How will you SHOW UP this year?
January is a season of reset—but for fitness professionals, it’s also the season of service.
If December is when many of us worked on the business – reviewing the year, refining systems and mapping a plan – January is when you step fully into supporting others. Your clients arrive ready to reset their routines, rebuild confidence and reclaim momentum. And you SHOW UP: coaching, cueing, encouraging and leading with steadiness when motivation is fragile.
This year, I hope you’ll also make space to SHOW UP for yourself, with a plan for professional growth and personal transformation that lasts beyond January. And when you’re ready to go further, SHOW UP with your community, because momentum is easier to build (and sustain) together.
At IDEA® Health & Fitness Association, we’re here to support you in that same spirit. Your leadership deserves a community and a toolkit that keeps pace with the meaningful work you do.
Here’s how IDEA will SHOW UP for you in 2026:
IDEA® Fitness Journal – Now Monthly!
Beginning this month, IDEA® Fitness Journal shifts from quarterly to monthly distribution. More issues means more timely insights, practical tools, research-driven guidance and industry leadership. All delivered throughout the year to help you stay current, stay inspired and stay equipped in a fast-moving fitness landscape.
Program Builder+ – Expanded Tools for Client Success
All IDEA members already have access to Program Builder through our partnership with GymCloud. In 2026, we’re expanding what’s possible with Program Builder+, built for professionals who want to deliver next-level service. Expect enhanced program-design features, improved client management capabilities, intuitive workflows and tools that help you streamline your business while elevating client results. IDEA members receive discounts on these enhanced services.
IDEA World® 2026: SHOW UP In Person—And Grow Faster
There is something powerful that happens when fitness professionals gather in the same room: ideas sharpen, confidence rises and careers accelerate. Registration is open now for the NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo (April 7–10, 2026), a landmark partnership with leaders in campus recreation that expands your learning, your network and your impact. And for the first time in 26 years, IDEA World is headed to the East Coast. If you’ve been waiting for the right year to attend, let this be the year you decide to SHOW UP.
Come for the education. Stay for the connections. Leave with renewed clarity, practical tools and the kind of momentum you can’t download.
Releasing Late January: Inspire the World to Fitness®
I’m also excited to share that our collaborative book project, Inspire the World to Fitness®, releases in late January.
This compilation brings together insights and inspirational stories from many of your favorite IDEA Award recipients; professionals who have helped shape our industry through excellence, leadership and service. It’s designed to be both motivating and practical: the kind of read that reminds you why you started, while giving you ideas you can apply immediately to advance your career.
As you move through this busy season, I hope you’ll take a moment to reset with intention: protect your energy, refine your craft and choose the kind of growth that lasts beyond January.
Thank you for being part of this mission-driven community. Together, we raise the standard. And together, we continue to Inspire the World to Fitness®.
