October 8th, 2026Coach Ben Brown recognised for fitness leadership
Paradise Fitness Club co-founder and coach Ben Brown has been named the 2026 Australian Group Fitness Leader of the Year at the AUSactive National Awards in Sydney.
Representing over 30,000 group fitness instructors and personal trainers, AUSactive is Australia’s health and fitness industry’s peak body.
For Ben, who has grown up in the fitness industry, the award represents the culmination of a lifetime immersed in health, fitness and coaching.
From his earliest years he was surrounded by training, coaching and fitness clubs, with his father Paul Brown – an internationally recognised fitness industry leader – coaching and mentoring him across multiple forms of exercise and athletic performance. Ben was also a rising star member of the Gold Coast Suns AFL Academy before choosing to focus on a career in group fitness and personal training and as a club owner/operator.
While still a high school student, Ben was already completing his professional fitness qualifications, becoming accredited as a group exercise leader, fitness instructor and personal trainer. Today, in conjunction with the National Fitness College, he also mentors students working towards their own fitness qualifications.
His education has extended far beyond the classroom. Alongside his father, Ben has worked and trained in fitness facilities around the world and was also a participant in the 50 Sports in 50 Weeks project. The global undertaking saw participants experience 50 different sports across 36 countries, training with and learning from world champions.
The national recognition was a significant night for the broader Paradise Fitness team. Fellow Paradise Fitness coach Angus Richardson was also a national finalist in the Group Fitness category, with Ben a finalist for Personal Trainer of the Year.
Previously recognised as Australia’s Best Independent Fitness Business, Paradise Fitness has continued to grow, this year doubling the size of its facility to meet increasing member demand.
The club has also invested heavily in innovation, including the development of bespoke training equipment and systems. Its HOOX functional training equipment was recognised among Australia’s leading fitness and exercise innovations for 2026 at this year’s AUSactive Awards.
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed
