Record numbers at fitness industry's largest annual event

Last weekend's Australian Fitness & Health Expo attracted record attendance along with fitness celebrities, Olympians, competitions that tested strength and endurance and the release of Australia's latest fitness equipment.

Over the three days, over 29,000 visitors passed through the doors of the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre ï¾ with around 60% of those being fitness industry professionals.

The 2012 Australian Fitness & Health Expo was the largest in history with 287 exhibitors across 20,000 metres2, incorporating a range of exciting new additions driven by industry trends and consumer concerns, including an 'Education' zone, 'Wellness' zone featuring rehabilitation and physiotherapy products and services, and a 'Healthy Eating' zone with advice, food products and mainstream health supplements.

The Fitness Business Advice Centre supported by Fitness Australia also proved very popular at this year's Expo providing the opportunity to meet with a Business Expert for 30 minutes, free of charge.

Experts consulted with hundreds of gym owners, personal trainers and other fitness professionals throughout the three days to discuss topics including professional insurance, business insurance, risk management, HR, recruitment, marketing and mentoring.

Fitness celebrities and some of Australia's top athletes also passed through the Expo doors and featured on exhibitor stands, participated in physical challenges and shared their stories and advice on the Talking Fitness Stage.

Big names included Michelle Bridges, Shannon Ponton, Danny Green, swimmers Eamon Sullivan and James Magnussen, bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman, Olympic hopeful Victoria Mitchell and Zumba creator Beto Perez.

Within the new Strength & Conditioning Zone, the 2012 Expo hosted a Men's Fitness 'Fit Bloke' and a Shape 'Fit Chick' Challenge, where the physical strength and mental tenacity of 100 men and 30 women was tested during three grueling days.

The winner of the men's competition was Chad Mackay from North Sydney and the female winner was Dimi Poulos from Wollongong - both received more than $2,000 in cash, gear and products and take part in a fitness magazine shoot.

Also within this area, for the first time, the Expo also hosted a PCYC Amateur Boxing Championship, a two-day natural body building competition and MMA Zone featuring UFC Stars Brendan Vera and Anthony Perosh, creating an action-packed vibe at Darling Harbour.

New fitness equipment product releases at the Expo ranged from from commercial gym equipment to new styles of group exercise classes and the latest accessories. Highlights included a new iPhone app for personal trainers, eco-friendly gym equipment and a virtual gym.

Director of the Australian Fitness & Health Expo, Jon Perry, said it was an event that the fitness industry should be incredibly proud of, stating "the vibe at this year's show was like nothing we've ever seen. This truly is the number one event in Australia for fitness professionals.

"It's grown into a platform that allows industry professionals to network, negotiate deals and stay up-to-date with the newest products in Australia.

"All of the top brands are here under one roof along with the new players in the field who will help push the industry into the future with new technology and new approaches.

"The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre was busting at the seams with thousands of very passionate professionals who are excited about what new developments the fitness industry will see over the coming 12 months.

"We look forward to coming back to Sydney and doing it all again next year from 19th to 21st April 2013."

For more information about next year's Expo go to www.fitnessexpo.com.au

24th April 2012 - LATEST FITNESS DEVELOPMENTS ON DISPLAY AT FITNESS & HEALTH EXPO