Body Power Expo 2010 - Report
By Aaron Hallett
For fans of muscle and super human strength there are limited opportunities to meet the men and women they read about in magazines or watch on the TV and see them in action. Not everyone can make the journey to America and experience the Mr Olympia and Arnold Classic Expos, so for the UK to have an event like the Body Power Expo it is a unique opportunity to do so.
In its second year the event which is held over two days, the Birmingham NEC has played host to what has now become one of the largest calendar events for many. This year the Body Power Expo was significantly larger with more booths, more events and attracting more big name stars from all over the world for the public to meet. Having experienced the Body Power's debut in 2009, it is clear to see the organisers have taken onboard the feedback given by the public last year. Walkways were wider, everybody could see the action at various events and there were multiple food and drink stands to cater for every craving when you took time away to rest your feet and regroup.
As you walked around the Body Power Expo you couldn't help but be drawn into the crowds surrounding different events and sports that you wouldn't normally watch at home or you would generally glance past in the sports sections of newspapers and magazines. You had bodybuilders watching the strongmen/powerlifters displaying what could only be described as Herculean feats of strength, MMA fans watching the bodybuilders on the main stage showing off slabs of muscle that has only been seen previously on cartoon characters and boxing fans watching the wrestlers grapple their opponents and slam them down onto the mats in the hope of achieving their place in the Commonwealth Games.
With all of this happening around you it is hard not to leave inspired and full of respect for these athletes.
The Body Power Expo itself played host to the UKBFF, the UK's leading bodybuilding federation, with a qualifier for the British Finals. There was a good level of quality displayed on stage by the athletes but my only critique would be that the stage technicians need to improve upon the lighting to show athletes off to their best. With the men and women who placed in top positions it was no doubt even more satisfying to be handed your trophy by a big name professional such as Dennis Wolf or Phil Heath.
Phil Heath Guest Posing | 
Terry Hollands Log Press |
At the MuscleTalk stand there was a lively and entertaining atmosphere as people were drawn in by the bench press challenge or Rod 'Rambo' Lanette's ingenious arm wrestling invention: The Grappler. Members of the forum were able to put faces to internet login names and meet the MuscleTalk sponsored Team members such as Daz Ball, Sean Joseph-Tavernier and Terry Hollands.
As people left the Body Power Expo clutching onto bags stuffed full of samples of supplements, exercise equipment and signed photos and clothing of their favourite professional athletes, you could see that a good day was had by all.
After the stands were dismantled and the removal vans turned up I could not help but sit and wonder how the Body Power organisers plan to improve upon this for 2011, but I do know that I for one cannot wait.
MuscleTalk members on the MT stand | 
Rod 'Rambo' Lenette on the Grappler with MT's Hazel |
