ASK THE EXPERTS
ASK THE EXPERTS
Normalising activity He continues: “The package we deliver to venues has three main elements: rugged, purpose-built tablet computers; AI-based software that creates personalised programmes for every individual based on their health conditions, mobility, goals, preferences and previous experience; plus the training and support to upskill on- site teams and enable them to deliver the Good Boost programmes. “Good Boost is run as a timetabled group exercise class for typically 10–20 people, with each individual doing their own programme via their rugged tablet. It can look like controlled chaos, but that’s the beauty of it: sessions aren’t need- or condition-specific. They aren’t labelled as ‘back care’ or ‘knee pain’, as this limits the relevance and can make people feel like a patient rather than a participant. Everyone is in the same session and it normalises physical activity for people living with a health condition.
“Doing your own programme means there’s no pressure to keep up with the person next to you, but there is a strong sense of camaraderie and peer support. This is key for individuals who may be experiencing social isolation. “Meanwhile the trainer isn’t there to instruct but to support and facilitate, answer questions, build confidence. That’s so important because fear and anxiety are huge barriers among these populations – people who wouldn’t normally come to a gym or leisure centre. They don’t want to be pointed to an app. They want human contact and real life solutions. “This sense of community is hugely valuable for the venue, too. It’s the accountability to staff and peers that keeps participants coming back. It’s also what makes them feel the venue is for ‘people like them’, which encourages them to do more: our data shows that for every Good Boost session completed, participants also do 3.7 other activities at the venue, on average.
For every Good Boost session completed, participants also do 3.7 other activities at the venue, on average
THE ‘OTHER 85 PER CENT’
Good Boost can bring new audiences to swimming pools and provide irrefutable evidence of their societal value, says CEO & co-founder Ben Wilkins
“Good Boost is a social enterprise that works in partnership with operators, as well as directly with the NHS and public health, to transform any space into therapeutic place,” says Ben Wilkins, co-founder of Good Boost. “We’re best known for our aquatic programmes – being in the water is key for many people with mobility issues – but we also have a land-based programme. We work with pools, gyms and studios to support those living with health conditions, enabling them to move more, have fun and feel better.”
He adds: “We’re best known for our MSK [musculoskeletal] work, but we support a broad population living with long- term health conditions who are looking to be active in a way that suits their abilities and needs. “Almost three-quarters of Good Boost participants live with other long-term health conditions alongside their MSK issues, while around one-fifth have no MSK conditions at all: they just want to be active in a way that’s designed around them, their needs and their preferred pace.”
Each participant has their own rugged tablet, which takes them through their personalised Good Boost programme
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STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2023 STATE OF THE UK SWIMMING INDUSTRY REPORT 2024
STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2023
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STATE OF THE UK SWIMMING INDUSTRY REPORT 2024
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