New York’s Exercise Convention

Each year, the ECA World Fitness Convention rolls into town — giving New Yorkers an opportunity to take three days worth of classes led by some of the nation’s most renowned fitness professionals. An association for those working in the fitness and wellness industries, ECA will offer more than 100 workshops, programs, and classes at the Midtown Manhattan gathering from February 7 to February 10.While targeted at industry professionals, the convention is open to anyone who registers and pays its rather steep fee — $359 for members and $399 for non-members. It is not a place for exercise neophytes; it is, however, worthwhile for those who are already in good shape and able to follow instructions and pick up new routines. Going to the ECA convention is sort of like hanging out with the counselors at summer camp: It is a thrill and a challenge. About one-third of ECA presenters are New York-based stars, which means city residents can take their classes year-round, too. Here are some local favorites.PATRICIA MORENOFamous for her beauty and strength in movement, Ms. Moreno (intensati.com) has developed a full range of classes that build on the principles of dance, yoga, Pilates, and martial arts. She is dedicated to inspiring class members “to live a great life in a great body.” That may seem a little far out, but her classes are so motivating that her regulars really do seem to become sleeker, fitter, and happier with each passing week. Part of her strategy depends on everyone enjoying the workout and committing to remain focused while doing it. The names of Ms. Moreno’s courses incorporate the word “sati,” which in Buddhist practice means awareness or skillful attentiveness. She teaches danceSati, a dance workout with passionate choreography; warriorSati, a highly demanding martial-arts-based class; and yogaSati, devised to connect heart, body, and mind through a nonstop flow of movement. Ms. Moreno also leads coreSati, an advanced body-sculpting class full of graceful and powerful exercises for those “who are serious about getting results,” the instructor said.What she’s teaching at ECA:danceSati at 6:45 p.m., February 7; coreSati at 1:30 p.m., February 8; an intenSati workout at 3:30 p.m., February 9.Where she can be found regularly: The following Equinox locations — Greenwich Avenue, Broadway at 19th Street, Columbus Circle, and Broadway at 92nd Street.DJONIBA MOUFLETA drummer, dancer, choreographer, musical producer, and composer, Mr. Mouflet (djoniba.com) brought his brand of African dance and drumming to New York in 1993. His slogan is “If you can walk you can dance,” but there’s also the far-from-simple matter of being able to move to the drums’ complicated rhythms. The three to five drummers who provide the music for the 90-minute classes are helpful partners — cuing dancers with facial expressions and body movements, as if they were actually dancing themselves. It is an extraordinarily exhausting, but exhilarating, workout.What he’s teaching at ECA:Joneeba African Dance at noon, February 9.Where he can be found regularly: Djoniba Dance & Drum Center, 7th floor, 37 E. 18th St. at Broadway; 212-477-3464.JON GISWOLDMr. Giswold (jon-giswold.com) is renowned for providing men with workable fitness strategies. His simple, compelling 2003 book, “Beyond Basic Training” (St. Martin’s), breaks down exercise regimens for the novice, the minimalist, and the ambitious exerciser who wants total body conditioning. While many men resist working on flexibility, Mr. Giswold emphasizes stretching and agility exercises. His body definition class using the BodyWedge21, a foam prop, is one of the most popular offerings at the Sports Club/LA at Rockefeller Center.What he’s teaching at ECA:Steps in Time at noon, February 9.Where he can be found regularly: Sports Club/LA at Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza at 50th Street, 212-218-8600.ABBY GOLDENBERGBy day, she is a driven lawyer; by night, she teaches dance and body sculpting. Ms. Goldenberg’s classes are popular in part because she’s so funny that she could be a standup comic, were she to grow tired of the law and fitness professions.She loves television shows such as “American Idol,” “MTV Dance,” and “Dancing with the Stars” — and she assigns these shows as “homework” for her students. Ms. Goldenberg’s sculpt classes are far from easy. She’s fond of planks, push-ups, and Body Bar lunges. She encourages class members to break their routines, using heavier-than-usual weights.What she’s teaching at ECA:NYC Dance Project at noon, February 10.Where she can be found regularly: The following Equinox locations — Greenwich Avenue, 17th Street, Third Avenue at 85th Street, Broadway at 74th Street, and Broadway at 92nd Street.In addition, the ECA conference gives New Yorkers a chance to take workshops and classes — in disciplines such as spinning, tribal jazz, martial arts, yoga, and Pilates — led by high-profile instructors from other parts of the country.(ECA World Fitness Convention at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway at 45th Street, February 7–10. More information and a full schedule are available at ecaworldfitness.com/con0.html)

New York’s Exercise Convention

New York’s Exercise Convention

More from the New York Sun

Angelina Jolie’s ‘Without Blood’ Fights On, Largely Unseen

Trump Arch To Act as Drone Warehouse, Military Installation

The Human Brain Is Actually Two Separate Organs, Stanford Study Finds

What’s Weird and Wonderful?

Moral Panic Over AI Surges Ahead of Decisive Midterm Elections

‘Fauda’ Is Back — and October 7 Changed Everything

AI Threats Are Expected To Figure in Prep Talks for Trump-Xi Summit

White House Turns Away Journalists From CNN, MS NOW, and Politico After Trump Ban

More from the New York Sun

Angelina Jolie’s ‘Without Blood’ Fights On, Largely Unseen

Trump Arch To Act as Drone Warehouse, Military Installation

The Human Brain Is Actually Two Separate Organs, Stanford Study Finds

What’s Weird and Wonderful?

Moral Panic Over AI Surges Ahead of Decisive Midterm Elections

‘Fauda’ Is Back — and October 7 Changed Everything

AI Threats Are Expected To Figure in Prep Talks for Trump-Xi Summit

White House Turns Away Journalists From CNN, MS NOW, and Politico After Trump Ban