FRAMAR Health, which has been a centre of excellence in alternative health and complementary therapies for nearly four decades, claimed two of the night's top awards at the 2019 Northern Ireland Health and Fitness Awards sponsored by Centra.
Established in 1981 by Paul Maconaghie with parents Frank and Margaret, it received the award for outstanding contribution to the industry as well as Health & Fitness Retailer of the Year.
Graham Construction, Chopped NI and Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort were among the key business winners at the awards in the Crowne Plaza, hosted by well-known fitness advocates Ibe Sesay (Q Radio) and TV personality Vogue Williams.
Located on the Lisburn Road in south Belfast, Framar Health has pioneered the availability and understanding of complementary therapies, treatments and health foods in Northern Ireland bringing, many firsts to the region including the first aromatherapy products and the first National Association for Healthcare Security Practitioner.
In their citation the judges said: "This Belfast institution has been quietly enhancing the health of the community throughout Northern Ireland for almost 40 years. This small family business wasn’t afraid to be a little alternative and has made a huge mark on the lives of the people it has helped over the years."
In 1993 the legendary Dr Jan de Vries joined the innovative clinic, setting up the only Jan de Vries clinic in Northern Ireland.
There were 22 awards, recognising the outstanding commitment and contribution from Northern Ireland’s top health and fitness individuals, companies and community engagement initiatives, and were independently judged by a highly experienced panel from the health and fitness industry.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS:
Best Corporate Wellness Programme
Winner - GRAHAM
Best Female Personal Trainer
Winner - Rachel McCartan - Miss Fitz
Highly Commended - Nicola Rea - Think Fit
Best Hotel Gym
Winner - Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort
Best Large Gym
Winner – Lifestyle Fitness Ballymena
Highly Commended – Bangor Aurora
Best Male Personal Trainer
Winner – Bubba Ali – Bubba’s Project Gym
Highly Commended – Alan Waterman – Phoenix Fitness
Highly Commended – Ben Heron
Best Medium Sized Gym
Winner – Maxx Life Gym
Highly Commended – Well Fit NI
Best Small Studio Gym
Winner - Revolution GYM
Highly Commended - Kaizen Strength Training Gym
Highly Commended - Next Level Fitness
Breakthrough Personal Trainer
Winner - Mark Stewart
Highly Commended - Finntan Masterson – FinntanmFitness
Community Engagement of the Year
Winner - Community Sports Network
Highly Commended - Causeway Living
Highly Commended – Fitness Freddy
Excellence in Rehabilitation
Winner - Active Health Solutions
Gym Manager of the Year
Winner - Declan Trainor - The GYM Newry
Highly Commended - James Andrews - Think Fit
Gym Member of the Year
Winner - Leanne Stewart - Member at Next Level Fitness
Health & Wellness Champion of the Year
Winner - Kenneth Galloway
Health and Fitness Blogger/Influencer of the Year
Winner - Maeve Madden
Highly Commended - Maria Rafferty - The Hormone Health Coach
Health and Fitness Product of the Year
Winner - So Good Juice
Health and Fitness Service of the Year
Winner - Bannside Pharmacy - Portglenone Diabetes Partnership
Highly Commended - Born to Run Tours
Healthy Food Outlet of the Year
Winner - Chopped NI
Nutritionist / Dietitian of the Year
Winner - Amanda Kearns - Inner Angel Wellness
Retailer of the Year
Winner - Framar Health
Yoga or Pilates provider of the Year
Winner - Bro Flo Yoga – Yoga for Guys
Highly Commended - Namaste Yoga
Centra / Action Cancer Endeavour Award
Winner – Roy Livingstone
Outstanding Contribution to the Industry
Winner – Framar Health
