IDEA Member Spotlight: Summer 2022

Karen Sears

Member Since 2015  ::  Sulphur Springs, Texas

“My motto is to replace judgment with compassionate curiosity,” says multi-certified trainer and health coach Karen Sears. It’s a philosophy born of her own challenges. Although she was always active, she struggled with nutrition—and her own mindset. “When I earned a health coaching and nutrition certification in 2019, I had an aha! moment and finally realized why chronic dieting and a deprivation mentality wasn’t yielding the results I was seeking . . . I knew I had to share my knowledge with my clients who were also struggling with body image [and] self-doubt.” She now helps clients build their confidence through fitness and a success-focused mindset, explaining: “Their body and self-worth is more than a number on the scale.”

Becky Behling

Member Since 1987  ::  Manhattan, Kansas

When Becky Behling first became an IDEA member, “ACSM certification was still a dream,” she says. “IDEA was leading the profession with research, structure and [advocacy of] certification. I have always appreciated the vision Peter and Kathie Davis established during those early days.” Over the years, she—like IDEA—has grown and evolved with the industry. She now owns her own business and has earned multiple certifications. In her free time, she attends to her own fitness goals through bike riding, barbell training, developing choreography and circuits for her classes, and practicing the Feldenkrais Method® Awareness Through Movement® lessons “to keep me whole and wholly integrated,” she explains. “At age 70 with both hip joints replaced, I look forward to many more productive years.”

Gail Lind  

Member Since 2014  ::  Huntsville, Alabama

Here’s a timeline of success: At age 65, Gail Lind weighed 200 pounds and had trouble getting off the floor, so she hired a personal trainer. At age 66, she joined IDEA to learn more (and answer the eternal question, “What happened to my body?”). And at age 68, she became an ACE-certified personal trainer. “Because of what I went through, I have been able to relate to people on a truly personal level,” she says. “I have watched people grow, get stronger and realize less pain because of what we do. And, as I find the training to be fun and very fulfilling, I have never felt it has been ‘work.’” In fact, she sums it all up in just three words: “Best. Job. Ever!”

We’d Like to Put the Spotlight on You!

If you would like to be featured in this section or know an IDEA member who stands out in the fitness crowd, email a brief description of your (or your colleague’s) fitness activities and achievements and a high-resolution digital photograph (at least 300 dpi, in focus, well-lit and at least 3″ x 3″ in its original digital format) to Sandy Todd Webster, [email protected]. Please include your IDEA member number, if possible. You (or the colleague) must be an IDEA member to be considered for this section.