Education Sessions

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.

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!

ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal® is an internationally recognized publication for all exercise professionals and provides highly applicable content that can be read one day and applied with clients and patients the next day. The journal’s evidence-based articles and columns provide excellent content for professional development and continuing education. This session will provide attendees with an overview of resources associated with the journal, a brief review of the past year’s content/journal activities, and an interactive opportunity for participants to provide input on future content for the journal.

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.

Staying ahead in the fast-paced and ever-changing fitness industry requires embracing technology that simplifies operations, enhances client engagement, and drives business growth. AI tools are no longer a luxury, but a necessity for exercise professionals aiming to scale their impact while maintaining personal connections. From automating scheduling and client communication to creating personalized workout plans and tracking client progress, AI tools can revolutionize how you engage and interact with your clients. This session will dive into essential AI tools to showcase how exercise professionals can streamline daily tasks, attract more clients, and boost revenue. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned professional, you’ll discover actionable strategies to integrate AI into your business, which will help you focus more on delivering results and less on managing logistics.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Unlock the power of ChatGPT in fitness! This session bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI research and practical application, showing fitness professionals how to leverage ChatGPT to enhance client engagement, personalize training programs, and streamline business operations. Attendees will gain insights into recent research and learn actionable strategies to implement AI-driven tools in their practice. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or new to technology, this session offers practical solutions that you can immediately apply to elevate your service delivery and client outcomes.

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.

Your clients are the best teachers you’ll ever have. They’ll challenge you to learn the most effective ways to meet their individual needs in a way that produces sustainable results. In doing so, your client results become the ultimate professional development tool. As fitness professionals work to establish themselves as qualified healthcare providers, accurately measuring and consistently producing meaningful client results will separate true professionals from hobbyists. This lecture will use practical data analytics as our guide and teach a framework for reliably measuring and reporting client results to take your skills and business to the next level.

Amongst the bombardment of external stimuli, the media, pings, rings, and notifications discover practical tools for managing stress. Learn how simple yoga poses and meditation techniques can help you build mental and physical resilience. This session offers easy-to-follow practices that reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. This is ideal for anyone seeking effective, everyday strategies to stay calm and balanced, whether you're a beginner or experienced in yoga and meditation.

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.

Discover how to harness the power of mentorship to shape the industry's future, learn the art of collaboration to amplify your influence, and explore strategies for cultivating a career that stands the test of time. Through interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and practical exercises, you’ll gain the tools to lead with purpose, inspire others, and create a legacy that reflects your values and vision. Whether you’re an experienced trainer or an emerging leader, this workshop will empower you to elevate your impact and build a legacy that resonates for years.

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!

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.

Physical health is only part of achieving professional success and personal fulfillment in the demanding world of fitness service professionals. This presentation explores the often-overlooked aspect of relationship self-care and its profound impact on overall well-being and career longevity. Join us as we delve into the science and strategies behind nurturing personal relationships to enhance performance for fitness, health, and wellness professionals.

In the fitness industry, roadblocks, speed bumps, and closed doors are unavoidable. This workshop is your key to confidently navigating these challenges. By merging cutting-edge research, expert insights, and real-world experiences, we will equip you with powerful strategies to sidestep common pitfalls and transform obstacles into opportunities for growth. You’ll discover how to rebound from setbacks, foster innovation, and propel your career forward, no matter the hurdles. Participants will receive a comprehensive guide designed to accelerate their business and avert costly mistakes, providing essential tools to enhance resilience and achieve lasting success. Don’t let setbacks define your journey—join us to turn challenges into triumphs!

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.

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.

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.

In today’s competitive fitness landscape, standing out as a leader requires more than just expertise; it demands the ability to communicate, educate, and inspire effectively. This dynamic panel session will empower certified professionals to elevate their presence in the industry by mastering presentation skills, continuing education provision, and advanced teaching methodologies. ACSM’s Committee on Certification and Registry Board (CCRB) recently expanded its mission to include “advancing the credibility and integrity of ACSM certified professionals through career-long development with evidence-based practices to benefit all.” As such, it is of interest for the CCRB and its Continuing Professional Education subcommittee to host a timely panel session helping certified professionals understand tips and best practices for using their expertise to make a lasting impact.

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?

In this session, we will share the latest data on organizations' lack of health and the need for worksite wellness programs and lifestyle education. Employers are struggling with rising healthcare costs, high turnover rates, low productivity, and low employee morale, all contributing to broken workforces. Learn how worksite well-being initiatives can foster better team engagement in hybrid workforces, enhance employee satisfaction, and bend the cost curves of ever-rising care costs for sick employees.

In this session, we will share the latest data on organizations' lack of health and the need for worksite wellness programs and lifestyle education. Employers are struggling with rising healthcare costs, high turnover rates, low productivity, and low employee morale, all contributing to broken workforces. Learn how worksite well-being initiatives can foster better team engagement in hybrid workforces, enhance employee satisfaction, and bend the cost curves of ever-rising care costs for sick employees.

This session explores the principles of high content marketing, focusing on creating impactful strategies that resonate with your ideal clients. Learn how to deliver depth and value, find your marketing sweet spot, and build long-term relationships with your audience. Whether you’re struggling to gain traction or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide actionable insights to elevate your marketing efforts and maximize ROI.

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!

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.

Hiring and retaining top talent in today’s competitive fitness industry is more challenging and critical than ever. This presentation will explore practical strategies to attract, hire, and retain the best employees in the industry. We will discuss the importance of creating a workplace where staff feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay long-term. You will also hear from current students in the industry about what they are looking for in a career.

Everything in life is negotiable. This session helps you decide what you want and how to get it through negotiations. Historically, most fitness professionals have several jobs and struggle with the art of negotiating for career/life balance. This session offers strategies to navigate the fitness business and develop skills to advocate for yourself while discovering the many avenues of income earning. Learn how to strengthen and flex your negotiation muscles to deliver your value proposition and earn your worth. Discover the practice of Essentialism to decide how you spend your time to enhance your career/life balance.

Understand how to program and train multiple clients while balancing the fun social aspects of group Fitness and creating individually focused workouts depending on each client’s goals and abilities. We will also discuss pricing, business strategies, and marketing to ensure the success of your semi-private training business.

What you do and don’t do during your first session with a client can dramatically affect whether a client commits to a long-term relationship with you. Learn how to organize an initial PT session, effective training language and techniques, and how to finish a session to ensure the client sees the value in investing in your services. Learn the NWPT system that generates a 90% success rate! This session is invaluable for those trainers wanting to grow their clientele base and PT directors needing to teach their training team how to conduct initial PT sessions.

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.

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.

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.

This session challenges traditional leadership models that emphasize leading from the front. Instead, it explores the benefits of leading from behind, focusing on empowering team members, fostering collaboration, and driving long-term success. Attendees will learn practical strategies to develop their teams, create a culture of accountability, and enhance communication, ultimately leading to a more engaged and effective workforce.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

As a studio or club programmer or manager, managing sticky situations with staff and members is expected. Times have changed, customer feedback is more broadcast, and public opinion significantly impacts a business's reputation. Learn to win at navigating behaviors and conflicts that can compromise business and club culture. This session will dive into real-life challenging business and managerial situations and how to best tackle them through conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, quality control, and strategies for maintaining a positive image and work culture. Our new era may call for new and surprising approaches that contribute to your thriving, health-oriented environment.

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.

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.

Becoming a successful independent personal trainer demands more than passion; it requires resilience, strategic thinking, and a diverse skill set. From optimizing your project management skills and making informed educational choices to mastering systems automation and implementing effective marketing solutions, running a successful independent practice means wearing many entrepreneurial hats. In this session, you'll gain insights from the successes and challenges of thousands of independent trainers, equipping you to build a standout brand, fill your ideal schedule, and achieve a solid six-figure income as a new independent trainer.

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.

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.

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!

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.

This session will provide instructions and best practices for pricing and programming that will maximize profits for Personal Training business owners and managers. Get real-life examples of best business practices from the #1 voted Personal Training studio in Vancouver, WA, for the past 25 years.

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.

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.

Join Marc Coronel for a dynamic foam rolling class focused on active recovery to help you feel, move, and perform at your best. Discover the top 10 active recovery moves to enhance mobility, reduce soreness, and accelerate recovery. Perfect for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to boost their everyday movement, this session provides hands-on techniques for effective self-myofascial release. Leave equipped with practical tools to integrate foam rolling into your routine, ensuring sustained performance and overall well-being. Roll, recover, and elevate your game!

Being a personal trainer in a large commercial gym comes with unique challenges. This session provides strategies to stand out, build a thriving client base, and create a lasting impact despite the competitive environment. Learn how to navigate the challenges of a big box gym while growing your business and reputation.

During this session, attendees will learn concrete steps to ensure their exercise program is cancer-inclusive.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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:
• An overview of physical fitness tests and assessments in the United States
• A description of factors that affect the applicability of assessments/evaluations
• Examples of appropriate choices for specific populations
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.
 

As fitness business leaders in today's competitive market, you need strategies to develop a team culture that attracts and retains professionals who know your vision, work their roles, and deliver amazing client services. Learn to optimize your leadership to create a cohesive, productive team that maximizes your business's value. Acquire proven ways to motivate your teams, improve communication, delegate tasks, provide feedback, and reduce turnover. With this knowledge, you'll be ready to take your business to the next level and create a profitable and fulfilling workplace!

The pandemic highlighted the need for the fitness industry to have a strong voice in policy decisions. Without a "seat at the table," the industry was vulnerable. However, this challenge also strongly unified us. Now, we must shift to proactive advocacy and professionalization. This lecture emphasizes the essential role frontline fitness professionals play in this transition. By being active and informed advocates, fit pros can advance our industry's health-enhancing mission, ensuring its financial success and positively impacting public health. We will delve into current advocacy initiatives and explore practical steps for fitness professionals to become effective industry advocates.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Experience an innovative approach to fitness training in this session as it blends the psychological intensity of boot camp workouts with the restorative benefits of active recovery and, most importantly, FUN. Learn how to create balanced programs that engage clients using high-energy partner and team drills and strategic active recovery techniques. Understand when to push hard and when to pull back, optimizing results and preventing burnout or injury. Walk away with actionable insights on mixing intensity with mindfulness for training sessions that are both challenging and sustainable. It's time to "Turn it Up/Turn it Down" for success!

With the number of fitness options available to consumers growing exponentially each year, in-person trainers, virtual trainers, and boutique studio owners must offer uniquely differentiated products and services to stand out in the fiercely competitive market. In this workshop-style lecture, we will use a combination of exercises and research activities to define your product offering, research your competitive market, strategically position your brand, and adjust your marketing plan to reach your target audience better and boost new client acquisition.

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. 

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.