IDEA Health & Fitness Association holds the biggest and best fitness convention in the world for people in the fitness trade. I, being one of them, cannot wait for the pre-conference kick-off taking place tomorrow morning at the LA Convention Center and its run through Sunday afternoon. IDEA World Fitness Convention is going to be rockin’ with the hottest trainers, fitness resources and tools, new workout methodologies and modalities, fitness wear and more. My TopFavs from last year are still going strong in my life. I love it all still. So, before I give you some new fitness goodies from this year’s convention later next week, take in this list of our tried and true favorites.

TopFav FITNESS WEAR

Green Apple Active
First of all, the certified organic bamboo and cotton fabric used to make the clean lines of Green Apple Active fitness apparel is sensationally soft and holds its shape and color wash after wash after wash. Speaking with Green Apple Active founder, Cristofer Smith, last season I was totally taken back and inspired by his enthusiastic passion and committment to providing a plant-based vegan line that won’t harm the bodies wearing it or the planet. He made the strong point that what we wear on our bodies, especially when our pours are open while sweating, is just as important as what we put in them for our health. He is totally committed to creating a fabulous product that is eco-friendly as possible and can be accrued at a very reasonable price. I picked up a whole slew of Green Apple goods last year at the conference and went back for more on-line. Each item feels incredible on and I also feel good knowing that I am not doing harm to the earth and those who live upon it by wearing it.

Up Vibe
Founded by the gorgeous Priscila Haisley from her travels, her Brazilian inspired fitness line Up Vibe is undeniably hot. Women of all ages, shapes and sizes were flocking to her booth last year to try on the fabulous pieces, clearly designed to show off the female figure. We couldn’t help but feel fantastic in every piece. And Priscila was just as excited to see all of the ladies dawning her designs. My only regret last year, was not taking the leap to purchase 1 or 2 of her beautiful pieces.

 

TopFav NUTRITION TOOL

Vitamix
I must have spent an hour with Ingo, a.k.a. The Spinach Man at the Vitamix Booth. He talked to me about the difference between juicing and blending and made me an array of tasty samples. And, mmm… everything tasted so yummy!  The beauty of a Vitamix Blender, as opposed to a regular grade blender, is the power it has to create everything from soups (hot or cold, mind you), almond milk, smoothies that hold the whole and vitally nutritious parts of fruits and vegetables that other blenders just can’t hack. And, now I understand that juicing breaks down all the original goodness into mainly sugars, while blending maintains more nutrients and fiber. He also tipped me off to fabulous, vegan and natural protein powders by Sun Warrior, which my dad and I have been taking ever since. This year, I am dedicated to taking a Vitamix Blender home for sure!

 

TopFav FITNESS TOOLS

Tiger Tail

Fascia release has become well known as more than a necessary in the athletic, fitness and wellness worlds for some time now. And, there are all sorts of gadgets (some cumbersome, some repurposed) to help relieve the muscular tension that can build up oh so badly in a body. But, Spring Faussett, has truly created the “it” fascia release set of items with Tiger Tail because they are super easy to use on yourself, unlike the prospects of a clumsy foam roller. With her perfect storm of studies of engineering, chemistry and biology at Washington State University, where she played Division 1 soccer, she was able to create the ultimate tool. And, it’s been selling like hot cakes ever since her very first batch. Like all important inventions, Tiger Tail emerged from an important need – a need to heal. Suffering a hamstring injury in a collegiate game and aiming to follow her therapist’s tip to use a rolling-pin or a foam roller to work out the residual pain and scar tissue which wasn’t working out so well, she thought, “Why don’t I combine a foam roller and a rolling-pin.” After a couple of trips to Home Depot, Tiger Tail was born. You don’t have to lay on the ground or press up against the wall to get to the sweet spot of pain, as other fascia release tools call for, because the rolling-pin design makes it easy to roll the foam core over and over again. by hand. It’s so super fantastic that Seattle Seahawks‘ quarterback, Russell Wilson, purchased a set for his whole Super Bowl winning team not too long ago. If that’s not the best “Best of the Best” endorsement, I don’t know what it!

BOSU
Invented by David Weck in 1999 while rehabilitating his own injury, BOSU Balance Trainer has provided a fitness modality for therapist, trainers and exercise enthusiasts ever since. The ecofriendly inflated rubber hemisphere attached to a rigid base, facilitates the same sort of proprioception training as a stability ball, but umm…. it’s more stable. BOSU also makes a lovely, soft and  light stability ball as well, which I personally can’t wait to get my hands on along with his new small pink Home Balance Trainer. What struck me while talking with David is that 15 years after inventing his BOSU Balance Trainer, he is still incredibly invested and excited about what he’s providing for people. You can even get trained on how to be a BOSU instructor, utilzing the tools he’s created. His company is going far, and will continue to, I’m sure.

Fitnet App
Brand new on the market last year, Fitnet app has already already made it to the Apple iWatch. I had such a blast at their booth last year testing it out for kicks. Founder, Bob Sumners, was there with his trainer who inspired the fitness app,along with his adorable marketing and tech. crew. Each and everyone of them was dressed in bright orange 70’s throwback outfits. They were entirely too cute! And, the app is absolutely brilliant! You see, Matt finds himself on the road a lot and doesn’t want to lose touch with his trainer. Do you ever feel this way too? Well, Fitnet is all about keeping you in touch. This is how it works. Trainers sign up and create videos to post up on Fitnet. And, clients subscribe to not just view the videos, but to get feedback on their excellence. Just like Wii, Fitnet app has the capability to match the client’s motions to the trainer’s, and give feedback. You also have the ability to communicate with one another through the app as well. There are both paid and free subscriptions. And, you can head in with your own trainer, or find a trainer through the app. It’s awesome!

 

TopFav WORKOUT

Jillian Michaels Body Shred
Jillian Michaels lead a convention hall packed to the edges of every wall through her 30-minute Body Shred workout and had us moving full tilt all the way through it. Well let’s say at 80%, 90% and then 60% capacity on a rotation of 30-second 3-dimensional butt-kicking strength, cardio and core exercises with no rest, unless of course we stopped ourselves to catch our breath or drink a sip of water (which they provided barrels of for us). Seeing her quickly walk by the droves of people eagerly awaiting their entrance into the workout session, I was struck by the incredible contrast between her tiny frame and what we saw on stage – an insanely ripped body (or shredded, if you will) and large stature of her personality. She’s no joke. And, she granted words of tough-love wisdom to a lot of women throughout the q&a session. I was so amped by the intensity and the creativity of her Body Shred exercises that I went through a training earlier this year and have became a Body Shred instructor. My clients love it and so do I! She’ll be back at Idea World Fitness Convention this weekend as well. I’ll be there! Will you?

 

Do you want to explore IDEA World Fitness Convention yourself? Get a variety of tickets or even sign up for a free Expo Pass. You’re sure to be impressed and inspired!