Southern California's Only Pro Bodybuilding Show Now a Top 5 Mr. Olympia Qualifier

Pasadena, CA (PRWEB) February 7, 2007 -- Many of pro bodybuilding's greatest physiques will be on the Pasadena Civic Auditorium stage on Saturday, February 17, 2007, for the IFBB Vyotech Iron Man Pro Championships, all vying for a chance to qualify to compete in the next Mr. Olympia.

Competitors in the bodybuilding contest, promoted by Iron Man magazine Publisher John Balik and National Fitness Productions, will be vying for a record $30,000 in prize money, with $15,000 going to the winner. Contestants from all over the world will be flexing at the Iron Man Pro, including Toney Freeman, Omar Deckard, Ahmad Haidar, David Henry, Kris Dim, Mark Dugdale, Hidetada Yamagishi and many others. Judging will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, with the Finals set for 7 p.m. A press conference, featuring a weigh-in of all pro competitors, will be held on Friday, February 16 at 4 p.m. in the Expo Hall of the Pasadena Center.

This year's Peary and Mabel Rader Lifetime Achievement Award will be posthumously awarded to Mickey Hargitay. During Mickey Hargitay's lifetime, he was a Mr. Universe winner, a movie star, and a lifelong supporter of bodybuilding. Mickey's wife, Ellen, will accept the award on his behalf.

The Gaspari Nutrition NPC Figure competition, featuring the world's hottest and fittest female bodies on the Expo stage, returns for its fourth year in conjunction with the Iron Man Pro. The Figure overall winner will receive a photo shoot with Iron Man magazine's celebrated photographer, Michael Neveux, and will be featured in an upcoming issue of Iron Man magazine.

Also returning for its fourth year is The FitExpo, running from February 16-18 at the Pasadena Center. The FitExpo gives bodybuilding and fitness fans the unique opportunity to participate in over 30 seminars by highly respected experts in subjects from nutrition and personal training to fitness marketing. the FitExpo features 150 Exhibits offering the latest in cutting edge fitness and health products and services. Vendors are coming from around the world to participate and represent in the heart of the fitness industry. Complete event schedule is available at www. thefitexpo.com

The Iron Man Pro is one of 6 major competitions featured at the FitExpo. Other events include The Gaspari Nutrition Women's Figure Competition (the world's loveliest women on stage), The Met-RX All American Strength Challenge (the world's strongest men vie in a series of events for $10,000 in cash prizes), Scot Mendelson Bench Press Classic, NxLabs' Fittest Couple Contest ($2500 and a national magazine photo layout go to the winners), VPX MaxReps (offering attendees the chance to win cash in a series of strength competitions) and new this year, Mixed Martial Arts.

Mixed Martial Arts is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and this year the FitExpo brings together some of its brightest stars and athletes. Learn from and train with fighters from the UFC, IFL, King of the Cage and the Professional Submission League as we present more then a dozen seminars and classes from these top competitors throughout the weekend.

John Balik of Iron Man Magazine stated, "Over the past four years the Iron Man FitExpo has grown into a full-scale destination weekend for fitness enthusiasts. Many attendees are spending several days in Southern California and our team really wanted to add an evening celebration to the mix. More than that, we wanted our after-party to be a bit different and that's why we've chosen The Jazz Institute and catered from PF Changs. Coming right after the excitement of the Iron Man Pro Finals we think the party is going to be a great way to unwind and mix with athletes and fellow fans. The Gold VIP Ticket Package is the way to experience the weekend in style."

The all-inclusive Gold VIP Ticket Package includes access to contests and expo events for all three days, including Vyotech Nutritionals' After Party at the Pasadena Jazz Institute. The celebration will feature a live jazz trio, a dance floor, mouth-watering appetizers from PF Changs, desserts, complimentary tea and coffee and a cash bar. Dress to impress California casual is requested. Celebrity bodybuilding and fitness guests will be on hand.

Erin Ferries of National Fitness Productions added, "We're grateful to Vyotech Nutritionals for supporting this new addition to our weekend. Every year we try to have new attractions and the response to the FitExpo this year has been truly sensational. We are way ahead of last year in terms of vendors, classes, and events so there is going to be more for our attendees to see, take part in, and learn from."

Limited tickets are available, so please purchase early and also get there early to eat and dance. All tickets are available at www.ironmanprotickets.com

Press inquiries should be in writing via fax 805-385-3515 by Feb. 10. Get your confirmation early to avoid delays.

The Vyotech Iron Man Pro, presented by Bodybuilding.com and Gaspari Nutrition, is a co-production with National Fitness Productions.

For more information on the Iron Man Pro visit www.ironmanpro.com

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