Fitness Speakers

DONALD B. ARDELL, PhD Since 1984, Don Ardell has published 455 newsletters and 14 books, his latest being Aging Beyond Belief: 69 Tips For REAL Wellness. REAL wellness, as Don describes it in his entertaining presentations worldwide, describe a mindset vastly different from the simple risk reduction and fitness/nutrition information emphasized in most worksite wellness programs. REAL wellness as Don describes it is a positive lifestyle philosophy based on reason, exuberance, and liberty—for enhanced quality of life. Don is a "mellow, kind, sensitive, and compassionate fellow," but he loves to stir up excitement. He demonstrates the relevance of a life-enhancing mindset to the three topics that everyone cares about but most hesitate to address in polite society, namely, politics, human sexuality, and religion. Don directs the Wellness Center at Seek Wellness, produces the weekly Wellness Report, and writes a column every other day.

MURRAY BANKS, MEd For audiences ranging from CEO’s, sales teams and line staff to families, Murray weaves together facts, data, cartoons and stories for a unique message that enhances commitment to personal well-being, stress management, family time, positive interaction with coworkers and balance in our lives. Murray's messages are always personal, interactive and entertaining whether they're delivered before 4000 in a convention center or 40 at a management retreat.

ROBERTA BERGMAN, MS Whether in the workplace or in our lives, the care of our bodies is a key component of wellness and productivity. Back and wrist care, posture, movement, and ergonomics all affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Robert Bergman is an expert in how we use our bodies and how to promote health—for workers, administrators, and even pregnant moms and children. Ms. Bergman created the Pain-free Back Exercise Video for the Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine and Employee Health Services in New York City. An engaging speaker and trainer, Roberta has created many more educational programs not only to help relieve back pain, but also to help us all manage the stresses of life.

ROXANNE BENTON DARLING Mind-body wellness and self-esteem in stressed employees. Author of Awakening Your Body’s Spirit and 30 Days to Body Esteem, Roxanne is an energetic, vibrant speaker who teaches mental, emotional, physical and spiritual skills to help audiences recover and maintain high self-esteem. A pioneer in fitness, Roxanne gave the first Low Impact Aerobics workout in 1984 at the first International Dance and Exercise Association (IDEA) conference and in 1987, she gave the first mind-body session at the same conference. In 1997, Roxanne began contract work for Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems—coaching nearly 2000 individuals (men and women, CEO's to factory workers) with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Roxanne has also worked for over 15 years with American Indian/Alaska Native communities on developing community-based health programs. Topics include "Body Esteem: The Ultimate Workout."

JEANNE ERNST Jeanne is the author of Fit Forever: 30 Days to Healthy Habits You Can Handle-For Life! and was the star of "Body Buddies," a nationally televised fitness show that remained in syndication for 20 years. A trailblazer in the fitness industry, Jeanne helped Jane Fonda launch the Jane Fonda Workout Studio in Beverly Hills and managed that studio for over 10 years. Jeanne has also worked with such fitness mavens as Kathy Smith and Suzanne Somers to develop health-related products and publications. Jeanne can now be seen regularly on HGTV's "Smart Solutions" program. In her presentations, she delivers solid, practical nutrition and fitness advice that audiences can follow throughout their life by integrating moderate exercise and good eating habits into their daily routine.

DAVID ESSEL American Fitness Magazine called David Essel “The Master of Motivation.” He is a renowned personal success expert covering areas such as exercise, nutrition, stress management and self-esteem. He is known for his own radio talk show on NBC’s TALKNET heard weekly in 250 cities nationwide.

SUSAN J. HEWLINGS, PhD, RD Dr Susan Hewlings received her PhD in Nutrition from the department of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Sciences at Florida State University. Her dissertation research was entitled, “Eating Disorder Prevention Program for Pre-Adolescent Children.” She received her BS in Nutrition and her MS in Exercise Physiology also from Florida State. Susan is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She has been involved in the fitness industry for over ten years. She is currently employed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Health Sciences at Stetson University where she teaches Sport Nutrition, Nutrition, Wellness, and Exercise Physiology. Recently, Susan completed a Summer Fellowship studying protein and fat metabolism at The University of Texas Medical Branch/Shriners Burn Institute. She recently authored the Eating Disorders section for the American Dietetics Association’s online Clinical Care Manual. In addition she is self-employed as a Sports Nutrition and Wellness Consultant where she provides group workshops and individual nutrition counseling. Susan incorporates an integrative balanced approach to health and nutrition while specializing in clients with disordered eating, sports nutrition, and weight loss. Susan is currently writing two nutrition text books for Prentice Hall., and is a competitive adventure racer and runner.

MIRABAI HOLLAND, MFA Mirabai Holland is much more than the "best aerobics teacher in New York City" (New York Magazine) and the Director of Fitness & Wellness Programs at the famous 92nd Street Y in New York City. She has acted as a fitness consultant to hospitals, national health organizations, television programs on health, newspapers, and magazines—including her column "Fitbeat" in New Body Magazine. Her Moving Free™ approach to exercise is designed to provide a preventive and rehabilitative movement experience that is so pleasant it doesn't feel like work. Mirabai designed the women's heart exercise protocol for Lenox Hill Hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase II Program in New York City. In addition to being a respected authority and public health activist, she is an energetic and engaging speaker.

MARK HYMAN, MD Dr. Hyman is a nationally known author, speaker and expert in health promotion and natural approaches to common conditions. Blending science, humor and concern, he applies scientific research to alternative medical approaches. Dr. Hyman is former co-medical director of Canyon Ranch Health Resort and is Editor-in-Chief of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. With Dr. Mark Liponis, he is co-author of the best-selling book Ultraprevention.

• Ultraprevention: The 6-Week Plan That Will Make You Healthy For Life
• Ultrametabolism: The Science of Weight Loss
• Boosting Your Brain Power

MEG JORDAN, PhD, RN A registered nurse with a doctorate in medical anthropology, Dr. Jordan's newest presentation is titled "Adventures of a Global Medicine Hunter." She teaches what she has learned in her search for healing remedies around the world. She is also an award-winning national journalist, author of The Fitness Instinct, and founder of American Fitness magazine. Dr. Jordan is a “national trendspotter” according to USA Today and among a new breed of futurists according to Newsweek. Her vital keynotes are on the topics of healing, fitness, career, and empowerment.

DEBORAH KERN, PhD Author of Everyday Wellness, Dr. Kern is one of the nation's foremost proponents of mind-body health and women's wellness. Dr. Kern combines her background in nursing, 12 years of teaching fitness, and doctoral studies in Health Science to present a dynamic, interactive session on the “Mind-Body Connection” in health. In addition to providing up-to-the-minute wellness advice, Deborah is a certified yoga instructor and a leading instructor of an innovative form of movement called "NIA" - Neuromuscular Integrative Action. Her commanding presence and positive attitude invite full participation.

SUZANNE NOTTINGHAM Ahead of her time, in 1984 Suzanne began developing an effective, and now timely series of sports fitness programs for recreational athletes. Her outdoor cross training class and keynote on the importance of adult play make a stunning combination for conferences or corporate retreats.

DAN PAGELY Dan Pagely is a leader in Corporate and Community Wellness who will help you in Managing Change and Motivation. Explore the continuum from medicine to fitness to recreation and integrate the efforts of your community.

LEA ANN PARSLEY An Olympic athlete, firefighter, and nurse, Lea Ann Parsley knows a lot about work/life balance. While working on her doctoral dissertation in nursing at Ohio State, she also was fighting fires—sometimes out of state—all while training to make it to Salt Lake for the 2002 Games. She won the Olympic Silver Medal in skeleton in 2002, and was named Firefighter of the Year in Ohio in 1999. "Firefighters train and train and train, because you have to be as prepared as possible before you run into that burning building. In a fire, or in the emergency room or on race day, you have to be as prepared as possible, so that everything is second nature. You have to rely on your training to keep you out of trouble."

JONATHAN ROBISON, PhD, MS Jonathan Robison holds a doctorate in health education/exercise physiology and a master of science in human nutrition from Michigan State University. The primary focus of his research and clinical experience is empowering people to understand and modify unhealthy behavior patterns. Dr. Robison is Executive Co-Director of the Michigan Center for Preventive Medicine, which provides a comprehensive range of health promotion and disease prevention services to individuals and organizations. A published author and consultant, Dr. Robison is also an adjunct assistant professor of physical education and exercise science.

CARLOS ROSAS Carlos is a cofounder with Debbie Rosas of a rapidly growing exercise movement called "NIA" - Neuromuscular Integrative Action. NIA strives to include the expansiveness of modern dance with the explosiveness of martial arts and the fluidity of tai chi and yoga. It is a form of exercise that seems connected to nature and nurtures the body, mind, and emotions. A former tennis pro, Carlos brings a unique background to aerobic exercise.

DEBBIE ROSAS With Carlos Rosas, Debbie cofounded NIA, an innovative form of exercise also known as Neuromuscular Integrative Action. Through her experience of turning her own life around - giving up the practice of eating for emotional reasons and starting her own fitness business - Debbie inspires us to take charge of our lives and accomplish our goals. A former medical illustrator, Debbie created a successful exercise studio in Marin County called "The Bod Squad." Then, with Carlos, she developed NIA. First NIA was non-impact aerobics and later Debbie and Carlos evolved it into a blend of dance, martial arts, tai chi, yoga and connectedness to the earth that is possibly the fastest growing form of studio exercise today.

RICHARD SIMMONS Through an ongoing program of health, exercise, and nutritional education, blended with an unmatched ability for making the message palatable, Richard Simmons has, without question, played an invaluable role in improving the quality of life for Americans everywhere. Simmons says, "I am continually finding ways to motivate people to eat better, exercise, and feel good about themselves.

NANCY SWAYZEE Nancy's topics say it all: "Moving Into the Home Stretch: The Secret to Aging Gracefully," "How to Spend Calories and Save Your Life...By Napping," "Getting to the Core of the Matter: A New Approach to Exercise." Author of Breath Works for Your Back...Strengthening Your Back from the Inside Out and co-producer of the Fitness Forever Senior Exercise video. Charismatic, enthusiastic, and inspiring!

ROB SWEETGALL Not just a motivating speaker, Rob Sweetgall will actually take your audience on a walk! Through your city, around your lake, by your river, or even in your mall. Audience members will not only learn the benefits of a positive exercise program and positive attitude in their lives; they'll begin practicing it the day Rob arrives in your town.

NANETTE TUMMERS, EdD A Doctor of Education in Kinesiology and Health Promotion and an Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education, Dr. Tummers presents wellness topics with academic background in a manner that everyone can understand. Her topics include:

Benefitness! Living Fitness
In our busy and fast paced lives, we have little time to take care of ourselves. "Living Fitness" means feeling strong, healthy, and having the energy to do the things in life that are meaningful, give you balance, and bring you JOY. Find out how physical activity of just 20 minutes per day, can bring you maximum benefits…Benefitness!

The Art of Mindful Eating
You have sat through endless nutrition talks, infomercials, and have too many to count diet books on your bookshelf, but it still isn’t happening. We need to go beyond the hype, quick fixes, and diets—and embrace conscious eating. Learn how to take the first steps toward understanding and building a healthy lifelong relationship with food, health, and weight.

CATHY TURNER Cathy Turner is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist in short track speedskating (1992 and 1994), and a Silver and Bronze Medalist as anchor of the 3000m Relay Team. She is one of only two people ever to win Gold Medals in consecutive Winter Olympic Games. With a total of four medals, she ranks third for the most medals ever won by a Winter Olympian. Cathy now travels as a corporate motivational speaker, sharing her experiences and tailoring them to the corporate world. The enthusiasm at her appearances has been nothing less than overwhelmingly positive and exciting.

WINALEE ZEEB A world class scuba diver, accomplished fitness instructor, dancer, and certified NIA instructor, Winalee speaks and performs with an exuberance for living. Her presentations include: "Lessons Learned from the Dolphins," Unwrap the Present -- The Gift You Give Yourself," and "Invitation to a Balanced Life."