Fitness trends for 2010: efficient and cheap
Where is fitness going in 2010? Well, people want to sweat, get it done quickly and not spend a lot of money.
The American Council on Exercise announced the top 10 fitness trends for 2010 based on an annual survey of personal trainers, group fitness experts and others. The key words are “unique” and “efficient.”
“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,” said the council’s Cedric X. Bryant.
So, according to a council news release, look for:
Cost-conscious workouts at fitness clubs and at home: The impact of the economy continues to affect the choices of fitness enthusiasts and health clubs alike.
Group training: Individuals will scale back on personal training sessions to take advantage of small-group training and group class participation.
Time-efficient workouts: Shorter yet higher-intensity workouts will be more appealing to those with busy schedules. That’s why boot-camp style workouts will continue to be one of the most popular of these trends in 2010, offering the ability to burn sufficiently large number of calories while simultaneously improving muscular fitness.
Exergaming: Exergames will continue to climb in popularity and be taken to the next level: fitness clubs. By integrating fitness-based video games into their programming, clubs will offer unique exercise sessions for game-lovers and those looking for variety within their workouts.
Boomer-specific programs: Growing numbers of boomers recognize the multitude of benefits that come along with regular exercise participation, from lowering blood pressure and cholesterol to maintaining one’s functional independence and overall wellbeing.
Functional training workouts, including popular suspension training tools such as TRX. The portability and time-efficiency of these workouts will appeal to people looking to stay fit at home, the office, the gym or while traveling.
Health and fitness awareness: These diverse groups will work together in the fight against physical inactivity and obesity.
Importance of proper professional credentials: Health and fitness clubs are recognizing the need for, and the importance of, hiring trainers who hold high-quality, reputable professional credentials, the council says.
Specialty exercise classes: Specialty classes such as ethnic dance, hooping, pole dancing and Zumba are fueled by the continued success of shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Fitness training tools: Some popular examples of tracking gadgets include GoWear fit and Fitbit, while online tools such as TrainingPeaks software offer fitness programs and meal plans that people can access 24-7. Mobile applications are even bringing fitness on-the-go through iPhone applications and other downloadable programming.