The Fit Expo Chicago!

What an exhausting weekend!

I spent six hours each day this weekend at The Fit Expo, which was in Chicago for the first time ever this year - and it was an amazing experience!  Though I'm quite certain that The Fit Expo was pretty small as far as fitness conventions go, I found it perfect for my first foray into a non-nerd convention, and I definitely made every minute worth my time!

This is going to be a largely photo- and video-based post, but I'll try to make some notes in the captions to discuss some of my favorite highlights!  You can also see more photos/videos on my Instagram feed.  I'll admit I spent much less time near the bodybuiling or MMA areas, so you won't see much weight lifting or tricking here, but the little I did see was equally exciting for people who would have more interest in that facet of the industry!

I met The Fit Mom, Maria Kang!  She hosted the Evolution Fitness Conference

workshops stage, which included mini-workouts all day long.  Kang's "No Excuses"

mantra is controversial in the fitness industry, but she was a sweetheart at the Expo!

I sat in on a couple of seminars, including the Naked Chef Jacques Laventure's cooking

demonstrations and Good Boy Fitness' heart rate monitor discussion.  They had other

speakers that focused more on bodybuilding; I listened to some questions in passing

but didn't spend much time in the seats for those sessions.

Of course one of the best things about The Fit Expo was getting to meet

so many like-minded people!  I made some excellent connections and was

involved in some very interesting and informative conversations, which

will help me continue to build my niche in the fitness industry!

Evolution Fitness provided an exciting POUND demo class - which I

attended TWICE.  It was way too much fun to miss!  I think I've found

my next group ex format...

Tae Bo with Billy Blanks!  Wow was he tough, what a great

workout!  And I love when instructors get down and real with

the participants, helping everyone maximize their workout!

Of course no fitness event would be complete without a little

ZUMBA Fitness!  It's always fun to get a taste of other instructors'

styles and playlists; I always learn a new move or song!

Somehow I got pulled into SEVERAL fitness competitions, including

push-ups with the Naked Chef, pull-ups with Muscles Sports, and even

MORE push-ups with Optimum Nutrition!  I surprised myself with some

very solid performances, and learned that I am stronger than I

had previously realized!

So long story short: I'm exhausted (still!) but thrilled with the experience!  Not to mention, I was so loaded up with freebies that I may not have to purchase supplements for the next year!  I connected with quite a few companies offering excellent products, but I'm saving the results of those connections for future product review posts.  For now, suffice to say I worked my butt off, met some amazing people, and found some excellent products for the fitness community!

Did anyone else have a chance to drop into the Fit Expo while it was here?  What were your favorite highlights?  Do you know of any other similar programs in the Chicagoland area that I could hit up and have this much fun again??!?!