In the final episode of Series 11, we hear from Kirsty Cumming, CEO of Community Leisure UK.

Kirsty shares insights on her organization's post-lockdown optimism, upcoming initiatives, and the value of public leisure.

Her Dream Gym has indoor and outdoor spaces, a social and inclusive community hub that integrates health, fitness, and social interactions.

Kirsty underscores public leisure's crucial role in community health, advocating for volunteer involvement and multifunctional spaces.

The episode highlights the importance of creating welcoming environments to motivate non-active individuals.

Thanks to our supporting partners this week:

• covermeapp.co - transforming the way the health and fitness industry operates, connecting clubs with top tier professionals
• fitpro.com - providing education, fitness insurance, music, and more

This week, we welcome Belinda Steward, Managing Director of Leisure, Health & Wellbeing at Places Leisure, to discuss her Dream Gym.

Belinda describes a community-focused, vibrant hub named 'The Beating Heart,' which features a blend of holistic wellness facilities including a Miami-inspired pool, a running track from Newcastle, studios for Group X classes, and amenities like a library, physio, and GP surgeries to support social prescribing.

We also delve into Belinda's fitness journey, background in hospitality, and her passion for integrating exercise into people’s lives.

Thanks to our supporting partners this week:

• covermeapp.co - transforming the way the health and fitness industry operates, connecting clubs with top tier professionals
• fitpro.com - providing education, fitness insurance, music, and more

Jenny Patrickson from Active IQ joins us this week to talk about her Dream Gym.

'Body Focus' is a serene and holistic space emphasising mindfulness, outdoor cardio activities, and mental wellbeing.

The facility integrates advanced 3D immersive environments for cardio workouts, various mindfulness and meditation areas, and educational segments on nutrition and longevity.

Jenny reflects on her dance background and current fitness routines, highlighting the evolving landscape of the health and fitness industry.

Catch up with Jenny and Guy at Elevate25 on 18 & 19 June.

Thanks to our supporting partners this week:

• covermeapp.co - transforming the way the health and fitness industry operates, connecting clubs with top tier professionals
• fitpro.com - providing education, fitness insurance, music, and more

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director of Place at Sport England is this week's guest.

Lisa discusses Sport England's 'Uniting the Movement' strategy, and how it is reducing inequalities and promoting physical activity through local delivery pilots.

Lisa also shares her background in sports and her current activities, emphasizing the importance of mental wellbeing.

Her dream gym, 'Lisa's Time,' features tranquil outdoor settings with streams, forests, and natural pools for yoga, biking, and swimming.

Thanks to our supporting partners this week:

• covermeapp.co - transforming the way the health and fitness industry operates, connecting clubs with top tier professionals

• fitpro.com - providing education, fitness insurance, music, and more

On this week's episode we hear from KJ Dixon, Performance Manager at 3 1 5 Health Hub and founder of Elevate Company Consultants.

KJ discusses her journey in the fitness industry, her approach to swim schools, and the importance of combining passion with business acumen to be successful.

KJ shares her fitness routine, the impact of exercise on mental clarity, and her dream gym concept—a boutique facility on the shores of Lake Windermere, featuring spin classes, a 25-meter pool, and a focus on community and energy.

Thanks to our supporting partners this week:

• covermeapp.co - transforming the way the health and fitness industry operates, connecting clubs with top tier professionals
• fitpro.com - providing education, fitness insurance, music, and more

Kate Fearon from Fearless Consulting and Orbit4 joins us this week on YourDreamGym to share her vision for a comprehensive wellness center called 'Oxygen.'

The center emphasizes the six pillars of wellness: physical, mental, environmental, spiritual, social, and emotional, starting from a personalized app to connect a variety of health services.

Kate tells us how roles like wellness coaches and activators integrate with technology and innovative spaces to improve overall well-being. We get into the benefits of group exercise, outdoor activities, and proper nutrition.

Kate's dream gym is designed to be a third space in members' lives, providing holistic support and immersive experiences.Thanks to our supporting partners this week:

• covermeapp.co - transforming the way the health and fitness industry operates, connecting clubs with top tier professionals

• fitpro.com - providing education, fitness insurance, music, and more

In this episode, we hear from Lisa Forsyth, Managing Director of Max Associates.

Lisa talks about discusses her passion for sports, her transition from hockey to golf, and cycling adventures. Her dream gym focuses on outdoor activities, diverse group exercise classes, small-group personal training, and community interaction.

We also get into the importance of quality customer service, engaged staff, and upcoming industry challenges and opportunities.Thanks to our supporting partners this week:

• covermeapp.co - transforming the way the health and fitness industry operates, connecting clubs with top tier professionals
• fitpro.com - providing education, fitness insurance, music, and more

00:00 Welcome to Your Dream Gym

02:29 Introducing Lisa Forsyth

07:07 Lisa's Fitness Journey

09:43 The Importance of Outdoor Activities

15:59 Strength and Flexibility Training

19:56 Lisa's Dream Gym Vision

26:52 Exploring the Popularity of Padel

27:33 The Importance of Social Spaces in Gyms

28:15 Recognizing and Valuing Gym Staff

31:19 Creating a Dream Gym: Personal Preferences

39:13 Naming the Dream Gym: Limitless Fitness

41:03 Quick Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

45:01 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

Exploring Fitness Journeys with Leslie Akin: From Aerobics to Dream GymOn this episode of 'Your Dream Gym,' special guest Leslie Aitken, an expert in sales, marketing, leadership, and customer service, shares her journey and expertise in the fitness industry.

With over 12 years of experience, Leslie has worked with numerous organizations, including Trafford Leisure, Liverpool City Council, Livewire, Active Nation, and more.

Currently the marketing lead at Fitronics, the parent company of TRP, Leslie discusses her passion for fitness, her transition from team sports to group exercise, and her dream gym setup. Tune in to learn about Leslie's innovative business strategies, the importance of creating a welcoming fitness environment, and her vision for the ideal fitness space, complete with strength training, Pilates, and ocean views.

Thanks to our supporting partners on this episode:

• covermeapp.co - transforming the way the health and fitness industry operates, connecting clubs with top tier professionals
• fitpro.com - providing education, fitness insurance, music, and more

00:00 Introduction to Leslie Akin00:45 Leslie's Current Role and Collaborations01:13 Leslie's Journey in Fitness03:45 The Importance of Exercise05:00 Aerobics and Group Exercise Evolution08:57 Lockdown Fitness and Online Classes12:20 Daily Workout Routine17:27 Dream Gym Vision20:28 Dream Beach Walks and Sunsets21:14 Creating the Perfect Home Gym21:39 Essential Gym Equipment and Setup22:44 The Importance of a Comfortable Workout Space23:39 Adding Luxuries to Your Dream Gym24:39 Making Gyms More Welcoming for Midlife Individuals27:01 Marketing and Inclusivity in Fitness33:08 The Moo Gym Concept34:41 Music and Motivation in Workouts36:04 Dream Gym Guests37:16 Connecting and Networking in the Fitness Industry

Exec Director at FitPro, Teresa Wheatley joins us this week to talk about working out for 30 hours a week, dancing, therapy, and keeping exercise playful.

And we find out about her dream gym, Belong, a club that is both exclusive and inclusive, and where time pauses for you!

Thanks to our supporting partners this week:

• covermeapp.co - transforming the way the health and fitness industry operates, connecting clubs with top tier professionals
• fitpro.com - providing education, fitness insurance, music, and more

From sewing kits and shower hats to global wellbeing investor, Lara Morgan takes time out to stop, inhale, reset, and tell us what exercise means to her (sanity), talks about her favourite workouts (bike ride to Azerbaijan, anyone?) and of course, her dream gym.

This is a super episode to kick off series 11 of the podcast, with so many ideas, takeaways, and talk of health and wellbeing.

Thanks to our supporting partners:

covermeapp.co - transforming the way the health and fitness industry operates, connecting clubs with top tier professionals

fitpro.com - providing education, fitness insurance, music, and more