He who opens a school
door, closes a prison. -Victor Hugo
Editorial note: September marks the beginning of school. People start thinking about their education, and how to
re-invent or expand the career they are in. There are many sides to fitness - including the marketing side that still surrounds one within a
field that is exciting, energizing and educational.
Melissa McNeese has created a niche for herself within the fitness industry through her
writing. She is not a fitness professional, but one who gathers and writes releases on fitness dvd's for some of the top professionals in the
country.
Interview with Melissa McNeese,
owner of PRFit. Has the study of
Public Relations always been an interest of yours? How exactly did you come to this career path?
I entered college figuring
I’d go into advertising. While there I did an internship in PR and thoroughly enjoyed it. The people I knew in PR definitely seemed happier
than those I knew in advertising. But I didn’t pursue a career in PR. It just happened to turn out that way.
How did you get
involved with representing fitness companies?
Total
serendipity; it was meant to be. My first job out of school was at an in-house ad agency for several video companies. From there I went to another
company that was selling Orville Redenbacher popcorn to video stores. The Maier Group went on to work with other brands like Pepsi. Nestle, etc. and
then we started bringing videos to video stores, too. One of those just happened to be the very first “Buns of Steel” tape. The success
of that brand completely changed the direction of the company. We became a very successful fitness video company. From there, we were bought by our
largest competitor. They already had Kathy Smith; Jane Fonda, Tony Little, Tamilee Webb, et al so I managed those brands, too. Then they moved that
business to LA, I had my first child and 11 years later, I’m still doing what I love but I’m doing it for myself (and my clients, of
course). (To read more, click here.)
Let us think of education as the means of developing our
greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater
strength for our nation. -John F. Kennedy
ECA /THRIVE! 2008
Fitness, Sports Training and Wellness
Conference
November 13-16th
Miami Resort and Spa Hotel, Miami
Beach
This is not just another fitness event. This program was designed to meet all of your professional needs and then some.
Experience first hand a life affirming event. eca/Thrive has something for everyone! Combining the BEST of personal training, sports
conditioning, business, nutrition, group fitness, mindful programming, aquatic and outdoor training and more..... like no one else.! Download a
complete eca/Thrive 2008 brochure! www.ecaworldfitness.com/con_miami08_1_info1.html
Any questions? Call our customer service representatives at
516-432-6877
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Learn from the
best in the Industry.
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Creative pre and post convention Programming.
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Increase your opportunities and income.
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Enjoy networking opportunities and stay inspired in your work.
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Join us for our own BEACH OLYMPICS - a fun and creative
time.
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Enjoy what South Beach has to offer!
In teaching others, we teach ourselves.
-Proverb
- Industry News -
According to the Health Day News -- Not eating well,
lack of exercise and the increase of alcohol consumption are among the factors that contribute to the FRESHMAN
15 (the weight gain that people attending college in their first year experience). Elisabetta Politi, nutrition director at the Duke
Diet and Fitness Center at Duke University, reports that many freshman do not know how to select healthy snacks, meals or have the time to exercise
because of their workload. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/16/AR2008081600753.html
Gina Kolata from the NYTimes wrote an article about
the concerns many students experience, "overtraining." Overtraining is the downside of training, the trap that can derail an athlete's success,
according to Kolata. This unintended consequence can derail many students from acheiving their dreams and now lead to seeing a sports medicine
physician. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/health/nutrition/04BEST.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=training%20backfires,%20kolata&st=cse&oref=slogin
According to ScienceDaily, a carefully framed
combination of moderate exercise and nutritional supplements could help older people maintain an active lifestyle for longer. A Manchester
Metropolitan University study has found that taking carbohydrate and protein supplements just before and just after low-resistance exercise could
boost muscle performance and slow muscle wastage in people over retirement age. Moreover, this combination appears to deliver greater fitness
benefits than undertaking heavy-resistance training with or without changing one's nutritional habits. This was the first ever study of the
combination of structured exercise and nutritional supplements to focus wholly on older people. Undertaken as part of the SPARC (Strategic Promotion
of Ageing Research Capacity) initiative, the findings will be discussed at the BA Festival of Science in the United Kingdom this month. http://www.sciencedaily.com/search/?keyword=muscle+strength%2C+elderly
The Independent Health Foundation has kicked off a health initiative aimed at combatting childhood obesity.
The Fitness for Kids
Challenge, an eight-month program, is designed to encourage healthy habits needed to live a fit, active and healthy lifestyle and fight the increase
in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The program focuses on weekly physical and nutritional challenges. More than 150 schools have signed on to participate in the program, which hopes to reach 250,000
youth.
http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2008/09/08/daily33.html
Exercise Helps With Body Image, Depression in Pregnancy
According to Newswise, exercise can help expectant moms in mind as well as body. A
new study suggests that women who stay active and are more positive about their changing shapes might protect themselves from depression both during
and after pregnancy. "Our study supports the psychological benefits of exercise to improve body image and lessen depressive symptoms," said lead study author
Danielle Symons Downs, Ph.D., associate professor of kinesiology and obstetrics and gynecology at Penn State University.
http://newsblaze.com/story/2008090221190300004.wi/topstory.html
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) cites evidence that exercise and physical activity can improve the health of those
90 and older, those who are frail and those who have diseases that often accompany old age. Compelling evidence on the value of exercise is provided in the publication
"Exercise: A Guide From the National Institute on Aging." Scientists and doctors tell us that when older adults can no longer do things on their own, aging is not the
culprit - at least in most cases. Most likely, it is because they are inactive. Sen. John Glenn returned to space as a payload specialist aboard the space shuttle
Discovery at age 67. The NIA Guide quotes him as saying, "You are never too old to get into shape."
People who were 90 years old, frail and inactive doubled their strength through a short exercise program. That could enable a person to
get up from a chair independently, rather than needing assistance.
In another study, some adults 80 and older engaged in strength exercises for 10 weeks and were able to toss their walkers and use
canes.
Endurance exercises: The NIA addresses four types of exercises that help adults stay healthy and independent: These that increase
breathing capacity and heart rate and improve the general health of our heart, lungs and circulatory system. They also increase our stamina for
things we typically do independently, such as climbing stairs or shopping. These exercises may delay, or even prevent, some age-related diseases such
as diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease and stroke.
Strength exercises: These exercises build muscles and give you the strength to stay independent. They increase metabolism and help keep
your weight and blood sugar in balance. Strength exercises also may prevent osteoporosis.
http://www.nia.nih.gov/
http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/ExerciseGuide/
Keep Children Active through Autumn
1. Hiking – taking a hike is a great form of exercise without it being labeled as such. The cooler weather will make the hike more
tolerable, and there are so many activities that can be encouraged when hiking, such as a scavenger hunt.
2. Apple Picking and Harvesting your Garden. This activity will allow your children to reap the rewards from nature and put it to use in
the kitchen.
3. Soccer Ball, Hula Hoop, Frisbee, and an open field. Need we say more?
4. Extend your summer activities into the fall, just dress warmly. Play tennis, go to the beach, go bike riding.
It’s important to have children see the autumn as having the opportunity to enjoy a different season, and the
benefits of activity.
The effort of every true education is to unlock that treasure. -Cary Grant
The secret in education lies in respecting the
student.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Calendar of Events
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Thursday, September 18. New York, NY. Joie de Vivre Circle: Rediscover and Reclaim your
Sacred Feminine, with Edwige Gilbert. Evening event, call (917) 923-6113 for more information.
Saturday, September 20. Edgewater, New Jersey. Spinning
Instructor Orientation. Start the “ride of your life” with the world’s most comprehensive and widely
recognized indoor cycling training program. For more information, call (201) 313-3300
Sept 21. Burlington, VT.
ACSM Weight Management for the Fitness Professional Workshops at the University of Vermont Gucciardi
Fitness Center. Visit www.acsm.org
for more information.
Rye, NY. Jarden Westchester Triathlon and Health and Fitness
Expo at Rye Town Park. Visit http://www.westchestertriathlon.org for more information.
Wednesday, September 24. Los Angeles, California.
Mystikal Movement – DANCE! Get your groove on with Misty’s revitalizing dance movements. For
more information, visit http://www.Equinoxfitness.com.
Fort Lauderdale, YogaFit Mind/Body Fitness Conference at Sheraton Yankee
Clipper. Visit www.yogafit.com or call 954-5245551 for more
information.
Sept 25 - 26. Detroit, MI. ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist Workshops at
Henry Ford Hospital. Visit
www.acsm.org for more information.
Sept 27 –
Oct 26
New York City.
East Coast Instructor Training School. Practical Training to become certified personal trainer or group fitness instructor. Saturday and Sunday
– from 10am to 6pm. www.ecaworldfitness.com.
October 4-11. Umbria, Italy. Anusara Yoga Retreat to Umbria Italy! Stay at a bed and breakfast of La Valle. Hurry quick, spots are very
limited! This will be the last retreat to Europe until 2010. For more information, contact Jessica@wildspirityoga.com
Saturday, October 4. Aventura, Florida. The Body
Groove Method. “Self Discovery Through Intuitive Movement.” Relax the body and free the mind
through Misty’s dance movements. Gives an end result of a life full of energy, expression and passion.
For more information, visit http://mistytripoli.com/stage3/MI_Trainings.htm , suyumi.quiroz@equinoxfitness.com or call
(305)935-9514.
Saturday, October 4. Penascola, Florida. Santa
Rosa Island Triathalon. For more information, visit http://www.sritri.org or call (850) 380-0741
Sunday, October 5. Waterbury, Vermont. Leaf
Peepers Half-Marathon and 5K Race. For more information, visit http://www.coolrunning.com/major/08/leafpeepers or call
(802) 223-6997
Saturday, October 11. Long Beach, California. OCB/Legacy Southern California Natural & Universe of Fitness. Includes Bodybuilding, Figure, Ms. Fitness, Male & Female Fitness
Model. For more information, call (310) 659-8918.
October 13-16.
IntenSati Instructor Training Program with Patricia
Moreno at Equinox Fitness Club. For more information, contact Erika@satilife.com.
Sunday, October 12. Seattle, Washington. Exercise
and the Older Adult. Continuing education workshop that includes exercise for an older age crowd. For more information, visit
http://www.acefitness.com
Saturday, October 18. Laredo, Texas. Rock Fitness Extravaganza. Allows athletes to
compete at a local level, which enables them to receive recognition to move onto other venues for professional status. For more information, call (956) 285-8444
October 19.
Westfield, MA. ACSM Weight Management for the Fitness Professional
Workshops at Westfield State College. Visit www.acsm.org
for more information.
October 26. Mays
Landing, NJ. ACSM Weight Management for the Fitness Professional Workshops at
Tilton Fitness Center. Visit
www.acsm.org for more information.
November 13-16. Miami Beach, FL. eca/Thrive 2008 at Miami Resort and Spa. Over 100 presentations with pre and post
convention programs. Receive the CEC's and education you deserve. Networking
opportunities, keynote speaker, beach olympics. Call 516-432-6877 or visit www.ecaworldfitness.com/con_miami08_1_info1.html
A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his
influence stops. -Henry Brooks Adams
ECA World Fitness
414 East Beech Street, Long Beach, NY 11561
tele: 516-432-6788 fax: 516-432-7044
www.ecaworldfitness.com
