A Little Fitness Mania . . .
I'm coming off three days of being surrounded by and inspired by a convention full of fitness folks. Since I confess to being a nerd about this stuff it was heaven! Here in Atlanta we had a SCW Fitness Convention, otherwise known as Atlanta Mania. There was everything from certifications in any area you could ever imagine, workshops, lectures, demonstrations, experts and all sorts of information and equipment shown in the Expo. If you are in the fitness world it was the perfect weekend. AND, if you are in the fitness world and needed some inspiration, fresh new ideas or something to pull you out of a rut, it was the place to be. The official description is this:
MANIA® is more than just a Fitness Convention; it’s the place where the fitness community goes to be educated, inspired and recharged! Each MANIA® is a 3-day Fitness Education Conference, running up to 15 sessions every hour, featuring world-renowned fitness educators leading over 200 sessions on every topic imaginable! SCW is your one stop shop for certification, education and inspiration! See more here.
This event comes every year to Atlanta but I don't always get to attend because of scheduling conflicts. I was thrilled to set aside the time this year to check it out and get some more CECs. (These are the education credits you have to have in order to lead group fitness classes).
On the first day I spent nine hours with Manuel in a Yoga certification. I've done a yoga certification before but it's been a while so I always love a refresher course. I always pick up a few nuggets that help me learn, understand and be better equipped to share more.
MANIA® is more than just a Fitness Convention; it’s the place where the fitness community goes to be educated, inspired and recharged! Each MANIA® is a 3-day Fitness Education Conference, running up to 15 sessions every hour, featuring world-renowned fitness educators leading over 200 sessions on every topic imaginable! SCW is your one stop shop for certification, education and inspiration! See more here.
This event comes every year to Atlanta but I don't always get to attend because of scheduling conflicts. I was thrilled to set aside the time this year to check it out and get some more CECs. (These are the education credits you have to have in order to lead group fitness classes).
On the first day I spent nine hours with Manuel in a Yoga certification. I've done a yoga certification before but it's been a while so I always love a refresher course. I always pick up a few nuggets that help me learn, understand and be better equipped to share more.
Manuel was actually a hoot and kept us laughing most of the day. That's a good thing when you are in a room for 9 hours . . .
You also get to be best friends with these folks after such a LOOONNNG day!
I spent the next day on a RealRyder bike which was a new thing for me. I loved trying something a little bit foreign and new. These are not your ordinary stationary bikes like in a normal spinning class. These bikes are on frames, but actually move. They are the closest thing to a real outdoor bike out there. The movement keeps your core engaged at all times and allows you to do so much more on the bike to keep you engaged, interested and working! The only downside is they haven't really made it to Atlanta yet. Anyone out there want to invest in this optimal workout? I'd love to have it here! Check it out here. The instructors, Douglas Brooks and Adam Reid, really put us through the paces. We did rides and things on these bikes I didn't know were possible! We also did some Lactic Threshold Testing that I had never done so that was pretty cool. We also broke up into groups and had to teach a class ourselves, including music, a storyline, ride outline and course. A little bit intimidating but great fun. The day ended with a killer long ride before testing. These guys were great, with such knowledge and so much background in the fitness industry that the day flew.
Douglas Brooks and Adam Reid kept us moving and going all day long. Great guys!
Then the next day I went back for even more punishment/fun. I did a great workshop just for the booty and back using bands. Who knew you could do so many things with one band?? I loved the concentration on working the back muscles. Today, we spend SO much time with our shoulders in the forward position from driving, sitting, typing, texting and such that we really need to focus on strengthening these muscles in our backs, flutes and booties.
I walked around the Expo a little bit checking out the new music, demos on everything from foam rollers to Bosu to different bands and clothing before sitting in on a lecture on . . . what else, but Healthy Living. Go figure! I really paid attention to the beginning of the lecture where the nutrition expert from EAS spoke on the importance of the post workout recovery meal.
What is the most important meal of the day? Did you answer breakfast? Well, I did too, so don't feel bad. Answer: The Post Workout Recovery Meal. (That does assume you worked out that day!)
The next thing he emphasized (well, he emphasized a good bit but I appreciated this part) were that you really had 45 minutes post workout to eat your recovery meal for optimal results. After the 45 minute window the results began decreasing. We went over the balance of good carb and protein mix for the meal which is always good as reminders.
I walked around the Expo a little bit checking out the new music, demos on everything from foam rollers to Bosu to different bands and clothing before sitting in on a lecture on . . . what else, but Healthy Living. Go figure! I really paid attention to the beginning of the lecture where the nutrition expert from EAS spoke on the importance of the post workout recovery meal.
What is the most important meal of the day? Did you answer breakfast? Well, I did too, so don't feel bad. Answer: The Post Workout Recovery Meal. (That does assume you worked out that day!)
The next thing he emphasized (well, he emphasized a good bit but I appreciated this part) were that you really had 45 minutes post workout to eat your recovery meal for optimal results. After the 45 minute window the results began decreasing. We went over the balance of good carb and protein mix for the meal which is always good as reminders.
I came away from the three days with some new ideas, inspiration and energy. This business is always changing and progressing. What was "in" or thought to be the "best" five years ago is definitely not the same today.
And, just for a little fun, I'll leave you with a photo our our "old man" dog. We took him down to the river to cool off after a long walk and all he wanted to do was lie on his belly! It actually doesn't look like such a bad idea!
And, just for a little fun, I'll leave you with a photo our our "old man" dog. We took him down to the river to cool off after a long walk and all he wanted to do was lie on his belly! It actually doesn't look like such a bad idea!
What do you do to cool off in the heat? Are you in to the World Cup? Pulling for whom? What do you thing of the RealRyder bikes? Have you tried them? Want to be my investor??
Enjoy the Day!
Enjoy the Day!
