Wendy Ida

Wendy Ida (born May 3, 1952) is an American fitness trainer, author, dancer, and motivational speaker known for her work in health and wellness advocacy for middle-aged and older adults.

Early life and education

Ida was born and raised in the Newark, New Jersey, projects, growing up on welfare. Despite her challenging environment, she credits her aunt, Emily Miles, owner of the Belle Meade modeling and charm school in Newark, for providing her with an alternative path. From ages 9 to 19, Ida attended her aunt’s school, where she learned modeling, etiquette, and business skills such as punctuality, effective communication, and professionalism. She became a regular model in her aunt’s fashion shows and developed a passion for the arts.

Ida’s father, Harold “Pop Pop” Rollins, was a musician known for his saxophone performances with his organ combo group. Her uncles were also involved in show business as dancers and actors. Inspired by her family, Ida writes poetry in her spare time. She also danced in a group with her two sisters and performed at her aunt’s fashion shows.

She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and later obtained certifications in personal training, nutrition, and fitness disciplines, including TRX, Qigong, and Tai Chi. She also has certifications in Functional Training, Back & Core, Zumba, and Mat Pilates.

Career

Ida’s life took a dark turn when she endured 13 years of domestic violence, which she narrowly survived. In 1984, she escaped to California, where she met a fitness professional who introduced her to the world of fitness. This marked a turning point in her life.

After losing 80 pounds, Ida left her 20-year corporate accounting career to pursue fitness full-time. She became a personal trainer, lifestyle coach, and motivational speaker, addressing audiences worldwide. Her career expanded to include small films, TV appearances, commercials, exercise videos, and TV hosting. She also continued modeling, her first love.

In the 1990s, Ida began competing in fitness championships, winning eight national bodybuilding and figure titles with the NPC National Bodybuilding shows between 2000 and 2015. She served as the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Los Angeles Avengers arena football team during their 2005-2006 season. From 2007 to 2010, she directed the Obesity Prevention Initiative Program in collaboration with the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Wendy Ida collaborated and toured with actors/producers Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker as their fitness expert on their “Strive to Thrive” initiative to educate and empower minorities about healthy living and eating. “Strive to Thrive” also involves the “Sophie’s Voice Foundation” and has been featured in various events, including the BET Experience and talks at Google.

In 2018, Ida set two Guinness World Records:

  • Most burpees performed in one minute (37)
  • Oldest active instructor in multiple disciplines (age 66 at the time)

Awards and recognition

  • Indie Literary Book Award (2014)
  • Two-time Guinness World Record holder (2018)
  • Award of Recognition for Outstanding Educational Community Service (2009)
  • Two-time nominee for Who’s Who Among Women in Business (2010, 2012)
  • Ranked #2 Best new books released award (2012)

Books

  • Take Back Your Life! My No-Nonsense Approach to Health, Fitness, and Looking Good Naked (2013)
  • Take Back Your Life: The Action Guide
  • Habits of Success (anthology)
  • Fit, Fierce and Fabulous at 40, 50, 60 and Beyond (2015)
  • The Wendy Ida Energy Plan (2018)
  • Unbreak Me: Push Beyond Fear, Gain Resilience, and Reclaim Your Strength
  • Stronger Every Day (2021)

Personal life

Ida is the cousin of actor Duane Martin and the daughter of musician Harold “Pop Pop” Rollins. She relocated from New Jersey to California in 1984. In November 1971, Ida married her high school partner; the marriage lasted 13 years and was marked by domestic violence. The couple had two children: a son and a daughter. They later divorced.

In February 1990, Ida married finance director and general manager Art Ida in a second marriage, which ended in divorce in February 2019 after filing in November 2018. The union produced no children.

Ida had her father’s genealogy tested, revealing that she shares an ancient paternal lineage with Pharaoh Ramesses III.

References

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