Boost, which has been designed to strengthen the body’s defences against infection, also enable trainers to administer effective, health-oriented programmes that are progressive, safe and effective, without having to fully understand the complex science behind the prescription,” he says. “These features have enabled us to attract a much more health oriented demographic.
“People in this market segment prioritise attendance at our club because they value the contribution our provision is making to their overall quality of life through the promotion of better health,” explains Owen.
“As a result, when we re-opened our doors, in the first month, 83 per cent of our EGYM users returned, despite much of the industry reporting general trepidation. Now, nine weeks post reopening, 86 per cent have returned, making an average of 4.9 visits per month.
“EGYM has also helped us manage a safe environment, through automated on-screen messages, both via the Smart Strength Series and the Branded Members App, that reminds members to wipe down equipment and carry out regular hand sanitisation. This all helps improve member confidence that the club is COVID-19-secure and helps us encourage more members to return.
“Over the last 18 months, we’ve introduced the Trainer App and Branded Member Apps, which are provided as part of EGYM Digital. These provisions have enabled us to provide a wraparound service of care, giving members access to advice and coaching – helping them to maintain exercise habits even when unable to visit the club in person. This provision has helped us maintain relevance to our members and meant that when we were permitted to re-open, a visit became a natural progression.
“EGYM has been a significant factor in our club’s post-lockdown bounceback,” says Owen. “I’m confident the software driven solution will continue to help us build business resilience moving forwards, thanks to its focus and support of health-oriented goals.
It’s been five years since the fitness industry reopened after the last lockdown – long enough
to look back on the impact the pandemic had on the sector and what might come next.
Wattbike has announced a new integration with EGYM, which enables the bikes to contribute to
the Cardio BioAge score of individuals via a VO2 max result.
Les Mills has launched a reformer Pilates workout. The 45-minute workout blends traditional
reformer movements and more contemporary exercises, choreographed to music.
According to research which tracked more than 147,000 people for 30 years, 90-120 minutes
of strength training a week may deliver some of the biggest long-term health rewards.
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity
guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's
physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing
sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.
Places Leisure has exchanged contracts to build and operate a flagship £60m water and leisure
destination on behalf of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
The Republic of Ireland will become the latest market in PureGym’s expanding international
portfolio, with the first launch planned for Dublin in 2027.
Panatta brought together four of the most influential figures in bodybuilding history on the
stage of RiminiWellness 2026: Phil Heath, Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman and Hany Rambod. [more...]
