Get the Edge on the Fitness Industry. Always Free.
SCW Edge delivers top fitness industry topics and expert panels weekly, all for free. See available webinars for registration below.
Missed a webinar? Watch recordings on video or listen as a podcast at the bottom of the page.
SCW FREE WEBINARS
Always Educational.
Always Free.
SCW brings the leading edge topics with the most insightful panelists the fitness industry has to offer, directly to you each week and always for free. Please see the latest webinars available for registration below.
Missed a webinar? No problem, we have them all recorded for your convenience. View them at the bottom of this page.
FREE WEBINAR: Sugar & the Mind–Body Connection
Sara Kooperman, JD
Miguel Johns
Dr. Kella Price, MS, EDd
Dr. Tracy Offerdahl, PharmD, FAAO
Thursday, May 14 2026
7pm-8pm ET
6pm-7pm CT
5pm-6pm MT
4pm-5pm PT
Sugar consumption impacts far more than energy levels—it influences mood, focus, cravings, recovery, and long-term health. This panel explores how excess and fluctuating sugar intake affects the mind and body, clears up common myths, and shares practical, balanced strategies around food, movement, sleep, and stress—without fear-based messaging or extremes.
We will be answering and discussing the following:
How does excess sugar intake affect mood, focus, and cognitive performance?
What physical signs suggest someone may be over-consuming sugar?
Which common sugar myths create unnecessary fear or restriction?
How do stress and poor sleep amplify sugar cravings and crashes?
What role does movement play in managing sugar’s effects on the body?
How can coaches discuss sugar without promoting shame or extremes?
What simple daily habits most effectively reduce sugar overload?
Meet the Panelists:
Sara Kooperman, JD, is the CEO of SCW Fitness Education and founder of MANIA® Conventions. A National Fitness Hall of Fame inductee and author of FIT FOR BUSINESS, she serves on advisory boards for canfitpro, Gold’s Gym, and ACSM. She was named FIT-C’s Most Innovative Fitness Pro and is a frequent industry panelist.
Miguel Johns is the founder and CEO of Milton AI, an AI-powered nutrition coaching platform supporting coaches, clinics, and health organizations. With experience across diabetes care, weight loss, and behavior change, he focuses on addressing one of health data’s biggest gaps: understanding what people actually eat. His work emphasizes practical, behavior-first systems that transform real-world nutrition habits into clear insights professionals can use to improve outcomes at scale.
Dr. Kella Price, MS, EDd. is a health-focused entrepreneur and educator specializing in nutrition for women navigating perimenopause and autoimmune disease—conditions she personally experiences. Combining lived experience with evidence-based strategies, she helps clients reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and reclaim energy. Passionate about realistic, sustainable approaches, Dr. Price empowers women to feel strong, informed, and confident in their bodies during times of transition. She holds an MS in Exercise Science and an EdD.
Dr. Tracy Offerdahl is an integrative clinical pharmacist and pharmacology professor with over 30 years of experience. Her passion lies in integrative and functional medicine, cellular wellness, and aging well. She educates healthcare and fitness professionals on how cellular health influences overall wellness, aging, and performance optimization. A highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Offerdahl lectures extensively throughout the United States.
FREE WEBINAR: Build Your Dream Fitness Career
Sara Kooperman, JD
Phil Ross, MS
Leslie Bender
Dane Robinson
Thursday, May 28 2026
7pm-8pm ET
6pm-7pm CT
5pm-6pm MT
4pm-5pm PT
Learn how to build a fitness career you truly love by aligning your strengths, passions, and opportunities. Explore practical strategies for expanding your skills, increasing your visibility, creating multiple income streams, and designing a sustainable professional path. Walk away inspired, focused, and ready to grow your impact in the industry.
We will be answering and discussing the following:
1. What was the turning point in your career when you realized you were finally building a path you truly loved?
2. What skills, degrees or certifications made the biggest difference in expanding your opportunities and income?
3. How do you balance passion with financial stability when making career decisions in fitness?
4. What advice do you have for fit pros who feel “stuck” or unsure of their next step?
5. How can instructors and trainers create multiple revenue streams without burning out?
6. What trends or emerging areas do you believe offer the best opportunities for fit pros in 2026 and beyond?
Meet the Panelists:
Sara Kooperman, JD, is the CEO of SCW Fitness Education and founder of MANIA® Conventions. A National Fitness Hall of Fame inductee and author of FIT FOR BUSINESS, she serves on advisory boards for canfitpro, Gold’s Gym, and ACSM. She was named FIT-C’s Most Innovative Fitness Pro and is a frequent industry panelist.
Phil Ross, MS is the owner of TOA and a professor at American Public University Systems. A 9th Degree Black Belt, Master Blade Wielder, and Master RKC, he holds a Master’s in Sports and Exercise Science. Phil is a published author, bodyweight specialist, and professional presenter with deep expertise in martial arts and fitness.
Dane Robinson is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Performance Enhancement Specialist based in Atlanta. With extensive experience in both management and hands-on training, he reaches thousands as a TV fitness coach, appearing on the TODAY Show, Daily Burn, Total Gym TV, MyFitnessPal, and QVC.
Leslie Bender the 2024 CanFitPro Specialty Presenter of the Year and 2020 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, is the creator of the Bender Ball and the Bender Method of Core Training. With over 30 years in the industry, she directs the Ageless Training Academy and holds certifications from ACSM, NASM, FAFS, NPCP, and ACE.
FREE WEBINAR: Summer in Full Swing
Sara Kooperman, JD
Amber Toole
Gail Bannister-Munn
Evans Armantrading, Jr.,
Leslee Bender
Thursday, July 30th 2026
7pm-8pm ET
6pm-7pm CT
5pm-6pm MT
4pm-5pm PT
Stay strong, mobile, and injury-free during the busiest outdoor training season. Learn key prevention strategies for pickleball, golf, tennis, hiking, and more. Discover how to improve mobility, build strength, and reduce common overuse injuries. Walk away with practical techniques to keep clients confident, pain-free, and performing their best all season long.
We will be answering and discussing the following:
Discussion Questions:
1. What are the most common injuries you’re seeing in summer sports?
2. How can fitness pros proactively prevent overuse injuries?
3. What mobility work is essential for racquet and rotational sports?
4. How do you modify training for active aging clients in summer activities?
5. What strength exercises best support injury prevention for golfers and pickleball players?
6. How should recovery strategies change during higher activity months?
7. What are quick assessments trainers can use before clients start new activities?
8. How can you educate clients to recognize early signs of injury?
Meet the Panelists:
Sara Kooperman, JD, is the CEO of SCW Fitness Education and founder of MANIA® Conventions. A National Fitness Hall of Fame inductee and author of FIT FOR BUSINESS, she serves on advisory boards for canfitpro, Gold’s Gym, and ACSM. She was named FIT-C’s Most Innovative Fitness Pro and is a frequent industry panelist.
Leslie Bender the 2024 CanFitPro Specialty Presenter of the Year and 2020 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, is the creator of the Bender Ball and the Bender Method of Core Training. With over 30 years in the industry, she directs the Ageless Training Academy and holds certifications from ACSM, NASM, FAFS, NPCP, and ACE.
Evans Armantrading, Jr., Founder and CEO of CNU Fit, leads Kent County’s top personal training studio. A USAF veteran and award-winning entrepreneur, he has guided over 3,500 clients to improved health while building multiple million-dollar fitness businesses. He also launched CNU Stretch, certifying 100+ stretch coaches and partnering with gyms nationwide to deliver profitable stretch therapy programs that enhance client care, recovery, and performance.
Amber Toole is a valued SCW Faculty member with over 33 years in the fitness industry. She holds a degree in Physical Education and Health from Georgia Southern University and specializes in fitness, nutrition coaching, and business development. Amber owns The Training Toole, a thriving fitness and nutrition studio in Ocala, Florida, and recently expanded to open a successful Pilates studio. Her passion continues to inspire healthier, fitter lives for all.
Gail Bannister-Munn is the Flexibility Specialist and Core, Yoga, and Pilates Coach for the New York Jets. She owns The Bannister Method Studio and manages Group Ex for six Crunch locations in NYC. Gail consults for pro athletes across the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. She holds certifications including NASM, AFAA, FST L3, Thai Massage, and YogaFit 500+, and is a NASM and AFAA Continuing Education Provider.S.E.A.T.
FREE WEBINAR: Expanding Your Teaching Impact: Opportunities for 2026 & 2027 LIVE from Midwest Mania®
Sara Kooperman, JD
Melissa Layne, MEd
Ann Gilbert
Billie Wartenberg
Thursday, October 1st, 2026
8pm – 9pm ET
7pm – 8pm CT
6pm – 7pm MT
5pm – 6pm PT
The fitness industry continues to evolve, creating exciting new opportunities for instructors, trainers, and coaches to expand their influence and grow their careers. Explore emerging trends and programming opportunities across group fitness, personal training, active aging, mind-body, strength training, recovery, and aquatic fitness. Learn how diversifying your skill set can increase your marketability, attract new participants, create additional revenue streams, and empower you to make a greater impact on people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. Discover practical strategies to grow your reach, expand your expertise, and thrive in 2026 and 2027.
We will be answering and discussing the following:
Discussion Questions:
- Which 2026–2027 fitness trends offer the biggest career growth?
- How does diversifying my skills make me more marketable?
- What are the best strategies to build new revenue streams?
- How do I adapt programming for all ages and fitness levels?
- What practical steps will expand my reach and future-proof my career?
Meet the Panelists:
Sara Kooperman, JD, is the CEO of SCW Fitness Education and founder of MANIA® Conventions. A National Fitness Hall of Fame inductee and author of FIT FOR BUSINESS, she serves on advisory boards for canfitpro, Gold’s Gym, and ACSM. She was named FIT-C’s Most Innovative Fitness Pro and is a frequent industry panelist.
Melissa Layne, MEd is a Kinesiology Department Faculty Member at the University of North Georgia. She has been a well-respected and well-loved fitness and nutrition leader for over 35 years. Having created the SCW Nutrition Coaching for Fitness Professionals Certification, the SCW Nutrition, Hormones & Metabolism Certification, and contributed to the SCW Active Aging Certification, Melissa has consistently sold-out educational seminars. Melissa holds a Masters of Education in Exercise Science, a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and an Associates degree in Medical Technology.
Ann Gilbert owns FIT-HER Health & Fitness for Women, leading 50+ trainers. Expert in exercise and aging, she coordinates programs for adults 48-78. An ACE/IHRSA Personal Trainer of the Year and sought-after speaker, Ann is an industry leader and education expert. She develops and teaches SCW Certifications including Active Aging, Aquatic Exercise, Group Fitness, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T. (Supported Exercise for Ageless Training).
Billie Wartenberg brings 28+ years of fitness experience and currently serves as the Fitness and Wellness Director at Trilogy Resort 55+ in Orlando, FL. She oversees nearly 100 weekly sessions focused on healthy aging and is the author of the SCW Aqua Barre certification. A master trainer for WATERinMOTION® and S.E.A.T., Billie blends her cheerleading background with high energy, enthusiasm, and encouragement in every class.
FREE WEBINAR: Active Aging Programming Today: Beyond the Chair LIVE from Boston Mania®
Sara Kooperman, JD
Phil Ross, MS
Zoraida (Zory) Sepulveda, MBA
Melissa Layne, MEd
Leslee Bender
Thursday, November 12th, 2026
7pm-8pm ET
6pm-7pm CT
5pm-6pm MT
4pm-5pm PT
Cardio or strength? Chair or standing? Pilates or aqua? Explore the science, benefits, challenges, and programming considerations for today’s active aging population. Discover how chair-based exercise, standing programming, strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, Pilates, aqua exercise, balance, and functional movement each contribute to mobility, confidence, independence, and quality of life. This evidence-based session examines the latest research to help you determine when, why, and how each training approach can be incorporated into an effective active aging program.
We will be answering and discussing the following:
Discussion Questions:
- What is the biggest misconception about training today’s active aging population?
- How do you determine whether a participant is best suited for chair-based exercise, standing exercise, or a combination of both?
- What role does strength training play in maintaining independence and reducing fall risk as we age?
- How can instructors safely progress participants from chair-supported movements to more functional standing exercises?
- What unique benefits do Pilates and aquatic exercise offer that traditional land-based programming may not provide?
- How much cardiovascular training should active aging adults be encouraged to perform each week, and what are the safest ways to achieve it?
- What evidence-based strategies have you found most effective for improving balance, mobility, and confidence in older adults?
- If you could give fitness professionals one piece of advice for designing a well-rounded active aging program, what would it be and why?
Meet the Panelists:
Sara Kooperman, JD, is the CEO of SCW Fitness Education and founder of MANIA® Conventions. A National Fitness Hall of Fame inductee and author of FIT FOR BUSINESS, she serves on advisory boards for canfitpro, Gold’s Gym, and ACSM. She was named FIT-C’s Most Innovative Fitness Pro and is a frequent industry panelist.
Melissa Layne, MEd, is a Kinesiology faculty member at the University of North Georgia with more than 35 years of experience in fitness, aquatics, and nutrition. She created SCW Nutrition Coaching for Fitness Professionals, contributes to SCW Active Aging Certifications, and leads the SCW Aqua Exercise Certification. Melissa is the author of the Human Kinetics Water Exercise book and holds degrees in Exercise Science, Physical Education, and Medical Technology. Her educational sessions consistently sell out.
Zoraida (Zory) Sepulveda, MBA, is an SCW Fitness Idol winner, Holistic Health Coach, and founder of ZS-Wellness and WEPA Fitness. A former Caribbean AFAA Examiner with 24+ years of experience, she designs corporate and government wellness programs and contributes regularly to conventions, magazines, and TV/radio shows across Puerto Rico.
Master Phil Ross, MS, is a 9th Degree Black Belt, Master Blade Wielder, and Master RKC with a Master’s in Sport and Exercise Science. A published author, actor, and college professor, he brings deep expertise as a professional presenter and bodyweight specialist across the martial arts and fitness communities.
Leslee Bender BA, PMA, ACSM, NASM, ACE, and Gray Institute-certified, is an international presenter and Director of I Am Ageless Now with over 28 years of industry experience. She created the Bender Ball Method for safe core training and co-created Barre Above. Leslee has filmed over 50 videos, authored Living Pain Free, and currently trains active agers in Florida.
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