Fitness Conventions – 5 Ways You’re Missing Out!

We just experienced 4 days of fantastic learning, networking, and working out in Anaheim, California, at the 2014 IDEA World Fitness Convention and 2014 Fitness BlogFest! We’re so pumped … this is definitely an annual event for us from now on!

We want to share with you what you’re missing out on if you aren’t attending fitness conventions already. If you are already attending fitness conventions, these 5 ways can help you stay focused on enjoying and making the most of the experience.

1. Networking and Making Friends With Like Minded People In the Fitness Community

If you haven’t done something like this before, then you really don’t know what you’re missing out on. Meeting and talking to people who share your fitness interests can be an amazing way to boost your interest and motivation. You can find people you can relate to and share stories of your fitness accomplishments. You may find solutions to problems you’ve encountered or tips to improve your workouts.

We had an awesome time making new friends and connections at the 2014 BlogFest!

2. Motivational Speakers

Most fitness conventions will have motivational speakers, keynotes, and top experts speaking. Attending these types of speeches is motivating for business and life. Having the mixture of workouts and speeches is ideal for health and learning. A typical business conference has the attendees seated throughout the day. At the end of the week, the attendees are actually in worse health if they typically are more active. At a fitness convention, you get the benefits of learning and improving your health.

At the 2014 BlogFest and IDEA World Fitness Convention, we had the absolute pleasure of attending motivational and education speeches from fitness experts such as Jillian Michaels, the fitness sensation; Cassey Ho, the YouTube Pilates star; and Diana Nyad, who at age 64 became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage!

3. Inspirational Workouts

Attending a huge variety of workouts from celebrity trainer workouts to bootcamp workouts to yoga workouts is a great way to challenge yourself physically and mentally. These workouts may motivate you to become stronger than ever before, work out more intensely, or find a new favorite type of workout.

We enjoyed trying out the newly released PiYo workout by celebrity BeachBody trainer Chalene Johnson! Chalene is so inspirational as a person and trainer. Her workouts are amazing, especially in person! There were many other great workouts and workshops throughout the conference.

4. Testing the Latest Equipment and Ideas

Conventions are a great opportunity for equipment manufacturers to launch their products. You can try them out and see what you think. You might find a new class that you love or a really useful piece of equipment you want to include in your fitness regimen.

A couple of years ago we attended a fitness convention in London and tried out a Power Plate. We really loved stretching and and doing strength exercises using the Power Plate.  We loved the Power Plate so much that we ended up getting one.

5. Free Goodies!

Most, if not all, fitness conventions provide a goodie bag when you arrive! The awesome part is these aren’t just any goodie bags. Items range from nice yoga mats to workout towels, water bottles, t-shirts, and more. There are often nice quality items that entice you to be healthier and work out more. What better way to start a fitness convention! Some conventions even have freebies throughout the convention for attending specific sessions.

Enjoy and Absorb as Much as Possible

The key ways to make the most of your first or next fitness convention are to go in with a positive attitude, enjoy, and try to absorb as much information and inspiration as possible! Take lots of notes and make a plan of action for all your new-found inspiration. Most of all, have fun!

We’d love to hear your stories of fitness conventions, other conventions, or even fitness events you’ve attended in the comments below! 🙂