IDEA Member Spotlight: March 2021

Shelley Russell

Member Since 2005  ::  Tucson, Arizona

“I love helping people,” says Shelley Russell. “I love to create fun workouts that are efficient and effective.” And this past year, when creativity was put to the test, this multicertified trainer (and former computer programmer) rose to the challenge. She opened her own business—Zona-fit LLC—and developed a fitness platform that taught people how to strength-train using household items as load. It was at the 2020 IDEA^® Personal Trainer Institute that she learned the protocol. “People have told me that without my program, they would have gone insane. It’s given them structure and something to look forward to in their daily routines.” She continues to use her programming skills—both technical and physical—to create new tools to enhance her business. “The road isn’t always clearly defined,” she adds, “but keep moving forward toward your dreams!”

Desi Bartlett, MS

Member Since 2003  ::  Marina del Rey, California

Desi Bartlett started college at Arizona State University as a broadcasting major. When she began working out at a local gym, though, she discovered a deep love of fitness and rechanneled her goals. She changed her major to kinesiology, went on to earn her master’s degree—and an array of certifications—and committed her life to health and well-being. Now an accomplished author and product designer who specializes in working with pregnant women and new moms, she remains “passionate about helping people discover the joy of movement. I think of movement as being an outer expression of our inner joy,” she says. Her advice? “Work hard, be nice and stay humble. I have seen a lot of really talented people in this industry, but what I see gives professionals staying power is attitude and work ethic.”

Lindsay Maurer

Member Since 2013  ::  Fruita, Colorado

How is Lindsay Maurer inspiring the world to fitness? “By breaking down barriers and spreading a love for fitness,” she says. Even the name of her studio, Wabi Sabi Wellness, means to “embrace the beauty in imperfection,” a philosophy of self-acceptance and personal empowerment. “I truly believe that we are all perfectly imperfect.” An exercise physiologist, massage therapist and children’s programming coach, Maurer knows about overcoming obstacles. “At age 32, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and told that I not only shouldn’t, but couldn’t, run. Since then I have completed multiple half-marathons. I teach [runners] to use weaknesses as strengths and embrace the beautiful machine that their body is. My role as a fitness professional is to merely hold light and space for my clients to show them how great they truly are.”

We’d Like to Put the Spotlight On You!

If you would like to be featured in this section 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″ × 3″ in its original digital format) to [email protected]. Please include your IDEA member number, if possible. You (or the colleague) must be an IDEA member to be considered for this section.