How I wish you were there to experience the 2011 IDEA World Fitness Convention.
After having attended the fitness convention, I have a renewed desire to be part of the change.
Of the many highlights of the convention, I was left impressed by the keynote speech by Apolo Ohno and Dr. Daniel Amen.
Apolo Ohno was a dynamic speaker. He shared with us his personal experience of what it took to become a world champion. By his example he explained to the audience filled with fitness professionals dedicated to this industry, what each one of us can personally do to be our personal best professionally. He helped us see that it might mean that personally we have to make some hard choices, but if we put the energy into it, we can be successful.
Dr. Daniel Amen impressed upon us how the things that we ingest can have a negative effect on brain health--specifically alcohol. He also shared with us how he personally is "inspiring the world to fitness" by his collaboration with churches to assist its members to adopt a healthy lifestyle. In the audience was one of his clients. A gentleman who was once (if my memory serves me correctly) over 600 pounds who by doing the hard work lost a considerable amount of weight. This gentleman has lost over half his weight--truly inspiring.
Peter Davis shared with us his personal experience of travelling to India and coming to the realization that if he was going to "inspire the world to fitness" he had to be willing to "be the change." He encouraged us as fitness professionals to be the change.
Not to be forgotten is the wife of the late Jack LaLanne, Elaine, who accepted an award on behalf of her husband presented by Kathie Davis. It was refreshing to see her perform three full pushups at 85 years of age. This is testimony that one can maintain their strength throughout their lifetime.
All three speakers through their actions have demonstrated that it is possible for each and every one of us to be a catalyst for change as far as "inspiring the world to fitness" is concerned.
Portals such as IDEA Fitness Connect allows us through blogs and responding to questions, to "be the change."
I had a fabulous time at the 2011 IDEA World Convention and plan to be their next year.
I wish you could've been there.
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