Judges

With nearly two decades of dedicated service within the health and fitness sector, Michelle brings an unparalleled depth of expertise and a genuine passion for holistic wellness. A graduate of Exercise Science, Michelle’s career has been characterised by her unwavering commitment to empowering individuals through personalised training and comprehensive wellness strategies.

As the founder of Chelle Bell Fitness, Michelle has pioneered the highly successful Hormone Balancing Weight Loss Plan, a testament to her innovative approach to women’s health, focusing on hormonal balance and mental well-being to achieve lasting transformation. Michelle’s philosophy extends beyond mere physical fitness, advocating for a harmonious integration of mind, body, and spirit. Her dedication to supporting and inspiring others on their wellness journey is truly commendable.

Lee’s accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. Beyond her 14 years of independently running a thriving business in the health and fitness sector, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in every endeavour. A black belt in Karate, coupled with her participation at European and World Championship levels in obstacle course racing, speaks to her formidable athleticism. Recently, on the 13th of May 2024, Lee achieved the monumental feat of becoming only the seventh woman from Scotland to summit Mount Everest. Not content with this achievement, she now sets her sights on becoming the first Scot to conquer K2 in 2026, a testament to her boundless ambition.

Her dedication to personal and professional growth is further underscored by her collection of 30 prestigious business awards. Lee’s philosophy is rooted in resilience and the belief that anything is attainable with unwavering dedication. She embodies the very essence of leadership within the health and fitness industry.

With a decade of experience as a dedicated coach, Elisha brings a wealth of practical expertise and a profound understanding of the fitness landscape. As the founder of Stronger by Elisha Scott, her recently established personal training and class studio in Stirling, she demonstrates a commitment to empowering individuals through strength and confidence building.

Elisha’s particular passion for weightlifting, coupled with her emphasis on holistic well-being, resonates deeply with the core values of these awards. Beyond her professional pursuits, Elisha’s active participation in Hyrox and CrossFit, alongside her love of outdoor adventures, reflects a genuine dedication to a vibrant and balanced lifestyle.

A true leader in his field, Colin is a sports scientist, elite running and strength coach who dedicates his expertise to athletes of all levels, from those just starting their fitness journey to world-renowned Olympians and record holders across the globe. His commitment to athletic excellence is further demonstrated by his role as a tutor at the prestigious Institute of Sport and his regular visits to Kenya, where he immerses himself in the training regimes of top international athletes and coaches at altitude, all in pursuit of peak performance insights.

Colin’s practical experience is incredibly diverse, spanning work within hospitals, gyms, clinics, and fitness centres throughout the UK. In these varied environments, he has consistently empowered the general public, amateur enthusiasts, and professional sportspeople to achieve their performance goals. As a passionate runner himself, Colin is perpetually exploring innovative methods to unlock the very limits of human capability. His insights are highly sought after, making him a regular speaker at conferences both in the UK and internationally, and his expert articles are frequently published in leading running magazines. His acclaimed book, “Running on the Red Dust” (a 5-star Amazon favourite!), offers a deep dive into his philosophies.

As the visionary founder of T30 Fitness Training, Dianne has expertly scaled a dynamic, globally endorsed fitness brand that now thrives across 22 countries, supported by over 100 master trainers and a network of 5,000+ instructors.

Dianne brings over 30 years of invaluable experience to the table, gained both here in Scotland and internationally. Her impressive career includes a significant stint with the Malaysian Sports Board and many years shaping minds as a lecturer and senior lecturer in Exercise & Sport. This wealth of knowledge underpins her hugely successful T30 business, encompassing the popular Fatburn Extreme and GameFit programmes.

From competing in the World Dragonboat Championships to representing Malaysia in International Aerobics, and her inspiring work with sight and hearing impairment groups, Dianne’s dedication to fitness is truly multifaceted. Her outstanding contributions were recognised in 2022 when she received the SHAFA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Robyn isn’t just a personal trainer and certified nutritionist; she’s a true champion for holistic well-being. As the founder of her thriving online platform, Thrive with Robyn, she’s spent nearly ten years dedicated to helping women in Scotland build not just physical strength, but also unwavering confidence and a positive relationship with food, fitness, and their own bodies.

Robyn’s journey, from her local leisure centre roots to becoming a respected entrepreneur, is driven by a powerful vision: to create something genuinely accessible and impactful. Her work through online memberships, live community programmes, and collaborations with colleges, workplaces, and organisations demonstrates her deep commitment to the Scottish community.

Beyond her business success, recognised by awards like Best Fitness Business in Scotland and Young Businesswoman of the Year, and even in the Scottish Parliament, Robyn’s true passion lies in providing genuine support and guidance. She’s also a sought-after speaker, sharing her expertise on health, mindset, menopause, and body confidence.

With an impressive forty years immersed in the health and fitness industry, Yvonne brings a wealth of knowledge and a discerning eye to our panel. Her ten years as a Les Mills UK National Assessor saw her expertly evaluate Group Exercise Instructors across the nation in BodyPump and BodyJam. A true pioneer, Yvonne is one of a select few instructors in the UK to have celebrated teaching her 100th BodyPump release.

Yvonne’s earlier career saw her flourish as a Health Club Manager and subsequently as a highly successful Group Exercise Coordinator for two prominent clubs, where she mentored and guided hundreds of instructors to achieve their full potential. Demonstrating unwavering dedication, Yvonne continues to teach Group Exercise at the same club for an incredible 34 years, currently leading 18 classes a week in disciplines including BodyPump and Cardio Step at top Glasgow establishments.

Beyond the fitness studio, Yvonne is a former United Kingdom Dance Champion, a four-time Scottish Champion, and achieved 4th Runner Up in the World Championships, televised on Sky TV. Her dance prowess led to appearances on numerous television programmes, including Noel Edmond’s Late – Late Breakfast Show, Top of The Pops, Pebble Mill at One, and The Malibu Dance Championships. More recently, she showcased her skills on Channel 4’s The Best and Worst Dance Moments.

During her illustrious career, Yvonne also had the privilege of working under the guidance of the renowned choreographer Bruno Tonioli and performing alongside celebrated artists such as Simple Minds. Her extensive experience and diverse skill set have cemented her position as an integral and highly respected figure within the Group Exercise Industry.

Jason first discovered the transformative power of classical Pilates in 1990s Los Angeles, where it was largely the domain of professional dancers, elite athletes, and Hollywood’s elite. His passion for this powerful system of movement and rehabilitation led him to train with some of the world’s most respected figures, including acclaimed Pilates author Lynne Robinson; South America’s leading Pilates expert Tamara di Tella; Siri Galliano, Madonna’s personal trainer and owner of Live Art Beverly Hills; Alan Herdman, the ‘Godfather of Pilates’ in the UK; and most notably, Paul Anthony McLinden – Jason’s mentor and former Head of Teacher Training at Body Control Pilates.

In 2002, Jason and Paul co-founded Ocean Wave Pilates, Hove’s first dedicated equipment-based Pilates studio. Over the past 20+ years, Jason has taught classical Pilates Reformer and Cadillac repertoire around the world, leading guest residencies in Argentina, Australia, Austria, and at Thailand’s award-winning Chiva-Som wellness resort.

Back in the UK, Jason has served as a guest lecturer at the University of Chichester’s Department of Dance, where he designed their Pilates studio and taught apparatus and matwork to MFA students. Now based in Glasgow, he works as the resident Pilates instructor for the National Theatre of Scotland and collaborates with Yoga Explorers at luxury retreats in Marrakech and Mexico. He has also co-produced three instructional DVDs with Paul McLinden: Your Pilates Home Program, Pilates Revolution, and Pilates for Dancers.

Jason’s client base is impressively diverse—ranging from post-surgery rehab patients and high-level professionals to first-time mums, KC barristers, pro skateboarders, injured ballet dancers, TV personalities, and Grammy®, Emmy®, and Turner Prize winners.

Since 2016, Jules has built an impressive fitness empire, launching three thriving studios, a comprehensive online platform, and connecting with clients as far away as Australia. She’s also a fantastic leader, having developed a team of five talented coaches.

But that’s not all! Jules is also passionate about nurturing the next generation of fitness professionals, mentoring them to grow and scale their own in-person and online businesses.

With her sharp marketing mind and deep understanding of fitness, Jules guides people on their wellness and business journeys to create lives and routines that truly matter to them – helping them build their own version of a rich and fulfilling life.

Victoria brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our panel as a specialist in Vinyasa Flow and Yoga Therapy for anxiety. Her journey began in the corporate coaching world before she transitioned her skills to the fitness industry in 2006, working as a private personal trainer. A decade ago, her passion led her to the world of Yoga, where she has since worked across various gyms, Yoga studios, and with private clients throughout the Glasgow area.

As the founder of the VB Yoga Hub, Victoria is dedicated to sharing the profound health benefits of Yoga in our fast-paced modern world, offering both online and in-person solutions for anxiety and stress management. Her innovative ‘Rewire Your Anxious Mind’ program uniquely integrates Yoga movement, breathwork, mindfulness, and neuroscience to help individuals not only find calm but also cultivate lasting resilience.

Victoria’s commitment to her field is evident through her ongoing professional development, including advanced studies in Vinyasa Yoga, Mental Health Skills for Yoga Teachers, the neuroscience of anxiety, Yoga Therapy for Anxiety, and Advanced Anatomy.

With over fifteen years dedicated to the craft of strength and conditioning, Kyle brings a wealth of experience from coaching both elite athletes and the general public across a diverse range of sporting disciplines.

His own achievements are equally impressive, including the notable title of 2013 INBA Sports Model World Champion, alongside a collection of further accolades in bodybuilding and sports modelling.

Beyond his coaching prowess and personal successes, Kyle is the driving force as Owner and Head Coach of Peak Fitness CrossFit, a testament to his commitment to functional fitness. Furthermore, he holds the distinguished position of Director for WOD on the Loch, Scotland’s premier fitness festival and the nation’s inaugural CrossFit Licensed Event.

Natalie’s journey within the fitness realm is truly commendable. Eight years ago, whilst diligently pursuing her Sport and Psychology degree, she embarked on her career with David Lloyd. Through dedication and a keen understanding of her craft, she has ascended to the role of PT Supervisor at David Lloyd Hamilton.

Furthermore, she is the driving force behind the thriving “Glow From Within,” a testament to her commitment to her clients’ holistic well-being. Her mission is clear: to empower individuals to feel truly amazing in their own skin, fostering a deep sense of confidence both within and beyond the gym walls. Natalie’s passion extends beyond individual training; she is deeply invested in nurturing talent within the fitness industry and guiding her clients towards sustainable, healthy lifestyles they genuinely embrace.

Based in East Dunbartonshire, Robyn is a passionate personal trainer and business owner dedicated to empowering women. Through her 1-1 coaching, group sessions, and online support, she helps women feel stronger, more capable, and truly in control of their health journeys.

Robyn’s approach is all about creating sustainable progress, fostering a positive mindset, and building a joyful relationship with fitness. She believes fitness should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, focusing on what works best for you.

She also collaborates with amazing brands like Free Soul, sharing her relatable advice on strength training, nutrition, and the realities of a balanced fitness lifestyle with her online community.

Robyn is honoured to be a judge this year, celebrating the incredible impact-makers in our Scottish fitness community. She loves being part of such a supportive and inspiring space and can’t wait to recognise those who are motivating others to live healthier, happier lives! 

Originally hailing from Poland, Kasia has called Scotland her cherished home for the past seventeen years. Her dedication to the dance and fitness industries spans over two decades, encompassing a vibrant dance career, entrepreneurial success as a gym owner, and the rigorous discipline of coaching both amateur and professional boxers.

More recently, Kasia has transitioned her expertise, exchanging boxing pads for the nuanced fields of injury rehabilitation and Strength & Conditioning coaching within a leading Glasgow physiotherapy clinic.

Her academic foundation, a BSc Hons in Sports & Exercise Science, has profoundly enriched her professional journey.

With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years within the health and fitness sector, Julie currently holds the pivotal role of Active Lifestyle Manager at the University of Glasgow. In this capacity, she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fostering a more active lifestyle amongst both staff and students through the provision of engaging classes and dedicated support.

A fervent proponent of the profound impact of physical activity on overall well-being, Julie adopts a considered, holistic approach to behavioural change. She firmly believes in providing individuals with the necessary support as they navigate their personal journey towards a healthier existence.

Julie’s extensive teaching acumen is further evidenced by her experience tutoring and assessing for notable organisations including Fitness Scotland, Excel, and Exact Training, with specialisms encompassing Exercise to Music, Gym Instruction, Yoga, and Exercise Referral. Her expertise has also been recently sought in the development of new qualifications for YMCA, including the Level 2 Supporting Mental Health: Early Intervention, Level 2 Supporting Wellness, and the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Wellness through Lifestyle Behaviour Change.

Julie’s impressive academic credentials include a BSc in Health and Sports Studies and an HND in Sports Coaching with Sports Development, alongside a suite of advanced qualifications such as Level 4 certifications in Weight Management, Diabetes, and Physical Activity, as well as Physical Activity and Mental Health Instruction. Her qualifications also extend to Level 3 Behavioural Change and GP Exercise Referral, Level 2 Exercise to Music and Gym Instruction, the A1 Assessor qualification (SQA), and a Yoga Diploma.