Inspire the World to Fitness®
A collective reflection on leadership, legacy, and the platform that elevated a profession.
For more than four decades, IDEA® Health & Fitness Association has united, educated, and elevated fitness professionals around the world. This book brings together the voices of leaders whose journeys were shaped by that platform—and who now carry its mission forward.
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Amy Boone Thompson
Amy Boone Thompson is a visionary leader and three-decade veteran of the fitness and wellness industry.
As the Owner and CEO of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, she has dedicated her career to inspiring,
empowering, and elevating professionals in the health and fitness fields. Recognized as a trailblazer and
recipient of numerous industry awards, including the prestigious Stevie Award, Amy’s work centers on
fostering global collaboration and driving positive change across the industry.With a career that spans from practitioner to executive, Amy has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of fitness and wellness through her strategic leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to professional empowerment. As the current Chair of World Active, Amy works alongside global health organizations to unite efforts in promoting physical activity and wellness worldwide.
Her journey is marked by a deep passion for community, a dedication to service, and an unwavering belief in the power of connection. Through her work, Amy continues to champion the potential of fitness as a catalyst for change, encouraging others to reach their fullest potential.
Amy Boone Thompson
LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/amybthompson
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/amyboonethompson/ Face Book – https://www.facebook.com/amy.b.thompson.31
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Desiree Bartlett, EdD
Dr. Desiree (Desi) Bartlett, EdD, CPT, E-RYT, is a leading women’s health expert, internationally published author, and creator of The BodyMind Workout™, a trademarked system blending yoga, fitness, and meditation. With 30 years of experience, she was named the 2025 IDEA™ Fitness Leader of the Year and ranked #1 in MSN’s Top 10 Health Voices Helping People Feel Better.
Known for her message of strength from the inside out, Desi empowers women through major life transitions—from pregnancy and new motherhood to perimenopause—by combining ancient practices like yoga, breathwork, and meditation with modern science in kinesiology and women’s health. Her bestselling books are sold worldwide, and her work has been featured on ABC, NBC, Univision, Hallmark, and leading fitness and wellness publications. Now based on Oʻahu, Desi continues to inspire women globally through retreats, digital platforms, and DesiBodyMind.com.
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Leslee Bender
Leslee Bender is a globally recognized fitness educator with over four decades of experience in the industry. She is the 2020 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year and 2024 CanFitPro Specialty Trainer of the Year, and the creator of the Bender Ball Method®, named 2007 Infomercial of the Year.
An international presenter and published author, Leslee is known for her safe, functional approach to longevity and corrective core training. She has appeared on national television and worked with professional athletes, including Prince Fielder, as well as pro golfers and football players. Leslee serves as Director of Education for Ageless Training Academy and The Pilates Coach, continuing her lifelong mission to educate and inspire movement for all ages and abilities.
If you’re looking to work directly with Leslee, she offers both virtual and in-person training, as well as speaking engagements for events.
📩 To schedule an appointment or inquire about availability, email Leslee@bendertraining.com.
💻 You can also access Leslee’s online programs at www.agelesstrainingacademy.com. -
Ellen de Werd
Owner of the WARRIOR Studio in Eugene, OR, Ellen de Werd is a renowned fitness industry leader with over 25 years of experience in group fitness. Inside her studio, she teaches, mentors, and cultivates a powerful culture rooted in gratitude, inclusivity, and connection.
As the 2026 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year, Ellen is the visionary creator behind the WARRIOR formats—dynamic, license-free programs now taught in 14 countries. Through her company, she empowers group fitness professionals with smart, original content designed to inspire creativity, confidence, and excellence in every class.
She is also the host of the Confessions of a GroupX Instructor podcast and a Legacy lululemon Ambassador.
Outside the studio, Ellen enjoys family time, watercolor painting, listening to classical music, and spending time with her beloved whippet and bengal cat.
Connect with Ellen de Werd
You can reach Ellen through the following platforms:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellendewerd/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellenelisabethdewerd
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellendewerd/ -
Ingrid Knight-Cohee, MSc
Ingrid is a visionary leader in the health, wellness, and fitness industry, empowering communities to move more joyfully and live healthier lives. With over 30 years of experience and a unique blend of expertise in health management, fitness leadership, and exercise psychology, she inspires others to adopt a more holistic approach to wellness. As the Director of Chronic Disease Programs at YMCA BC, Ingrid oversees innovative health management initiatives that prioritize health equity. Her certifications as a Personal Trainer, Health Coach, and Trainer of Fitness Leaders, combined with her degrees in Human Kinetics and Exercise & Health Psychology, make her a sought-after presenter at global industry events like IDEA World, Health & Fitness Association, and canfitpro. Ingrid is also the founder of MSINGI® – Elemental Movement, the world’s first Afrocentric functional movement practice. MSINGI® improves functional strength and primal mobility through 11 foundational movements, set to exclusive Afrobeats playlists. To make fitness more accessible and inclusive, Ingrid invites everyone to experience the joy of movement with MSINGI®.
To learn more about her work or to get in touch, please visit
www.msingimovement.com
follow @msingimovement -
Len Kravitz, PhD
Dr. Len Kravitz is a Professor and Coordinator of Exercise Science at the University of New Mexico
and a globally recognized leader in fitness education. He has authored more than 350 peer-reviewed
publications, contributed 13 book chapters, and published three widely used educational texts, while
mentoring undergraduate and graduate students throughout his academic career. A highly sought-after
presenter, Dr. Kravitz has delivered over 1,100 invited presentations worldwide. His honors include being
the first recipient of Fitness Instructor of the Year from the IDEA Health & Fitness Association, Fitness
Educator of the Year from the American Council on Exercise, multiple teaching awards at UNM, and
induction into the National Fitness Hall of Fame.You should check his published articles with your fitness colleagues. I believe the content on fitness education and exercise science would be a valuable resource for them. Here is the link: https://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Pages/articles.html
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Sherri McMillan, MS
Sherri McMillan, M.Sc. has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for over 36 years and has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Fitness Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year & 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year. She is an international fitness presenter, a personal trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers including the Columbian newspaper, author of five books and manuals including “Go For Fit – the Winning Way to Fat Loss”, “Fit over Forty” & “The Successful Trainers Guide to Marketing”. She is the owner of NW Personal Training, an award-winning Personal Training studio in Vancouver WA, consistently recognized as the top personal training studio in her community. She has presented hundreds of workshops worldwide and is a respected fitness columnist. Sherri is also a proud mother to Brianna and Jackson.
Connect with Sherri:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherri-mcmillanhttps://www.facebook.com/sherri.mcmillan -
Rick Richey, DHSc, MS, LMT
Rich Richey has been a leader in the fitness industry since 2002, serving as a personal trainer, licensed massage therapist, adjunct professor, NASM faculty instructor, author, and course creator. He is the founder of Independent Training Spot, a network of six New York City gyms, and co-founder of RēCOVER, the world’s first dedicated recovery studio.
Rick was named the 2022 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year by IDEA Health & Fitness Association and is the multi-award-winning host of the NASM CPT Podcast, a leading resource for fitness professionals worldwide. He holds a master’s degree in exercise science and a doctorate in health science, blending academic expertise with decades of hands-on experience.
Rick is passionate about making gyms and fitness spaces inclusive for all. He encourages individuals of every age, size, and background to step into a gym, try a class, and experience the freedom that fitness provides. His mission is to help people focus on longevity, quality of life, and confidence—not just weight loss.
To connect with Rick for mentorship or professional guidance:
LinkedIn: @rickrichey
Instagram: @dr.rickrichey
Website: independenttrainingspot.com -
Carla Sottovia, PhD
Carla Sottovia is an international leader in the fitness industry with over 40 years of experience helping individuals achieve wellness, fitness, and quality of life. She is the Director of Fitness & Personal Training Education at the Cooper Aerobic Center in Dallas, TX, and has influenced thousands of fitness professionals worldwide through innovative education and training. A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Carla earned her B.S. in Physical Education from the State University of New York, M.S. in Exercise Physiology from San Jose State University, and a Doctorate in Exercise Physiology from Texas Woman’s University.
An accomplished long-distance runner and triathlete, Carla has completed 22 marathons and more than 50 triathlons, including 3 Ironman-distance events. She is a published author, a double IDEA Health & Fitness award winner, and a dedicated educator and coach in Functional Movement, Classical Pilates, and Animal Flow. Her mission is to make fitness and wellness a daily habit for everyone, just like brushing teeth, eating, and sleeping.
Connect with Carla:
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlasottovia/Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/carlasottovia/
Website: http://www.drcarlasottovia.com/
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Ruben P. Thickstun
Ruben is a Functional Training Specialist dedicated to helping older adults thrive through movement. Recognized with the IDEA Emerging Trailblazer award (2024), he creates low-impact, high-energy programs that enhance vitality, strength, and mobility for seniors, retirement communities, and corporate wellness initiatives. Ruben is also an international educator and dynamic speaker, sharing his expertise at top industry events such as IDEA World, Canfitpro, and SCW Mania. Through Functionally Evolved, he develops accessible, purpose-driven programming and consulting services that promote inclusive fitness and wellness.
Connect with Ruben:
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruben.per.1📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubenpthickstun/?hl=en
🌐 Website: http://www.rubenpthickstun.com/
