Where are you getting your insurance?

Do you know of a different place to get discounted coverage?

Are you carrying liability insurance at all?

I need to because I teach at a number of private facilities that require I carry a liability policy that covers them (an me) if someone gets injured during one of my classes.

I feel much better having liability insurance as an ACE certified group fitness instructor for the simple reason that it will protect my family’s assets, in the event someone decides that suing me will solve their personal financial problems.

We have one daughter in college who is thinking about law school. So we have been researching if it makes sense for her to spend the thousands $$ and will there be a job available for her when she’s finished. What we have found is that there are way more lawyers in the USA than necessary. That scares me – all those lawyers are looking for work and carrying liability insurance brings me a piece of mind that I’m not going to be the target of some fake slip and fall accident lawsuit.

Another option is to do a p90x workout daily to improve your fitness.

The program features Pearl Izumi shoes and clothing at 40% off. Not closeouts and oddball stuff that no one wanted, but the complete catalog of cycling, running and triathlon products from the the world leader in the manufacture of performance sports apparel and footwear for avid cycling and running enthusiasts.

You can find out more about the Spinning Indoor Cycling Instructor Discount Program

Tempo Magic Pro is a new iPhone app that changes the BPM of your aerobics class music on your iPhone, while it’s playing. You Group Fitness instructors all know what that slider is for on the CD player.

More about the Tempo Magic Pro iPhone app and a review at indoorcycleinstructor.com

From their site:

IDEA FitnessConnect is the largest fitness professional directory, connecting more
than 16 million consumers to more than 100,000 fitness professionals with
credentials verified by the top 14 fitness certification bodies
…And did we mention it’s FREE?

You can create your own profile here.

John is on a plane home from the IDEA conference and has promised to help me get mine set up as soon as he gets back.

More on this later…

I found this interview video of Sally Edwards very entertaining and motivating. I have forwarded it to my class participants. Click the link or the picture to watch it

Chris Freytag and I talk about getting the “athletic minded extroverts” into our classes.  By allowing our participants the freedom to move without paying attention to choreography, we can attract those that would never ever consider coming to a “dance class”.  Chris calls it organized chaos.  Join us as we talk about the athletically inspired class and how to execute it.  You can learn more about Chris at her website: chrisfreytag.com and please contact me: amyjo@groupfitnessradio.com.  I would love to hear from you!

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (021_AmyChris2.mp3)

Pain…..okay, I do not like to admit it, but now that I am not 29 anymore, I sometimes have to deal with it.  How about you?  My guest is Sean Wolf and he specializes in a technique called Bowenwork.  A listener contacted me because it worked so well for her and she was very impressed.  Bowenwork is a gentle and subtle technique that releases connective tissue and addresses the entire body, not just the specific area of pain.  Take a listen and let me know what you think.  More information about Sean can be found at www.BodyRestorationClinic.com and about Bowenwork in general at www.bowenwork.com.

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (020_Bowenwork.mp3)

Here is a link to www.groupfitnessradio.com/vacation

Winning the war against childhood obesity with character.

This tag line from Laurette Willis’ website www.powermoveskids.com grabbed me and I talk with her about her public school strength/balance and flexibility training program, that also incorporates character traits, called Power Moves Kids.  We also talk about changing the “want to” from the inside and permanent, lasting, transformative, change in her Christian program for kids called Praise Moves Kids www.praisemoveskids.com.   What do you think about this?

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (018_PowerMoves_Kids.mp3)

In 2009 I did some major changing. Let me explain…. My exercise regimen is fairly set. I teach my scheduled classes, which I love, and sub whenever I can. In the summer, I add cycling to my schedule as I can and train for long rides with my husband on the tandem. I pretty much exercise to capacity. Is that a term? Anyway, you all know what I mean. However, I needed to change something up, as I was dissatisfied with changes in my body composition- a nice way of saying I was consistently gaining weight . Oh, by the way, I also know I was working out in the proper zones and burning fat while training. So, horror of horrors, I had to look at my diet. What could I/ should I change? Something wasn’t working anymore. So, I have modified some things and changed the way I look at different components in my diet. I found the following article very helpful. It’s from 2002 and it is a bit lengthy, but it has a lot of good nuggets in it and a lot of “food for thought” ha ha.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/07/magazine/what-if-it-s-all-been-a-big-fat-lie.html?scp=1&sq=gary%20taubes&st=cse

Let me know your thoughts.

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (017_Beamfit.mp3)

It's not as easy as it looks!

Wouldn’t it be fun to invent the latest and coolest fitness tool?  I interviewed Sandy Bonacina from Zurich, Switzerland, who did just that!  Sandy invented the T-BOW® and we talk about what inspired her to invent the T-BOW, and all the cool ways it can be used in group and personal settings.

A big thank you to Natalie, a listener from Australia, who asked me to do an episode on the T-BOW. This post has a video showing the T-Bow in use in a group fitness class.
After our interview, Sandy offered to send me a T-BOW to try, along with her instructional videos.  I will post a video of me playing around.soon.  Should be entertaining!

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (016_Sabofit.mp3)

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (015_Chris_Freytag.mp3)

Meet the Nutrition Diva from the Quick and Dirty Tips Podcasts. Her real name is Monica Reinagel. We talk about how to best fuel our bodies before and after our classes at 6am, mid morning, noon and the 5:30 time frame. Monica’s answers may surprise you. Have fun listening and check out all the other Nutrition Diva podcasts at http://nutritiondiva.quickanddirtytips.com/

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (014_Nutrition_Diva.mp3)

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (013_IwishIknewthat.mp3)

Fred Hoffman joins me to talk about:

Taking a risk to find the job you want
What is it you really want to do?
What are you looking for in your career?
Having a “press kit” ready and what should be in it
How to present yourself

I hope you enjoy this insightful and fun discussion with Fred.

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (012_Fred-Hoffman2.mp3)

More reason to keep on motivating the masses.

Next time you see someone “lingering” at the studio door, invite them in to give your class a try.  We never know whose life we are going to change next.

The results, based on brain scans of 94 people in their 70s, represent “severe brain degeneration,” said Paul Thompson, senior author of the study and a UCLA professor of neurology.

“That’s a big loss of tissue and it depletes your cognitive reserves, putting you at much greater risk of Alzheimer’s and other diseases that attack the brain,” said Thompson. “But you can greatly reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s, if you can eat healthily and keep your weight under control.”

You can read the rest of the article here:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090825/sc_livescience/obesepeoplehaveseverebraindegeneration

In addition to her roll at Life Time Kimberly is one of Exercise TV’s Star Trainers, has led several popular exercise videos and travels the country as a National Presenter, Motivational Speaker, SPRI Elite Fitness Pro, GRAVITY Trainer and Continuing Education Provider for ACE, AFAA and IFTA. Known for her passion, enthusiasm and humor, Kimberly has been educating and motivating instructors, students and clients for 15 years.

You can learn more about Kimberly at her website http://kimberlyspreen.com or check out EMPOWER continuing education workshops for fitness professionals.

NOTE: I will be at EMPOWER – Minneapolis on Saturday, September 17th conducting live interviews with some of the presenters. If you are going to be there please find me and say hello!

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (011_Kimberly_Spreen.mp3)

My husband John is friends with Keith Burnage, the creative genius at Cadence Revolution. Keith produces a weekly music Podcast with fantastic music you can use in your indoor cycling classes or your own personal workouts. I recorded an introduction and Keith used it for Cadence Revolution #127. Check it out and let me know what you think of it.

http://cadencerevolution.com/index.php/2009/08/cadence-revolution-127/

John and I are very proud of  Mike Clements our Technical Producer . Mike (the guy who makes me sound so good) is pictured here with Mom and Dad on Graduation Day from the Minnesota School of Business. Mike graduated with Honors from Music Business and Audio Production.

If you need help with audio production you can contact him.

Michael Clements /MusicMutt Productions Miclements85@gmail.com

It is a sensitive subject but one I feel is very important to discuss. Jen Ryan from Life Time Fitness and I discuss her research on eating disorders in Group Fitness Instructors.

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Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (010_Jen_Ryan2.mp3)

If you enjoy this show I would really appreciate it if you would leave a review in iTunes.

Here is the link to go directly to iTunes where you can post your review.

file:///C:/DOCUME~1/jmacgowa/LOCALS~1/Temp/Be%20the%20first%20to%20write%20a%20review.url

Wow, can you believe it has been twenty (20) years since we all started teaching step? Twenty years on, not only do we have step, we also have pilates, websites like SouthBeachDiet.com and yoga to keep us in shape. We have come a long way! Anyway, it was really fun to talk with Gin Miller and hear how it all started and how Reebok got involved. Have fun re-living the late 80’s and early 1990’s and hearing how it all evolved. I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment above to tell me about teaching your first step class (mine was scary!)

If you are going to IDEA this August be sure to check out this innovative fitness class—Step Into the Future! It’s all happening
Saturday, August 15th from 4:40 pm – 6:30 pm – Session #497 – Limited to 250 people.
Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (009_Gin_Miller.mp3)

From IDEA’s site:
Don’t Miss the Step Celebration and Get a FREE Pair of Reebok Shoes! (women’s sizes only)
Session #497: Step Into the Future!

Saturday, August 15 from 4:40–6:30pm Sponsored by Reebok

2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the step and we’ll celebrate the landmark Reebok® program with a birthday party and a class you’ll never forget.

o Surprise guests including emcee Gin Miller, the originator of Step
o Industry icons and fresh faces will be onstage together
o Enjoy a mix of music with past and current moves
o A special gift (a pair of Reebok women’s shoes) will be provided to attendees
o It’s going to be a great time! Hurry, space is limited to 250 people.

Here is the link with all the information.

-

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes Download audio file (008_Jen_Ryan.mp3)

Let me know you were here.

Did you know that there is an online encyclopedia that’s all about shoes? I didn’t, but found this site looking for the pictures I use in this post.

From http://solepedia.com/Reebok_Freestyle

The company surged in popularity in 1982 when Reebok introduced the Reebok Freestyle athletic shoe. The shoe ,an oxfordstyle sneaker specially designed for women, was an instant success with the current aerobic dance craze in full swing. Reebok and Reebok shoes became the hot brand for aerobic buffs everywhere and the Freestyle has been hailed as Reebok’s most successful athletic shoes of all time. But the success of the freestyle was not entirely due to its athletic uses. It also became the icon of the 80′s fashion world used for casual wear because of its comfort and sleek style. A high top version was released (identified by the two velcro straps around the ankle collar) and additional colors were released, including white, black, red, yellow, and blue. The Freestyle continue to be produced. The 80′s were Reebok’s decade of success.

You guys, the first thing I want you to know about Fred Hoffman is what a genuinely nice person he is! I so enjoyed talking with him. We discuss a number of the many projects he is involved in and his presentations at this years IDEA Conference in Aneheim, CA, August 12-16, 2009.   He  has a lot of experience and knowledge to share with us.  I am certain he will be on GFTR again soon so keep a look out for him!

Here are the links

R-KAIDE Fitness Rhythmic, Kinesthetic, Arcade-Inspired Dance & Exercise

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes
Download audio file (007_Fred_Hoffman.mp3)

Check out this Step by Step Video to learn how to Subscribe for free using iTunes.

]]> http://www.groupfitnessradio.com/fitness-presenters/fred-hoffman/feed/ 1 noYou guys, the first thing I want you to know about Fred Hoffman is what a genuinely nice person he is! I so enjoyed talking with him. We discuss a number of the many projects he is involved in and his presentations at this years IDEA Conference in Aneheim Amy Jo Macgowan / Deep Breath In, LLCYou guys, the first thing I want you to know about Fred Hoffman is what a genuinely nice person he is! I so enjoyed talking with him. We discuss a number of the many projects he is involved in and his presentations at this years IDEA Conference in Aneheim, CA, August 12-16, 2009.   He  [...]Group,Fitness,exercise,Instructor,aerobics,fitness,music,step,trainer,training,Certification,educator,ACE,AFAA,continuing,education,CEC,CEU,health,club,personal,training,weight,loss,profiles,routineshttp://www.groupfitnessradio.com/fitness-presenters/fred-hoffman/http://www.groupfitnessradio.com/audio/007_Fred_Hoffman.mp3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GroupFitnessTalkRadio/~3/M9KOnlSKJJs/ http://www.groupfitnessradio.com/group-fitness-career/episode-6-teaching-in-paradise/#comments Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:32:37 +0000 amyjo@groupfitnessradio.com ( Amy Jo Macgowan / Deep Breath In, LLC) http://www.groupfitnessradio.com/?p=158 Meet Suzelle Snowden, President and founder of FitBodies, Inc.  Hear from Suzelle how you can travel to exotic locations and stay at fabulous all-inclusive (yes, this includes adult beverages) resorts as a traveling fitness professional.  I’ve had the opportunity to travel with FitBodies over 25 times in the last 12 years and it has been great for my marriage and family.

If you are interested in how I make it work for me, let me know by posting a comment below.  If there is enough interest, perhaps I will do a separate show on the ins and outs of traveling on a budget as a fitness pro.  Enjoy!

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes
Download audio file (006_Fit_Bodies.mp3)

Meet my dear friend Kate Larsen.

Kate has been a group fitness instructor since 1987. She is a certified business and life coach and is a regular speaker at IDEA conferences. She has been published in Fitness, SHAPE, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Weight Watchers, Prevention, and NWA. She is a faculty member, mentor coach and advisor for Wellcoaches Corporation and an executive coach and trainer for The Ken Blanchard companies.

Kate and I met 15 years ago and still teach together at the same gym. I hope you enjoy our interview as we talk about purposeful teaching and applying it to the different seasons of our careers.

You can find more about Kate and her contact information here: http://www.katelarsen.com/

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes
Download audio file (005_Kate_Larsen.mp3)

Fraser Quelch from Fitness Anywhere joins me to discuss incorporating the new TRX Suspension Trainer into your group exercise classes.  In preparation for this interview, I attended a day long training where we were told it was going to hurt to pick up a pencil the next day, so I may have intentionally backed off a bit, as I had a training ride planned for the next morning and a heavy teaching schedule the following week.  Two good friends & instructor colleagues were there with me.  We thought it was one of the best training courses we have taken and we definitely felt the TRX work.  Listen as Fraser and I discuss what I think is one of the most innovative, creative and versatile fitness tools in the industry.

Here is a link to learn more:

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes
Download audio file (004_Fraser_Quelch.mp3)

Here is a Step by Step Video about Subscribing in iTunes

Click the link to Subscribe to Group Fitness Talk Radio on your Zune!

http://www.mixmeisteracademy

Have you ever want to run away? Take your Group Fitness Certification and move as far away as you can? I would truly love to and my guest for episode #3 did just that!

Meet Ryan Hogan with the Australian Fitness Network, a member-based fitness organization similar to IDEA /Can-Fit-Pro. Ryan describes how he left North America and started a career in group fitness in Australia. It’s not quite as simple as it seems. Australia has a very comprehensive certification process and Ryan does a great job of explaining how it all works in this interview.

You can follow Ryan on Twitter – #justcallmeryan

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes
Download audio file (003_Ryan_Hogan.mp3)

Here is a Step by Step Video about Subscribing in iTunes

When I started a list of potential guests for this show, Katie Haggerty was the first name I wrote down. Katie tells a compelling story of her journey into personal wellness that turned into a career as a group fitness professional with Life Time Fitness.

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes
Download audio file (002_Katie_Haggerty.mp3)

My name is Amy Jo Macgowan. Welcome to my new radio show that’s all about your passion & your career as a Group Fitness Instructor.

I have a lot of exciting interviews planned. Here is a brief introduction where my husband John introduces me and we discuss our plans for Group Fitness Talk Radio! Click to listen to the Show – and be sure to subscribe in iTunes so you don’t miss a single episode..
Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes
Download audio file (001_Intro_to_Amy.mp3)

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