A couple weeks back I gave a Key-Note talk at a Global Fitness and Transformation event in Tampa hosted by former Body-for-Life Champion Joel Marion.
Now, I don't do a lot of speaking but I more and more I am inviting the opportunity, even when I can come up with a hundred reasons not to travel.
With this particular came the opportunity to share a new presentation–one that I'd been working on and that I believed to be a true "game changer" in health & fitness (more on this later)–and the chance to meet a number of fellow fitness "guru's" that I've only known from the web.
Of course, it didn't hurt that I was to be the Key-Note speaker, which was a privilege and an honor.
Entering the 3-day event with an beginner's mind, I'd hoped to not just share but also to receive some inspiration and wisdom.
What I walked away with was more than I could have imagined. I met some amazing people, both speakers and guests, and found myself energized, elevated–more
resolute inside and assured in the world as a whole.
As you might guess, a good number of the presenters were friends of mine, like one and only Jon Benson, who I'd not seen in too long–although we talk regularly–and who, BTW, looked great!
I also got to see my good friend and fellow Colorado based Transformational Leader, Tom Terwilliger speak. He was every bit the energized power-house and leader I had heard, and expected him to be.
Tom truly owned the show.
Then of course there was a host of what I'll call the "new guard," or the youth movement in Fitness Transformation.
Some I feel like I've come to know well like Vince Del Monte and Joel Marion himself (funny story about meeting Joel the first time I'll share soon. It'll crack you up, even though it embarrasses me a bit).
Others I barely heard of or had connected with on Facebook and/or Twitter, including the Underground Strength Coach, Zach Even-Esh, Eric Cressey, who here on out will be referred to simply at "The Brain," (he's an impressive dude) and an young, up-and-coming names John Romaniello.
Of course, this is just to name a few… but a damn special few these are.
If you've ever thought about being a stronger version of yourself, a stronger man from the center of your being out, Zach (his blog) is the man! In talking with him on social media I got a good feeling about him. But them to hear his story told, to spend some time with him, is to understand what it means to "live it."
Zach was such an uplifting, inspiring person, I actually paid to sign up for his coaching! It wasn't that I thought I'd learn a new lift or two but rather it would just be an excuse to stay in touch. I'll have more to say about Zach, but to peak into his world, you check out The Underground Strength Coach here.
The guy who'd win the award for most energized and most likely to make you laugh is John Romaniello (in the photo above with yours truly). John's a big-time celebrity trainer from NY who grew up the fat-kid then turned it around.
Like many of the new faces (and bodies) in fitness, turns out I was a bit of an influence. To John's credit, he was so humbled to be speaking and hanging with me that I was humbled.
Funny the way that works.
It is rewarding to have made such an impact on people who make such an impact.
John's got an energy about him--a humorous, humble and buoyant energy that makes him just a kick to listen to. But that's not all John had… I saw in him that innovative, creative and insightful element that lead me to spend ten years of my life calculating the strength-force curve of every muscle in the body.
In other words, he's really doing the work, asking the questions and seeking answers.
Being a guy who has pretty much gotten over the fascination with endless program variation–which is largely marketing driven or done to look self-important, I was fascinated by the way John integrated his individual training sessions in relation to the whole.
I'm talking lactic acid training, density training, dynamic training and pure strength where all there–all accounted for. Now, it didn't look at all easy but it did look challenging (aka fun) and potentially, wildly effective.
I'm currently experimenting with some of John's training integration methods and will report back. In the meantime, here's a super-amazing double-cool report he's shared at the conference: "Why You've Stopped Losing Fat–and How to Fix It" for your viewing pleasure.
Do take John up on this FREE info... it's a solid, fun and valuable 27 page report that will show you 5 very specific ways to bust through any fatloss plateau.
My biggest take-away from this event is: "It's good to get out and connect." I highly recommend making the time, should you find the opportunity, to surround yourself with this sort of wisdom and like minded people on a mission.
I have some new friends, new ideas and exciting things to apply and most of all a new energy, optimism and hope for both the leaders and the people who are committed to seeing us all enjoy a life of vibrant health, energy, strength and freedom…
…a Life @ Full Strength!
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It was a great event, a lot of great speakers and great people!!
yo bro, I am honored for your friendship! That was a blast hanging out and tlaking life bruddah!!
Shawn, it was such an honor and a pleasure to meet you and John R (and I so wish I’d gotten to meet Jon B but he disappeared) and so many others. I was in awe of your humble energy and everything you said totally resonated with me; that is exactly the mindset I’ve always gotten into while lifting and I originally got into it in the early 1980s when women didn’t do that (and most still don’t – funny how that works!) You should know that the women I spoke to thought you were the hottest guy up on that stage. Oops. Did I say that out loud?
Hey Shawn,
Thanks for the post. I really enjoyed it. And trust me I know how important family and “not traveling” is.
But with that being said, I am glad that you “got out to blow some of the stink off you” like my dad used to say. It is good to get out and feed off of other fitness professionals.
Be well,
darin steen