IdeaWorld & Blogfest 2015 was an awesome experience for me! As a new blogger wanting to take both my blog and my fitness knowledge to the next level it is just what I needed. I loved the intimacy of Blogfest and meeting so many people I just see from a computer screen. Then when we joined in on the sessions with IdeaWorld and thousands of fitness professionals from around the world… now that was just the icing on the cake.
I talked about some of my highlights here and today I am here to share with you (in true David Letterman style) my Top 10 Takeaways. I’m joining Tiffany, Debbie, Natal
10. Balls are fun!
Get your head out of the gutter! I am talking BOSU Balls, ballast balls, and medicine balls. I have always liked using them in my classes but the workshops I attended took it to a whole new level. BOSU on the minute? Yes! I can’t wait to incorporate what I learned into my classes and challenges.
9. Surround yourself with AWESOME people!
I have said this a million times and it just continues to be my life mantra. My four days at this conference reminded me of how important this is. I was so inspired by the kindness, work ethic and drive of each individual I met… and they were a whole lot of fun.
8. “Fitness doesn’t go out of style, it just gets restyled and refurbished.” – Jenna Wolfe, TODAY Show
Jenna was spot on with this quote! It is all about eating a little less and moving a little more- that simple. There is no quick fix, no secret ingredients- none!
7. Nutrition & Exercise- they go hand in hand.
If you are a personal trainer or fitness professional you should absolutely be talking to your clients about nutrition. No you are not a registered dietitian or a nutritionist, but you can share some knowledge an article or a resource. The two go together! Educate yourself so you can know where to direct your clients.
6. REAL food wins!
It isn’t about eat this or eat that, it is about nutrition. Cut out the processed food and avoid it as much as possible. Eat REAL, whole, fresh food and always fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.
5. Make people feel good!
Natalie Jill Fit said, “Make sure what you are putting out there is making people feel good.” I keep reminding myself of this as I plan for this blog. My goal is to make you all feel good: to make you feel empowered, inspired and live your best life.
4. “Very light weights equal very little success.” -Gunnar Peterson, Celebrity Personal Trainer
I loved listening to Gunnar Peterson talk about fitness trends. Gunnar’s honesty was brutally awesome. Ladies, put down the 5 pound weights and start lifting heavy. Heavy weights will not make you bulk up.
3. Wrestler, Anthony Robles
Have you heard this young man’s story? He was a Division 1 Wrestling Champion… and he has one leg. He did not let his disability define him: he let his amazing talent, his work ethic and his attitude define him. This man was an inspiration.
2. “Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out?” – Katy Widrick, Fitness Professional
I have this written down where I can see this every day. It is so hard to not feel like you are always trying to keep up with someone else or fit in with a certain group of people. Thank you, Katy for this. I can’t tell you how perfect your timing was with this.
1. And the #1 take away from Blogfest & IdeaWorld 2015 came from the wise Gabrielle Reece,
“I am training for life.”
This really hit home with me and I needed to be reminded of this. It isn’t about a number on a scale, a PR at a race, the amount of weight I can bench press or the number of people I can pack into a class. It is about life. Making sure every part of my day physically, mentally and spiritually prepares for what this beautiful life has to offer.
For me, this conference went beyond fitness, nutrition and blogging. It relit a fire within me to live and inspire- one that I haven’t felt since I have left the classroom. It motivated me to live my best life and to use the talents God has given me wisely.
Your turn- tell me!
What has inspired you recently?
What is the best new thing you have learned in the health and fitness world?
Love all your takeaways and still so happy I got to meet you! Really looking forward to following you and hopefully meeting up again soon!
Love this. I’ve missed Blogfest the last two years. Definitely need to make it a priority for next year!
Sounds like everyone had a great time at Blogfest! Looks like you really got a lot of inspiration. I have been following Gabby Reece’s career for a long time. It’s pretty amazing that you got to meet her!
YOU inspire me! What a great post!
Keep the light weights for endurance exercises not standard lifting.
Such a great list from a great event!
I also felt very inspired by Blogfest. I love Gabby’s keynote, and totally agree. It’s good to learn that early (it becomes more obvious as you get older
). We’re all training for life.
I love seeing everyone come back, bursting with excitement, motivation and inspiration! I am so glad you got such fabulous takeaways!
yay for real food! It makes all the difference. Looks like you all had quite a weekend. I have to get there next year!
Thanks for sharing your takeaways. I’d love to attend BlogFest one day!
Looks like all kinds of fun! Is it bad I’ve been blogging for almost 7 years and have never been to a blog conference? Hangs head in shame. I have met GR though. On a plane from Hawaii of all places.
Love all your takeaways, Hollie (and I’m glad your blog finally started cooperating!!). It was so great to meet you, if only briefly.
What an inspiring post !
Love the idea of training for life. Looks like you had a wonderful time at the conference! Hope the Bosu balls go over well in your classes =)
I love your takeaways and I love Katy’s quote! It is so nice to learn so much about yourself from these conferences!