FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


San Diego, CA – February 18, 2026 – IDEA Health & Fitness Association announced the release of Inspire the World to Fitness®, a new multi-author book featuring ten internationally recognized fitness leaders whose careers have shaped education, research, business, and professional standards across the global health and fitness industry. The book includes a foreword by Elaine “LaLa” LaLanne.

Originally introduced by IDEA in 2003, Inspire the World to Fitness® became the organization’s signature initiative and guiding call to action. This new publication brings that initiative to life through the lived experiences and professional journeys of IDEA award recipients and industry leaders who have advanced ethical practice, mentorship, inclusion, and evidence-based education.

Contributing authors include:

  • Amy Boone Thompson, 2019 IDEA® Fitness Leader of the Year 
  • Dr. Len Kravitz, 1987 IDEA® Fitness Instructor of the Year 
  • Carla Botelho Sottovia, PhD, 2005 IDEA® Personal Trainer of the Year & 2014 IDEA® Program Director of the Year 
  • Sherri McMillan, M.Sc., 2006 IDEA® Program Director of the Year & 1998 IDEA® Personal Trainer of the Year 
  • Leslee Bender, 2020 IDEA® Personal Trainer of the Year 
  • Rick Richey, PhD, 2022 IDEA® Personal Trainer of the Year 
  • Ingrid Knight-Cohee, M.Sc., 2024 IDEA® Fitness Leader of the Year 
  • Ruben P. Thickstun, 2024 IDEA® Emerging Trailblazer of the Year 
  • Ellen de Werd, 2024 & 2025 IDEA® Fitness Instructor of the Year Finalist 
  • Desiree Bartlett, EdD, 2025 IDEA® Fitness Leader of the Year 

Together, the authors represent decades of leadership across academia, active aging, group fitness, business ownership, and professional development. Each chapter reflects IDEA’s long-standing mission to elevate fitness professionals and expand access to education, connection, and credibility worldwide.

“Inspire the World to Fitness® is more than a tagline, its a responsibility,” said Amy Boone Thompson, Owner & CEO of IDEA Health & Fitness Association. “This book honors the leaders who have helped shape our profession and reinforces the essential role fitness professionals play in advancing health, well-being, and quality of life in communities around the world.”

Now available on Amazon HERE.