St Helens Star Best Of 2022 top six gym and fitness instructors revealed

After launching our new Best of 2022 competition in St Helens Star at the end of April, we wanted to know who you think is the best gym or fitness instructor.

The Secret Halo was the first winner in our Best of 2022 competition as Gemma Owen took the Best for Hair title.

Next came Burchall’s with owner John Burchall’s family-run business making St Helens’ best pie and Envy Nails and Beauty by Samantha Houghton is officially Best for Nails.

The latest round of voting took place last weekend as we searched for the best pub.

Now we need your help to choose the winner in the Best Gym or Fitness Instructor category from our eight shortlisted nominees.

There are three ways to vote:

1. Search for the Best Of post on our St Helens Star Facebook or Instagram pages and comment under the post with the name of your winner = 1 vote

2. Name your favourite in the comments section on this article via our website = 2 votes

3. Purchase a copy of this week’s St Helens Star (May 26 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to news@sthelensstar.co.uk – please note that only original copies will be accepted. More than one entry can be submitted per person but you will be asked to provide your own unique reference code for each entry to avoid duplication eg if your name is Smith you may wish to write Smith123 or HS21! as your code. You will need to provide a different code for each entry submitted. For full terms and conditions go to Newsquest.co.uk/terms)

Voting officially opens today, Thursday, and closes at midnight on Monday and we will be announcing the winner next week.

Keep an eye out for our next Best Of appeal on our social media pages on Friday.

OUR SIX BEST GYM OR FITNESS INSTRUCTOR FINALISTS:

Ashley-James Ward of Award Health and Fitness

We were inundated with nominations for Ashley-James making him a popular selection for our shortlist.

“A really motivated instructor with excellent classes”, Ashley-James and his team are welcoming giving time and effort to the gym.

One nomination said: “Award Health and Fitness is a brilliant place for all your fitness needs.

“The time, effort and dedication that Ashley-James Ward puts into the classes is second to none.

“Ash will push you further than you thought possible but the results are definitely worth it.”

Another dedicated client said: “During a bad time in my life, Award Health and Fitness helped in more ways than one with my fitness and my mental health.

“I will always be indebted to him for his true passion for fitness and his personal touch.

“He changed my life from being unhealthy and unhappy to someone who is happy and healthy.”

One customer said: “These are amazing classes and I am pushed beyond what I thought I was capable of.

“I have improved my fitness and been given great advice as there is always someone available to help.

“I love the classes because I achieve so much more.”

For more details go to facebook.com/AWARDHANDF

Award Health and Fitness

Nicky Hegarty at NPH Fitness

When someone says they are “the best instructor I’ve ever had”, we knew Nicky Hegarty had to make the top six.

One client said: “It’s never the same class twice and she is so motivational.

“It’s always inspiring and fun but with the best results in a supportive environment.”

Another nomination said: “She transformed me and my nutrition and got me fitter than I have ever been.

“She gives her all to her boot campers and has transformed hundreds of women over the years.

“We are totally spoilt with the investment she has made and the amount of equipment she has invested in.”

“Phenomenal classes” that “cater for all different levels of fitness” have “changed people’s perspective on exercise”.

For more details go to facebook.com/nicky.hegarty

NPH Fitness

Stefan at Freestyle Fitness

Stefan’s Monday classes at Queens Park are a big hit as he “is a great instructor who motivates you and offers different levels for all abilities”.

One recommendation said everyone leaves Stefan’s classes with a big smile on their face and feeling amazing.

Another nomination said: “The Monday class is absolutely fantastic.

“The music is brilliant and you can really feel the energy Stefan has to give you a fantastic all-over body workout.

“His classes are always friendly and fun and he is by far the best with more than twenty years’ experience under his belt.”

For more details go to facebook.com/stefan.hawrysh or facebook.com/freestylefitness/

Stefan at Freestyle Fitness

Jamie Clarke at Fitness XL

There was one resoundingly positive nomination for Jamie that summed up the reasons why his satisfied clients thought he should make the shortlist.

The nomination said: “His own personal journey is amazing after not succeeding as a personal trainer the first time he tried.

“His Instagram posts are emotional and honest, which is great to see from a male particularly showing his own struggles openly.

“I feel we need more of this for men showing the importance of mental health and talking.

“Jamie is positive and fantastic as what he does.

“He has endless examples of his clients having fantastic results and he creates a positive environment all around him.”

For more details go to evolutionfitnessxl.com/

Evolution Fitness

Leanne at Fitness Beyond the Bump

Happy mums have been praising Leanne at Fitness Beyond the Bump for her hard work during lockdown with many describing her classes as a “saving grace” and “a lifeline”.

One nomination simply said: “She has become not only my fitness instructor but one of my best friends!”

Another said: “Leanne is amazing and kept me sane after having my second baby during lockdown.

“She has kept me active as a mum and is encouraging with every step.”

Working out with other mums helps improve fitness levels as well as mental wellbeing and the varied classes mean clients look forward to attending each week.

For more details go to facebook.com/fitnessbeyondthebump/

Fitness Beyond the Bump

Jamie-Lee Toal from Heart and Sole Ladies Fitness and Personal Training

One happy client said: “This woman has made me feel so at ease and is always so happy and positive.

“I’d never done anything like this before and was petrified of failing in front of people but it’s the complete opposite.

“It’s truly amazing and now I love going.”

Another said: “Jamie-Lee has created an inclusive atmosphere where everyone wants each other to do their best and people encourage you to push yourself.

“I don’t where I’d be without these fabulous women.”

A third said she helped to rebuild her confidence after a bad experience with another personal trainer.

She said: “She’s so knowledgeable and helps you reach results you’d never have dreamed of.

“I got instant results and would never want to train anywhere else.

“Any goal is possible.”

For more details go to facebook.com/jamielee.lillis or facebook.com/HeartandSolePT/

Heart and Sole