IDEA Member Spotlight: 2024 Issue 1

Jolene Swann, Staunton, Virginia

“I opened my own Studio in 2006 and currently train over 40 hours a week with individuals and group sessions. My clients range from 48 to 87 years young,” says Jolene Swann. I train them for strength, flexibility, balance and life! I love my job and my clients!

Swann, a dedicated member of IDEA since 1989, embarked on her fitness journey with her first group exercise certification from ACE. While she once held certifications from AFAA, the Physicalmind Institute in Pilates, and Reebok Core Board, her focus shifted towards personal training, earning her ACE certification in 1995. Originating from Staunton, Virginia, Jolene has made an impact in various fitness centers, including the Staunton Athletic Club, Staunton/Augusta YMCA, Nautilus Fitness Center, and Lifetime at Augusta Health and Fitness. In 2006, she took a leap of faith, opening her own studio.

Jolene’s passion for her work and clients shines through in every session. When she’s not at the studio, she finds joy in running, hiking, cooking and spending time with her loved ones. With 40 years of marriage under her belt and two daughters who have blessed her with eight grandchildren, Jolene’s life is full of love and fulfillment!

However, her journey hasn’t been without challenges. One of her grandchildren is currently undergoing treatment for neuroblastoma at St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee. Despite the hardships, Jolene draws strength from her granddaughter’s resilience, living each day with gratitude and determination. She says, “My mantra is ‘I Can Do Hard Things’ because if my 3-year-old granddaughter can go through two bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy and radiation, I certainly can embrace each day that God gives me.”

Mary Lewis, Baltimore, Maryland

Meet Mary Lewis, an inspiring instructor in Baltimore’s fitness scene, who embodies the essences of resilience and motivation. Her journey with IDEA began in 2019, sparking a transformative evolution from fitness novice to seasoned professional. Motivated by a life-altering health crisis, Mary pursued degrees in Kinesiology and Public Health, complemented by certifications like ACE CPT and AEA Aquatics, to enhance her expertise and enrich her clients’ experiences.

“I love that I get paid to have fun! I genuinely enjoy seeing my clients’ and students’ smiles when they achieve their goals,” says Mary. “It gives me a sense of fulfillment to motivate and inspire them to tap into their full potential—body, mind and spirit.”

Through IDEA, Mary discovered a supportive community that fueled her growth. “I joined IDEA because I wanted to connect with other fitness professionals worldwide, exchange ideas, learn from each other, and work towards becoming the best wellness professional I can be for my community, in-person or virtually. IDEA happened to have everything I was looking for,” she shares.

Today, Mary’s studio, Train with Mary, LLC, reflects her resilience and passion. Her classes sculpt bodies and inspire minds, leaving lasting impacts on her clients. Beyond fitness, Mary embraces cultural exploration, culinary creativity and cherished family moments. Her journey echoes the limitless potential of the human spirit, inspiring others to embrace their own paths with determination and support.

Chan Gannaway, Melbourne, Florida

“I have always believed that our industry, if it continues to earn the respect of the general public, has the potential to positively impact millions of lives.”

Chan Gannaway’s fitness journey began after a transformative conversation post-triathlon, leading to a remarkable career trajectory. Rising from personal trainer to influential roles in renowned fitness spaces like Orangetheory and Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, he has reshaped the fitness landscape with passion and determination.

His time at Orangetheory Fitness was pivotal. Over eight years as Fitness Director, Gannaway played a crucial role in its expansion, training teams, authoring manuals and spearheading global launches.

Now, as Corporate Director of Education and Programming at Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, he continues to innovate while co-owning a Florida studio with his wife. Gannaway’s impact extends beyond his roles, as he emphasizes the importance of diversity in the fitness industry through platforms like IDEA.

“IDEA represents and amplifies the voices of fitness leaders with diverse talents, experiences, educations and backgrounds,” remarks Gannaway. “Its educators have long been at the forefront of fitness education within the industry.”

Elaine Bintz, Schererville, Indiana

Step into the world of Elaine Bintz, a dynamic holistic practitioner from Schererville, Indiana, whose journey to success is as unique as her approach to wellness. With over 20 years of experience and a diverse range of certifications in personal training, health coaching, yoga instruction, and massage therapy, Elaine’s approach to wellness is truly transformative!

“I have the BEST career on the planet! I love the emotionally safe environment where a client can open up and be vulnerable. I love witnessing change, improvement and growth,” she says. “I’ve enjoyed the community of professionals and their support while I was on my journey of having miscarriages, pregnancy, divorce and throughout my own life challenges.”

Her journey began as a child, growing up playing sports. Bintz took a keen interest in listening to her coaches early on, understanding that she needed to do so to become the best athlete she could be. Upon entering college, she worked at the YMCA, furthering her education in diet and exercise.

As a proud member of IDEA since 2019, she values the platform for professional growth and networking, stating, “What I value most about my membership is the opportunity to build relationships with amazing people.” Elaine’s holistic practice, Energy and Wellness, stands out for its focus on healing through movement, massage therapy and coaching, with a strong emphasis on building emotional resilience.

“I highly encourage everyone, in and out of the fitness field, to genuinely be your own best friend. At the end of every day, you get to look at you in the mirror. You must have self-love and compassion for yourself. You are the one and only YOU.”

We’d Like to Put the Spotlight on You!

If you would like to be featured or know an IDEA member who stands out in the fitness crowd, email a brief description of your (or your colleague’s) fitness activities and achievements and a high-resolution digital photograph (at least 300 dpi, in focus, well-lit and at least 3″ x 3″ in its original digital format) to content@ideafit.com. Please include your IDEA member number, if possible. You (or the colleague) must be an IDEA member to be considered for this section.