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Education Sessions

Explore more than 75 workshops, lectures and workouts led by top fitness industry speakers who are eager to share with you their secrets for how to rise to the top and stay there. Whether you’re looking to develop sticky social media strategies, enhance your program design capability or develop deeper client connections, you’ll find the education you need to overcome your struggles and realize your true success potential.

Day 3: Saturday, March 11

300

  • Training Groups

Full Body Functional Fitness With FitFighter

March 11, 2023 7:00am • Session 300 • Workout

Presented by Carrie Armacost Caren Boscaino

Join us for a dynamic, distinctive, full-body workout using FitFighter’s signature weight training tool, the Steelhose. This unique loaded movement workout will train every major muscle group, feature continuous movement and Instability Resistance Training (IRT), emphasize the benefits of strength training, and leave you feeling strong, energized, and ready to take on the day! With upbeat music, high-octane coaching, and innovative strength tools, this workout will make you move stronger, become an even better coach, and be glad you showed up.

310

  • Training Techniques

Foundations of Kettlebell Training (Part 2): Power Up

March 11, 2023 8:15am • Session 310 • Workshop

Presented by Adam Jongsma, MSc

Kettlebells are useful for all types of training, from rehabilitation to body composition change to physical performance. Unfortunately, for many, they can seem intimidating and hard to use. In this session we will explore the power-based kettlebell movements, swing, clean and snatch. You’ll leave with the confidence to use kettlebells safely and the ability to effectively coach these movements and incorporate them into client programs.

311

  • Training Techniques

Joint Mobility for Lifelong Movement

March 11, 2023 8:15am • Session 311 • Workshop

Presented by Sarah Apgar, MBA Carrie Armacost

We know that joint mobility can decrease or prevent joint injury. Simple muscular strength, mobility, activation and correction strategies with light, loaded movement is the secret sauce to keeping joints healthy and injury-free. In this workshop you will discover tried-and-true joint health and muscle strengthening movements and programs that can help your clients move without restriction, pain and injury.

312

  • Training Techniques

Functional Training Facelift

March 11, 2023 8:15am • Session 312 • Workshop

Presented by Krista Popowych

Functional training continues to be a necessary focus in training programs. Helping clients move through their world with greater power, strength, speed and agility is critical to keeping them fit, healthy and injury-free. When creating the ideal functional training platform, you must take a systematic approach to exercise planning and progressively challenge the status quo. We'll take the guesswork out of program design with a proven three-step approach. You will also learn a variety of movements using an assortment of small equipment and the most functional piece of all, your body.

313

  • Training Science

Watch That Walk! Gait Assessment Strategies for the Fitness Professional

March 11, 2023 8:15am • Session 313 • Workshop

Presented by Emily Splichal, DPM

Walking is the most foundational and functional movement pattern we perform every day. How a client walks can reveal much about mobility, stability and strength. Join podiatrist Dr. Emily as she explores how the gait assessment can be the most informative client assessment. We’ll discuss the phases of gait and basic joint positions during each of those phases, walking demands and techniques to increase foot and pelvic strength for improved gait.

314

  • Nutrition & Behavior Change

Eating Frequency and Timing: From Fasting to Feasting

March 11, 2023 8:15am • Session 314 • Lecture

Presented by Michelle Alencar, PhD

Which is better: eating five+ meals per day, three meals or fasting until dinner time? Meal frequency manipulation, from fasting to feasting, comes with many options. Depending on client conditions, goals and lifestyle needs, science shows what is best for optimal results in the long run. This session will uncover the evidence-based truth about meal frequency and how to guide clients toward the best option while maintaining scope of practice.

315

  • Business & Professional Development

Business Breaks and Mistakes to Avoid

March 11, 2023 8:15am • Session 315 • Lecture

Presented by Jessica Maurer

Speed bumps, hiccups or closed doors — whatever you call them, business breaks and mistakes will happen. Learn what to avoid so you can minimize setbacks and continue to innovate within your business. Walk away with a guide that will help you propel your career growth while navigating through the mistakes that will hold you back.

316

  • Business & Professional Development
  • ACE Mover Academy

People First, Training Second: Understanding the Human Behind the Client

March 11, 2023 8:15am • Session 316 • Lecture

Presented by Tasha Edwards, MS

Personal trainers spend lots of money on certification and continuing education. However, in our quest to offer the most comprehensive programs, we sometimes forget that we are training people with issues, beliefs and fears. We also tend to impose our goals on them. In this session, you'll learn to get to the root of your client's needs and develop plans that meet them where they are. You'll also identify and discuss the issue of non-compliance and learn ways to listen, support and redirect clients to their ultimate goal and not ours.

317

  • Training Science

Balanced Body® Anatomy in Three Dimensions: The COREset!

March 11, 2023 8:15am • Session 317 • Workshop

Presented by Nico Gonzalez

Use the Anatomy in Three Dimensions™ system to deepen your understanding of key elements of the core or inner unit. Together, we will build the diaphragm, the deep spinal muscles and erector spinae, the pelvic floor and the abdominals with the Balanced Body skeleton model and clay. Once complete, you will fully understand the relationship of the inner unit muscles and their importance in lumbopelvic stabilization and functional movement.

330

  • Training Techniques

Core On and Off the Floor

March 11, 2023 10:25am • Session 330 • Workshop

Presented by Krista Popowych

Learn the latest science and research behind training the core in multiple ways using progressive training techniques. This practical session will focus on exercises that apply to any individual, small-group or large-group training session. We'll cover core workouts and abdominal conditioning exercises that won't compromise form or function. Whether you need ideas for 10 or 30 minutes of core work, cueing tips or progressive training techniques, this workshop will not disappoint!

331

  • Training Techniques

Body Prep for Power, Strength and Heavy Lifts

March 11, 2023 10:25am • Session 331 • Workshop

Presented by Greg Johnson, MS

The most important part of an advanced or heavy lifting session happens before you ever touch a barbell or dumbbell. This class will cover common assessments and bodywork to prepare your body to handle workout stressors, avoid injury and perform optimally. Participants will learn to demonstrate and perform corrective and mobility strategies, dynamic warm-ups, activation exercises and light-load skill/technique movements.

332

  • Training Science

Psoas-Glutes: A Corrective Exercise Strategy

March 11, 2023 10:25am • Session 332 • Workshop

Presented by Evan Osar, DC

It is a widespread industry concept that individuals experiencing chronic low back tightness, hip dysfunction and/or pelvic issues have weak glutes and short hip flexors. This concept is more myth than reality. During this session, we will discuss the most common reason their clients present with low back, hip and pelvic issues. You’ll discover how strategies for strengthening the glutes and stretching the psoas can often contribute to the problems they mean to solve. Additionally, you’ll leave with a corrective exercise strategy for effectively lengthening and strengthening the psoas and glutes while improving posture and movement.

333

  • Training Techniques

Postural Alignment for Enhanced Performance

March 11, 2023 10:25am • Session 333 • Workshop

Presented by Helen Vanderburg

Maintaining optimal postural alignment in movement allows for freedom of motion, elastic energy production, force production and stability in sport, fitness and life. Learn a series of dynamic postural assessment exercises and how to apply what they reveal to exercise design. Then, we’ll experience performance-enhancing exercises emphasizing lumbopelvic and joint stability and trunk integration that are easy to implement in any training environment.

334

  • Training Techniques

Time-Efficient Resistance Training Programs: Get Maximal Gains in Minimal Time!

March 11, 2023 10:25am • Session 334 • Lecture

Presented by Zachary Mang, PhD

Adaptations to resistance training, such as hypertrophy and strength, positively affect health, fitness and performance. Yet, most people in the world do not participate in resistance training programs for reasons that include a lack of enjoyment and time. This informative session will provide new ways to counteract these barriers and convert more people to strength training enthusiasts. You’ll learn the science behind several short-duration training programs and their impact on strength and hypertrophy. You’ll also understand how to apply that research and build effective programs that deliver powerful results at a range of 4-30 total training minutes.

335

  • Specific Populations
  • ACE Mover Academy

Improving Trip- and Slip-Resisting Skills in Older Adults

March 11, 2023 10:25am • Session 335 • Lecture

Presented by Jan Schroeder, PhD

Exercise interventions that reduce fall risk focus primarily on strength and balance training. However, according to the concept of training specificity, the motor skills required to avoid a trip- or slip-related fall may be improved most with skill-specific training. This workshop will introduce you to exercise movements that improve slip- and trip-resisting skills in your fall-prone clients.

336

  • Business & Professional Development

Attention to Retention: Top Strategies to Keep Your Clientele

March 11, 2023 10:25am • Session 336 • Lecture

Presented by Dane Robinson

Personal training businesses are more viable when clients remain loyal. In this session, explore top-level strategies to inspire, enlighten, encourage and retain your current community of clients. You’ll take home a 12-month retention roadmap that you can apply to your business whether you are an independent personal trainer or own or manage a fitness facility.

337

  • Training Science

Balanced Body® Anatomy in Three Dimensions: The Hip

March 11, 2023 10:25am • Session 337 • Workshop

Presented by Brian Richey

Use the Anatomy in Three Dimensions™ system to deepen your understanding of the hip and thigh muscles and how they create stability, mobility, strength and power in the lower body. Together, we’ll review the bony landmarks of the pelvis, hip joint and femur and build all the muscles in the area with the Balanced Body® skeleton model and clay. You’ll come away with a clear three-dimensional view of the relationships in this area and how they work together to create functional movement.

360

  • Training Techniques

Quick Conditioning Circuits

March 11, 2023 1:45pm • Session 360 • Workshop

Presented by Melissa Weigelt, MS

This quick conditioning circuit course includes all the ingredients necessary to help your clients reach their fitness goals. You'll learn new workouts that feature strength and cardiovascular conditioning exercises and core stabilization and unilateral movements. Walk away with two innovative and unique short conditioning circuit routines that you can use as a short stand-alone class or mix and match to create an hour-long session.

361

  • Training Science
  • ACE Mover Academy

Corrective Exercise Strategies for the Knees

March 11, 2023 1:45pm • Session 361 • Workshop

Presented by Evan Osar, DC

Knee pain is one of the most common issues keeping clients from walking, biking and/or performing daily activities. You can be instrumental in helping them discover a solution to improved knee function while they progress toward achieving their goals. During this session, you will learn the most common reasons why your clients develop knee issues. You'll walk away with a thorough understanding of how to assess your clients and apply corrective and strengthening exercises to improve function.

362

  • Training Techniques

Balanced Body® Personal Training Toolbox

March 11, 2023 1:45pm • Session 362 • Workshop

Presented by Nico Gonzalez

Innovation is the name of the game when differentiating yourself in the personal training industry. Keep your training sessions fresh and effective with the Balanced Body Programming System. Learn how to incorporate easily transportable functional training equipment like bands, balls, MOTR, rollers and SmartBells to your toolbox and take your training to the next level!

363

  • Training Groups

Game On! Unleash the Fitness Fun!

March 11, 2023 1:45pm • Session 363 • Workshop

Presented by Michael Piercy, MS

Nothing builds a bridge between coach and client better than some good old fitness fun! In this session, learn some unique ways that deliver and utilize games and fun activities to create unforgettable experiences and measurable results. Put the FUN back into your FUN-ctional fitness and gamify your training!

364

  • Nutrition & Behavior Change

Pre-and Post-exercise Nutrient Timing

March 11, 2023 1:45pm • Session 364 • Lecture

Presented by Fabio Comana, MA, MS

Client training programs often focus heavily on movement prep, exercise bout and muscle recovery but ignore the impact of nutrient and fluid intake on performance, recovery and muscle adaptation. This session will provide insight on top nutrition strategies to support client performance and success. We'll cover the quality and absorbability of animal- and plant-based proteins, the pros and cons of various protein powders, fluid and protein intake timing and more.

365

  • Training Science

Cycle-Sync Your Female Client Training Programs

March 11, 2023 1:45pm • Session 365 • Lecture

Presented by Sarah Zahab

Many of us are female coaches or train female clients, yet we have trouble talking about menstrual cycles. Our cycles provide invaluable information about our health and can impact day-to-day activities, including exercise. To best guide our female clients, we need to be cycle-savvy and know how to ask the right questions. In this session, you'll learn the physiological changes that take place during each phase of menstruation and how that can potentially affect your clients' workouts. You'll take home exercise suggestions and strategies for each phase and how to take the discomfort out of cycle-focused conversations.

366

  • Business & Professional Development

Getting More Done With Less Stress: Time Management for Fit Pros

March 11, 2023 1:45pm • Session 366 • Lecture

Presented by Mark Fisher

Time is the only non-renewable resource. Yet despite tech advances meant to make us more productive, most of us feel we have less time than ever. We're stressed out, struggling to prioritize and never feel truly accomplished at the end of the day. There is a better way! In this session, Mark Fisher of Mark Fisher Fitness and Business for Unicorns will cover why most to-do lists don't work (and what to do instead), how to set up your day for maximum productivity, the secrets of digital communication management and more.

367

  • Business & Professional Development

The Art of the Needs Analysis—From Prospect to Client

March 11, 2023 1:45pm • Session 367 • Lecture

Presented by Dina Blair

You can be the most talented personal trainer in the world, but if you lack prospect conversion know-how, your talents will go unused. During this course, you will learn how to qualify your prospects, conduct a thorough needs analysis and apply successful closing techniques that grow your business. You'll take home an understanding of the techniques and skills needed to increase your prospect-to-client conversion rate and create a profitable, client-focused wellness and fitness business.

380

  • Training Groups

Fit Frenzy: Strategies for Next-Level Group Training

March 11, 2023 4:30pm • Session 380 • Workshop

Presented by Melissa Weigelt, MS

Learn to develop challenging workouts that utilize circuit training principles and combines compound strength exercises with unique HIIT drills. Wow your clients and participants with new and challenging moves and intense drills. We'll cover how to set up stations with varying equipment in this fast-paced, non-stop exercise experience. Your small-group training participants will love this social approach to fitness fun!

381

  • Training Techniques
  • ACE Mover Academy

LIT 101 (Low-Impact Training)

March 11, 2023 4:30pm • Session 381 • Workshop

Presented by Dane Robinson

Are you working around the struggle to bring intensity to clients with injuries, compensations or at the start of their fitness journey? This workshop will cover the proven strategies of low-impact training to safely bring appropriate intensity and results to your clients’ workouts with joint-friendly strength, cardio and HIIT methods.

382

  • Training Science

Balanced Body® Fascia and Functional Stretching

March 11, 2023 4:30pm • Session 382 • Workshop

Presented by Helen Vanderburg

This workshop gives you a practical application of the evolving science of fascia and how it relates to training. Then, we’ll cover how to follow the main fascial kinetic lines in the body and specific myofascial release and dynamic stretching techniques to enhance mobility and performance. Walk away with a functional approach to elevate your current stretching methods.

383

  • Training Techniques

Brain-Based Balance Training

March 11, 2023 4:30pm • Session 383 • Workshop

Presented by Emily Splichal, DPM

The seemingly simple task of balancing on one leg or walking across the room is a complex, integrated, multi-sensory experience with stimulation from the eyes, ears, joints and plantar foot. Join Dr. Emily as she explores how to enhance brain activation during balance training by combining sensory stimulation, dual tasking and eye movement exercises.

384

  • Training Science

The Interference Effect: Does Cardio Blunt Your Gains?

March 11, 2023 4:30pm • Session 384 • Lecture

Presented by Zachary Mang, PhD

Have you heard of the "interference effect" theory, which claims that cardiovascular training negatively impacts strength and hypertrophy improvements? New research suggests that this theory may be a myth. This cutting-edge session will delve into the history and supposed mechanisms of the interference effect. From there, we'll look at what the current research says and how cardiovascular activity—when programmed appropriately—may not inhibit strength and muscle gain. You'll leave this session with insight into how to design concurrent programs for maximum strength and cardiovascular gains.

385

  • Business & Professional Development

Utilizing Technology to Grow Your Revenue

March 11, 2023 4:30pm • Session 385 • Lecture

Presented by Lewis Agnew

With the online industry projected to achieve the highest total growth rate of all fitness sectors—at 33% per year between 2021 and 2028—personal trainers have an opportunity to capitalize on this growth market and diversify their revenue streams. This cutting-edge session will cover how to expand into live streaming, software solutions to upscale your business, insights into the psychology of today's post-pandemic client and more. Walk away with solid strategies to grow your business in the fitness industry's most progressive sector.

386

  • Nutrition & Behavior Change

The New Science of Recovery Supplements

March 11, 2023 4:30pm • Session 386 • Lecture

Presented by Jonathan Mike, PhD

Sports supplements are often used to enhance exercise performance. They can also be valuable in the exercise recovery process. While there are many recovery-focused supplements on the market, this presentation will cover the science, efficacy and application of which supplements provide the most bang for your buck when training for optimal recovery. We will dispel fact from fiction and offer strategies—while staying within scope of practice—to support clients as they wade through the marketing noise and endless array of supplementation options.

387

  • Nutrition & Behavior Change

There Is No Such Thing as Perfect Work/Life Balance

March 11, 2023 4:30pm • Session 387 • Lecture

Presented by Jessica Maurer

Do you work tirelessly to achieve the perfect work/life balance? You may be setting yourself up for failure. This workshop will prove that there is no such equation while investigating why the term "balance" sets unrealistic expectations. We'll dive into tips, tricks and truths to help you better understand the demands needed to find happiness and success in all seasons of life. Walk away with a better perspective on achieving your personal and professional goals through delegation and automation.