Every month, Club Solutions sits down with an industry expert to share in their wealth of knowledge. In the October issue, we sat down with Amy Boone Thompson, the owner and CEO at IDEA Health & Fitness Association.
1. How did you get started in the fitness industry?
I was a Division I athlete at George Mason University, and I had planned to be a physical education/health teacher, basketball coach and athletic trainer. I also worked as an assistant strength and conditioning coach and personal trainer at The Women’s Club in Chantilly, Virginia. The contrast of those experiences — and the women who trusted me to facilitate their fitness journeys — compelled me to leave athletics and move into the private health club sector. Since 1995, I have held nearly every position in the fitness, wellness and sports industry.
2. What’s been a key to your organization’s success? What are you most proud of?
IDEA Health & Fitness Association has been the leading authority for fitness professionals for over 40 years, and I certainly can’t take credit for that. Our mission drives our business. We are guided by the same founding philosophy — that by fostering professionalism in the health and fitness industry, millions of people can live healthier, happier lives. I am incredibly proud to lead IDEA into its next era.
3. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
So far, acquiring IDEA has been the single biggest accomplishment of my career. I never thought this was possible, but I began to imagine the possibilities in July 2019 when I stepped in to lead IDEA. It was then I began to manifest owning this business by following my heart, stretching my perceived limits and by surrounding myself with the people who believe in me and my vision.
4. What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career? And how did you overcome it?
It was only eight months into my tenure as vice president that the pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns shocked the fitness industry. Shortly thereafter, IDEA was acquired by a new company. The ongoing waves of change forced me to dig in my heels deeper as a leader and take a wide view of the industry so we could strategize, form partnerships and co-create solutions. As much as we seek to “inspire the inspirers,” the incredible resilience our members have shown inspires me to raise the bar, forge new opportunities and show how limitless we are.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other fitness professionals can learn from?
It’s not unusual to feel stuck or unsure where to take your career. My advice to fitness professionals is to keep connecting the dots and be self-aware. Never stop learning, growing and achieving. When you show up to inspire others, you make an impact that further aligns you with your purpose and passion.
6. Tell us one fact about yourself others may not know.
I am the third born of 10 children. I grew up on a farm where my primary responsibilities were to milk goats, garden and collect eggs. This humble beginning shaped my positive characteristics and ethics. Coming from a large family and having big responsibilities at such a young age teaches you a lot about hard work and life.
Connect with Amy Boone Thompson on LinkedIn.
