Nominations open for the 2021 Australian Fitness Awards

Fitness Australia has opened nominations for its annual Australian Fitness Awards, which recognise industry professionals and businesses showcasing exceptional commitment, passion and dedication to improving the lives of others through exercise.

Following a tumultuous 12 months of lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions, Fitness Australia Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish said it was time to celebrate those in the industry who have gone above the call of duty to deliver vital exercise programs and services to ensure people can continue to look after their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Elvish advised “the fitness industry has so many outstanding individuals and businesses who, despite facing overwhelming challenges over the past 12 months, have continued to deliver exceptional service and programs to ensure our community has kept active and healthy. The benefits exercise has on our overall health, especially our mental health when we are faced with uncertainly, change and isolation, cannot be underestimated

“This year’s awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise and honour Fitness Australia members who have continued to put their clients and gym members first, adapted programs, gone online and provided ongoing, unwavering support to keep people motivated and on track with their fitness goals. This is despite many of them facing their own personal and professional uncertainty with forced shutdowns and reduced operations.

“Our awards also honour community groups who offer exercise programs or initiatives to the broader community at little or no costs. These programs are vital in reaching those parts of our community who might otherwise find it difficult to access a gym or fitness centre; or even an outdoor program.”

The Australia Fitness Awards cover three segments - individual, business and community - while this year will also see the return of the Awards of Honour featuring the Roll of Honour inductee/s and Chair’s Award.

Awards will be presented at the FILEX events at Hilton Sydney on Friday 17th June and Friday 13th August.

2021 Australian Fitness Awards categories include:

Individual Awards 
• Female Personal Trainer of the Year/ Male Personal Trainer of the Year
• Female Fitness Instructor of the Year/ Male Fitness Instructor of the Year
• Student of the year
• Educator of the year

Business Awards
• Boutique Business of the Year
• Multiservice Business of the Year 
• Quality Assured Business of the Year

Community Awards
• Community Innovation 
• Mental Health Awareness Program

Awards of Honour (not open to nominations) - to be presented at the Leadership Summit on 26th and 27th May at Ovolo Hotel Sydney 
Chair’s Award 
The Chair’s Award recognises members of Fitness Australia’s Board, Councils, Committees, Advisory bodies or a Taskforce who have made a significant contribution to the work of that group and to Fitness Australia.

Roll of Honour 
The Awards of Honour Committee will announce Roll of Honour recipients who have made outstanding contributions to the fitness industry in Australia. 

The 2021 Australian Fitness Award sponsors include Guild, NPE, COM, Technogym, Lifeline, 10THOUSANDFEET, Iron Edge and Clean Life.

Click here for full judging criteria, eligibility and nomination information. 

Images: Amanda Bracks [right] celebrating her Roll of Honour induction and Soulful Fitness' award with Studio Manager Emma Rose Percy [centre] and Fitness Australia's Barrie Elvish at the 2019 Australian Fitness Awards (top) and Fitness Australia's Barrie Elvish (below).