The FitnessFest Podcast: Recent Episodes
FitnessFest
FitnessFest Conference and Expo is the largest fitness and wellness conference in the Southwest, attracting novice and veteran group exercise instructors, personal trainers, aquatic instructors, mind/body practitioners, and healthcare professionals.
Growing and evolving within the fitness industry can be a challenge in itself. Where do you start and what type of information is out there? In 2020, a lot of fitness professionals were left with questions on where to start and how do they keep doing what they love. In episode 27 of the FitnessFest podcast we have guest Aimee Nicotera, who since last year has created her own online virtual gym and group fitness format for fitness professionals.
Aimee shares her background in the fitness industry and how all these steps have helped her gain experience for going out on her own. Throughout this episode Aimee shares her tips for fitness professionals and steps she took along her journey over the last year.
Learn more about Aimee - https://aimeenicotera.com/
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In episode 26 of the FitnessFest Podcast we have industry veteran Aileen Sheron. A 2020 finalist for IDEA’s Fitness Instructor of the Year award, Aileen is an entrepreneur and innovator across most facets of the fitness industry. She is an international presenter, inventor, program developer, content creator, writer, mentor, business owner, and social media personality. She has trained thousands of instructors in a variety of specialties, including choreography, equipment-based programming, myofascial release, aerobic dance, cycling, treadmill training, and more. Aileen is president of Good Natured Products Inc., makers of the Omniball and other fitness products.
Throughout this episode Aileen shares her journey through the fitness industry, and how the industry has evolved over the years. Aileen also dives into her unique advice for fitness professionals wanting to speak on the conference circuit, and how she personally practiced her speaking craft until she was given the opportunity.
Learn more about Omniball - https://omni-ball.com/
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In episode 25 of the FitnessFest Podcast we have current VP of Sports Performance and Fitness at Herbalife Nutrition, Samantha Clayton. Samantha shares her journey from being a high-level athlete, joining the fitness industry, and how the athletic mindset fits into her daily routine. This episode is packed with advice for ex-athletes wanting to connect better with their personal training clients, and even parents wanting to know how Samantha approaches sports with her children.
Samantha understands how difficult it can be to make fitness a priority, but it’s her passion to reawaken everyone’s drive to exercise. She competed in the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 representing Great Britain in the 200-meter sprint and the 100-meter relay. Samantha has a Bachelor of Science degree in public health with a concentration in nutrition and wellness and is ISSA certified. She understands how the human body works and how little changes can make a big difference. With an effervescent personality, Samantha makes fitness an achievable goal for everybody whether they’re already a regular gym-goer or happy sitting on the sofa.
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In this episode of The FitnessFest Podcast we have fitness professional Keli Roberts. Keli started from humble beginnings in the fitness industry and worked her way to working with celebrities, speaking at conferences, having a full client list, and consulting for other fitness brands. One of the biggest takeaways in this episode is the importance of education and how you can apply it to your business. Throughout the episode Keli shares some of her most personal issues she faced when coming to the States, and how she worked her way through the industry.
Keli has been recognized for many prestigious awards in the fitness industry. In 2003, she was named the IDEA International Fitness Instructor of the year. In 2005, Keli was awarded the Best Female Presenter and in 2008 she received the Lifetime Achievement OBOW award and in 2007 she was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame. Keli is an ACSM EP and holds certifications through ACE as a GFI, HC and CPT. Moreover, Keli is a BOSU Elite instructor and a Schwinn Senior Master Trainer and an Ambassador for Ryka athletic wear.
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In episode 23 of The FitnessFest Podcast we have another fitness industry pioneer, Leslee Bender. Leslee is the 2020 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year and has been in the Fitness Industry for over 30 years. She is the creator of the Bender Method of safe core training utilizing the famous Bender Ball, co-creator of Barre Above and I Am Ageless Now. Leslee has worked and lectured internationally on health, wellness, and functional movement. Throughout this episode Leslee shares her journey in the industry, what it's what like having a piece of fitness equipment named after her, and her outlook on the fitness industry.
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In episode 22 of the FitnessFest Podcast we have Jenn Tarrant. Jenn is a yoga professional and Senior Master Trainer for YogaFit. Within her role at YogaFit she has the opportunity to teach globally and help fitness professionals expand their knowledge within the yoga realm. Throughout this episode Jenn shares her journey through the fitness industry and why she decided to align herself with YogaFit. Tune in as Jenn shares the thought process she went through when she first entered the fitness industry and certifications characteristics she was searching out.
Learn more about YogaFit – https://www.yogafit.com/
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In episode 21 of the FitnessFest Podcast we have Kim Gray. Kim is a Senior Master Trainer for YogaFit and their Brand Manager. Kim shares her journey through the fitness industry and how she adapted her live sessions over the last year. Being the brand manager for YogaFit, Kim helps put together the company’s conference materials and manages their social media channel. Tune into the episode and hear the advice Kim has for fitness professionals looking into yoga education.
Learn more about YogaFit – https://www.yogafit.com/
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In episode 20 of the FitnessFest Podcast we have one of the founders of the Functional Aging Institute, Dr. Dan Ritchie. Dr. Ritchie shares his initial start in the fitness industry which included the beginnings of active aging education, and his thought process going into co-founding the Functional Aging Institute. Over the last year many businesses thrived or were hurt during the pandemic, Dr. Ritchie shares how his in-person business was affected and how the Functional Aging Institute grew. Lastly, Dr. Ritchie shares his advice for fitness professionals wants to get into the speaker conference.
Learn more about FAI – https://functionalaginginstitute.com/
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In Episode 19 of the FitnessFest Podcast we have Petra Robinson, fitness industry pioneer and consultant. Petra has had many notable stops in the fitness industry but created a name for herself at Zumba and AFAA. Having started in the fitness industry when education was a non-factor, Petra was one of major driving forces behind helping these two global names expand and create programs that have helped millions. Listen in as Petra shares how she started teaching group fitness in Dubai, and her advice for fitness professionals pushing forward in 2021.
The FitnessFest Podcast highlights fitness professionals across the globe and gives you the tools for growth in your own fitness career.
Learn more about FitnessFest - fitnessfest.org/
In Episode 18 of the FitnessFest Podcast we have Sarina Jain, developer of Masala Bhangra. Sarina takes of through a journey that includes developing her own group fitness format, and how she wanted to share her Indian heritage.
Coined as the “Indian Jane Fonda,” Sarina Jain is the creator of the original Masala Bhangra® DVD series. An AFAA® certified fitness instructor for over 28 years, she teaches classes ranging from step aerobics, total body conditioning, and many more. She successfully moves, touches and inspires many people around the world with her knowledge and passion for Bhangra and Bollywood. Recognized as a global game changer, Sarina has over 15 workout videos under her belt with Masala Bhangra® classes offered in over 12 countries around the world.
The FitnessFest Podcast highlights fitness professionals across the globe and gives you the tools for growth in your own fitness career.
Learn more about FitnessFest - fitnessfest.org/
Learn more about Masala Bhangra - https://www.masalabhangraworkout.com/
In Episode 17 of the FitnessFest Podcast Meredith Butulis shares her journey through the fitness industry which includes insight into why she believes so much in her program Becoming a Fitness Comeback Coach. Meredith shares her reasons for loving the power of education, and how she developed a variety of programs for fitness professionals. Listen in on her advice for entry level personal trainers!
The FitnessFest Podcast highlights fitness professionals across the globe and gives you the tools for growth in your own fitness career.
Learn more about FitnessFest - fitnessfest.org/
In Episode 16 of the FitnessFest Podcast Fabio Comana shares his journey through the fitness industry which includes stops at ACE, SDSU and NASM. Listen in on his advice for entry level personal trainers!
The FitnessFest Podcast highlights fitness professionals across the globe and gives you the tools for growth in your own fitness career.
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In Episode 15 of the FitnessFest Podcast James Patrick shares his experiences from within the fitness conference world and how he came to start FitPosium.
The FitnessFest Podcast highlights fitness professionals across the globe and gives you the tools for growth in your own fitness career.
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In Episode 14 of the FitnessFest Podcast Waylon Pahona shares his experiences from within the wellness space and living on a Reservation.
The FitnessFest Podcast highlights fitness professionals across the globe and gives you the tools for growth in your own fitness career.
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In Episode 13 of the FitnessFest Podcast we have Vickie Kuchinski who shares her experiences through battling cancer and how yoga helped her throughout the battle. She gives her insights on different poses and why she feels they are great for individuals battling cancer and their caregivers.
The FitnessFest Podcast highlights fitness professionals across the globe and gives you the tools for growth in your own fitness career.
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In this episode Andrea Austin, Owner of BeatBoss, shares some of the unique qualities of BeatBoss and the steps she took in developing this brand of cycling.
BeatBoss is inspired by three biking styles: ROAD, MOUNTAIN & BMX. BeatBoss is a super fun blend of ROAD READY METRICS while riding to the beat.
Learn more about BeatBoss - https://www.beatboss.rocks/
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In episode 11 of The FitnessFest Podcast we have Jenice Mattek. Jenice shares her journey through personal training and massage therapy school, which eventually lead to her co-founding the Integrative Movement Specialists.
Learn more about FitnessFest - fitnessfest.org/
Learn more about IMS - www.imsinchicago.com/
In episode 10 of The FitnessFest Podcast we have Dr. Evan Osar. Dr. Osar shared his journey through personal training and chiropractic school, which eventually lead to him co-founding the Integrative Movement Specialists.
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
Learn more about IMS - https://www.imsinchicago.com/
In episode 9 of The FitnessFest Podcast we have the Senior Director of Fitness at Youfit, Raphael Konforti. Youfit Health Clubs is a chain of American health clubs. Founded in 2008, Youfit has over 100 locations across 14 states, predominantly in the South and West. Raphael shares his educational background and how he eventually made it to Youfit.
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://fitnessfest.org/
In episode 8 of The FitnessFest Podcast we have Andrea Bowden who is the owner of Next Level Fitness Training in Arizona. Andrea shares her passion for health & fitness and how she developed the concept for her business.
Learn more about FitnessFest - https://www.fitnessfest.org/
Episode 7 of The FitnessFest Podcast featuring Dr. Len Kravitz. In this episode Dr. Kravitz talks about his start in the fitness industry as a group exercise instructor and what lead him to education.
Make sure to follow FitnessFest!
Episode 6 of The FitnessFest Podcast featuring Stephanie Kreun. In this episode Stephanie talks about her start as an instructor and what lead her to her unique food journey!
Make sure to follow FitnessFest!
Episode 5 of The FitnessFest Podcast featuring David Ganulin. In this episode David talks about starting Kettlebell Concepts, the fitness industry, and mentorship.
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In this episode of The FitnessFest Podcast we sit down with Casey Tom. Casey talks about her experiences with nutrition coaching, and provides valuable advice for those looking to switch careers.
In episode 3 of The FitnessFest Podcast we discuss fitness and the CBD industry. Angella Hamilton is the owner of Simple Jane, and a veteran of the health & fitness industry.
Episode 2 of The FitnessFest Podcast featuring Tyler Yearby. In this episode Tyler talks about his journey in collegiate sports, criminal justice, and what lead him to sport performance education.
Make sure to follow FitnessFest!
Episode 1 of The FitnessFest Podcast with Janice Jaicks. Janice is the owner of FitnessFest which is an event planning organization for health & fitness professionals.
Make sure to follow FitnessFest!