Fitness trends to watch for 2011

Article reprinted from the TriCities.com

By Linda Stollings

"There was high impact aerobics, then came step aerobics, next the slide, after that came body pump, yoga, Pilates, boot camp, Zumba and on and on. Not to mention all the props, tubes, balls and other fitness gadgets. Personal training came on strong about 12 years ago and has stayed strong ever since. One thing is certain about the fitness industry, it is an industry that is always changing, always diversifying and challenging us to be the best we can possibly be.

So what do we have to look forward to in 2011?

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has surveyed fitness trends for the last four years. The survey, now in its fifth year, was distributed to ACSM-certified professionals worldwide and was designed to reveal trends in the field of fitness.

More than 2,200 surveys were returned and the data was complied to give us an idea of the top 10 fitness trends for 2011. The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world.

The top 10 trends predicted by ACSM for 2011 are:

1. Educated and experienced fitness professionals.Due to increases in the number of organizations offering certifications, it’s important that consumers choose professionals certified through programs that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, such as those offered by ACSM.

2. Fitness programs for older adults. As the baby boom generation ages into retirement, some of these people have more discretionary money than their younger counterparts. Therefore, many health and fitness professionals are taking the time to create age-appropriate programs to keep older adults healthy and active.

3. Strength training. Strength training remains a central emphasis for many clubs. Incorporating strength training is an essential part of a complete physical activity program for all physical activity levels and genders.

4. Children and obesity. With childhood obesity growing at an alarming rate, health and fitness professionals see the epidemic as an opportunity to create programs tailored to overweight and obese children. Solving the problem of childhood obesity will have an impact on the health care industry today and for years to come.

5. Personal training. More and more students are majoring in kinesiology, which indicates that students are preparing themselves for careers in allied fields such as personal training. Education, training and proper credentialing for personal trainers have become increasingly important to the facilities that employ them.

6. Core training. Distinct from strength training, core training specifically emphasizes conditioning of the middle-body muscles, including the pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen – all of which provide needed support for the spine.

7. Exercise and weight loss. In addition to nutrition, exercise is a key component of a proper weight loss program. Health and fitness professionals who provide weight loss programs are increasingly incorporating regular exercise and caloric restriction for better weight control in their clients.

8. Boot camp. Boot camp is a high-intensity structured activity program modeled after military style training and led by an instructor. Boot camp incorporates cardiovascular, strength, endurance and flexibility drills in both indoor and outdoor settings.

9. Functional fitness. This is a trend toward using strength training to improve balance and ease of daily living. Functional fitness and special fitness programs for older adults are closely related.

10. Physician referrals. Physician referrals, a key component of the Exercise is Medicine initiative, partner medical professionals with health and fitness professionals to seamlessly integrate exercise into their patients’ lives.

See you in the gym in 2011.

NOTE: ACSM’s Health and Fitness Journal is an official publication of the American College of Sports Medicine, and is available from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins at (800) 638-6423."