2003 IDEA West Coast Yoga Conference To Be Held In Anaheim, California July 15-16, 2003

San Diego – San Diego – Yoga, a mind-body practice that’s been in existence for thousands of years, is one of today’s hottest fitness trends and according to the 2002 IDEA Fitness Programs & Equipment Survey, 85% of U.S. fitness facilities offer some sort of yoga class. As a way to bring the principles of yoga to practicing fitness professionals who wish to learn more about this mind-body discipline and how it can be implemented into their existing classes, IDEA Health & Fitness Association is presenting the 2003 IDEA West Coast Yoga Conference. This two-day, intensive and broad-based conference will take place in Anaheim, California, July 15-16, and will offer a wide range of multi-level classes with a focus on special populations as well as anatomy and injury prevention as they apply to the practice of yoga.

On Wednesday, July 16, 2003, actress and long-time Yoga practitioner, Mariel Hemingway will deliver the closing keynote address at this conference. Inspired by her book Finding My Balance, Ms. Hemingway’s remarks will explore the practice of being present. Through yoga postures, talk, laughter and sharing her own story of finding balance, she will guide the conference attendees toward a better understanding of self though the channels of yoga and meditation.

This two-day event features 11 presenters and 22 sessions on the following topics: Yogic Arts™, a blend of yoga, martial arts and Thai massage; Yoga Perspectives: The Foot, Arch and Ankle; Yoga for Upper Body Strength; Yoga for Older Students; Yoga Anatomy and Practice: Upper and Lower Body; Yoga for Kids; Breath: The Core of Power Yoga; Shoulder Openers; Preventing and Dealing with Yoga Injuries; Yoga for Stress Reduction; Yoga for Mothers; Mindful Yoga and Meditation; and Yoga for the Core.

The 2003 IDEA West Coast Yoga Conference faculty consists of experts accomplished in all types and aspects of yoga and includes: Duncan Wong; Donna Cheema, MEd; Roger Cole, PhD; Lauren Erik; Suza Francina; Julie Gudmestad, PT; Pamela Hollander, MA; Dana Rae Paré; Geo Takoma; and, Brenda Winston

The 2003 IDEA West Coast Yoga Conference is a pre-conference event for the IDEA World Fitness & Personal Trainer Convention. IDEA’s annual convention historically attracts over 4,000 attendees from more than 70 countries. IDEA World Fitness & Personal Trainer Convention will occur July 17-July 20 in Anaheim, California. For more information call (800) 999-4332, ext. 7, or (858)535-8979, ext. 7. Or go to the IDEA website at: www.ideafit.com.

IDEA is the world's leading membership organization of health and fitness professionals with more than 23,000 members in over 80 countries. Since 1982, IDEA has provided health and fitness professionals with pertinent information, educational opportunities, career development programs and industry leadership while helping them enhance the quality of life worldwide through safe, effective fitness and healthy lifestyle programs. For more information on IDEA events, publications, educational products, member services or other activities, visit the IDEA website at: www.IDEAfit.com.

MEMBERS OF THE NEWS MEDIA: To receive a brochure for the 2003 IDEA West Coast Yoga Conference, or to receive a registration form for a complimentary press pass, contact David Gilroy at: (858) 535-8979, ext. 262, or e-mail: gilroyd@IDEAfit.com.