2007 IDEA FITNESS INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

The highlight of last year was being the recipient of the IDEA FITNESS INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD. As many of you know, this award is considered to be the highest and most prestigious award in the fitness industry, and I am both flattered and honored to receive such a high accolade. I am proud to join this elite group of past winners who exemplify the true meaning of professionalism and leadership.

Click here to see the press release and some photos.

IHRSA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

This year's event is taking place in San Diego, CA. from March 5 - 8. I will be presenting a session on ‘functional' Health club design and will also be at spending most of my time with the Club & Spa Synergy Group at booth #504. Please come by to visit us or send me an e-mail so we can set up a time to talk. Hope to see you there!

2008 IDEA FITNESS FUSION CONVENTION

I am excited to announce that not only will be I presenting 4 sessions at the 2008 IDEA Fitness Fusion Convention in Chicago, but I will be presenting the Inspirational Welcome which will kick off three days of educational activities. I hope that you will join me at this event that takes place April 3-6, 2008. For convention and registration details and the on-line convention brochure, click here.

2008 IDEA WORLD FITNESS CONVENTION

The 2008 World IDEA Fitness Convention will be held in Las Vegas, NV. July 8-12. I will be presenting 4 sessions during the convention and hope to see you all there! Click here for convention and registration details.

GLOBAL SCENE: LA PARISIENNE

There was a record turnout (13,102 women) for this 6.5 Km run, and again, I had a great time kicking off the event by conducting the warm-up for an exhilarating crowd. I also had the chance to meet the event's ‘honored spokesperson' for 2008, Laura Flessel, a French Olympic gold medalist in Fencing! (photo)

The theme this year was Tahiti … represented by both regional and international talent who performed traditional dance in native costumes. Here are few memorable photos from this annual event, sponsored by Reebok France.

GLIDING IN MOSCOW

I returned to Moscow in November for the first time since 2004 to work with the X-Fit Chain of Fitness Clubs. I conducted several workshops during 7 days, and I launched GLIDING, a first for the Russian Market. Always eager for new activities, the participants were enthusiastic, and very creative when it came to the practical section!!

Here are some photos from that day, and a few others thrown in for fun. And again, thanks to Elena Trizna and her team for a wonderful welcome and great organization.

ANGELIQUE KIDJO

I had the opportunity to meet up with Angelique Kidjo in Barcelona when she was giving a free concert for the BAM Festival in early October.

I first met Angelique about 16 years ago in Paris when she took my aerobics classes. Since that time, she has gone on to do so many great things including being nominated five times for the Grammy awards, performing in South Africa at LIVE EARTH, and continuing her humanitarian work as a UNICEF international goodwill ambassador! Her latest album, Djin Djin is fantastic, and features (among others) duets with Josh Groban, Carlos Santana, Joss Stone and Alicia Keys! If you haven't heard the album yet, check it out on her web site: www.kidjo.com

Here are some photos from the concert (pre-show, during, and backstage).

2008 CONVENTION SCHEDULE

Here is a list of the conventions where I will be presenting in 2008, along with the dates, locations and websites where you can find out more information and a detailed program.

Can-Fit-Pro, Montreal February 8-10

SCW Mania, Philadelphia February 29 - March 2

IHRSA Convention, San Diego, March 5-8

ACSM Health and Fitness Summit, Long Beach. CA. March 24-27

SCW Mania, San Francisco March 28-30

IDEA Fitness Fusion, Chicago April 3-6

IDEA World Convention, Las Vegas July 8-12

Can-Fit-Pro Convention, Toronto, Canada August 14-17

MIOFF Moscow, Russia, September 17-20

BCRPA Fitness, Strength and Conditioning Conference, Vancouver, BC. Canada October 4-5

XTENEX

I discovered these cool and practical shoelaces at an event here in Paris, and honestly they are great. If you get a chance to try a pair, jump on it. Your feet will totally appreciate the experience!

Check out the France and UK web sites, where you can see a small feature on me in the testimonial section: http://www.xtenex.fr

STEP CELEBRATION CD AND FH DVDs

Step Celebration, the Power Music Signature series CD that was released in the summer is still available. It is a great mix (if I say so myself) for step, gliding and strength training classes.

I keep getting asked about new DVDs…I am hoping to have some new releases this year and will keep you informed as things move forward. For some of my previous releases as well as the Step Celebration CD, go to my on-line store.