Recently I visited the UK’s biggest fitness trade show at the NEC, and while there I heard that the two biggest growth areas in fitness are those fighting obesity and the over fifties (sounds familiar??!).

So if those are the biggest growth areas, why is it when I go to a coffee shop to get my black Americano (17 cals) I still observe obese people ordering unhealthy drinks, with extra cream and marshmallows on top and a side order of the sugary demons to go? Do they not read or listen to what’s happening in society? The UK is now third in the European Obesity League!

I love the fact that there’s huge growth in the over fifty market – you only have to look at our classes to see that! We even have a group of half marathoners where you have to be over sixty to join. Apologies to all you young ones who come to class …. One day you’ll be old enough to join!

Anyway, watch this space regarding what I have in mind for the 50+ posse, not forgetting “Cliff’s” young ones, of course!

Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net. Fat man: Witthaya Phonsawat

Every year Prime Energy books tables at the CLIC Sargent Windsor race evening – and this year was no exception. In fact, for the 10^th anniversary of this annual charity event we took along thirty guests, who all joined in with the fun and contributed to the fund raising efforts.

It was a night of stars as those in attendance included champion jockey AP McCoy, rugby union captain Brian O’Driscoll, golfing pro Paul McGinley – and even Liam Payne, singer in One Direction!

Formula One’s Eddie Jordan, patron of the charity, said: “You cannot help but be touched by the stories of the young people and children with cancer that CLIC Sargent supports, which is why I am a proud and long-term supporter of this fantastic charity.”

The star-studded event was a fab night out for everyone and raised an incredible £650,000 for the charity. Well done to everyone who came along!

Lisa, one of our Monday class members, and her partner Lee will be performing at Kirtlington Village Hall once again this autumn with their PowerFolk Quartet. Her last gig was a sellout and a fantastic evening, and this one looks set to be even better as they’ll have very special guest support from Grammy award-winning guitarist Amrit Sond. Make sure you put Saturday 3^rd October in your diary – doors open at 7pm – or email Lisa for more info or to book:  lisa@lisafitzgibbon.com

Camp Energy has been a huge success this summer, running at 3 sites and with a massive language school programme. As usual Camp included a huge element of fitness with our daily “pulse raiser” and our normal superstar appearance. This summer our celebrity guest was Martin Keown, ex England and Arsenal player. The children had a ball (excuse the pun) learning from his vast experience.

The summer holidays are over, and it’s time to get back to our fitness classes and personal training sessions to offset the weight gain from too much food and vino rosado. It’s time to start planning your training timetable and goals for the autumn – because don’t forget that by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.  You’ve probably heard me say this time and time again, especially if you’re a “lifer” one of those members who’s spent 30+ years at our classes!

So here’s an idea for your plan. Set weekly or monthly targets. It doesn’t all have to be around weight loss either – it could be the number of classes you attend, training sessions per week, weights shifted, distance run etc. There are all sorts of targets you can choose, but if you’re stuck just ask me for some help.

Our full class programme starts back next month. The Monday class has been mammoth over the summer, with a full house on a couple of occasions. We’re planning a new programme to start Monday 7^th September, with some stonking new tunes (Richard Venables), some of which we heard at La Folie Douce during last year’s ski trip.  They even made Gareth dance…!

And Thursday 10th September sees the return of the “Little Black Number” – but with a new format that gets to those areas that the ladies love to hit…and it will be a “hiit” programme. It’s going to be tough!

It’s also the time of year members start to think about skiing.  Well SKI 2016 is booked for January 17th.  If you fancy joining next year’s posse please let me know ASAP.  Many will ask…only 12 will be chosen. As usual, 50% of spaces have already been reserved off plan, as they know what a mammoth deal I put together as well as the wonderful group cohesion.  So don’t hang about, contact me now to reserve your place!