MAIN STAGE PRESENTERS
Logan Aldridge, NASM CPT, CF-L2, AIT
Peloton Instructor & Adaptive Training Director
Born in 1991 in Raleigh, North Carolina, Logan faced a life-changing event at the age of 13 when a wakeboarding accident led to the loss of his left arm. Instead of allowing this setback to define him, Logan embraced an "it's just an arm" mindset of determination and adaptability that has propelled him to extraordinary achievements.
Despite the challenges he faced, Logan refused to be limited by his physical condition. He channeled his passion for sports into adaptive athletics, becoming a competitive CrossFit athlete, wakeboarder, weightlifter, golfer and surfer. His dedication and talent have earned him numerous accolades and recognition within the weightlifting and fitness community and led to him being recruited by Peloton to become Strength and Tread Instructor as well as Peloton's Adaptive Training Specialist.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Logan is a passionate advocate for inclusion and accessibility. He travels the world sharing his story and encouraging others to embrace their own potential, regardless of their circumstances. Through his motivational speaking engagements and social media presence, he inspires people of all ages to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
Logan's resilience, positivity, and unwavering determination serve as a powerful example of the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity. Whether he's competing on the world stage or empowering others to embrace their own abilities, Logan Aldridge continues to inspire countless individuals to live their lives with passion, purpose, and perseverance everyday.
Peloton Instructor & Adaptive Training Director
Born in 1991 in Raleigh, North Carolina, Logan faced a life-changing event at the age of 13 when a wakeboarding accident led to the loss of his left arm. Instead of allowing this setback to define him, Logan embraced an "it's just an arm" mindset of determination and adaptability that has propelled him to extraordinary achievements.
Despite the challenges he faced, Logan refused to be limited by his physical condition. He channeled his passion for sports into adaptive athletics, becoming a competitive CrossFit athlete, wakeboarder, weightlifter, golfer and surfer. His dedication and talent have earned him numerous accolades and recognition within the weightlifting and fitness community and led to him being recruited by Peloton to become Strength and Tread Instructor as well as Peloton's Adaptive Training Specialist.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Logan is a passionate advocate for inclusion and accessibility. He travels the world sharing his story and encouraging others to embrace their own potential, regardless of their circumstances. Through his motivational speaking engagements and social media presence, he inspires people of all ages to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
Logan's resilience, positivity, and unwavering determination serve as a powerful example of the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity. Whether he's competing on the world stage or empowering others to embrace their own abilities, Logan Aldridge continues to inspire countless individuals to live their lives with passion, purpose, and perseverance everyday.
Movement Made for You: How to Adapt and Overcome
Saturday, February 17 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM
MCSC Ballrooms
Session No. 100 - Saturday's MainStage Class
In this powerful opening MainStage session of FitExpo ’24, join Logan Aldridge, a beacon of resilience and adaptability, as he shares his transformative journey from a life-altering accident to becoming an acclaimed adaptive athlete and Peloton’s Adaptive Training Specialist. “Movement Made for You: How to Adapt and Overcome” is a movement session designed to inspire, educate, and empower participants with actionable insights into the world of adaptive exercise. Whether you are a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, health coach, fitness director, or simply looking for motivation to overcome obstacles, this session promises to be an unforgettable state to FitExpo ’24.
You'll be able to:
Saturday, February 17 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM
MCSC Ballrooms
Session No. 100 - Saturday's MainStage Class
In this powerful opening MainStage session of FitExpo ’24, join Logan Aldridge, a beacon of resilience and adaptability, as he shares his transformative journey from a life-altering accident to becoming an acclaimed adaptive athlete and Peloton’s Adaptive Training Specialist. “Movement Made for You: How to Adapt and Overcome” is a movement session designed to inspire, educate, and empower participants with actionable insights into the world of adaptive exercise. Whether you are a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, health coach, fitness director, or simply looking for motivation to overcome obstacles, this session promises to be an unforgettable state to FitExpo ’24.
You'll be able to:
- Define the characteristics of an adaptive athlete
- Explain the role of an instructor, trainer, and coach programming for adaptive athletes
- Demonstrate adaptive exercises that can be applied to any participant.
Kate Freed, MPH, RYT, ACE-CGFI, ACE-CPT
Owner & Creator, The MVMNT Kate is a fitness professional, entrepreneur, health & wellness enthusiast, and your personal hype woman. She is the owner and creator of The MVMNT, a fitness education and certification company. She has previously served in fitness management roles at East Carolina University, Gold's Gym, and Clemson University. Kate's mission is to cultivate opportunities for movement, growth, and community in each of her endeavors. |
Gentle Yoga: X Marks the Spot
Sunday, February 18 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM
MCSC Ballrooms
Session No. 800 - Sunday's MainStage Class
Recharge and reboot from the weekend with Gentle Yoga: X Marks the Spot. This class is designed for yogis of all experience levels. Together, we will draw our attention to the present in order to enhance the amount of awareness and self-love we can embody through the rest of the day. In this class, we are reminded how every little step or movement works together to get us exactly where we are right now: X marks YOUR spot.
You'll be able to:
Sunday, February 18 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM
MCSC Ballrooms
Session No. 800 - Sunday's MainStage Class
Recharge and reboot from the weekend with Gentle Yoga: X Marks the Spot. This class is designed for yogis of all experience levels. Together, we will draw our attention to the present in order to enhance the amount of awareness and self-love we can embody through the rest of the day. In this class, we are reminded how every little step or movement works together to get us exactly where we are right now: X marks YOUR spot.
You'll be able to:
- Identify physical and emotional feelings through body scan and reflection.
- Understand parallels between a Yoga sequence and daily life.
- Apply diaphragmatic breathing techniques.
BXR by The MVMNT
Saturday, February 17 | 2:15 - 3:15 PM
MCSC Ballrooms
Session No. 502
Your new favorite workout has entered the chat. BXR combines kickboxing techniques and rhythm-based movements to create a powerful movement experience where you are in the center of the ring. This session will deliver a 45-minute high-energy class, followed by tips for cultivating a memorable class environment, as well as information about joining The MVMNT community.
You'll be able to:
Saturday, February 17 | 2:15 - 3:15 PM
MCSC Ballrooms
Session No. 502
Your new favorite workout has entered the chat. BXR combines kickboxing techniques and rhythm-based movements to create a powerful movement experience where you are in the center of the ring. This session will deliver a 45-minute high-energy class, followed by tips for cultivating a memorable class environment, as well as information about joining The MVMNT community.
You'll be able to:
- Demonstrate kickboxing techniques and rhythm-based movements.
- Recognize different ways to connect with participants throughout the entirety of class.
- Identify strategies for cultivating a memorable class environment.
Invited Presenters
Shannon Briggs, ACE-CGFI, ACE-CPT
Owner, Created for More Personal Training, LLC Shannon Briggs is a multi-passionate fitness professional and educator who helps collegiate fitness/wellness directors fill in the gaps. She brings over 30 years of experience in the dance and fitness industry as a performer/choreographer and an instructor/competitor. Shannon currently serves as the Personal Trainer to the World Famous Kilgore College Rangerettes and runs her own fitness business, Created For More Personal Training! |
Pre-Conference Workshop: What a Difference a Trainer can Make!
Friday, February 16 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
ESRC Classroom 202
This course will look at different strategies to support our clients with adherence to behavior change while setting healthy, professional boundaries as Trainers. Creating a safe space for our clients is beautiful, but how do we stay professional, set healthy boundaries, and work within our scope of practice? We will answer these questions and more as we dive into case studies.
Secondly, we will learn how important our role can be during different stages of life and even train clients through crisis. Training clients through a crisis requires professionalism and finesse. Walking through various scenarios, you will have tools in your personal training toolbox to help you be confident and successful in many situations. Personal Trainers can be the missing piece of the puzzle to our clients achieving their goals in and out of the gym.
Learning Objectives:
Earn CECs: ACE 0.2; NASM 0.2
Friday, February 16 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
ESRC Classroom 202
This course will look at different strategies to support our clients with adherence to behavior change while setting healthy, professional boundaries as Trainers. Creating a safe space for our clients is beautiful, but how do we stay professional, set healthy boundaries, and work within our scope of practice? We will answer these questions and more as we dive into case studies.
Secondly, we will learn how important our role can be during different stages of life and even train clients through crisis. Training clients through a crisis requires professionalism and finesse. Walking through various scenarios, you will have tools in your personal training toolbox to help you be confident and successful in many situations. Personal Trainers can be the missing piece of the puzzle to our clients achieving their goals in and out of the gym.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to support your client's adherence to behavior change with some creative strategies.
- You will discover how to set professional and healthy boundaries for yourself as a Trainer to serve your career and your client better.
- Walking through different scenarios and strategies, you will learn tips to guide your clients in a productive workout while they are experiencing personal crisis.
Earn CECs: ACE 0.2; NASM 0.2
Seamless Transition from In Person Training to Virtual Training
Saturday, February 17 | 2:15 - 3:15 PM
MCSC 249
Session No. 506
This course will teach us how to transition between in-person and virtual training sessions. Considering the different insurance, liability forms, equipment, and technology needs, you will be fully equipped to move seamlessly between in-person and virtual training sessions to offer your clients the most effective training in both scenarios.
You'll be able to:
Saturday, February 17 | 2:15 - 3:15 PM
MCSC 249
Session No. 506
This course will teach us how to transition between in-person and virtual training sessions. Considering the different insurance, liability forms, equipment, and technology needs, you will be fully equipped to move seamlessly between in-person and virtual training sessions to offer your clients the most effective training in both scenarios.
You'll be able to:
- Acquire knowledge about the necessary insurance for independent training in both in-person and virtual sessions, recognizing distinctions from training within a facility. Additionally, comprehend the process of creating a liability form for clients to understand and sign.
- Attain expertise in programming sessions by skillfully adapting to the available equipment and space for your clients.
- Acquire valuable tips, tricks, and essentials for ensuring the success of virtual sessions, benefiting both you and your clients.
Leigh Wierichs, ACE-CGFI, ACE-CPT
Global Training & Education Manager, Life Fitness Academy, Life Fitness Leigh brings over 24 years of experience in the fitness industry and a wealth of expertise across a wide array of health and wellness areas to her current role. Combining her in-depth knowledge of the science behind exercise and human physiology with her passion for helping others, Leigh has trained hundreds of group fitness instructors and personal trainers around the world. She has previously worked for the US Navy, Les Mills and as the Account Executive for International Military and Government Sales for Life Fitness. To keep her “boots on the ground”, she has also taught group fitness classes for over 24 years. |
From Bland to Brand: Transforming your Functional Training Space to Create Compelling Group Training Experiences
Saturday, February 17 | 10:15 - 11:15 AM
ESRC Weight Room
Session No. 214
Join Life Fitness for an exclusive session that dives into the exciting world of functional group training experiences that elevate the exerciser experience. Discover the most common challenges, industry trends, and innovations that have shaped the new functional training concepts designed by Life Fitness. Prepare to feel equipped to unleash your full potential as you learn about LFX, a solution that brings together best-in-class Life Fitness and Hammer Strength equipment to create a flawlessly-integrated total training experience.
You'll be able to:
Saturday, February 17 | 10:15 - 11:15 AM
ESRC Weight Room
Session No. 214
Join Life Fitness for an exclusive session that dives into the exciting world of functional group training experiences that elevate the exerciser experience. Discover the most common challenges, industry trends, and innovations that have shaped the new functional training concepts designed by Life Fitness. Prepare to feel equipped to unleash your full potential as you learn about LFX, a solution that brings together best-in-class Life Fitness and Hammer Strength equipment to create a flawlessly-integrated total training experience.
You'll be able to:
- Gain a deep understanding of the current trends and emerging concepts in group and functional training Identify opportunities to leverage the growing popularity of functional training to create group training experiences.
- Discover LFX, a new solution that provides elevated functional, HIIT and strength experiences, and fill your facility with energy to run small group, personal, or free individual training sessions.
- Dig into how to program for functional training spaces including practical application session
Igniting Your Collegiate Recreation Program: Creating epic experiences that drive connection and community
Saturday, February 17 | 10:15 - 11:15 AM
MCSC 318
Session No. 215
In the world of collegiate recreation, the pursuit of excellence extends far beyond the fitness facility. It encompasses the creation of unforgettable experiences that foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students. Join us as we share the strategies and principles behind crafting epic experiences that ignite passion and drive connection and community within your recreational programs. We will delve into the heart of what makes a collegiate recreation program truly remarkable. From innovative programming to cultivating inclusive environments and events, we will uncover the key ingredients for sparking excitement and engagement among your student body.
Saturday, February 17 | 10:15 - 11:15 AM
MCSC 318
Session No. 215
In the world of collegiate recreation, the pursuit of excellence extends far beyond the fitness facility. It encompasses the creation of unforgettable experiences that foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students. Join us as we share the strategies and principles behind crafting epic experiences that ignite passion and drive connection and community within your recreational programs. We will delve into the heart of what makes a collegiate recreation program truly remarkable. From innovative programming to cultivating inclusive environments and events, we will uncover the key ingredients for sparking excitement and engagement among your student body.
Casey Lockwood
International Trainer & Presenter, Les Mills Casey is an International Trainer and Presenter for Les Mills Us in BODY BALANCE, BODY PUMP, and LES MILLS DANCE. She has been teaching Les Mills programs for 11 years. Casey has degrees in Exercise Science and Dance & Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has a background in sports medicine and has worked with high school, collegiate and professional athletes and has also had her own professional opportunities as a dancer. Casey also works as a certified personal trainer, nutritionist & life coach. Casey aspires to leave people better than she found them by empowering them to find joy in movement and belief in themselves. Casey lives in Virginia Beach with her husband, 4 children and 2 dogs. |
LES MILLS SHAPES
Saturday, February 17 | 2:15 - 3:15 PM
MCSC Ballrooms
Session No. 512
LES MILLS SHAPES is a low-impact, high intensity strength-based workout that takes the best parts of Pilates, Barre & Power Yoga. This is a dynamic full-body, targeted workout that uses small, controlled movements and repetition to isolate muscles, sculpting and strengthening all areas of the body. Suitable for all fitness levels, we find the hot spot and stay there for as long as possible to challenge muscles, develop core strength, and flexibility .
Saturday, February 17 | 2:15 - 3:15 PM
MCSC Ballrooms
Session No. 512
LES MILLS SHAPES is a low-impact, high intensity strength-based workout that takes the best parts of Pilates, Barre & Power Yoga. This is a dynamic full-body, targeted workout that uses small, controlled movements and repetition to isolate muscles, sculpting and strengthening all areas of the body. Suitable for all fitness levels, we find the hot spot and stay there for as long as possible to challenge muscles, develop core strength, and flexibility .
Debbie Bellenger
DebbieBellenger.com Debbie was the 2023 Marla Richmond Educator of the Year Award Winner with Medical Fitness Association, the 2017 IDEA World Program Director of the Year Award Winner and the 2014 Medical Fitness Association Program Director of the Year Award Winner (specialty in employee wellness for healthcare systems). She has served as Director of Health Management and Wellness for an Insurance Company in CA, SVP of Healthy Living for the South Florida YMCA system and the Director of Employer Wellness Services for CaroMont Regional Medical Center in North Carolina. Within these various roles Debbie developed and delivered award winning employee and medical wellness programs while also providing extensive training and development for personal trainers, group exercise instructors and many others. |
TRX Certification Course - Pre-Conference
Friday, February 16 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
ESRC XT Court
With the versatility of TRX Suspension Training® you’ll have a portable fitness solution to train clients in any setting. You'll learn how to properly perform and cue foundation Suspension Training exercises as well as the benefits and target muscles of the exercises. Learn modifications and progressions to adapt the exercises to every fitness level.
Continuing Education Credits: ACE (0.7), NASM (0.7), AFAA (7.0), canfitpro (2.0), CIMSPA (8.0)
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
Friday, February 16 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
ESRC XT Court
With the versatility of TRX Suspension Training® you’ll have a portable fitness solution to train clients in any setting. You'll learn how to properly perform and cue foundation Suspension Training exercises as well as the benefits and target muscles of the exercises. Learn modifications and progressions to adapt the exercises to every fitness level.
Continuing Education Credits: ACE (0.7), NASM (0.7), AFAA (7.0), canfitpro (2.0), CIMSPA (8.0)
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Properly perform a variety of Suspension Training exercises
- Progress and regress exercises for all fitness levels
- Adjust resistance and stability for all exercises
- Cue and correct common faults
- Correctly set up and use the TRX Suspension Trainer
Dedicating her career to Campus Recreation, Tori began her fitness journey during her undergraduate work at Penn State University. She spent 32 weeks studying and training in order to learn all the aspects of the fitness industry and the qualities that make a motivational fitness instructor. Some skills obtained in this training include proper form and fitness technique, musicality, and designing safe and effective workouts for all. As a previous athlete and dancer, Tori transitioned easily into the fitness industry with great passion and excitement. After graduating from Penn State with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Tori attended Texas A&M University to pursue a Master’s degree in Sport Management. During her two years in graduate school, she taught fitness classes and early morning boot camps for the University, as well as a local gym in her neighborhood. Upon completing her degree, Tori returned to her Alma Mater at Penn State as a Fitness Coordinator to train new students in the same program that developed her love of fitness. Tori currently operates the recreational fitness programming at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She oversees 75 student employees and handles the operations of two weight rooms, 55 group fitness classes a week, personal training programming, and specialty fitness events on campus. Tori is also planning to increase her fitness programs at UNC Charlotte as her department prepares to move into a 5-story, 144,000sq. foot recreation center. Over the last 8 years, Tori has acquired several certifications and licenses such as AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, AFAA Personal Fitness Trainer, YogaFit Level 1, YogaFit Level 2, YogaFit Props, Pulsepointe Barre, Schwinn Cycling, Stairmaster Boxmaster, Zumba license, and Les Mills BodyPump. She is also an American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor and a QPR Gatekeeper Instructor, as well as a Safe Zone Ally" Certifications: Master Trainer for Barre Above™ Master Trainer for Tabata Bootcamp™
BARRE Above Certification - Pre-Conference
Friday, February 16 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
ESRC 240
Friday, February 16 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
ESRC 240
Gay Gasper
IFTA As the first National Step Challenge Champion and an Avia sponsored athlete, Gay Gasper is one of the most well-known and respected instructors in the entire health and fitness industry. She is the fitness expert for Inside Edition, and has produced over 30 exercise and fitness videos and a number of fitness infomercials. Teaming up with such celebrities as La Toya Jackson and Nadia Comaneci. She teaches nearly every type of fitness discipline: Step, Dance, TRX, Yoga, Pilates, Aqua, Cycle, Kickbox and more. We are very excited to announce that Gay Gasper is exclusively with IFTA as a trainer/certification specialist. |
IFTA Mat Pilates Instructor Certification - Pre-Conference
Friday, February 16 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
ESRC 239
This Certification includes the Mat Pilates Manual & study guide as a download / attachment, Live review of the Manual & study guide led by Gay Gasper. In the review, The course includes demonstration and practice of how to instruct Pilates with correct form, safety issues, and includes a Mat Pilates workout class. The written test will be emailed to you once you complete the course. You will have 7 days to complete the test.
Friday, February 16 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
ESRC 239
This Certification includes the Mat Pilates Manual & study guide as a download / attachment, Live review of the Manual & study guide led by Gay Gasper. In the review, The course includes demonstration and practice of how to instruct Pilates with correct form, safety issues, and includes a Mat Pilates workout class. The written test will be emailed to you once you complete the course. You will have 7 days to complete the test.