Shannon Barry, State of Movement, crowned best PT for 2023

A former go-karting champion has been voted the state’s best personal trainer, reflecting on his career and how he has watched the fitness world turned on its head.

For some, the idea of a nine-to-five desk job can be the ultimate goal, but for South Australia’s best PT, it’s helping people achieve their goals in the sunshine outdoors.

Shannon Barry, owner of State of Movement, has been crowned the state’s best personal trainer for 2023, a job he says he wouldn’t trade for the world.

“No one does their jobs for accolades,” Mr Barry said.

“I do it because my members are able to keep up with their kids or their grandkids.

Shannon Barry (centre) with his loyal group of clients at Point Malcolm Reserve. Pic: Emily Jarvis

“I do it so people can be their best self, but to be recognised by my members is fantastic.”

A love of fitness since he was a child, Mr Barry has succeeded in a plethora of different sports including go-karting, tennis and becoming a boundary umpire.

But for over a decade now, Mr Barry has refined his craft, putting his knowledge back into the community.

“I was fortunate enough to come across a business similar to my own who took me on for some work experience and funnily enough they also had an assistant trainer leave,” he said.

Shannon Barry of State of Movement. Pic: Emily Jarvis

“From there I was hooked.”

The father-of-three eventually took over the business in 2009, growing his client base to over 100 members.

“We obviously had to rethink how we did things when Covid hit, but that has led us to having clients from Germany and London who join us through our online program, which is awesome to see their progress and have that exposure,” he said.

“Now especially we are seeing whole families who want to get out and do something together rather than being stuck at home bored and it gets everyone out there and moving.

“There has been a big shift in fitness over the last couple of years, it’s gone from people physical wellbeing to their mental which is if not more important.”