Latest in fitness equipment and nutrition on show in LA

(9 Jan 2018) LEADIN:
From Boogie Bouncing to Slacklining the FitExpo in Los Angeles is unveiling the latest in exercise trends, equipment and nutrition.
STORYLINE:
LA’s FitExpo – it’s where Californians come for two days of non-stop, cutting edge fitness demonstrations, classes and competitions.
If there’s a new exercise gadget on the market, it’s almost certain to be at one of these 700 booths which are jam packed with the latest products.
Boogie Bounce, a mini trampoline exercise programme, is definitely among the most popular.
It’s a fast paced routine that lets you shed the pounds while jumping on a portable mini trampoline complete with safety bar.
On its website Boogie Bounce claims even NASA says its studies show that “Bouncing around on a mini trampoline is 68 per cent more effective than jogging and yet requires less effort! You can also develop both upper and lower body strength just as effectively as weight lifting without the strain or threat of pulled or torn muscles.”
Slacklining sounds easier, but looks fiendishly difficult. It’s similar to tightrope walking, but here you jump, bounce and do stunts on a suspended flat rubber rope.
Slacklines are like slack tensioned tightropes allowing you to do huge leaps into the air while working leg and core muscles.
Zumba Strong is the new generation of the dance workout but incorporates interval training. It melds upbeat rhythms to every move focussing on strength, body weight, muscle conditioning and plyometric training.
Battle of the Bar III: Raising the Bar is a new version of gymnastics set in a competition format. It’s a competitive calisthenics sports circuit programme created by athletes for gymnasts.
Its trainers claim it elevates calisthenics, or street workout movements, into a professional series of competitions to bring the sport to the forefront of competitive programmes.
Thousands have come here to see what’s on offer in terms of fitness workouts, diet, nutrition, strength and wellness products and services.
Marc Missorick, Vice President of Sales and Sponsorships at National Fitness Productions says TheFitExpo has something for everyone.
“The FitExpo is a combination of all different types of fitness events and activities along with a whole bunch of companies and exhibit booths that sell products for people to use, whether it’s food to ingest, beverages, nutritional supplements, exercise equipment or even clothing and what we do is we bring together all these different elements of fitness,” he says.
Throughout the show there are experts offering training tips, demonstrations and competitions including the World Dodgeball Society, arm wrestling competitions and the American Cup Powerlifting Competition.
Visitors are able to watch games, buy fitness clothing and try the latest nutritional products.
Roy Wallack, fitness gear columnist at the Los Angeles Times says the reasons this show keeps growing each year is partly down to the CrossFit phenomenon.
“Bodybuilding and crossfit and getting strong has become mainstream in America. It wasn’t really five years ago and now you see everyone and their brother in here and they’ve all got some muscle going on and some arm sleeve tattoos and that’s where the culture is right now,” he says.
One of the new products is the portable motorised UTreadmill, the world’s first treadmill on the go. It includes a foot massaging conveyer belt and is said to be four times lighter than a similar treadmill of the same size. It’s available for just under 2000 US Dollars.
The Pilates Wheel is a portable device that offers the aspects of the reformer and cadillac, packaging them into a portable device.
FitExpo is now in its 15th year and will be travelling around the US.
FitExpo Los Angeles ran 6-7 January 2018.