Matthew Lamb, from Optimal Health in South Hobart, secured almost half the votes cast by Mercury readers in our online poll.

Mr Lamb, 48, has been involved in the industry for more than 25 years.

He told the Mercury he found his calling as a personal trainer after a brush with death in 1991.

“About 28 years ago a truck hit my driver’s side door and broke everything on the right-hand side of my body,” he said.

“I had to do 26 months of rehab, and part of that was going to the gym.

“Eventually, I became part of the furniture and they offered me an ongoing position.

“During the rehabilitation process I learnt patience is needed to improve and that’s something I continue to instil in my clients.

“You can’t achieve a goal without putting in the work.”

Mr Lamb’s studio is located at the BUPA South Hobart aged-care facility but is open to anyone.

He works with people from all walks of life and has special interests in preventive health, physical longevity, activating the aged-care sector, rehabilitation and supporting those battling mental health conditions.

Optimal Health does not do “quick fixes”, instead working with each client towards achieving their personalised version of long-term, premium fitness.

“Our philosophy is focused on training the individual with care and compassion in an environment that feels welcoming and inclusive,” Mr Lamb said.

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Mr Lamb said the keys to his success were sticking to what he knows best and establishing relationships with other allied health professionals.

“You get a lot of respect for staying within your skill set,” he said.

“The people I train are more than clients, they’re my friends, and they’re very loyal.

“I give a bit to them and it’s nice that they give something back.

“A big congratulations to the other trainers that were nominated – we’ve all got our own niche fields which is really cool.”

Blake Gross from Fortitude – Strength Conditioning Athletics took home second place, Sophie Kuncio from Health Vibrations third and Sherri Ring from Energy Health fourth.

Imogen Debnam from Fort Fitness in Mornington rounded out the top five.

The search for the state’s best personal trainer was part of the Mercury’s Best of Tasmania series.

2 BLAKE GROSS – FORTITUDE – STRENGTH CONDITIONING ATHLETICS

“I’m over the moon that I placed second in Tasmania’s best trainer. It’s a great feeling to know that my clients appreciate me as a trainer and friend. I am very thankful to everyone that voted for me. We are a strength and conditioning gym. We cater for all fitness levels from complete newbies (never been in a gym) to top-end athletes. We run one-on-one PT sessions and group training classes.”

3 SOPHIE KUNCIO — HEALTH VIBRATIONS

“It’s an honour to be recognised alongside some of the amazing trainers Hobart has. Building relationships and creating safe spaces to improve people’s quality of life is a passion I’m lucky to have. I find joy every day helping others on their own unique journey to a better, healthier lifestyle. As a coach the part we play is so much more than how to train or what to eat, it’s about connection, being a role model and the right fit for that person, making their goals our goals. I believe there’s a trainer out there for everyone and encourage those seeking support to take that first step to a happier, healthier you.”

4 SHERRI RING — ENERGY HEALTH

“I think it’s just fabulous that the Mercury highlight small business and support the community. My focus and that of Energy Health is all about the health and wellbeing of our corporate clients. We take a holistic approach, helping our clients with both their physical and mental health. Our clients love that we make their sessions fun, informative and productive.

A huge thanks to all my clients that voted for me – such an honour.”

5 IMOGEN DEBNAM — FORT FITNESS

“I have been in the industry for 13 years and started the Fort almost four years ago. Fort Fitness specialises in 30min HIIT sessions and is unique because we are a family run gym with three Les Mills worldwide licensed programs among our 30 sessions Monday to Sunday.

Our ethos is to make exercise fun and accessible to everyone. Regardless of previous exercise experience, fitness levels, past or current health conditions, we will find a way for you to train at the Fort without judgment. Everyone at the Fort is equal and part of the family.”