We all begin each new year full of enthusiasm and
optimism. This is definitely the year that I get back in shape! Yes! I'm going
to eat better, exercise more and get a physical. Probably in that order. Some
of this enthusiasm struck the people at the American College of Sports
Medicine, who predicted some hot topics in fitness for the coming year.
The results of this crystal ball exercise were published
in the Health & Fitness Journal and summarized in a recent Huffington Post article. Some of the results are obvious, like having these fitness
professionals rank "fitness professionals" as the number one hot
trend for the year. Other predictions are more surprising, like sport-specific
training making the list.
Now, taking a page from David Letterman, here is
the Top 20:
20. Patient referrals. Using trainers to offload doctors
and help patients deal with chronic issues.
19. Wellness coach. Helping people change their lifestyle
to improve their long-term health.
18. Worker incentive programs. Employers paying
(sometimes indirectly) for healthy habits.
17. Sport-specific training. Workouts tailored
specifically for the demands of a particular sport.
16. Spinning. Riding a bike that never leaves the room.
At least you never get a flat!
15. New markets for fitness. As health awareness grows, new
segments of the population join the fitness movement.
14. Outdoor activities. Working out at the gym doesn't
mean that you're actually inside the gym.
13. Boot camp. You can't miss the barrage of ads for military-inspired
butt-kicking exercise programs.
12. Health promotion at the office. Exercise isn't
limited to your off hours any more. Work out at work!
11. Yoga. This ancient exercise for mind and body is
experiencing an explosion of popularity. Quietly.
10. Functional fitness. A new buzzword for taking
everyday movements and turning them into exercises.
9. Zumba. This latin music dance/workout craze continues
to gain fans.
8. Group personal training. Stretching the term
"personal" to mean "me and some friends" for fitness.
7. Core training. This focus on the stomach, back and related
areas can avoid injuries and really improve your look in a swim suit.
6. Personal training. Working out under the supervision
of a professional can keep you safe and motivated.
5. Fighting youth obesity. Children and teens are
increasing overweight. New programs fight the bulge.
4. Exercise with diet for weight loss. Surprise! Exercise
while on a diet helps you lose faster. Who knew? Oh, yeah, everyone.
3. Fitness programs for older adults. Staying fit means
staying sharp. Retirement communities now include fitness centers. Who you
calling "grandpa"?
2. Strength training. Not just for Venice Beach any more.
Strength training can jump-start your metabolism and pay health dividends for
everybody.
1. Certified fitness professionals. In the eyes of
certified fitness professionals, certified fitness professionals are the key
ingredient to a healthy life. Go figure.
So, how many of these hot trends are you participating
in? What are you waiting for? Get yourself a workout buddy and get healthy!
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