IDEAfit Pro Show — Season 7, Episode 3
Episode Title: Building Future Fit Pros & Mastering Small Group Training with Jade Rogers
Episode Summary
On this episode of Season 7 of the IDEAfit Pro Show, host Amy Boone-Thompson welcomes Jade Rogers — lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University, Long Beach; certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor; and co-founder of Shore Strength Lab.
Jade blends higher education, hands-on coaching, and real-world business ownership into one dynamic career. As a lecturer, she helps shape future fitness professionals through a highly interactive, science-based kinesiology program. As a studio owner and program director, she has built a thriving small group training model that combines the energy of group exercise with the precision of personal training.
In this episode, Jade shares her journey from student volunteer at IDEA World to longtime presenter, how mentorship shaped her leadership style, and why small group training may be one of the most powerful — and sustainable — models in fitness today.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
• How Jade built a career that bridges academia and studio ownership
• What makes the Cal State Long Beach kinesiology program uniquely hands-on
• How internships and mentorship prepare students for real-world success
• The structure behind Shore Strength Lab’s small group training model
• Why small group training blends accountability, science, and community
• Key traits of effective leadership in fitness
• Why staying coachable is essential at every stage of your career
Featured Guest
Jade Rogers
Lecturer, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Long Beach
Co-Founder & Program Director, Shore Strength Lab
Jade specializes in small group training, mentoring interns, partner programming, and creative bodyweight formats that build connection and results. She continues to teach and train weekly while developing the next generation of fitness professionals.
Jade at the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo
The Partner Effect
Maximizing results with bodyweight partner training through science-backed progressions and regressions for all populations.
Bodyweight Blast: Partner Intervals
A high-energy, partner-based interval workout designed to spark new ideas and deliver results.
Power Up: Frail to Fantastic (with Dr. Jan Schroeder)
Exploring the science and application of power training for older adults — from frailty to functional strength and confidence.
Small Group Training Success Blueprint
A workshop focused on programming, motivation strategies, financial considerations, and building sustainable small group training models.
About the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo
April 2026
National Harbor, Maryland
This collaboration between IDEA® Health & Fitness Association and NIRSA brings together:
• Campus recreation professionals
• Fitness and wellness leaders
• Students and emerging professionals
• Commercial fitness brands and suppliers
• Corporate and community wellness stakeholders
With 20+ CECs, dual education programs, immersive expo experiences, and expanded career opportunities, this event creates career-defining moments for professionals at every stage.
What’s Ahead in Season 7
Season 7 continues spotlighting 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World presenters, exploring their career journeys, session topics, and the ideas shaping the future of fitness, wellness, and recreation.
Subscribe, share, and stay connected as we unpack everything leading up to the 2026 event.
2026 NIRSA + IDEA World
Program: https://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferences/2026-idea-world/sessions-overview/
Mainstage Speakers: https://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferences/2026-idea-world/mainstage-speakers/
Socials & Activities: https://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferences/2026-idea-world/socials-activities/
Pre-Conference Workshops: https://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferences/2026-idea-world/preconference-workshops/
IDEAfit PRO SHOW is hosted by Amy Boone Thompson; executive produced by Kent Lejarso; engineered by Michael Hilding.
About IDEA® Health & Fitness Association
IDEA® Health & Fitness Association has served as the world’s leading organization of fitness and wellness professionals for over 44 years. We deliver world-class content and continuing education through IDEA Fitness Journal, IDEA WORLD Convention, conferences, and digital courses at ideafit.com. We Inspire the World to Fitness® in more than 80 countries.
For further information:
www.ideafit.com
contact@ideafit.com
The IDEAfit PRO SHOW is part of the IDEA Podcast Network. Copyright 2026 by IDEAfit, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
