As we start to prepare for fall and say goodbye to summer, it is time to get back into routine. And for some of us, it means starting back to a healthy lifestyle with new goals in place! We enjoyed our sunny holidays, patios with drinks and of course all the good food!

So now, where do you start? First we all must understand that whatever your specific goal is, it will take time to achieve. Sorry folks, it will not be over night.

Here are some daily tips to get you started, which have always worked for myself:

• Eat as healthy as possible, every single day. I always make room for treats, enjoy them then get back on track! NO GUILT! I live by the 80/20 rule, always have. You can’t outrun your fork.

• Sleep. People often overlook this one. It is more important than you know. Find a relaxing bedtime routine, get rid of electronics early and be consistent.

• Find an exercise routine you LOVE! You will never want to miss it. Then it will never be a “work” out.

• Drink a ton of H20. Always have a water bottle with you, I am never without mine.

• Watch your stress. It will be there, so we must learn how to deal with it the correct way. Meditation and exercise is my therapy.

• Find a good support system for your healthy lifestyle. Surround yourself with positivity and the people who challenge you to be your best self.

So remember, each day adds a new layer of habits. A little progress each day will add up to BIG results.

Success is a series of small wins. So don't give up and be patient. Trust me, it will be worth the wait.

xx Lyndsay Syverson

One day at a time.

One workout at a time, one meal at a time, you got this!

Thank you Shannon Fable & Fitness Business Podcast for the inspiration to touch on such a great topic in this article that hits home for us.

Group Exercise ROCKSTAR instructors, do you have them? Are you one of them? Are they a thing of the past? 

As a club owner, and master trainer/ presenter for some of the biggest names in the business I can speak to this sincerely because I’ve been on both sides of the coin. 

How do we create a winning team post Covid and can we expect to get back to where we once were? Heck, back in the day we were wall to wall packed classes with 60+ class goers on an average Tuesday night in July. Let’s keep it real, group exercise hands down is the #1 retention tool in the industry, but are the days of packed classes and every weight, barre and spin bike being accounted for over for good? 

There are a few key factors and a secret formula and I’ll tell you the tricks of the trade only if you’re willing to listen. 

Only kidding, it’s no secret at all, but then again if it’s no secret then why isn’t every club across the globe listening and implementing it?!

Here’s my theory. 

It probably stems from three things:

1) Time

2) Budget

3) Talent

Let’s touch on each briefly.

#1 TIME- Being a club owner and micro managing everything is challenging, I totally get it. Who has the time to think about programming and building talent when you’re dealing with the day to day of running a business? 

Here is my suggestion…

Get yourself a solid Director/ Group Fitness Manager who is a group exercise instructor as well. This will allow them to understand group exercise, and their team from the inside out. Be sure they have industry knowledge or, are willing to learn and dive into it. Designing your group exercise schedule can be tricky, you can easily get caught up being one dimensional and using the same company for everything. Yes, this seems like a great idea at first, but in the long run, are you creating a place where your members never want to leave or will they still be tempted to check out that cute boutique studio down the street? Diversity is the key here. Make your club a place where your members never want to leave by catering to the masses with smart, effective and trending formats.

Lastly, make sure your Director knows how to develop instructors, building on their strengths and providing feedback for their growth. This means, it’s ok not having the best to begin but knowing how to develop them. 

#2 BUDGET- Most clubs have been slammed with constraints from Covid and are trying their hardest to make ends meet. This is why group exercise usually gets put on the back burner. Ugh, I know! Total catch 22 here, old group exercise gets screwed again. Who the heck has a budget for group exercise licensing when your club has been closed for the majority a year? Not many. Even the biggest chains in the industry have had lay offs and have claimed bankruptcy. 

This is why I want you to listen and listen closely… amazing programming is out there and it’s for free! Yes free!! Ok I get it? But as a GFM you want quality assurance, especially now when each member counts. If you’re not aware, there are companies out there that have the same global standard and assessment quality assurance that will provide you with partner support that (listen up) ARE FOR FREE!! So why are you just sitting around and not jumping on this if it’s going to save you THOUSANDS per year?  I get it… see #1

#3 TALENT- ahh the mother load “Talent”. Do your instructors have the “It” factor? Truth be told you don’t need a team of Rockstars. There, I said it. It’s true, you don’t. In all honesty you don’t need every single instructor packing classes to waitlist capacity. Rockstar instructors should be places in your prime time slots. From there, strategically sprinkle your talent throughout. Here’s the kicker, even your newbie instructors should be hired because they have “potential” but will need continual developmental feedback to up-skill them ongoing until they become that rockstar in a prime time slot…see #1

Ok there you have it, my two cents and the tricks of the trade. If you want to know more or work with a company that tells you the tricks of the trade, I’m here. I have had a successful career and my goal is to share my knowledge, education and wealth with you, so your club, your team and your membership can flourish and your members can reap the rewards. 

Message me for a free one on one consultation lcarril@soulbodyfitnessglobal.com. I’d love to have SoulBody Fitness a part of your companies success. 💚

In health,

Lori

So let's be honest, when you hear the word “exercise” you think it's to break a sweat and to lose a couple pounds. It keeps you in shape and good for the ticker, right? But what about exercise for your brain?? How important is exercise and our mental health? Over the years, I have come to learn that the more I help my body, the more I am helping my mind. 

When I was growing up, fitness was about self image. Now over time, being a mom and wife and trying to fit multiple jobs in my day, I have come to realize how important my exercise routine is, not only for myself, but for my family. The days that this Mom doesn’t get her workout in, watch out! I became aware of how I actually felt and how I dealt with my daily life when I wasn’t physically active. I was grumpy, short tempered and yes so tired. When I’m not mentally happy it takes a toll on my home, my environment, my job…..my entire life. I feel at times people feel guilty if they take time out of their busy life to fit exercise in. Please don’t. I will tell you it is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and the people you love. Once you make exercise a priority in your life, I can guarantee everything seems to be a bit more clear in so many aspects.

Regular physical activity boosts your mood, reduces stress, lowers depression and anxiety, helps you relax and in turn sleep better. Most of us are aware of how physical activity reduces the risk of illnesses and to help you lose weight.

When you start to exercise the flow of oxygen increases to your brain. It also increases the amount of endorphins, the “feel good” chemical to your brain. The link between exercise and your mood is pretty strong. I often tell my participants in my class to praise themselves for showing up to a workout. It’s usually one of those things we put on the bottom of our to do list since we have such busy lives. Then I tell my clients to remember when we complete a workout to take note on how they feel. It’s amazing how happy we feel after a good workout. Which always keeps me reminded of a great quote: “The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.” 

I want people to know that you don't have to run a marathon to reap all the amazing benefits exercise can give to you. Just move…even for 20 minutes! I have had a lot of people say to me, well exercise is easy for you since you're a fitness instructor and you do it all the time. Trust me, I struggle like any other human when it comes to exercise. There have been days, especially this past year, where I was broken. I wasn’t sure how I was going to teach my classes. But what made me stronger? What was the best therapy I could give my mind and body? Yes. Movement. Exercise has the power to change your life. Never underestimate it.

Exercise is one of your best friends and you should hang out everyday!

Lyndsay Syverson

SoulBody SQUAD Instructor + Partner Relations + Ambassador

Today the definition of community reaches beyond those in our neighborhood. It can be a group of online Facebook friends that all like fashion, it can be a group of people at work who participate in a book club, or it can even be those in a group exercise class. At the start of every class, if time permits, I like to chat a little bit about what is going on in the participants’ lives. I’ve learned about people’s passions, things going on in their family life, and recent injuries or pain that they’ve experienced.

A few weeks ago before beginning my in-person SoulBody barre class, one of the members and I were chatting about a charity she participates in, Toys for Tots. She was expressing how this year was especially difficult as the group couldn’t rely on their typical in-person fundraising as they normally would. Fast forward to the week of Thanksgiving, we were wrapping up our class and sharing final thoughts and well wishes for the undoubtedly atypical holiday we were all about to experience when another member came up to the woman who had mentioned her struggles with her charity a few weeks back. The member presented her with a generous donation and stated that she didn’t have time to purchase a toy but that she wanted to contribute and help in any way she could. Now, I don’t know about you, but that exchange exemplified one of the true meanings of community in my mind: helping one another out and giving to others without the need for anything in return. Also, I want to point out that these members did not know each other prior to class! Their interest in the barre class, group exercise, and the gym are what brought them together.

Unbeknownst to all of us, the little chit chat and banter at the beginning of class is the start of a new community that we all created together. And you know what, those pieces of group exercise make the class so much more FUN! This aspect makes people WANT to come back time and time again because we are connecting with each other. And as a bonus, exercise that combines movement and social support is known to improve our own mood, especially in those who report feeling depressed prior to exercising (Lane & Lovejoy, 2001). Whether you are taking or teaching classes in person or virtually, think about the community that can flourish when we step into our group class space. Imagine the benefits within not only our own communities but the ripple effect on other communities outside of our own.

Becca Voelpel

Director of SoulBody Unhitched + Group Fitness Instructor

If you are working from home or unable to attend a fitness club in your area due to a temporary shut-down or limited capacity, then now is so important to continue with a fitness routine and this is why… anxiety and uncertainty are best friends! The two combined create stress, mood fluctuations and loss of motivation. Stress and anxiety rob us of our healthy lifestyle often leading to eating more junk food and becoming more sedentary.

Fitness online communities can be a powerful way to keep you connected to like-minded fitness enthisiasts. It allows you the opportunity to become part of a community with those that enjoy the same classes you do. It provides you with a sense of belonging helping you to stay motivated and have fun! Just because you can’t physically be in the same space together working out, doesn’t mean you can’t connect in the same way online. Connection creates inspiration. Inspiration creates desire and desire keeps us motivated!

Also, on demand classes are a great way to keep you accountable to your own fitness programming. This brings you the freedom, flexibility and convenience to work out at any time! In doing so, staying active with regular exercise at home keeps you moving! It will continue to support you with a healthy immune system, boost your mood, reduce anxiety and stress while keeping you motivated and strong with your online community!

Check out SoulBody’s Community of Instructors teaching virtually as well as the NEW SoulBody Fitness On Demand subscription service! All SoulBody’s classes are available with many choices in various time formats. Your time, your workout, your health!

Leah Roubekas

SoulBody Fitness PR + Global Ambassador

CYT, CPT, FIS

Owner, Back to Basic Fitness

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

Healing Trail

Stacey keeps a positive mind and strong body!

This winter Stacey had the incredible opportunity to ski Sun Valley, Idaho with a group of friends. They are all very high level skiers (Stacey included) but the conditions were a bit extreme with powder up to their knees and very little visibility! Yes there was an injury as Stacey tore her ACL (on her fourth run, although we’re not going to go there!), BUT what an incredible come-back having a mind/body determination and a great TEAM! Here is my interview with Stacey.

AM: What was your mindset when you were told your ACL was torn and you needed surgery?

SV: Well as you can imagine I was immediately upset as I knew this would effect my teaching, but that only lasted a short moment as I know mindset is everything! I wanted to know exactly what was involved and put my mind to surgery and dedicated recovery. I knew I had a good team to work with too! Dr Rich Levine for surgery and Jarod Felice of FX Physicaly Therapy…a dream team! I also promised my members that I would be back stronger than before!

AM: Post-OP - What did you do to stay positive?

SV: Focus on the positive is the biggest! And that applies to all in life! My ski accident happened, could have been worse, and what is done is done. The day after surgery I was doing tricep dips on the side of the sofa... I was not going to let this get me down! If anything, it was a time of rest and reset. I juiced, drank lots of soothing teas, and let my family and friends help me out…which is very hard for me…I am someone who does not sit still very well! Another big help post-op is not only inner strength, but physical strength. The stronger and healthier you are, the faster we can recover from a set back - I often talk about this in class.

AM: What did you do to physically rehab?

SV: I started with rehab twice a week right after surgery and went to work listening to everything Jarod and his co-worker, Pat Griffin had to say. I knew I could count on them to get me back in the studio. They were encouraging, supportive and highly knowledgable in how far to push me and when to back off. On top of rehab, icing was KEY! I was given the vast-therm ice wrap that I believe helped speed up recovery. Each week I was coached to try a little more, and through determination and persistence, I continue to feel stronger.

AM: Where are you now over two months out and what would be your top recommendation to those just going through this?

SV: Now 10 weeks out, I have full extension and flection is at 138 degrees! I am back in the studio teaching although with caution and modifications. I highly recommend anyone that is going through a surgery that sets them back, to shift gears mentally, stay focused and positive, and listen to your body (as well as the doctors!). No need to push it as full recovery will eventually come if taking proper steps to heal. 
This surgery was my first ever…and it has been quite a learning curve, realizing that the body is not invisible. I also realized I am blessed to have the support of family, friends and good docs…I LOVE MY TEAM!

Best in Health and Fitness,

Ann Marie

Pitch Perfect

Co-Founders Stacey Vandiver & Ann Marie Barbour pitching to Investors at BFS Ventures!

It’s always an exhilarating adventure when visiting NYC. The energy and talent within the Boutique Fitness Summit matched the momentum and pace of the New York City Streets, where the “boutique boom” is in FULL SWING! Our hats off to co-founders Ntiedo (NT) Etuk and Julian Barnes for a job well done from A-Z!

Similar to our visit to SUCCEED, The Boutique Fitness Summit brought in some BIG NAMES in fitness for one-day of panel discussions and sessions. Such names as Annabeth Eschbach, founder of Exhale, Jennifer Maanavi, co-founder of Physique 57, Amanda Freeman, founder of SLT, and Ruth Zuckerman, co-founder of SoulCycle and Flywheel. The list goes on but many of the best of the best in boutique represented!

We at SoulBody were invited to come pitch at BFS Ventures, their version of Shark Tank. Well prepared with our pitch, Stacey and I presented to an esteemed panel of investors with confidence. We already have great traction and established success with current programming and offerings, but there’s more to come and we need fuel to propel it. It was a great experience and we look forward to our fund-raising journey ahead. We want to congratulate the winners of BFS Ventures Austin Cohen and his team from FlexIt, they are like the “Uber of Fitness” where you only pay for the hours you use at participating gyms…check it out!

One of our favorite session was given by one of our SoulBody Advisors, Emma Barry, former director at Equinox & Les Mills (observer and catalyst). The title to her session was “Build that Badass Boutique” and the room was packed by the next SoulCycle hopefuls. It was all about dialing up the emotional experience in the studio. We can check off all the boxes such as location, amenities, service, class availability, but the ONE THING that will set us apart is the authentic experience we offer our members. The smallest gesture or offering could make all the difference. She also had us fill out a “Boutique Barometer” form. A couple of the questions Emma urged us to think about (which we should all take the time to answer was) 1. How much do your members adore you? 2. How engaged are your members? 3. How baller is your programming? 4. How often do you deliver the results your promise? How rockstar are your instructors? How differentiated are you from others? Emma also recommended a few books to help us all on our member experience journey: Find Your Why, Mapping Experiences, The Ten Principles Behind Great Customer Experiences, The Experience Economy and The Effortless Experience.

The Expo was also packed with innovation, especially in tech, and a lot geared for us instructors (whoo hoo) such as BFS’s NT Etuk’s FitGrid and the newest class music app Instructrr, (a group fitness savior), an all in one class design and music player + timer app.

We always come away from these conferences and summits so inspired, not only by the innovation but the motivation and passion from everyone involved within the vital world of fitness! Everyone’s true aim is to make the planet a happier, healthier place:)

Best in Health and Fitness,

Ann Marie

Big Names in Fitness

Hanging with some major movers and international influencers in the Fitness Space! Josh Leve, Founder & CEO of Association of Fitness Studios, Todd Durkin, conditioning coach and motivational speaker, Maureen Hagan, health wellness and anti-aging expert, Petra Kolber, speaker and educator and Fred Hoffman, fitness expert and consultant

April proved to be a busy travel month with two conferences centered around “Boutique Fitness”. The first stop was Orange County, CA for the Association of Fitness Studios Annual Business Convention & Expo SUCCEED. This was their inaugural conference and Josh Leve, founder and CEO along with his passionate team brought on their A-Game! With three heavy hitting Keynotes, Todd Durkin, Augie and Lynne Nieto of Augie’s Quest and Adam Robinson CEO of Hireology. There were fist pumps, tears, motivation, personal stories of heartbreak and triumph and real world takeaways that we were all blessed to hear and experience first hand.

The weekend was full of great sessions in marketing, fitness future, retention, financing, wearable tech, working with special populations and more. But what was new and fresh to see was the energy from ALL of the small gym and studio owners that attended. Boutique is such an emerging market and Josh Leve has his finger on the pulse! There are now 100,000 small “boutique” studios compared to 10,000 BIG BOX Gyms in the U.S. We at SoulBody work primarily with the bigger clubs, offering them “boutique” group fitness programming to level up and compete with these smaller studios. But what was interesting was a session and message from World Gym CEO Guy Cammilleri and COO Doug Katona telling the boutiques to watch out because BIG BOX is coming into their market. These larger clubs are not only offering “boutique” inside the clubs (like SoulBody’s offer) but now they are getting into this space with stand alone studios. Watch out for sure because larger gyms have buying power and experience behind the build. Their message was “Be Harder to Kill” - a message we all need to armour up for in the FITNESS BIZ.

Next stop the Boutique Fitness Summit NYC!

Best in Health and Fitness,

Ann Marie

Ann Marie and Stacey reconnecting with Leslie McClure, owner of 411 Video Information and Rebecca Cofod from Matrix at the WIFA HH

Ann Marie with Chantal Brodrick, host of the Fitness Business podcast.

SoulBody soaked up every minute at IHRSA 2019 last week in sunny San Diego! This international trade show brings together a global community of health and fitness industry leaders with an expansive trade show, passionate key note speakers, a wide variety of educational sessions and top tiered (FUN) networking events to meet and greet. Meet and greet is what we did and we came home buzzing with excitement and anticipation about not only what’s new within the fitness sphere, but adrenalized with new collaborations and possible partnerships.

Our top two FAVE events was the Fitness Business Podcast early morning Meet-Up that Active Management hosted. It was a 6am walk around the beautiful SD Harbor as the sun came up (perfect idea for us fitness fanatics)! The idea was to walk and talk with people you didn’t know (or haven’t seen for a while) to learn about their fitness business and give your 30 second elevator speech!

Our second “not to be missed” event was the WIFA (Women in Fitness Association) reception. Women are emerging BIG TIME within the fitness industry as leaders, owners, CEOs, managers, founders, entrepreneurs... It’s about time and powerful to see and be a part of! Speaking of remarkable women leaders, it was inspiring to watch Francesca Schuler, CEO of the California-based club chain In-Shape Health Clubs receive the IHRSA 2019 Woman Leader Award in honor of Julie Main, an IHRSA board member, club owner and founder of the Cancer Well-Fit Program who lost her battle with cancer. One of the most notable changes Francesca brought with her leadership role was focus on diversity within her team to reflect their member base - diversity in gender, race and fitness levels. Everyone should take a page from her playbook!

A few take-aways from the electrifying trade show floor…Ok you guessed it - TECH, but also programming to go along with equipment woven together by TECH. An example of this perfect storm is PowerPlate. We stopped by their booth and didn’t just see a few sales people standing around these vibrating machines, we saw program directors and certified small group fitness instructors demonstrating classes and workouts around the PowerPlate. Really smart education and training to compliment the unique vibration technology of this product. Another must-see during our laps around the exhibits is always TRX. Again, product driven by programming and leveled up with TECH to meet the needs of today’s discerning fitness consumer. You can’t help but to get caught up in the energy of their booth with all of the workouts and demos. We checked out their latest launch TRX HOME2 System. The promise of this system - “Work out how you want, anytime, anywhere” - the resounding mantra of 2019! It’s their new suspension trainer with a personalized app. They are also rolling out in-gym on-demand classes and offerings for their members. Going to watch out for that!

We are blessed to be in an industry that focuses on the health and well being of the human race. We are not only seeing great innovation, frictionless access to workouts anytime/anywhere, and health & wellness education, but we are seeing the leaders in fitness come together to make fitness and health education accessible to ALL people - to those with different socio-economic backgrounds to those with mental and physical limitations. The fitness industry is exploding with revolutionary products, programming, trackers, scanners, apps, and more, but those who are now benefiting from these offerings as well as creating these offerings are starting to match up as Francesca Schuler is championing. The fitness industry is proudly becoming one big, beautiful and DIVERSE community ready to take on obesity, illness, depression and more. It is uplifting to see, hear and experience in this often divided climate in which we live.

Cheers to EVERYONE within our industry! Keep-up these vital, life-changing initiatives! See you at IHRSA 2020!

In Good Health,

Ann Marie