The ECA/THRIVE fitness conference was held at the Deauville Beach Resort in Miami, FL this year from November 12th-15th. I traveled with two fellow instructors that were equally ready for this retreat as I was. What more could we have asked for? The weather was 80-85 degrees all week (with the exception of one cooler, drizzly day) and the people watching was optimum. We had the beginning of the week to work on our tan and do the tourist thing. Later in the week, we got down to business. The conference was packed with various classes from ab classes to Spinning. Of course, my focus was on the Spinning classes! I did decide to mix it up this year and add some additional types of classes to my agenda. I chose a Jump Rope class, Kranking classes, and some stretching and nutrition classes. Let me just say that the presenters were excellent! Each had their own personal gift to bring to each class as anxious instructors absorbed those gifts through their own interpretation.
I was most impressed by the Kranking classes. A new concept of living life through fitness - created by Johnny G. of the Spinning phenomenon. This new machine, a Krankcycle - looks much like something from the movie Transformers - was impressive upon first look but also challenging to the body. Impressive is the marketing of the newest ace in the pocket of Johnny G. The Krankcycle is a spawn of the UBE (upper body ergometer) that has been used in physical therapy areas for a very long time. The beauty of this machine is that is can be used as a means of building cardiovascular health in people with the inability to use their lower body - as well as the conditioned athlete looking to crosstrain for endurance events! I can't think of any other piece of equipment that offers the range of use that the Krankcycle does. Did I mention that it burns MORE CALORIES than indoor cycling? 9 - 10 calories per minute!!!
After my two Kranking classes, I am anxiously awaiting its arrival in local clubs in New England. Kranking is currently being rolled out in the U.K. and will hopefully make it's way to the U.S. quickly. With an instructor certification program wrapped around the Krankcycle, it is sure to expand the clientele of many a health club, once the advantages are clearly published. As I daydream about fusion classes surrounding the Spinning bike and Krankcycle (!!!) in a single studio (which just may be my dream job, by the way), I also think back to how long Spinning took to hook people. Imagine - perfectly sculpted upper and lower body - as well as working the cardiovascular system to achieve perfect body symmetry!
The Spinning classes at ECA were great as well. I sampled the coaching of 2 new Master Instructors, Jeff Krebiel and Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hoffman. Josh Taylor also presented at the conference as well. My final ride of the conference was with Josh. The name of the ride was called "Attack!" and Josh decided to merge two of his best rides together: his regular "Attack" ride and the "Everest" ride. Essentially attacking Mount Everest! Having done the two-hour "Everest" ride in June, I was excited by another opportunity - my legs - not so much! You see, two days before I took a jump rope technique class that totally wore out my legs. My legs were screaming for some recovery riding. My legs would have to wait. The abbreviated version of the the original 2-hour "Everest" ride with a bit of "Attack" thrown in for good measure was over the top! What a great way to end a conference!
Upon my return to RI and reality, I found myself pondering some pretty life-altering changes. This trip allowed me to feel fortunate for the positive things in my life and empowered to change the not-so-positive things in my life. That's all that you can ever wish for in an experience, isn't it? The ability to turn your microscope inward to examine your years and what you've decided to do with them. When's the last time you had the opportunity to do that? If you can't remember when, it's time!
Keep Kranking!
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