Philly Mania 2011

Like other professionals, Fitness Trainers need Continuing Education Credits (CEC's) to keep their certifications currrent. I am a member of SCW Fitness, and attend the "Philly Mania" convention every year to re-certify, and most importantly, learn and refresh my craft.
While there are a number of great lectures on topics like nutrition, physiology, and stress management, I prefer to garner that knowledge from books and magazines, and focus my time at the convention learning some of the exciting new exercise trends.
Most of the work is either mat-based or against one's own body weight. Think of every possible variety of push-up and plank that you can imagine! Facing down, facing up, sideways; one leg in the air, one arm in the air; hands out, hands in, one hand in, one out-you get the idea!
Throw in dozens of angles of lunges and squats, power jumps, burpees, and the like! Mix in some plyometric jumps onto Bosu balls and steps, some interesting twists (literally and figuratively) on the Gliding discs, and finish each session with some relaxing, yet challenging, stretches. It's an exercise addict's nirvana!
I attended sessions with Mindy Mylrea, creator of the Gliding discs; Kelli Roberts, the 2003 IDEA International Fitness Instructor of the year; and Doug Brooks, who works with the U.S. Olympic ski team and top X-Game athletes in Mammoth Lakes, Ca. An all-star line-up of instructors.
The greatest thing is bringing these ideas back to my clients-maybe tweaking a few of them-and adding new things to their training mix. As I've mentioned many times, the body becomes used to the stress put on it very quickly-you must constantly change exercises, sequence, pace, and rest time to continue to achieve results!
I've been attending conventions with SCW, IDEA, and other organizations for almost 20 years. I've never left disappointed!