I am currently flying on Delta Airlines to Los Angeles, CA for the IDEA World Convention. It's said to be a monumental year for the organization so I expect a great time. I can't wait to see some of my favorite presenters dazzle participants with their mad skills from workouts to lectures.

For me, I hope to create the MELT Immersion over the three days I will personally be presenting. Beginning with a two hour workshop on Adding Hands-Off Bodywork™ to Group Exercise Thursday morning. Friday I will be doing an early Morning MELT for an hour to have people experience the MELT Method first hand. Later that morning I am doing the MELT Core Treatment - a 4-hour extended workshop. This I am sure will be the most fun of all the sessions because i will have time to share some of the MELT techniques that participants will go back and hopefully apply in their one-on-one sessions.

Finally, on Friday morning we have a 2-hour MELT Hand and Foot Treatment session. Again, the hope is that people will spread the word of MELTing in the fitness realm where the techniques are sorely needed.

The injury rates have increased over the years I have been a part of it. In my nearly 25 year career in fitness, I have seen a significant increase in older adults at health clubs, many of which enter with orthopedic issues like hip and knee replacements or spinal surgeries. Most are on at least three prescription medications as well so the role of a "personal trainer' is slowly needing to take on a new title.

As I pioneer the ideas of manual therapy techniques that span a different body of  philosophy and science than those used in general fitness modalities today I hope to affect participants in a way that creates the network of MELT Evangelists out west. Currently we have three full MELT instructors out in CA and about a dozen MELT Hand and Foot Instructors. So I know this year will bring more curious minds into this wonderful world of neurofascial science and application.

I hope to see many of you again and thank you to those of you who read my blog and have sent me messages about IDEA!! I will see you all tomorrow!

2009 IDEA WORLD