Indeed, the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Amy Boone Thompson, the CEO and owner of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, is a true privilege. Her extensive experience, remarkable leadership, and passion for the fitness industry make her a compelling and influential figure in the field. Amy’s insights and expertise undoubtedly provide valuable guidance for those seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of health and fitness.
Amy Boone Thompson exemplified her courageous spirit by successfully taking over the reins of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, solidifying her position as the new CEO and owner, leading the organization towards a promising future.
Amy’s athletic background shines through her college years, where she actively participated in basketball and volleyball. After graduating with a major in Physical and Health Education, she found herself uncertain about her career path. Amy’s journey began as a typical trainer, juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. Alongside her training role, she worked as an assistant strengthening and conditioning coach, showcasing her dedication to helping athletes optimize their performance. Not content with stopping there, Amy also pursued a career as a massage therapist, expanding her skillset and deepening her understanding of the human body and wellness practices. These early experiences laid the foundation for Amy’s future success and paved the way for her remarkable rise within the fitness industry.
In addition to her impressive professional accomplishments, Amy Boone Thompson’s passion for the fitness industry shines through her unwavering commitment to fostering positive change. She consistently seeks opportunities to uplift and empower individuals through her work as a wellness advocate and international presenter. Amy’s journey from a trainer to the owner of IDEA Health & Fitness Association is a testament to her remarkable determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Encouraged by her business mentor and husband, Amy realized that acquiring IDEA or starting her own business was the next logical step. Assessing the existing environment and investment potential of IDEA, she recognized the need for transformation to ensure its continued success and growth in the ever-evolving fitness landscape. Despite being a 40-year-old organization, Amy firmly believed that she was the ideal person to lead its acquisition, sensing that the time was right for change.
In a year-long transition process, Amy set out to modernize and update the IDEA platform, aligning it with the current needs of fitness professionals. Recognizing the significant shifts in our environment, she understood the importance of adapting the platform to equip professionals with the necessary business acumen and resources for their success. This comprehensive update aimed to provide a holistic solution that meets the evolving demands and challenges faced by fitness professionals today.
Through her determination and forward-thinking approach, Amy is diligently working to reshape IDEA and empower fitness professionals with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing industry.
During the conversation, Amy shared several important points:
- Connect your passion to paying jobs.
- When you’re at your happy place, living your best self and doing your best job, that’s usually when opportunity knocks.
- Put yourself out there a little bit more. Meet people and nurture relationships.
- Influence every human to live a healthier, fitter life.
- Keep moving forward and challenging yourself. Take time to step back, observe, and evaluate your progress.
Listen to this episode of the Overcomer’s Podcast where Amy shares her story, from being a one-on-one trainer with five other jobs to becoming the CEO and owner of IDEA Health & Fitness Association. She’s a typical trainer who has a passion for what she does, and she stood up and took charge of her own organization.
To connect with Amy Boone Thompson:
Idea Fit:
Timestamps for key moments in the conversation:
3:40 – 5:39
Amy shares how she knew she was doing what she was meant to be doing and how she nurtured her work.
10:18 – 11:40
Amy discusses her decision to become a mom and how she still got to do what she loves.
12:35 – 16:44
Amy talks about her career path and professional titles.
16:56 – 18:40
Amy shares how she acquired ownership of IDEA.
21:17 – 22:27
What made Amy feel and then own IDEA.
22:51 – 24:35
Amy reveals her vision for IDEA.