Blog 3: IDEA World Fitness July 2022

Hello Athletic Friends,

I had an extraordinary time at the, 40th IDEA World Convention which took place in Las Vegas this past weekend. I met many other passionate fitness trainers from all over the world. There were over 5500 participants! And just like me, they came to learn the latest and greatest information related to the science of fitness. Due to the pandemic, this was our first time back in person after two years and I loved it!

Last Saturday, I had a very full and exciting schedule filled with lectures, physical work, learning and walking going to and from the sessions. Lucky for me, I love to exercise, learn, walk and talk!

Allow me to share a few of the things I learned. Pandemic or no pandemic, it is for certain virtual training is here to stay. I am so glad the Athletic Friends were able to learn and adapt to this type of training. It seems to me, that when push comes to shove we were all able to get out of our comfort zone, be courageous and quickly adapt. In addition, now the Athletic Friends are trendsetters. As it turns out, many people would rather work out virtually then go to their local gyms.

Also, a surprise for me was to learn a technique about gaining muscle. I attended the “Train the Active Adult Through the Ages” workshop. I learned that working your muscles to failure is not the most effective way to train. What!? Yes, new science states to grow muscle more efficiently, it is better to do your sets and finish before muscle failure. This will allow you to have another great workout at your next session and not feel tired. It does make sense. With over 100 million individuals in the U.S. over the age of 50, it is encouraging to know a little extra rest in between sessions will allow for another great intense workout.

Staying focused was a topic at the “Blaze Your Trail-Woman in Leadership” lecture. Simply put, we have way too many distractions. Shut off everything and stay focused. Work only on the one project you plan to work on, and for a specific duration of time, don’t answer calls, beeps, or any electronic sound. Don’t multi- task. Always remember, it is a mindset to push through with your decision. If you say you can you will and if you say you can’t you won’t.

Lastly, the Athletic Friends may have different body types and different goals. But, our mindsets are the same. Health and wellness is a lifestyle and exercise keeps us strong, agile, fit, and mobile to do the things we love to do. With so many trainers out there, I really appreciate you trusting me with your fitness goals. In person or on Zoom, I see you. You are present, working, making adjustments to your movements, working and getting it done. The commitment and consistency in your health is not only appreciated by me, but also those family members and friends that love you. I give you all high fives!

I can’t wait for our next session, Genny