|
|
Top 10 Fitness Trends for 2007
With waistlines getting bigger and the lack of exercise reaching new heights,
fighting childhood obesity ranks as the top
health and
fitness trend for
2007, according to a new survey.
The Top 10 predictions for 2007 health and fitness trends, according to
American College of Sports Medicine are:
  Children and Obesity.
Program development to reduce
obesity among children was
the number-one trend identified in the survey. Health and fitness professionals
predict schools are unlikely to increase time devoted to physical education or
nutrition education, and providing physical activity for kids may fall in the
hands of the health/fitness industry along with fitness professionals.
  Special Fitness Programs for Older Adults.
Fitness clubs
and retirement communities stand to benefit from health and
fitness programs that
cater to the older adult. The number-two prediction notes the baby boom
generation is growing older and living longer, and their physicians are
recommending they remain active.
  Educated
and Experienced Fitness Professionals.
Fully
accredited education and certification programs for health/fitness professionals
are on the rise. The importance of obtaining certification through academic
accreditation is highly recognized by the fitness industry.
  Functional Fitness.
Functional fitness training, using
strength
training to improve performance for activities of daily living, will become
more prominent in 2007. Exercises that mimic actual job tasks or other
activities will help improve
balance, coordination,
strength, and endurance.
  Core Training.
A greater emphasis on and understanding
of core training will occur, focused on forming the foundation for training the
upper and lower extremities, including sport skill development.
Core exercises, which
strengthen, condition, and stabilize the
abdominal and
back
muscles, often use props such as stability balls, BOSU balance balls, wobble
boards, and foam rollers to provide support for the spine.
  Strength Training.
The health benefits of incorporating
strength training into a fitness regimen will receive continued emphasis. Women
and older adults are credited with keeping this long-lasting trend popular.
  Personal Training.
Personal trainers will continue to
gain recognition and credibility among other health care professionals for
higher professional standards and accreditation. Also, now more than ever, the
personal trainer is more accessible to potential clients.
  Mind/Body Exercise.
Variations of
yoga,
Pilates,
Tai Chi and other
mind/body exercises will be introduced and remain popular next year. Research
supports that the mind benefits from these programs as much as the physical
improvements in muscular strength,
aerobic capacity,
flexibility
and balance.
  Exercise and Weight Loss.
Weight-loss programs will include an exercise component. Most diet programs
already incorporate some exercise/physical activity recommendations, but
professionals expect more visibility to be placed on energy balance in the
weight-loss equation.
  Outcome Measurements.
Defining and tracking outcomes of
a fitness program will have a higher profile in the future. Professionals
expect advances in technology to help determine success in
disease management or changes in negative lifestyle behaviors.
Source: American College of Sports Medicine Reference: ACSM'S Health &
Fitness Journal. 10(6):8-14, November/December 2006. Thompson, Walter R. Ph.D.,
FACSM, FAACVPR.
Related Links
|
|
|
|
|
