Hundreds of ACE-Certified Fitness Professionals Predict Fun Focused Fitness
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Council on Exercise
(ACE) has completed its annual survey of its extensive worldwide network of
personal trainers, group fitness experts, advanced health and fitness
specialists and lifestyle and weight management consultants to identify the
leading trends in the fitness industry. 2008 promises to be filled with
water aerobics, boxing clubs and spicy Latin dancing. Some trends continue
from 2007 including, functional fitness, balance training and increased
access to personal training for all segments of society. The following
represent ACE's listing of the top ten fitness trends for 2008.
1. Out of the Box Workouts -- Gyms are not for all. The popularity of TV
shows like, ABC's Dancing with Stars has dance studios popping up all
around the country. Hip hop, ballroom, Latin and country line dancing
combine high energy and motivating music with unique moves and
combinations that allow participants to get fit while dancing away
their worries. Outdoor boot camps are gaining in popularity and local
boxing clubs have crowded rings and classes filled with people of all
ages. For some, these fun, recreational activities hide the fact that
they really are exercising.
2. Body Weight and Equipment-Free Workouts -- Equipment can intimidate
some and others want to add options and flexibility to their existing
workout regimens. These full-body workouts focus on movement
patterns, repetitions, and plyometric work to target multiple muscle
groups. These types of workouts are perfect for traveling since they
require no equipment and, therefore, can be performed any where.
3. Event or Sports-Specific Programming -- Millions of Americans
participate each year in charity runs and walks. Many train up to a
year in advance. For many it is a great social event and an
opportunity to take the focus off themselves and onto their charity
of choice. This trend doesn't stop there; clubs are offering training
for surfboarding, golf, football, etc. specific workouts; all while
helping participants build the strength, endurance, and stamina
needed for real-life activities and sports.
4. Boomer Fitness Focus -- Individuals age 50+ are redefining our
expectations about age, vitality, and life realizing the importance
of physical activity as we age. For the aging population, regular
exercise is critical in keeping the body limber, injury free, and
more youthful. AARP, the noted advocacy group for individuals age
50+, launched a major fitness initiative in September of 2007 aimed
at providing a wide range of affordable fitness services to its 39
million members.
5. Focused Express Workouts -- Group classes lasting 30 minutes or less
that focus on one component of fitness or training a specific part of
the body (e.g., core stabilization, upper-body strength, balance and
agility, aerobic training/fat burning). Participants enjoy targeting
a specific goal within a short time commitment. Many clubs piggy-back
these classes in their schedules for members to attend two classes in
a row.
6. Total Wellness Programming -- Prevention is the key for long-term
health and optimal quality of life. More and more people will focus
on injury and disease prevention and understand how food, exercise,
weight and a healthier mindset must interact for the body to achieve
balance and total wellness. It is a focus on what the body and mind
need and how to encourage them to work in harmony. Maintaining a
healthy mind and body from the inside with less of a focus on
physical appearance is steadily becoming a new ideal.
7. Hybrid Programming -- Fusion of mind-body techniques like breath work
and meditation into traditional modalities continues to be popular.
Workouts like Spin-Yoga and Pilates Fusion combine strength,
flexibility and endurance and offer the equivalent of an all-in-one
exercise experience.
8. Personal Training -- 93% of ACE fitness professionals surveyed say
personal training will be more accessible in 2008. According to the
US Bureau of Labor Statistics, personal training is one of the
fastest growing professions. Consumers are demanding competent
practitioners. Competent personal trainers offer these clients
invaluable expert guidance and motivation. Positive accountability
can be among the most important factors in helping individuals make a
lasting commitment to an active lifestyle. Many clients view personal
training as a wise investment in their long-term health.
9. Technology-Based Workouts -- Consumers are choosing to use
downloadable programs to iPods, PDAs etc., which offer fitness
programming with illustrations and/or streaming video. In addition,
technological advancements are making it possible to more precisely
measure a wide variety physiological responses and document training
program results. As an example, metabolic testing devices provide
more accurate physiological data to improve weight management and
performance programming.
10. Functional Strength Training -- Whether it's walking, hiking or
lifting, functional strength is needed to successfully complete the
task. Incorporating it into an existing exercise program enhances
strength, endurance, balance, and coordination in everyday activities.
Individuals will increasingly be searching for workout programs that
will help them more safely and effectively perform their activities of
daily living, work-related tasks, and recreational or sports-specific
activities. Health clubs and trainers are offering functional training
programs and classes for virtually all levels and types of
participants.
About ACE
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), one of the largest nonprofit
fitness certification, education and training providers in the world, is
dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting
consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction.
ACE-certified professionals uphold the highest standards and are among the
most respected in the fitness industry. Targeting fitness products and
trends, ACE continually sponsors university-based exercise science
research. For more information on ACE and its programs, call (800) 825-3636
or log onto the ACE Web site at http://www.acefitness.org.
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