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| - This is the first year I've attended the Olympia expo- I had my reservations about attending, as I am obviously not a body builder and worried that I'd feel uncomfortable among all of these fitness pros for whom crafting a killer bod is their career. That fear was completely unwarranted and there are attendees at all stages of their fitness journey here, and everyone was friendly.
The obvious perks for attendees are the freebies and the opportunity to meet pros you've only seen on TV or followed on IG- and they're typically enthusiastic about talking to and meeting fans, and taking photos, which was cool to see. There are many brands present to try new supplements, pre-workouts, or BCAAs, or just to stock up on your usual stuff with a discount (and no shipping fees!), along with some apparel brands and fitness publications (M&F is a sponsor). The freebies alone more than make up your ticket cost ($30/day or $50/weekend). If shopping and samples aren't your thing, try your hand at one of the many competitions- or just watch!
More than anything else though, it's fascinating people watching and a weirdly energizing atmosphere- I'm tempted to make a Bingo card for next year to catch all of the bizarre photo ops, long mens room lines, women in stage makeup and tans, random mascots, and the insane amount of implants and accents.
TIP: Go early to avoid crowds and experience short lines, but stay late to get the lowest price deals. Also, The Rock made a last-minute surprise appearance for the final hour, which more than made the six hour day on my feet worth it!
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