Here is an example of classic irony: I’m at the world’s premier fitness conference and going crazy because I haven’t had any proper exercise since Wednesday. It’s like being thirsty in a rowboat in the middle of the ocean. Alas, I am surrounded by what would be paradise for me to participate in and I can only observe. This, my friends, is the life of an IDEA editor.   read more >>

Either folks were on a roll from last night 's anniversary do or they were already warming up for this evening's bash, but 7:00 am was party time for attendees at the IDEA World Fitness Convention. Picture mood lighting and raucous applause as Buddy Macuha fired up participants in an encore performance of karaoke cycling. I stayed just long enough to hear Kathy from New Jersey bellow out "It's a-rainin' men (hallelujah!)." Nothing wrong with Kathy’s lungs! Then a quick dash to the Marriott to catch Jeff McMullen in a session billed as INTENSuality. You missed it? Look for some of those sexy moves at the Stingaree tonight.   read more >>

I'm curious. Do you think group fitness has a future? Think about it before you answer and consider the state of the industry itself. Now, I have another question for you. If you are an instructor, are you full-time or part-time? Are you what Shannon Griffiths Fable calls a "hobby instructor"? Do you do it for fun because you get a free membership and you get a good workout in? At this very point in the industry's lifetime we are at a crossroads. read more >>

Yesterday, I noticed a couple of booths as I cruised through the Expo Hall (a girl's gotta check out the shoe selection . . .). My eye caught a commotion in the aisle as the Hoop Girls went into action, hooping frantically. They were an agile group, and the hoops were neon-colored and looked fun for kids and adults. As I flew by another corner, I noticed a woman in a state of happiness as she stood calmly while someone from Sun Laboratories sprayed a lovely, even tan over her legs.   read more >>

Day two and the energy is going strong. Some attendees seem a bit bewildered and fatigued, but each seems eager to push their limits in order to obtain any available bit of information to better serve their clients and participants.

What's the punch line?

When I walked into Chuck Wolf's Friday presentation "Functional Integrated Abdominal Training," I was a little shocked and worried when he told participants to punch one another. read more >>

Great Balls of Fire! Can you tell I took two ball classes in a row? I had better be buff! You know, it’s not so hard to get up for a 7:00 am class when it’s “Laugh your abs off.” Tim Wilkins and Mike Morris were having what I can only call a ‘Joke-Off,’ while Stephanie Morris kept trying to stay on task while flashing her beautiful smile. I was laughing so hard that I fell off the ball. read more >>