San Diego, July 20, 2023 – IDEA Health & Fitness Association, the world’s leading organization of fitness and wellness professionals, honored the recipients of its annual IDEA World Fitness Awards, which recognizes individuals for their outstanding commitment to their clients and contributions to the fitness industry. The awards for fitness leader, personal trainer, emerging trailblazer and fitness instructor of the year, as well as the IDEA Fitness Inspiration Award and prestigious IDEA Jack LaLanne Award, were presented at the opening ceremonies of 2023 IDEA® World on Thursday, July 13, 2022, in Los Angeles.
The renowned event united the fitness industry’s top educators, organizations, brands and professionals who were all invited to “celebrate movement” across the globe.
2023 Award Recipients
2023 IDEA Jack LaLanne Award, Donna Richardson: Richardson is a fitness icon who has inspired millions to fitness and health for decades. She started as a fitness instructor and, in 1992, became co-host of the ESPN Fitness Pros Show. Richardson then went on to co-star in over 25 fitness videos, including Platinum Buns of Steel. She has contributed to CNN, MSNBC, FOX, ABC, TBN and other networks, and produced and hosted The Donna Richardson’s Mind, Body and Spirit Show and The Sweating in the Spirit Show. Richardson is the only council person appointed to The President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition by Presidents Bush and Obama, was an ambassador for Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign and taught for 2 years at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
2023 IDEA Inspiration Award, Denise Druce, MPH: Since 1981, Druce has been inspiring people to live healthier, happier lives. In 2017, she and her best friend formed Yoga Forward, a nonprofit that “takes yoga where it isn’t.” With an army of volunteers, they offer yoga classes and 200-hour yoga teacher training inside the Utah State Correctional Facility. She inspires her students to find purpose in their pain as a place to serve and to stand at the “Soft Edge of the Hard Place” in fitness and life.
2023 IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year, Carol Ann Chambers, MS: Chambers is a committed fitness educator, coach, and program manager who leads with integrity and a heart for serving others. With extensive knowledge and experience, she strives to empower students, professionals, and athletes to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Chambers has made significant contributions to the fitness industry, including programs for military personnel and under-resourced communities. Currently, she is the director of workforce innovation and community partnerships, adjunct professor and curriculum development specialist at Lionel University in California.
2023 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, Darian Parker, PhD, NSCA-CPT: Parker is a passionate personal trainer, presenter and writer with over two decades of experience. He excels at building strong relationships with his clients, inspiring and motivating them to achieve their goals. Through his live virtual training platform, he has created an intimate and focused training environment. Additionally, Parker serves as a member of the IDEA Personal Trainer Committee, the Health Sciences Committee for a local high school, and the advisory board for UBQFIT, a fitness and social platform.
2023 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year, Christine Conti, MEd: Conti is a dedicated fitness professional with over 20 years of experience and more than 20 certifications. She specializes in working with active agers, individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries, and those suffering from chronic conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and depression. Conti’s mission is to not only help her clients achieve their fitness goals but also to create an inclusive and empowering environment. She seeks to expand her knowledge and learn from top industry professionals, attending conferences and participating in workshops and master classes. Conti is also a best-selling author, podcast host and community advocate, making a difference by promoting wellness and inclusivity in her local area.
2023 IDEA Emerging Trailblazer of the Year, Siri Chilazi: Chilazi is a passionate fitness educator who believes in creating inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome. Chilazi’s functional and educational workouts empower participants to care for their bodies beyond the gym. She actively pursues continuing education, mentors aspiring fitness professionals, and equips fitness professionals with strategies for inclusive exercise experiences through workshops and trainings. She is currently a content innovator for CARDIO YOGA
and a master trainer for RAQ THE BARRE® by RAQISA®, which combines traditional barre fitness with authentic belly dance technique. Chilazi’s dedication to inspiring others and promoting a holistic approach to fitness makes her a trailblazer in the field.
“This year’s IDEA World Fitness Award recipients understand how valuable movement is to health and well-being,” says Amy Boone Thompson, CEO and owner, IDEA Health & Fitness Association. “We feel honored to celebrate them, and all the finalists, and look forward to their continued efforts to connect their communities to fitness and wellness.”
Next year’s IDEA® World will take place in Los Angeles, California, July 10-14, 2024. For more information, visit ideafit.com.
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About IDEA Health & Fitness Association
IDEA® Health & Fitness Association has served as the world’s leading organization of fitness and wellness professionals for 40 years. We deliver world-class content and continuing education to fitness professionals, business owners and allied health professionals via our five publications, including the award-winning IDEA Fitness Journal. We also power fit pros through our fitness, business and nutrition conferences, and with hundreds of streaming videos and digital courses available on ideafit.com. Additionally, with IDEA FitnessConnect, we have the largest national industry-wide directory linking over 275,000 fitness professionals to more than 40 million consumers. We Inspire the World to Fitness® with the passion and dedication of IDEA Members in more than 80 countries.
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