Largest fitness event in the southern hemisphere makes its mark on Melbourne

Held last weekend in Melbourne, for the first time in its 20-year history, the Australian Fitness & Health Expo, attracted get tens of thousands of visitors to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Confirming its status as the biggest fitness event in the Southern hemisphere, the event was launched on Friday 4th April when Australia’s Strongest Man, Derek Boyer, pulled a double decker bus along the Yarra River, the Expo rolled into town on Friday 4th April.

Over the three days, the 2014 Australian Fitness & Health Expo showcased over 240 exhibitors across 19,800 metres2 of floor space with new additions including free 30-minute fitness classes by Les Mills, the Australian Powerlifting Championships and a larger MMA Zone, which hosted the Victorian Jiu-Jitsu Championships.

In the last four years, the visitor numbers have increased by 84%, with Australian Fitness & Health Expo Manager Shaun Krenz saying that he was blown away by the response from the Melbourne market.

Krenz stated “this truly is the number one event in Australia for those who love fitness and we were really excited to bring it to Melbourne for the first time this year.

“Melbourne loves its exercise and sport, so it was no surprise that the Expo was warmly received, but we were shocked by just how passionate Melbourne is about fitness.

“This is an Expo that just keeps getting bigger and bigger every year and we look forward to remaining in Melbourne for the next three years.”

The Strength & Conditioning Zone, now into its third year, showcased five feature areas – Natural Bodybuilding, Cross Fit, Jiu Jitsu, Boxing and Powerlifting – and proved to be one of the biggest attractions at the Expo this year with thousands of athletes competing live.

Numerous records were set during the International Pacific Invitational powerlifting event including:

• Ray Williams, world 120+kg class squat record of 410kg, breaking the powerlifting equivalent of the four-minute mile barrier;

• Jeza Upea of Nauru set a World 120 +kg bench press record of 250kg;

• Australia’s own Florian Loock became the second current Australian world record holder when he bench pressed 220.5kg in the 105kg class.

Within the Strength & Conditioning Zone, the Expo also hosted the annual Men’s Fitness Fit Bloke and a Shape Fit Chick Challenge in the Reebok Arena, where the physical strength and mental tenacity of 30 men and 30 women was tested during three grueling days. The winner of the men’s competition was James Newbury from Adelaide and the female winner was Denae Brown from Perth.

Ultra FITNESS Magazine’s Personal Trainer of the Year winner was announced at the Expo and the winner was Brisbane-based personal trainer and mother of triplets Sally Brouwer, who was chosen for the results she has delivered for clients over her 20-year career and for her ongoing contribution to the community through her extensive work with the Blue Sky Foundation and the Queensland Police Force. The announcement marks the culmination of a yearlong competition run in conjunction with FIAFitnation to identify the best personal trainers in the country and to recognise their contribution to the community. Over 200 entries were received.

Australian and international fitness celebrities and top athletes also featured at the Expo to run sold-out VIP training sessions, ‘meet & greet’ opportunities and also sharing their tips and advice. Big names included Michelle Bridges, Commando Steve, Shannan Ponton, Mark Hunt, Ulisses Jr., Steve Cook, Michael Klim and Alistair Overeem.

Click here to view video highlights of the 2014 Australian Fitness & Health Expo.

Exhibition organiser Diversified Communications will now be holding the following ‘satellite’ shows in Perth and Sydney, dates as follows:

Fitness Show Western Australia, 16th and 17th August, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

Fitness Show NSW, 18th and 19th October, Sydney Olympic Park

For more information on exhibiting or visiting the Perth and Sydney Fitness Shows visit www.fitness-show.com.au and for the Australian Fitness & Health Expo in Melbourne visit www.fitnessexpo.com.au. 

2nd April 2014 - COUNTDOWN TO AUSTRALIAN FITNESS & HEALTH EXPO