Meet the Shropshire woman named Fitness Coach of the Year

A Shropshire woman has been named Fitness Coach of the Year.

Lucy Poole, 33, based in Ketley, Telford, has received the accolade from the Central England Prestige Awards 2026/27.

Ms Poole runs Let Luce, a fitness studio which operates out of a unit on Ketley Business Park.

The fitness instructor offers one-to-one coaching, small group personal training, boot camp classes and fitness retreats abroad.

Ms Poole has been in the fitness industry for six years: what started out as a small project during the Covid pandemic, working out of her local field, blossomed into a hugely successful studio supporting dozens of clients.

When Ms Poole first got an email about the award, she said she could not quite believe it.

“I thought it was a scam, so I did not reply to the email that quickly,” she told the Shropshire Star.

Luckily she did eventually realise that the award was real.

“I was pretty shell shocked really. Imposter syndrome is probably the word. I never give myself enough credit. But at the same time, when I was noticed this time, I was like ‘damn right, it is about time, because I work my a*** off!’

“I was really shocked but I was chuffed. When I put it on my social media I had loads and loads of comments. Such kind words, and very much people saying ‘well deserved’, which is really kind.”

Ms Poole said she has not had time to celebrate the award win yet, but when the weekend rolls around she plans on having a drink or two.

She has also been invited to a special event by Prestige, which she is allowed to take friends and family to.

The fitness coach also hopes that the recognition of the award will grow her business even more, giving it further clout in the industry.

Asked about what the award means to her personally, Ms Poole said: “To be noticed as Fitness Coach of the Year, for me, that is mega.

“I was so nervous to even start doing fitness coaching because I was worried about what people thought and I did not want to tread on people’s toes at the time, but I am so chuffed I have done what I have done.

“Like I said, I started on the field and I am now doing fitness retreats abroad. I have got my own gym with my name on the wall and that means so much.”