The successful second edition of FIT Awards shows growth

Jay Asser 10:00 09/12/2015
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  • Grant Goes (c) presents Facility of the Year (3,001+ members) to Fitness First.

    The fitness industry in the UAE continues to grow at a rapid pace, making the FIT Awards crucial for raising and maintaining high standards for the industry across the board.

    Comprising of more than 2,500 registered professionals across more than 160 venues in the region, the fitness industry is made up of countless hard-working individuals and teams dedicated to improving the health and activity level of the nation’s residents.

    The FIT Awards, organised by Sport360 in partnership with FitnessLink and the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), strive to recognise and reward those factions annually at a gala, this year’s edition on November 26 at the Els Club, Dubai Sports City, building upon the inaugural event.

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    “It’s growing year on year. You can see the standard improving,” said Alison Ramsay, general manager of SMART Fitness, winners of Facility of the Year (up to 3,000 members).

    “With REPs, the whole idea of the licensing process, it actually recognises how important it is for the standards to have people licensed. Obviously, upping the standards and improving year on year is fantastic.”

    While SMART Fitness were honoured for a second straight year, this year’s edition rewarded a number of new winners.

    Jarred Lowson, one of those new winners who was named Personal Trainer of the Year, has seen first-hand how far the fitness industry has come in his six years in Dubai.

    The South African native said: “I think in the last few years, the fitness community has grown massively and has come together.

    “REPs has been fantastic in helping professionalise the industry, so it’s really coming together nicely and to the standards of the rest of the world.”

    In the case of Talise Fitness, which was named GCC Recreation & Leisure Facility of the Year, the FIT Awards have been a benchmark to strive for and the by-product of reaching that goal was an improved product.

    “It’s something we’ve been working towards for the last couple of years now,” said Tim Dorrington, general manager of Talise Fitness’ Jumeirah Beach Hotel branch.

    “We’ve made so many changes to the gym, made so many programmes for the members and made better facilities, so it’s an awesome award for us but also for the entire team as well.”

    While the FIT Awards recognises the entire fitness community in the country, part of the event’s importance is that the valuable work done by UAE nationals is not lost in the shuffle.

    The FIT Awards specifically reward an outstanding Emirati member in the fitness industry by bestowing them with the title of Emirati Fitness Leader of the Year.

    Saud Al Shamsi, owner of Dunes CrossFit in Dubai, earned the honour this year and hailed the FIT Awards for distinguishing Emiratis who are doing their part to make the UAE a healthier place.

    Group effort: Talise Fitness won best GCC Recreation and Leisure Facility.

    “I would say this award cerem-ony completes other competitions that make us, as Emiratis, fitness leaders,” said Shamsi, who has been in the fitness industry five years after studying in the United States.

    “All we have right now is the Emirates Fitness Championship, which is one we get recognised in. 

    “These awards make us more known in the region alongside the other gym owners and fitness 
    leaders. 

    “So it’s a great ceremony that shows people how fitness is all over the UAE and how it’s growing and how important it is in the country.”

    The FIT Awards are possible with the sponsorship of MonViso Water, Dubai Sports City and Daman National Health Insurance Company, as well as the event’s partners, suppliers and judges.

    Stefano Iorini, managing director of MonViso water, said: “MonViso encourages overall wellness, a term that refers to a balance in both mind and body, thus our support to the Fit Awards and other like min-ded events.”

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