Health and Fitness Blogs

The alarm went off at 6:00 AM, which was very unfriendly of it. Luckily the radio was playing a good song, so I woke up in a more approachable frame of mind. I can't speak for other fitness pros, but I am not what you'd call a "morning person."

IDEA Assistants fulfill their work-study program with a smile during Tuesday's preconference Drums Alive! instructor training course. Hats off to all of our amazing volunteers!

Fraser Quelch shares his enthusiasm for functional training in this IDEA World Fitness preconference session.

Amy Boone Thompson, COO of Stroller Strides®, nailed it for me today when she told attendees of the “Focus on Fitness Management” precon the following: “The thing I love most about the IDEA World Conference is the networking. While you’re here this week, don’t be shy. Get out of your bubble and meet as many people as you can. You’ll see these people year after year. They’ll become your family…”

Today I arrived for the preconference events at IDEA World Fitness Convention™, albeit a little late thanks to thunderstorms that "narrowed the flight corridor," affecting most other flights in the sky. But I made it.

IDEA World Fitness Convention™ July 8-12, 2008 Las Vegas, NV Where is your inspiration coming from in 2008? Get all the inspiring motivation, information and ideas you need to reach new levels of success. Join us at the world’s #1 fitness education program at the IDEA World Fitness Convention™. This year’s highlights: Don’t miss the inspirational welcome with bestselling author of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, John Gray, PhD. Try tomorrow’s innovations TODAY- 129 Premiere Sessions will debut! Find the best and the newest clothing, equipment and more at the IDEA Fitness & Wellness Expo Hall. Featured Panel Discussion “What’s Hot Now: Consumer Trends” with Industry Dynamos: Jay Blahnik, Chalene Johnson and Michael Tchao. Expand Your Skills. Choose from 8 Preconference Workshops to boost your training to the next level. Choose from 267 Sessions – We’re offering the most diverse topics in fitness and wellness. 126 Presenters. Meet the world’s leading personalities, experts, researchers, business owners and visionaries. Four-hour Intensive Sessions. Get advanced workshop training and earn CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION. Earn up to 20 CECs. We hope to see you at IDEA World Fitness Convention™!

I noticed something different when I checked into my room on Thursday, and I’ve carried it with me the entire weekend. The front desk staff at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare hotel has noticeably stepped up their customer service. Front desk personnel are generally affable people, otherwise they wouldn’t be put in this front-line service opportunity. But the man who checked me in punctuated his service with one small gesture that made a difference. After keying in all the proper details, he stepped out from behind the desk, came around to the front where I was standing, handed me my room key and showed me which way to go.

Have you ever admired someone else’s strength—physical, mental or emotional—only to discover one day this very person staked no claim to this strength? Was it shocking? Did you instantly see the disconnect between this person’s lack of ownership and some divots in his or her life? Fitness professionals tend to model positive attitudes and behaviors, but are just as human as everyone else. One theme at today’s show is shaping up to be how to model a positive attitude on a consistent basis.

Now that’s an IDEA—member! I can spot an IDEA member from a mile away, without wearing my glasses and not necessarily within the context of an IDEA event. An IDEA member walks quickly through the aisles, takes the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, has energy bars sticking out of his or her pocket and generally offers free health and fitness advice to anyone who will listen. Congenial in the face of sleep deprivation, IDEA members have found that one sure path to happiness in life is through making best friends with your own body—and sharing that path with others.

IDEA Personal Trainer Institute™ February 19-22, 2009 Alexandria, VA Don’t miss out on the ultimate event for Personal Trainers! Experience this one-of-a-kind conference with comprehensive education, creative ideas and focused, personalized learning you need to advance your career and/or business. Smaller sessions = A More Personal Experience More hands-on training in workshops and lectures Preconference Sessions – Get more specialty training Special emphasis on topics you identified as critical for your future success: Business and career skills Training techniques Assessment, correction and post-rehabilitation Special populations, including older adults and kids Performance training for professional and amateur athletes Women’s health We hope to see you at IDEA Personal Trainer Institute™!