The Smartest Coach
GUSTAVO VAZ TOSTES
@gus.wittraining
“Most gyms don’t offer a service,” says Vaz Tostes, head coach at London Crossfit space WIT Training ( Whatever It Takes). “They just offer a workout. People turn up, they sweat, they take a selfie, they leave. Who cares whether or not they’re improving?” Vaz Tostes cares – quite a lot, actually. Having developed a love for fitness while studying for a sports science degree in his native Brazil, he discovered Crossfit after moving to London. Its focus on functionality, fun and community appealed to him. When asked to describe his training ethic, he earnestly deploys phrases such as “changing lives” rather than “building muscle”. Although, if his own physique is anything to go by, you’re well equipped to hit any goal on his watch.
RUNNERS-UP Laura “Biceps” Hoggins @laurabiceps
A strength and conditioning coach whose focus is ensuring her clients feel great, not just end up looking swole, Hoggins won’t let you get away with coasting through your training. The moniker isn’t for show, either: she can probably curl a lot more than you can.
Ollie Marchon @olliemarchon
Marchon is the man whom many of the UK’S top trainers turn to for their own programmes. At Marchon Performance, there’s a strong sense of community (there’s that word again), with regular team challenges. Assault bike lactate interval day, anyone?