Toronto's giant fitness event showcases novel trends

This weekend, some 10,000 fitness enthusiasts are expected to attend Toronto's fitness blowout trade event, Canfitpro, one of the largest fitness events of its kind.

Similar to Los Angeles's IDEA World Fitness Convention, the event, which runs August 19-21, offers up-and-coming techniques a chance to gain wider appeal in the Canadian market. While hot dance-fitness trend Zumba and TRX suspension training claim a top spot at this year's CanFitPro, as does Toronto's own STOTT Pilates and its vast array of Pilates training equipment, a few fitness newcomers hope to make their big break at the event.

FKCI Fighting Fit will be on hand to demonstrate its strength and endurance drills using the FKCI Conditioning Bag and free-body exercises. Also, Toronto dancer and native of Trinidad and Tobago Ayanna Lee-Rivears will showcase her new body-toning program, a Caribbean-style workout dubbed Socacize that claims to burn 1,000 calories for every 60-minute session.

Also on the menu, high-altitude training will be simulated during Elevation Mask Training sessions, which let you perform cardio drills at reduced oxygen levels to bolster your athletic performance back at (or closer to) sea level.

Aiming to compete with the Spinning behemoth, RealRyder, an Italian-made stationary cycle that moves, shifts, and turns for a feel that is closer to a real road bike, will be offering demos and classes. The bike has been in development for three years and has been making the rounds at major fitness trade shows this year, including Germany's FIBO, Italy's RiminiWellness, and France's Salon Mondial Body Fitness Form Expo.

Another new kid in town is Batuka, a Latin-style cardio workout that features choreographed routines with a zen-like approach. A hot trend in Spain in recent years, Batuka is the brainchild of Grammy Award-winning composer and producer Kike Santander, who has worked with Santana, Jennifer Lopez, and Marc Anthony.

In addition, fitness legend and featured presenter Richard Simmons will lead a low-impact aerobics class on Saturday, August 20. Other headliners include author and fitness model Tosca Reno, four-time Olympian Silken Laumann, and author of Look Great Naked Brad Schoenfeld.

http://www.canfitpro.com/en/toronto

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3pFIpQMvnI