Fitness for all

All fitness and health professionals and enthusiasts are invited to the "Asia Fitness Convention 2009" which will bring together a wide and comprehensive selection of international fitness and conditioning expertise and equipment under one roof. The three-day conference will take place at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld from Nov 27-29.

Marc Santamaria

Organised by Fitness Innovations Thailand, this one-of-a-kind conference in Southeast Asia is modelled after the IDEA World Fitness Conventions - the global standard in fitness convention.

The conference itself will host more than 80 workshops, workouts and seminar sessions to suit all interests and needs.

For practitioners of yoga and Pilates, there are sessions with YogaSynergy, YogaFit, Fletcher, STOTT and Polestar Pilates; while group exercise aficionados will learn innovative techniques such as Fame!, Strip Bar, Masala Bhangra and disco yoga, as well as Zumba workouts - the world's most exhilarating aerobic dance innovation.

This is also a chance to work out in person with Rachel and Dan Cohen, two of Les Mills' Body Combat programme directors; and learn from the creators of some of the most effective and challenging strength and conditioning techniques such as the TRX suspension training, Kettlebell extreme fitness training, the Twist SMART gym and BOSU balance training.

There is also an exhibition on Nov 28-29 showcasing educational resources, sports, fitness and yoga equipment and apparel, nutrition and dietary supplements. On-stage activities include muay Thai, bodybuilding, yoga, plyometrics, group exercise and dance demonstrations.

Tanya Beardsley

Another highlight of the event is the "Madonna Celebration Aerobic Dance Competition" held as a tribute to Madonna's two and a half decades of achievement in music and fitness and a perfect launch for her Celebration album.

Teams will be judged by experts in the fields of group exercise and personal fitness training. The competition expects to attract dancers from all over Asia and some attractive prizes are awaiting the winners.

Prior to the conference, however, there will be free preview sessions to allow everyone to get a taste of and to reap the benefits from some of the most exciting new fitness trends worldwide at Lumpini Park on Rama IV Road on Nov 25-26 evening.

Jess Gronholm

The "Yoga for Runners" class on Nov 25 at 6:30pm offers breath-control principles and techniques to enhance runners' balance and musculoskeletal system to give them more strength and flexibility. It is conducted by Jess Gronholm, national yoga director of Crunch, New York.

Later on the same night at 7:30pm, Tanya Beardsley, Zumba's world-class choreographer and presenter from the US, will lead the irresistible Zumba dance craze which has hit the rest of the world with its fusion of Latin and international music and dance styles.

Based on the celebrated Fame musical and television series and its iconic "I want to live forever" theme, the "Fame Dance Party" on Nov 26 at 5:30pm will be led by Marc Santamaria, regional director of Crunch.

The registration fee for the convention is 10,990 baht for one day, 12,990 baht for two and 14,990 baht for three days. Registration can be made online at http://www.getfitasia.net. For more information, contact Florian Tan on 02-650-9242.