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Top 10 fitness trends predicted for 2010
 A lasting trend is developing in
health and fitness, according to an American
College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) survey published in the November/December
issue of ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal�. The importance of experienced
and educated fitness professionals remains the top predicted fitness trend for
the third straight year.
Consistent with 2009 results, the elevated importance of experienced and
educated fitness professionals was identified as the top trend of 2010, likely
due to increased industry regulation and an influx of specialty certifications
and educational programs available for these professionals. This trend has moved
up the list since the survey's inception in 2007, when it ranked third.
Strength training
surged to second in the rankings, an indicator of the
increased focus on strength training for various populations. Though strength
training once was viewed only as a training method for male
bodybuilders, more
average exercisers and women are realizing its importance for healthy
bones,
muscles and
aging.
The top 10 fitness trends predicted for 2010 are:
  Educated and experienced fitness professionals. Because of an increase in the
number of organizations offering health and fitness certifications, it's
important that consumers choose professionals certified through programs that
are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, such as those
offered by ACSM. Gyms will create and promote discount programs for
budget-conscious consumers, and many individuals will opt to
work out at home
using portable fitness equipment.
 
Strength training.
Strength training
is an essential part of a complete physical activity program - for all physical
activity levels and genders. In addition, some health clubs still focus
exclusively on weight lifting and strength training. In a study of women aged 50
to 70, the women who strength trained gained 1% more
bone density in
the hip and spine while the group that did not lift weights lost 2.5 % bone
density. Those who trained had strength increases from about 35 to 76% above the
control group.
Balance improved 14% and general
physical activity
increased by about 27%.
 Children and
obesity. Health and fitness professionals see the growing problem of
childhood obesity as an opportunity to reverse an alarming trend. There is also
an increasing market demand for
programs tailored to overweight and obese
children.
  Shift towards a vegetarian lifestyle. This will be the
nutrition trend of the year. In 2010 more and more meat-related food illnesses
will occur, and healthy eaters will finally realize that mass-produced meat �
even the stuff from *healthy* sandwich-franchise restaurants can�t be that good
for you. More and more celebrities and fitness experts will prove to their fans
and readers that a beautiful beach body can be achieved with much less animal
protein (including
whey shakes, burgers, eggs, and steaks) than previously thought.
20-25% of folks will adopt a
vegetarian eating
plan for at least one day of the week.
  Core training. Different from strength training, this type of training
specifically emphasizes conditioning of the
middle-body muscles, including the
pelvis, lower
back,
hips and
abdomen - all of which provide needed support for
the spine.
  Special fitness programs for older adults. With more and more of the baby
boomer population reaching retirement age, health and fitness professionals are
designing age-appropriate fitness programs to keep
older adults healthy and
happy well into their golden years. Studies show that exercise is important for
promoting good health,
functional independence, and quality of life in older adults. In other words, it
may help slow the aging process by preventing or reducing the chances of
disease and
disability in seniors.
  Functional fitness. This is a trend toward using strength training to improve
balance and ease of daily living. Functional fitness and special fitness
programs for older adults are closely related.
  Sport-specific training. This trend distinctly relates to young athletes.
High school athletes are incorporating training into their off-seasons in order
to stay in top shape for their sports, and might join a health and fitness club
or local community health organization to increase strength and endurance.
  Pilates. Incorporating core training using the entire body,
Pilates classes
have become a mainstay of many health and fitness clubs. Pilates also improves
flexibility and
posture.
  Group personal training. Perhaps the most surprising top-10 trend of the
survey, group personal training involves small groups, in lieu of one-on-one
instruction. The trend may reflect economic difficulties and makes financial
sense for both the client and the trainer.
If you're just getting started, you'll find detailed information at
Women Fitness .
WF
offers more ideas for strength training you can do at home. Always check with
your doctor if you have any injuries or medical conditions before starting an
exercise program.
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