Lightning to strike at the National Fitness Awards

THEY say you can’t predict where lightning will strike. Well, we can assure you Lightning will be lighting up the National Fitness Awards this year.

Workout is delighted to announce that Kim Betts, better known to millions as Lightning from the legendary TV show Gladiators, will be this year’s guest host.

In the year that Gladiators returns to UK TV screens it seems perfect to have one of its most synonymous names.

She said: “It is a huge honour to be asked to host The National Fitness Awards. Health and fitness has been a defining part of my life from my earliest years as a gymnast, through the incredible Gladiators era right up to the present day.

“The UK health and fitness industry is critical to the wellbeing of millions and all those involved in the provision of facilities and delivery of services and products are doing an incredible job and playing a crucial role – particularly in these tougher times. It will be a privilege to share a celebratory evening with you.”

Kim, a former GB gymnast, joined the show for the very first episode in 1992 and remained through its entire duration of eight series, making her the longest serving female Gladiator. The show would record twice a day in front of 8,000 fans each time at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena and broadcasts regularly hit more than 15 million Saturday evening viewers.

A qualified fitness professional Kim has spent three decades motivating and inspiring others from children watching TV to fitness clients and, in recent times, she has been the most incredible of example of what is possible even if you are a busy mother of two and turning 50.

She has won Mr and Mrs Universe alongside husband Frank as well as Miss Universe Over 40s amongst other accolades.

A keen and highly talented equestrian, Kim has also presented TV and national radio shows and remains a busy and committed figure in the fitness world.

Event director Dominic Musgrave said: “We were delighted to welcome Kim’s former Gladiators colleague James Crossley (Hunter) to host last year’s ceremony, and we’re sure Kim will do a great job of presenting the 2023 ceremony.”

Follow Kim on instagram @kim_ lightning_betts n The National Fitness Awards and Gala Dinner will take place on November 24 at The Athena, Leicester.

Nominations are now open and close on Monday, August 28.

Individual gyms are limited to entering a maximum of two categories. Gyms less than two years old on November 24 will only be eligible to enter the Newcomer of the Year category.

All shortlisted facilities will receive a visit from a member of the Workout team as was the case pre-Covid. For more information visit https:// www.nationalfitnessawards.co.uk