IDEA Health & Fitness Association Announces the 2026 IDEA Award Finalists

Each year, IDEA Health & Fitness Association recognizes professionals who elevate our industry through excellence, integrity, and service. The IDEA Awards honor individuals whose work strengthens communities, advances education, and reinforces the credibility of the fitness profession.

We are proud to introduce the 2026 IDEA Award Finalists, who will be recognized at the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo.

These nine leaders represent the breadth and depth of our global community. Through education, mentorship, innovation, advocacy, and service, they embody IDEA’s mission to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and communities and its vision to Inspire the World to Fitness®.

2026 IDEA Instructor of the Year Finalists

Ellen de Werd

Ellen de Werd exemplifies professionalism, educational excellence, and community-centered instruction. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to evidence-based programming and meaningful participant engagement. Her ongoing investment in continuing education and mentorship demonstrates the leadership qualities that define IDEA’s highest standards.

Sara Keller

Sara Keller brings clarity, discipline, and energy to every educational environment she enters. Known for her structured teaching style and mentorship of developing instructors, she consistently raises instructional standards within group fitness.

Ruben P. Thickstun

Ruben P. Thickstun’s career bridges movement, education, and business strategy. Through curriculum development, mentorship, and professional guidance, he supports instructors in building sustainable, impactful careers.

2026 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year Finalists

Simone Gonzales

With more than 27 years in the field, Simone Gonzales represents sustained excellence and commitment to service. Based in Trinidad and Tobago, she has built a respected career as an independent personal trainer and senior fitness specialist. Her multidisciplinary credentials and national recognition reflect a dedication to lifelong learning and the advancement of public health.

Stephen Holt

Stephen Holt has delivered more than 50,000 personal training sessions since becoming a full-time trainer in 1997. A former ACE Personal Trainer of the Year and longtime industry contributor, his career reflects both historical significance and forward-thinking innovation within the profession. Client outcomes demonstrate measurable improvements in strength, mobility, and resilience.

Brian Richey

Brian Richey integrates coaching excellence with business leadership. Through program development, mentorship, and industry engagement, he continues to influence how personal trainers operate with structure, clarity, and purpose.

2026 IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year Finalists

Hal Hargrave

Hal Hargrave’s leadership has transformed adversity into national impact. As Founder and President of The Perfect Step and Executive Director of the Be Perfect Foundation, he has advanced adaptive fitness and neurological recovery services, raising more than $10 million in support of the paralysis community and delivering over 130,000 hours of recovery services.

Jessica H. Maurer

Jessica H. Maurer is a strategist and educator shaping the integration of mental well-being within fitness education. With more than 20 years of international presentation experience, she has developed certifications and educational frameworks that emphasize sustainable professional growth and inclusive coaching practices.

Laura Yasinitsky

Laura Yasinitsky serves as Assistant Director of Fitness Services and UREC Operations at Washington State University, where she oversees group fitness, personal training, and operational leadership. Her mentorship and program development have strengthened recruitment, elevated standards, and improved the participant experience.

Celebrating Excellence in Leadership

The 2026 IDEA Award Finalists demonstrate the strength, diversity, and integrity of the fitness profession. Their work spans clinical partnerships, collegiate recreation, community initiatives, entrepreneurial leadership, and international education.

Award recipients will be announced at the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo. We congratulate each finalist for raising the standard of our profession and for their continued dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.

Together, we continue to Inspire the World to Fitness®.