I’ve been to plenty of fitness seminars (five in the past year) and I must say that the annual JP Fitness Summit is a one-in-a-kind event! It’s unlike any other seminar you’ll attend. For those who don’t know, “JP” stand for Jean-Paul Francoeur, the personal trainer who started the JP Fitness forums many years ago. I believe they started their annual summits in 2003. Next year’s event will be held in May in Kansas City so I recommend that you start saving up now as you don’t want to miss out!
Basically, it’s a whole weekend filled with activities from Thursday to Sunday. The entire time you’re surrounded by summit attendees and presenters. I had an absolute blast. I got to meet a bunch of great people, most of whom regularly post on the JP Fitness Forum. And, I got to meet an awesome line-up of presenters including Lou Schuler, Alan Aragon, Ryan Zielonka, and Nick Tumminello (and me but I already met myself years ago). I can tell you first-hand that it’s not very often you get to basically spend a weekend with guys who write for Men’s Health, T-Nation, Men’s Fitness, StrengthCoach, Elitefts, and Wannabebig and present at major conferences.
On Thursday night, people went into the downtown area where they ate, grabbed a few drinks, and hung out. On Friday people met for lunch and later on for dinner. Saturday was the presentation. Lou presented first and his presentation was entitled, “The Hero With a Thousand Repetitions.” Alan presented second and his presentation was entitled, “Pissing on the Myths.” Ryan spoke third and his presentation was entitled “Fitness Excess: A Cautionary Tale.” Then we all went to lunch together. When we came back, Nick gave his “Self-Myofascial Release” presentation, which was followed by my “Load Vector Training” presentation. Next Nick gave a hands-on demonstration which was followed by a hands-on demonstration of my own.
Each presentation was awesome! I was really surprised as there were really no boring ones. I would go so far as to say that I learned as much from this seminar as I have from any other I’ve attended. Not only that, but interspersed within the presentations you’re likely to hear an f-bomb or two as well as an inside joke (that’s what she said). Like I said; truly one of its kind.
Following the seminar we went to a nice steak house for dinner and then to a bar for some drinks. Some of us may or may not have had a little too much to drink. Seriously, this night was so much fun. I would have never thought that I would have gotten a chance to party with a bunch of industry big-wigs. Alan, Nick, and Lou are hilarious! Ryan and Nick’s girlfriend Allie are such nice, intriguing people. The attendees and folks who put the summit together were kind, funny, and awesome people as well.
This is definitely an event that more people should try to attend. I’m already excited for next year! It’s all about great people and good memories.
Looks like a blast man! I have heard great things about it and will have to check it out next year for sure!
I love going to conferences and plan to do it more in the future. You are not doing the ISSN one, correct? I will be there
Are you going to have more info on your presentation here soon? I am interested in it.
Just watch out for that Nick character—hahaha.
Rock on
Mike T Nelson PhD(c)
Thanks Mike! Not doing the ISSN one but I am doing the Perform Better 3-day in Providence. I know you won’t be at that one as you prefer the more “sciency” conferences but one of these days we’ll get to meet up. Rock on!
Bret,
It was fantastic meeting you. Love the blog and keep up the great work!
Best,
RJZ
Thanks Ryan! Great meeting you too. Already looking forward to next year.
Hey Bret,
It was great fun hanging out with you & the rest of the bros at the Summit. This past Summit topped the past 2 I’ve attended/presented at. I’m definitely looking forward to the next one. Hopefully we can get some new blood in there next year, along with the loyal regulars. By the way, I heard you’re planning on making fun of T-Nation in your next lecture
What up Alan! I’m on a mission to get more people there next year, it was a good turnout this year but this is a really great event. I’m also on a mission to get you to praise T-Nation in next year’s lecture. Better yet, I may try to coerce you into getting a T-Nation tatoo across your upper back.
Hey Bret,
I think the least I can do next year is wear a T-Nation shirt to help promote them.
Hey Bret,
The JP Fitness Summit was one of the most fun, exciting, educational and memorable experiences Alli and I have ever had at a Fitness related event.
Part of that was made possible by getting to hang out with such amazingly wonderful people as you, Nick B, Lou, Alan A, Ryan Z and the list of attendees.
Many thanks for making for your kind words and for teaching us all some incredible Glute training concepts. Your workshop has me thinking about lots of new ideas!
Coach N
Sounds great Bret.
Iv’e just quickly been checking out the JP Fitness Forums too, which looks interesting.
On the JP Fitness forum I’m known as Mahler. As a regular attendee and unofficial godfather of sorts, I have to go on record as saying that this was one of the best summits, ever. The presentations were informative and lively and much appreciated. A lot of folks who have never been to one of these don’t realize that the presentations are only a part of the general, party like atmosphere. Attendees come to meet and greet folks they have corresponded with through posts and the fact that the presenters make themselves so available and become a part of the crowd just adds a personal touch that you will find at no other such event. Thanks to you and all the presenters for that.
Thanks Mahler! It was great meeting you this year. Crazy – Nick, Alan, myself, and Roger Lawson all recently wrote blogs about the summit. Hopefully next year’s will be even better.