One heaping bowl of low fat French vanilla yogurt covered with diced peaches, strawberries and almond chips; one tall 12-ounce glass of chilled California grapefruit juice and one steaming hot cup of unsweetened Japanese ginseng tea.

By CARY WALDMAN

The fitness industry is a big-time business.

Over 50 million Americans – one-sixth of the United States population – participate in one form or another of fitness training to further develop their minds, bodies and souls.

And most importantly, to help them enjoy and live healthier lifestyles.

There are an estimated 80,000 gyms and fitness centers of varying degrees spread throughout our 50 states.

Some 25,000 are health spas. Close to 19,000 are health studios and gymnasiums. Just under $25 billion dollars are netted from membership fees alone. And approximately 500,000 people are employed by this industry.

The majority of people, both young and old, use gyms, from large franchises to small mom-and-pop facilities, to get their workout fixes.

Of course, there are hundreds of other great and creative ways to stay fit, but the majority hit the gym, fitness center and spa to sweat, get their hearts bumping and the endorphins flowing full speed ahead.

Carol and Gary Scott play intricate roles in giving gym goers the biggest bang for their buck.

“It’s just amazing how far the fitness industry has come over the past two decades,’’ Carol said. “It’s sometimes hard to believe.”

The Long Beach, Long Island residents created a local fitness training and seminar convention company 20 years ago out of their home that has become one the largest of its kind, especially on the east coast, particularly here in New York City.

The East Coast Alliance (ECA) was created by the Scotts in 1991 after dabbling in different, diverse areas of the fitness industry for over a decade.

The dynamic wife and husband tandem changed their company’s name to ECA World Fitness Alliance in 1994 when they realized their popular product was also a fit for other parts of the country (Dallas and Las Vegas).

Carol is the CEO. Gary is the COO.

Even their 11-year-old son Jesse, a sixth grader, helps out. To many who know the Scott trio, they are often called, “The Three Musketeers.’’

“Jesse keeps asking us all the time when can he instruct a class,” Gary chuckled. “We love this being a family business. We complement each other in every way.”

Their conventions in Manhattan, Fort Lauderdale, Boston and out West introduce gym owners, trainers and class fitness instructors to the newest workout machines, training schemes and state-of-the-art class-oriented techniques.

Also included are lectures, workshops and cutting edge workout formats and presentations featuring many of the top trainers and instructors from around the country.

“Fitness is still evolving,’’ said Carol, 52, who started her career in the industry three decades ago when one of her class instructors didn’t show for a class she was taking, so she subbed.

The rest is history.

“Group fitness used to be a jack of all trades,” Carol continued. “Now it’s really an area of expertise. You still have instructors who teach several different types of classes. Our organization brings all the newest things together related to this industry into one setting.”

“We love what we do,” said Gary, 53, who started as a personal trainer before developing and owning a small-sized gym out on the Island. “We’ve come a long way over the years. And there’s still tremendous potential for overall growth.”

The 2012 event here in New York City will attract professionals from all segments of the industry on March 8^th though the 11^th at the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan. The ECA/OBOW NYC 2012 Fitness Show is expected to draw close to 3,000 participants. Many of this city’s finest fitness gurus will be in attendance eager to learn the newest tricks of their trade.

The Scotts employ eight full time employees who work in an office in the back of their home. The convention will also be hosted by 40 workers, 100 volunteers and 100 presenters.

 “We know this show will be the best one we have ever had,” said Carol. “We work all year-round to make certain of that. We are excited to bring the best of everything to our attendees.”

Gary also hosts instructor training seminars in New York City and out on the Island twice a year.

“The fitness business has been great to Carol and I,” said Gary. “We enjoy giving back because of what it has afforded us. We love helping people better their life, lifestyle and professions.”

Carol is also a noted public speaker and author. She is presently writing a book, “The Seven Secrets of Success.”

At one recent networking event in Manhattan, she spoke about her “Seven Secrets of Success,” which are streamlined to unlock one’s potential and to help them learn how to avoid the pitfalls that stand between people and their ultimate dreams.

Carol discussed how individuals can conquer all the barriers that get in their way, thus helping them make more money, create more happiness, and subsequently, opportunity.

 Here’s her “Seven Secrets to Success”: Fill or Create a Need; Have a unique or excellent Brand; Differentiate yourself from the pack; Create Disciples; Tell the World; Don’t Be Afraid to Fail or make a Mistake and Keep innovating.

  ” I have always felt that people are held back by their own boundaries,” Carol said, “And I have found great fulfillment in being able to help people shed those boundaries and reach their potential. I have always used fitness as a medium to create change and bring joy into people’s lives.”

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