The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) conference recently debuted in San Francisco, where I now reside, and revealed countless new fitness innovations to fitness professionals from all over the world. As the fitness and exercise world evolves, it is increasingly popular and critical to include expanded conceptions of wellness, holistic thinking, and mind-body programs. While this is needed and necessary for all types of teachers and trainers, I want to suggest that for the most part, this evolution is happening horizontally.

By horizontal, I refer to the span and variation of techniques and modalities. Vertical, in contrast, means depth or meaning. Every technique is expressed at some level of depth, and every vertical idea has to be expressed through some form. The changes happening in the fitness industry seem to be more horizontal (sell more technological solutions to basic health challenges) than vertical (make exercise more meaningful). Exercise programming is entirely horizontal and considers muscles, bones, neurons and energy systems. Your trainer shuffles around different techniques to change your body, for example. Mind-body programming is actually vertical and considers meaning, psychology, self and love. Your teacher uses poses or movement to get you to go inside you.

To make this more specific, fitness clubs and trainers are embracing yoga and other mind-body programs, but mostly just the surface features. Do this pose, take this breath, focus on this body area. While taking up conscious movement is a welcome change, it seems sometimes that these methods are used for their appeal rather than the results they deliver. This is viewed as a problem, for some. I argue it is ultimately not a problem. Though the depth work comes from the level of engagement and inquiry and awareness needed for transformation, some does slip in at other times. My own research suggests in a new way that yoga (and all body-mind) works, and that the real body-mind ‘connection’ can affect change. In other words, even if a mind-body or conscious practice is engaged in for entirely superficial reason (watch the judgment!), deep change can occur.

In the final analysis as a teacher, trainer, mover and shaker, I say this: do what calls to you and what fills you up. Do it with all your heart, all your passion, and all your commitment. Now go move, learn, heal, and transform!