AusLeisure

Finding time to exercise is the primary hurdle for Australians when it comes to exercise, but exercisers are motivated to continue so that they can feel good.

These are the latest trends to be revealed by the organisers of the Australian Fitness & Health Expo, which will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre again from 27th to 29th April next year.

The study, conducted with thousands of attendees at the 2011 Australian Fitness & Health Expo in April this year, revealed that 41.3% of people see finding time to exercise as the biggest challenge to staying fit, followed by staying motivated (38.8%), maintaining a fitness level, (36.6%) finding the right program (26.5%) and the cost of exercising (27.4%).

Injury was also a big concern identified by 31.9% and eating also ranked high for 17% of respondents.

The majority of Aussies are motivated to continue regular exercise because they want to feel good (48.4%), while the rest are driven primarily by the desire to look good (47.3%).

Approximately 99% of consumer visitors said they would purchase fitness and health products over the next 12 months, with average spending of $2,153.

It seems the gym workout is still one of the most popular choices when it comes to exercise (72.6%), followed by running (44.6%), cycling (42.3%), walking (40.3%), boxing (38.7%), swimming (32.2%), team sport (31.9%), adventure sport (31.2%), aerobics (27.3%), dancing (22.8%), triathlons (18.1%), yoga (16.9%) and Zumba Fitness (9.1%).

Meanwhile, the main challenge for those working in the industry is attracting new customers (48.9%), differentiating the business (28.3%), keeping up-to-date with industry trends (27.4%) and recruiting quality staff (25.5%).

Those working in the fitness and health industry are driven in their career by delivering results to clients (57.3%), followed by helping others (29.5%), running a successful business (25.5%) and maintaining their own personal health (21.2%).

The annual spend on fitness and health products for those working in the industry was $27,352. Meanwhile, 54.9% identified trade shows as the most valuable way to gather information about new industry trends and products, followed by websites and trade magazines.

Australian Fitness & Health Expo Director Jon Perry said some of the results were surprising, stating "we were surprised to see a shift in the motivations behind why people exercise. In the past, looking good has been the primary aim – but an increased understanding of overall wellness and the link between multiple areas of our lives - health, mental health, stress management etc – has seen people shift the importance to feeling good, which is great to see."

The 2012 Australian Fitness & Health Expo, which will have a special pre-Olympic flavour, has adapted the Expo according to consumer needs and will this year introduce a 'Wellness' zone featuring rehabilitation and physiotherapy products and services, while Hall Four will see the introduction of a 'Healthy Eating' zone with advice, food products and mainstream health supplements.

As the largest health and fitness event in the Southern hemisphere, the Expo will unveil the hottest products and training methods including gym equipment, fitness fashion and the latest in sports nutrition directly from creators including Garmin, 2XU, Adidas, Lorna Jane, Musashi and Zumba.

It will feature live performances, appearances from sporting celebrities and opportunities to compete and trial produts – so wear your shorts and runners. There'll also be a state of origin weightlifting competition with Olympic lifters, a natural body building competition and a PCYC boxing tournament.

The Expo is open only to professionals in those aquatics, fitness, health and recreation on Friday 27th April, with general and trade admission on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th April . The expo is open from 10am to 6.30pm on Friday and 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Potential visitors can pre-book online to receive a discounted ticket.

For more information go to www.fitnessexpo.com.au

16th November 2011 - 2012 AUSTRALIA FITNESS & HEALTH EXPO GETS OLYMPIC FEVER

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