Group Fitness Talk Radio » Group Fitness Career

IDEA Launches Fitness Connect for Group Fitness Professionals

admin — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 21:19:44 +0000

John just told me about a new Social Media Platform for Group Fitness Professionals like us! The plan, as I understand it, is to give Instructors a place to list all their certs and classes. Our Fitness Participants can then search and confirm that we are what we claim to be

From their site:

IDEA FitnessConnect is the largest fitness professional directory, connecting more
than 16 million consumers to more than 100,000 fitness professionals with
credentials verified by the top 14 fitness certification bodies
…And did we mention it’s FREE?

You can create your own profile here.

John is on a plane home from the IDEA conference and has promised to help me get mine set up as soon as he gets back.

GFTR #19 – Meet Omar Graham from Breezes Runaway Bay Jamaica

Amy — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:26:08 +0000

How does a very affordable Caribbean vacation sound right about now? Remember Episode #6 when I talked with Suzelle Snowden from Fit Bodies about working vacations for fitness pros? Well, I just returned from a working vacation at Breezes Runaway Bay in Jamaica and interviewed my favorite Jamaican gym PRO- Omar Graham. Here is how I can afford to go every year. He is a blast to work with and his enthusiasm is contagious. The guests love him and he just released a DVD called “Reggae Work That Body” because they asked him for one! You can learn more about his DVD at www.reggaeworkthatbody.com. Enjoy!

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (019_Omar.mp3)

http://www.workingfitnessvacation.com/

Our first day teaching on the Schwinn AC Performance Indoor Cycling Bike

Amy — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:23:12 +0000

My husband John brought his video camera to my first class with the Schwinn AC Performance Indoor Cycling Bikes for the Instructor. He has more about it at www.indoorcycleinstructor.com

I just love Teaching Group Fitness Classes In Paradise!

Amy — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:42:32 +0000

Here is a link to www.groupfitnessradio.com/vacation

GFTR #18 Laurette Willis and PowerMoves Kids

Amy — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:19:17 +0000

Winning the war against childhood obesity with character.

This tag line from Laurette Willis’ website www.powermoveskids.com grabbed me and I talk with her about her public school strength/balance and flexibility training program, that also incorporates character traits, called Power Moves Kids. We also talk about changing the “want to” from the inside and permanent, lasting, transformative, change in her Christian program for kids called Praise Moves Kids www.praisemoveskids.com. What do you think about this?

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (018_PowerMoves_Kids.mp3)

What if its all been a big fat lie?

admin — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:18:02 +0000

Thank you for being here. One of my goals for 2010 is to post more often on the Group Fitness Talk Radio blog. I am the girl that finds it so much easier to talk face to face, but I want to get to know you all better and since we don’t live close enough to meet face to face, this is how we get to do it.

In 2009 I did some major changing. Let me explain…. My exercise regimen is fairly set. I teach my scheduled classes, which I love, and sub whenever I can. In the summer, I add cycling to my schedule as I can and train for long rides with my husband on the tandem. I pretty much exercise to capacity. Is that a term? Anyway, you all know what I mean. However, I needed to change something up, as I was dissatisfied with changes in my body composition- a nice way of saying I was consistently gaining weight . Oh, by the way, I also know I was working out in the proper zones and burning fat while training. So, horror of horrors, I had to look at my diet. What could I/ should I change? Something wasn’t working anymore. So, I have modified some things and changed the way I look at different components in my diet. I found the following article very helpful. It’s from 2002 and it is a bit lengthy, but it has a lot of good nuggets in it and a lot of “food for thought” ha ha.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/07/magazine/what-if-it-s-all-been-a-big-fat-lie.html?scp=1&sq=gary%20taubes&st=cse

Let me know your thoughts.

Amy on the T-Bow

admin — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:01:21 +0000

GFTR #17 – David Mesirow’s Beamfit™ In Jamaica

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:31:23 +0000

I had the chance to sit down in Jamaica and talk with David Mesirow about his new product launch, Beaming. (It was definitely my favorite interview atmosphere!) David wanted to present the fitness industry with something new and exciting, but also “all encompassing”. Beaming takes into account all aspects of health and is done barefoot, in a dark room, with candles and soft music. David describes not only the theory behind Beaming, but how and why he came up with the concept. Enjoy!

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (017_Beamfit.mp3)

GFTR #16 – Sandy Bonacina, inventor and world-wide master instructor for T-Bow

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:14:52 +0000

It's not as easy as it looks!

Wouldn’t it be fun to invent the latest and coolest fitness tool? I interviewed Sandy Bonacina from Zurich, Switzerland, who did just that! Sandy invented the T-BOW® and we talk about what inspired her to invent the T-BOW, and all the cool ways it can be used in group and personal settings.

A big thank you to Natalie, a listener from Australia, who asked me to do an episode on the T-BOW. This post has a video showing the T-Bow in use in a group fitness class.
After our interview, Sandy offered to send me a T-BOW to try, along with her instructional videos. I will post a video of me playing around.soon. Should be entertaining!

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (016_Sabofit.mp3)

GFTR #15 Injury Prevention and Recovery with Chris Freytag

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:44:17 +0000

It’s just hard to even imagine…us, get injured? We, the instructor? No, it can’t happen! We don’t feel pain, let alone do anything that would hurt us. (We only inflict pain, right?) I first met Chris Freytag in an article she wrote for ACE Certified News about injury prevention and recovery. She had just hurt her hamstring and wrote about it with humor and humility. I laughed out loud as I read the article because I was icing my own hamstring as I read it. Chris is a busy girl (visit her website, www.chrisfreytag.com) and I had a great time meeting her in person and talking with her about how we can prevent injuring ourselves and what to do if we still “pull a little something”.

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (015_Chris_Freytag.mp3)

Why no Fitness Centers existed in the 50′s!

admin — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:39:18 +0000

They didn’t need them

GFTR #13 – I wish I knew that when I started

Amy — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:33:14 +0000

I received an e mail from Pru, a listener in the UK, asking me to do an interview about advice for new instructors or “newbies” as she said. What a great idea! And I had just the person to talk with. Katie Haggerty joins me and we cover all kinds of “I wish I would have known that when I started teaching” kinds of things, along with many hints, tips and suggestions as you start your teaching careers. Katie is the Group Fitness Department Head for two Life Time Fitness Clubs in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area so she helps a lot of new instructors get confident in teaching safe, effective and fun group fitness classes. Enjoy!

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (013_IwishIknewthat.mp3)

GFTR #12 Fred Hoffman talks advancing your Group Fitness career

Amy — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:43:58 +0000

There are opportunities out there for us in the health and fitness industry.

Fred Hoffman joins me to talk about:

Taking a risk to find the job you want
What is it you really want to do?
What are you looking for in your career?
Having a “press kit” ready and what should be in it
How to present yourself

I hope you enjoy this insightful and fun discussion with Fred.

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (012_Fred-Hoffman2.mp3)

Obesity and its affect on the brain

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:55:40 +0000

I read this article today and it hit me. We as group fitness instructors can see many things obesity does to those around us from a physical perspective. And we know about the high risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. But now there is proof that obesity negatively affects the brain too.

More reason to keep on motivating the masses.

Next time you see someone “lingering” at the studio door, invite them in to give your class a try. We never know whose life we are going to change next.

The results, based on brain scans of 94 people in their 70s, represent “severe brain degeneration,” said Paul Thompson, senior author of the study and a UCLA professor of neurology.

“That’s a big loss of tissue and it depletes your cognitive reserves, putting you at much greater risk of Alzheimer’s and other diseases that attack the brain,” said Thompson. “But you can greatly reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s, if you can eat healthily and keep your weight under control.”

You can read the rest of the article here:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090825/sc_livescience/obesepeoplehaveseverebraindegeneration

Episode #11 – Kimberly Spreen leads a team of over 3,000 Group Fitness Instructors.

Amy — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:43:46 +0000

Kimberly Spreen, National Director of Group Fitness for Life Time Fitness joins me to discuss what its like to lead a team of over 3,000 Group Fitness Instructors for a large national fitness company. Kimberly shares how she got her start in fitness and offers some ideas on how to succeed in the corporate fitness world.

In addition to her roll at Life Time Kimberly is one of Exercise TV’s Star Trainers, has led several popular exercise videos and travels the country as a National Presenter, Motivational Speaker, SPRI Elite Fitness Pro, GRAVITY Trainer and Continuing Education Provider for ACE, AFAA and IFTA. Known for her passion, enthusiasm and humor, Kimberly has been educating and motivating instructors, students and clients for 15 years.

You can learn more about Kimberly at her website http://kimberlyspreen.com or check out EMPOWER continuing education workshops for fitness professionals.

NOTE: I will be at EMPOWER – Minneapolis on Saturday, September 17th conducting live interviews with some of the presenters. If you are going to be there please find me and say hello!

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (011_Kimberly_Spreen.mp3)

T-Bow, The Next Cool Group Fitness Class?

Amy — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:12:22 +0000

Natalie, a listener from Australia, emailed me about a new group fitness tool I wasn’t aware of. They call it T-Bow and it looks like it could catch on here in the states.
I love how they stack so neatly after class
Check out this video and give me your thoughts.

Congratulations Mike!

Amy — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:44:35 +0000

John and I are very proud of Mike Clements our Technical Producer . Mike (the guy who makes me sound so good) is pictured here with Mom and Dad on Graduation Day from the Minnesota School of Business. Mike graduated with Honors from Music Business and Audio Production.

If you need help with audio production you can contact him.

Michael Clements /MusicMutt Productions Miclements85@gmail.com

GFTR #10 – Eating Disorders in Group Fitness Instructors.

Amy — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:28:31 +0000

It is a sensitive subject but one I feel is very important to discuss. Jen Ryan from Life Time Fitness and I discuss her research on eating disorders in Group Fitness Instructors.

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (010_Jen_Ryan2.mp3)

Episode #9 – Gin Miller and Twenty (20) Years of Step Aerobics

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:16:14 +0000

Wow, can you believe it has been twenty (20) years since we all started teaching step? Twenty years on, not only do we have step, we also have pilates, websites like SouthBeachDiet.com and yoga to keep us in shape. We have come a long way! Anyway, it was really fun to talk with Gin Miller and hear how it all started and how Reebok got involved. Have fun re-living the late 80’s and early 1990’s and hearing how it all evolved. I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment above to tell me about teaching your first step class (mine was scary!)

If you are going to IDEA this August be sure to check out this innovative fitness class—Step Into the Future! It’s all happening
Saturday, August 15th from 4:40 pm – 6:30 pm – Session #497 – Limited to 250 people.
Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (009_Gin_Miller.mp3)

FREE Pair of Reebok Shoes at the IDEA World Fitness

Amy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:21:05 +0000

I just saw this in an email I get from IDEA.

From IDEA’s site:
Don’t Miss the Step Celebration and Get a FREE Pair of Reebok Shoes! (women’s sizes only)
Session #497: Step Into the Future!

Saturday, August 15 from 4:40–6:30pm Sponsored by Reebok

2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the step and we’ll celebrate the landmark Reebok® program with a birthday party and a class you’ll never forget.

o Surprise guests including emcee Gin Miller, the originator of Step
o Industry icons and fresh faces will be onstage together
o Enjoy a mix of music with past and current moves
o A special gift (a pair of Reebok women’s shoes) will be provided to attendees
o It’s going to be a great time! Hurry, space is limited to 250 people.

Here is the link with all the information.

Episode #8 – Jen Ryan on Over Training & Over Teaching

Amy — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:26:49 +0000

Jen Ryan is a very busy girl. I’m thankful she could take the time to talk with me about the benchmarks of training and the dangers of over training and over teaching as group fitness instructors. Jen is the National Operations Manager of Group Fitness for Life Time Fitness and the Group Fitness Department Head for LTF in Chanhassen, MN . Talk about pressure! Jen’s Chanhassen club shares the parking lot with the Life Time Fitness Corporate Headquarters!

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (008_Jen_Ryan.mp3)

Let me know you were here.

Episode #6 Teaching in Paradise!

Amy — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:32:37 +0000

Meet Suzelle Snowden, President and founder of FitBodies, Inc. Hear from Suzelle how you can travel to exotic locations and stay at fabulous all-inclusive (yes, this includes adult beverages) resorts as a traveling fitness professional. I’ve had the opportunity to travel with FitBodies over 25 times in the last 12 years and it has been great for my marriage and family.

If you are interested in how I make it work for me, let me know by posting a comment below. If there is enough interest, perhaps I will do a separate show on the ins and outs of traveling on a budget as a fitness pro. Enjoy!

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes
Download audio file (006_Fit_Bodies.mp3)

Episode #5 – Kate Larsen asks, are you teaching with a purpose?

Amy — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:10:10 +0000

Meet my dear friend Kate Larsen.

Kate has been a group fitness instructor since 1987. She is a certified business and life coach and is a regular speaker at IDEA conferences. She has been published in Fitness, SHAPE, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Weight Watchers, Prevention, and NWA. She is a faculty member, mentor coach and advisor for Wellcoaches Corporation and an executive coach and trainer for The Ken Blanchard companies.

Kate and I met 15 years ago and still teach together at the same gym. I hope you enjoy our interview as we talk about purposeful teaching and applying it to the different seasons of our careers.

You can find more about Kate and her contact information here: http://www.katelarsen.com/

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes
Download audio file (005_Kate_Larsen.mp3)

Episode #4 – Group Exercise with the TRX Suspension Trainer

admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 23:50:30 +0000

Fraser Quelch from Fitness Anywhere joins me to discuss incorporating the new TRX Suspension Trainer into your group exercise classes. In preparation for this interview, I attended a day long training where we were told it was going to hurt to pick up a pencil the next day, so I may have intentionally backed off a bit, as I had a training ride planned for the next morning and a heavy teaching schedule the following week. Two good friends & instructor colleagues were there with me. We thought it was one of the best training courses we have taken and we definitely felt the TRX work. Listen as Fraser and I discuss what I think is one of the most innovative, creative and versatile fitness tools in the industry.

Here is a link to learn more:

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes
Download audio file (004_Fraser_Quelch.mp3)

Here is a Step by Step Video about Subscribing in iTunes

Episode #3 – Group Fitness Down Under with Ryan Hogan

Amy — Fri, 15 May 2009 01:29:26 +0000

Have you ever want to run away? Take your Group Fitness Certification and move as far away as you can? I would truly love to and my guest for episode #3 did just that!

Meet Ryan Hogan with the Australian Fitness Network, a member-based fitness organization similar to IDEA /Can-Fit-Pro. Ryan describes how he left North America and started a career in group fitness in Australia. It’s not quite as simple as it seems. Australia has a very comprehensive certification process and Ryan does a great job of explaining how it all works in this interview.

You can follow Ryan on Twitter – #justcallmeryan

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes
Download audio file (003_Ryan_Hogan.mp3)

Here is a Step by Step Video about Subscribing in iTunes

Episode #2 – Meet Katie Haggerty

Amy — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:39:15 +0000

When I started a list of potential guests for this show, Katie Haggerty was the first name I wrote down. Katie tells a compelling story of her journey into personal wellness that turned into a career as a group fitness professional with Life Time Fitness.

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes
Download audio file (002_Katie_Haggerty.mp3)

Episode #1 – An Introduction to Amy Macgowan and Group Fitness Talk Radio

Amy — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:44:31 +0000

Hi!

My name is Amy Jo Macgowan. Welcome to my new radio show that’s all about your passion & your career as a Group Fitness Instructor.

I have a lot of exciting interviews planned. Here is a brief introduction where my husband John introduces me and we discuss our plans for Group Fitness Talk Radio! Click to listen to the Show – and be sure to subscribe in iTunes so you don’t miss a single episode..
Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes
Download audio file (001_Intro_to_Amy.mp3)

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