Certainly what I enjoyed the most was watching the amount of young athletes that were participating in all of the events. Some of these athletes were as young as 8 or 10 years old and they performed like pros in their respective sport. Many of them came to me for an autograph and I made sure that I told each and every one how impressive it was for me to see their performance. Of course, I also plugged the importance of school.
In addition to the above, I just enjoyed the camaraderie between all of athletes and fans who all share the goal of getting in better shape and improving every year in their respective sport. There were over 15,000 athletes, which is more than the amount of athletes present at the Olympics!
Last but not least, what made this year even more special to me is that this is the first time that I take both my wife Lina and my ten-year old son Chad with me. Prolab Nutrition, my sponsor who takes me there every year, was kind enough to allow my son to work the booth with me and help me hand out free protein powder samples as I was working with the fans. Even my wife had to jump in and help as I spent time with the fans.
Some Pictures
Chad Scores a Sale of Prolab Product
Chad Hands Out Free Samples of Whey Protein
Last Day At The Expo After It Closed; Hugo and Chad Survived!
More Coverage On The Arnold Classic
There is so much stuff that went on over the weekend that it is impossible for just one person to see and cover everything. Some sites did an excellent job at taking pictures and covering the weekend in more detail. Below I will provide you with a list of links that will assist you in obtaining a better idea of what went on:
- Overall Full Coverage
http://www.arnoldclassic.com/
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2006arnold.htm
- Pictures of the Contests, Expo and Everything in Between
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2006arnoldpics.htm
- Contest Pictures
http://www.graphicmuscle.com/index.cfm?go2=contests_year&ContestYearID=661
http://www.flexonline.com/
This is a huge event in Ohio and believe it or not people start reserving rooms a year in advance! My advice to you if you plant to attend this celebration of fitness is to visit the official site of the event which is http://www.arnoldclassic.com/ and start planning your trip right now. I really believe that if you are into bodybuilding and fitness this is an expo that needs to be visited at least once in your life.
About The Author
Hugo Rivera, About.com's Bodybuilding Guide and ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer, is a nationally-known best-selling author of over 8 books on bodybuilding, weight loss and fitness, including "The Body Sculpting Bible for Men", "The Body Sculpting Bible for Women", "The Hardgainer's Bodybuilding Handbook", and his successful, self published e-book, "Body Re-Engineering". Hugo is also a national level NPC natural bodybuilding champion. Click here for more information on Hugo Rivera
