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2012, What Will Be Hot in Health and Fitness?
December 28, 2011 -
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the largest sports medicine and
exercise science organization in the world, released a survey completed by 2,620
health and fitness professionals worldwide. The survey, now in its sixth year,
was designed to reveal trends in various fitness environments. Thirty-seven
potential trends were given as choices, and the top 20 were ranked and published
by ACSM.
With more than 45,000 international, national and regional members and certified
professionals, ACSM is dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific
research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science
and sports medicine.
The top ten fitness trends predicted for 2012 by the survey are:
1.
Educated and experienced fitness professionals. More than ever,
health and fitness professionals will view continuing education as an integral
action item in further developing their professional knowledge, skills and
abilities. Because of the valuable education tools and resources offered by many
certifying organizations throughout a professional’s career, fitness and health
employers will continue to recognize the importance of hiring skilled employees
who hold professional credentials.
2.
Strength training. Incorporating strength training is an
essential part of a complete physical activity program for all physical activity
levels and genders.
3.
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 fitness programs to
keep older adults healthy and active.
4.
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.
5.
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.
6.
Personal training. More and more students are majoring in
kinesiology, which indicates that students are preparing themselves for careers
in allied health fields such as personal training.
7.
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.
8.
Group personal training. In challenging economic times, many
personal trainers are offering group training options. Training two or three
people at once makes economic sense for both the trainer and the clients.
9.
Zumba and other dance workouts. A workout that requires energy
and enthusiasm, Zumba combines Latin rhythms with interval-type exercise and
resistance training.
10.
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. |
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