SA’s best personal trainer winners – the top fitness professionals as voted by you

The reader votes are in, and we can now reveal the fitness professional who has been named SA’s best personal trainer. See the top ten list.

Hayley Carger from V2FIT and Orangetheory Fitness is the winner of Messenger's best personal trainer in SA vote. Picture: Simon Cross

A once shy high school student who found her voice leading others in their fitness journey has taken out the title of South Australia’s top personal trainer.

Hayley Carger, a senior coach a Orangetheory who also takes CrossFit classes and runs her own personal training business from V2 FIT was overwhelmed by the support.

“I probably didn't speak at all through school, I was a very shy kid,” Ms Carger said.

“I’m definitely a lot more outgoing when it comes to classes and I think I just found my knack and I am confident in my ability.

“I like helping people and coming from that place of insecurity being able to help people now, that’s my as my big passion.”

Hayley Carger topped the vote in The Messenger’s best personal trainer poll. Picture: Simon Cross

The 29-year-old said she could not lift a 20kg barbell when she got her start in the industry and credited mentor Matt Moss for helping her find success a career she loves.

Ms Carger said the gruelling lifestyle, early starts and late finishes was all worth it when she saw clients achieving their goals.

Training a mix of young women, middle-aged men and post-partum clients, she emphasises physical and mental health rather than weight loss.

“It’s my responsibility to make sure that they have a good relationship with their bodies,” she said.

“If I can help them just feel a little bit more confident about themselves and that’s definitely that’s why I’m doing this.”

The importance of both physical and mental health was even more crucial during 2020s lockdowns and Ms Carger quickly created online classes and video programs.

“I did two or three Zooms in the morning and in the evening as well, every single day for 12 weeks,” she said.

“I had so many people who were so thankful for it and it kept a lot of people fit.

“It also gave me a reason to get up in the morning, it kept me motivated.”

Fitness Australia has partnered with The Messenger’s search for SA’s top personal trainer with Ms Carger receiving a 12-month membership.

Hayley Carger from V2FIT and Orangetheory Fitness. Picture: Simon Cross

“Fitness Australia would like to congratulate Hayley Carger on being voted as South Australia’s top PT,” Steve Grace said.

“As the peak body for the health and fitness industry, fitness Australia always encourage a high standard of delivery and customer service within the sector.

“Throughout her career, Hayley has proven herself as a true leader in these fields.

“As a member of Fitness Australia since 2013, Hayley’s commitment to continued professional development highlight her passion for the industry and dedication to her craft and her clients.”

Anna Liptak from His and Her Time, also known as SA’s sixth COVID case, and Tim Jenkin of Tim Jenkin Personal Training rounded out the top three.

THE TOP 10 PERSONAL TRAINERS IN SA

1. Hayley Carger – Orangetheory, Hawthorn and V2 FIT, St Marys

2. Anna Liptak – His and Her Time, Holdfast Bay

3. Tim Jenkin – Tim Jenkin Personal Training, Westbourne Park and Lobethal

4. Rob Daoc – Athletica, North Adelaide and Henley Beach

5. Tess Timpano – Fitpano Training, Craigmore

6. Shannon Barry – State of Movement, West Lakes

7. Emma King – Nourish & Flourish Fitness, Golden Grove

8. Craig Hamilton – Craig Hamilton Fitness, Blakeview

9. Rachell and Sal Hassan – Buddha Fit, Underdale

10. Crystal Trace and Patrick Morrison – Strength Lab, Newton