The Power of Story, Science & Lifelong Movement with Dr. Carla Sottovia

Season 8 of the IDEAfit Pro Show continues the Meet the Authors series with an inspiring conversation featuring Dr. Carla Sottovia, 2005 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 2014 IDEA Program Director of the Year, educator, researcher, endurance athlete, and longtime leader at the Cooper Aerobics Center. Host Amy Boone Thompson welcomes Carla for her very first appearance on the IDEAfit Pro Show, where she shares a remarkable journey that spans nearly four decades in the fitness industry—from growing up on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to becoming an internationally respected educator and advocate for preventive health, longevity, and lifelong movement. In her chapter of Inspire the World to Fitness®, Carla blends storytelling, science, resilience, and personal experience to inspire both fitness professionals and everyday individuals to embrace movement as a lifelong pursuit. This episode explores the power of mentorship, the evolution of the fitness industry, the importance of staying curious, and how movement can transform lives at every age. In This Episode, You’ll Learn • How Carla’s upbringing in Brazil shaped her lifelong love of movement • Why she shifted from pursuing medicine to preventive health and fitness • How exercise physiology became her true calling • The evolution of her 38+ year career at Cooper Aerobics Center • Why education and adaptability are essential for long-term success in fitness • Carla’s journey as a marathoner, triathlete, and Ironman competitor • How she overcame a serious heart condition and returned to racing • Why mentorship and continuous learning matter in the fitness industry • How global education initiatives helped Carla impact fitness professionals in Brazil • Why aging does not mean giving up movement, strength, or new challenges Featured Guest Dr. Carla Sottovia 2005 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year 2014 IDEA Program Director of the Year Director of Education, Cooper Aerobics Center Researcher, educator, endurance athlete, and international presenter Carla has spent nearly four decades helping clients, trainers, and fitness professionals improve health outcomes through evidence-based movement, education, and preventive wellness. From Rio de Janeiro to Preventive Health Leadership Carla’s story begins on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, where movement was simply part of life. Raised in an active family with strong encouragement toward sports and wellness, Carla discovered early on that physical activity would always play a central role in her life. Originally aspiring to attend medical school, she eventually realized her true passion was helping people prevent disease through fitness and healthy living. That shift led her into physical education, exercise physiology, and eventually advanced graduate work in the United States, where she built a career dedicated to improving lives through movement and science. Nearly Four Decades at Cooper Aerobics Center Carla shares how she began her career at the Cooper Aerobics Center as a research assistant before expanding into multiple leadership roles across the organization. Over the years, her work has included: • Exercise physiology and clinical testing • Personal training • Group fitness instruction • Fitness education and curriculum development • Program leadership and trainer development • International fitness education initiatives Today, Carla still trains clients, teaches classes, mentors professionals, and continues evolving alongside the industry she helped shape. The Importance of Staying Curious One of the strongest themes throughout the episode is Carla’s belief in lifelong learning. She emphasizes that the fitness industry constantly evolves, and professionals who stay curious, educated, and adaptable remain engaged and impactful for the long term. Her advice for fitness professionals: • Find mentors • Stay current with education and research • Continue learning and evolving • Remain hands-on with clients • Be willing to reinvent you