May 2020 IDEA Member Spotlight

Sue Singer

Member Since 2009  ::  Medford, New Jersey

Not many fit pros quote a witch for inspiration, but Sue Singer knows that Glinda (the Good Witch of the South) had it right when she told her “client” (Dorothy Gale, of course), “You’ve always had the power, my dear; you just had to learn it for yourself.” Sue’s a wiz at empowering clients and helping them feel at home in their own skin. She began focusing on her own fitness after the birth of her third son and then turned to helping others, eventually becoming a full-time personal trainer, health coach and boot camp instructor. “Clients initially come to me with so much self-doubt and low self-esteem,” she says. “I’m so incredibly happy for each and every one of them when they reach their fitness and health goals.”

Ryan Burke

Member Since 1989  ::  State College, Pennsylvania

Ryan Burke grew up in the personal training business—literally! His parents founded One on One Fitness Consultants in 1986, and Ryan knew early on that he wanted to be a fitness professional, too. Now, as a partner and director of business development, he helps enhance that family feeling through One on One’s “Give Back” program. Give Back lets clients pay for certain services by making a donation to the Youth Service Bureau or Centre Volunteers in Medicine. The program has raised more than $400,000 since its inception in 2009. “We work tirelessly to maintain the highest quality and ensure the experience is about more than just workouts,” says Ryan. He also emphasizes how rewarding it is to watch the team “grow and succeed as fitness and nutrition professionals.”

Julie Kaminski, MA

Member Since 1995  ::  Lebanon, New Jersey

It’s a great story: Julie Kaminski got her fitness start in synchronized swimming, becoming an All American and competing in the Olympic trials. When that chapter closed, she went on to become a multicertified wellness coach, counselor and personal trainer. Here, the plot thickens. “My passion project is The Walking Book Club,” Julie explains. The “club” is a free online community; members listen to four books a year—the only rule is that you have to be moving while listening—and have access to a private Facebook group for discussion. Julie also provides health and happiness topics, with tips and tactics for improving overall wellness. “Julie’s Walking Book Club is brilliant,” says one member. “Once you get hooked into a good story, you also get hooked into movement!” Consider it a happy ending.

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 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.

For more information on membership & benefits, go here.