Fitness enthusiasts rushed through the doors of the Los Angeles Convention Center at 10 a.m. on the dot on Sunday, January 26^th, 2019. Determined to grab free swag, protein samples, and autographs from some of the leading names in fitness, people formed lines throughout the convention center. It was a mad house, but it was encouraging to see so many people excited about new methods of recovery, workout tools, supplements, and more.

There were hundreds of booths at the LA FitExpo, and we navigated the entirety of the complex maze. We spun some wheels to win free blender bottles, workout towels, and stickers, and we even sampled plant-based bars, electrolyte powders, monk fruit sweeteners, and breadcrumbs made from pea protein. Oh, and we can’t even get into the amount of keto-approved snacks and supplements that we saw. It’s the keto revolution!

Since our last coverage of the 2019 LA FitExpo, we know that one thing is for certain: CBD IS HERE TO STAY! We discussed the many CBD products in our last report of the LA FitExpo, and it is amazing to see what is permissible to sell now that laws changed about the distribution of CBD products. Aside from the CBD invasion, many booths focused on new recovery products, plant-based nutrition, and hydration. You can see what products we loved below.

Improve Circulation With Cupping

Before Olympian Michael Phelps generated gossip about his circular dark spots all over his body, cupping was a practice that many cultures used for muscle relaxation and detoxification. Within the past 20 years or so, cupping has become an integral recovery technique of many athletes and non-athletes alike. Whether the person is dealing with stress, digestive discomfort, poor circulation, or sore muscles, cupping therapy is a fantastic alternative medicine to help. We purchased a silicone cupping set from Lure Essentials, and they are very easy to adhere to the body by yourself. Move stagnant lymphatic fluid, decrease scar tissue, and loosen connective tissue with these cups! Lure has made it so this traditional therapy can be done by yourself whenever you need it. No scheduling appointments or special services required. Simply press them onto your skin and let the suction begin.

Personal Infrared Sauna

If you have a little extra money that you want to invest in self-care and recovery, you can with your very own personal infrared sauna. While a traditional sauna ranges from 150-180 degrees F, an infrared usually heats between 120-140 degrees F. The infrared panels on the inside help to penetrate human tissue, focusing 80% of the heat on the body and 20% of the heat on the surrounding air. One of the primary benefits of infrared saunas is that they increase blood circulation and promote lymphatic drainage, assisting with the elimination of heavy metals and built-up toxins. Infrared saunas also contribute to faster recovery, relieving inflammation or soreness and supplying muscles with increased circulation to repair.

Alkaline Water Bottle

We aren’t talking about bottled alkaline water, here. We are talking about a reusable, BPA-free, double-walled vacuum insulated water bottle that can keep water cold for up to 24 hours. Purchasing cases of alkaline water can be expensive, so you can now buy one reusable bottle, which is better for the environment, that contains an alkaline diffuser. This diffuser has alkalizing minerals that can increase filtered water to have a pH level of 9 or higher. If you fill the 32-ounce bottle a couple times a day, you will need to replace the alkaline diffuser every three months. The name of this bottle is Dyln, and the bottle is $56.

Those were the most exciting products we found at the 2020 LA FitExpo, and we can’t wait to see what the vendors show up with next year.

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Attending the FitExpo is like being thrust into a world that is only concerned with health & wellness, fitness, diet, recovery methods, and pretty much anything that can benefit/enhance the human body. It was our paradise, except for the products containing cow hooves and artificial colors/flavors, of course. Amid the hundreds of exhibitors, fitness classes, and competitions, we were able to find fascinating products and information that could be useful to our customers.

We felt like cool kids with backstage passes when we showed up to the Los Angeles Convention Center. Flashing our press passes to security, we were able to skip the massive line that wrapped around half of the exhibition hall. We began combing the maze of exhibitor booths, snagging free swag and tasting plant-based products whenever we could. This was all for you, Dherbs customers! We filled up on protein and electrolytes for you!

Since our last coverage of the LA FitExpo in 2017, we were amazed to see how many plant-based products, supplements, and food exhibitors there were. In 2017, we estimated that about 20% of the exhibitors had to do with plant-based nutrition. 2019 told a different story, with about 50% of the exhibitors selling items related to plant-based living. How cool is that?!

NutraMilk

If you don’t know by now, we are huge fans of homemade nut milks and nut butters. We came across a company called NutraMilk, which has created a special blender that is designed to make nut butters and nut milks. While this pricey machine ($450!!!) was magical, we believe a high-speed blender or food processor could do the job. Nevertheless, the NutraMilk creates nut butters in minutes. After talking to the representatives at the booth, they said that the nut butters never go above 108º F during the blending process, making them 100% raw. It is a specialty appliance, but it doesn’t require you to strain blended nuts through cheesecloths in order to get nut milk. Easy to use and easy to clean too!

Kinesiology Tape

This is not new, but my goodness was there a lot of kinesiology tape at the FitExpo. With the nickname “magic tape,” it’s no wonder that kinesiology tape has become one of the most-widely used recovery/therapeutic tools for athletes or the average person with muscle or joint pain. The tape does not contain any topical substances; rather, the tape lifts the skin to reduce pressure or pain in that area. It also works to reduce pressure on lymphatic drainage, which aids the removal of fluids that collect in an injured area. The enhanced circulation improves oxygen and nutrient supply, helping you to avoid cramps or spasms.

CBD Everything

We lost count of how many CBD-infused products were at the FitExpo this year. Within the past decade, laws have changed and more research has been conducted about the benefits and treatment options of new CBD products. It is important to note that cannabidiol (CBD) is a component of the hemp plant, but it does not contain THC, which is the widely known counterpart that induces psychoactive effects. CBD does not have psychoactive effects and has many medicinal properties. We saw a great many CBD-infused salves and creams, which can help reduce muscle & joint pain and improve skin elasticity and tone. According to research, the pain-relieving properties of CBD are attributed to the interaction of CBD with CB2 receptors on the skin. This provides localized pain relief because it does not get absorbed into the bloodstream. There are other CBD products (vape pens, oils, and snacks) that may provide full body therapeutic pain relief.

Our Takeaway

CBD products and plant-based supplements, foods, and products are on the rise and are predicted to line the shelves of a lot more stores across the country in the near future. Don’t be afraid of experimenting with a healthier way of life. Think about the things you could be doing for your health, instead of the things you aren’t doing. Act now and live healthy!

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The FitExpo is an immersive experience involving all things health and fitness. Anybody can attend the massive event to learn about new health trends & products, fitness gear, recovery methods, workout equipment, and so much more. People can take part in group fitness classes, sample new products, play dodgeball (yes, you read that correctly because they have a dodgeball court there!), watch cooking demonstrations, and converse with fitness professionals. Whether you are an avid bodybuilding fan, health food blogger, exercise enthusiast, or someone who has an interest in becoming healthier, there is something at the FitExpo for everyone.

Before we attend The FitExpo, we were extremely fortunate to meet and interview Robert Cheeke, author of the bestselling book, Shred It!. Robert is the founder of Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness, he’s a two-time natural bodybuilding champion, and he tours the world promoting the power of plant-based foods! Here’s what he had to say in our interview.

Dherbs: What made you decide to go vegan and how long have you been a vegan?

Robert Cheeke: “Growing up on a farm in Corvallis, Oregon, I became a vegan in 1995, at age 15, when I no longer wanted to contribute to animal cruelty and animal suffering. I barely weighed over 100 pounds and had no aspirations of getting bigger and stronger. Over time, I grew from 120 pounds to 210 pounds and became a two-time natural bodybuilding champion, and I am now in my 24^th year as a vegan athlete.”

Dherbs: Do you know other athletes who became vegan and have they described a difference in recovery time or how they feel when they lift?

Robert Cheeke: “I know dozens of bodybuilders who were already competitive in their sports prior to adopting a plant-based diet. The top two reactions they all seemed to share were an increase in energy and reduced recovery time. Those byproducts typically come from eating a high-energy diet, one of carbohydrate-rich fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains, while avoiding the foods that require lots of energy for digestion, such as meat, dairy products, and heavy animal-based foods.”

Dherbs: Can you explain how plant-based foods reduce recovery time?

Robert Cheeke: “The improved recovery time often comes from eating anti-inflammatory foods, while avoiding pro-inflammatory foods. If you can reduce your inflammation, you increase your recovery, and you can expedite your forward progress in athletic performance. Fruits and green leafy vegetables, along with herbs and spices, and roots like ginger and turmeric are some of the best foods for reducing inflammation and speeding up recovery.”

Dherbs: What do you enjoy eating before and after a workout?

Robert Cheeke: “The best foods to eat before a workout are carbohydrate-rich (energy) fruits, especially right before a workout. If you are eating an hour or two before training, perhaps sweet potatoes, brown rice, or oats would be a good fuel source. Following a training session, I enjoy a mixture of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, all of which come naturally in something like a burrito bowl containing brown rice, pinto beans, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and salsa. Alternatively, plant-based sushi rolls and rice and vegetable meals from Indian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Ethiopian cuisines are outstanding post-workout foods.”

Dherbs: How much protein do you consume a day and what are your primary protein sources?

Robert Cheeke: “I document every single calorie consumed for up to six weeks at a time, so I have an accurate account of what my nutrition intake looks like, and my macronutrient breakdown looks like this:

• 3,100 calories consumed daily
• 70% of calories from carbohydrates
• 10% of calories from protein
• 20% of calories from fat

“I also expend about 3,000 calories per day, for a very slight surplus that keeps me at a consistent weight that is currently about 204 pounds. I consume about 77.5 grams of protein per day, and while my overall protein consumption is significantly smaller than other bodybuilders, I choose not to have a special emphasis on protein consumption, but rather overall nutrition. The most vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and water come from carbohydrate-rich whole plant foods, which is where my focus is.”

Dherbs: Given that a lot of supplements are derived from animals, what advice would you give an athlete who was trying to go vegan?

Robert Cheeke: “Although many sports supplements are derived from animals, some plant-based brands are the top selling products at major supplement stores across America. The plant-based nutrition industry is booming! As for me, I haven’t used any supplements, aside from vitamin B12, in more than six years. Since removing sports supplements from my diet in 2012, I have become the biggest and strongest I have ever been. I generally suggest to consume a wide variety of healthy plant foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, in adequate calories based on your caloric needs; along with proper hydration, exercise, and rest.

“My recommendation for anyone wanting to adopt a vegan lifestyle and plant-based diet is to discover your favorite plant-based foods and ensure you have them in adequate supply, so you’re not tempted to eat other foods. Also, find your own personal meaning for becoming vegan, and the more purpose you have behind your pursuit, the more likely you are to stick with it.”

We cannot thank Robert Cheeke enough for this interview! You don’t need animals-based foods to build muscles and obtain essential nutrients, and Robert is living proof! He will be at the Los Angeles FitExpo and is eager to talk to anyone about his plant-based lifestyle. He encourages everyone to “follow his or her passion and to make it happen!” Follow us on Instagram (@dherbs) for live updates this Sunday, January 27^th, 2019, of the event. See you there!

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People are constantly trying to figure out how they can efficiently get rid of fat. Short of selling their souls, people go to great lengths for fat loss. What if you could train your body to burn fat for energy instead of glucose? Well, this is possible and it is known as ketosis.

When the Dherbs team went to the 2017 LA FitExpo, we were able to talk about ketosis with the people at KETO OS. While this company makes supplements that can help your body get into the state of ketosis, you can train your body to enter into this fat-burning state. You can do this by eating a ketogenic diet.

The most important thing about a ketogenic diet is that you have to almost entirely eliminate carbs. The reason for this is because the body burns carbs so quickly and you only crave more after you finish eating them. Carbs give you an instant energy burst that is short lived, and then your body crashes and needs more fuel. Watch this short video below to better understand how ketosis works.

Transitioning the body into ketosis can be a challenge. The best foods to eat are rich in omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids. These foods include fresh fruits and vegetables like avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, sprouted nuts and seeds, and many more. Except for the sugar from whole fruits and vegetables, you won’t be putting any refined or added sugars into your body. This forces the body to burn protein, which in turn starts the fat-burning process.

When you burn fat your body can actually run more efficiently, and you’ll lose weight more quickly too! You’ll feel more energized, focused, and livelier than ever before. Make sure to exercise regularly to help yourself on your journey into ketosis. It takes work and determination, but you can definitely get there.

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The West Coast’s largest fitness event, the Bodybuilding.com TheFitExpo Los Angeles presented by Subway Restaurants, returns for its 14^th epic year to the Los Angeles Convention Center, Saturday and Sunday, January 7-8.

This ultimate weekend of fitness offers attendees over 20 free competitions, events, workshops and appearances by the top fitness celebrities in the industry. Plus this one-of-a-kind event boasts 700 exhibits featuring the latest in fitness, diet, nutrition, strength and wellness products and services with show discounts and tons of free samples.

“The growth of the fitness industry continues with innovative products constantly emerging and the rise of creative workouts being introduced every month. TheFitExpo offers the perfect arena for brands to showcase their latest products and engage with fitness enthusiasts,” said Erin Ferries, Executive Director of National Fitness Productions. “It’s exciting to be a part of and to showcase these exciting innovations to our attendees, as well as to offer the fan favorites in competitions, performance areas, celebrities, and exhibitors.”

During both days, many leading fitness professionals will provide hot training tips, informational seminars and exciting demonstrations. Headlining guests include Jay Cutler (4X Mr. Olympia Champion), Billy Blanks (fitness icon and creator of the Tae Bo exercise program), Tito Ortiz (celebrity MMA fighter and UFC Hall of Famer), Kali Muscle (bodybuilder with 16 million views on YouTube for “Kali Muscle Story” and successful author, actor, philanthropist, motivator) Massy Arias (Internet bodybuilding sensation with 2.3 million Instagram followers), CT Fletcher (6X World Champion Powerlifter), and Dana Linn Bailey, (first Ms. Physique Olympia 2013). Plus, NBC-TV’s Strong stars Chris Ryan and Wes Okeson will give everyone a chance to sign up on-site and flex their muscles and go through a fitness obstacle course.

Several exciting new events have been added this year including:

• Ultimate Ninja Obstacle Course Competition – Anyone can enter! The Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association offers an opportunity for area athletes and weekend warriors to showcase their skills and test their abilities in strength, stamina, endurance, power and speed on one of our two courses for cash prizes. (enter online)

• Los Angeles Dodgeball Championships– Dodgeball isn’t just for gym class anymore! This exciting, fast-paced game is becoming a mainstream sport. The World Dodgeball Society brings some of their best players to share their sport with the masses at the Expo weekend. Co-ed teams can test their skills in running, throwing, and dodging for a $1,000 cash prize and more. (Register online in advance.)

• Box ‘N Burn – Get your the boxing gloves on as Olympic bronze medalist and former undefeated professional Boxer Tony Jefferies with co-owner Kevan Watson and their team of world class trainers offer fundamental boxing tips, special conditioning workshops and fun competitions throughout the weekend.

• The Muscle Contest Challenge presented by Rule One Proteins and produced by Lindsay Productions, will feature Bodybuilding, Physique, Figure & Bikini Classic Championships. This NPC-sanctioned national qualifier offers a variety of competition classes from men, women, open and novice to masters and teens. Judging begins at 11:00 a.m. with finals at 3:00 p.m. Entry deadline is December 31, 2016.

• Row your way to health as Heart Rate Training by Orangetheory Fitness offers row challenges all weekend at the Expo.

Several jaw dropping fan favorites return including: Odd Haugen Strength Classic, The USPA American Cup Pro Powerlifting Invitational presented by Iron Rebel, The Ironmind Viking Visegrip World’s Record Challenge, California Armwrestling Championship, Slackline Competition and Bodybuilding.com’s BodySpace Spokesmodel Search.

Attendees get the chance to win prize money and bragging rights as TheFitExpo’s Best Attendee and GAT Sport’s MAXREPS Attendee Competitions are back, with cash and prizes to the winners.

Come dressed to work out as TheFitExpo brings free mini-workouts, demos and fitness challenges daily on Group Training Zone Stage. The area’s top fitness professionals will offers sample sessions in Coed Crunch-Partner Workout, Studio SWEAT onDemand, LTO Fitness, Body Blast Bodyweight Bootcamp, The BRUTEZ, R.I.P.P.E.D, Pound Rockout Workout, and more. For the pros, Saturday workshop sessions and 30-minute express workout sessions will provide an opportunity to earn five Certified Education Units (CEU’s). (Separate fee to participate in CEU sessions).

For the first time, GROOV3 will present Wow the Crowd – Dance Fitness Instructor Challenge. This high- energy fitness challenge will feature the top five dance fitness instructors in LA going head-to-head to the spinning sounds of the Fit DJ Lauren Pappas. Open to all fitness instructors competing with music from Latin and Urban Hip Hop and Dance Hall to Jazzercise. (Separate ticket required).

Other fitness celebrities scheduled to appear include Jeremy Buendia (3X and current Men’s Physique Olympia Champion), Lexy Panterra (founder of LexTwerkOut), rising fitness star of the Get Fit with Katie series, Katie Austin (daughter of fitness industry’s iconic pioneer Denis Austin), Jeff “Popeye” Dabe (National Armwrestling Champion), Christina Drob (current and 2X Pro Bikini Diva World Champion), Shanna and Lou Ferrigno (father/daughter fitness team), the Kristef Brothers (comedy acrobatic balancing duo), Audley Harrison (legendary British boxer and promoter), and many more.

The Healthy Living Pavilion presented by Optimum Nutrition and Fitness Fashion Show will return along with the popular Kids and Youth Area. And if you’re extremely fit and want to go pro, leading fitness modeling agency, Naturally Fit Agency, will be conducting a model search all weekend at TheFitExpo. Just bring a comp card, 8 X 10 photo, and a resume and dress in fitted jeans and top/shirt and you will be guaranteed to be seen.

Adult admission tickets are $30 per day or $45 for the full weekend. Children 12 years and under are $10 per day and children under 6 are free. Show hours are Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Plenty of parking is available. The Los Angeles Convention Center is located at 1201 South Figueroa Street, South Halls G, H, J and K. For full information on TheFitExpo call (818) 545-0290 or visit www.thefitexpo.com.

Event is produced by National Fitness Productions. Title sponsor is Bodybuilding.com. Presenting sponsor for Bodybuilding.com TheFitExpo Los Angeles is Subway Restaurants. Supporting sponsors include: Ralphs, Optimum Nutrition, Quest Nutrition, Gymshark, Muscle Monster, BSN, Performix, Rule 1 Proteins, Rivalus, Barbell Brigade, Nutrishop, GAT Sport, Beast Sports Nutrition, Live Fit Apparel, Iron Rebel, Granite Supplements, Mygympals, NRSM, 361*, and Ironmind.

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