Sports nutrition industry leader, Optimum Nutrition is proud to announce the ON Gold Standard Awards which acknowledges and rewards the outstanding work and commitment of fitness professionals all over the country.

This will be the industry’s first national awards, which provides the best in the business with the opportunity to be acknowledged for their dedication and achievements in encouraging people to exercise, as well achieve their health and fitness goals.

The ON Gold Standard Awards provides an exciting opportunity for individuals in the fitness community from local boot camp leaders, specialised exercise instructors to one-man personal training businesses to be recognised for their leadership, innovation and success within their trade.

They must be able to demonstrate professional achievements within the industry including increasing exercise participation and client success.

Trainers can nominate themselves in one of five award categories:

- Gold Standard Personal Trainer

- Gold Standard PT Team

- Gold Standard Sports and Exercise Nutritionist

- Gold Standard Group Fitness Instructor

Winners will be selected by high profile industry leaders within the fitness world including; Richard Schrivener, Emma Williams, Chris Walton, Richard Tidmarsh and international fitness trainer and presenter, Fitzroy Gaynes.

International fitness trainer and presenter, Fitzroy Gaynes, said: “The Awards gives fitness professionals the recognition they deserve within the industry and increase their credibility with clients and potential clients. I also believe the standard of instructing will increase as participants can benchmark themselves against others.”

Optimum Nutrition athlete and two time WBFF Pro Fitness Model World Champ Shaun Stafford said: “These awards will help shift the focus back onto what is important in a good trainer or coach - the ability to guide and nurture anyone towards a goal or aspiration, to keep a keen interest on the latest innovations in their field to develop safe and effective training plans, and to motivate and inspire their clients and colleagues to strive for more both in and out of the gym.”

Head of marketing, Benoit Batard from Optimum Nutrition said: “There is currently no other awards programme for personal trainers and this is a great opportunity to give-back to the creators and drivers of health and fitness.”

A winner will be selected from each category and will receive £3,500 worth of product, £1500 to go towards an educational fitness or nutrition programme of their choice, and have the opportunity to provide their clients with discounted products.

Entries for the Gold Standard Awards are now open. Personal trainers, fitness instructors and nutritionist can nominate themselves online here