If you're looking to begin a new exercise regime or amp up your current routine, it's helpful to know which programs the experts recommend.
Every year, the American College of Sports and Medicine (ASCM) puts out its list of the most popular fitness trends around the world. The list is based on a survey of 1,540 certified health and fitness professionals across the globe.
Here’s a sneak peak at the top 12 trends of the year.
- Educated / Experienced Fitness Professionals: with fitness becoming such a complex industry, and with the risks of injury associated with lack of knowledge, it’s no wonder that the need for new exercisers to consult with educated professionals. When dealing with trainers, nutritionists, etc., it is imperative that you ask about their credentials. Often, non-certified people are put into positions they are not qualified for and they can give you advice that could end up being detrimental to your health.
- Confrontation of Child Obesity. Budget cuts have forced the end of many after-school programs. Add to that the prevalence of video games, and it’s no wonder children have become sedentary and obese. This is an extremely important trend that needs to be righted because obesity not only leads to medical issues but mental and emotional issues as well.
- Personal Training. Studies have proved time and time again that exercisers who work with personal training get better and more long-lasting results than those who work out on their own. Of course with the recession, more people are finding that they cannot afford regular sessions with a trainer. If this is the case for you, book sessions with a trainer once a week or even once a month for a regular check in. At that point he or she can assess your progress and give you new ideas on how to go past your plateaus.
- Strength Training. While losing fat is great for your health and makes you look better in the mirror, your results will be improved with weight training. Your body will look more toned, your bones and muscles will become stronger, you will have less back pain and you will be able to do everyday activities easier.
- Core training. Exercising your core, including both your abdominals and your lower back is vital as we age. A strong core keeps you stable and alleviates the risk of back pain. Of course it will also help you get that six-pack you’ve always wanted, but be forewarned, you won’t be able to see those abs if they are covered under a thick layer of fat, and that will only come through exercise and a clean diet.
- Special Fitness for Older Adults. Much of the population is aging and older adults have special needs when it comes to fitness. Weakened joints and brittle bones need to be treated with care and recuperated. There is no reason people should not be able to enjoy exercise and reap its benefits long past retirement.
- Pilates. What once started as a celebrity trend has become mainstream as people focus on stretching their muscles and strengthening their core. Avid Pilates fans swear by its ability to tone and lengthen their muscles.
- Stability ball. Once again, the focus is on strengthening the core. By using a stability ball while exercising, you work your muscles while stabilizing your core, which will make your whole body stronger.
- Sports-Specific Training. Let’s face it, people are competitive. And whether it’s for the professional level or for a friendly football pick-up game, people want to have an edge over those around them. Coaches and athletes alike realize the need for specific training to bring out the best performance.
- Balance Training. Balance is a secondary component of fitness, but it is vital for good health. We need balance for everything we do. Just think of all those nights you surf on the subway as it starts and stops. Without balance, you would be on the ground every time. People are realizing that balance and other secondary fitness components allow for better quality of life.
- Functional Fitness. This refers to exercises that train the body in ways that it would move in everyday life. This form of training not only strengthens and builds muscles, but focuses on making everyday life movements easier.
- Employer-Sponsored Health Programs. Studies show that for every $1 companies spend on preventive wellness programs, they save $3 in costs directly associated with their workers’ poor health. By offering health programs at work, companies see a decrease in sick days and workers’ compensation claims while also seeing higher employee retention.
The copyright of the article Top Fitness Trends for 2009 in Fitness Trends is owned by Andrea Chrysanthou. Permission to republish Top Fitness Trends for 2009 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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