Area residents attracted to Arnold Classic

The Arnold Expo is the largest health and fitness expo in the country with 650 booths showcasing various healthy lifestyle type products and methods to more than 170,000 fitness fans in three days of free entertainment and competition from top professional and amateur athletes.

"Energy drinks and other supplements can be expensive so it's nice to come to the Arnold and get free samples so you at least know what you like before making a purchase," Heather said.

She is focused on losing a few pounds and toning after a recent weight loss of more than 70 pounds.

Chris likes to see some of the competitions.

"It's fun to see some of the contests they have," Chris said as he chatted with international fitness model Amanda Blank about energy drinks.

The Arnold Classic is the original athletic event at the Arnold Sports Festival that began with a men's' bodybuilding event and is now in its 19th year. The Ms. International competition was added so women bodybuilders could participate on the Arnold Sports Festival stage.

While both Heather and Chris attended the expo last year, they did not see Arnold Schwarzenegger himself until this year.

"He was inches away from me. It was so surreal," Heather said.

Schwarzenegger holds the event each year to increase awareness of how important fitness is.

"I want people to realize the health benefits that come from being fit through proper exercise and nutrition. Our children need to see the importance of fitness," Schwarzenegger said as he was interviewed by a representative of EAS (Energy, Athletics, Strength).

Hillman, who has attended the event several times, was more excited about meeting pro wrestler John Cena.

"He autographed three photos of himself for me to give all three of my boys. They will be so excited," Hillman said after braving the three hour long line to meet wrestlers Cena, Triple H and Tomm Voss at the American Body Building booth.

While Hillman's children did not attend the event, 7-year-old Wade Kittle of Florence, Kentucky, was there with his dad, Rodney.

"We came here with some guys that I work out at the gym with. I had no idea that Wade would get to meet John Cena. That has been a dream of his for a long time. This is a great event," Kittle said as his son posed for a photo with Cena.