Celebrating Women in Fitness

Who are your favorite women in fitness?

While we are just past International Women’s Day (Tuesday, March 8), did you know this entire month is Women’s History Month? Jack LaLanne may have reigned as the “Godfather of Fitness,” but women, by and large, have shaped and continue to lead our great industry. 

Icons like Jane Fonda, Judi Sheppard Missett, Kathie Davis, Kathy Smith, Gin Miller and Tamilee Webb are easy to pick out and celebrate. However, realize that literally thousands of women who believe in the power of movement studied, sacrificed and launched the modern-day fitness paradigm, and blazed the path to where we are today. 

Undoubtedly, we all have a mentor, manager, coach or colleague we can single out to thank for their influence on our careers. I encourage you to think about one or two women in your life–within fitness or not–who influenced and inspired you, and then reach out and thank them before March is over. Whether that’s with a call, a card, a post or a little gift, let them know what their leadership did for you. They will remember your kindness forever. 

Project 435: Get Involved!

There is no question that our industry got caught flat-footed when COVID-19 shut down the world. While many other business advocacy groups got in front of the issue and lobbied hard with legislators to secure status as “essential” businesses that would remain open and/or get financial relief, our industry suffered in virtual silence. We were not organized and we paid the price. Despite much scientific evidence supporting that solid fitness actually fortifies the body to thwart disease, our gyms and our services were deemed “non-essential.” Studios and fitness businesses everywhere were shuttered and job losses have been profound.

In order to prevent this scenario from playing out again, IDEA is supporting a program from the National Health and Fitness Alliance called “Project 435.” 

Project 435 is a united industry initiative to enroll 435 passionate fitness pros who will represent the industry and its interests in each of the 435 Congressional districts. You may ask yourself, “Do I have the skills and experience to represent the fitness industry in my local Congressional district? The NHFA answers, “Absolutely!”

All you need is the passion to build the positive perception of fitness with your local Congressional district leadership team. The Project 435 and NHFA leadership teams will train and support members of Project 435 in building their relationships within each district. NHFA will provide each member of the Project 435 team with a monthly, professionally prepared communication kit that easily can be personalized by each of the 435 fitness advocates to forward to their local district. As a result, the fitness industry will share one message with one united voice on issues that make a difference. 

How to Get Involved

Project 435 is looking to enroll 435 fit pros who will play a crucial role in building and strengthening the future of fitness in the United States. If you would like to become a member of the Project 435 team and contribute to lasting change, please fill out this link and hit send.

All of that said, I’m signing off for this week with high fives all around for your dedication to your learning path and for helping your clients to live healthier, happier lives. When people feel good, they are the best version of themselves, and that has the potential to create a ripple of positive energy that can change the world. The work you do is essential and IDEA is here to support you in this critical endeavor. 

Meantime, drop me a line and tell me what you’re excited about or challenged with these days. Write to us at content@ideafit.com to tell us what you need. We’re here to help!

Thank you for all you do to inspire others to happier, healthier lives.