Audience members at the Vita Flex Nutrition Lunch and Learn seminar at the 2012 Winter Equestrian Festival were treated to a first-hand look at the benefits of Balanced Equestrian Strength Training (BEST) thanks to an engaging talk and demonstration by Nick Tortora, personal trainer and founder of the BEST program. The Vita FlexNutrition Lunch and Learn seminar took place at The Wellington Club, overlooking the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, and was well attended by exhibitors, trainers, owners and visitors.

Tortora, a world champion Jiu Jitsu competitor, demonstrated BEST exercises with two of his clients, dressage riders Caroline Roffman and Mary Cameron Rollins. “Having the audience actually watch the exercises really opened their eyes to how the program works,” Tortora said. “I was really pleased that Caroline and Mary Cameron were able to take part in the Lunch and Learn seminar.”

During the Vita Flex Nutrition Lunch and Learn seminar, Tortora talked about the importance of staying fit and developing core strength. He demonstrated four different exercises, including the straight leg hip press, planking, foam roller swimming and the Turkish get-up. “I was pleased at how many questions the audience asked. They were really engaged and I hope they left with a better understanding of the importance of balanced equestrian strength training,” Tortora said, adding that he created BEST as a program for equestrians based on his knowledge of core strength, balance, fitness and competition, which are all applicable to riding, regardless of discipline.

Cherie White, brand manager for Vita Flex Nutrition, was pleased with the turnout at the Lunch and Learn seminar and congratulated Tortora on a great program. “Nick is a great communicator; everyone learned a lot, enjoyed the lunch and Vita Flex Nutrition was pleased to host the event,” she said. “Vita Flex Nutrition and BEST have a great deal in common, as both are dedicated to supporting the equestrian community while offering products that make a difference for horse and rider. Nick’s BEST program helps riders compete at their peak while Vita Flex® products produce winning results and keep horses competing at their peak.”

Throughout the winter show season in Wellington, Tortora is sponsoring the BEST Award and Vita Flex Nutrition is sponsoring the Vita Flex Victory Pass Award.  “We are pleased to be part of the Winter Equestrian Festival again this year,” White, said, adding that Vita Flex Nutrition is endorsed by world-class riders and trainers from a wide variety of competitive disciplines, including dressage, jumping, eventing, combined driving, barrel racing and more.   

Many of the riders who endorse Vita Flex® products have represented the United States at international events including the Olympics and World Championships. “It is very exciting to have a group of such talented international and world class riders who rely on Vita Flex® products as an integral part of their winning teams,” White said. 

For more information about Vita Flex Nutrition products, visit their website at www.vitaflex.com or call (800) 848-2359. For more information on BEST or to schedule a Balanced Equestrian Strength Training session with Tortora, call 561-251-2724 or email him at trainwpb@gmail.com.