“In modern Western society, we deeply value good health, yet we have created a society and way of living so out of balance that damage to our long-term health is the inevitable result. We rush around and push our bodies beyond their capacities,” says clinical health psychologist Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D. I always love going to fit expos. In there, I get to meet people and learn new products and services about fitness. It’s just so fun to be involved because I love getting fit since it’s a way of life for me. I went to the 2016 San Jose Fit Expo and I will never forget how my sister teased me that I am such a fit expo sucker. Now as we reminisce, three years after, she would roll her eyes and say – Yes, you helped me with this “fit expo” thing. My sister is not a bonafide fitness enthusiast, and that’s because I dared her back in 2016 to check out the expo with me while I give her the reasons why I am a “sucker” for it.
Reason Number 1 – Fit Expo Is A Place To Get Inspired And Motivated.
When we entered the massive arena for the fit expo, I pointed her to a woman I met earlier. She used to be 300 pounds, and her husband left her for another woman. My sister was so shocked because the woman was, at that time, a fitness expert with her very own yoga fitness program. She was 45 with six kids but looked like a 29-year-old, hot and single woman. From frumpy to radiant because of fitness, and she became my inspiration and motivation to move and achieve my goals in fitness. My sister, then, was quiet, but in awe.
Indeed, working together and seeing other exercisers progress is important. As what Pirko Markulla, Ph.D., who is a professor of socio-cultural studies of physical activity at the University of Alberta, wrote. “Human interaction: face-to-face community inspires and motivates. Exercisers can share emotions, endomorphins, and excitement with similarly passionate people.”
Reason Number 2 – Fit Expo Exhibits New Products And Services For The Public (With Free Samples!)
Every time I go to a fit expo, I bring an extra. Why? It’s because exhibitors there give out freebies. I think I got a new almond butter flavor (I forgot what company), and some taste test food and drinks that are all-natural and healthy. As what Nicole Avena, Ph.D. says, “Having a healthy snack on hand helps put the kibosh on late afternoon sugar cravings. If you plan ahead and have a healthy snack ready, this will make you less likely to run to the vending machine for a bag of chips or candy bar when you start to feel the afternoon slump.”My sister was amazed by the free samples that we took from the expo. Protein drinks, snack bars, peanut butter, cookies, lotions, oils, bags, shirts – tons of things! On our second hour there, she was smiling.
Reason Number 3 – Fit Expo Offers Incredible Deals And Super Low Prices With Discounts.
Here is where we both hit the jackpot. The posh gym near our apartment was at the expo and had a super deal – Bring a Friend to the Gym for Free (after a membership program) for six months. They had everything there, and of course, we had to take it.
Now, three years after, she is still my gym buddy (we both look fantastic!), and yes, we always rummage fit expos. You should try it too!