2026 Award Categories
Business Categories
Franchise Group and/ or Brand of the Year
Must be a Registered AUSactive Business Member.
The Franchise Group and/or Brand of the Year Award recognises a franchise group or brand that has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and growth across its network. Whether you’re an emerging powerhouse or have significantly impacted the market, this award honours businesses that deliver high-quality member experiences, and consistently set new benchmarks for excellence within the health and fitness industry.
Franchisee of the Year
Must be a Registered AUSactive Business Member.
Own and operate a franchise location and delivering excellence? The Franchisee of the Year award recognises individual operators who go above and beyond in business success, community engagement, and service quality.
CPD Provider of the Year
Open to any currently approved CPD provider offering one or more CPD courses to AUSactive members.
The CPD Provider of the Year award recognises educators who create innovative, impactful courses that elevate industry standards. If your programs empower fitness professionals and drive career growth, this category is for you!
Leisure Centre of the Year
Open to any Registered AUSactive Leisure Centre.
The Leisure Centre of the Year award recognises facilities that create inclusive, community-focused environments that promote active living. If your centre is making an impact, enter now.
Multiservice Business of the Year
Must be a Registered AUSactive Business Member.
The Multiservice Business of the Year award celebrates businesses that provide a range of health and fitness services, like group training, allied health, swimming, and wellness programs all under one roof. If your business thrives on variety and impact, this is your category!
Independent Business of the Year
Must be a Registered AUSactive Business Member.
The Independent Business of the Year award recognises businesses that deliver exceptional service, innovative programs, and strong community impact without the backing of a franchise. If you own and operate a stand-alone fitness business that’s making a difference, this award is for you!
Pilates Business of the Year
Must be a Registered AUSactive Pilates business.
Pilates, must be the primary service offered within the facility. The Pilates Business of the Year award recognises businesses that deliver high-quality instruction, innovative programs, and outstanding client results.
Yoga Business of the Year
Must be a Registered AUSactive Yoga business.
Yoga, must be the primary service offered within the facility. The Yoga Business of the Year award celebrates studios that deliver exceptional instruction, strong community connections, and innovative offerings.
Quality Accredited Business of the Year
Open to quality accredited businesses only. All businesses who complete the accreditation requirements in 2024 – 25. Will be automatically entered into the award. No additional nomination process is required or fee. The business with the highest marked score in 2024- 2025, assessed by Global Mark and endorsed by AUSactive’s Standards Council and Board, will be the winner. This is the highest award for businesses.
Individual Categories
Educator of the Year
Open to any person who supports professionals in Australia in either a teaching, lecturing, training, mentoring or presenting role.
Personal Trainer of the Year
Must be a Registered AUSactive personal trainers (either as a contractor or an employee) operating in Australia.
The Personal Trainer of the Year award recognises trainers who go above and beyond in delivering personalised fitness programs, fostering client success, and leading with innovation.
Group Exercise Leader and/or Instructor of the Year
Must be a AUSactive registered group exercise leader and/ or instructor teaching any style of group exercise.
The Group Exercise Leader/ Instructor of the Year award honors instructors who inspire and engage participants, create inclusive fitness experiences, and lead dynamic group sessions.
Pilates Professional of the Year
Must be a AUSactive registered Pilates Professionals teaching any style of mat, reformer or other Pilates apparatus.
The Pilates Professional of the Year award honors instructors who demonstrate expertise, innovation, and exceptional client outcomes in the world of Pilates. If your classes inspire and transform, enter today.
Yoga Professional of the Year
Must be a AUSactive registered Yoga Professionals.
The Yoga Professional of the Year award celebrates instructors who provide exceptional yoga experiences, build strong communities, and embody the true spirit of yoga.
Aqua Professional of the Year
Must be a AUSactive registered Aqua Professionals.
The Aqua Exercise Professional of the Year award celebrates instructors who deliver safe, engaging, and effective water-based fitness programs. If you specialise in aquatic training and help people improve their health through water exercise, this is your category!
Sales Excellence of the Year Award
The Sales Excellence Award recognises individuals who demonstrate ethical, professional and high-performing sales practices that positively influence both member acquisition and the overall customer experience within fitness businesses.
Supported by Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses, this award celebrates the important role sales professionals play in creating exceptional first impressions, building trust and helping more people begin their health and fitness journey. Unlike other categories, entrants will be assessed through a Mystery Shop Assessment process rather than a full written submission.
Student of the Year
The student must be studying (full time or part time) within the award year and be an AUSactive student member. The Student must be studying a qualification in the following areas; Fitness, Pilates, Yoga, Exercise Science (or similar).
The Student of the Year award recognises outstanding students who are excelling in their studies, showing dedication to professional development, and already making an impact in the industry. If you’re passionate about your future in fitness, this award is for you!
Manager of the Year
The Manager of the Year award recognises individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to business growth and member engagement. If you’re shaping the future of fitness management, this is your category!
Community Categories
The community award categories recognize the great work that individuals, gyms, studios, fitness centres, businesses, local councils, not for profit groups and clubs do every day to provide exceptional physical activity participation in the community through a health, well-being and exercise program. The program or initiative must have been operating for a minimum of 6 months and have statistics and evidence to support participation levels, impact and awareness.
Process & Procedures
Submissions from non-AUSactive community groups and individuals are eligible to enter but must:
- Adhere to the AUSactive Industry Code of Practice.
- Only be nominated in only one state or territory. For example, a business that operates in multiple locations will be eligible for consideration in only one location.
- Have been operating in the health & exercise industry in Australia for at least 6 months
Mental Health Awareness Award
The AUSactive Mental Health Award recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals, businesses, community groups and organisations that have worked to improve understanding, awareness, service provision and the general mental health of communities.
Most Inclusive and or Diverse Program
The AUSactive Award for Diversity and Inclusion recognises the outstanding achievements of individuals, businesses, community groups, organisations or programs that have made an outstanding contribution to supporting diversity and fostering inclusion within the preventative health and exercise industry.
Industry Innovation Award
The AUSactive Award for Innovation recognises excellence in new initiatives and the methodology behind them, it could include new software solutions or a specific initiative with far-reaching outcomes to support the local community. Entries should demonstrate: why is this initiative innovating, how the solution is different, and / or how it benefits stakeholders and the community.
Social Value & Community Impact Award
The AUSactive Social Value & Community Impact Award is for a business, community group, Council or individual that has led the way in embedding social values in the way they deliver their services in the Active Health and Exercise Industry and has made a significant impact on the needs of the communities where they operate.
Industry Supplier Categories
Most Innovative & Best Technology Integration Supplier
Open to any AUSactive registered industry suppliers and/ or confirmed exhibitors at the 2025 AusFitness Expo.
Awarded to the supplier that has introduced the most innovative product or service and has effectively integrated technology into their fitness products or services to enhance user experience and outcomes.
Best Strength Equipment Supplier of the Year
Awarded to the supplier that provides the most robust, innovative, and user-friendly strength training equipment. This category focuses on products that facilitate effective strength training, including weight machines, free weights, and functional training equipment.
Best Wellness Equipment Supplier of the Year
Recognising the supplier that offers outstanding wellness-focused equipment designed to enhance holistic health. This includes equipment for yoga, pilates, stretching, recovery, and other modalities aimed at improving overall well-being.
Best Commercial Cardio Equipment Supplier of the Year
Awarded to the supplier that excels in providing high-quality, durable, and technologically advanced cardio equipment for commercial use. This category focuses on treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, and other cardio machines that are essential for fitness facilities.
People’s Choice Categories
The People’s Choice categories recognising AUSactive businesses and individuals in the physical activity industry. Voting will be online by the general public. Nominees’ will need to campaign to their members and clients and encourage them to vote.
People’s Choice Business
This category is by nomination only. Once a business is nominated the general public will decide the winners. This award is determined exclusively through a public voting process, celebrating businesses that have earned the trust and loyalty of their clients and members.
This will be split into three categories depending on the business’s size:
People’s Choice Small Business – 400sqm
People’s Choice Medium Business – 400 – 1000sqm
People’s Choice Large Business – above 1000sqm
Must be a registered AUSactive Business Member.
People’s Choice Exercise Professional
This award is determined exclusively through a public voting process. It celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional expertise, dedication, and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of others.
- Must be a registered AUSactive Professional Member
- Must have a minimum of 1 year of experience in the health and fitness industry
- Must actively work as an exercise professional, providing direct coaching, training, or instruction
Student’s Choice Education Provider
This award is exclusively determined by student votes, ensuring that the winning institution is truly making a lasting impact on its learners.
- Open to universities, RTOs, or education providers offering qualifications in Fitness, Exercise Science, Pilates, or Yoga.
- Must offer one of these courses: Certificate III, Certificate IV, GEL, Exercise Science Degree, Aqua, Yoga or Pilates AUSactive CEC recognised qualification.
- Must be actively delivering education in Australia within the eligible award year.
- Must have enrolled AUSactive student members who can participate in the voting process.
Special Categories
The AUSactive special award categories are the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service to the Active Health and Exercise Industry.
The Chairs Award and Roll of Honour award are for service worthy of particular recognition.
Chair’s Award
The Chair’s Award recognises an individual or organisation who has made a significant impact to the Australian Active Health and Exercise Industry.
Process & Procedures
To be eligible for this award you must be a professional or organisation in the health and exercise industry, an AUSactive Member is preferred but not essential.
Nominated by AUSactive Board.
Roll of Honour
The aim of this Award is:
- To recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the health and exercise industry in Australia.
- To raise public awareness of the origin, development and growth of the preventative health and exercise industry as an important part of Australia’s culture.
- To promote activating Australians: Every body. Every way. Every day. Thereby contributing to the health and wellbeing of the nation.
The Roll of Honour is an important part of AUSactive’s community education activities that in turn, help to raise the profile of the industry and our members. AUSactive reserves the right to determine the number of Roll of Honour Award recipients on an annual basis and in total.
Process & Procedures
Nominated by AUSactive Board.
Member Love Award
The 10 THOUSAND FEET Member Love Award automatically aggregates 50,000+ Google reviews for fitness brands with 10+ locations.
10 THOUSAND FEET crown a winner based on member engagement. Brands are entered by AUSactive in one of three categories Personal/Group Training; Small Footprint – Low Staff 24/7; Big Box Gym.
View the 2024 Members Love Award Criteria.
