Nicola Kavanagh, owner of Phoenix Fitness Studio in Widnes, has been nominated in four categories for the 2025 British Fitness Awards, a prestigious recognition within the fitness community. The nominations include Gym of the Year, Gym Manager, Female Fitness Trainer, and Female Personal Trainer.
Kavanagh, a 41-year-old mother of two, expressed her excitement at the news, acknowledging the hard work it takes to run the gym on her own. “This news really has made my week,” she said. “Running my community gym completely on my own is tough, but it’s my members who keep me going, walking through the doors week in and week out.”
Phoenix Fitness Studio, which relocated to a larger space in Widnes town center three years ago, prides itself on being a community-focused gym. The facility offers a wide range of classes, catering to various fitness levels. Its offerings include resistance and dance-based sessions, as well as Show Stoppers Dance School and Pole Fitness by PoleKat. The gym’s clientele includes people of all ages, with morning classes often catering to retirees and evening sessions attracting those who work during the day.
“The community we’ve built here is like a fitness family,” Kavanagh added. “We also organize social events, like outings for drinks and meals, which helps strengthen the bond among our members.”
In addition to her work running the gym, Kavanagh is deeply involved in community efforts. She organizes fundraising events, such as sponsored runs for the Halton Cancer Support Group and supports the local charity ‘Taking a Walk in Their Shoes,’ which provides food for families in need.
“Community involvement is incredibly important to me,” Kavanagh explained. “We try to raise as much money as we can to support those in need, and I couldn’t do any of this without the support of my amazing members.”
Studio member Barbara Corless praised Kavanagh’s dedication, saying, “Nicola goes above and beyond to create an amazing fitness family, with members ranging from 18 to 83 years old. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and the variety of classes she offers keeps us all motivated.”
Phoenix Fitness Studio’s continued success is a testament to Kavanagh’s commitment to both fitness and community, making her a standout nominee for the British Fitness Awards.
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