Nuffield Health in Friern Barnet has recently given their gym a modern makeover thanks to the team at ServiceSport UK!

You can be forgiven for assuming that prolonging the life of your gym equipment simply involves stepping up your maintenance programme once the OEM warranty has expired.

A maintenance programme is an excellent way to ensure your gym equipment consistently performs at its best. However, over time, the look and feel of the equipment can deteriorate.

If you are an eco-conscious operator like Nuffield Health, how can you enhance your product without replacing it with new equipment?

“Although we work closely with ServiceSport UK to manage our gym equipment across the estate, we are constantly looking for ways to enhance our offering and innovate,” states Joanna Seldon, senior proposition manager for Nuffield Health.

“Having seen some of the amazing work that ServiceSport UK delivers for the Ministry of Defence, we were very impressed with how well the gym equipment looked and performed after their refresh process. It made perfect sense to choose this option. Not only does the equipment look new, it also ticks all the boxes for sustainability and our environmental and social responsibilities.”

The Nuffield Health Club in Friern Barnet gym has seen a range of its Technogym cardio equipment, including ten treadmills, a stepper, two waves, two varios, four synchros, four upright bikes and two recumbent bikes, along with several pieces of strength equipment such as adjustable benches, Olympic benches, a preacher curl and a Smith machine re-vitalized and given a new lease of life.

Matt Hoffman, commercial manager for ServiceSport UK Ltd stated, “ServiceSport UK couldn’t be happier with how the refresh project at Nuffield Health Friern Barnet has transformed the look and feel of the club. It’s extremely satisfying that we’re picking up more and more gyms in the commercial sector that are choosing to make the most out of their existing gym equipment. After all, buying gym equipment is a huge investment in the first instance. To help operators get an even bigger return on their original investment is a win-win situation for the operator and, more importantly, the members.”

ServiceSport UK and Nuffield Health have developed a relationship spanning more than ten years through the service and repair of gym equipment in 137 sites across the UK. ServiceSport UK has also supported Nuffield Health with their transformation projects at several high-profile clubs where new equipment has been built and installed by the ServiceSport UK team while the existing equipment has been extracted and delivered to other Nuffield Health clubs.

More Than Just Fitness

It certainly is at Bannatyne health clubs new concept gym in Broadstairs, Ramsgate!

Having recently opened its doors, offering a range of equipment including 108sqm of dynamic functional and cross-training space, 6 olympic lifting platforms, 9 squat racks, selectorized resistance equipment, 12 cable stations and more, the Just Fitness by Bannatyne Broadstairs site has been transformed to offer a new world of fitness opportunities to the people of Ramsgate and surrounding areas.

Having inherited a site that was already housing a range of commercial gym equipment, Bannatyne’s needed to partner with a reliable company to extract the equipment and up stepped ServiceSport UK to make it happen! ServiceSport UK has years of experience extracting, transporting, building and installing commercial gym equipment across the UK, completing large scale projects for the Ministry of Defence, JD Gyms, Nuffield Health, The Gym Group and many others!

Once the equipment was removed from site, ServiceSport UK began refreshing a range of Technogym equipment, including treadmills and cross trainers, ready to install at the Broadstairs site.

Refreshing used gym equipment involves completely stripping it down, replacing all worn parts, sandblasting the frame, powder coating the frame, wet painting the plastics, replacing pads on strength equipment, rebuilding the equipment, testing it and reinstalling on site with a warranty that includes parts and labour for extra peace of mind.

Having the option to fully customise the equipment to fit with the new black and red Just Fitness colours adds to the appeal of professionally refreshing existing gym equipment rather than buying new!

Colin MacGillivray, head of commercial at the Bannatyne Group said, “The expertise of the ServiceSport UK team was invaluable in the project to open the first Just Fitness by Bannatyne health club.”

ServiceSport UK carries out preventative maintenance services and repairs to the gym equipment across the majority of the Bannatyne’s estate and it just goes to show the value of existing relationships when the same provider can be relied upon to delve into their toolbox and help create something that looks as impressive as the first ever Just Fitness site.

“We are extremely proud of our relationship with Bannatyne health clubs, built initially from servicing their equipment and the swift repair of defects reported through our simPRO system. It speaks volumes that Bannatyne health clubs trusted us to deliver on this project as it was a completely new venture for them! We’re so pleased with how everything has come together and the look and feel of the site really is a credit to the Bannatyne name.” - Michael Ellis, commercial director for ServiceSport UK stated.

In a significant milestone, ServiceSport UK proudly announces that we have been awarded the prestigious Ministry of Justice contract for the inspection, service, and maintenance of PE equipment across 106 public prisons in England and Wales.

This landmark contract not only underscores our commitment to excellence but also highlights our prowess in ensuring the safety and functionality of gym equipment in critical public institutions.

As a leading provider of gym equipment repair and maintenance services, we have built a reputation for quality, reliability, and professionalism over the past 25 years. Our expertise in servicing a wide range of gym equipment, from cardio machines to strength training equipment, has set us apart from others in the industry. With a team of skilled engineers and a customer-centric approach, we have been the preferred choice for many organisations seeking top-tier maintenance solutions for their fitness facilities.

The Ministry of Justice's decision to entrust us with the responsibility of managing gym equipment maintenance in prisons speaks volumes about our organisation’s expertise and capabilities. The contract includes conducting annual inspections of physical training equipment in addition to carrying out any necessary repairs and maintenance across the extensive network of public prisons in England and Wales. This comprehensive scope of work demonstrates the Ministry of Justice's confidence in our ability to ensure the fitness equipment in these critical facilities is in optimal condition to support the well-being and rehabilitation of inmates.

The partnership between ServiceSport UK and the Ministry of Justice is a testament to the importance of maintaining high standards of safety and operational efficiency in prison gym facilities. Properly functioning gym equipment not only fosters a conducive environment for physical fitness and recreation but also contributes to the overall well-being and mental health of inmates. By entrusting us with this crucial task, the Ministry of Justice is prioritising the welfare and rehabilitation opportunities for individuals in the prison system.

Our approach to maintaining gym equipment goes beyond mere repairs and maintenance; it is rooted in a commitment to ensuring the longevity, safety, and performance of the equipment. By conducting thorough inspections, addressing any issues promptly, and implementing preventive maintenance strategies, we will play a vital role in upholding the integrity and functionality of gym equipment across the public prison network.

The award of the Ministry of Justice contract is a testament to our track record of excellence in the fitness equipment maintenance industry. Our established reputation for delivering exceptional service, our focus on quality and safety, and our dedication to customer satisfaction has positioned us as a trusted partner for organisations seeking reliable maintenance solutions.

As we embark on this new chapter of managing gym equipment maintenance in public prisons, we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of service and professionalism across the fitness industry. By leveraging our expertise, technical proficiency, and proactive maintenance approach, we are poised to ensure that the gym facilities in these institutions continue to function at optimal levels, promoting fitness, well-being, and rehabilitation.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Justice contract awarded to us for the inspection, service, and maintenance of gym equipment in public prisons represents a significant milestone for both parties. This partnership underscores our position as a leading provider of fitness equipment maintenance services and highlights our dedication to maintaining safe, functional, and high-quality gym facilities for the benefit of inmates and staff alike. Our commitment to excellence, combined with our proven track record in the industry, makes us the ideal partner for meeting the unique maintenance needs of the Ministry of Justice's prison facilities.

Should the warranty on your gym equipment be coming to an end or you are looking for an alternative provider for the ongoing maintenance of your equipment, contact us on 01257 264 738 or email the team at [email protected] to find out how we can support you moving forward.

ServiceSport UK celebrates its 25th anniversary on 30th March 2024 and what a 25 years it has been!

Our humble existence began when our owner/founder, Colin Marriott, identified a gap in the market for an independent gym equipment service and repair provider and established ServiceSport (UK) Ltd in March 1999. Our core purpose at the time, to prolong the life of commercial gym equipment. This was a time when gym equipment was predominantly mechanical and in its simplest form. Since then, technology has revolutionised the industry with the introduction of wearables, fitness tracking apps, virtual workouts, AI trainers, connected fitness experiences and even smart gym equipment itself.

Gyms and “standard” workout classes - such as step aerobics and legs, bums and tums - used to dominate the market but now there is an influx of boutique fitness studios that offer specialised classes like HIIT, Pilates, spin and yoga, that cater to diverse preferences and provide personalised experiences. Even the layout of equipment in commercial gyms has changed. The rows and rows of cardio equipment, complemented by fixed-weight machines, have given way to functional training areas that provide gym users with access to rigs, sled tracks, SkiErgs, plyo boxes, kettlebells, lifting platforms and more!

It’s great to see and just shows how far the industry has come. There’s now a growing emphasis on sustainable practices too, such as eco-friendly equipment, green fitness initiatives, energy-efficient facilities, and eco-conscious choices to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and promote environmental responsibility. This is something that we have advocated for many years by encouraging gym operators to prolong the life of their existing equipment, not only through a preventative maintenance programme but by refreshing their existing assets.

Moving forward, we will continue to see the industry focus on holistic health, mental wellness, nutrition, mindfulness, and overall well-being, leading to a more balanced approach to fitness as opposed to just physical fitness and aesthetics. One thing is for sure, fitness has become a lot more accessible with on-demand workouts, virtual training sessions, live streaming classes and fitness apps, making it more convenient for users to engage in exercise anytime, anywhere! This has moved forward another step with the rise in hybrid models that combine in-person and virtual elements, offering a blended approach that caters to different preferences and lifestyles, allowing users to seamlessly transition between physical and digital fitness experiences.

Since our inception in 1999, ServiceSport UK has evolved with the industry. In the beginning, we offered the service and repair of gym equipment, 25 years later, we maintain more than 80,000 assets a year and have expanded our portfolio of services to include gym upholstery repairs, the refresh of used gym equipment, the extraction, build and installation of gym equipment, 3D printing, CNC machining, custom branded clothing, electronic repairs and asset management software that is making life much easier for gym operators.

We are proud to have played our part in supporting the fitness industry and we're extremely excited to see how the fitness industry continues to evolve!

Here's to the next 25 years! 

Our Country Manager, Matt Hoffman, is running for a seat on the ukactive Supplier Council representing Fitness Equipment & Equipment Services!

Having worked for one of the UK’s leading gym operators, Nuffield Health, for 8 years, Matt knows firsthand the challenges that operators face with regards to the supply of equipment and equipment services into gyms and leisure facilities. Now employed by ServiceSport UK, the UK’s leading independent gym equipment service provider, Matt is empowered to provide solutions to such issues on a day to day basis across the UK. These solutions help gym operators deliver on various goals such as increasing participation in physical activity, reducing barriers to participation and cost effectively managing their facility through smart gym operations.

Matt led the Nuffield Health elevation programme, transforming fitness clubs across the UK into high end facilities that adopted the latest trends and innovations. This ensured existing members remained engaged in achieving their goals whilst also increasing overall participation in physical activity across the estate. This not only involved liaising with suppliers but also the customer. Matt regularly attended customer focus groups to garner feedback on proposed initiatives and to identify the ever changing demands of the ‘gym goer’. This customer-centric approach will bring a valuable perspective to the Supplier Council, ensuring that the interests and requirements of ukactive’s members are well represented.

Matt values collaboration and partnerships within the industry and by being part of the Supplier Council, Matt will foster strong relationships, promote networking opportunities, and facilitate collaborations among fellow Supplier Council members, ukactive members, and other stakeholders in the industry to drive mutual success, innovation, and growth within the fitness ecosystem.

ServiceSport UK has 25 years of experience operating in the fitness industry and supporting gyms and leisure facilities with equipment service provision. Matt brings a wealth of industry expertise and 14 years of experience in the fitness and sports sector. As a direct result of 8 years in a strategic operational role, Matt has a strong track record of liaising with the industry’s leading manufacturers and suppliers. Matt will serve as a strong advocate and representative for various suppliers within the fitness industry. By voicing concerns, sharing perspectives, offering valuable insights and knowledge, and engaging in strategic discussions, Matt will help shape policies, standards, and initiatives that will benefit the Supplier Council, ukactive and the industry as a whole.

As an independent service provider, ServiceSport UK sits in a unique position, capturing feedback across the whole spectrum of the fitness industry. By working with so many types of operators, and understanding their day to day challenges, Matt is empowered to share best practices with the Supplier Council relating to this category, and in particular, the most important asset that a gym owns – it’s equipment.

In his role at ServiceSport UK, Matt is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the fitness industry. By actively participating in the Supplier Council, Matt will contribute to initiatives that promote industry advancement, be an advocate for beneficial policies, and drive positive change within the industry.

In summary, Matt is a reputable and forward-thinking industry expert that has the innovation, customer focus, collaborative mindset, commitment to industry growth, advocacy role, and dedication to improvement that make him a valuable candidate for a seat on the Supplier Council. By including Matt on the Supplier Council, ukactive will benefit from his contributions and insights towards advancing the fitness industry in the UK and receiving the support it desires towards its Vision 2030 mission and key objectives.

Your vote can help make a difference in shaping the future of the fitness industry and influencing key decisions that impact our community.

Please vote here before 12noon on 22nd March

Thank you for your support!

You can be forgiven for assuming that prolonging the life of your gym equipment simply involves stepping up your maintenance programme once the OEM warranty has expired. A maintenance programme is an excellent way to ensure your gym equipment consistently performs at its best.

However, over time, the look and feel of the equipment can deteriorate.

If you are an eco-conscious operator like Nuffield Health, how can you enhance your product without replacing it with new equipment?

“Although we work closely with ServiceSport UK to manage our gym equipment across the estate, we are constantly looking for ways to enhance our offering and innovate.” States Joanna Seldon, Senior Proposition Manager for Nuffield Health. “Having seen some of the amazing work that ServiceSport UK delivers for the Ministry of Defence, we were very impressed with how well the gym equipment looked and performed after their refresh process. It made perfect sense to choose this option. Not only does the equipment look new, it also ticks all the boxes for sustainability and our environmental and social responsibilities.”

The Nuffield Health Club in Friern Barnet gym has seen a range of its Technogym cardio equipment, including ten treadmills, a stepper, two waves, two varios, four synchros, four upright bikes and two recumbent bikes, along with several pieces of strength equipment such as adjustable benches, Olympic benches and a preacher curl revitalized and given a new lease of life.

Matt Hoffman, Commercial Manager for ServiceSport UK Ltd stated, “ServiceSport UK couldn’t be happier with how the refresh project at Nuffield Health Friern Barnet has transformed the look and feel of the club. It’s extremely satisfying that we’re picking up more and more gyms in the commercial sector that are choosing to make the most out of their existing gym equipment. After all, buying gym equipment is a huge investment in the first instance. To help operators get an even bigger return on their original investment is a win-win situation for the operator and, more importantly, the members.”

ServiceSport UK and Nuffield Health have developed a relationship spanning more than ten years through the service and repair of gym equipment in 137 sites across the UK. ServiceSport UK has also supported Nuffield Health with their transformation projects at several high-profile clubs where new equipment has been built and installed by the ServiceSport UK team while the existing equipment has been extracted and delivered to other Nuffield Health clubs.

For further details regarding the refresh of existing gym equipment, contact the team on 01257 264 738 or email [email protected]

Having recently opened its doors, offering a range of equipment including 108sqm of dynamic functional and cross-training space, 6 olympic lifting platforms, 9 squat racks, selectorized resistance equipment, 12 cable stations and more, the Just Fitness by Bannatyne Broadstairs site has been transformed to offer a new world of fitness opportunities to the people of Ramsgate and surrounding areas.

Having inherited a site that was already housing a range of commercial gym equipment, Bannatyne’s needed to partner with a reliable company to extract the equipment and up stepped ServiceSport UK to make it happen! ServiceSport UK has years of experience extracting, transporting, building and installing commercial gym equipment across the UK, completing large scale projects for the Ministry of Defence, JD Gyms, Nuffield Health, The Gym Group and many others!

Once the equipment was removed from site, ServiceSport UK began refreshing a range of Technogym equipment, including treadmills and cross trainers, ready to install at the Broadstairs site. Refreshing used gym equipment involves completely stripping it down, replacing all worn parts, sandblasting the frame, powder coating the frame, wet painting the plastics, replacing pads on strength equipment, rebuilding the equipment, testing it and reinstalling on site with a warranty that includes parts and labour for extra peace of mind.

Having the option to fully customise the equipment to fit with the new black and red Just Fitness colours adds to the appeal of professionally refreshing existing gym equipment rather than buying new!

Colin MacGillivray, head of commercial at the Bannatyne Group said, “The expertise of the ServiceSport UK team was invaluable in the project to open the first Just Fitness by Bannatyne health club.”

ServiceSport UK carries out preventative maintenance services and repairs to the gym equipment across the majority of the Bannatyne’s estate and it just goes to show the value of existing relationships when the same provider can be relied upon to delve into their toolbox and help create something that looks as impressive as the first ever Just Fitness site.

“We are extremely proud of our relationship with Bannatyne health clubs, built initially from servicing their equipment and the swift repair of defects reported through our simPRO system. It speaks volumes that Bannatyne health clubs trusted us to deliver on this project as it was a completely new venture for them! We’re so pleased with how everything has come together and the look and feel of the site really is a credit to the Bannatyne name.” Michael Ellis, Commercial Director for ServiceSport UK stated.

For further details regarding the range of services that ServiceSport UK provide, please visit www.servicesport.co.uk or email the team at [email protected]

Refreshing existing gym equipment can offer several benefits compared to replacing it with brand new equipment:

1. Cost Savings: Refreshing existing gym equipment is generally more cost-effective than purchasing brand new equipment. By upgrading or refurbishing existing equipment, gym operators will save a significant amount of money while still improving performance and aesthetics.

2. Maximizing ROI: Refreshing existing equipment allows gym operators to maximise their return on investment. Gym operators can extend the lifespan of equipment and continue to get value from their initial investment by upgrading or enhancing specific features instead of purchasing entirely new equipment.

3. Member Satisfaction: Familiarity and consistency are important to gym members. Refreshing existing equipment helps maintain a sense of continuity for members who are accustomed to using certain machines. This can enhance member satisfaction and reduce the need for additional member training on new equipment.

4. Minimizing Downtime: Replacing all the gym equipment requires a significant amount of time and effort, resulting in downtime for the gym. Refreshing existing equipment can be done incrementally, allowing the gym to remain operational and minimising disruption to member usage.

5. Minimal Learning Curve: Introducing brand new equipment may require staff training and member orientation to ensure proper usage. Refreshing existing equipment reduces the learning curve for both staff and members since they are already familiar with the equipment's basic functions.

6. Flexibility and Customization: Refreshing equipment enables gym operators to tailor the upgrades to specific needs and preferences. They can choose upgrades that align with current fitness trends or address specific member demands, enhancing the overall experience and satisfaction.

7. Environmental Considerations: By refreshing existing gym equipment instead of replacing it entirely, gym operators contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing waste and reducing the ecological footprint. This aligns with the growing importance of eco-conscious practices in the fitness industry.

8. Budget Allocation: Refreshing existing equipment allows gym operators to allocate their budget strategically. Instead of spending a significant portion of the budget on new equipment, gym operators can allocate funds to other areas such as marketing, facility improvements, or member engagement initiatives.

9. Compatibility and Integration: Refreshing existing equipment ensures compatibility and integration with the gym's existing technology infrastructure. This can simplify data tracking, connectivity, and management systems, enabling a seamless integration of upgraded features without significant disruptions.

In summary, refreshing existing gym equipment offers benefits such as cost savings, maximizing ROI, member satisfaction, minimized downtime, reduced learning curve, flexibility/customization, environmental considerations, strategic budget allocation, and compatibility/integration. Gym operators can leverage these advantages to enhance the gym experience, meet member expectations, and make efficient use of resources.

For more information on getting the most out of your existing gym equipment contact ServiceSport UK on 01257 264 738 or email the team at [email protected]