Puyallup’s Rose Cowan – a life coach and motivational speaker who gained national attention for shedding 150 pounds – is the keynote speaker at the Jan. 6-8 Northwest Health and Fitness Expo at the Showplex at the Western Washington Fairgrounds, 110 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup.

Cowan (pictured below) shares her story about how she lost and kept the weight off. She told her story on “Dr. Oz”, “Oprah”, “The Today Show” and KING 5 “New Day Northwest” to discuss her weight-loss secrets.

Cowan appears at 11 a.m. Jan. 7.

Cowan was miserable. Her weight reached 310 pounds. Her blood pressure was out of control. She was in chronic pain from a herniated disk in her back.

After a visit to the hospital, doctors told her she was a ticking time bomb. Cowan realized her life was in serious danger and had a wakeup call. She realized she had to dramatically change her life if she wanted to see her seven children grow up.

Cowan lost 150 pounds over time with hard work and developed healthy habits. Her passion is to help others escape from the bondage of food addiction.

In addition to Cowan, local triathlete Heidi Hubler (pictured below) presents triathlon training at noon, Jan. 8. Hubler competed in the 2011 Half Ironman Worlds in September and has countless podium finishes in triathlons and running events.

Hubler, a world-class triathlete, is an elementary teacher in the Dieringer School District.

It all started in 1999 after she graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in early childhood/special education. She needed something else to focus on and decided to start training for the Seattle Half Marathon. She found that goal relatively easy. From there completed her first marathon, then a triathlon. It was true love.

Hubler’s favorite distances are the half ironman (swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, run 13.1 miles) and the Olympic distance (swim 1 mile, bike 24 miles, run 6.2 miles). Competing in countless triathlons, Hubler’s training skills have landed her numerous podium finishes. She competed in the 2011 Half Ironman Worlds in Nevada, was the first woman overall finisher in the Lake Tapps Olympic distance triathlon in 2009 and 2010, and the second overall woman (first in her age group) in the Columbian Half Ironman in 2009.

However, Hubler’s most memorable triathlon is when for she placed first in the 2009 Chelan Man Half Ironman and set the new course record for women. In 2009 she received the title of All-American Triathlete for placing in the top percentages in her races.

With nearly 30 marathons (including the Boston) under her belt, Hubler’s certifications include: AFFA – CPT personal trainer, Level III USA certified cycle coach, group cycle instructor, total body circuit (boot camp) instructor, PiYo instructor and a personal trainer for heart rate threshold.

In its second year, the expo features and promotes consumer-related health and fitness products – in partnership with the Northwest Home and Garden Show. The ticket price includes admission to both shows, and the first 100 patrons get in free.

“Patrons can get massages (at the expo), learn training tips, get their blood pressure checked, get free samples and gain invaluable information to lead a healthy lifestyle,” said Gina Lanza, event coordinator for the show. “It is a great way to achieve your health and fitness goals for the New Year.”

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Parking is free at designated Western Washington Fairground parking lots.

General admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors 62 and over and military personnel with ID and free for children 17 and younger. Two-dollar discount coupons off the general price are available at www.nwhealthandfitnessexpo.net.

More information is available at www.nwhealthandfitnessexpo.net..