Sunderland personal trainer up for major national award

Michael Warren, a trainer and general manager at Xercise4Less on Wayfarer Road in Sunderland, has been chosen as a finalist for the UK Personal Trainer of the Year award.

The National Fitness Awards celebrates success and excellence in the fitness industry across categories including regional and national gym of the year, customer service and gym team of the year.

Mr Warren, 35, entered the competition back in August and after being selected for interview in September, found out that he had made it to the final.

The dad-of-four, who has spent 20 years in the industry, said: “This is the third year in a row I have been shortlisted as a finalist which is something I am immensely proud of.

“Having won in 2014, which was one of the proudest moments of my life, I would love to once again be crowned UK Personal Trainer of the Year.”

Mr Warren, who is from Whitley Bay, previously ran his own gym in North Shields, before he joined the company in January this year.

He trains 10 to 12 clients each week at the gym and also runs fitness retreats abroad alongside his online business delivering coaching programmes.

In the New Year he will also be running a UK seminar tour delivering training advice to industry professionals.

Mr Warren who was also shortlisted for the award last year, hopes to take home the award once again at the ceremony at the Athena in Leicester on December 2.

The event will be hosted by former boxer Ricky Hatton and former Apprentice contestant, Katie Bulmer-Cooke.

Mr Warren added: “If I win again it will be a great honour and make me even more determined to achieve more and help more people.

“Regardless of what happens on the night, the award evening is a fantastic event.

“It is an occasion to celebrate success in the fitness industry.”