Fitbloggin’: Conference recap
[Warning: long photo bomb of a post ahead]
I haven’t been to a ton of blog conferences in my 5 years of blogging, but of those I’ve attended, Fitbloggin’ was by far my favorite. It made me wish I would have gone sooner! Roni, who founded Fitbloggin’ and coordinates everything herself, does an incredible jobs of providing informative sessions, fun events and a variety of workout options during the 3-day event.
There were no official events on Thursday -just a welcome and registration- so I spent the entire day and evening with friends.
I was so excited to see Anne‘s lovely face:
We caught up over breakfast -I’m going to post all of the restaurant recaps later, since they were legendary- and then took a vinyasa yoga class at Yoga Pearl. It wasn’t quite as hot as my usual yoga class, and was also longer (90 minutes instead of my usual 30). We held each chatarunga for 3 long, painful breaths, and also practiced inversions and handstands. My arms were on FIYAH.
I loved the vibe of the studio: clean, open, serene.
They also have a small cafe with lots of vegan/vegetarian options:
We met up with some friends for lunch, exploring,
dinner and cocktails that night before heading back to the hotel to get ready for Friday’s events.
The entire conference was located at The Nines in downtown Portland, which is a stunning boutique hotel. The rooms were absolutely gorgeous:
(the color scheme reminds me of our beloved One Ocean in Jacksonville) and it was walking distance from a ton of shops and restaurants. We only had to take a cab once to head to a couple of places over the river.
We also walked a ton during our trip, and by the water a couple of times. The scenery was breathtaking.
Friday and Saturday workouts:
The day started off bright and early with an IntenSati class taught by Patricia Moreno. Since it was called “cardio dance,” I was expecting the type of dance combos I teach at work. When she said she’d be leading an IntenSati class, I was thrilled. I had a guest Focus On post for the blog about it and have always wanted to take a class. The class consisted of powerful combo movements (lots of punching, reaching and pushing) in addition to what Patricia called “Miracle-Causing Mantras.” It’s a technique to drown out negative thoughts and energy, while manifesting positive thoughts and actions. In addition to being an insanely talented dancer, Patricia was so inspirational. She spoke about her history with weight issues, eating disorders and negative body image, and how her thoughts used to control her, making her unhealthy habits even worse. After she spoke, we started to get into the routine, loudly affirming the miracle-causing mantras which included phrases like:
“I am powerful beyond measure.”
“I am stronger than I seem.”
“I have enough. I AM enough.”
There was something truly inspirational about being in a group of women (and some dudes!), proclaiming their strength and confidence. I’m a huge believer that thoughts become actions, and by changing your thoughts, you change who you are. After we finished, and I was drenched in sweat and ready to CONQUER something, it was time for Zumba 😉
Zumba was led by the very talented and fun Sue and Sam. They’ve taught the Zumba class at Fitbloggin’ the past couple of years, and I was so excited when they offered to let me lead a song, along with some fellow ZIN blogging friends. I did “Don Juan,” which is one of my favorites, and even though I was pretty nervous, we had a blast. I found a guy in the front row (Alan!) — he body-pumped with me, and it was so cool to look around and see my fellow blog friends smiling and dancing. Sue and Sam did an incredible job leading the class, and it was over way too quickly!
We also took a JumpSport trampoline class, which was led by the energetic and awesome Jeff McMullan. We did a lot of things I had no idea to could do with a trampoline (loved the jump squat combos, sprints and stability work), and it ended up being a killer cardio workout. We have some of the trampolines at work, so I’m going to see if maybe we could dust them off and bring the class back now that I have some ideas.
After trampoline, we did a CrossFit workout, courtesy of our Reebok friends. It was led by Joe Masley (a Reebok CrossFitONE coach and competitor), and supported by local CrossFit coaches. I thought it was brilliant that they had the coaches walking around the room to give form cues/help and individual attention during the workout. The workout itself was fairly basic (4 minutes, as many rounds as possible of 5 pushups, 7 sit-ups and 9 air squats), but the session included a thorough explanation of CrossFit and how to scale it for you. I used to be extremely intimated by it -and honestly, didn’t really want to like it- but I love the fact that the movements are functional, intense, and anyone can modify to accommodate their personal needs.
Some panel highlights:
Finding the perfect shoe for you, by Reebok
The panel emphasized the differences between common workout shoes (cushion positioning and support) and ideas on how to find the best shoe for your workout. As part of the conference swag, we received the new CrossFit nanos… and I’m pretty much obsessed with them. They’re extremely light while being supportive, so I’m definitely going to be wearing them for my cross training workouts. I was also stoked when they talked about their dance shoe line, since I use them for all of my Zumba and dance cardio workouts. It was interesting to hear about how the shoes were constructed to support lateral and frontal movements, with pivot points for turns and spins.
Snacking ideas from Tenley
Tenley was extremely laid-back and sweet. She gave a lot of great gluten-free snack and dining options.. and we could also ask questions about The Bachelor. It was cool to find out that she used to be a dancer and also loves barre classes 🙂
The difference between paying your dues and getting paid, with Leah
This was one of my favorite sessions. I was really excited to meet Leah, and she was so transparent and casual while discussing the financial and brand relationship aspects of blogging. It reiterated the fact that all bloggers are different -some accept paid posts, while other don’t- and the importance of being kind to everyone you work with. We’re all in this together, and it’s great to support blog friends and companies you believe in along the way.
Speaking of companies, I wanted to give one last shout out to Reebok for sponsoring me to Fitbloggin’. While I was there, I wore their awesome clothes and sneaks, and got to meet and hang out with some of my favorite blogging people. It was an inspirational atmosphere, and many components of the conference have given me new ideas and methods to improve my own blog. I loved being able to meet so many people, including (but definitely not limited to) Brittany, Alicia, Rach, Charissa, Kasy, Katie, Ericka, Heather, Giselle, Stephanie, Danielle, Kelly Olexa (the queen of Fitfluential- just as awesome as I thought she’d be), all of the bloggers I met in the ladies’ room (strange meeting place, but we still got to chat for a second!) and getting to hang out with Anne, Julie, Tina and Bobbi again.
We spent a lot of time just walking around Portland, exploring, and snacking 😉
As an introvert, conferences can be kind of overwhelming for me -I would never go up to people I don’t know in the *real* world to introduce myself- but being around such a kind and like-minded group of people makes it much more fun and way less awkward 🙂
The next Fitbloggin’ recap will be all about the glorious Portland food!
Have you been to a blog conference (or work conference) before? What was your favorite?? If you’re interested in finding out more about the Fitbloggin’ sessions, there are full recaps on their website, too!
Hope you have a great night <3
xoxo
Gina
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I have to say- seeing the photos of all you fit ladies in the Reebok gear makes me want some too!!
that is such a cute pic of you & tina in your matching love fitness tees – you two are FIT! 🙂
Glad you had such a great time in Portland. I live there and am kicking myself for not going to FitBloggin.
Looks like a lot of my favorite bloggers all in one place. It should be fun to read everyone’s different take on the same event. Glad you had such a fabulous time – can’t wait to read about the good eats!
Hi Gina, so glad I got to meet you at Fitbloggin and I loved that you were able to teach one song in the Zumba class. You definitely kept me MOVIN’ the entire time, it was so much fun! It was my first time to attend the Fitbloggin conference and it was one of my favorites! It was a great combination of fitness classes and information sessions/discussion. I still need to write my review but I am already looking forward to going to Fitbloggin next year!
So wish I could have gone to FitBloggin! It looked like you had so much fun. I’m kind of an introvert, too, so I like to go to blogging conferences (like Blend this year!) to push myself outside of that comfort zone 🙂
Oh my gosh those rooms! They are decorated so fabulously…all your pics and the blog posts I’ve read about FitBloggin’ makes me think it was the ultimate girls’ weekend for you guys. Looks like fun!
It truly is about the people! great city but even better company. glad you enjoyed it! And welcome home friend.
Looks like you had an amazing time- thanks for sharing. I’m glad you mentioned that you are an “introvert” although I have to say I would’ve never known that about you! I definitely am shy around people that I don’t know, so blog conferences intimidate me. But you’ve inspired me and I hope to go to one in the future 🙂 Thanks!
Looks like a blast Gina! I wish I could have made it to fitbloggin. Seems like so much fun 🙂
Ahh! I have conference-envy! Looks like a fantastic time.
I totally know what you mean about feeling like conferences are a little out of your comfort zone. I think that’s why they are so powerful though! 🙂
That trampoline workout looks like it would have been a lot of fun. Sounds like you had a lot of fun.
Looks like a great time! Great re-cap!
saw all the pictures on IG and it looks like a blast especially that trampoline one 😉 wish Lori and I could have gone this year, maybe next year. Glad you had such a great time sweetie!! I have never been to Portland but Lori has and she loved it. So guess I need to get my butt there sometime haha
HUGS
I have never been to any kind of conference before – even teaching ones. This is mainly because of financial reasons, but currently also because of parenting reasons.I would really like to go to one some day – this one seems like my cup of tea!
That conference looks awesome – thanks for sharing! I still haven’t been to a blogging conference but I’d like to attend one soon! It’s good to know they’re not as intimidating as they look. 🙂
The woman from The Bachelor is actually named Tenley.
did i spell it wrong? fail whale.
Loved the recap! Looks like a totally awesome time! I’ve never been to a blog conference, but hopefully I’ll get to go sometime!
Wow your memory is amazing! I am actually so surprised you even remembered me in the bathroom (of all places LOL)! You are beyond sweet and I am really glad I took the chance and introduced myself 🙂 Fitbloggin’ was such a great time and I learned so much, can’t wait to hear the details for next year!
Gina, you are so nice! It was great to meet you at FitBloggin! 🙂
Gina,
Small world! Sue and Sam teach at MY ymca! If you ever decide to come to NC, please announce it because I would love to try one of your classes. Thanks for all of your hard work and awesome workouts
Is that black workout tank with the hot pink colorful bra underneath from Reebok? SO CUTE!!!
What a great trip Gina! Looks like you had so much fun and learned so much! I’ve been hearing a lot about that session Leah gave from some of the others that went! And you look AMAZING btw!
You make workout clothes look fancy and cute! Seriously, you look so cute in all of your pics!
I wish I were there. Wish I were there so badly. Poop on a burning stick? lol
I will be there next year!
Your work conferences are great! Mine, we sit around bored to tears, then sit around some more, more tears of boredom. If only we could work out as part of our conferences! Maybe everyone would be in a better mood? 🙂
This looks like so much fun – it’s probably the 4th recap I read so far and it makes me really wanna go to fit blogger conference soon! If a transatlantic ticket wasn’t that darn expensive :p … let’s see, I shall persuade the boyfriend to visit his relatives in California next year.
I just recently started following your blog and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. And I’m from Portland. It’s a great city. So glad that you enjoyed your stay here and look forward to your next post.
I haven’t stayed at the Nine’s yet but I think may soon 🙂
new to the blog world! long time follower of Tina’s though and i found yours through hers – will def be following yours now too!
-Katherine
thank you! nice to meet you 🙂
So fun reading all of the recaps!
Ahh I want to go to this so so badly! Is it always in Portland? I’ve always wanted to visit and I’m sure your restaurant recaps will make me want to plan a trip even more. I’ll be marking this on my calendar for next year!
patricia’s class sounds so inspiring. 🙂 and fitbloggin’ sounds amazing! i’ll have to add it to the long list of conferences i should go to sometime. glad you had a great time.
I do get to attend some conferences through my work, and while some of the information is interesting, some of it can also be very boring. I would LOVE it if they were to include some workout sessions, although I highly doubt they ever would. FitBloggin definitely looks like it is a blast!!
MASSIVELY in love with your skirt in the 7th picture down, where is it from?
thanks! 🙂
This looks like an amazing conference! I’ve only been to academic conferences…andddd this looks like it is a bit more fun but with tons of new information/products as well 🙂 Thanks for the report!
It was so wonderful getting to spend so much time with you this weekend. Miss you already! And love that first photo of me attempting dancer’s pose – lol! I need to work on my form. 😉
i had a blast hanging out with you, lovely friend. i love that photo!! so much fun 🙂
xoxo
This conference looks like it was an amazing time! I hope to be able to go next year!
I’ve honestly never been into the idea of a blog conference (for the same introvert reasons you mentioned) but this one sounds awesome! I will def have to check it out next time it comes around 🙂
This sounds like it was a ton of fun!! I would really love to try and attend a blogging conference soon– my introvert personality makes me nervous about these things too!!
Looks like such a good time! I am jealous!
Fitbloggin conference sounds like heaven on earth! I hope I get to go one year. I feel like my blog is too small right now, but maybe that’s even more of a reason to go. 🙂 Thank you for the recap. So inspiring!
This looks like so much fun! Being sort of new to the blogosphere, I’ve been kind of intimidated to attend a conference, but you definitely made want to go to one soon!
I would seriously never guess that you’re an introvert from all your awesome vids and that you teach classes!! I am totally an introvert too and wouldn’t approach people either. I wait for them to come to me! haha
Whaaaaat?!?!?!?! That looks crazy fun! I didn’t know you were there!
My BFF lives in Portland.
I’m going with you next time. 😉
Gina our body pumping was definitely a highlight for me!! lol At first I was like, “OMG she is coming towards me, what do I do!” but then I was like what the hell, lets do this! haha
I am typically very shy but this year I seem to have come out of my shell a bit! Thank you for dancing with me! Definitely gave me a little push that I needed!
Alan 🙂
Gina, thanks for the shout out in this post! Also, thank you for the recommendation of Yoga Pearl. I went there on Monday morning and really enjoyed the hour long vinyasa class I took. Hoping to get back there on Saturday morning before we leave PDX for home.
Awesome recap! We were in many of the same sessions I see. 🙂