Gym challenge raises £1k for air ambulance charity
A group of fitness enthusiasts have raised £1,000 for a lifesaving charity by lifting the equivalent weight of 37 air ambulances.
Members of CrossFit Paratus in Gloucester lifted 118,700lbs (53,835kg) to thank Great Western Air Ambulance for funding a public access defibrillator installed outside their gym.
Participants also cycled, rowed or skied the equivalent of 80 rugby pitches (37,795ft or 11,520m), while learning CPR and how to use the defibrillator to save a life.
It comes after gym co-owners Dan Smart and Sarah Blandford's elderly parents joined the CrossFit sessions and they wanted to implement extra precautions.
The pair said they wanted to ensure as many people as possible knew how to use the defibrillator in the event of an emergency.
"My parents are both in their 70s and, when they started doing CrossFit with us, we knew there was an importance to have something nearby," said Ms Blandford.
"What we do is high intensity, so we wanted to make sure we're protected if anything does happen, but hopefully we never need to use it."
CrossFit workouts typically consist of functional movements such as rowing, running, cycling, with added elements including gymnastics or weightlifting.
The oldest participant to take part in the challenge was Ms Blandford's father Dave, aged 76, with the youngest being just five-years-old.
Ms Blandford explained the gym runs an over-50s fitness class, but emphasised that a cardiac arrest could can happen to anyone.
In the UK, cardiac arrest kills 12 fit and healthy young people aged between 14 and 35 every week, according to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC).
If a defibrillator is used within the first three to five minutes to restore a normal heartbeat, survival rates jump from 6% to 74%.
On average, each mission costs around £2,200 for GWAAC's critical care team to attend, which is financed through donations and fundraising.
Emma Fawcett, supporter engagement coordinator for the GWAAC said: "As a charity entirely reliant on our local community to keep providing our service, we are delighted that Paratus has chosen to support GWAAC in this challenge.
"To also have the opportunity to train more local people how to save a life is an added bonus and helps us towards improving health outcomes for everyone in our community."
Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
Record number of callouts for air ambulance
'Immensely important' defibrillators installed in city
Campaigners successfully fill town with life-saving machines
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity
CrossFit Paratus
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Adult social care shake-up 'rethink' after protest
Plans to shake-up adult social care in Dorset are being "re-evaluated" following protests and feedback from users and their families, a council has said. Dorset Council is considering changes to adult social care services at six centres in Blandford, Swanage, Wareham, Ferndown, Shaftesbury and Sherborne. About 100 people staged a protest opposite one of the centres - Blandford Community Centre - in May, against the proposed reorganisation of where and how services are delivered amid fears some of the centres could close. Dorset Council said it wanted to move to a "hubs and spokes" model but insisted "no decisions have been made". A consultation runs until Monday. North Dorset Conservative MP Simon Hoare said the centre in Blandford should be left out of any reorganisation. "It's easy for people to get to, it serves not just the town but the villages around it," he explained. "We have the hub and spoke model, it's working. My view is - if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Pauline Saville, from Blandford, has a grown up son with learning disabilities who has received day care in Blandford for about 20 years. She said it was "vital" the service was protected and not moved to Sturminster Newton, as proposed. "It's very important to my son. It's where his friends are... If he didn't have it he'd be at home vegetating, and it's vital for me because it's my respite." Councillor Steve Robinson, cabinet member for adult social care at Dorset Council, said it was now "re-evaluating" its initial proposals. "The opportunity that people have got at the moment to contribute [to the consultation] online, the demonstration that we've had, or the letters that we've received, all go in and inform the decision making process," he explained. "This is not about what happens with our buildings, this is about how we provide services for people in our community." He added all consultation responses would be considered throughout June and July ahead of a decision in the autumn. 'Save vital day centre for wife who has dementia' Dorset Council
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
The best weight plates in 2025: Expert-tested for reliable, no-fuss strength training
No shade to dumbbells, but if you're ready to take your fitness training up a peg, investing in a good set of weight plates is the logical next step. The best weight plates align with your budget and lifting needs. For example, cast iron plates are a no-brainer for durability and affordability, while rubber plates are a must for powerlifters who need to drop their weights from a height. Whatever your style, weight plates can transform your home setup into a professional-level workout space. Cassandra Padula Burke, a certified public trainer, agrees, saying, "[Weight plates] can be used on a barbell but can also be used independently for exercises like overhead triceps extensions, Russian twists and shoulder presses." She also highlights that weight plates are perfect for strength building, allowing you to add heavier plates as you get stronger. "Weight plates allow you to progressively load muscles to improve strength and build muscle," she says. Plus, they're space-efficient. "They are easy to store and don't take up as much space as an equivalent variety of dumbbells would," she adds. Ready to create a gym-quality lifting experience at home? You'll need three key pieces of equipment: a sturdy weight bench, a good-quality barbell and a set of weight plates. If you're unsure of what to buy or how to start, there's good news: We did the heavy lifting for you. Over six months, we rigorously tested five sets of weight plates, including rubber, cast iron and Olympic options. We also gathered expert insights from professional personal trainers and powerlifters and drew from our own experiences as lifters to inform our recommendations. Thanks to their versatility, weight plates can be used on their own for functional training or paired with a barbell for compound lifts. Whether made from iron, steel or rubber, each type serves a purpose — from powerlifting to CrossFit. Here's a breakdown of the primary options: Standard weight plates: Designed for a standard barbell with a 1-inch diameter, these plates are best suited for casual or beginner lifters. Olympic plates: These plates fit Olympic barbells with a 2-inch diameter. They can be made from steel, iron or rubber and are known for their high weight accuracy, making them a staple for serious strength training. Training plates: Often lighter and available in smaller weight increments, like 2.5 and 5 pounds, training plates are perfect for beginners or those refining their technique and form. Because of their low weight, they help lifters gradually increase strength while focusing on proper movement patterns. Bumper plates: Thicker and more shock-absorbent than traditional plates, bumper plates are designed for exercises like deadlifts and those performed during CrossFit workouts where weights are frequently dropped from thigh height. These plates are made from all rubber or with a rubber coating over a steel or iron core, offering durability and safety. Competition and powerlifting plates: These plates are engineered for maximum weight accuracy and precision. They're typically reserved for high-level strength competitions. The best weight plates for your home gym depend on your goals, space and how you like to train — whether you're chasing PRs (personal records) or you're just trying to challenge yourself on leg day. Here's what our experts say you should keep in mind when picking your plates: According to Burke, durability is an important factor, though it may be outweighed (no pun intended) by other considerations, like your workout space and budget. Still, when possible, opt for weight plates designed to withstand regular use. Cast iron and steel plates, for example, are incredibly durable and have been trusted since the 19th century, but they can be noisy and may damage floors or walls if dropped. Rubber-coated plates are quieter and less likely to cause damage, making them a good choice for apartments or shared living spaces. Burke explains that rubber plates are still highly durable because they often have an internal iron or steel core for added strength. High-quality construction and accurate calibration are key. "Weight plates should be accurate within 1% to 2% of the specified weight," Burke notes. This accuracy ensures consistent training and prevents imbalances — for instance, poorly calibrated weights could cause problems when loaded on a barbell, causing discrepancies in load between one side and the other. Many manufacturers list their plates' weight calibration online, but you can also contact the company before purchasing to double-check. For serious lifters or those aiming for precise progression, Raymond Agostino, physical therapist and sports performance coach, recommends competition-grade plates with a weight accuracy to within 0.5%. However, he adds that standard weight tolerance is adequate for most home gym setups. Burke also points out that poor construction and damage to the plate, such as chipping or cracking, can affect the accuracy of the weight. "Damage to the rubber coating of the plate can expose the iron underneath, making it vulnerable to corrosion, which may cause weight loss," she says. This brings us to the next consideration: material and coating. Weight plates are typically made from cast iron, steel or rubber, with some rubber plates featuring a metal core. As Agostino points out, each material has its pros and cons. "Cast iron plates are cost-effective and compact, steel plates are durable [and] rubber-coated plates are quieter and protect floors," he says. If you're new to weight training, dumbbells may seem like a more approachable and versatile option. But trust us: weight plates are just as versatile. Noelle McKenzie, a certified physical trainer and correctional exercise specialist, explains that weight plates can double as dumbbells for exercises like chest flies, curls and raises, while also offering added functionality. Beyond their traditional use with a barbell for heavier lifts, weight plates can be used creatively for bodyweight exercises, like planks or wall sits, introducing variety and challenge to your workouts. Ultimately, how you plan to use the plates will determine the type of plates to buy and how heavy you need your weights to be. McKenzie emphasizes that weight plates are more space-efficient than dumbbells or kettlebells, as they can be stored on a plate tree or mounted on a wall. Umo Callins, a certified physical trainer and board-certified sports dietitian, recommends choosing a weight plate based on your budget, the floor it will be used on and how the weights will be used. "If you plan on squatting, deadlifting and doing Olympic lifts, bumper plates work best because if you drop the bar, the plates will have some level of bounce," she says. "Plus, as long as your bar has a high whip grade, they will not bend your bar over time." Overall, bumper plates are Callins's go-to recommendation. "Bumper plates are easier on your flooring, not loud when dropped and allow you to do more varieties of barbell training," she notes. While top-tier Olympic weight plates aren't necessary for most home gyms, going too cheap may sacrifice durability and end up costing more over time. Ideally, opt for a good-quality, durable set made by a reputable manufacturer. Depending on the brand, some plates are covered under warranty, providing additional peace of mind. To determine the best weight plates for every fitness level, two professional personal trainers, several powerlifters and a diverse group of casual gym-goers of varying ages and abilities rigorously tested five weight sets, providing a well-rounded perspective on each plate's performance. The plates were used regularly over six months to assess their durability and reliability with repeated use in home and commercial gym environments. Each set was evaluated based on its materials, durability, performance and overall value. Our final list was determined using a combination of tester feedback, expert insights from personal trainers and our own lifting experience. Most weight plates are designed to fit either a standard barbell with a 1-inch diameter or an Olympic barbell with a 2-inch diameter. If you're unsure, check the manufacturer's specifications to confirm compatibility. For added assurance, consider purchasing a coordinated set of plates and barbells to guarantee a perfect fit. Cast iron and steel plates are highly durable and built to last, but they're not intended to be dropped during workouts. In contrast, rubber-coated plates are designed for high-impact movements like deadlifts and snatches, safely absorbing the force when dropped on the ground. This makes them ideal for more dynamic training styles. Most weight plates should be accurate within their reported 1% to 2% range. Some manufacturers also list the weight plate calibration for accuracy. On our list, for instance, Ethos reports that its weight plates are calibrated to +0.1% to -0.05% of 20 kg. Metal plates can be wiped down with a cloth, dried and occasionally treated with WD-40 to prevent rusting. Rubber plates can be cleaned using mild dish soap and water, then towel-dried. To prolong the life of all weight plates, avoid exposing them to excess moisture or humidity and store them off the floor whenever possible. Always use reliable equipment and regularly inspect weight plates for signs of damage, such as cracks or chips. When lifting a barbell, prioritize safety by using equipment like clips or collars, racks and safety arms and enlist a spotter whenever possible. It's also important to take care when storing weights. Improperly stacked plates can pose a falling hazard or result in pinched fingers. To minimize risks, use a plate tree or designated storage system. Raymond Agostino, DPT, sports performance coach and owner of Agostino Athletics in Fort Myers, Fla. Cassandra Padula Burke, MFS, RDN, CPT, owner of Catalyst Performance Lab in Finksburg, Md. Umo Callins, MS, RD, LD, CSSD, CPT, a sports dietitian and fitness coach based in Oklahoma City, Okla. Noelle McKenzie, CPT, correctional exercise specialist and co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York, Tim Strunk, CPT, former head trainer at Eighty Twenty Club in Lapeer, Mich. Jason Wrosch, CPT, head trainer at Eighty Twenty Club in Lapeer, Mich. Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Time Business News
Profitable Gym Franchise Models in 2025
The fitness industry in India is entering a golden phase, and 2025 looks even more promising. With increasing health awareness, urbanization, and digital access to fitness trends, gym franchises are booming. However, not all franchise models are equally profitable. If you're planning to invest in a gym business, it's crucial to evaluate the model that suits your market and goals. 1. Budget Gym Franchise Models These models target tier 2 and tier 3 cities where affordability is key. The investment is relatively low, ranging from ₹20 to ₹35 lakhs, and they offer basic strength and cardio setups. While margins might not be very high, volume compensates, especially with affordable memberships and low monthly maintenance costs. 2. Mid-Range Gym Franchises Ideal for metros and affluent urban neighborhoods, mid-range models require ₹40 to ₹60 lakhs in initial investment. These gyms typically include branded interiors, professional trainers, group classes, and value-added services like BMI scanning and personalized plans. ROI is faster in this category due to higher membership pricing and diversified income from personal training, merchandise, and dietary consultations. 3. Premium or Boutique Fitness Studios Catering to elite clientele, boutique gyms focus on specialized offerings like HIIT, CrossFit, MMA, or yoga fusion. The investment can go up to ₹1 crore, but the per-member value is also much higher. These are profitable when located in premium areas with demand for exclusivity. This model thrives on brand image, Instagram-worthy interiors, and community-driven fitness experiences. 4. Women-Only Gyms This niche model is rapidly growing. Women-focused spaces provide a comfortable and empowering environment for fitness. Startup costs are often moderate—₹25 to ₹40 lakhs—and the operational expenses are lean. Monthly retention rates are usually strong due to loyalty and trust. Including amenities like crèche facilities or female trainers can boost your value proposition in this segment. 5. 24/7 Gyms and Tech-Enabled Models With increasing demand for flexibility, 24/7 gyms are now gaining traction in metros. These models depend heavily on technology—automated check-ins, AI-driven workouts, CCTV access control, etc. While they require a higher initial tech investment (₹50–₹70 lakhs), operational efficiency is high due to limited staff. Appealing to millennials and Gen Z, these models bring in higher long-term profitability through memberships and digital upgrades. Which Franchise Model is Best for You? Your ideal model depends on:– City type and demographic– Your initial capital– Preferred customer base– Facility size and location Always research competitors in your area, assess demand, and talk to existing franchisees before making a decision. A successful gym isn't just about shiny equipment—it's about experience, retention, and customer trust. Why Plus Fitness is a Proven Profitable Model Plus Fitness has earned its reputation by offering scalable models—from compact setups to full-service fitness centers. The brand supports 24/7 models, low royalty structures, training, marketing, and even helps in location scouting. If you want a head start in 2025, Plus Fitness combines brand equity, tech-integration, and business support, making it one of the smartest gym franchise investments in India today. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
