Annual Health & Fitness Expo Comes to City Place Mall

The 7th Annual Health and Fitness Expo will take over City Place Mall, promoting "A Healthier You" and "Fit Kids." Since 2004, the Expo has educated and motivated locals in not only Silver Spring, but Montgomery County and from all over the Metropolitan Washington, DC area.

Yusef R. Battle, Founder of The Fit Solution and a participant in all six expos to date, has taken over the planning and execution of this year's event at City Place Mall on Saturday from 11am-4pm. The City Place Management team is currently in transition, but plans to re-assume their role as overseers in 2011.

Battle believes City Place Mall to be a perfect location for the event, "Downtown Silver Spring is well-developed, and in a great location. It is easily accessible from DC, Howard County, Prince George's County and even northern Virginia – a hub if you will."

With vendors such as Discovery Health, Holy Cross Hospital,Whole Foods Market, fitTV, Honest Tea, Snikiddy and various local, regional and national Government agencies, there promises to be a wide-range of activities, information and opportunities for every kind of person.

"There really is something for everyone," Battle continued. "Fun movement-based activities for kids and adults, samples and more, but the Fitness Challenge is really the key here."

The Fitness Challenge is a ten month initiative, made up of a series of three 12-week periods. During this time, participants will learn how to reduce their overall body fat composition, learn how to measure and manage their health numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, sleep hours and more). There is also a focus on building support groups, tips for avoiding obstacles to success and developing "SMART" Goals (Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely).

Local and national entertainers and celebrities will be on hand to help promote a healthy lifestyle. Previous attendees have included Redskins Gary Clark, Dexter Manley and Charles Mann, as well as several Mrs. Marylands, stars from shows like MTV's Road Rules and many, many more. Celebrities invited to help promote the cause this year include Art Monk, Dominique Dawes and members of the President's Council on Nutrition.

Entertainers confirmed for the Saturday event include Patrick Lundy and the Ministers of Music, Vocalist Faith Mona and Mrs. Maryland 2010 Raquel Riley Thomas.

The entertainment and Fitness Challenge Stage will be located on the lower level of City Place Mall in front of the fountain in the middle of the Food Court, while vendors will set up displays on the second floor. For more information about this year's event, please visit Downtown Silver Spring's Site