Finalists for Aberdeen’s Sports Awards 2023 were announced at the end of last week, with the ceremony set to take place on Thursday 23 March at P&J Live.

The annual event celebrates the wealth of sporting triumphs, successes and contributions made by local athletes, clubs and volunteers. 

Bill Loxton, Health and Wellness Adviser at Sport Aberdeen, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Personal Trainer/Fitness Coach category – a new accolade for this year to be decided by public vote.   

An advocate for helping everyone achieve their individual fitness goals, Bill is a well-respected and admired instructor at Sport Aberdeen, with his friendly and optimistic nature making him popular with volunteers and class participants.

He teaches specialist classes as part of Sport Aberdeen’s Active Lifestyles Referral programme, supporting individuals living with long-term health conditions to use physical activity as a tool to improve their overall health. 

Bill’s regular class programme includes:

• Stable & Able classes for those at risk of falling
• Parkinson’s Exercise classes
• Carers Exercise class

His contribution to the Parkinson’s Exercise programme was instrumental, working closely with Sport Aberdeen colleagues and the Parkinson’s UK, Parkinson’ Active project. 90% of participants in the programme felt their balance and coordination had improved and 80% reported an increase in self-confidence and positive mood. 

Bill teaches more mainstream classes at Sport Aberdeen aimed at older adults and those living with long-term health conditions, giving people opportunities to move on from specialist programmes into regular exercise classes.

He offers classes at three intensity levels, ensuring there is something for everyone. Certain individuals supported by Bill are required to exercise at a lower level, but he can confidently help them to remain motivated by setting new goals and targets.

Bill also delivers gym inductions and designs fitness programmes for Sport Aberdeen members who have specialist health conditions and hosts classes outside when he can so participants can reap the benefits of the outdoors.

As a man who is passionate about giving back, Bill is a key volunteer and committee member at Mastrick Community Gym and has played a vital role in the venue reopening to members following the Covid-19 pandemic.  

This year, Bill hopes to explore potential boxing opportunities – known to benefit those with an early Parkinson’s diagnosis. This is testament to his commitment to current, evidence-based approaches and offering choices for people of all ages and abilities.

If you would like to cast your vote for Bill, then please do so by following the link here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SA23-PT

Voting will close on Friday 10 February.