Fit Bodies
March/April 2015
Fit Bodies, Inc., the world’s largest fitness professional vacation exchange, was born and bred from Suzelle Snowden’s passion for fitness and love for exotic island travel. While vacationing at an all -inclusive resort in Jamaica, “back when destination travel fitness programs were lackluster compared to those offered in the States,” Snowden jumped in to teach a fitness class for an instructor who had called in sick. Well received, Snowden was asked to complete the week as a guest instructor. In exchange the resort waived Snowden’s room and board. Her invitation to return for a repeat performance snowballed into appearing at the location’s sister properties. Unable to be in two places at once, Snowden began her grassroots effort to collect and exchange the best of the best. Today Snowden travels world beaches coordinating fitness exchange vacations and retreats for skilled and motivated fitness professionals while enhancing the wellness programs of luxury resorts.
“What began in 1992 in my living room with a laptop and fax machine has grown into a fully staffed, thriving business that welcomes certified and experie nced fitness, yoga and wellness leaders into the travel community,” explains the Kentucky native. Snowden, a fitness professional since 1986 as a group exercise instructor and trainer, plus an industry consultant on fitness and nutrition, describes her bus iness as “truly a win-win scenario for everyone. A visiting instructor and one adult companion get luxury, all-inclusive resort accommodations while guests are treated to the talent of visiting instructors. And most family resorts include two children, 12 years of age and younger. Because I share a mutual trust and loyalty between hotel executives, resort staff and my instructors, I deliver a product that enhances resort programs and people’s lifestyles.” Snowden’s “idea by accident” now serves almost 25,00 0 certified fitness aficionados inclusive of group exercise instructors and personal trainers; teachers of dance, Pilates, yoga and Zumba®; golf and tennis pros; DJs and entertainment pros; as well as massage therapists and nutritional consultants. Snowden plugs 70 positions weekly in 48 resort facilities spanning 11 countries. Fitness and wellness schedules vary by resort. Although weeks are posted Sunday to Sunday, arrangements can be made for early arrivals and late departures. Classes differ by location —poolside, dockside, beachfront and dedicated gym rooms. Guest professionals are required to pay Fit Bodies, Inc. an administration fee and provide a gift specified by the resort —cash or fitness equipment. Airfare, ground transportation and off property tr avel is not included. Snowden partners with Amstar and Apple Vacations® to handle the nuances of travel in foreign countries, including airport to hotel transfers and off -site excursions. Through the website, FitnessProTravel.com, professionals have access to Snowden’s comprehensive list of destinations. Basic membership is free but resort availability is limited. Premium resorts are divided between premium memberships — Travel, Medallion and Enterprise —and offer exclusive resort access and early booking opportunities. “Instructors create travel accounts, book teaching vacations and access travel documents through their personal www.FitnessProTravel.com account,” says Snowden. “Retreats, certifications, conferences, conventions and master class programs are also available.”
Snowden describes the art of teaching vacationers from all over the world as both enjoyable and challenging. Poolside lounge lizards only comfortable with performing a 12-ounce curl in bare feet may inhibit the hard -core workout and force pros to go with the flow, tapping into plan B. “This deal is so good instructors strive to go above and beyond the call of duty,” continues Snowden. “But sometimes, professionals must recognize, accept, and apply a holiday spirit into the program.” You may ask, “W hat’s the catch?” According to Snowden, there is no catch. “Fit Bodies, Inc., negotiates contracts with all -inclusive resorts to offer certified, qualified, and experienced fitness, yoga or spo rts instructors the opportunity to enjoy a luxury vacation in exchange for teaching classes to resort guests. On the flip side, resorts receive fantastic skilled instructors that enhance their marketable amenities.” Snowden’s list of ever-growing destinations include “Secrets of the Vine” in Cancún, México; “Breathless Punta Cana” in the Dominican Republic; “Dreams Las Mareas” in Costa Rica; “Amber” in Puerto Vallarta, México; “Couples Swept Away” in Jamaica; “Beaches” in Turks and Caicos plus many, many mo re. AF Lucia Viti is an AFAA certified, 34-year fitness veteran and freelance journalist. Ms. Viti presently teaches at the Bay Club Carmel Valley located in San Diego.
Fit Bodies, Inc., the world’s largest fitness professional vacation exchange, was born and bred from Suzelle Snowden’s passion for fitness and love for exotic island travel. While vacationing at an all -inclusive resort in Jamaica, “back when destination travel fitness programs were lackluster compared to those offered in the States,” Snowden jumped in to teach a fitness class for an instructor who had called in sick. Well received, Snowden was asked to complete the week as a guest instructor. In exchange the resort waived Snowden’s room and board. Her invitation to return for a repeat performance snowballed into appearing at the location’s sister properties. Unable to be in two places at once, Snowden began her grassroots effort to collect and exchange the best of the best. Today Snowden travels world beaches coordinating fitness exchange vacations and retreats for skilled and motivated fitness professionals while enhancing the wellness programs of luxury resorts.
“What began in 1992 in my living room with a laptop and fax machine has grown into a fully staffed, thriving business that welcomes certified and experie nced fitness, yoga and wellness leaders into the travel community,” explains the Kentucky native. Snowden, a fitness professional since 1986 as a group exercise instructor and trainer, plus an industry consultant on fitness and nutrition, describes her bus iness as “truly a win-win scenario for everyone. A visiting instructor and one adult companion get luxury, all-inclusive resort accommodations while guests are treated to the talent of visiting instructors. And most family resorts include two children, 12 years of age and younger. Because I share a mutual trust and loyalty between hotel executives, resort staff and my instructors, I deliver a product that enhances resort programs and people’s lifestyles.” Snowden’s “idea by accident” now serves almost 25,00 0 certified fitness aficionados inclusive of group exercise instructors and personal trainers; teachers of dance, Pilates, yoga and Zumba®; golf and tennis pros; DJs and entertainment pros; as well as massage therapists and nutritional consultants. Snowden plugs 70 positions weekly in 48 resort facilities spanning 11 countries. Fitness and wellness schedules vary by resort. Although weeks are posted Sunday to Sunday, arrangements can be made for early arrivals and late departures. Classes differ by location —poolside, dockside, beachfront and dedicated gym rooms. Guest professionals are required to pay Fit Bodies, Inc. an administration fee and provide a gift specified by the resort —cash or fitness equipment. Airfare, ground transportation and off property tr avel is not included. Snowden partners with Amstar and Apple Vacations® to handle the nuances of travel in foreign countries, including airport to hotel transfers and off -site excursions. Through the website, FitnessProTravel.com, professionals have access to Snowden’s comprehensive list of destinations. Basic membership is free but resort availability is limited. Premium resorts are divided between premium memberships — Travel, Medallion and Enterprise —and offer exclusive resort access and early booking opportunities. “Instructors create travel accounts, book teaching vacations and access travel documents through their personal www.FitnessProTravel.com account,” says Snowden. “Retreats, certifications, conferences, conventions and master class programs are also available.”
Snowden describes the art of teaching vacationers from all over the world as both enjoyable and challenging. Poolside lounge lizards only comfortable with performing a 12-ounce curl in bare feet may inhibit the hard -core workout and force pros to go with the flow, tapping into plan B. “This deal is so good instructors strive to go above and beyond the call of duty,” continues Snowden. “But sometimes, professionals must recognize, accept, and apply a holiday spirit into the program.” You may ask, “W hat’s the catch?” According to Snowden, there is no catch. “Fit Bodies, Inc., negotiates contracts with all -inclusive resorts to offer certified, qualified, and experienced fitness, yoga or spo rts instructors the opportunity to enjoy a luxury vacation in exchange for teaching classes to resort guests. On the flip side, resorts receive fantastic skilled instructors that enhance their marketable amenities.” Snowden’s list of ever-growing destinations include “Secrets of the Vine” in Cancún, México; “Breathless Punta Cana” in the Dominican Republic; “Dreams Las Mareas” in Costa Rica; “Amber” in Puerto Vallarta, México; “Couples Swept Away” in Jamaica; “Beaches” in Turks and Caicos plus many, many mo re. AF Lucia Viti is an AFAA certified, 34-year fitness veteran and freelance journalist. Ms. Viti presently teaches at the Bay Club Carmel Valley located in San Diego.
