we kept adding new events, then another, then another. It’s been a momentum thing. So what
I thought was successful years ago isn’t quite the same as it is today. We keep setting the bar a
little higher.”
The expo has grown in both size and prestige each year, and has even attracted the likes of
actor Ice-T and several Pittsburgh Steelers including Lynn Swann, Franco Harris and Antonio
Brown. A “who’s who” of martial artists have attended including UFC legend Royce Gracie and
Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle. Viola said that the organizers constantly push the envelope
of what the fitness community wants to experience and expects about 12,000 visitors this year.
The expo encompasses more than 100,000 square feet of health, wellness, sports, fitness and
nutrition exhibits and vendors, surrounded by nearly 20 different competitions that include
strongman, martial arts, body building, CrossFit, karate, grappling, jiu-jitsu, MMA, modeling,
figure, teen strength, obstacle course and skill competitions.
“It is a very high-energy atmosphere,” Viola says. “We have interactive challenges, classes and
workouts, so people can even break a sweat while they visit. And of course we have free samples
from the industry’s leading brands. It is important that we stay connected with the community,
so we work with local companies to sample new healthy supplements and nutritional options.”
In addition, the event is an avenue to showcase the latest fitness products, exercise equipment
and leading cosmetic products. Health and wellness consultations are often available with
physicians, physical therapists and natural health experts.
The exposure that the Pittsburgh Fitness Expo receives extends far greater than just the
surrounding communities, mainly due to the nature of the world-class competitions that take
place at the event. Viola said he remembers athletes attending from Hungary, China, Mexico,
Canada and England last year.
“It has been a fun ride, but I believe we still have so much more potential,” Viola says. “I’m
certainly proud of our success, but I’m never satisfied. My goal is to get more Pittsburgh-based
corporations to partner with the expo so we can reach a broader audience. Our well-being is our
most valuable commodity. Preventive health should always be a hot-button topic, and we aim to
educate.”
The Violas hope that the Pittsburgh Fitness Expo will continue to provide a family-friendly
atmosphere where the younger generation can learn more about physical fitness and nutrition.
Though a lot of people thought the event would fail in its early stages, he is proud to say that it is
still very much a part of western PA’s culture.
“We are proud because we are making a difference,” he beams.
For more information about the Pittsburgh Fitness Expo, visit PittsburghFitnessExpo.com,
email Kumite at [email protected], “like” the Facebook page at FitnessExpo or
follow on Twitter @KumiteClassic and Instagram at KumiteClassic. n
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