I’m taking a page from my friends AJ @ConfessionsOfAFatGirl and Chris @WhatIRunInto and doing a “Five For Friday” type of post because from Thursday through Sunday, I’ll be attending the FitSocial Conference in Colorado and I wanted to share 5 of the reasons why I know the conference is going to be awesome.

1.  The location – Colorado.

Colorado is known as a fitness haven.  The state often tops the list as one of the healthiest states in the union and has one of the lowest rates of obesity.  It’s also the land of Mork and Mindy and for 80’s geek like me, this rocks.  If you don’t catch the reference, please don’t tell me.  I don’t want to be reminded of just how old I am.

Image: Tim Murtaugh

I haven’t been to Denver and Boulder in many, many years but I’m looking forward to seeing some of the sights.  I’ve read these tips from Denver.org about adjusting to the altitude so I feel prepared. Flying in a small plane from LA to CO, that I’m not prepared for at all.

Pray for me.  I believe the plane has only 13 rows.  I’ve become a very big scaredy cat when it comes to flying lately so I’ll take calm vibes from anywhere I can get them.

2. The daily exercise classes.

I’m hard to self-motivate when it comes to exercise.  It might be one of the only times I like being told what to do.  From my limited experience with fitness conferences, there are always interesting classes available that provide a fun and challenging way to get your daily dose of sweat.

Now is a good time to announce that I’ve been accepted as a #SweatPink Ambassador (or #SPA) with FitApproach.com, a community for women who sweat and play hard.  I met Jamie of FitApproach at Fitbloggin’ and told her point blank that FitApproach community was so special that it might be the only time in my life that I’d be happy to see my name next to the word “pink” ever!  If you know me well, you know pink is my least favorite color on the planet (a fact that astounds Wild Boy often) but today I’m proud to be pink.

I’m looking forward to meeting some other #SPA’s at FitSocial and sweating with them to one or more of the classes being offered:

• Vinyasa Yoga by YogaFit
• High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) by the American Council on Exercise
• Tabata Cycle, Zumba, Barre and/or Pound at the Anschutz Wellness Center

I’ve never done an actual HIIT class and I have no idea what Tabata Cycle even is so, who knows what I’ll discover?  Trying something new can be fun.  I learned that Zumba is not as intimidating as I thought (when taught by the lovely Nellie @BrooklynActiveMama, right Kimberly Anne @ManifestYourself?)  Even though I’m very familiar with vinyasa yoga and have taken one Pound class in the past, I’m looking forward to the daily workouts!

3.  The learning about Fitness, Health and Social Media

Yes, I’m interested in learning more about how to improve my blogging skills and how to be more efficient using social media but I’m especially excited to learn about what’s new in the fitness and health arenas.

This is Ashley Koff, RD from her site ashleykoffapproved.com

There will be talks led by representatives from such respected organizations such as the American Council on Exercise and the American College of Sports Medicine.  I’m really looking forward to what the very learned Dr. James O. Hill is going to tell us about the state of Obesity, Health and Physical Fitness.

A very big highlight for me is that the keynote speaker of the event is Registered Dietitian, Ashley Koff!  It’s great that a conference gives respect to my profession.  There’s a lot of competition out there in the health and fitness world in the nutrition realm and I’m thrilled that a Registered Dietitian has been recognized as an expert in nutrition.

In case you didn’t know, anyone on the planet can call themselves a nutritionist.  However, to become a Registered Dietitian one is required to satisfactorily complete specific college courses, a minimum of 900+ hours of practical experience and pass a national examination!  Know where your nutrition advice is coming from!

4.  The swag – I’m not going to lie.

Any blogger who says they don’t appreciate the swag that goes along with going to an event or conference is absolutely lying!  Who doesn’t love being able to try out new products and services for things they’re passionate about?  I know that when it comes to health and fitness something new (and sometimes shiny) can reinvigorate me to put in the effort to be healthier!

From Attunefoods.com

I’m excited to see what Attune Foods is going to showcase.  As a dietitian it’s difficult to admit that I was intimidated by Attune’s products in the grocery store.  I always thought I didn’t eat healthy enough to buy their products (silly, but that’s what went on in my head).  Only after being given a sample of their product did I realize how I was only doing myself a disservice because their stuff is delicious!

There are a number of other sponsors too so stay tuned for future reviews and possible giveway(s)!

5.  The people.

Through events and conferences, I’ve met some of the most wonderful people and made connections that have changed my life.  I’m not kidding!  Through Bloggy Boot Camp Vegas, I was introduced to the So Cal Lady Bloggers who have become part of my social media tribe (and many who have also become my friends) and through FitBloggin’, not only was my health and fitness social media world opened but I gained friends, teachers and inspiration!

Despite how wonderful it will be to meet people, there will be a lot of this going on.

I’m looking forward to hanging out with Jill @TreeFitness, Alexandra and Kymberly @FunandFit and hoping to meet one of my newest blog must-reads, Katie@HungryRunner, among others.

Overall, this conference is sure to be a great one!  If you want to see what’s going on before I get the chance to re-cap, you can follow along via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or the hashtag #FitSocial.

Do large groups of people invigorate you or intimidate you?  I’m no wallflower but sometimes even I get a little shy.