eNewsletter – 12/2017 | SCW Fitness Education

The language of fitness is changing. People don’t just “workout” anymore, they “train”. Personal trainers don’t just “train” anymore, they “coach”.

Speaking of, what is the difference between a “coach” and a “trainer” anyways? In the fitness industry, those terms are often used interchangeably; however, if you ask 10 different people to explain the difference, you would likely get 10 different answers. Perhaps the most obvious difference is in association: a coach is to sports as a trainer is to fitness. But among the rapidly growing trend of “the sport of fitness”, more trainers are coaching groups of everyday athletes to maximize their potential in pursuit of fitness goals.

Small and large group training is becoming more of the norm in health, fitness, and recreational facilities. These groups start to take on the look and feel of a team in training as they motivate each other. Group training can enhance participant experience by providing consistency and an additional level of accountability. Whether you are participating in, leading, or supporting a training group of any size, you will undoubtedly be enlightened and energized by some of the very large (up to almost 100 people at a time) group training that goes on in Power Systems Master Coach Bennie Wylie, Jr.’s performance training center in Abilene, TX.

Tip 1: Giving your group a name and give the members ownership.

Naming your group makes the members feel like they are part of a team. Simply referring to the group as athletes can build their confidence and motivate them to push themselves and each other. Bennie refers to everyone at The Performance Lab as “athletes” or more affectionately, the “LabRats”. This team environment thrives on the athletic coaching principles Bennie and his staff coaches apply to this group.

Tip 2: Put visibility and coach awareness of the group training cycles to increase member retention.

Using the similar programming schedules from his experience in professional and collegiate athletics, Bennie and his team start to speak the same language. For example, each week of a three-week training cycle is referred to by coaches and athletes alike as either the “learn it, know it, or own it” week. Developing awareness and visibility of training cycles within your group can increase group member retention as the athletes begin to understand that each week has a focus and purpose that drives them closer to their goals.

Tip 3: Grow your circle of influence from 2 people to 20 people by implementing large group training circuits.

In the Grow Your #FitFam blog series, we examined some of the barriers to entry into group fitness classes. Adequate space and equipment was one of the concerns listed among group training regulars as well as those considering joining a group. As you start to grow your small group to a large group, be prepared to invest in more quantities of versatile training tools such as kettlebells, medicine balls, mats, dumbbells, and resistance tubes.

Increasing your equipment inventory from 2-5 of each piece to 8-10 of each piece will ensure none of your members will ever experience the “odd person out” and everyone will have all they need to be successful. This investment will pay for itself quickly as your circle of influence grows like a ripple-effect. Group members that attend regularly will get results and will be eager to share those with their friends both in person and on social media.

As the sport of fitness grows, so does the #fitfam community of people that gravitate towards others with common interests and goals. Whether working individually or together, this group thrives on the motivation from their peers during their workout or from reading their #flexfriday posts.

Check out Power Systems™ at a MANIA® near you!

NYC: www.scwfit.com/nyc
CALIFORNIA: www.scwfit.com/california

SCW Fitness Education proudly offers a business scholarship to deserving professionals in honor of beloved SCW Presenter Michael Scott Scudder.

The fitness world lost an industry icon on June 30, 2017, when Michael sadly passed away due to complications with hip replacement surgery. Michael was a mentor to the small business owner and a friend of the common man and woman. He was the CEO of MSS Network, which provided weekly advice and expert evaluations of changing trends in our fitness industry. He was the soothsayer of the business world.

His priceless insights into tomorrow involved constant surveys and leaps of faith based on personal experience and professional evaluations. To put it succinctly, people shared with Michael, and they trusted Michael.

Michael imparted his wisdom at SCW Fitness Education’s MANIA® Fitness Professional Conferences over the past five years. We are grateful for the knowledge, wit and passion he brought to MANIA® and the lasting impressions he made on our faculty and attendees. He was truly one of a kind.

SCW Fitness Education has been and will continue to offer a free MANIA® attendance in Michael’s honor to worthy budding studio owners and fitness professionals needing business advice and industry education. It is the Michael Scott Scudder Scholarship, and it already has helped many deserving individuals.

Meet the current Winners of the Michael Scott Scudder Scholarship:

Gaile Abeyta: In 2010, Gaile was laid off from her dream job as an HR Rep at SeaWorld Orlando. Earlier that year, her husband had a major heart attack, which left him disabled. It had been Gaile’s work that provided the couple with health insurance, which caused them both tremendous anxiety. At the age of 50, Gaile went back to Cosmetology as a hair stylist – something she loved, but the money was not much and the long hours standing on her feet were sometimes unbearable. In 2015, Gaile was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo an extremely painful full mastectomy and difficult reconstruction.
Thankfully, she had been into fitness and working out since 1992, after her second son was born, and it was Yoga and Aqua Aerobics that got her through this difficult time. If it wasn’t for Yoga, Aqua Aerobics and the community, Gaile doesn’t know how she would have stayed strong through it all. Gaile wanted to share her love of fitness with other women, and in May of 2017, she became a Certified Yoga Instructor, and she also teaches Aqua at the National Training Center in Clermont, Florida. To make a living in this business, Gaile knows she needs additional training and certifications to support herself and her husband.

Rica Gilmore: In 2009, Rica was expected to die from stage 4 cancer. Doctors could not find the primary tumor, and Rica was approved immediately for permanent disability. Through balanced exercise and nutrition and brilliant surgeons at National Health Institute, Rica is now a healthy 47-year-old. Throughout her treatment, she obtained an Associate’s Degree, studying what brings her joy – obtaining healthy, safe lifestyles. She is trained through NASM for a bustling career but was struggling with a lack of confidence. She has been working in the studio more than full time and charging minimal fees, all while continuing to further her education.

Nannette Vides: Nannette received support from Michael Scott Scudder on her venture to produce a fitness app, Fit2uapp, which is due to come out next summer. “I feel so honored that I was able to meet Michael at my last MANIA® convention. I just cannot believe that he’s gone,” she said. “I do feel that he will always be in my heart and in my inspiration as I get older. I’m now 55 and feel better than ever and more and more motivated because of people like Michael. He was selfless and loving, yet firm and strong, and especially passionate when he spoke, which I really respect.” Nannette said she wants to inspire others as Michael did.

Ashley Grubb: Kary and Bryan Ott own and operate Trinity Exercise Studio and Trinity Health & Wellness Center (a women-only 24/7 fitness center) in Edmond, OK. They have strived to offer excellence to their community the past three years. The couple took a leap of faith and hired Ashley as their first full-time employee and applied for the scholarship on her behalf. “I firmly believe what will continue to help us make a difference in other’s lives is staying on top of continuing-education opportunities and experiences,” said Kary. “Many of our instructors and trainers comment on our creativity and look to us for sharing current fitness/wellness education with them. This is because we are faithful to attending annual fitness conferences.”

Michelle Deutsch: Michelle loves sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge of fitness with so many as a Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Trainer. She has taught at many facilities throughout the Boston area – the Cambridge YMCA has been her favorite place to work. Michelle has an MBA and certifications in a wide variety of formats such as aqua, dance and boot camp classes, and she is hungry to learn more and expand her repertoire. Michelle currently is studying for the ACE Health Coach certification, and she is hoping to integrate her entrepreneurial spirit and marketing knowledge into her work more over time.

Deborah Kulmer: Deborah is struggling with growing her business. Thus far, her affiliation with the fitness industry has been from the user/instructor perspective rather than owner/director. Deborah is looking to do more in the fitness industry and help make changes in other people lives.

Michael Scott Scudder was a strong individual who was kind and thoughtful. He was generous with his insights and his opinions. He helped shape our fitness world, and he truly will be missed for decades to come!

We are honored to help these deserving individuals come to MANIA® and educate themselves in the Fitness arena – and to be changing one life at a time.

NYC: www.scwfit.com/nyc
CALIFORNIA: www.scwfit.com/california

There is just something about January 1st that makes us all want to dedicate ourselves to the gym, wake up earlier, or save more money. But according to the U.S. News, 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. So, it’s safe to say the odds are against us and our gym patrons. Luckily, for the first year ever, SCW has put together an exclusive New Year’s Fitness Guide to ensure you and your classes and clients are the successful 20%!

Here’s just a taste of what you’ll find inside our New Year’s Fitness Guide exclusively for SCW Fitness subscribers. Offered by a variety of premium companies, these discounts are made specifically to ensure a healthier, happier new year:

– Valuable savings on Group Exercise and Personal Training equipment
– Half-price Certifications
– Membership exclusives
– Discounted apparel and accessories
– Videos and Literature
– And much more!

Check out the guide at: www.scwfit.com/NewYearsGuide

NYC: www.scwfit.com/nyc
CALIFORNIA: www.scwfit.com/california

When it comes to your fitness routine, switching it up a bit usually guarantees success. For those looking for change or total body training, let us introduce you to Bodhi Suspension System®. And with the holidays (and all the food that comes with it) in full-swing, a tool that doubles the burn for a workout sure to get you in shape is just what you need.

Balanced Body brings the precision and movement principles of Pilates to suspension training with the Bodhi Suspension System®. Taking the body out of alignment with gravity fires the core stability muscles and develops integrated, whole-body strength and dynamic flexibility. The Bodhi Suspension System offers four potential points of suspension to maximize stability training and proprioception while providing many options for creativity. The ideal complement to a Pilates or personal training practice, Bodhi adds standing, balance, and stability elements that bodies respond to and enjoy.

So if you’re ready to hang tough, here is what the Bodhi Suspension System® (that can be found at a MANIA® event near you) is all about:

The 411: The Bodhi Suspension System Training is rooted in Balanced Body movement principles which emphasize safe and effective movement potential. The suspension-based workouts are dynamic, fun and challenging. Whether in a class, private session, or integrated into an existing Pilates program, Bodhi Suspension System adds versatility and variety. Rooted in biomechanically sound principles, the Bodhi Suspension System will challenge clients of all levels.

Get Started: Bodhi is easy to add to virtually every studio space. The two independent ropes require either wall or ceiling mounts. Because the Bodhi Suspension System consists of two independent ropes with 4 potential suspension points, we highly recommend suspending the ropes at least 18 inches from the wall or from a ceiling mount. The ropes can be suspended against a wall but some of the exercises will have a different feel and experience as a result.

Take The Lead: Bodhi instructor training provides instructors with everything needed to teach a variety of formats, from small group personal training to circuit training to private sessions. The 16-hour course includes a detailed manual and suggested class formats — everything you need to begin teaching on the Bodhi Suspension System to all fitness levels. You are guaranteed to re-ignite your studio and excite your bodies with the Bodhi Suspension System. Courses are offered at Bodhi Authorized Training Centers, studios and conferences, including MANIA. The course includes:

-Detailed manual and instructor training video support.

-Introduction to the Balanced Body Movement Principles to strengthen your teaching.

-The Balanced Body Track System to help you create classes quickly and easily.

-Progressions, regressions and modifications to make suspension training useful for everyone.

Fun Facts: Bodhi Authorized Training Centers are located across the U.S. and around the world. The best part? Leave those expensive sneakers at home because footwear is optional. Be prepared to move and to have fun.

Check out the Bodhi Body Suspension® system at a MANIA® near you!

NYC: www.scwfit.com/nyc
CALIFORNIA: www.scwfit.com/california

From time to time, hitting the gym can occasionally start to feel like going to work than a workout. And for that reason alone, exercisers and instructors around the country have started to live out their rock & roll dreams to get their daily dose of cardio. We are talking about POUND® Fitness, of course. All in one class you’ll find a fast-paced, high-intensity, full-body workout incorporating everything from lunges, squats and jumps to bending, stretching and yes, even drumming.

Developed in 2011 by Kirsten Potenza, a 24-year-old former member of the UCLA rowing team, and Cristina Peerenboom, a Los Angeles-based personal trainer, it all began when Potenza was looking for an exercise routine that excited her. With an itch to learn the art of drumming, they incorporated drumming-type arm movements into routines melding cardio, conditioning and strength training with yoga and Pilates-inspired movements. What was born was POUND®, a class now taught in over 50 countries, by more than 13,000 instructors, to hundreds of thousands of participants a week.

Here are five reasons we think you’ll love it too:

Let’s Rock: Instead of wooden drumstick, the founders created Ripstix^®, lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising. They also developed a set list of music to accompany the routines, but instead of listening to music, you become the music. In this exhilarating full-body workout, you will combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements. Instead of counting reps or keeping track of the clock, Pound strategically distracts you from the high-intensity and duration of your workout, and shifts your focus to rhythm and volume. Each 2-4 minute song is carefully calibrated with interval peaks and extended fat burning sequences, providing you with the best workout in the shortest span of time.

Come One, Come All: Designed for all fitness levels, POUND® provides the perfect atmosphere for letting loose, getting energized, toning up and rockin’ out! The workout is easily modifiable and the alternative vibe and welcoming philosophy appeals to men and women of all ages and abilities. This course can be adapted to all age and fitness levels, including people with significant physical limitations. You can even do the arm movements while sitting in a wheelchair.

Sweat It Out: After you’re done rocking out in a 45-minute POUND® class, you’ll have completed up to 15,000 reps, performed over 30 extended interval peaks, and whizzed through more than 70 techniques without even realizing it. Burn up to 900+ calories per hour, strengthen and sculpt infrequently used muscles, and drum your way to a leaner, slimmer physique – all while rocking out to your favorite music.

Bring It Home: Not able to make it to the gym? Luckily they offer Rockout Results System, an at-home fitness and nutrition product that comes complete with all the tools you need to rock your way to your best self. Inside you’ll find 9 dynamic workouts, 50+ healthy and delicious recipes, and everything you need to make some noise.

The Power of Pound: Here’s yet another reason to be envious of rockstars everywhere. Numerous studies have proven the powerful brain boosting, stress-relieving effects of drumming. The rhythm of drumming permeates the entire brain to improve focus, increase higher-level thinking and decision-making skills, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, decrease chronic pain, anxiety, and fatigue.

NYC: www.scwfit.com/nyc
CALIFORNIA: www.scwfit.com/california

“That stir fry is absolutely delicious…but it’s just a teaser!”- Bruce Mylrea

Find Bruce and Mindy at a MANIA® near you!

NYC: www.scwfit.com/nyc
CALIFORNIA: www.scwfit.com/california

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