IDEAfit PRO SHOW

Season 8 of the IDEAfit Pro Show continues the Meet the Authors series with an inspiring conversation featuring Dr. Carla Sottovia, 2005 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 2014 IDEA Program Director of the Year, educator, researcher, endurance athlete, and longtime leader at the Cooper Aerobics Center. Host Amy Boone Thompson welcomes Carla for her very first appearance on the IDEAfit Pro Show, where she shares a remarkable journey that spans nearly four decades in the fitness industry—from growing up on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to becoming an internationally respected educator and advocate for preventive health, longevity, and lifelong movement. In her chapter of Inspire the World to Fitness®, Carla blends storytelling, science, resilience, and personal experience to inspire both fitness professionals and everyday individuals to embrace movement as a lifelong pursuit. This episode explores the power of mentorship, the evolution of the fitness industry, the importance of staying curious, and how movement can transform lives at every age. In This Episode, You’ll Learn • How Carla’s upbringing in Brazil shaped her lifelong love of movement • Why she shifted from pursuing medicine to preventive health and fitness • How exercise physiology became her true calling • The evolution of her 38+ year career at Cooper Aerobics Center • Why education and adaptability are essential for long-term success in fitness • Carla’s journey as a marathoner, triathlete, and Ironman competitor • How she overcame a serious heart condition and returned to racing • Why mentorship and continuous learning matter in the fitness industry • How global education initiatives helped Carla impact fitness professionals in Brazil • Why aging does not mean giving up movement, strength, or new challenges Featured Guest Dr. Carla Sottovia 2005 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year 2014 IDEA Program Director of the Year Director of Education, Cooper Aerobics Center Researcher, educator, endurance athlete, and international presenter Carla has spent nearly four decades helping clients, trainers, and fitness professionals improve health outcomes through evidence-based movement, education, and preventive wellness. From Rio de Janeiro to Preventive Health Leadership Carla’s story begins on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, where movement was simply part of life. Raised in an active family with strong encouragement toward sports and wellness, Carla discovered early on that physical activity would always play a central role in her life. Originally aspiring to attend medical school, she eventually realized her true passion was helping people prevent disease through fitness and healthy living….

Season 8 of the IDEAfit Pro Show continues the Meet the Authors series with one of the fitness industry’s most dynamic educators and advocates for inclusion—Rick Richey, 2022 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, educator, entrepreneur, podcast host, and founder of Independent Training Spot. Host Amy Boone Thompson sits down with Rick for a candid and inspiring conversation about building opportunity in the fitness industry, creating spaces where everyone belongs, and redefining what success looks like as a fitness professional. In this episode, Rick shares his unconventional path into fitness—from aspiring Power Ranger and stunt performer to internationally respected educator and business owner. Along the way, he reveals how injuries, curiosity, mentorship, and a willingness to take chances shaped his career and ultimately inspired his mission to make fitness more inclusive and accessible for all. Rick’s chapter in Inspire the World to Fitness®, “Fitness Is for Every Body and Everybody,” explores why representation matters in fitness spaces and how professionals can create environments where more people feel seen, welcomed, and empowered to move. In This Episode, You’ll Learn • How Rick’s martial arts and performance background led him into fitness • Why taking ownership of your career creates long-term opportunity • The story behind Independent Training Spot and its innovative business model • Why education and communication are essential leadership skills • How IDEA and NASM helped shape Rick’s professional journey • Why representation matters in gyms and fitness communities • How inclusive hiring creates more welcoming environments • Why movement—not weight loss alone—is critical for health outcomes • The importance of helping clients feel safe, seen, and supported • Advice for trainers considering entrepreneurship and gym ownership Featured Guest Rick Richey 2022 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year Founder of Independent Training Spot Co-Founder of Recover Host of the NASM CPT Podcast Educator, orthopedic massage therapist, and entrepreneur Rick has spent more than two decades helping fitness professionals grow their careers while advocating for a more inclusive and accessible fitness industry. From Power Ranger Dreams to Fitness Leadership Rick opens the episode with one of the most memorable origin stories of the season….

On this episode of Season 8 of the IDEAfit Pro Show, host Amy Boone Thompson welcomes Ingrid Knight-Cohee, the 2024 IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year and author of Chapter 7 in Inspire the World to Fitness®. Ingrid is a fitness leader, educator, program creator, and changemaker whose work centers on confidence, resilience, health equity, and community through movement. Her chapter, “Inner Voice and Global Vision: Listening, Leading, and Lifting Others Through Movement and Meaning,” explores authenticity, purpose, and how fitness can transform lives. In this conversation, Ingrid shares her journey from rhythmic gymnastics and fitness instruction to leadership in group fitness, YMCA programming, healthy aging, chronic disease management, and the creation of Misingi Movement—an Afrocentric, foundational movement practice designed to bring people together through rhythm, culture, and accessible functional movement. This episode also highlights Ingrid’s first appearance on the IDEA Podcast Network: https://www.ideafit.com/podcast-episode/whats-in-the-sauce-featuring-ingrid-knight-cohee/ In This Episode, You’ll Learn • How Ingrid’s athletic background led her into fitness • Why group fitness is often the heart of a fitness facility • How Ingrid created Misingi Movement and why representation matters • Why movement can be medicine, meditation, and message • How to listen to your inner voice and turn ideas into action • Why health equity matters in fitness programming • How to identify who your facility is not yet serving • Why mentorship is essential for career growth Featured Guest Ingrid Knight-Cohee 2024 IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year Fitness leader, educator, presenter, and program creator Creator of Misingi Movement IDEA Fitness Mentor Network Mentor Healthy aging and chronic disease management leader, YMCABC About Misingi Movement Misingi is a Swahili word meaning base, foundational, and to bring together. Misingi Movement is an Afrocentric, rhythm-based functional movement practice built around 11 foundational movements. It is taught in a circular format inspired by community and connection, with intensity levels represented by earth, wind, and fire. The six-step Misingi inner voice framework includes:…

Season 8 of the IDEAfit Pro Show kicks off with a powerful new series—Meet the Authors—spotlighting the voices behind the book Inspire the World to Fitness. Host Amy Boone Thompson welcomes Ellen De Werd, 2026 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year, global educator, program creator, and founder of the Warrior Instructor Academy. In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Ellen shares her journey from struggle and self-doubt to purpose-driven leadership. From overcoming an eating disorder to discovering the life-changing power of group fitness, Ellen reflects on how movement, community, and mentorship helped her rebuild her life—and ultimately shape a global fitness brand. Her chapter, From Mantra to Manifestation to Metamorphosis, explores how ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary impact through belief, action, and authenticity. This episode is a powerful reminder that fitness is more than physical transformation—it’s about connection, purpose, and the courage to step into who you’re meant to become. In This Episode, You’ll Learn • How Ellen’s early struggles shaped her purpose and career in fitness • Why group fitness can be a powerful tool for both mental and physical healing • How to grow from instructor to leader, presenter, and program creator • The importance of mentorship, community, and continuous education • Why authenticity attracts connection—and builds strong culture • How to lead even when you feel fear and self-doubt • The power of creating inclusive, supportive fitness communities • Why “ordinary people” are capable of extraordinary impact Featured Guest Ellen De Werd 2026 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year Founder & CEO, Warrior Instructor Academy Global Educator, Presenter & Program Creator Ellen leads a global network of 800+ instructors across 14 countries and has developed multiple group fitness formats designed to build connection, confidence, and community….

Welcome to Season 8 of the IDEAfit Pro Show! Season 8 of the IDEAfit Pro Show begins with a special kickoff episode introducing the new Meet the Authors series, built around IDEA’s book, Inspire the World to Fitness. Host Amy Boone Thompson, CEO of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, shares the purpose behind this season: connecting listeners to the stories, lessons, and leaders featured in the book. This season highlights fitness professionals who have shaped the industry, overcome challenges, found purpose in movement, and used IDEA as a platform for growth, leadership, and community. Inspire the World to Fitness is more than a book—it is a relay. Each author passes forward wisdom, perspective, and a call to action, inviting listeners and readers to reflect on their own purpose and impact. In This Episode, You’ll Learn • Why Season 8 is centered around Inspire the World to Fitness • How IDEA’s 40+ year legacy grew from education into a global fitness community • Why this season focuses on connection, purpose, leadership, and action • How each author’s story reflects a different path through the fitness industry • Why the book is meant to activate—not just inspire—fitness professionals • How listeners can apply each author’s call to action in their own careers • Why the baton is now being passed to the next generation of leaders About the Book: Inspire the World to Fitness Inspire the World to Fitness features leaders who have helped shape the fitness industry and continue to change lives every day. Through personal stories, professional lessons, and practical calls to action, the book invites fitness professionals to reflect on: • Their purpose…

Episode Summary On this special bonus episode of Season 7 of the IDEAfit Pro Show, host Amy Boone-Thompson welcomes Dr. Judi Brown Clarke—Olympian, educator, national leader, and the 2026 IDEA Jack & Elaine LaLanne Award recipient. A silver medalist in the 400meter hurdles at the 1984 Olympic Games, Dr. Brown Clarke has built a remarkable career beyond sport. She currently serves as Vice President of Equity & Inclusion and Chief Health Equity Officer at Stony Brook University, while also playing a key leadership role with the National Fitness Foundation. In this conversation, Dr. Brown Clarke shares her journey from elite athlete to national changemaker, exploring how education, policy, and wellness intersect to create meaningful impact. She discusses health equity, access to fitness, and the importance of building inclusive systems that support communities at every level. This episode is a powerful reflection on leadership, purpose, and using your platform to create lasting change. In This Episode, You’ll Learn • How Dr. Brown Clarke transitioned from Olympic athlete to national leader in health equity • Why education, policy, and wellness must work together to drive change • The role of equity and access in improving community health outcomes • How the National Fitness Foundation supports underserved populations • Why fitness should focus on inclusion, not just performance • How small, community-based solutions can create large-scale impact • The importance of mentorship, leadership, and serving on boards • Why “fitness is empowerment” and key to lifelong well-being Featured Guest Dr. Judy Brown Clarke 1984 Olympic Silver Medalist (400m hurdles) Vice President of Equity & Inclusion and Chief Health Equity Officer, Stony Brook University Leader, National Fitness Foundation…

Episode Summary On this episode of Season 7 of the IDEAfit Pro Show, host Amy Boone-Thompson welcomes Greg Johnson, the 2025 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, owner and head trainer of VeraMax Fitness Personal Training Studio and the FitGolf Performance Center in Sacramento, California. With more than 20 years in the fitness industry and more than a decade as a successful studio owner, Greg has built a reputation for practical coaching, thoughtful programming, and high-level athletic performance training. From golf fitness and rotational athletes to fat loss coaching, active aging, and youth development, Greg brings a grounded, experience-based approach to helping clients move better, perform better, and build sustainable strength. In this conversation, Greg shares how an originally unintended career in personal training evolved into business ownership, presenting, and industry leadership. He also discusses the value of physical therapy experience for trainers, why building a referral network matters, how data improves coaching decisions, and why the best programming often comes back to the basics. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Greg’s path from kinesiology graduate to studio owner developed through unexpected opportunities Why a physical therapy background can strengthen a personal trainer’s skill set How referral relationships with golf pros, physical therapists, and allied professionals help grow a business Why personal training remains such a powerful and personalized coaching model How Greg uses data and assessment tools to guide programming for fat loss, performance, and active aging Why trainers need to understand the difference between weight loss and fat loss How to approach training for rotational athletes like golfers, tennis players, baseball players, and pickleball players Why the best programs are often rooted in foundational strength and conditioning—not flashy social media exercises Why aspiring presenters should apply before they feel fully ready Featured Guest Greg Johnson 2025 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year Owner & Head Trainer, VeraMax Fitness Personal Training Studio Owner, FitGolf Performance Center Greg specializes in personal training, golf fitness, rotational athlete development, active aging, fat loss coaching, and practical strength programming. He is also an international presenter and educator committed to helping fitness professionals grow their coaching skills and confidence. Greg at the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo Back to Basics: Uncomplicating…

Episode Summary On this episode of Season 7 of the IDEAfit Pro Show, host Amy Boone-Thompson welcomes Dane Robinson, one of IDEA’s top-rated presenters and a dynamic leader in the fitness industry. A former professional athlete turned coach, presenter, host, and keynote speaker, Dane is known for helping fitness professionals transform workouts into immersive, high-energy experiences that captivate, inspire, and keep participants coming back. From personal training and group fitness to national television, brand partnerships, hosting, and keynote speaking, Dane has built a career that proves the skills developed in fitness can open doors far beyond the gym floor. In this conversation, Dane shares how he went from mopping floors at Bally Total Fitness and building a career in corporate fitness to betting on himself, creating his own lane, and becoming a sought-after presenter and on-camera expert. He also breaks down the coaching mindset that sets great instructors apart, how to create a memorable experience for attendees, and why the same tools used in fitness can translate to public speaking, hosting, leadership, and life. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Dane’s background as a collegiate and professional football player shaped his coaching mindset Why being told “no” helped fuel his biggest career pivot How he went from gym-floor coaching to presenting, hosting, and national television What makes a great presenter memorable beyond just high energy Why the best sessions deliver both a return on time and a return on energy How to simplify information so fitness professionals can actually apply it Why group fitness and hosting share so many transferable skills How to bring athletic energy, connection, and confidence into every class Why fitness professionals should bet on themselves even when the path feels…

Episode Summary On this episode of Season 7 of the IDEAfit Pro Show, host Amy Boone-Thompson welcomes Brian Richey, an internationally recognized expert in post-rehab and corrective exercise. Brian is an author, educator, personal trainer, and industry leader in medical exercise. He is also the owner and CEO of Fit for Life DC, a medical exercise facility in Washington, D.C., where he helps clients move better, stand taller, and exercise pain-free. Brian holds a BS in kinesiology and exercise science and is certified as a medical exercise program director, medical exercise specialist, and post-rehab conditioning specialist. He is also a faculty educator for Balanced Body and the author of Back Exercise: Stabilize, Mobilize, and Reduce Pain. In 2023, Brian received the IDEA Korea Fitness Achievement of the Year Award in recognition of his global impact on fitness education. In this conversation, Brian shares his powerful personal story, how his own transformation led him into fitness, why post-rehab has become his life’s work, and how fitness professionals can better support clients living with pain, orthopedic issues, and chronic conditions. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Brian’s personal health journey and family background led him into fitness How he found his niche in post-rehab and corrective exercise Why post-rehab is such a valuable opportunity for fitness professionals How trainers can better support clients after physical therapy ends Why communication with doctors, physical therapists, and healthcare providers matters How Brian built a successful medical exercise business in Washington, D.C. Why low back pain is so prevalent and how exercise can help reduce pain safely The role of positioning, movement quality, and proper cueing in corrective exercise How continuing education…

Episode Summary On this episode of Season 7 of the IDEAfit Pro Show, host Amy Boone-Thompson welcomes Gini Grimsley, Executive Director of Programming for Pain-Free…

Episode Summary On this episode of Season 7 of the IDEAfit Pro Show, host Amy Boone-Thompson is joined by Siri Chilazi—nearly 20-year veteran presenter, educator, and…

Episode Summary On the premiere episode of Season 7 of the IDEAfit Pro Show, host Amy Boone-Thompson kicks off the season by spotlighting one of…

As we close out Season 6 of the IDEAfit Pro Show, Amy Boone Thompson reflects on an unforgettable season packed with wisdom, connection, and purpose….

With over four decades of empowering millions to move, Denise Austin has redefined what it means to make fitness fun, accessible, and sustainable. In this…

What does it take to create a thriving, sustainable career in fitness? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Darien Parker and Dr. Erin…

Midlife can be a challenging season for many women—but with the right knowledge and support, it’s also a time for empowerment and transformation. In this…

At nearly 100 years old, Elaine LaLanne—affectionately known as “Lala”—continues to inspire generations with her energy, wisdom, and heart. In this special episode, the First…

What if lowering cholesterol was as simple as changing your breakfast? Cardiologist and Step One Foods founder Dr. Elizabeth Klodas joins the show to discuss…

What happens when a fitness professional becomes a millionaire mentor? Meet Loral Langemeier—money expert, best-selling author, and founder of Live Out Loud, Inc.—who started her…

What if the key to movement longevity and athletic performance isn’t in your muscles—but in your feet? Dr. Emily Splichal is here to revolutionize how…

Get an insider’s guide to the most anticipated fitness conference of the year! Matt Taylor, IDEA’s Director of Events, and Steffi Habermann, Event Coordinator, step…

What if your next level wasn’t about doing more—but leading better? In this powerhouse episode, fitness icons Rob Glick and David Freeman share how purpose,…

What does it mean to truly trailblaze in fitness? For Ruben Pereyra, it means breaking barriers, building community, and creating inclusive programs that bring movement…

What if the secret to longevity in the fitness industry isn’t just science, but soft skills? In this episode, Tyler Valencia shares how trust, adaptability,…

What do you do when your format disappears overnight? If you’re Ellen de Werd, you build your own. In this vulnerable and motivating episode, Ellen…

What happens when a fitness icon and a professional athlete join forces—onstage and off? In this heartwarming and high-impact conversation, Carolyn Erickson and her daughter…

What does it take to stay inspired, impactful, and relevant for over three decades in fitness? Jeff McMullen shares the real story behind his longevity—and…

In this episode, host Amy Boone Thompson welcomes Whitney Houlin—Director of Fitness at WeGym, content creator, and first-time IDEA World presenter—to share her refreshingly realistic…

This week on the IDEAfit Pro Show, host Amy Boone Thompson is joined by international presenter and personal trainer Alessandro Pisanu. Known for his high-energy,…

Get ready for an insightful and inspiring conversation as host Amy Boone Thompson welcomes Dr. Jonathan Mike to the show. In this episode, we explore…

Welcome to the IDEAfit Pro Show Season 6! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jan Schroeder. Jan is the event programmer for the…

Welcome to Season 6 of the IDEAfit Pro Show! Host Amy Boone Thompson, CEO of IDEA Health and Fitness Association, shares some groundbreaking initiatives set…