Leisure Industry key to Implementation of Obesity Strategy
More people - More Active - More Often
Presented by Ms Christine Moloney
Mr Barry Walsh
Introduction Mr Barry Walsh, Managing Director
Bsc Leisure Management Msc Executive Leadership 20 years leisure experience
Private Leisure
1escape health club. , Smithfield The Fitness Dock Medfit proactive healthcare, Blackrock – Medical
exercise facility.
President of ILAM
Ms Christine MoloneyCEO, LeisureWorld Cork City
Dip in Management / MBA
19 years in Leisure Industry
5 Sites – Public Leisure 110 personnel Approx 1,000,000 visits pa Provide Private swim lesson for 1,200 children per week Provide accessible Pool time to 80 School Bookings per week
Vice President of ILAM
About USILAM is a not for profit organisation
National members employer body for the
Leisure, Fitness & Recreational Industry in 26
counties across Ireland
We represent leisure centres in public &
private sector outdoor pursuit centres,
community centres, & education
providers
About ILAMThere are approx 700 leisure centres in 26
counties across Ireland (not incl Independent operators
community centres etc )
Our Industry Employs a broad spectrum of
professionals for example fitness professional,
Cardiac Rehab, GP Referral, swim instructors,
physio’s
A voluntary board who’s primary aim
is to self regulate our Industry and
promote our competencies to our
Communities ...
•ILAM self regulates our industry through:
•White Flag Quality Standard•Child Protection Code / Garda Vetting
•REPS Ireland•Accessible Leisure Centres
ILAM STAKEHOLDERS
ILAM Strategic PartnersIHRSA – Global Association EFHA – European Fitness Association ( based
in Brussels)FIA – UK Fitness Association
Each body undertakes research and lobbies on behalf of our industry to improve participation to tackle the health issues facing our society due to inactivity
Purpose To present the opportunity that exists for the
Leisure Industry to implement Obesity strategies through our facilities & personnel .......
Our Assumptions;The diagnosis processes is completed The Interventions processes are identified. The question;HOW TO IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVELY ?
Participation
Referral Pathways ...Our Industry has the competencies and
resources to provide a referral pathway for
obese/pre obese clients before medical
intervention is required
Our industry is part of the multi disciplinary
approach to increase participation throughout
our society as a Primary Care solution
Example – MEND UK model MEND to tackle obesity through
Community Implementation for 7 -13 year olds
Interventions through Behavioural change, land based activities, water based activities
& Nutrition educationSettings for implementation are:After school , Community, Group-based Venues
include: schools, leisure centres, community centres
LeisureWorld Case StudyDevelop a project that will prove that our
industry can provide a sustainable and successful approach to citizens whose health issues can be tackled
Promote Leisure Industry as a key provider to open pathways and offer direct access to the public that would benefit from an exercise professional advice and
support
Project Weight Loss was born...Pilot 12 week program Initially advertising for 30 participants, who
all have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 and are currently inactive.
The initial pilot project was oversubscribed with over 120 applicants
60 participants initially accommodated.Supported by Cork Sport Partnership
Project Weight Loss Results – 12 weeks Number of Participants
MaxStart Weight
AverageStart Weight
AverageFinish Weight
MaxWeight Loss
MaxSize Loss
AverageSize Loss
60 179 kg 107 kg 100 kg 18 kg 44 cm 17 cm•
OUTCOMES of Project Weight Loss• Over 12 months 300 participated in the
program• 15 – 20 % not completing due to health/life
issues• 40 % exercising independently in gym and
activity based • 40% remain in contact with program • 45 participants in current program
( number limited due to staff and resources – demand would suggest 3 times more active at anyone time )
Sample Participants Comments“The company of others in the same situation
and proper instruction and motivation.”
“The staff are genuinely interested and keen to help.”
“The clear instructions of staff and the push to improve without pushing too far. *I am delighted with how I feel.”
Sample Participants Comments“I am trying to adopt a new lifestyle-to be
fitter and healthier.”
“Movement is easier”
“My breathing has improved. I am able to exercise for longer and my clothes feel a little
looser.”
The Future Plan ...Our VISION is to implement nationwide
through ILAM and Sports Partnerships.
HSE Health Promotion Unit NOW involved and endorse the program
Cork Sport Partnership supporting initiative in County
Leader Training for 8 centres be undertaken in Dec 2012 by LeisureWorld & HSE
SummaryThe Project proves we can help and we have the
capability to improve lifestyle behaviours, the
pilot scheme has provided the hard evidence of
these facts and therefore they are not the
aspirations of one person anymore...they are
facts and we have made a difference to people’s
lives!
Support our Industry needs...Include our industry in the fight against obesity
we are an IMPORTANT STAKEHOLDER
Key Agencies to Support & Endorse activities to improve participation through our Industry
OTHERReduce VAT on swimming and teaching children
to swimBIK on leisure membership – counter productive! Health Insurance Incentives to reward the consumer for being active
SummaryLeisure Industry Facilities & Personnel can
support the family unit from cradle to grave with activities & education through multi disciplinary and a collaborative focus.
( CSPPA Study, ISC, Strategic Advice, pg 135)
WE ARE PUTTING OUR HANDS UP TO HELP
Let us HELP ...... Our Industry is a great Resource
but under Utilized at present
Active Children... Active Adults
More people - More Active - More Often
More people - More Active - More Often
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING