Fitness Fest 2008

A Final Thanks!!

2008-04-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

This was the smoothest ever...the BEST ever FitnessFest for sure. The specific thanks and praise from the participants was overwhelming.

I received an email over the weekend about being inspired by my power splash workshop and Julie W. wants to teach water aerobics and wants to know how to get started!

The fact that after about 40 hours in a row from 6am til 7pm of the “green shirted” volunteers (and Gretchen) being together working their tails off. Sunday after the conference they actually “were not done” and some of us enjoyed a beer and some food at The Monastery in Mesa. The volunteers were “beyond amazing”. I usually feel that I have to check up on everyone to make sure everything is done, but I did not have to do that this year. I felt calmer than ever.

The fact that presenters who have been all over the country, and even around the world at conferences, loved presenting at our conference. They felt the warmth and the “non-arrogance” of the participants and staff and other presenters.

Seeing happy, content faces in the classrooms and in the pool. Even on Sunday, after three days of workouts, laughs were abundant.

Each of the vendors seemed content and had great things to say about the venue and the event as a whole.

A true success not just because the numbers were an all-time high, the presenters and variety of workshops were top notch, the event ran pretty much without a glitch, but what makes me most satisfied are the comments about how pleased everyone was with “the attitude” of the event.

Many thanks to our sponsors Einsteins Bagels, Sprouts, Hydro-Fit, Power Systems, and Polar.

Many thanks to our fabulous presenters, Gretchen and the volunteers, Laura Rooney and ASU, and to all of our participants and vendors.

Session: Real World Yoga

2008-04-20T18:33:00.001-07:00

Presented by Jackie Camborde

Get the skills to create a collection of visual and verbal cues and five shortcuts to making your yoga class the best it can be. Students participate in a one-of-a-kind Posture Clinic to learn how to assess a variety of alignment issues and how to correct them. You'll never look at your clients' asanas the same way again!

Session: SALSAtional Step

2008-04-20T13:05:00.003-07:00

Presented by June Kahn

A rhythmic and methodical approach to building Latin inspired step choreography. Explore fun and inspiring methods to expand your teaching skills using the basic elements of step choreography. Experience the music and rhythm of Latin music and learn how to play with rhythm, the essence of Latin culture and dance.

Session: Hydro Challenge

2008-04-20T13:01:00.003-07:00

Presented by Kris Wallace

HydroChallenge is a energizing cardiovascular and strength training water program. Utilizing large buoyancy cuffs on the ankles in both deep and shallow water, participants will learn choreography to challenge many levels of students including the most athletic. This class format will bring the most fit participants to the pool from the floor.

Carol Sauerbre attended the session and was enthusiastic about her experience. She told us the intensity was phenomenal and using the different water apparatus. "She'll make you work hard and snap you out of it!" she says of Wallace.

Session: All About Muscles

2008-04-20T12:57:00.002-07:00

Presented by Len Kravitz

Using interactive computer-technology, Len will clearly show you the intricate mechanisms involved in muscle force production for strength and hypertrophy. Many questions about muscle will be answered regarding specific applications to training including the following: muscle metabolism, motor unit recruitment, eccentric versus concentric overloads, volume versus intensity training considerations, and age-related phenomenon of muscle. A major part of this presentation is the discussion of what really happens to muscles as they grow. The final part of the lecture will include the newest research findings on the best training program designs for improving strength and hypertrophy.

Session: YogaButt

2008-04-20T12:55:00.003-07:00

Presented by Laura Rooney

YogaButt™ is a hybrid program that focuses on developing a strong core center and stabilizing core center muscles. Core center strength is the foundation of our yoga practice, along with deep breathing and clearing the mind. Using a small compressible rubber YogaButt ™ ball placed between the legs in specific yoga postures, core center muscles are isolated and strengthened. Additionally, traditional YogaFit™ postures are strung together with a faster flowing sequence. Extra fitness moves such as squats, push-ups, and lunges are added to the format for greater overall body strength.

Session: Learn To Make Waves

2008-04-20T12:54:00.002-07:00

Presented by Thecla Chomicz

Feeling like your water classes are the same old/same old? Still looking for that something to make your water classes the ones that people come back to again and again? This workshop is designed to help you take your classes to the next level. Learn how the basic principles of teaching adults and personal training can be applied in the pool to help your participants reach fitness goals they never thought possible.

Session: Beyond Marketing - Magnetic Client Attraction

2008-04-20T12:49:00.003-07:00

Presented by Phil Kaplan

You've read articles, tried flyers, networking, and the standard marketing strategies most personal trainers are exposed to. When you do what everyone else in the field is doing, you fail to position yourself as outstanding. This session will help you refine your unique value, help you maximize your ability to compel others, and will help you reframe "marketing", not as a series of events or advertising ventures, but as an overall positioning practice that draws clients to you in a manner that feels effortless.

Session: Sexy Fit

2008-04-20T12:47:00.004-07:00

Presented by Christi Taylor

Total body training for the SEXY at heart. As we age, the need for safe, effective, and easy to follow training options is mandatory. But what is most "mandatory" is HAVING FUN - and that's what keeps your students coming back for more! Fuse together today's hottest dance music with tons of sex appeal, and you've created a routine that will make even your spectators sweat! SexyFit is incredibly intense, easy to instruct, even easier to follow, and will definitely leave you bursting with energy. With a step, a set of hand weights and a good attitude, Christi will teach you the tools you need to re-create this calorie-torching class and supply you with a cornucopia of exercises that will excite your senses, strengthen your body, and melt the fat.

Session: Aqua Flow H2O

2008-04-20T12:44:00.003-07:00

Presented by Irene McCormick

Learn the technical skills to create an aqua interval circuit class. Gain knowledge of how to challenge the cardiovascular system, muscle skeleton, and balance within one aqua session. Understand how to create a functional water experience that is innovative and fun! Increase your effectiveness at intervals in the pool. All cardio, no equipment, all fun!

Session: Sports Performance Boot Camp II

2008-04-20T12:34:00.003-07:00

Presented by Shari Spleane and Michelle Able

Now it's time to kick it up a notch with the second edition of Sports Performance Boot Camp. More advanced drills for agility, speed, and power development using a myriad of tools, such as agility ladders, med balls, Gliding Discs, heavy bags and more. Whether your focus is competitive athletes or small group personal training, this hands-on session will ramp up your training.

These ladies from Power Systems put the participants through stations full of hard-core performance drills!

Session: Aqua Abs

2008-04-20T12:09:00.003-07:00

Presented by Megan Flatt

Learn some new twists and make the abs and end of your classes as meaningful and effective as the cardio and strength portions of your programs. Putting more emphasis on the planning and programming of abdominal work will have your students coming back for more.

Session: Tipping the Scales - Nutritional Assessments

2008-04-20T08:02:00.003-07:00

Presented by Fabio Comana

Sixty-eight percent of individuals joining health clubs share a goal of losing weight, yet many trainers are insufficiently equipped with tools to achieve results. Effective weight management requires knowledge of metabolism, fuel use and practical tools to effectively measure caloric balance. Join us to gather the tools to deliver results.

Session: Fitness Trends for the Pregnant Woman

2008-04-19T23:32:00.002-07:00

Presented by Megan Flatt

With all the fabulous classes on fitness schedules, it can get a little confusing as to what is appropriate and safe for woman during pregnancy and what modifications are required. This in-depth lecture covers topics such as heartrate, abdominal exercises, weight training and hormonal changes will be addressed as they apply to a variety of workout formats.

Session: Turn the Rhythm Around & Upside Down

2008-04-19T23:27:00.001-07:00

Presented by June Kahn

Feel your energy surge as you revitalize your hi/lo classes with this dynamic aerobic hi/lo choreography session. Learn methodology for creating dynamic rhythmic combos that flow effortlessly from one to the next. Using traditional low impact moves, combining them with rhythm, direction and a bit of style will leave you inspired to "turn the rhythm around" for many classes to come.

Session: Targeting the Core

2008-04-19T22:10:00.003-07:00

Presented by Fabio Comana

Core training is generally misunderstood by trainers, yet important to effective training. Understand core research and how to design and progress the five essential stages of effective core conditioning. This session provides evidence-based information on the integrated roles core muscle layers, and presents a progressive training model for the core.

Session: The Female Training Advantage

2008-04-19T08:30:00.003-07:00

Presented by Len Kravitz

This original lecture reviews recently published research documenting some unique female training advantages. Gender differences in fat metabolism, muscle fiber changes, muscle strength, muscular endurance, body composition, hormones, and other physiological factors are discussed. Resistance and aerobic training program designs, specifically for women, are presented. This lecture is a "must attend" for any fitness professional who trains female clients and for those female fitness enthusiasts who strive to attain the most optimal physiological benefits from their training.

Session: Open Space

2008-04-19T08:18:00.004-07:00

Deitrich Benjamin says, "More interaction with colleagues is the feedback we keep receiving." So, for the first time ever at FitnessFest, we have created what we call Open Space. Participants have an environment to learn, contribute, network, and grow from each other. Benjamin is the facilitator who assists the group in selecting the "hottest" of the current hot topics. Then, dialog with the group. It's fun, it's exciting, and a great place to gain and share ideas.

This year the topics that were covered were: 1) Hiring quality staffing, 2) Keeping staff motivated, and 3) Keeping the participants motivated.

Session: Rollogic-Foam Roller

2008-04-19T08:16:00.003-07:00

Presented by Jackie Camborde

It's the missing link in your fitness program - and unlike any class you've tried! ROLLogic integrates core training, Pilates, and yoga-based moves using the foam roller and Myo-Ball. Participants will learn how to program a stretch-based routine using these devices, and also learn myofascial release techniques. Learn why adding these valuable tools to your repertoire could make you the most popular trainer or instructor in your facility.

Session: Mindset, Motivation and Miracles

2008-04-19T08:15:00.005-07:00

Presented by Phil Kaplan

In order to achieve significant physical change, there are four variables that can be affected by competent personal fitness trainers: Exercise & Activity, Nutrition, Recuperation & Downtime, and Mindset. Of the four, with a new perspective on client interaction, mindset may be the most important determinant of the outcome of each trainer-client relationship. In this session you'll learn to affect three distinctive components of mindset so your clients can discover shifts that they find miraculous.

Session: Muscle Metamorphosis

2008-04-18T23:41:00.005-07:00

This session was presented by Lorey Pro. "Most of our members want the same thing...results!" she says. "They want muscle definition and a reduction of fat. Are your strength training classes and programs giving them what they want? This workshop provides you with theory and a sample strength training class. Learn how to manipulate training variables for more results-oriented training!"

Here are some pictures from the training:

Session: Group Xtreme

2008-04-18T23:28:00.003-07:00

Presented by Shari Spleane & Michelle Able

Take your group fitness classes to the extreme with Group X-treme. Learn fun and exciting alternative ways of training. Whether its med balls, kettlebells, or simply your own body weight, this class will take your fitness level to the moon! You'll learn alternative training and teaching methods, as well how to format a class for beginners or X-tremists!

Session: Step Two

2008-04-18T23:23:00.002-07:00

Presented by Christi Taylor

Have you been teaching Step Aerobics for years? Would you like to take your instructional skills to the next level? This workshop will give you all of the vital components necessary to improve your cuing, choreography, and transitional abilities. You will also get three advanced Step combinations to begin using right away. Choose to take the next step up to becoming your very best!

Session: Core Powered Arcs Into Angles

2008-04-18T23:18:00.002-07:00

Presented by June Kahn

Flowing Arcs and Angles is a contemporary functional approach to strength and flexibility training for the 21st century. Blending the art of fluid yoga techniques and moving Pilates progressions creates flowing arcs and angles with the body. Explore the perfect method of body conditioning that incorporates the fluidity of movement, traditional strength training techniques, and physical grace with concentration and control. The end result is a fusion of disciplines that integrates a dynamic flow of linked progressions in an undulating format that enhance both the quality of movement as well as the quality of life!

Session: Fusion Fitness

2008-04-18T19:57:00.004-07:00

Presented by Irene McCormick

Fusion Fitness is based on a progressive series of exercises and postures that focus on core and stabilizing techniques to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. It integrates mind-body awareness that involves breathing, form, controlled exercise execution and mindfulness. This program is designed to give fitness leaders a blended class format, integrating mind-body practices into fitness programs leading to meaningful instruction.