AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said “To qualify in these three prestigious and highly competitive categories after being in business for less than a year demonstrates that Michael is not only offering an appealing and effective exercise program but has very quickly generated a high degree of member support.

“I wish Doday and Michael all the best as he progresses through to the National Awards to be announced in Melbourne on September 15”.

The awards reinforce AUSactive’s vision to activate the nation. Every body. Every way. Every day. Michael is doing just that by encouraging all individuals to get more active and helping to combat gym intimidation.

“Training is for everyone,” says Michael. “But many people feel intimidated by the gym environment and think it is just for “fit people”. It's not.

“A few of my clients are on the NDIS, a couple of my clients are 200+ kilos, a couple are 55+ years old, and some are under 16 years old. One of my clients has just reached the milestone of losing 130 kilos, which is truly life-changing.

Research shows that people fear going to a gym because they will think they will be judged.

“They’re concerned about their body image, they’re worried they won’t be appropriately attired, they’re too old or they’ll look like silly because they don’t know how to use the equipment,” says Michael.

"The issue is compounded when most promotional images of gyms only show fit young people, so those who don’t fit that stereotype think the gym is not for them.”

DoDay takes a positive approach to personal training. It is all about making training fun rather than a chore or something to fear. Michael’s clients say that they look forward to each session and leave feeling better than when they arrived. Importantly, they are also getting great results.

“Michael creates a safe environment for you in the gym,” says Doday client Ben. “He’s understanding, but he also pushes you well. He genuinely cares. He’s demanding without being demeaning. He is the best PT I’ve ever had by a long way”.

Congratulations to Jo Cordell-Cooper (Personal Trainer of The Year) and Mathew Lamb (People’s Choice Small Business awards) who are also State finalists for Tasmania, alongside Michael Behrakis.

Winners will be announced at the national awards in mid-September.