| Session Type | Session Title | Session Description | Speaker(s) |
| SOS S.W.E.A.T. Camp | Industry Presented Specialty Workout | Step into SOS S.W.E.A.T. Camp, where timeless fitness meets results-driven training. At SOS S.W.E.A.T. Camp, we’re bringing back the roots of fitness with workouts designed to push your body to the limit—a no-nonsense approach to building strength, endurance, overall athleticism, and no fancy equipment needed. Whether in the gym, at home, or on the go, this camp proves you don’t need a gym to get in the best shape of your life—just your body, your will, and a lot of sweat.<br /> <br />Each class starts with a dynamic warm-up to keep your muscles primed and your heart rate soaring. From there, you’ll dive into a series of high-intensity athletic drills that are simple, yet incredibly effective. There is no confusing choreography. There are no wasted movements. Just straightforward, athletic movements designed to challenge every part of your body, leaving you drenched in sweat and craving more. Every session is different, ensuring your body is constantly pushed, tested, and improved. We maximize your potential with every rep, every sprint, and every drill.<br /> | Linda Mitchell |
| Balanced Body® Vastus Medialis and Knee Tracking; Key to Knee Pain and Stability | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | Muscular imbalances and knee tracking issues commonly cause knee pain and dysfunction. In this session, you will learn how to get the Vastus Medialis firing properly and how to correct the imbalances between all the thigh muscles, building a more balanced and much stronger lower body. | Brian Richey |
| Better Performance Starts at the Core | Independent Interactive Workshop | Explore and experience practical techniques for abdominal bracing, glute activation, functional core training, and active recovery for improved basic movement patterns and exercise performance. Leave this session with a fresh catalog of exercises and moves that will deliver optimal core benefits. | Kia Williams |
| Fostering Mental Well-being Through Physical Activity | Independent Lecture | As mental health challenges rise, the role of fitness professionals in supporting emotional well-being through exercise has become more critical. This session equips attendees with evidence-based tools to address mental health concerns via thoughtfully designed exercise programs. Participants will explore barriers to exercise for individuals with chronic psychological disorders, learn practical assessment strategies, and gain actionable insights into creating effective programs that foster mental and emotional well-being. An interactive case study will guide attendees in applying these principles to develop transformative client experiences through movement. | A'Naja Newsome |
| Harnessing Recovery: A Core Pillar of the Performance System | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | At Exos, recovery isn’t an afterthought—it’s one of the Four Pillars of Human Performance, alongside Mindset, Nutrition, and Movement. Our system is built on decades of scientific research and practical application, with recovery playing a critical<br />role in the success of our athletes and clients. This session will dive deep into the recovery process, exploring the recovery cycle of work, rest, and adaptation that leads to optimal performance.<br />We’ll explore how categorizing stress loads (neural, mechanical, metabolic, and psychological) allows us to tailor recovery strategies for each individual, ensuring a balanced approach to training. You’ll also learn about the concept of “functional state” and how to implement targeted regeneration techniques, from active recovery sessions to planned rest days like our “Regeneration Wednesdays.” Join us to understand how recovery powers adaptation and keeps athletes and clients performing at their best. | Russ Orr |
| Leading with Science in the Fitness Community: Using Evidence-Based Nutrition Science to Combat Misinformation | Industry Presented Lecture | Nutrition research is becoming increasingly difficult for the general public to navigate – not only because of the language of research but because of the depth and vastness of the information shared. The rate at which information is shared due to the media landscape makes it critical for fitness professionals to be prepared to address clients’ food and nutrition concerns. Fitness professionals are uniquely positioned to foster trust with clients by communicating correct scientific information. This session aims to provide fitness professionals with the right tools to be able to understand how to interpret nutrition science information, critically evaluate and identify credible sources of nutrition science information, evaluate health information shared via media outlets, and to accurately present the relevance of the information to their clients in the proper context. We will review real-world examples of how research has been translated into media headlines; credible and not, the impact misinformation can have on the public, and the importance of effectively communicating nutrition information. | Kelly Jones |
| Moving Beyond Theory: Targeting Behavioral Constructs to Make an Impact with Your Clients | Independent Lecture | Understanding behavior change theory is essential for fitness professionals as they support clients in reaching their short and long-term physical activity goals. While theories help explain potential behavioral patterns, a single behavioral theory doesn’t always fit every client perfectly. This session will explore how the foundational constructs of theories may be better as targets in helping your clients move towards a positive relationship with exercise and physical activity. This session will include real-world examples of applying behavior change constructs and research. Fitness professionals will leave with practical, contemporary, evidence-based techniques for fostering short- and long-term goals, improving client adherence, and promoting sustainable lifestyle changes. | Sara Kovacs |
| Obesity Medications: What's Next in the Pipeline and Fitness Industry Impact | Independent Lecture | Research on obesity medications is rapidly advancing and constantly changing, whether through new evidence of the benefits of these agents beyond weight loss or announcements of new pharmacotherapies in the research and development pipeline. Learn what is cutting-edge, including–and beyond–“GLP-1s.” Attendees will hear the latest updates and potential impacts on the fitness industry and clients, highlighting the evidence ready for prime time and the unknowns surrounding these highly effective agents. | Renee Rogers |
| A Coach's Voice: The Instrument for Influence, Connection & Impact | Independent Interactive Workshop | Your voice is your greatest asset for deeper connections, influence, and impact. Your physical voice is an instrument that you must learn to play to achieve masterful communication. This is especially true for educators whose role is to reach and inspire. This presentation will cover practical elements for you to explore your voice. From individual strategies to specific vocal forms and "personas", this session will allow you to be more dynamic and effective. All these elements will be tied directly into your role as a coach. | Nicholas Lambe |
| A Comprehensive Approach to Scapular Dyskinesis | Independent Interactive Workshop | In this session, you'll engage in a hands-on learning experience, where you will both assess and be assessed on key aspects of shoulder posture and function. We’ll focus on practical, real-world techniques as participants are invited to undergo live assessments and corrective sequences tailored to their specific shoulder concerns. You’ll gain the skills to quickly and efficiently evaluate shoulder issues using minimal equipment and discover how to identify problems often overlooked in standard assessments. Additionally, you'll learn powerful insider tips for restoring proper shoulder movement and function. If you or someone you know is dealing with shoulder issues, this session is a must-attend! | Brendan Fox |
| High-Intensity Functional Training for ALL Fitness Levels | Independent Interactive Workshop | Lack of time is a major barrier to exercise participation. High-intensity functional training (HIFT) provides a time-efficient approach to addressing cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in a single exercise session. We will show you how to modify and design HIFT exercises for all fitness levels to achieve high intensity at relative intensity. Come ready to move in this evidence-based, action-powered workshop! | Jessica Smith |
| Moving Through a Movement Disorder: Parkinson's and Exercise | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | Exercise is increasingly accepted as an adjunct treatment for Parkinson’s disease that is associated with slower declines in mobility and improved quality of life. Exercise professionals provide leadership, expertise, and programs to help people living with Parkinson’s achieve their goals and manage their Parkinson’s symptoms. This session seeks to educate exercise professionals and familiarize them with the Competencies for Exercise Professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities for training people with Parkinson's. Utilizing the Parkinson's Exercise Guidelines, you will actively be participating in a Parkinson's focused exercise class to better understand the why behind the exercises that will directly impact your clients’ quality of life living with Parkinson’s.<br /> </p> | Daniel Corcos, Lisa Hoffman, Sarah Palmer |
| The Aging Foot & Its Effect On Movement | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | This very day over 10,000 adults turn 65, entering one of the fastest-growing age groups. With 65 as the new 50, many of these clients are looking to enjoy some of the best days of their lives. However thinning skin, arthritis, neuropathy, and fat pad atrophy can all impede their ability to walk, run, and enjoy their favorite activities. Join podiatrist Dr Emily Splichal as she explores the common changes to the foot and how to offset these changes to enhance movement longevity. | Emily Splichal |
| Walter R. Bortz Lecture: It's Not My Fault...It's Menopause | Independent Lecture | The menopause transition increases the risk of chronic disease in women as a result of accelerated bone loss (osteoporosis), intra-abdominal fat accumulation (heart disease, type 2 diabetes), and other consequences of the loss of ovarian estrogens. The session will include a discussion of whether exercise can be effective in attenuating these menopause-related changes followed by an interactive Q&A. | Wendy Kohrt |
| Joint Replacements: Returning Triumphant! | Independent Interactive Workshop | Bridge the gap between physical therapy and full function into daily activities and sports performance for your clients with joint replacements. Hip, knee, and shoulder replacements are on the rise as baby boomers come of age. According to the 2023 report of AJRR, 3.2 million joint replacements are performed in the USA every year. Learn critical strategies leading to specific techniques for different joint replacement procedures while remaining within your scope of practice. Through practical application, in a hands-on environment, learn skills to develop pre- and post-surgery program designs for your clients to thrive. | Keli Roberts, Leslee Bender |
| Key to High Performance - Speed Development | Industry Presented Lecture | This session will explore the specific components of speed development programming using current fitness technology and specialized equipment unique to performance and speed development. | Brian Kula |
| Mastering Heart Health: ECG Wearables, Arrhythmias, and Clinical Pathways for Fitness Professionals | Independent Lecture | ECG wearables and devices have grown in popularity and availability since the public release of the Kardia Mobile and Apple Watch 4. Fitness professionals will encounter Apple, Fitbit, Samsung, Kardia, and others, but how do they compare to their proven clinical counterparts? This presentation will highlight available research and other considerations such as price, ease of use, and which ones have received FDA approval. ECG wearables and devices monitor the heart's rhythm, and a review of common ECG rhythms, arrhythmias, and clinical next steps should a cardiac concern arise will strengthen the knowledge base of the fitness professional. | BRIAN CLEVEN |
| Metabolism Myths vs. Realities: Separating Fact from Fiction | Independent Lecture | With so much information on social media about boosting metabolism, it can be challenging to distinguish between myths and facts. In this session, we'll debunk common misconceptions about metabolism and offer evidence-based insights. You'll leave equipped to educate your clients on safe and effective strategies for weight loss rooted in science. | jan schroeder |
| Redesigning Exercise Programs for the Neurodiverse Community | Independent Lecture | Neurodiversity encompasses a broad spectrum of unique neurological differences, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Exercise professionals have a unique opportunity to support neurodiverse individuals in achieving better physical health, emotional well-being, and social connection through inclusive exercise programming. This presentation shares evidence-based strategies to address key challenges such as communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and varying motor skills. Attendees will learn practical approaches to fostering an inclusive environment, tailoring exercises to individual needs, building confidence in clients and professionals, and tools to engage the neurodiverse community more effectively. | David Geslak |
| Scientific Updates on Recovery and Wellness Technologies | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | This engaging workshop provides attendees with a comprehensive update on the latest advancements in recovery and wellness technology. Facilitated by two industry leaders from Therabody, the session will offer evidence-based insights into the scientific principles behind popular recovery modalities. Attendees will unpack how these technologies support recovery, enhance wellness, and optimize human performance. Through interactive case study-based learning, participants will bridge the gap between theory and practice, leaving with actionable strategies to support their clients' recovery and wellness journeys. | Rachelle Reed, Timothy Roberts |
| Ageless Function: Movements that Matter! | Independent Interactive Workshop | Enhancing functional ability is essential for an ageless lifestyle! Within a full spectrum of age-related needs and goals, from osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity, through to the elite athlete, program design for older adults must incorporate training strategies to improve the movements that matter: Gait, hinge, squat, lunge, push, pull, rotate, and loaded carry. In an interactive environment, through hands-on practical application, explore seven different programming options designed to enrich the lives of your active (and inactive) aging clients. | Keli Roberts |
| Alignment: Mapping the Human Design | Independent Interactive Workshop | Maintaining optimal alignment in movement allows for freedom of motion, elastic energy production, force production, and stability in sports, fitness, and life. Learn a series of dynamic alignment assessment exercises and how to apply what they reveal to exercise design. In this workshop, we will explore the structures of the human body and its design. We will explore a variety of techniques including self-myofascial release, stability, and mobility exercises to create resiliency and suppleness through the kinetic lines to achieve alignment that is easy to implement in any training environment | Helen Vanderburg |
| Balanced Body® Anatomy + Movement: Unraveling Upper Body Dysfunction, Imbalance and Pain | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | Cell phones, increased screen time and poor postural habits taken a physical toll on our clients. Tension headaches and neck pain, shoulder and rotator cuff issues and overall upper body dysfunction are a direct result. In this workshop we will take a deep dive into the anatomy, training principles and corrective exercise programming that combines Anatomy in Three Dimensions™ with the Balanced Body Movement Principles. We will delve into the most common conditions and muscular imbalances of the upper extremity that can lead to pain and dysfunction and what you can do to help correct these. Through the unique experience of building the muscles of the upper body out of clay on our one-of-a-kind skeleton, you’ll gain in depth understanding of how these muscles work together to create well-balanced, injury-free upper body movement. | Brian Richey, Nico Gonzalez |
| Beyond Lower Cross Syndrome: A Comprehensive Approach to Hip Assessments | Independent Interactive Workshop | Are you ready to go beyond the basics of addressing postural imbalances and elevate your training expertise? In this session, you’ll gain the skills to assess hip alignment in all three planes, unlocking the key to effectively correcting postural issues and achieving optimal results for your clients. No longer will you be limited to identifying just an anterior pelvic tilt. By broadening your assessment capabilities to encompass all planes of motion, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of your client's unique needs and how to guide them toward achieving ideal anatomical alignment and fully functional capacity. You'll leave this session equipped with advanced assessment tools, targeted corrective exercise strategies, and programming techniques designed to create comprehensive, client-specific training plans. If you’re committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for your clients, this session is an essential step forward. | Brendan Fox |
| Bringing Back Foundation Strength Training, UN-Complicating Your Training for Optimal Results | Independent Interactive Workshop | In a world of functional corrective exercises, HIIT, explosive speed and power work, and endless amounts of social media and YouTube videos, several people skip foundation strength. This session will examine movements for max strength, strength endurance, and strength hypertrophy, and their role in performance and weight loss. Refocus on year-long programming and progressions, and where to fit in the basic 7. Squat, Hinge, Lunge, Horizontal Push / Pull, Vertical Push / Pull. | Greg Johnson |
| High-Intensity Functional Training for Strength Development | Independent Lecture | High intensity functional training (HIFT) is designed to improve general fitness and performance through a unique combination of weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardiorespiratory training elements. This lecture will focus on current insights into strength training adaptations to HIFT and highlight unique exercise protocols that can be modified for all fitness levels. | Jessica Smith |
| Removing the Noise in Obesity Treatment: Unpacking the Newest Evidence on Physical Activity and Weight Management from ACSM | Independent Interactive Workshop | Hot off the press and ready for fitness professionals, ACSM has a new consensus paper on obesity treatment. This provides the most recent evidence on the role of physical activity (PA) in managing obesity. It will highlight timely considerations on all aspects of obesity treatment, including lifestyle, pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, PA prescription, nutrition, and PA engagement. After covering the updated research, the focus will shift to application, helping attendees decipher how to use this information immediately in real-world practice. This session can be presented as one in-depth workshop or broken into multiple sessions covering the key areas of the consensus paper. | John Jakicic, Stella Volpe |
| Ageless Flexibility, Mobility and Strength for Performance Longevity | Independent Interactive Workshop | This session is specifically designed to give you cutting edge techniques in training for flexibility, mobility leading to strength at any age that brings science into practice. Many modalities do not address the importance of restoration to improve overall performance and quality of life that can lead to dysfunctions and injuries. As trainers having new and progressive methods that combine myofascial release, lengthening and strengthening is vital. | Leslee Bender |
| Balanced Body® Anatomy in Three Dimensions: The Pelvic Floor; Common Conditions, Myths, Misconceptions and Solutions | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | This workshop will delve into the pelvic floor like no other. First, you will build a module of the pelvic floor muscles out of clay on a skeletal pelvis. Thus, learning all the different muscles and discovering how they work together to keep your pelvic floor functioning properly. Then we will discuss the most common conditions and issues of the pelvic floor and what you can do to properly train it based on the latest research on the subject. Last, we will talk about common myths and misconceptions surrounding the pelvic floor so you know what is true and what isn’t. | Brian Richey, Helen Vanderburg |
| Don't Sleep on Sleep: A Practical Coaching Framework | Independent Lecture | Sleep is often mentioned in the triad of health alongside exercise and nutrition. However, the reality is that sleep takes a massive back seat to the other variables in our coaching process, leaving a tremendous opportunity on the table to better client results and an ability to help a struggling and massively underserved population. Regarding client results, the roadmap to success is providing a stimulus (i.e., exercise) that the client will have to recover and adapt from, improving health and fitness. However, we miss out on this adaptation process without quality and optimal sleep, leaving results behind every time. The next point lies in the sheer amount of individuals struggling with sleep, estimated to be half of the population, depending on the criteria you use to define sleep issues. Many sleep issues are very behavioral in nature, meaning there is an incredible opportunity for coaches to fill the void for those who struggle. | Nicholas Lambe |
| Ouch-I Can’t Do That Anymore- Give Me Some Safe Alternatives | Independent Interactive Workshop | Squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, and rotating are fundamental movements that are essential for normal physical performance, health, and function. These popular exercises are commonly prescribed but can be painful for some clients' shoulders, lower backs, hips, and knees. Exercise professionals can help medically-cleared clients perform simple preconditioning exercises and technique modifications, to continue training safely and effectively. Attendees will learn how to perform, progress, and regress several exercises as substitutes/supplements to the previously mentioned exercises to keep their clients “in the game and off the sidelines.” | Paul Gallo, Peter Ronai |
| The Ultimate Footwear Debate | Understanding Minimal, Maximal and Rocker-Based Shoes | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | With a myriad of options available, professionals and clients find themselves in a constant dilemma: to embrace the barefoot or minimal shoe or revel in the plush comfort of heavily cushioned shoes. Join functional podiatrist as she can bring clarity to this confusing topic and share guidelines that can be used to make educated footwear decisions. Learn how to make footwear decisions based on foot type, injury history, and different activities. You will not want to miss this highly informative workshop. | Emily Splichal |
| Trending Now: Strategies for Integrating the 2025 Fitness Trends into Practice | Independent Lecture | The results of the annual ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal® worldwide survey of fitness trends offer insights into the future of the fitness industry. Data collected from thousands of exercise professionals across the globe predict influential programming, training modalities, and business models. This session will enhance the value of the survey results by diving deeper into the literature, unpacking the top trends, and highlighting actionable steps for fitness professionals seeking to improve client outcomes. Attendees will be equipped with evidence-based strategies for personal and professional growth and business development | A'Naja Newsome, Rachelle Reed |
| ZUMBA GOLD®A Workout Active Older Adults Want and Enjoy! | Industry Presented Specialty Workout | There’s no age limit to Join the Zumba Party! Master moves designed for Active Older Adults or those looking for a low-impact cardio workout. This is a modified Zumba® class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity. The class design introduces easy-to-follow Zumba® choreography focusing on balance, range of motion, and coordination. Reach the largest growing population segment, learn how to effectively address their unique anatomical, physiological, and psychological needs, and have fun. | Kelly Bullard |
| Adapting Fitness for All: Inclusive Exercise Tips for Various Abilities | Independent Interactive Workshop | This session offers practical tips and insights for adapting fitness programming to ensure accessibility and effectiveness for most clients–from those with physical limitations, seniors, individuals recovering from injury, and the changing lives of the athlete at heart. This session will offer tips to get your client moving well and pain-free, enrich quality of life, and make exercise programming more approachable and motivating. | Kia Williams |
| Balancing Science and Experience: Reconciling Research with Real-World Coaching | Industry Presented Lecture | In the world of sports performance, practitioners face the challenge of reconciling population-wide research recommendations with the lived experiences of individual clients. This presentation will explore the importance of scientific literacy and its application in real-world settings, highlighting how data literacy can empower coaches to move beyond the dogma of rigid research findings. Attendees will learn how to use evidence-based practices as a foundation, while also recognizing the role of practice-based evidence — the real-world experience that often fuels new research and testing. We’ll discuss the delicate balance between “because research says so” and the nuances of personal experience, teaching coaches to think critically about how they integrate both data and intuition into their coaching methods. | Rich Pruett |
| Move with Confidence: Enhancing Cognitive Fitness With Functional Movement | Independent Interactive Workshop | Engage in an energizing session that combines mental exercise with physical activity. Through engaging and interactive exercises, you will discover how functional movement patterns can sharpen your brain, enhance mental clarity, and improve overall well-being. Learn the significance of connecting cognitive and physical movements to identify patterns that enhance brain activity. Join this workshop to explore practical techniques that improve cognitive function and empower participants to lead a more active, mindful, and confident life. | Ruben Pereyra |
| Muscle and Obesity Medications: A Deep Dive into Body Composition and Exercise | Independent Lecture | Is all weight loss beneficial for changes in body composition? Exercise, particularly resistance training, is often recommended to help slow or prevent lean mass loss, especially with the newest emergence of obesity medications/GLP-1s. This session will explore the changes in body composition associated with obesity treatments–including lifestyle adaptations, pharmacotherapies/GLP-1s, and bariatric/metabolic surgery–and the role exercise plays in tissue quantity and quality changes during weight loss. | John Jakicic, Renee Rogers |
| The Muscle Tuning Theory | Understanding Gravity's Role in Performance and Injury Prevention | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | How we relate to the ground and associated impact forces is critical to human movement, athletic performance, and injury prevention. Join functional podiatrist Dr. Emily as she explores The Muscle Tuning Theory and how it can be applied to clients and athlete programming. This concept will change the way you look at shoes, surfaces, and barefoot science! | Emily Splichal |
| Glute Training, Beginner to Advanced, Assessment and Implementation | Independent Interactive Workshop | All hail the king of athletic performance and aesthetics. THE GLUTES are finally getting their well-deserved place in the gym, in a quad-driven fitness world. From glute activation, isolation, and enhancement, this workshop will discuss exercises from correction to strength, power, and hypertrophy, or simply building a better booty. What moves are best, and for what clients? | Greg Johnson |
| Integrating Yoga with Functional Fitness | Independent Interactive Workshop | Discover how to enhance functional fitness with yoga in this session; designed to integrate these two powerful practices. You'll learn how yoga can improve mobility, stability, and overall movement patterns, making it an ideal complement to functional fitness training. We’ll explore specific yoga poses and sequences that support strength, balance, and injury prevention. By the end, you'll have practical techniques to incorporate yoga into your fitness programs, helping clients move more efficiently and safely in their daily activities and workouts. | Stacy McCarthy |
| Mindful Movement: Enhancing Mental Health Through Fitness | Independent Lecture | Mindful Movement: Enhancing Mental Health Through Fitness explores the powerful connection between exercise and mental well-being. This session offers clear insight into how physical activity supports mental wellness and helps manage common mental health issues. Attendees will gain hands-on experience with motivational interviewing and behavior change strategies, essential for promoting mental health in clients. The session also emphasizes recognizing when to refer clients to mental health professionals. Join us to enhance your skills and become a champion for mental well-being in the fitness community. | Robyn Whitehead, Travis Weisbrod |
| Science meets Action: Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Health | Independent Lecture | In this session, you will learn how you, as an exercise and health professional, can balance individual client needs and preferences with the broad recommendations from peer-reviewed literature and research findings. You will walk away with action steps for your clients based on their nutritional, health, and physical activity needs. | Erin Nitschke |
| Strengthening Exercise in the Autism Community: Practical, Proven Approaches | Independent Interactive Workshop | Those with autism and other disabilities are often intentionally and unintentionally excluded from exercise programs. With insightful training and evidence-based strategies, fitness professionals around the world are embracing this untapped opportunity. Be empowered to unlock the potential of a clientele that could benefit from your expertise. | David Geslak |
| The Physical, Physiological and Behavioral Benefits of Myofascial Release | Independent Interactive Workshop | This progressive approach to myofascial release will enhance physical, physiological, and behavioral benefits to the human body for longevity, less pain and performance. When we view the body and the way it works synergistically and responds to stimulus we will have a better understanding. One of the hardest concepts to realize is that overtraining the physiological body leads to decreased immunity, pain, exhaustion, and increased mental stress. This session bridges the gap between therapy and fitness. | Leslee Bender |
| Max Strength = Max Speed | Industry Presented Lecture | This lecture will discuss the fundamentals of utilizing maximal strength loading to increase athletes' ability to run faster and jump higher. | Josh Cuthbert |
| Mind Over Muscle: Transforming Fitness Training with Cereset's BrainEcho® Innovation | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | Simone Biles’ brave decision to withdraw from the 2020 Olympics decision cast a spotlight on an important emerging topic in professional athletics and fitness training – the vital role that brain wellness plays in physical health and performance. <br />When physical performance is lagging, the natural reaction is often to train harder or longer. However, for an already stressed system, this approach can aggravate performance issues, increase mental and physical fatigue, and exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, poor sleep, and cognitive sluggishness. Instead, let’s consider looking to the master controller of the entire system to optimize health and performance. <br />Scientific research has proven that stress has a profound negative impact on the brain’s function, performance, and physical structure. Because the brain regulates all aspects of physical health, performance capabilities, emotional wellbeing, and cognitive abilities, mitigating the effects of stress on the brain is vital to any performance optimization effort. <br />Cereset® is an advanced, non-invasive brain technology that naturally enhances the brain’s function and performance by supporting the brain to release and recover from stress. Cereset utilizes a proprietary BrainEcho® technology which provides the brain with immediate feedback on its function and performance via engineered musical tones. The brain uses the information in the BrainEcho® to recalibrate and fine-tune its own activity, resulting in deeper sleep, improved emotional wellbeing, stronger energy resources, improved cognitive abilities, and enhanced overall performance. <br /> | Gina Fontaine |
| Nature-Deficit Disorder | Independent Lecture | There is good reason to believe our wellness communities lack "Vitamin N" (for Nature). "Vitamin N," derived from outdoor activities in natural environments, helps to improve mood and reduce stress. The Nature Principle holds that a reconnection to the natural world is fundamental to human health, well-being, spirit, and survival (Louv, 2012). This presentation discusses the evolution of civilizations, from the near-constant outdoor activity of our ancient ancestors to the current epidemic of sedentariness, screen usage, and indoor urban life of our modern world. Learn a comprehensive and practical approach to naturally enriched well-being. | Mary Yoke |
| Physical Activity vs. Exercise Training: Integrating Both for Optimal Health and Fitness | Independent Interactive Workshop | This session will explore the key differences between physical activity and exercise and how each impacts health and fitness. We will break down the roles and benefits of structured exercise training and everyday physical activity and provide practical guidance on incorporating each into a comprehensive fitness plan. We will discuss the benefits of general physical activity, how to plan and monitor it, and what important variables to know. | Tony Nuñez |
| Striking the Balance: Strategies for Preserving Lean Muscle During Weight Loss | Industry Presented Lecture | This session provides practical strategies for assessing and optimizing body composition during weight loss in the general population. We will address the limitations of BMI as a way of categorizing risk or measuring progress and review methods that can practically and accurately be done in medical or fitness settings. We will explore what is known about the effects of obesity medications on body composition and behavior. The presentation will also discuss nutritional considerations for preserving lean tissue, strategies for balancing fat loss and muscle gain in various scenarios, and the impact of exercise on appetite, fat loss, and muscle. | Monica Reinagel, Nina Crowley |
| The Fitness Assessment Toolkit- Purposes, Priorities, Processes, and Procedures | Independent Lecture | Thorough pre-activity and health history screenings, comprehensive physical fitness and functional tests, and other physical assessments are vital for developing safe, effective, client-specific exercise programs. This presentation will provide:<br />? An overview of physical fitness tests and assessments in the United States<br />? A description of factors that affect the applicability of assessments/evaluations<br />? Examples of appropriate choices for specific populations<br />Learn how to select tests that best fit individual needs and facilitate the development of relevant, targeted interventions to enhance health, fitness, and physical function and performance. And acquire several new tools, resources, and practical knowledge to safely apply immediately.<br /> | Peter Ronai |
| The Latest in Trending Diets: What’s Hype vs. Reality? | Industry Presented Lecture | With confusing media headlines, social media posts, and the constantly evolving nutrition science landscape, it can be challenging for fitness professionals to determine what is accurate when it comes to trending diets. Should I eat like my ancestors? Should I include grains in my diet? This session will help you understand the background, perceived health benefits, and current science available for some of the major trending diets. After the session, you will be better equipped to discuss these diet trends with your clients as they come up, including helping them determine whether these diets are supporting their health and wellness goals. | Megan Engel |
| The Neuroscience of Sleep and Mental Health | Independent Lecture | Sleep is a powerful yet often overlooked factor in mental and brain health. This session will simplify complex research on how sleep impacts these areas and provide practical strategies for promoting healthy sleep behaviors. Tailored for health and fitness professionals, this presentation will equip attendees with knowledge and actionable insights to address sleep within their scope of practice, ultimately enhancing the well-being of their clients. | Ryan Glatt |
| Balanced Body® ReforMat with Bands and Rollers | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | Take Pilates Reformer exercises and translate them to the Mat. Elastic bands and foam rollers become our Reformer in a fun and challenging workout for your mat students. Taking the principles of each Reformer exercise, transfer the exercise to the mat and see how it changes the essential nature of the exercise. Deepen your understanding of both Pilates mat and Reformer exercises. Open your mind to new possibilities and creative variations of the Pilates repertoire. Introduce Reformer work to your class and encourage them to try Reformer classes or personal training sessions. | Helen Vanderburg |
| Empower & Thrive: Tools for Purposeful Aging | Independent Interactive Workshop | Join us for the "Empower & Thrive: Tools for Purposeful Aging" workshop tailored to fitness instructors and trainers specializing in supporting older adults. Learn practical strategies to help your clients age gracefully while managing chronic conditions and enhancing their overall well-being. You will explore effective fitness programs, adaptive techniques, and motivational tools to inspire older adults to stay active and engaged. Equip yourself with the knowledge to foster independence and resilience in your clients, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. Together, let's positively impact the lives of those we serve in their journey toward purposeful aging! | Ruben Pereyra |
| Enhancing Balance and Stability Skills in Older Adults to Prevent Slips and Trips | Independent Lecture | Exercise programs designed to lower fall risk often emphasize strength and balance training. However, based on the principle of training specificity, improving the motor skills needed to prevent trip- or slip-related falls may be most effective through targeted, skill-specific exercises. This workshop will introduce you to movements that enhance older clients' ability to resist slips and trips. | Jan Schroeder |
| From Evidence to Exercise Studios: Confronting Weight-related Bias and Stigma and Creating More Inclusive Fitness Spaces | Independent Lecture | Weight-related bias and stigma in physical activity (PA) settings can lead to PA avoidance and adverse health outcomes. The fitness professional's role is to create environments that promote inclusion for all individuals regardless of weight status. This session will identify the consequences of weight-related bias and stigma in the fitness industry and review common misconceptions about PA for individuals who are overweight or obese. Current research on best practices for fostering an inclusive and empathetic exercise environment, including using person-first language and approaches for addressing weight bias and stigma in a fitness setting, will be included. | Sara Kovacs |
| Starting an Exercise Program for People Living with and Beyond Cancer | Independent Lecture | During this session, attendees will learn concrete steps to ensure their exercise program is cancer-inclusive. | Kathryn Schmitz |
| Studio Walking | Independent Interactive Workshop | Walk to the beat in this low-impact walking workout that's easy to teach and fun for students and clients of all ages. Walking-based moves (i.e. marching in place) convert into steps per minute, which easily convert to miles. Designed to target deconditioned participants and those who may not currently participate in any other classes, but are suitable for those looking for a moderate rhythmic workout. Learn simple, no-fail patterns, student confidence, community builders, and how to translate “the why” into memorable movements and educational sound bytes that will delight students and clients. | Grace DeSimone |
| Trauma-Informed Exercise Instruction: An Exploration Across Multiple Modalities | Independent Interactive Workshop | Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop that integrates trauma-informed practices and culturally supportive approaches to fitness instruction across diverse exercise modalities. In this fusion-style class, you'll explore innovative techniques to create inclusive, safe, and healing fitness environments - all while moving in a mix of fun, challenging, restorative ways. You'll gain hands-on experience with exercises while learning how to foster a supportive atmosphere for all participants. Whether you're a fitness professional or an enthusiast, this session will equip you with the tools to promote well-being and respect in your practice. | Kate O'Farrell |
| Elevating Coaching Impact: Emotional Intelligence in Action | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | Exos, known for elevating elite athletes and Fortune 100 teams to peak performance, knows that effective coaching transcends techniques. In this session, delve into how emotional intelligence (EI) is essential for enhancing coaching effectiveness. Learn our proven strategies for deepening coach-client connections, improving conversation quality, and setting impactful goals. This workshop is designed to refine your coaching approach, applying EI in ways that resonate with high achievers across sports and business. Get ready to unlock your full potential as a coach and leave a lasting impact on your clients. | Rich Pruett |
| Muscle as a Longevity Organ – The Role of Urolithin A | Industry Presented Lecture | Skeletal muscle is increasingly seen as a "longevity organ" that influences healthy aging beyond movement, affecting amino acid storage, glucose metabolism, and immune function. Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) can lead to frailty and metabolic disorders, making muscle preservation crucial for longevity. While exercise remains essential, bioactive compounds like Urolithin A (UA) can also support muscle health, especially in less active populations. UA enhances mitophagy and mitochondrial health, potentially promoting muscle longevity and vitality. This seminar will explore how fitness professionals can use UA to help clients improve longevity and quality of life through muscle-focused strategies. | Jennifer Scheinman |
| Pickle Power | Independent Interactive Workshop | Take advantage of the world's fastest-growing sport by offering signature Pickleball workouts and classes. This workshop reviews the latest stats on who is playing pickleball and why (which may surprise you!). It will provide a comprehensive sequence of sport-specific exercises that can be delivered in a class, small group, or private training setting. Incorporate resistance bands and the unique Corefirst tool for enhanced innovation and challenge. Grab your paddle, stay out of the kitchen, and let's smash this! | Ingrid Knight-Cohee, Jeff Huling |
| Posture Perfect: Body Weight Exercises for Better Posture | Independent Interactive Workshop | As our aging population increasingly relies on fitness professionals to enhance their quality of life, maintaining their upright posture becomes even more crucial to balance and avoid falls. Posture is essential for proper movement mechanics and having mobility in joints can significantly improve activities of daily living. Examine a variety of body weight exercises designed to improve spinal posture. These total body-weight, equipment-free exercises can be easily practiced at home, empowering clients to maintain their progress between sessions. | John Preston |
| Vital Core Training | Independent Interactive Workshop | In this highly interactive session where science meets practice, you will leave with the latest systematic techniques in core training that promote strength and decrease back pain. Understanding that crunches are a thing of the past, over-utilizing the hip flexors causes compression of the spine which can be avoided. Experiencing the art of lengthening builds greater strength in the core than shortening with specific strategies and techniques for all types of fitness. As trainers we need to diversify our knowledge to include modalities of training that are functionally safe and effective for all bodies, this course will enhance your journey as a professional. Expand your skills and techniques as you learn how to implement a core training system that delivers profound results. | Leslee Bender |
| Your Brain in 3D | Independent Interactive Workshop | What happens when cognitive training is combined with multi-planar movement? How does an exercise professional begin to incorporate brain & body training in an evidence-based manner? Learn about the latest research on incorporating brain & body training through dual-tasking and open-skill exercises. You will gain hands-on experience facilitating 10+ cognitively demanding exercises emphasizing attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning. Physical and cognitive modifications will be provided for each drill, and how to apply them in group and private training sessions. | Aimee Nicotera, Ryan Glatt |
| From Ideation to Implementation: Creating Smart and Unique Exercise Programs That Sell | Independent Lecture | In this session, we will guide you through designing unique and effective exercise programs and formats that stand out. From the spark of an idea to development, you’ll learn strategies for creating fitness offerings that resonate with your community, drive engagement, and monetize. Attendees will explore how to identify trends, incorporate creative approaches, and provide their communities with the programming they want. Attendees will workshop their ideas and leave with tools to help bring them to reality. | Aimee Nicotera |
| Keeping Your Marbles Until the End | Independent Lecture | Explore the science and practice involved in preventing dementia and Alzheimer's Disease and how you can best maintain your brain power throughout your life. This research-based session will focus on the stages of dementia, the etiology of Alzheimer's Disease, the hierarchy of physical function, and, most importantly, lifespan preventive strategies that will benefit both you and your clients. | Mary Yoke |
| Squat It Like It’s Hot: Choosing the Correct Variation | Independent Interactive Workshop | The squat is a fundamental movement pattern and essential for every client’s fitness program. This session will guide fit pros in designing effective, squat-heavy programs while recognizing when to regress or advance the squat or select appropriate variations. We’ll cover a comprehensive range of squat variations, from stability ball to overhead, and everything in between. Attendees will learn to meet clients where they are, select and coach proper squat variations, and understand the pros and cons of each. Enhance your ability to execute and coach squats effectively, ensuring your clients achieve their fitness goals safely and efficiently. | John Preston |
| How to Use Recovery Technologies to Optimize Client Warm-up and Recovery | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | In this workshop, learn how to unleash the science-backed benefits of the latest advancements in recovery and wellness technologies. This hands-on session will provide attendees with an understanding of the science of various technologies and their appropriate application for unique outcomes, including pain relief, recovery optimization, and physical preparation. Attendees will receive hands-on experience with recovery technology, learn how to identify the best technologies to fit unique client needs, appropriately translate the science into optimal application, and practice building recovery and physical preparation programs utilizing various technologies. Participants will leave with an actionable understanding of selection, prescription, and coaching strategies to maximize the benefits of technology solutions for their clients’ unique needs and goals. | Josh Adams |
| Neuroscience Research Update: Brain Health & Lifestyle Behaviors | Independent Lecture | Stay updated on the latest neuroscience research linking lifestyle behaviors with brain health. This session will discuss recent findings and their practical implications for health and fitness professionals. Attendees will learn how exercise, nutrition, sleep, and other modifiable behaviors influence brain function and cognitive wellness. By the end of the session, professionals will be equipped with evidence-based strategies to support brain health in their clients. | Ryan Glatt |
| Tailored Circuit Training for Your Tailored Goals | Independent Interactive Workshop | Circuit training is a popular and effective method for achieving muscular fitness goals in general and clinical populations. In this evidence-based presentation, we will discuss and present (via multimedia technology) how to design training circuits to best meet client goals. Six different circuits will be showcased, each with six exercises based on specific physiological themes such as muscular strength, power, endurance, and overall health. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in at least one of the circuits presented! | Tony Nuñez |