The final of a global competition to find the next "Personal Trainer to Watch" will this year be held in the UK.

The competition, organised in partnership by equipment supplier Life Fitness and International Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals (ICREPs), looks to recognise and celebrate qualified personal trainers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, client support, motivation and inspiration.

Nominations are now closed and there were 1,504 entries to this year's competition.

Out of those, 10 finalists will be invited for a final round of judging where they will design and conduct a training class on Life Fitness' functional training system, Synrgy360.

The grand prize winner will receive US$5,000 toward his or her personal training business; continuing education course credit from workshop attendance from the Life Fitness Academy; and a one-year membership for educational resource PTontheNet and MyGroupFit.com.

It is the first time that the final will be held in the UK. The venue is the Nuffield Health club in St. Albans, Hertfordshire.

Richard Beddie, chair of ICREPs, said: "ICREPs is dedicated to ensuring that fitness industry professionals have the required skills and training needed so their clients receive the highest quality workout and fitness guidance available.

"We're excited to partner with Life Fitness this year to honour the top personal trainers worldwide. Our partnership will give these fitness professionals an opportunity to further build their global recognition."