Reporting in on fitness trends from Caribbean scuba holiday

I know. You’re not a trend follower.  With a mind of your own, you zero in on what makes sense, what works, and aspire to consistency to get results.

At the same time, you have the smarts to be curiously attentive to fitness news and know that in the past something has come down the pike that has made a difference.

Maybe the fitness trends predicted for 2010 will hold just such promise.

American Council on Exercise predicts.

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) recently conducted their annual survey of  its extensive worldwide network of personal trainers, group fitness experts, advanced health and fitness specialists and lifestyle and weight management consultants. The objective?  To find out what is emerging as the top 10 fitness trends for 2010.

Not surprisingly, cost-consciousness and time-efficiency head the list of the American Council on Exercise’ (ACE) annual “Top 10 Fitness Trends” list as we look ahead to 2010.

‘Consumers will really look to maximize their workout results while maintaining a close eye on their budgets this year,’ said ACE’s Chief Science Officer Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D.

‘Along with financial constraints, we understand that people are busier than ever and will look for workouts that offer the results they seek while fitting within their already jam-packed schedules.  Aside from these limitations, we will continue to see a trend toward alternative fitness programming and classes as well as a continued growth among aging adults who are choosing to maintain active, healthy lifestyles.’

Here is the itemized ACE Report Top 10 list:

1. Cost-Conscious Workouts at Fitness Clubs and at Home:  Gyms will alter programming and training to better serve the needs of the cost-conscious member and in-home workout programs will grow in popularity.
2. Group Training: Buddy up to save bucks and enjoy social support
   
3. Time-Efficient Workouts for the Time-Pressured American:  High-intensity training that demands less time will continue to be popular, along with Boot-Camp style workouts.
4. Exergaming: Think Wii Fit and Danceworld.
5. Boomer-Specific Programs: Special fitness programming for prime-time adults will remain a strong trend next year.
6. Functional Training Workouts: Safety, portability, and functional application reign supreme.
7. Health and Fitness Awareness: Education, including coordination with the workplance
8. Importance of Proper Professional Credentials: How qualified is your fitness instructor and trainer?  Yes, it matters.  Start at the top.  Does your advisor or trainer have an advanced degree in physical education, exercise physiology, or kinesiology?  It’s not enough if they just call themselves an “exercise physiologist” – be sure it’s backed up with solid credentials.  If such a trainer is not available to you, then find one who maintains certification through a recognized certification professional agency, such as ACE or SACM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
   
9. Specialty Exercise Classes: Specialty classes such as dance, hooping, and Zumba will remain popular due in part to the continued success of shows like Dancing with the Stars. Fusion-type classes will be popular and more gyms will offer mind-body activities.
10. Fitness Training Tools: Track and measure your progress with software.

See the entire list in more depth at the American Council on Exercise article HERE. Next…

© Lani Muelrath 2009 All Rights Reserved