If success can be measured in numbers, then the latest edition of Portugal Fit, which took place in Santarém, was a resounding success. Over the weekend of November 25 and 26, more than 22,000 people passed through CNEMA, the venue for the event. It was the seventh edition of Portugal Fit, the second to be held in Santarém.
A expetativa era grande e não saiu gorada e mais de duas dezenas de milhares de entusiastas do fitness e de um estilo de vida saudável, acorreram ao CNEMA, que assim se tornou a Meca de todos as modalidades da saúde e bem estar no desporto.
More than 2,000 athletes have passed through Les Mills' group classes, training at the same time in various programs such as BodyPump, BodyBalance or RPM. And all to the sound of a real light, sound and choreography show. It was also possible to try out all of Les Mills' programs through trial classes, with particular emphasis on the new Dance, TheTrip and Strength Development programs.
Another highlight was the RFM Performance Manz Games, an endurance event that combines running with functional and strength exercises. More than 600 athletes competed, both in individual races and in men's, women's and mixed doubles.
Also not to be missed at Portugal Fit is bodybuilding, which this year hosted several competitions in various categories and from two different associations: the NPC - National Physique Committee, which is the world's leading amateur bodybuilding organization; and WABBA - World Amateur Bodybuilding Association, created by bodybuilding legend Serge Nubret in 1975 after the Mr. Olympia held in Pretoria, won by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Portugal Fit program also included healthy living conferences, with various expert speakers on topics such as personalized training online or in the gym (and its advantages and disadvantages), intermittent fasting and how to reconcile it with physical exercise, genetics and fitness performance, and hypnotherapy and mental health; as well as showcooking sessions, which took place throughout the weekend; not forgetting the always-visited fitness fair with the best brands, products and services in the world of physical exercise.
Owners of clubs and gyms from all over the country met in Santarém
The Portugal Fit National Owners' Meeting is a forum for sharing knowledge, with exclusive access for professionals, and this year it was attended by more than 200 owners and directors of clubs and gyms, as well as national and international guests. Topics as diverse as the future of group fitness and the career of the professional were discussed, as well as presenting success stories in fitness management and consumer trends for the coming years.
Portugal Fit is always growing
In 2015, at its first edition, Portugal Fit was attended by more than 17,000 visitors. Throughout its editions, there has been a notable growth in attendance, reaching over 20,000 visitors in its last edition last year.
This year, the number of participants rose to 22,191, demonstrating the liveliness of the physical exercise community in Portugal and the population's taste for a healthier life. There is still no confirmed date or venue for the next edition in 2024.