Wattfit owner Jacob Watson named Sunshine Coast’s top personal trainer

A popular gym owner with a “person first, fitness second” philosophy has been crowned the Sunshine Coast’s best personal trainer, his second win in one month. See the results.

Wattfit gym owner Jacob Watson has been voted as the Sunshine Coast’s best PT. Photo: Wattfit

A popular Sunshine Coast gym owner who caters to a mature-aged crowd has been voted by readers as the region’s best personal trainer.

Wattfit owner Jacob Watson was voted the best out of more than 60 trainers nominated in the Sunshine Coast Daily poll.

Phoebe Helena from Valley Hiit came in second, closely followed by Rachel Lockman from Get Active Fitness and Personal Training and Kelly Greenslade in fourth.

Just last month Mr Watson’s Little Mountain gym was voted as the best gym in the region.

Mr Watson decided to run an over 50s session shortly after noticing his sign ups reflected an older age demographic. Picture: Wattfit

The gym opened 12 months ago but has quickly built up a loyal client base and is best known for its over 50s sessions, as well as group sessions, personal training, boxing and yoga.

Mr Watson said the way he approaches working as a personal trainer is “building relationships and rapport” with his clients.

“Fitness comes second and person comes first,” he said.

“They come here because they feel valued and they belong,” he said.

Mr Watson has been working with some clients for more than four years.

Jacob Watson (right) and his client of the month. Picture: contributed

Looking at the area’s age demographics, Mr Watson decided to run sessions for over 50s when he first opened the gym.

Now it has become what sets him apart.

“I want to make fitness accessible for everyone, no matter their size, their age, who they are as people,” he said.

“Gyms can be intimidating for people to step into ... we try to take away those fears as best we can.

“It’s more about the people which are there and the session.”

Wattfit facilities in Little Mountain. Photo: Wattfit

Some of his clients success stories include Suzy Simmonds, who said since joining the gym her weight has been “melting away” and her overall well-being had improved.

Mr Watson also said he had a client recently lose more than 8kg in three weeks, with more than 15kg dropped since she signed up at the start of the year.

See the final results: