STRENFLEX IN THE USA

The STRENFLEX Fitness Sport was represented by an information booth at the 20-year anniversary of the IDEA Convention in San Diego, California. Equipped with advertising material, the competition regulations in English and a hefty dose of motivation, we traveled to San Diego on June 26, 2002, to invite American sports and fitness enthusiasts to participate in the new STRENFLEX Fitness Sport.

We were in for a disappointment right from the start: Our booth was located in the very last row, directly next to IDEA, which handed out free T-shirts. However, we soon revised our opinion: It was actually a great location! Each participant in the three almost simultaneous conventions (yoga, personal trainer and international fitness convention) had in his or her coupon book a coupon for a free T-shirt and lapel pin from IDEA. As a result, each of the approx. 1,500 attendees also had contact with STRENFLEX Fitness Sport.

We had some very stimulating discussions with many of the participants, including some from Mexico and Japan. One American was so excited about the discipline and the concept of the STRENFLEX Fitness Sport that she brought two potential competitors to the booth the next day. They could hardly believe that the idea of this new sports discipline did not originate in the United States but in Europe.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to both Magret Cypher, who was responsible for our stand, and to Peter Davis of IDEA, who made it possible for us to participate in the exhibition. It is IDEA’s goal as a neutral organization to provide new "kicks" for the fitness industry and to unite the various providers and market segments. Only if we all pull in the same direction can the fitness and wellness industry become strong.

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