| Session Time | Session Title | Category | Session Type | Session Description | Presenter(s) |
| 06:30 AM -07:15 AM | Athletic Aging | Fitness Pro Focus | Specialty Workout | Experience the perfect class design for active clients 40+. No matter how in-shape we are, at some point we need to adapt and change our workouts to avoid overuse injuries and simply keep moving. In this progressive workshop, gain an easy-to-follow format and scientifically sound workout strategy for all ages and fitness levels. | Tricia Madden |
| 06:30 AM - 07:15 AM | Guided Outdoor Run | Fitness Pro Focus | Speciality Workout | Meet in the lobby for a guided 3 mile run with Brian Cleven. | Brian Cleven |
| 06:30 AM -07:15 AM | SOS S.W.E.A.T. Camp | Science to Practice | Industry Presented Specialty Workout | Step into SOS S.W.E.A.T. Camp, where timeless fitness meets results-driven training. At SOS S.W.E.A.T. Camp, we’re bringing back the roots of fitness with workouts designed to push your body to the limit—a no-nonsense approach to building strength, endurance, overall athleticism, and no fancy equipment needed. Whether in the gym, at home, or on the go, this camp proves you don’t need a gym to get in the best shape of your life—just your body, your will, and a lot of sweat. Each class starts with a dynamic warm-up to keep your muscles primed and your heart rate soaring. From there, you’ll dive into a series of high-intensity athletic drills that are simple, yet incredibly effective. There is no confusing choreography. There are no wasted movements. Just straightforward, athletic movements designed to challenge every part of your body, leaving you drenched in sweat and craving more. Every session is different, ensuring your body is constantly pushed, tested, and improved. We maximize your potential with every rep, every sprint, and every drill. | Linda Mitchell |
| 07:30 AM -08:30 AM | Moving Beyond Theory: Targeting Behavioral Constructs to Make an Impact with Your Clients | Science to Practice | Independent Lecture | Understanding behavior change theory is essential for fitness professionals as they support clients in reaching their short and long-term physical activity goals. While theories help explain potential behavioral patterns, a single behavioral theory doesn’t always fit every client perfectly. This session will explore how the foundational constructs of theories may be better as targets in helping your clients move towards a positive relationship with exercise and physical activity. This session will include real-world examples of applying behavior change constructs and research. Fitness professionals will leave with practical, contemporary, evidence-based techniques for fostering short- and long-term goals, improving client adherence, and promoting sustainable lifestyle changes. | Sara Kovacs |
| 07:30 AM -08:30 AM | Fostering Mental Well-being Through Physical Activity | Science to Practice | Independent Lecture | As mental health challenges rise, the role of fitness professionals in supporting emotional well-being through exercise has become more critical. This session equips attendees with evidence-based tools to address mental health concerns via thoughtfully designed exercise programs. Participants will explore barriers to exercise for individuals with chronic psychological disorders, learn practical assessment strategies, and gain actionable insights into creating effective programs that foster mental and emotional well-being. An interactive case study will guide attendees in applying these principles to develop transformative client experiences through movement. | A'Naja Newsome |
| 07:30 AM -08:30 AM | Harnessing Recovery: A Core Pillar of the Performance System | Science to Practice | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | At Exos, recovery isn’t an afterthought—it’s one of the Four Pillars of Human Performance, alongside Mindset, Nutrition, and Movement. Our system is built on decades of scientific research and practical application, with recovery playing a critical role in the success of our athletes and clients. This session will dive deep into the recovery process, exploring the recovery cycle of work, rest, and adaptation that leads to optimal performance. We’ll explore how categorizing stress loads (neural, mechanical, metabolic, and psychological) allows us to tailor recovery strategies for each individual, ensuring a balanced approach to training. You’ll also learn about the concept of “functional state” and how to implement targeted regeneration techniques, from active recovery sessions to planned rest days like our “Regeneration Wednesdays.” Join us to understand how recovery powers adaptation and keeps athletes and clients performing at their best. | Russ Orr |
| 07:30 AM -08:30 AM | Fitness Industry Roadblocks: Mistakes to Avoid and Strategies for Growth | Business of Fitness | Independent Lecture | In the fitness industry, roadblocks, speed bumps, and closed doors are unavoidable. This workshop is your key to confidently navigating these challenges. By merging cutting-edge research, expert insights, and real-world experiences, we will equip you with powerful strategies to sidestep common pitfalls and transform obstacles into opportunities for growth. You’ll discover how to rebound from setbacks, foster innovation, and propel your career forward, no matter the hurdles. Participants will receive a comprehensive guide designed to accelerate their business and avert costly mistakes, providing essential tools to enhance resilience and achieve lasting success. Don’t let setbacks define your journey—join us to turn challenges into triumphs! | Jessica Maurer |
| 07:30 AM -08:30 AM | Individualizing Semi Private Training | Business of Fitness | Independent Lecture | Understand how to program and train multiple clients while balancing the fun social aspects of group Fitness and creating individually focused workouts depending on each client’s goals and abilities. We will also discuss pricing, business strategies, and marketing to ensure the success of your semi-private training business. | Greg Johnson |
| 07:30 AM -08:30 AM | Unlock Your Unique Edge: 4 Steps to Becoming Your Market’s Go-To Brand | Business of Fitness | Independent Lecture | With the number of fitness options available to consumers growing exponentially each year, in-person trainers, virtual trainers, and boutique studio owners must offer uniquely differentiated products and services to stand out in the fiercely competitive market. In this workshop-style lecture, we will use a combination of exercises and research activities to define your product offering, research your competitive market, strategically position your brand, and adjust your marketing plan to reach your target audience better and boost new client acquisition. | Billy Polson |
| 07:30 AM -08:30 AM | Obesity Medications: What's Next in the Pipeline and Fitness Industry Impact | Science to Practice | Independent Lecture | Research on obesity medications is rapidly advancing and constantly changing, whether through new evidence of the benefits of these agents beyond weight loss or announcements of new pharmacotherapies in the research and development pipeline. Learn what is cutting-edge, including–and beyond–“GLP-1s.” Attendees will hear the latest updates and potential impacts on the fitness industry and clients, highlighting the evidence ready for prime time and the unknowns surrounding these highly effective agents. | Renee Rogers |
| 07:30 AM -08:30 AM | Leading with Science in the Fitness Community: Using Evidence-Based Nutrition Science to Combat Misinformation | Science to Practice | Industry Presented Lecture | Nutrition research is becoming increasingly difficult for the general public to navigate – not only because of the language of research but because of the depth and vastness of the information shared. The rate at which information is shared due to the media landscape makes it critical for fitness professionals to be prepared to address clients’ food and nutrition concerns. Fitness professionals are uniquely positioned to foster trust with clients by communicating correct scientific information. This session aims to provide fitness professionals with the right tools to be able to understand how to interpret nutrition science information, critically evaluate and identify credible sources of nutrition science information, evaluate health information shared via media outlets, and to accurately present the relevance of the information to their clients in the proper context. We will review real-world examples of how research has been translated into media headlines; credible and not, the impact misinformation can have on the public, and the importance of effectively communicating nutrition information. | Nicole Kelp |
| 07:30 AM -08:30 AM | Balanced Body: The Pelvic Floor and Core | Science to Practice | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | In this workshop you will explore the anatomy and functionality of the pelvic floor and how to train it to get the most out of your core work. Understand the intricacy of the structure and function of these important muscles at the base of the core cylinder and learn specific exercises to target the pelvic floor in relation to the deep core. | |
| 08:50 AM -10:40 AM | A Coach's Voice: The Instrument for Influence, Connection & Impact | Science to Practice | Independent Interactive Workshop | Your voice is your greatest asset for deeper connections, influence, and impact. Your physical voice is an instrument that you must learn to play to achieve masterful communication. This is especially true for educators whose role is to reach and inspire. This presentation will cover practical elements for you to explore your voice. From individual strategies to specific vocal forms and "personas", this session will allow you to be more dynamic and effective. All these elements will be tied directly into your role as a coach. | Nicholas Lambe |
| 08:50 AM -10:40 AM | High-Intensity Functional Training for ALL Fitness Levels | Science to Practice | Independent Interactive Workshop | Lack of time is a major barrier to exercise participation. High-intensity functional training (HIFT) provides a time-efficient approach to addressing cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in a single exercise session. We will show you how to modify and design HIFT exercises for all fitness levels to achieve high intensity at relative intensity. Come ready to move in this evidence-based, action-powered workshop! | Jessica Smith |
| 08:50 AM -10:40 AM | The Aging Foot & Its Effect On Movement | Science to Practice | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | This very day over 10,000 adults turn 65, entering one of the fastest-growing age groups. With 65 as the new 50, many of these clients are looking to enjoy some of the best days of their lives. However thinning skin, arthritis, neuropathy, and fat pad atrophy can all impede their ability to walk, run, and enjoy their favorite activities. Join podiatrist Dr Emily Splichal as she explores the common changes to the foot and how to offset these changes to enhance movement longevity. | Emily Splichal |
| 08:50 AM -10:40 AM | A Comprehensive Approach to Scapular Dyskinesis | Science to Practice | Independent Interactive Workshop | In this session, you'll engage in a hands-on learning experience, where you will both assess and be assessed on key aspects of shoulder posture and function. We’ll focus on practical, real-world techniques as participants are invited to undergo live assessments and corrective sequences tailored to their specific shoulder concerns. You’ll gain the skills to quickly and efficiently evaluate shoulder issues using minimal equipment and discover how to identify problems often overlooked in standard assessments. Additionally, you'll learn powerful insider tips for restoring proper shoulder movement and function. If you or someone you know is dealing with shoulder issues, this session is a must-attend! | Brendan Fox |
| 08:50 AM -11:50 AM | Moving Through a Movement Disorder: Parkinson's and Exercise | Science to Practice | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | Exercise is increasingly accepted as an adjunct treatment for Parkinson’s disease that is associated with slower declines in mobility and improved quality of life. Exercise professionals provide leadership, expertise, and programs to help people living with Parkinson’s achieve their goals and manage their Parkinson’s symptoms. This session seeks to educate exercise professionals and familiarize them with the Competencies for Exercise Professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities for training people with Parkinson's. Utilizing the Parkinson's Exercise Guidelines, you will actively be participating in a Parkinson's focused exercise class to better understand the why behind the exercises that will directly impact your clients’ quality of life living with Parkinson’s. | Daniel Corcos, Lisa Hoffman, Sarah Palmer |
| 08:50 AM -10:40 AM | Hiring and Retaining Your Best Staff | Business of Fitness | Independent Lecture | Hiring and retaining top talent in today’s competitive fitness industry is more challenging and critical than ever. This presentation will explore practical strategies to attract, hire, and retain the best employees in the industry. We will discuss the importance of creating a workplace where staff feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay long-term. You will also hear from current students in the industry about what they are looking for in a career. | Becky Langton |
| 08:50 AM -10:40 AM | Walter R. Bortz Lecture: It's Not My Fault...It's Menopause | Science to Practice | Independent Lecture | The menopause transition increases the risk of chronic disease in women as a result of accelerated bone loss (osteoporosis), intra-abdominal fat accumulation (heart disease, type 2 diabetes), and other consequences of the loss of ovarian estrogens. The session will include a discussion of whether exercise can be effective in attenuating these menopause-related changes followed by an interactive Q&A. | Wendy Kohrt |
| 08:50 AM -10:40 AM | Bridging Science and Practice: The Power of ChatGPT in Fitness | Business of Fitness | Independent Lecture | Unlock the power of ChatGPT in fitness! This session bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI research and practical application, showing fitness professionals how to leverage ChatGPT to enhance client engagement, personalize training programs, and streamline business operations. Attendees will gain insights into recent research and learn actionable strategies to implement AI-driven tools in their practice. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or new to technology, this session offers practical solutions that you can immediately apply to elevate your service delivery and client outcomes. | Ted Vickey |
| 08:50 AM -10:40 AM | Initial Personal Training Sessions 101 | Business of Fitness | Independent Lecture | What you do and don’t do during your first session with a client can dramatically affect whether a client commits to a long-term relationship with you. Learn how to organize an initial PT session, effective training language and techniques, and how to finish a session to ensure the client sees the value in investing in your services. Learn the NWPT system that generates a 90% success rate! This session is invaluable for those trainers wanting to grow their clientele base and PT directors needing to teach their training team how to conduct initial PT sessions. | Sherri McMillan |
| 08:50 AM -10:40 AM | Leadership: Navigating Change, Driving Innovation, and Building Resilient People and Culture | Fitness Pro Focus | Independent Lecture | This panel discussion brings together accomplished leaders from various health and fitness disciplines and backgrounds to explore the evolving leadership landscape in today's rapidly expanding and interconnected industry. Panelists will share their experiences and best practices throughout the talk to inspire leadership excellence, foster thought-provoking discussions, and encourage actionable plans to lead winning teams. | Moderator: Mike Stack
Speakers:
Paul Gallo, Doris Thews, Manny Escalante, Katie Santos, Stella Volpe |
| 11:00 AM -12:00 PM | Joint Replacements: Returning Triumphant! | Science to Practice | Independent Interactive Workshop | Bridge the gap between physical therapy and full function into daily activities and sports performance for your clients with joint replacements. Hip, knee, and shoulder replacements are on the rise as baby boomers come of age. According to the 2023 report of AJRR, 3.2 million joint replacements are performed in the USA every year. Learn critical strategies leading to specific techniques for different joint replacement procedures while remaining within your scope of practice. Through practical application, in a hands-on environment, learn skills to develop pre- and post-surgery program designs for your clients to thrive. | Keli Roberts, Leslee Bender |
| 11:00 AM -12:00 PM | Health is Wealth in Corporate America—Learn best practices and strategies for partnering with an employer and why we need to as an Industry! | Business of Fitness | Independent Lecture | In this session, we will share the latest data on organizations' lack of health and the need for worksite wellness programs and lifestyle education. Employers are struggling with rising healthcare costs, high turnover rates, low productivity, and low employee morale, all contributing to broken workforces. Learn how worksite well-being initiatives can foster better team engagement in hybrid workforces, enhance employee satisfaction, and bend the cost curves of ever-rising care costs for sick employees. | Deborah Bellenger |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Better Performance Starts at the Core | | Independent Interactive Workshop | Explore and experience practical techniques for abdominal bracing, glute activation, functional core training, and active recovery for improved basic movement patterns and exercise performance. Leave this session with a fresh catalog of exercises and moves that will deliver optimal core benefits. | Kia Williams |
| 11:00 AM -12:00 PM | Scientific Updates on Recovery and Wellness Technologies | Science to Practice | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | This engaging workshop provides attendees with a comprehensive update on the latest advancements in recovery and wellness technology. Facilitated by two industry leaders from Therabody, the session will offer evidence-based insights into the scientific principles behind popular recovery modalities. Attendees will unpack how these technologies support recovery, enhance wellness, and optimize human performance. Through interactive case study-based learning, participants will bridge the gap between theory and practice, leaving with actionable strategies to support their clients' recovery and wellness journeys. | Rachelle Reed, Timothy Roberts |
| 11:00 AM -12:00 PM | Mastering Heart Health: ECG Wearables, Arrhythmias, and Clinical Pathways for Fitness Professionals | Science to Practice | Independent Lecture | ECG wearables and devices have grown in popularity and availability since the public release of the Kardia Mobile and Apple Watch 4. Fitness professionals will encounter Apple, Fitbit, Samsung, Kardia, and others, but how do they compare to their proven clinical counterparts? This presentation will highlight available research and other considerations such as price, ease of use, and which ones have received FDA approval. ECG wearables and devices monitor the heart's rhythm, and a review of common ECG rhythms, arrhythmias, and clinical next steps should a cardiac concern arise will strengthen the knowledge base of the fitness professional. | BRIAN CLEVEN |
| 11:00 AM -12:00 PM | Redesigning Exercise Programs for the Neurodiverse Community | Science to Practice | Independent Lecture | Neurodiversity encompasses a broad spectrum of unique neurological differences, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Exercise professionals have a unique opportunity to support neurodiverse individuals in achieving better physical health, emotional well-being, and social connection through inclusive exercise programming. This presentation shares evidence-based strategies to address key challenges such as communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and varying motor skills. Attendees will learn practical approaches to fostering an inclusive environment, tailoring exercises to individual needs, building confidence in clients and professionals, and tools to engage the neurodiverse community more effectively. | David Geslak |
| 11:00 AM -12:00 PM | Small Fish, Big Pond: How to Succeed as a Trainer in a Big Box Gym | Business of Fitness | Independent Lecture | Being a personal trainer in a large commercial gym comes with unique challenges. This session provides strategies to stand out, build a thriving client base, and create a lasting impact despite the competitive environment. Learn how to navigate the challenges of a big box gym while growing your business and reputation. | Manny Escalante |
| 11:00 AM -12:00 PM | Metabolism Myths vs. Realities: Separating Fact from Fiction | Science to Practice | Independent Lecture | With so much information on social media about boosting metabolism, it can be challenging to distinguish between myths and facts. In this session, we'll debunk common misconceptions about metabolism and offer evidence-based insights. You'll leave equipped to educate your clients on safe and effective strategies for weight loss rooted in science. | jan schroeder |
| 01:15 PM -03:05 PM | Beyond Lower Cross Syndrome: A Comprehensive Approach to Hip Assessments | Science to Practice | Independent Interactive Workshop | Are you ready to go beyond the basics of addressing postural imbalances and elevate your training expertise? In this session, you’ll gain the skills to assess hip alignment in all three planes, unlocking the key to effectively correcting postural issues and achieving optimal results for your clients. No longer will you be limited to identifying just an anterior pelvic tilt. By broadening your assessment capabilities to encompass all planes of motion, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of your client's unique needs and how to guide them toward achieving ideal anatomical alignment and fully functional capacity. You'll leave this session equipped with advanced assessment tools, targeted corrective exercise strategies, and programming techniques designed to create comprehensive, client-specific training plans. If you’re committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for your clients, this session is an essential step forward. | Brendan Fox |
| 01:15 PM -03:05 PM | Ageless Function: Movements that Matter! | Science to Practice | Independent Interactive Workshop | Enhancing functional ability is essential for an ageless lifestyle! Within a full spectrum of age-related needs and goals, from osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity, through to the elite athlete, program design for older adults must incorporate training strategies to improve the movements that matter: Gait, hinge, squat, lunge, push, pull, rotate, and loaded carry. In an interactive environment, through hands-on practical application, explore seven different programming options designed to enrich the lives of your active (and inactive) aging clients. | Keli Roberts |
| 01:15 PM -03:05 PM | Alignment: Mapping the Human Design | Science to Practice | Independent Interactive Workshop | Maintaining optimal alignment in movement allows for freedom of motion, elastic energy production, force production, and stability in sports, fitness, and life. Learn a series of dynamic alignment assessment exercises and how to apply what they reveal to exercise design. In this workshop, we will explore the structures of the human body and its design. We will explore a variety of techniques including self-myofascial release, stability, and mobility exercises to create resiliency and suppleness through the kinetic lines to achieve alignment that is easy to implement in any training environment | Helen Vanderburg |
| 01:15 PM -03:05 PM | High-Intensity Functional Training for Strength Development | Science to Practice | Independent Lecture | High intensity functional training (HIFT) is designed to improve general fitness and performance through a unique combination of weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardiorespiratory training elements. This lecture will focus on current insights into strength training adaptations to HIFT and highlight unique exercise protocols that can be modified for all fitness levels. | Jessica Smith |
| 01:15 PM -03:05 PM | Bringing Back Foundation Strength Training, UN-Complicating Your Training for Optimal Results | Science to Practice | Independent Interactive Workshop | In a world of functional corrective exercises, HIIT, explosive speed and power work, and endless amounts of social media and YouTube videos, several people skip foundation strength. This session will examine movements for max strength, strength endurance, and strength hypertrophy, and their role in performance and weight loss. Refocus on year-long programming and progressions, and where to fit in the basic 7. Squat, Hinge, Lunge, Horizontal Push / Pull, Vertical Push / Pull. | Greg Johnson |
| 01:15 PM -03:05 PM | The Importance of Becoming a Fitness Industry Advocate | Business of Fitness | Independent Lecture | The pandemic highlighted the need for the fitness industry to have a strong voice in policy decisions. Without a "seat at the table," the industry was vulnerable. However, this challenge also strongly unified us. Now, we must shift to proactive advocacy and professionalization. This lecture emphasizes the essential role frontline fitness professionals play in this transition. By being active and informed advocates, fit pros can advance our industry's health-enhancing mission, ensuring its financial success and positively impacting public health. We will delve into current advocacy initiatives and explore practical steps for fitness professionals to become effective industry advocates. | Michael Stack |
| 01:15 PM -03:05 PM | Removing the Noise in Obesity Treatment: Unpacking the Newest Evidence on Physical Activity and Weight Management from ACSM | Science to Practice | Independent Interactive Workshop | Hot off the press and ready for fitness professionals, ACSM has a new consensus paper on obesity treatment. This provides the most recent evidence on the role of physical activity (PA) in managing obesity. It will highlight timely considerations on all aspects of obesity treatment, including lifestyle, pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, PA prescription, nutrition, and PA engagement. After covering the updated research, the focus will shift to application, helping attendees decipher how to use this information immediately in real-world practice. This session can be presented as one in-depth workshop or broken into multiple sessions covering the key areas of the consensus paper. | John Jakicic, Stella Volpe |
| 01:15 PM -03:05 PM | Balanced Body® Anatomy + Movement: Unraveling Upper Body Dysfunction, Imbalance and Pain | Science to Practice | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | Cell phones, increased screen time and poor postural habits taken a physical toll on our clients. Tension headaches and neck pain, shoulder and rotator cuff issues and overall upper body dysfunction are a direct result. In this workshop we will take a deep dive into the anatomy, training principles and corrective exercise programming that combines Anatomy in Three Dimensions™ with the Balanced Body Movement Principles. We will delve into the most common conditions and muscular imbalances of the upper extremity that can lead to pain and dysfunction and what you can do to help correct these. Through the unique experience of building the muscles of the upper body out of clay on our one-of-a-kind skeleton, you’ll gain in depth understanding of how these muscles work together to create well-balanced, injury-free upper body movement. | Brian Richey |
| 01:15 PM -03:05 PM | How to Negotiate for a Successful Career/Life Balance in Fitness | Fitness Pro Focus | Independent Lecture | Everything in life is negotiable. This session helps you decide what you want and how to get it through negotiations. Historically, most fitness professionals have several jobs and struggle with the art of negotiating for career/life balance. This session offers strategies to navigate the fitness business and develop skills to advocate for yourself while discovering the many avenues of income earning. Learn how to strengthen and flex your negotiation muscles to deliver your value proposition and earn your worth. Discover the practice of Essentialism to decide how you spend your time to enhance your career/life balance. | Doris Thews |
| 01:15 PM -03:05 PM | The Fitness Leader's Framework: Unlocking Your Team's Potential | Business of Fitness | Independent Lecture | As fitness business leaders in today's competitive market, you need strategies to develop a team culture that attracts and retains professionals who know your vision, work their roles, and deliver amazing client services. Learn to optimize your leadership to create a cohesive, productive team that maximizes your business's value. Acquire proven ways to motivate your teams, improve communication, delegate tasks, provide feedback, and reduce turnover. With this knowledge, you'll be ready to take your business to the next level and create a profitable and fulfilling workplace! | Katie Santos |
| 03:25 PM - 05:15 PM | Human Reformer | Fitness Pro Focus | Independent Interactive Workshop | Experience the powerful benefits of Pilates reformer workouts without needing a reformer! Using one or two resistance bands, this class adapts classic reformer moves directly onto the mat. Suitable for all fitness levels, the session focuses on building functional strength, enhancing posture, and improving coordination. The Human Reformer method allows you to perform full Pilates reformer movements while discovering new methods and strategies for your classes. | Lauren George |
| 03:25 PM -05:15 PM | Ageless Flexibility, Mobility and Strength for Performance Longevity | Science to Practice | Independent Interactive Workshop | This session is specifically designed to give you cutting edge techniques in training for flexibility, mobility leading to strength at any age that brings science into practice. Many modalities do not address the importance of restoration to improve overall performance and quality of life that can lead to dysfunctions and injuries. As trainers having new and progressive methods that combine myofascial release, lengthening and strengthening is vital. | Leslee Bender |
| 03:25 PM -05:15 PM | Ouch-I Can’t Do That Anymore- Give Me Some Safe Alternatives | Science to Practice | Independent Interactive Workshop | Squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, and rotating are fundamental movements that are essential for normal physical performance, health, and function. These popular exercises are commonly prescribed but can be painful for some clients' shoulders, lower backs, hips, and knees. Exercise professionals can help medically-cleared clients perform simple preconditioning exercises and technique modifications, to continue training safely and effectively. Attendees will learn how to perform, progress, and regress several exercises as substitutes/supplements to the previously mentioned exercises to keep their clients “in the game and off the sidelines.” | Paul Gallo, Peter Ronai |
| 03:25 PM -05:15 PM | The Ultimate Footwear Debate | Understanding Minimal, Maximal and Rocker-Based Shoes | Science to Practice | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | With a myriad of options available, professionals and clients find themselves in a constant dilemma: to embrace the barefoot or minimal shoe or revel in the plush comfort of heavily cushioned shoes. Join functional podiatrist as she can bring clarity to this confusing topic and share guidelines that can be used to make educated footwear decisions. Learn how to make footwear decisions based on foot type, injury history, and different activities. You will not want to miss this highly informative workshop. | Emily Splichal |
| 03:25 PM -05:15 PM | Scope of Practice and Maintaining Professional Boundaries | Business of Fitness | Independent Lecture | This assembled panel of health, wellness, and fitness professionals will discuss the importance of upholding legal, ethical, and regulatory standards. They will also discuss inherent responsibilities and boundaries for effectively and competently performing roles specific to the scope of credentials and formal educational training. This discussion will take on protecting industry credibility and safety while identifying potential negligent actions and liabilities. | Moderator: Renee Rogers
Speakers:
Monica Reinagel, Nina Crowley, Robyn Whitehead, Mike Stack |
| 03:25 PM -05:15 PM | Trending Now: Strategies for Integrating the 2025 Fitness Trends into Practice | Science to Practice | Independent Lecture | The results of the annual ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal® worldwide survey of fitness trends offer insights into the future of the fitness industry. Data collected from thousands of exercise professionals across the globe predict influential programming, training modalities, and business models. This session will enhance the value of the survey results by diving deeper into the literature, unpacking the top trends, and highlighting actionable steps for fitness professionals seeking to improve client outcomes. Attendees will be equipped with evidence-based strategies for personal and professional growth and business development | A'Naja Newsome, Rachelle Reed |
| 03:25 PM -05:15 PM | Don't Sleep on Sleep: A Practical Coaching Framework | Science to Practice | Independent Lecture | Sleep is often mentioned in the triad of health alongside exercise and nutrition. However, the reality is that sleep takes a massive back seat to the other variables in our coaching process, leaving a tremendous opportunity on the table to better client results and an ability to help a struggling and massively underserved population. Regarding client results, the roadmap to success is providing a stimulus (i.e., exercise) that the client will have to recover and adapt from, improving health and fitness. However, we miss out on this adaptation process without quality and optimal sleep, leaving results behind every time. The next point lies in the sheer amount of individuals struggling with sleep, estimated to be half of the population, depending on the criteria you use to define sleep issues. Many sleep issues are very behavioral in nature, meaning there is an incredible opportunity for coaches to fill the void for those who struggle. | Nicholas Lambe |
| 03:25 PM - 05:15 PM | Balanced Body Vastus Medialis and Knee Tracking; Key to Knee Pain and Stability | Science to Practice | Industry Presented Interactive Workshop | Muscular imbalances and knee tracking issues commonly cause knee pain and dysfunction. In this session, you will learn how to get the Vastus Medialis firing properly and how to correct the imbalances between all the thigh muscles, building a more balanced and much stronger lower body. | Brian Richey |
| 03:25 PM -05:15 PM | High Content Marketing: Building Effective Strategies to Attract, Engage, and Convert Your Ideal Clients | Business of Fitness | Independent Lecture | This session explores the principles of high content marketing, focusing on creating impactful strategies that resonate with your ideal clients. Learn how to deliver depth and value, find your marketing sweet spot, and build long-term relationships with your audience. Whether you’re struggling to gain traction or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide actionable insights to elevate your marketing efforts and maximize ROI. | Manny Escalante |
| 05:15 PM - 05:45 PM | Marketplace Open | | Event | Marketplace Open | |
| 05:45 PM -07:00 PM | Advocating and Advancing Fitness as Essential Healthcare: The Crucial Role of Mentorship Programs | Fitness Pro Focus | Event | In today's rapidly evolving health landscape, the advocacy of and urgency for the implementation of mentorship programs is vital to the long term success and increased essential nature of the fitness industry. This presentation dives into the critical role of mentorship in equipping new fitness trainers and those transitioning from other professions with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to position fitness as a fundamental and essential component of healthcare. By fostering strong mentor-mentee relationships, we can enhance the credibility, effectiveness, and integration of fitness within preventive and therapeutic health strategies while also decreasing attrition rates of fitness professionals. | Darian Parker, Debbie Bellenger, Erin Nitschke, Doris Thews, Sherri McMillan, Jessica Maurer |
| 05:45 PM - 7:00 PM | Mentor Meets: Discussing the Value of Mentorship | Who Should Attend: - Aspiring mentors and mentees
- Leaders and learners
- Managers looking to create a culture of mentorship in their organization
- Anyone interested in fostering their career and personal growth through meaningful connections
| General Session | Mentorship is one of the most influential personal and professional development tools, bridging the gap between potential and performance. Attend this general session event of a series of short presentations delivered by a lineup of experienced and trusted mentors and explore how effective mentorship relationships can foster career growth, encourage skill-building, and create opportunities for learning and collaboration. Whether you're looking to become a mentor, seeking a mentor, or want to understand how to engage in productive mentoring partnerships, this series will foster learning and provide valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives and strategies. Sign up for a personal meetup with a mentor after the presentations for an opportunity to help you unlock the full potential of mentorship. | Peter Ronai and Rachelle Reed |