IDEA World Convention 2019! A Snapshot from Sessions to Showroom
Expo Cool
FREEMOTION had on-going demos in their all white sleek space
It’s always a whirlwind walking into the IDEA World Convention along with 14,000 other “fit pros” (gym owners, managers, instructors, trainers, dietitians) and fitness and wellness fanatics all bouncing in to grab their badges! All of “us” gearing up for a week of pre-cons, workshops, work-outs, summits and most joyous, the parties and sheer FUN of it all! Getting that many passionate people under one roof, it’s bound to get a little crazy with maybe a few dance moves and a push-up competition to boot!
THREE big moments of the opening ceremony:
Jay Blahnik (recognized premier fitness instructor, educator, author and Director of Fitness and Health technologies for Apple Inc.) receiving the 2019 IDEA Jack LaLanne Award. His heart-felt speech, interrupted by a few tears and needing to “take a moment”, spoke to all of us as he reminisced about his humble beginnings, his true desire to touch lives and his passionate drive professionally and personally to continue to evolve and reinvent himself. The intro and award given by Elaine LaLanne (the first-lady of fitness) was priceless!
Victoria Arlen, winner of the 2019 Idea Fitness Inspiration Award. An amazing young women who defied the odds after she developed Transverse myelitis, which put her in a vegetative state for 4 years. With un-wavering work and determination, she became a record-breaking Paralympic gold-medal swimmer, a finalist on Dancing with the Stars, and an on-air host with ESPN. In her own words she talked about “being locked inside my own body unable to move, speak, or eat, completely aware of what was happening around me”. With a strong mindset she went on to not only winning gold and box jumping with the help of her trainers, but is now a world-renown speaker, actor, author and founder of Victoria’s Victory Foundation. Her message: “Face It, Embrace It, Defy It, Conquer It”.
Mastin Kipp, the Keynote speaker delivering a mantra to “Live your purpose from now on”. Kipp is a best-selling author, speaker and Creator of Functional Life Coaching. He was named by Oprah as “one of 100 awakened leaders who are using their voice and talent to elevate humanity". The top slides with messages that spoke to me and many others in the room:
“When you align with your purpose, you create financial freedom for your family”
“Living your purpose is the greatest gift you can give to those you love”
“In general, purpose in life can be defined as a self-organizing life aim that stimulates goals, manages behavior and provides a sense of meaning”
“Living your purpose is embodying and expressing the emotions, behaviors and lifestyle that LIGHT YOU UP”
“Uncomfortable emotions indicate unhealed parts and unlearned lessons that are disconnecting you from your life’s purpose”
“How you express your purpose continually changes & evolves”
ONE note-worthy session:
The Women’s LeadHER Conference led by Women in Fitness (WIFA) Board member Emma Barry, Sadie Nardini and Shannon Fable. Emma talked about “Rocking your Tribe”, Sadie, “Rocking your Voice” and Shannon, “Rocking your World”. They spoke about the impact of surrounding yourself with the right people and to ask for help. Gave motivation on how to tap into our “fierce feminine power”. A structured breakdown of how to “spin all of the plates in our life” with smart, actionable tips to be able to balance work, family, finance, and fun as well as finding time for self discovery and growth! Now that’s a lot of plates to spin, but we learned all they really need is a small whirl and a little focus to keep them all in motion. Spinning plates is better than juggling - where the balls often get dropped!
FOUR picks from the halls of the EXPO:
Potatoes, Walnuts and Almonds making a big impact with long lines for the simple foods! Yes booths giving out samples of one-ingredient from the earth - “Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication” Leonardo da Vinci
anytime CBD - offering “medically minded” products for healthier people, pets and the planet. Touting the benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD) and recommending adding these oils as boosters to our post-workout smoothie or morning coffee. CBD is the 2nd main active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana) but is derived from the HEMP plant and does not cause a “high”. Its known benefits are helping with anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain and inflammation.
Instructrr - all-in-one class design, music player, timer App (with cue cards) for Group Fitness. This App helps instructors create classes faster helping them “crush it” on the studio floor.
Adding two to the “Group Fitness” space with Stick Mobility (movement made better) with co-founder Dennis Dunphy and Spartan Strong with co-creator Alex Isaly. Stick Mobility combines “joint mobilization, strength training, and deep fascial stretching to increase athletic performance. Spartan Strong, puts you in the mindset of a warrior, ready to compete and conquer your fears! I took a packed class with Alex and crushed the workout with the weighted “pancake” because of the comradery and motivation of the other “spartans” in the room. Their motto for their races: “You’ll know at the finish line” - the rewards will be worth it. I felt that at the end of class!
I was honored to meet and greet with the finest in fitness and have the opportunity to see, touch, feel, eat and experience all there is to offer within this every expanding and important space. We are fueled from the inside out. The key is to find our path and what moves our soul to achieve ultimate health, longevity, mobility, strength, peace and happiness.
Best in Health and Fitness,
Ann Marie