Top Fitness Trends for 2010 Part 2

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about the top 20 fitness trends for 2010 as predicted by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the leader in the fitness industry.  Another leader in the industry, American Council on Exercise (ACE) has now released their top 10 fitness trends for the new year.  If you take the time to compare the lists, you will find some interesting contradictions.  For instance, number 1 on ACSM’s list was, as I recall,  hiring a trainer, which is clearly pricey (but worthwhile if one can afford it).  That said, I am just the messenger, so here goes…

1)  Budget Conscious Exercise (see what I am saying!) ACE contends that after the financial downfall of our economy people will be looking for ways to exercise while pinching their pennies.  This seems logical. 

2)  Group Training and Fitness Classes.  This has always been popular and is predicted to be even more popular in the new year.

3)  Time Efficient Workouts.  Short, high intensity workouts such as those found in boot camp classes and 30-minute circuits.

4)  Exergaming.  Think Wii Fit.

5)  Baby Boomer Programs.  Expect, this year, to see even more senior-specific classes cropping up.  I know this to be true as I watch the SilverSneakers program continue to grow in leaps in bounds!  This thrills me.

6)  Functional Training.  These focus on whole body moves that mimic daily activities.  They do NOT have to be fancy just multi-muscular in nature.  Think  lunges, squats and dumbbells over machines.

7)  Health and Fitness Awareness.  There will be a greater collaboration between government and commercial organizations and health and fitness groups to get the word out about the importance of the connection between fitness and health.  I see this happening as more and more people tell me their employers are kicking in or covering their gym membership fees.

8)  Specialty Exercise Classes.  Trendy classes are always big.  Zumba has made quite a name for itself and continues to be  trendy.  Add to the list Pole Aerobics and something new called JUKARI, which is a trapeze like workout.  More on that in the future.

9)  New Fitness Training Tools.  Just consider modern technology has this one covered.  We will be able to track all our workouts and learn everything there is to know about our  bodies from calories burned to sleep patterns.

10)  Personal Training Credentials.   More focus will be put on the credentials and experience that trainers have. 

If, in fact the number 1 trend makes as much sense as I think it does, I think trainers should be thinking about credentials to teach group exercise classes as well as one on one.  That, however, is just my 2 cents.  Personally, professionally, I am glad I have always kept eggs in different baskets!

I also think that after almost 3 decades in this business, the only thing that really stands out to me as new, is the crazy advances we are making in technology.  Most everything else is really just trying to reinvent the wheel.   For 2010, I wish you old and new wheels that keep you traveling on the peaceandfitness road.