SweatPink and BlogFest: Finding your Tribe
A little over a year ago, I discovered the Sweat Pink community. Perhaps it was an Instagram post or a blog article that caught my eye, but somehow I stumbled upon this amazing group of women. After a bit of research I quickly learned the #SweatPink Ambassador network included thousands of strong ladies from around the world, all of which are passionate about healthy living. “Wow,” I remember thinking. These are MY people. Intrigued, I applied to be an Ambassador. A lot of women in San Diego have asked me what Sweat Pink is, and there are a lot of ways to answer that question. It’s a community of active women that connect through sweat, fitness, fun, and friendship. Alyse, Jamie, Liz, and Nicci have created and manage a powerful community. It is a place to learn, grow, build connections, and find your way. There are countless educational opportunities for building your business and blog covering topics like Google Analytics and Social Media Strategy, campaigns with brands, local and national events, and more. It’s become a mini family and I know that if I ever have a question, there are dozens of ladies there to jump in and help. Disclaimer: Sweat Pink is not exclusive. Men are welcome too, it just happens to be mainly women :)
Discovering Your Passion
I discovered a passion for fitness and movement as a young adult. I played competitive soccer, ran with friends, and took spin and boxing classes with my mom. I always knew that sweat and community would be a huge part of my life. But, channeling that energy and interest has always been a struggle. Blogging? Teaching? Health coaching? I wasn’t and am still not 100% sure what I wanted to do. Somehow I felt the Sweat Pink community could help steer me in the right direction. And I was mostly right (still figuring out some of it). The women come from a variety of backgrounds, and all exude such positivity and strength.
Let’s Get Started
I am a firm believer that you get what you put in. Attending my first BlogFest in July 2017 in Vegas was a bit scary. The Sweat Pink / IDEA fitness and nutrition blogger conference welcomes hundreds of bloggers every year, and I didn’t know anyone except my roommate, a friend of a friend (I’m so glad I met Nicole!). With every session, workout, and EXPO walkthrough I learned, met more people, and become more comfortable. I remember coming home on such an incredible high. I finally felt like I had met other women JUST LIKE ME! Since then I have had the opportunity to attend BlogFest 2018, lead the Sweat Pink San Diego Chapter, participate in campaigns with local and national brands, and get to know fabulous women from all over the country.
BlogFest 2018
I was beyond excited to hear BlogFest 2018 was being held in San Diego! Attending was a no-brainer. The agenda looked fabulous and I will admit, I may have done a little dance when I found out the keynote was Heidi Powell. I find her and her husband to be such genuine people with an incredible work ethic and fantastic content. 
BlogFest: Day 1
Day 1 kicked off with an “Onto the Beach” workout with Fit Bodies, Inc. We used coconuts throughout the workout instead of weights to perfect exercises like squats, lunges, and shoulder presses. Who knew? Fit Bodies, Inc. creates opportunities for fitness professionals to travel to resorts and teach guests onsite. A few hours of teaching in exchange for time at an all-inclusive resort. Sign me up! 
The Day continued with tons of amazing snacks and goodies from BlogFest sponsors (shoutout to Jimmy Bar, La Croix, Be Better Snacks, The Almond Board of California, and the National Dairy Council) and sessions with Sadie Nardini, online course extraordinaire, Petra Kolber, and Kristine Beatty. I was beyond excited to listen, learn, and soak up as much knowledge to bring back to my blog and myself. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkp3bLhlKJ3/?taken-by=blogfestI also scored an awesome bag from sponsor Haiku bags!
Let’s not forget exploring the IDEA Fitness & Nutrition Expo. I love trying new healthy snacks and fitness equipment. Just scouting for that future in home gym :)
BlogFest Day 2
I’d love to report on all of the fun at Day 2 and the EPIC Night Welcome Party from Day 1, but unfortunately I had to miss both. One of the biggest things I’m learning with pregnancy is to listen to my body. Facing exhaustion, an upper respiratory infection, and no voice I decided to stay home and rest. Thank goodness for social media. I followed along all day on Fit Approach and BlogFest channels. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk3BaVZFuOo/?taken-by=blogfestLuckily, I was able to join for part of Saturday, attending NASM sponsored sessions for continuing education credits. I said my goodbyes to fabulous Sweat Pink ladies and made plans to continue the fun next year in Anaheim! Don’t worry, me and Baby B will be there ;) I am forever grateful for this amazing community of women. I look forward to meeting more ladies in the time ahead!xoxo,Ericahttps://www.instagram.com/p/Bk5j6w4lY5V/?tagged=findyourtribe