Feast on cutting-edge nutrition information

by Analee Matthews | Monday, February 23, 2009

Industry legend, Joanna McMillan-Price is one heckava lass! A long-time Network friend, Scottish-born Joanna is an industry "it" girl; she's a group ex instructor, a nutritionist, an author, a media consultant, and if that's not enough she's a really nice person! If you are after cutting-edge, informative and entertaining information at FILEX then Joanna is one presenter you definitely want to see. Here's what we learned about her in our five minutes together.

You've been in the fitness industry for quite a while now. What things have you done throughout your career and what are you doing these days?

I started teaching aerobics classes back in dare I say 1990. Those were the days when Scotland had never heard of pre-choreography and I taught in leg warmers in cold church halls with my portable ghetto blaster! I then went through the whole scene of gym instructor, group fitness and coordinator before completing my nutrition degree and trying to bring my worlds of exercise and nutrition together. Today I have been in Australia 10 years (this year) and while I have retired from teaching myself, I work out probably harder than ever because I can do it for myself rather than flog myself teaching too many classes! But work with a small fitness studio running nutrition consults and concentrate on my media nutrition work to spread the word.

What are the major ways in which the industry has changed since you've been involved?
Classes have come a long way and are now more varied than ever with styles to suit almost anyone. PT has grown enormously and is more accessible - although still too expensive for many. Gyms are also trying hard to be friendly places and the days of sweaty weights rooms are mostly behind us. However we are still failing to reach the people who most need our help - we have a long way to go.

What do you think likes in the future of the fitness industry?
We have to find a way to reach those who really need our help. I think fitness instructors and PTs will more and more work away from gyms and within gyms will become more like a wellness centre with equal credence given to stress relief, yoga, meditation, therapies and so on. Oh and nutrition I hope!

What is it that keeps bringing you back to FILEX as a presenter?
The enthusiasm of the industry and those in it - I never fail to be impressed by the energy of those who attend when they are still largely underpaid and overworked. I am passionate about continuing to bring good information to those people.

What are the key messages you hope to convey during your sessions at FILEX 2009?
That there is more to nutrition in this decade than simply the nutrients we need to eat. We need to think ethically about our food choices. I also hope to continue as I have done in the past to try to beat out of instructors their desire to kill the enjoyment of food! Food should be a great social pleasure in our and our clients lives and we need to help them nurture a good relationship with food and with their bodies. Advice many instructors need to take themselves... being lean and fit does not mean you can ignore what you eat.

Where can people find out more about you and/or what you do?
Go to my website www.joannamcmillanprice.com or come and see me at FILEX this year!

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