A in the
DayBY MAE MAÑACAP-JOHNSON
Life !
The life of a spa professional is a continuous cycle of daily responsibilities that help make the spa world go round . Pulse asks ISPA members to give us a sneak peek into their daily lives to help us understand the roles they play and the difference they make on a daily basis .
LAWRENCE BISCONTINI • Spa Consultant and Mindful Movement Specialist
Jackson Heights , New York
It is safe to say that there are no dull moments with Lawrence Biscontini . In fact , the spa consultant and mindful movement specialist is known for his infectious high energy . He returns this year as educational speaker and auctioneer at the ISPA Foundation Live & Silent Auctions . “ Every ISPA Conference brings me a new memory . It was a thrill to walk on the General Session stage to ‘ interrupt ’ a keynote speaker at a ‘ planned impromptu ’ in my spa robe and face mask to promote the ISPA Foundation Live Auction ,” he recalls .
When he is not busy bidding off getaways and prized collectibles donated by the ISPA community to help raise funds and support the educational and research initiatives of the ISPA Foundation , he works closely with his spa clients to help them create the right fitness and wellness programs for their spas .
Biscontini started his career in the spa industry as group wellness manager for Golden Door Spa in Puerto Rico in 1999 . “ At Golden Door , I had a playground for many of my own fitness programs that I trademarked , which includes Yo-Chi ® , a fusion of Yoga and T ’ ai Chi ,” he says .
When Golden Door closed in Puerto Rico , he says it was the universe ’ s way of calling him to the path of spa consultancy . The most challenging part of his job is making spa directors understand that fitness in a spa is press-generating , while treatments are revenue-generating . “ The uniqueness in spa classes that underline the theme , message and mission of a spa can grab more press than we ever could pay a PR firm to gather for us . Spa veterans like Laura Davidson , Gayle Brady and Jeremy McCarthy have always understood this , and that restores my faith in the industry .”
On a typical work day , Biscontini starts his day early .
★ 5:30 am Wakes up to enjoy the sunrise .
He meditates and writes his daily intentions on a piece of paper , which he adds into his gratitude jar .
★ 6 am Logs on to social media , Voxer , Skype and sends email to partners in Asia and Europe .
★ 7 am Move , Barefoot ! “ This is what the traditional world would call ‘ exercise ’ but that ’ s passé . We now know that movement is mandatory but exercise is optional ,” he says .
★ 8:30 am – 2:30 pm Mentors , consults , writes and makes a final call for same-day service to team and clients in Europe .
★ 3:30 pm Enjoys a 60-minute swim with his furry bestfriend , Biskit .
★ 5:30 pm Connects with partners located in the West Coast region . ■
JOIN BISCONTINI at this year ’ s ISPA Foundation Live & Silent Auctions !
Tuesday , Sept . 13 11:15 am – 6:30 pm • ISPA Foundation Silent Auction
Wednesday , Sept . 14 5 – 6:30 pm • ISPA Foundation Live Auction and Close of the Silent Auction
WHICH TOP TRENDS are reshaping the fitness world ? Click here to read Biscontini ’ s fitness trend picks , plus get his advice on how to create a fitness program that adds value to your spa brand .
With “ innovate ” as this year ’ s ISPA Conference & Expo theme , what would you consider to be your biggest innovation ? “ My biggest innovation is my ‘ Business fitCamp ’ where ‘ findLawrence fitCampers ’ spend a week with me in Mykonos or Puerto Rico and fast-track their career in five days .”
What can attendees expect from your Professional Development Session this year ? “ Attendees will learn some key trends in spa and traditional fitness as well as gain insights on how to attract those with disposable income , particularly the active aging market .”
58 PULSE ■ July 2016