TIMONIUM, Md. - Marylandian -- Stephen Holt, owner of 29 Again Custom Fitness in Timonium, MD, has been named the 2026 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year. The honor recognizes Holt's client work, leadership in the fitness industry, and commitment to helping people develop strength that carries over into daily life.

The IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year award is given to a certified personal trainer who works with clients at least 15 hours per week and shows excellence in coaching, business operations, and professional leadership. Finalists are chosen based on instructional quality, client results, and contributions to the fitness profession. Holt's selection places him in a small national group of trainers recognized for both client outcomes and industry influence.

At 29 Again Custom Fitness, Holt works exclusively with women over 50 who want to get stronger but often feel limited by joint pain, previous injuries, or years of being told to stay away from challenging exercise. His coaching blends structured strength training with practical nutrition support that fits real life and gives clients a clear path forward.

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"I'm honored to be named the 2026 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year," said Holt. "This recognition carries my name, but it represents years of effort from clients who kept showing up and doing the work. They're the reason it matters. They proved that women over 50 can train hard, rebuild strength, and make real progress."

Holt's coaching is grounded in strength training fundamentals, smart exercise selection, clear technique standards, and progressions matched to each client's starting point and recovery capacity. He also adjusts training when joints become irritated or life gets busy, so progress does not require perfect weeks. The aim is a repeatable process that helps clients build strength they can use.

Clients at 29 Again Custom Fitness learn to train with more purpose and less guesswork. That includes knowing how to increase load safely, how to structure training so joints tolerate it, and how to make effective substitutions during flare-ups. Nutrition coaching follows the same standard, with a focus on realistic habits clients can follow and maintain.

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IDEA Health & Fitness Association selects finalists based on client results, professionalism, and influence within the fitness profession. Holt's recognition reflects the coaching standard he brings to his clients and to the broader industry.

The award was announced on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo, held April 7 through April 10 in National Harbor, Maryland.

For more information about Stephen Holt, visit https://stephenholt.com, https://MuscleRebuildPlan.com, or follow @stephenholt on social media.