Healthy competition to be named St Helens’ Best for Fitness 2023

Whether it’s yoga or pilates, body pump or spin, Zumba or Clubbercise, there is something for everyone when it comes to fitness.

But which fitness or gym instructor in St Helens is the best?

Who has what it takes to keep you going back to the gym or the same fitness class every week?

Nominations have been flooding in as we asked you to tell us whose classes or sessions you think are the best and it’s now time to reveal our shortlist.

After launching our new Best of 2023 competition in the St Helens Star in April, we wanted to know who you think is the area’s best gym or fitness instructor.

Now we need your help to choose the winner from our ten shortlisted nominees.

There are three ways to vote:

1. Search for the Best for Breakfast shortlist post on our St Helens Star Facebook, Twitter 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 (Thursday, June 1 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to heidi.summerfield@newsquest.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, June 5 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 for the next Best of 2023 category.

OUR TEN BEST FOR FITNESS FINALISTS:

Libby Mae Langham

Libby Langham, Libby Mae Fitness Studio

Libby’s classes are “welcoming, friendly and always positive” and are available from 5.30am!

Another said: “The best fitness classes with a lovely bunch of girls.

“No judgements and we have loads of fun.”

For more details go to facebook.com/libbymaefit

Lorraine Hughes

Lorraine Hughes, Hughes Sport Karate Academy

Lorraine is “an amazing coach” and “goes above and beyond for anyone”.

One nomination said: “She is truly amazing and loves seeing children and adults achieve their full potential.”

For more details go to facebook.com/HughesSportKarateAcademy

Nicky Hegarty

Nicky Hegarty, NPH Fitness, Prescot

One happy client said NPH Fitness is “second to none” as the classes are so “varied, uplifting and empowering”.

Another said she is a “fantastic trainer” and she has classes and sessions for all levels of fitness and ability.

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

Matt Scaife

Matt Scaife, Fitness MATTers, St Helens

One review on Matt’s Facebook page said: “These are really enjoyable sessions.

“I’m getting consistent, long-term results that can be maintained.

“Matt knows his stuff and I’d definitely recommend him.”

For more details go to facebook.com/fitnessmatterspt

Leanne Belshaw

Leanne Belshaw, Fitness Beyond The Bump, St Helens

Leanne’s classes are “absolutely brilliant and always good fun” with everyone welcome.

One recommendation said: “I’m not a gym or fitness person and I absolutely love going!

“Leanne puts everyone at ease and makes us all feel comfortanble.

“She definitely deserves this award.”

For more details go to facebook.com/fitnessbeyondthebump

Danny Arnold

Danny Arnold, Axe & Hammer Fitness, St Helens

When someone says “Danny is the best personal trainer I’ve ever worked with”, it’s high praise and enough to earn him a place on our shortlist.

The nomination said: “He makes everyone feel welcome and included and is always encouraging and supportive throughout his classes and PT sessions.”

For more details go to facebook.com/axeandhammerfitness

Ashley-James Ward (Image: Image supplied)

Ashley-James Award, Award Health and Fitness, St Helens

Ashley-James won this title in 2022 – can he win back-to-back awards and be named Best for Fitness 2023?

One nomination said: “Ashley-James is a very supportive, adaptive trainer who tailor makes sessions to fit clients’ needs.

“He pushes everyone to get the most out of each session as well as offering education around nutrition and physiology.”

For more details go to facebook.com/AWARDHANDF

Jamie-Lee Toal

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

Jamie makes clients “look forward to exercise” even if their lives are busy and they’re struggling to fit in a session.

One 66-year-old didn’t think they’d be able to get back into training and regular exercise but Jamie made this happen through “motivation and support”.

For more details go to facebook.com/HeartandSolePT

Liz Smith

Liz Smith, Bounce, St Helens

Liz is “the absolute best and I love her classes” said one happy regular.

She added: “Bounce was new to me when I started and Liz was so welcoming and supportive.

“Definitely the best in St Helens.”

For more details go to facebook.com/LizSmithBounce

Kim O'Neale

Kim O’Neale, Trim with Kim, St Helens

Kim is “without question” the best as she has always got “new ideas and so much knowledge”.

One nomination said: “For a lady of a certain age, Kim could certainly give the young ones a run for their money.

“She proves it pays to keep moving and adapting your workouts as you get older so you stay strong and agile.”

For more details go to facebook.com/trimwithkim1