Impact magazine awarded the Guelph martial artist with the highest honor.
Nathan Scovis was recently named one of Canada’s Best Fitness Instructors of 2022.
The owner and principal of Guelph Family Martial Arts School said his classes are meant to make a positive impact on people.
“It’s more than just training or teaching people how to hit or kick, or how to get back in shape,” Scovis said.
“It’s really about connecting with them, being a friend and a mentor and being there for someone, I think, through the tough points in their lives.”
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Scovis said martial arts have changed his life and provide plenty of health benefits, including improving your mood and dealing with stress.
He said his goal is to work with people in the classroom and have a positive impact in the community.
“It’s really satisfying,” he said.
“Obviously I give everything I can to everyone who comes into the studio but I think the experience is in the people you meet. It has given me so much more achievement in my life than I can really give them back.”
Scovis is listed as one of the 10 best coaches in Ontario and the youngest recipient as well.
He has appeared alongside personal trainers and entrepreneurs in Toronto, Ottawa, and across Canada. The magazine, launched in 1991, covers topics in health and fitness including exercise and nutrition plans and health and wellness tips.
The 27-year-old added that it was truly humble and surreal to be recognized this way.
He talked about his future after receiving the award and said he still plans to teach classes.
“There is really nothing else better to do now than to work with students of all ages, train in the studio through the program and make an impact in this way,” he said.
Scovis said he’s also grateful for the community’s support.
“I didn’t think the awards were real when we started,” he said.
“But the support from the community, from people clearly within the city but then from different cities coming to see us, throughout COVID, in everything, they’ve been there. I thank their support and with the support of the community I think anything is possible, but we certainly won’t be able To do any of the things we do without all the wonderful people.”
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