Introducing the PT of the Year competition – celebrating the coaches shaping stronger bodies, sharper minds and resilient men across the UK
In gyms across the UK, there’s a different kind of hero. Not the loudest in the room, not chasing attention—but the ones who show up, day in, day out, and get the work done.
They’re the early risers unlocking the gym floor before most people are awake. The ones pushing clients through that last rep when it counts. The coaches who stay late, dial in programmes, and celebrate hard-earned progress—whether it’s a first pull-up, a new PB, or simply showing up on a tough day.
They don’t do it for recognition. They do it because they believe in building stronger people.
This year, the PT of the Year competition, launched by YOUR Personal Training, is dedicated to those individuals. The theme is simple: Unsung Heroes.
For many men, a great personal trainer becomes more than just someone who writes programmes. They become a coach, a strategist, and a constant in the pursuit of improvement. They help rebuild strength after injury, sharpen focus during demanding periods of life, and provide the structure needed to stay consistent when motivation drops.
These moments don’t always make social media. But they matter. They’re where real change happens.
The Unsung Heroes campaign shines a light on the trainers driving that change behind the scenes.
The PT of the Year competition recognises trainers who deliver real impact—not just in physiques, but in mindset, discipline and long-term performance. Because while aesthetics might turn heads, it’s consistency, resilience and trust that define a truly great coach.
The best trainers understand more than sets and reps. They know how to read a client, adapt under pressure, and build an environment where progress is expected—and earned. They push when it’s needed, pull back when it matters, and hold clients accountable every step of the way.
Built on impact
Recognition matters. Not for ego—but because it highlights the work that often goes unseen.
In today’s fitness landscape, the role of a trainer has evolved. They’re not just there to count reps. They’re problem-solvers, motivators, and educators. They help men train with purpose, move with intent, and develop a mindset that carries beyond the gym floor.
They reinforce discipline over shortcuts. Performance over appearance. Long-term progress over quick fixes.
By telling the stories of these coaches, the PT of the Year competition captures what fitness is really about: showing up, putting in the work, and getting better—one session at a time.
Because progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s built quietly, rep by rep, week by week—with a coach right there guiding the process.
How to nominate your PT
Click here to enter or to nominate your PT!
Nominations are now open for the PT of the Year competition, inviting members and peers to recognise the coaches who’ve made a real difference.
Submissions can be made online at smartsurvey.co.uk/s/YPT202.
A judging panel, made up of experts from YOUR Personal Training, Women’s Fitness and Men’s Fitness, will review each nomination to select the winner.
Now’s the time to think about the coach who pushed you when it mattered. Who adapted when life got busy. Who kept you accountable when motivation faded.
Those are the Unsung Heroes worth recognising.
The prize
One standout trainer will be crowned PT of the Year, receiving national recognition and a prize package designed to elevate their career, including:
- £10,000 of CPD courses across 10 years from YOUR Academy
- 1-year free gym rent at a YPT partner facility
- Hyperice Hypervolt Massage Gun
- UltraHuman Air Ring
- Applied Nutrition Bundle
- Vow Nutrition Voucher
In celebrating these coaches, Men’s Fitness and YOUR Personal Training are championing what truly matters in the industry—not hype, not shortcuts, but substance.
Because behind every stronger, more confident man in the gym, there’s often a coach who refused to let him settle for average.
And that’s a story worth recognising.
You can enter or nominate your PT now by clicking here!
About YOUR Personal Training
YOUR Personal Training is the UK’s leading personal training management company, supporting hundreds of trainers nationwide to deliver life-changing coaching. Their approach combines mentoring, education and extensive business support so trainers can focus on what matters most: helping clients achieve real results.
Directed by James Lorey and Aaron McCulloch, both experienced trainers and industry advocates, YOUR Personal Training champions the Unsung Heroes of fitness – professionals who go above and beyond for their clients every day. By empowering trainers, YOUR Personal Training creates a ripple effect: motivated, knowledgeable coaches mean stronger, more confident clients across the UK.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Promoter
The promoter is ‘Your Management Solutions Limited’ trading as ‘Your Personal Training UK’ (sometimes referred to as “YPT”), in partnership with Men’s Fitness and Women’s Fitness magazines (together, the “Partners”).
- Eligibility
2.1 The promotion is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged 18 years or over at the time of entry.
2.2 Entrants must be practising personal trainers and hold appropriate qualifications to operate as a PT in the UK.
2.4 Internet access and a valid email address are required.
- How to Enter
3.1 Entry is free. No purchase is necessary.
3.2 Entries may be submitted either:
- by members of the public nominating a personal trainer, or
- by personal trainers nominating themselves.
3.3 Entries must be submitted via the official online entry form here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/YPT2026/.
3.4 The entry form will require completion of mandatory fields and may include:
- free-text responses
- supporting information
- optional uploads such as images or additional documentation
3.5 Only entries submitted during the entry period will be considered valid.
3.6 The promoter reserves the right to reject entries that are incomplete, misleading, offensive, or suspected to be fraudulent.
- Entry Period
4.1 The promotion is open now and closes at midnight on 12th June 2026.
4.2 Entries received after the Closing Date will not be accepted.
- Judging
5.1 All valid entries will be judged by a panel comprising representatives from:
- Your Personal Training UK
- Men’s Fitness
- Women’s Fitness
5.2 Entries will be judged on criteria including (but not limited to):
- personal story, background and challenges overcome
- commitment to clients and community
- inclusivity and approach to fitness
- professionalism, inspiration and impact
5.3 The judges’ decision is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome.
- Winners
6.1 Two winners will be selected:
- One female personal trainer
- One male personal trainer
6.2 Winners will be notified using the contact details provided at entry.
6.3 If a selected winner does not respond within 7 days of notification, the promoter reserves the right to select an alternative winner.
- Prize
7.1 Each winner will receive:
- Appearance as the cover star of either Women’s Fitness or Men’s Fitness magazine, as relevant
- Contribution of interview and workout content to an editorial feature inside that relevant magazine
- Associated promotional exposure across the magazines’ social channels, and elsewhere via YPT and partners
- £10,000 of CPD courses across 10 years from YOUR Academy (Max 2 courses per year RRP £500 per course]
- 1-year free gym rent at a YPT partner facility (over 600 to choose from) worth over £6,000
- Hyperice Hypervolt Massage Gun (worth over £350)
- UltraHuman Air Ring (worth £329)
- Applied Nutrition Bundle (worth over £100)
- Vow Nutrition Voucher (worth over £150)
7.2 Winners will be required to attend a professional photoshoot in July 6 2026 (location to be confirmed).
7.3 Reasonable UK travel costs to the shoot location will be covered by the promoter. Accommodation, subsistence and additional expenses are not included unless explicitly agreed in writing.
7.4 The prize has no cash alternative and is non-transferable.
- Winner Responsibilities
8.1 Winners must be available for:
- the photoshoot
- reasonable editorial interviews
- provision of a workout suitable for publication
8.2 Winners agree to behave professionally and comply with reasonable editorial and production direction.
8.3 Failure to attend the photoshoot or cooperate with reasonable promotional requirements may result in forfeiture of the prize.
- Use of Content & Publicity
9.1 By submitting an entry, entrants confirm that they have the right to provide all submitted materials, including images.
9.2 Entrants grant the promoter and partners a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use submitted content for the purposes of administering and promoting the campaign.
9.3 Winners agree to take part in publicity related to the promotion without additional compensation.
- Data Protection
10.1 Entrants agree that they may be contacted by Your Personal Trainer, Women’s Fitness and Men’s Fitness, for the purposes of promoting their products. The entrant understands they can opt out of communications at any time.
10.2 Data will not be shared with third parties beyond what is necessary to operate the promotion.
10.3 Personal data will be used only in accordance with UK data protection law.
- General
11.1 The promoter reserves the right to amend, suspend or withdraw the promotion in the event of circumstances beyond its reasonable control.
11.2 The promoter is not responsible for technical failures, lost entries or other issues outside its control.
11.3 These terms and conditions are governed by English law, and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction.
