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Fitness pros put selves at top of 2008 trend list
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The most important fitness trend for 2008 will be the availability of "educated and experienced fitness professionals" to run health clubs, conduct exercise classes, and serve as personal trainers, said the American College of Sports Medicine, an organization that certifies fitness professionals.
Increasing the number of fitness professionals nudged out programs to fight childhood obesity and personal training for the top spot in the ACSM's second annual survey of what its more than 20,000 members worldwide think will be the top fitness trends for the new year. Programs to fight child obesity topped the list in last year's inaugural survey.
Personal training jumped from seventh in last year's survey to third.
"We were interested to find that the top three predictions for next year were statistically close, but they all support the idea the health professional is going to be held to a higher level in education and certification," said Dr. Walter Thompson, a professor of kinesiology at Georgia State University, and the lead author of the article in ACSM's health and fitness journal which reported the results of the survey.
Rounding out the top 10 were:
4. Strength training. The American Heart Association recommends that eight to 10 strength training exercises should be done at least twice a week.
5. Core training. Core training strengthens the muscles surrounding the spine, such as the pelvis and abdominal muscles.
6. Special programs for older adults. Senior citizens are the fastest growing part of the population which exercises regularly.
7. Pilates. Pilates, named after their designer, Joseph Pilates, are exercises which strengthen core postural muscles.
8. Functional fitness. Functional fitness focuses on training that aids everyday activity, such as reaching for an item on a top shelf.
9. Swiss ball. Composed of elastic rubber with a diameter ranging from 14 to 34 inches, the Swiss ball is used in balance exercises and exercises to strengthen core body muscles. The ball's instability forces these muscles to become stronger in order to maintain balance. Dr. Thompson said he was surprised the Swiss ball ranked so high in the survey.
10. Yoga. More exotic versions of this ancient Indian discipline are expected to grow in popularity.
The remaining trends in the top 20 are:
11. General exercise and weight loss classes.
12. Spinning (indoor cycling).
13. Sport specific training.
14. Balance training.
15. Group personal training.
16. Outcome measurements.
17. Comprehensive health promotion planning at the worksite.
18. Reaching new markets.
19. Worker incentive programs.
20. Wellness coaching.
First Published December 19, 2007 12:00 am
