First New Zealand Fitness Expo set for action-packed launch

The inaugural New Zealand Fitness Expo, set to be one of the biggest and most exhilarating fitness events ever to be staged in New Zealand, will be held in Auckland this weekend.

The two-day expo, to be held at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th July is setto reveal the latest international fitness trends, crown New Zealand's next top fitness model, pit some of the country's fittest and strongest people against each other in a series of gruelling battles, and give fitness fans the chance to see international and local superstars.

Ultimate Fighter Championship legend Forrest Griffin will be flying over to the expo from the United States, fresh from winning a nail-biting bout against the legendary Tito Ortiz in Las Vegas.

Griifin will be joined by leading fitness models, Laura Prestin and Kiwi Raechelle Chase, Mr Olympia veteran Moe el Moussawi and Cirque Du Soleil star gymnast Ebon Grayman.

NZ Fitness Expo ambassador Lee-Ann Wann, of Downsize Me fame explains "fitness is a booming industry in New Zealand.

"It's also constantly changing, and this expo will give Kiwi fitness professionals and enthusiasts a chance to get up to speed with the latest trends and knowledge and have a blast."

Free fitness classes throughout the weekend will also give expo visitors the chance to try out the newest exercise trends and equipment, and the latest moves in tried and tested favourites, including Zumba, Les Mills and City Fitness.

Seminars on health, nutrition, fitness and careers from some of the leading minds in the country will send visitors home with plenty of inspiration.

Exhilarating events throughout the weekend will keep the energy levels pumping:

• The Raechelle Chase Fitness Model Search will put 45 competitors through their well-toned paces to find New Zealand's next top fitness model.
• The Industrial Athletic Crossfit Invitational on Saturday will showcase the fittest men and women in New Zealand in a fierce set of gruelling battles.
• The NZ Fitness Expo Strongman Championship on Sunday will put the strongest men in New Zealand to the test over four rounds of intense competition.
• The SAS, the New Zealand Army and Cirque Du Soleil gymnast Ebon Grayman will give fitness training demonstrations on the revolutionary new Synrgy360 equipment, which will be launched at the expo.
• A VIP event from 8am on Saturday morning, where media can get a preview of the expo and meet the celebrities.

Meanwhile, on the exhibtion floor, more than 70 leading brands will showcase the latest and most innovative fitness products and trends from around the world, from gyms and equipment to training aids and accessories, professional services, career opportunities and performance apparel.

For more information go www.nzfitnessexpo.co.nz