I attended Idea World Blogfest with Sweat Pink

Last week, I went to a magical place, far far away called Los Angeles, and I entered into the world known as IDEA.  It was such an amazing experience, and I was blessed to been able to attend it.  I went to the IdeaWorld BlogFest Convention welcomed with open arms.  I got to hang, learn and be around my people. Over 14,000 Fitness Professionals from 54 Countries attended and the entire week was buzzing with health, nutrition, fitness and wellness. It was everything that I expected!

Exactly what I didn’t expect

I expected to be educated about blogging. Suspected that I would meet a few women that I connected with and were nice.  Intended on eating every day I was there. Knew I was going to workout before I attended that’s a given at a fitness convention. I was positive there would be vendors with fitness equipment, exercises, etc. I’ve been to a few expo’s I know how that part goes.  I knew all these things were going to happen but to the caliber that they were executed; I didn’t know that.

The Workshops
Each workshop had such great information, you didn’t want to get up to use the restroom because you might miss something. I did have to leave once so I  audio recorded the session because I didn’t want to miss a thing. With all the water we received, lets just say we were well hydrated the entire time.  The first day was full of workshops do’s and don’ts; tips and tricks, quick valuable, actionable information overload tweet breaks. The tweet breaks were great, it was direct information from the Brands that we love. They told us specifically what they are looking for, who do they hire and teaching us great information in a 20 minute session. That was awesome to hear news from The Bells Institute, Generals Mills, Siggi’s, GymGo, Vital Proteins and Melissa Hartwig co-author of the Whole 30.

Blogging Tips

The blogging information was just what this newbie needed. I’ve been blogging since May 2015, and its been advice, some good, some bad, trial and error but I think I am finally getting the hang of things.  I have attended events in Philadelphia and New York but the amount of immediately actionable information that I received was right on time.  If someone who is already doing what I am doing and successful at it tells me to do A+B; I’ll take their word and do what they advise.  There is no need to reinvent the wheel. So, I went to Los Angeles ready to be a sponge and soak up everything I could.

Learning from our Peers and Pitches

We also had blog reviews from our peers, which was great to have a completely non-bias eye on the blog. I met other beginner(s), seasoned veterans and some women who have taken their blog, personal training and business to a level I aspire to be. The feedback which I received from others in our industry was invaluable. Everyone was so kind, so honest and helpful, it was a great experience. On the second day, we had the opportunity to pitch to major corporations. I believe I presented myself well but a barrier that I often face is my “in your face” Christianity, which I am not going to change and if Corporations can’t work with me because of my beliefs I’m okay with that. Either way, whatever the outcome it was a great opportunity to practice. The opportunity to network was welcomed & necessary to everyone participating.

John 15:19 does say, If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Staying Well Fed

The fact that I didn’t have to worry about feeding myself and there were options for my dietary needs that I didn’t have to think about, my food was a nice change of pace. It was like having my meal planned and prepped for me; It was wonderful!  Breakfast was with General Mills on the first day and Silk on the second. Lunch was from Pure Protein and Morning Star.  Each meal session gave valuable information about our sponsors and what they’ll be up to in the next few months. It was nice to get the inside scoop and information.

Our meals were of a great variety and using the sponsors products, some, I will be adding to my meal plan at home. Silk was represented by The Blender Girl  she made an amazing Strawberry Red Bell Pepper Smoothie at their booth that I am going to make for my family without telling them the ingredients (hubby may know, he reads my blogs). It was delicious and I never knew that would be a tasty flavor combination. I have so many new recipes to try and you know me, I love a good kitchen experiment. So stay tuned for more of those hitting my “Mealtime Monday’s.”

Bands Matter with Gunnar Peterson

I was at Idea World Blogfest and World Convention for three days & worked out three times. I could have done more but being a newbie I didn’t plan my schedule accordingly. Although, I don’t think my body could have handled much more; next year I should be in even better shape and will try to challenge myself. I was pretty spent on Saturday. The fitness aspect of IdeaWorld Blogfest didn’t happen until the second day. I do wish that they would have had a yoga session Thursday morning or something to have us moving. By the time it was Friday, I was ready to workout with Gunnar Peterson. The workout was great with resistance bands/high-intensity exercises. If you check out the video, you can see the struggle and a glimpse at our workout.

Experiencing the Todd Durkin Experience

Saturday, I arrived at Idea World Convention early to attend the Todd Durkin Bootcamp. That experience had me in tears, I didn’t realize what this last year has done to and for me.  Brought me out of depression, motivated me to get up, be active, healthy and inspire others.  Todd’s words of encouragement to all of us had me teary eyed with pride. I was praying to God not to let me embarrass myself by vomiting everywhere half way through a circuit. I did it though, got through it, didn’t vomit and had the sweat to prove that my fat was bawling and the workout was great. It was a great way to end the most intense workouts that I have done in awhile; the Bootcamp brought me back to my first days working out where it took prayer, willpower and determination to get it done. Here I am, 50lbs lighter and more determined than ever to reach my goal and destination! It was a Mind, Body and Spiritual experience, something that I aspire to give to my clients one day. After the intense training with Todd, I attended a Workshop by Scott Rawcliff, Metabolic Mayhem, which fascinates me. Saturday was a fantastic way to end my trip learning from the best in the business.

Two Amazing Women

There were two speakers at the Idea World Convention that motivated and inspired and made me want to go after my dreams.  Each of their stories were very different ones, they choose to move on to something new and exciting. One of the speakers was forced to move on to something new and stimulating; the other chose to move on to something new. I am talking about Jenna Wolfe, who formerly was a Health and Lifestyle Reporter for the Today Show and Amy Van Dyken-Rouen the six-time Olympic Gold Swimmer. Although, each of their stories were different, their messages were the same! You can achieve anything and everything but tomorrow is not promised. So we must take advantage of today and make it count to the best of our abilities.  I video’d each speech and have been listening to them on Audio for motivation. Everyday human beings can do extraordinary things and these two speakers, expressed that wholeheartedly.

 

 My Biggest Takeaway

The takeaway that I had was that fitness is not age, color, race, ethnicity, size or gender. Fitness is a mindset! Want to uplift your body and be the best? Adapt that mindset. My experience at Idea World Convention was memorable. It was my first time but next year I will be attending as a Personal Trainer and the world of opportunity will be greater and brighter. I want to thank Fit Approach Sweat Pink for making me feel welcomed and organizing a great event for bloggers.  I came home motivated to take this blog to another level. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to attend. Next year, I hope/aspire to be even closer to my goals and fine tuning my blog. For now, I am going to take what I have learned, apply it and improve upon it every day. I have no idea how but I am praying God will lead my steps.

 

** I was inspired to try my first Facebook Live: If you want to check out all the Goodies I got