Russian fitness enthusiasts are gearing up for the country’s biggest health and fitness event, which gets underway next month.

The Moscow International Fitness Convention is organised and sponsored by the Russian fitness chain, World Class.

Launched in 1995, the convention started with just under 200 delegates, compared to the 10th anniversary convention, held in 2004, which was attended by more than 7,000 fitness professionals from all over the country, charting the growth of the industry in Russia.

“In a country where only 10 years ago people did not even know the word fitness itself, fitness education has become a necessary part of our business. For how can you attract people to a club, when they do not know the benefits of fitness? So since 1995 we’ve been holding these conventions where people can pay US$50 (£26) and listen to IHRSA-level presenters,” said the owner and CEO of World Class, Olga Sloutsker.

Joe Cirulli, Sara Cooperman, Paul Chek and IHRSA’s John McCarthy are just some of the international speakers that have taken part in the event, which has had a strong educational emphasis over the last few years.

Speaking at last year’s show, John McCarthy described the convention as exceptional. “In organisation, in preparation, in content, in energy and vitality, it is a tour de force. It is, in short, an unforgettable experience.”

Running from 14-17 April, the Moscow International Convention will see a host of international speakers joining more than 50 of Russia’s most famous presenters. The event will also include Russia’s biggest fitness trade show.

The four-day convention is definitely not a commercial project said Sloutsker. Tickets still cost between US$30 (£16) to US$60 (£31). “We don’t make money from this event. But it works. Available statistics show that the growth of our convention attendance closely matches the growth of the fitness industry in Russia.”