The LA Fitness Expo at the LA Convention Center ( February 15-17, 08)
The 2008 Los Angeles FitExpo™ Celebrates All That’s Hot in Fitness, February 15-17 at the Los Angeles Convention Center
(Los Angeles, Calif…February 15, 2008) California’s largest and best-known fitness event, The Los Angeles FitExpo produced by National Fitness Productions, Inc. in association with Iron Man Magazine and presented by Gaspari Nutrition and BodyBuilding.com, returns to Los Angeles Friday, February 15 through Sunday, February 17, with more competitions, demonstrations, seminars and fitness exhibits than ever before. Now in its fifth year, for the first time The Los Angeles FitExpo is held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa Street, West Hall A.
Thousands of fitness enthusiasts from Southern California and around the world have come together to celebrate fitness in all of its many forms, as the image of California as the nation’s fitness leader is heightened by this multifaceted event. With over 100,000 square feet of exhibit and programming space, attendees can find over 150 exhibits offering the newest in fitness, diet, nutrition, strength and wellness products and services. The Los Angeles FitExpo offers something for everyone, from weekend workout devotees to those who make their career out of being in shape.
The Los Angeles FitExpo features non-stop complimentary seminars presented by leaders in fitness including Jay Cutler, two-time and current Mr. Olympia; Chris Carlisle, Rose Bowl-winning USC’s Head Strength & Conditioning Coach; Cathy Silvers, organic and raw foods advocate and author of “Happy Days, Healthy Living;” Dr. Tom Deters, former Editor-in-Chief of Muscle & Fitness; Keith Jardine, “the Dean of Mean” top UFC fighter; Jardine’s world-class trainer, Greg Jackson and John Hackleman, trainer for top UFC fighter Chuck Liddell, plus IFFB pros Phil Heath and Dennis James. Michael Torchia, President/Founder of Operation Fitness.com, offers strategies for creating a fitness program for the entire family.
Several stars from the hit NBC series, American Gladiators, are signing autographs and meeting fans at the expo, including “Wolf” Don Yates, “Mayhem” Romeo Williams and “Justice” Justice Smith. Tryouts for season two are taking place Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM at Los Angeles FitExpo. To audition, you must come in workout attire and appropriate footwear. You will be tested on your physical ability in areas such as strength, speed, balance and agility. It is suggested that you bring a workout towel and water as well as a non-returnable photo of yourself with a completed application. Time is limited and there is no guarantee that everyone will be seen – so please arrive early. American Gladiators audition application and other information can be found at http://www.nbc.com/American_Gladiators/casting/.
The Eleanor Group is once again presenting the Beauty and Wellness seminar track. Experts are offering news on the latest advances in the field of cosmetic surgery, anti-aging, and diet and nutrition. An array of information on spa and fitness programs are also available.
New for 2008, Operation Fitness "Teen Strength and Fitness Challenge” a strength competition and obstacle course for teenagers, is taking place on Saturday, February 16 at
11 AM at Performance Area B. Teens in three age categories are competing for prizes in an event that will inspire them to use their imagination to integrate fitness into their daily lives.
Expo attendees can cheer on competitors in 10 major contests including The Gaspari Nutrition All American Strongman Challenge, The Scot Mendelson Pro Bench Press Classic and The Con-Cret USPF American Cup Powerlifting. New this year is the Gracie US Nationals (Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling contests) hosted by the legendary Gracie Family of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fame.
Several contests offering cash prizes are open to participation by The Los Angeles FitExpo attendees. The Fittest Couple Contest offers $2500 in cash and "Maxreps 4 Cash Contest" offers four unique competitions with $2,000 up for grabs to individuals who can curl a 65 lb. barbell and bench press, pull up, or push up the most times.
Iron Man Magazine presents The 19th Annual IFBB Iron Man Pro Bodybuilding Contest and Iron Man NPC Women’s Figure Competition, Saturday, February 16th, at 6:30 PM in Petree Hall. The Iron Man Pro is the leading professional bodybuilding event on the West Coast and the only professional show in California, the mecca of the sport. (Separate ticket required).
Who will walk away with the belt? The Gladiator Challenge, pioneers in live MMA events, is presenting EVOLUTION, 15 live MMA cage fights featuring some of the hottest fighters and biggest stars in mixed martial arts at The Los Angeles FitExpo. World Class fighter Nam Phan will seek to gain the #1 spot with Gladiator Challenge against the undefeated Saad Awad. Also featured, current heavyweight champion Chase Gromley puts it all on the line fighting the one punch knockout wonder Ben Beebe. This event is being held on Saturday, February 16 at 7 PM in West Hall A. (Separate ticket required).
The Los Angeles FitExpo sponsors are Bodybuilding.com, Gaspari Nutrition, Iron Man, Home-Gym.com, Subway, GNC, Prolab, Muscle Milk, Flex, Muscle & Fitness and Con-Cret. Media sponsors include Musclemag, Oxygen Magazine, Powerlifting USA, NPC News, and LA Health News.
The Los Angeles FitExpo adult admission tickets are $10 per day or $20 for all three days. Children 12 years and under are $5 per day and under 6 are free. Tickets are available in advance through the FitExpo website, www.thefitexpo.com or at the door. Show hours are Friday, 3 – 7 PM, Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM and Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM. On Friday, students with ID are admitted free. Discount coupons are available at participating Los Angeles area Subway, GNC and 24 Hour Fitness locations. Plenty of parking is available. For more information on attending or exhibiting, call (818) 545-0290 or visit www.thefitexpo.com.
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PR Contacts:
Monica Gillen Mary Anderson-Harris
(714) 271-4081 (818) 729-9291