I am one of ten Personal Trainer of the Year finalists at the National Fitness Awards 2026. When I found out, the first person I told was my wife.
I was over the moon!
After more than 20 years in this industry, starting on a gym floor at 18, being recognised in this way means everything to me.
The shortlist is for the Gym Based Personal Trainer of the Year category, alongside coaches from across the country.
You can see the official 2026 shortlist here.
It is an exciting moment for me, but it also feels like an opportunity to recognise the people and experiences behind those two decades of work.
Why the National Fitness Awards matter
The National Fitness Awards are now in their 17th year.
Script Events organises the awards, which have a longstanding connection to fitness industry publication Workout. They recognise work across personal training, gyms, leisure facilities and community projects.
For me, their importance goes beyond the evening itself.
Fitness is a challenging industry in the best way.
You are working with people who have different goals, abilities, responsibilities and reasons for needing support.
Doing the job well means continuing to learn, adapting your approach and taking responsibility for the quality of the service you provide.
Much of that work happens quietly. It might be a conversation that helps someone regain confidence or a carefully adjusted programme. Sometimes, it is the encouragement that keeps a person going through a difficult period.
Awards like these give the industry an opportunity to bring that work into view.
They give trainers and organisations a chance to showcase what they do, learn about the work of others and have something to aspire to.
The Personal Trainer of the Year criteria look at how well trainers understand and support their clients. They also consider clients’ achievements, professional qualifications and memberships. Those are things I care deeply about.
National Fitness Awards’ event director Mike Hewitt said:
“We have had a record number of entries this year, with the standard across the board being excellent – a true testament to the innovation and strength of the vibrant UK fitness industry… getting on a shortlist has been more difficult than ever this year and it’s a huge achievement for all those that have made the finals – truly the elites of the fitness world”
To have reached this stage is an honour in itself.
From the gym floor at 18 to today
I started out as an 18-year-old who loved training and competitive ice hockey. I knew I enjoyed helping people, but I could not have imagined all the directions that work would take.
Over the years, I have helped thousands of people through personal training, group exercise and community projects.
There were local boot camps, fitness trips to Menorca and work with ice hockey players.
Our free community boot camps in Yateley welcomed hundreds of local people. We also organised charity 5K events, raising thousands of pounds for Youthline, the youth counselling charity.
Today, much of my work is private coaching in people’s homes, alongside online and hybrid support.
The setting has changed, but the interest in the person in front of me has stayed.
I recently reflected on that journey in 20 Years in Fitness: Becoming Chartered.
Becoming a Chartered Personal Trainer Senior Practitioner and Fellow of CIMSPA, and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health, have been significant milestones for me.
My work has also taken me into national media, sharing practical advice through publications including Women’s Health, GQ, Metro and Patient.info.
You can explore those articles, interviews and expert contributions on my In the Media page.
Professional standards, continued learning and recognition each have a place in that journey.
My involvement with CIMSPA and the RSPH reflects how seriously I take my work. This shortlist gives me another reason to pause and appreciate how far it has come.
Personally, it feels like a pinnacle of recognition in my career so far.
The people behind the recognition
When I think about what I am proudest of, particular people come to mind.
Harry: from returning to fitness to Ironman Wales
Harry’s return to fitness developed over two years into something neither of us would have predicted.
Initially, it was about losing weight, feeling better and making his health a priority again.
Then we decided to take on Ironman Wales together. A year of preparation followed, including 14 events, before we crossed the finish line side by side.
You can read Harry’s journey to Ironman Wales here.
Maria: a different approach to training and food
Maria originally came to me wanting to get leaner.
Our work took a different direction, towards eating enough, adjusting her training and allowing more recovery.
In her own account, she describes her menstrual cycle returning after 22 years. She also shares the freedom she gained by changing her relationship with food, exercise and her body.
Annie and the many other stories behind my work
Then there is Annie, finding her way back after tragically losing her husband.
Other clients are rebuilding strength and confidence following knee replacement surgery. Some are learning to enjoy movement again after years of feeling it was not for them.
These are very different experiences. Each deserves an approach built around the individual.
Client feedback reminds me how much everyday support matters. Listening, explaining and encouraging all help someone feel that I understand their needs.
That is the work I want this recognition to represent.
These are just a few of the people I have had the privilege of coaching.
There are many more stories, with different starting points and achievements, on my client testimonials page. I would love you to take a look and hear from the people themselves.
What happens next?
The finalists now move through the next stage of judging.
An independent panel of experts reviews the original entries and additional supporting evidence. The judges also consider publicly available information and feedback.
Depending on the category, the process can also involve a visit or interview.
I have the opportunity to submit further information, including recent client testimonials, to help the judges understand my work in more depth.
The winners will be announced on Friday 27 November 2026 at The Athena in Leicester. Olympic medallist Gail Emms will host the ceremony.
My wife and I will be heading up with two of my best friends. I am looking forward to enjoying the evening with them, meeting others from across the industry and celebrating everyone’s success.
Of course I would love to win. But being one of the finalists already means a great deal.
Thank you
To everyone who has trained with me, trusted my advice, shared their experience or supported my work over the years: thank you.
None of this would be possible without you being willing to invest in your health and choosing me as your coach.
Your effort, your trust and the things you have achieved are a huge part of this story. I am forever grateful.
I will keep you updated as we get closer to November. For now, I am going to get back to helping clients!
Joseph Webb
Expert coaching. Entirely personal.
Chartered Personal Trainer | FRSPH | FCIMSPA
