REPs Magazine Fitness Matters Issue 9 | 页面 11

A s part of a commitment they made public in the summer, David Lloyd highlighted the huge impact older fitness professionals make in the industry. With nearly a third of over 55s put off exercise because of a lack of confidence or a belief that they won’t find people like them in fitness centres, it’s a common-sense step for David Lloyd Clubs to commit to having at least one trainer aged 55 or over at each of its clubs by the end of 2022. We’re already aware of the difference a fitness professional can make to increasing the activity of people currently inactive, but what about the difference to our workforce? What are gyms and leisure centres missing out on by using exclusively youthful staff? What are REPs members missing out on by only surrounding themselves by those in the first two decades of adulthood? One David Lloyd Club already hitting the 55+ target is Worthing, where Mark Jerling found himself after a midlife career move into the fitness industry. It’s a move he’s relishing – for the impact he’s had on clients as much as the lifestyle of a PT. “ Seeing the gym full of young, fit people can be intimidating.” “Not every older person wants an older PT, but David Lloyd’s research shows that there is a significant proportion that do feel a bit self-conscious of their bodies, of their state of fitness. “For them, seeing PTs who are more likely to empathise with that – who they can see DL PLEDGE David Lloyd Clubs have committed to having at least one trainer aged 55 or over at each of its clubs by the end of 2022. @REPsUK FM 11