A Great Fitness Idea
Twenty-four years ago, Kathy and Peter Davis had an idea. They envisioned an organization to upgrade and professionalize the growing dance exercise (as “aerobics” was first called) industry. Thus was born I.D.E.A. or the International Dance Exercise Association.
Today, Idea is one of the world’s largest associations of fitness professionals encompassing all fields of fitness instruction – group exercise teachers, personal trainers, athletic trainers, yoga and Pilates instructors, lifestyle coaches, and physical therapists.
Every year, Idea holds the World Fitness Convention with attendees from all corners of the globe. I have attended this convention for sixteen years. I always come back excited to teach new exercise formats. The event itself is quite an experience. Here’s an idea of what it’s like to attend the Idea convention.
One might think that since this is a fitness convention, all the attendees have slim bodies. Not so. Fitness does not mean thinness. Fitness instructors come in all shapes and sizes from petite to plus-size. There are men who look like they could lift a refrigerator and men who look like fashion models. There are Amazonian-type women and those with ladylike physiques. Once in a while, you see a “god” or “goddess” with abs and buns of steel but for the most part, instructors have normal looking bodies. No matter their size or shape, two physical characteristics that instructors share are good posture and an energetic aura.
Knowing their dedication to healthy eating, Idea puts up food stations in strategic places selling oatmeal, yogurt, milk, salads, fresh fruits, and low calorie sandwiches and hot dishes. However, extreme food choices can sometimes challenge the patience of hotel staff. I overhead a waiter at one of the hotel restaurants complain, “These people are driving me crazy. Some want only potatoes, some no potatoes, some no meat, some all meat, some no eggs, and others only egg whites. Doesn’t anyone here eat normally?”
You definitely have to be fit to attend this convention. Sessions are held at the host hotel and the convention center. Just to get from one class to another usually requires a ten-minute walk. Repeat this four to five times a day then add the physical effort required to learn exercise techniques and the energy necessary to shop at the expo and party at night at the various social events. The result, after four days, is a group of very tired and sore instructors.
At the start of the convention, almost everyone skips the escalators and bounds up the stairs. By the end of the event, the escalators are full.
Since fitness is a physical career, a natural assumption would be that young and sexy fitness presenters are in great demand. The opposite is true. It is the older and more mature instructors who are the top presenters. The younger instructors look up to their seniors as mentors and a source of inspiration. The industry has learned to appreciate and respect the wisdom that comes with age and experience.
I have noticed that as fitness professionals approach their fifties they are no longer as lean and “cut” as they used to be even if they maintain their fitness levels. This is most likely a result of the natural aging process and maybe a conscious decision not to be so obsessed with appearance.
The evolution towards function instead of form is also reflected in the workout apparel that is worn and sold at the convention. Most of the designs tend to be athletic instead of sexy. Revealing outfits are still around but are the exception rather than the rule. A friend asked me to buy her “itty-bitty” shorts and I had a hard time finding them even in the stalls selling Brazilian outfits.
The commitment to learn and improve their craft does not stop instructors with special needs from attending the convention. Through the years, I have seen pregnant attendees, breastfeeding mothers with young babies, and instructors recovering from accidents on crutches and wheelchairs.
Idea is a true
global event. Each country has its own unique characteristic. As soon as they
leave a workshop, the Japanese videotape what they have just learned right then
and there in the hallway. Naturally, they use the most high tech equipment.
In my opinion, the Brazilians are the sexiest, Italians the most stylish, Americans
the most athletic looking, Latinos the loudest, and Europeans the most serious.